Posted by
John R. LaPlante on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 12:19:54 PM
How is government like an attack dog? Both are useful to have around, as long as they stay in their place. The Georgia Public Policy Foundation a State Policy Network member organization, recommends that citizens put a “leash” on government in the form of a tax and expenditure limit.
Kelly McCutchen, executive vice president of the foundation, recently told a legislative committee that a tax and expenditure limit is good for Georgia. He gives five reasons why legislators should adopt a limit, including transparency and budgetary stability. A limit that allows spending to grow in proportion to population grown and inflation would allow government programs to accommodate a larger population and maintain some purchasing power.
In his testimony McCutchen anticipates concerns about a tax and spending limit and explains why they are not fatal flaws. In responding to the concern that a spending limit would put pressure on all programs, good and marginal, high-growth and low-growth, he says “this is a good thing.”
He continues: “Government should face constant pressure to identify its core functions, prioritize spending and find efficiencies. Again, the alternative is to accept that government will grow inexorably over time. There are unlimited ‘good causes’, but part of your job as legislators is to make those tough decisions."