In response to the unpopularity of gubernatorial candidate J. Kenneth Blackwell's proposed constitutional amendment to limit government spending, Ohio Republicans are pushing for the creation of a law that would achieve the same end. Instead, the GOP and Blackwell should give up this idea altogether.
The Tax and Expenditure Limitation amendment is designed to curb government spending at state and local levels. However, its language is too sweeping and could do more harm than good ' a fear shared by Democrats and some Republicans. As an amendment, it would be incredibly difficult to reverse. As a law, its reversal would be much easier. Although a law would be a preferable alternative, it would be best to scrap the idea.
Most of the criticism surrounding the amendment is that its language is too broad and could prevent local governments from providing needed services. Rather than pinpoint government excesses that could be limited, it sets a cap on spending increases that could hinder infrastructure improvements, as well as fire and police departments. Educators also have been vocal about its potential to decrease public funding for education.
Although forged in the spirit of ushering in more government accountability, the TEL amendment would go too far in tying the hands of officials. Its requirements are more apt to hurt the public than help it. Although a law would be less rigid, it still would suffer from many of the same problems that make the amendment so controversial.
The amendment arguably has served as the centerpiece of Blackwell's gubernatorial campaign. Although it is beneficial for him to back away from it, this also leaves a void in his campaign. With his numbers already down in the polls, Blackwell now looks even worse. He risks being perceived as a weak leader who will not stand for his convictions, which would be an accurate assessment in light of this apparent, and correct, retreat.
Blackwell made a mistake in proposing the TEL amendment and seems to be realizing this. Instead of trying to save face, state lawmakers should simply spend more efficiently in the future.
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GOP should abandon spending cap
