PROFS Opposes TABOR - the "Taxpayer Bill of Rights"

A number of influential members of the Wisconsin Legislature appear determined to pass some version of a proposal known as a "Taxpayer Bill of Rights" or "TABOR". TABOR is designed to hold the line on tax increases by setting limits on how much taxes can be increased (based on factors such as inflation or growth in personal income) without voter approval through a referendum.

The initial version of TABOR was AJR (Assembly Joint Resolution) 55, which was proposed as an amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution. Since AJR 55 was introduced, legislators have been working on changes to TABOR designed to address some of the concerns that have been raised. It is expected that any new version of TABOR will also be a constitutional amendment. 

A constitutional amendment must be passed by two successive legislatures and then approved by voters in a statewide referendum. It does not need the Governor's approval to take effect.

TABOR advocates have said they expect the Legislature to take up TABOR in an extraordinary session of the Legislature that will be called for late May. If the advocates are able to get something passed by August 3, it will come up again in January, and a statewide referendum on the proposal could then be held as early as next spring. 

PROFS' Position on TABOR
PROFS, Inc., representing the UW-Madison faculty, strongly opposes TABOR for the following reasons:

1. It would have a devastating impact on UW-Madison, the entire UW System, and the state as a whole. That's what has happened in Colorado, where the University of Colorado has suffered greatly from TABOR and where state officials are now demanding changes to TABOR. The UW System is already dealing with a massive cut in state support (a $250 million cut in General Purpose Revenue or GPR) in the current biennium. 
2. Fiscal policy does not belong in the state constitution. It is too inflexible a document to be used to address detailed and complicated budget and tax policy issues that must respond to rapidly changing economic conditions. Individual budget decisions are the responsibility of elected officials. Legislators should be willing to make tough decisions, and not pass the buck to voters.
3. A highly skilled work force is needed to attract business development to the state and is the key to improving the fiscal well-being of the state. The university, which plays an essential role in creating this work force, needs investment to make up for the budget cuts of the past decade and to keep up with fast-changing technology and information. 
4. UW-Madison is one of the state's only success stories in attracting federal funds to the state. The university also receives a huge amount of private funds. This helps drive the state economy and brings very positive attention to our state. The state's investment in the university is an essential part of leveraging these outside funds. A serious reduction in state support, as would happen under TABOR, would have a chilling effect on our continuing ability to secure outside funds. 
5. The effort to pass TABOR quickly appears to be a "rush to judgment" designed to score political points in an election year. This is not the best way to govern our state. In considering any TABOR proposal, there should be ample opportunity for public review and input before the Legislature takes its votes, particularly if the proposal takes the form of significant changes to the state constitution. 
6. Plans to exempt specific areas of government or types of funding from TABOR do not make sense because they will put undue pressure on other areas. The most recent version of TABOR would exempt the UW, except for GPR funding. If other GPR funded areas of government are exempted, this could lead to more cuts in the UW's GPR and major new increases in tuition in order to pay for the university's operations.
7. The proposal is based on the false premise that tax-funded programs have been receiving more and more funding in recent years, and restraints need to be placed on the spending. This certainly isn't case for the UW, which is sustaining a $250 million GPR cut in the current biennium. Under TABOR, this cut would be locked in place and severely limit the state's ability to operate the university in a very competitive environment.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS AND TELL THEM TO REJECT TABOR!

To determine who your legislators are, visit the Legislature's web site (www.legis.state.wi.us) and click on Who Is My Legislator? You can find their e-mail addresses on that web site as well.

To send a letter, members of the Wisconsin State Assembly can be reached at P.O. Box 8952 (Reps with last names beginning A-L), P.O. Box 8953 (for Reps M-Z), State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708. Senators can be reached at P.O. Box 7882, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53707.

Even though he cannot veto a constitutional amendment proposal, Governor James Doyle should hear from opponents of TABOR as well. His telephone number is (608) 266-1212, his e-mail address is governor@wisconsin.gov, and his mailing address is Room 115 East, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53702.

Note: Please do not use a university e-mail or letterhead in contacting elected officials. Thank you!