(02/19/07) In a few weeks the Vermont House will pass its appropriations bill for the Senate to consider. Governor Douglas has proposed spending limitations as did the "Off the Rails" report recently released by the Ethan Allen Institute. Both recognize Vermont will soon become the nation's oldest state and that our government spending levels aren't sustainable.

Instead of deciding how much elected officials want to spend and then raising money either through state or local taxes, the budget process should begin with government deciding how much money it wants to extract from taxpayers, and then adjust spending to that limit.

It's a lot easier to reduce taxes through self-discipline. If legislators and local officials generally want to provide tax relief it's a model that's understood but requires resolve.

A lot of data shows economic grow and quality jobs will occur with fewer taxes. There's an axiom that says "you can have government growth or you can have economic growth, but you can't have both." If we are to stay on the rails for our children's generation we need to concentrate on our economy.

We don't need a tax revolt….. yet! To get tax relief, whether in state or property taxes, simply spend less money. Limit budget increases to an amount equal to the increase in population or student enrollment, plus the rate of inflation.

If we can't limit government growth then its time voters select new faces to represent them whether it's on the school board, municipal board or state legislators.

Frank Mazur
South Burlington

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Frank Mazur, a small business owner and former state representative, is chair of the advisory board of Vermont FreedomWorks.