Isn’t it true that it would take 60% to pass an increase in a government budget but only 40% to kill a worthwhile project, program or service?
Yes, it would take a 60% vote to pass an increase in a government entity budget beyond its current level plus an amount equal to the CPI. And yes, a 40% + 1 no vote will prevent an increase in a governmental budget proposal. However, it is important to realize that while some may think a program is worthwhile, that is not a justification for reducing the family budget to create and fund such a program. In practice we know that taxpayers are willing to fund programs, projects and services they believe important and worthwhile. We see this with school bond levies all the time. These levies require a 60% yes vote. We have seen time and again that when a bond levy is defeated our schools don’t suffer. And often we see that those wishing to pass the levy go back to the “drawing board” and return to the taxpayers with a better proposal that often passes. This process results in better decisions, better programs and greater support from the community. In short it promotes true and meaningful
