Wednesday, October 7, 2009

I-1033: The Colorado Experience

Tim Eyman's I-1033 is actually an old idea -- known as TABOR -- that has been on the ballot in numerous other states over the years. I-1033 would put a restrictive and arbitrary cap on all state, county and city government spending -- with the current recessionary budget levels as the baseline. In 2009, TABOR is on the ballot in two states: Washington and Maine. [Note: I'm not sure if Maine also has an unemployed watch salesman who makes a living by qualifying crazy ballot measures. If not, we'll be glad to send Eyman there.]

Only once has TABOR actually been implemented: in Colorado. And the results there were horrific. At last week's WFSE convention, we were treated to an extremely compelling video on the harm TABOR caused in Colorado. Since not everyone was able to attend, I thought it would be helpful to post that video here. Feel free to pass it along!



Of course, just because we know Eyman is a demagogue peddling yet another destructive scheme from the lunatic fringe doesn't mean we can take the outcome of this election for granted. The No on I-1033 campaign is running phone banks in Federal Way, Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Spokane, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, and Bellingham -- and they need volunteers. Unless we want Washington state to be the Alabama of the West, we need to step up to the plate and lend a hand.

To get plugged in, send an e-mail to April or give her a call at 1-800-562-6002, or visit the No on I-1033 website. Thanks in advance for your support. -- Dennis

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