Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the rate of growth of appropriations from all sources of revenue except the federal government and to authorize the legislature to appropriate money for tax rebates.
This proposed amendment could significantly affect state budgeting practices by imposing stricter controls on how state revenue can be allocated. The principle behind this amendment is to ensure fiscal responsibility within the state budget process, aiming to curb excessive spending while maintaining a focus on population growth and economic conditions. By binding appropriations to population growth and inflation, the state aims to create a more stable and predictable financial environment.
HJR109 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that seeks to limit the rate of growth of appropriations from all revenue sources, excluding federal funds. The resolution establishes that the growth in appropriations cannot exceed the average biennial rate of growth of the state’s population adjusted for inflation. Additionally, it empowers the legislature to allocate funds specifically for tax rebates, reflecting an intention to return excess revenue to taxpayers.
Notable points of contention surrounding HJR109 include concerns from various stakeholders regarding the limitations it may impose on necessary funding for public services and programs. Critics argue that tying appropriations to population growth and inflation might hinder the state's ability to respond to emergencies or increasing demand for public resources. Moreover, the methods for tax rebates could lead to debates on prioritizing which citizens benefit from such measures, possibly raising issues of equity and fairness in tax relief distribution.