Why are fiscal conservatives opposing Chris Garrett's fiscally conservative ballot measure reform idea?

Kari Chisholm

Rep. Chris Garrett (D-Lake Oswego) has proposed a constitutional amendment (HJR 15) that would require any ballot measure that increases spending to include a tax increase to pay for it.

It strikes me as fascinating that the Taxpayers Association of Oregon is opposing HJR 15. After all, you'd think self-described "fiscal conservatives" would support a measure that forces free-spending liberals to identify how they're going to pay for their wild and crazy programs.

It's a sign of just where we are in this state -- with conservatives the ones proposing budget-busting spending programs at the ballot box -- that the TAO would oppose HJR 15. I think we've found the place where "fiscal conservative" becomes "right-wing radical".

By Kari Chisholm April 02, 2013