An overwhelming majority of state senators agreed Monday to put the financial impact of initiatives directly on the ballot so it can’t be missed by voters.
On a 41-8 margin, the Senate approved a bill adding language to the ballot for any measure that would increase costs or reduce revenues to the state budget by more than $25 million.
That new language would be part of the ballot title and include the phrase that “other state spending may need to be reduced or taxes increased to implement the proposal.”
“Voters deserve essential information to help them make informed choices,” said Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn., the bill’s prime sponsor, said in a statement. “The initiative process offers critical oversight of public officials by the voters. By providing the public with more information we can increase transparency and command a stronger position to the Legislature.”
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