State Rep. Frank Lasee says he has submitted more than 50 questions to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau about the Taxpayer Protection Amendment approved by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee on a 7-6 vote Wednesday. Although we disagree with Lasee over whether the state needs such an amendment in the first place – he thinks the state does; we remain unconvinced – we think he’s exactly right to raise the questions.
As to the amendment on the table now, even supporters should shy away. As Lasee argues, it is too complex, too long and currently lacks sufficient input from the public and legislators. Every one of Lasee’s questions deserves an answer from the fiscal bureau. That will take time. But it is time that needs to be taken lest we risk amending the constitution in a way that will harm rather than help citizens.