This June, on the ballot, we are facing a vote on Amendment C, a taxpayer protection amendment. Amendment C upholds our conservative principles by requiring 60% of the voters to agree on the ballot measures that raises taxes or spends more than $10 million dollars. Currently, new spending programs on the ballot can pass with a vote of a simple majority (50%+1). I have always appreciated the fact that in the legislature there is a 2/3 (67%) vote requirement from both the House and Senate Chambers in order to pass increases and create a new government spending program.  A 60% vote to pass tax hikes and new spending programs is more in line with the legislature’s 67% vote currently required, a requirement that has helped to prevent higher taxes and escalating spending. I believe that the timing of this ballot issue is significant in light of the fact that we will be voting on a Medicaid expansion bill on the November ballot. I have spoken with other legislators and county commissioners, and they all agree that the upfront money offered by the U.S. Government could cease after the first few years, leaving the state with a permanent expenditure and perhaps an eventual cut in the federal funding. Once the federal money tapers off, we could see cuts in other things in order to balance the budget.

Your vote does matter. Please vote on June 7th!