AARP Urges Mainers to Vote NO on Question #4

AARP is strongly opposed to the TABOR proposals which have been presented in Maine in the last several years.  Our opposition is based upon AARP's objections to the adoption of TABOR limits or restrictions by any State across our nation.  So far, only Colorado has adopted TABOR and even they have had to suspend a large part of their own TABOR for five years.  

AARP opposes any fixed, arbitrary, rigid caps on revenues and spending. Such limits do not allow state or local government to respond to changing economic conditions—from recessions and plant closings, to emergencies in public health, “acts of God,” or terrorism. In addition, TABOR makes it impossible for a state to meet new social and economic goals mandated by the courts or the federal government.  Arbitrary formulas, such as TABOR, effectively rule out human decisions in fiscal policymaking, putting vital matters on auto-pilot with no review of the economic or human environment.

TABOR, as presented in Question 4, does not deliver what we want---- lower taxes, efficient government, and control over wasteful spending. If Question 4 passes, it will hurt things AARP cares about such as health care, public safety, and education. Question 4 places arbitrary limits on the growth of government spending and changes the entire budget process. The unfortunate fact is that the energy we waste each election cycle dealing with TABOR takes the focus off of the important issues such as addressing meaningful tax reform, and streamlining government to ensure our systems are as efficient and effective as possible.

“Don’t be tricked by TABOR,” said Nancy Kelleher, State Director for AARP in Maine.  “Question 4 has a one-size-fits-all formula that will create further hardship and financial chaos in our great state.”

Learn more about how Question 4 could affect you, and actions you can take by visiting  www.votenoontabor.org.