Isabella Carter
Ballot initiatives, also known as popular initiatives, citizen initiatives, or citizen referendums, are a process that allows citizens to propose statutes or constitutional amendments and collect signatures to place their proposals on the ballot for voters to decide. In the United States, 26 states provide citizens with the power of initiative, referendum, or both. This paragraph aims to introduce the topic of whether to vote 'yes' for Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 1, specifically exploring the context, potential impacts, and arguments for and against the measure in question. By examining the details of this measure, we can understand the implications for voters and the broader community.
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What You'll Learn
Measure 4 lacks a plan for replacing lost revenue
Measure 4, an initiated constitutional amendment, has sparked intense debate among North Dakota voters, with strong opposition from over 85 organizations, including North Dakota United, a union representing educators, public employees, property owners, and taxpayers. The measure seeks to eliminate property taxes on assessed values, which opponents argue will result in a significant loss of local revenue, estimated at $3.15 billion per biennium.
One of the primary concerns raised by critics is the lack of a comprehensive plan to replace this lost revenue. Senator Dean Rummel, a vocal opponent of Measure 4, emphasizes that local governments heavily rely on property taxes to fund essential public services, including schools, fire departments, and road maintenance. Rummel warns that the measure would shift the financial burden to residents, reduce funding for vital services, and weaken local control over finances.
The potential impact on education is a significant point of contention. Amanda Darveaux, a special education paraeducator, highlights the absence of a plan to address the loss of funding for programs promoting equity and inclusion in schools. She questions the proponents of Measure 4, asking, "What is your plan for getting rid of services like that, for having fewer counselors, for having fewer teachers? There is no plan. That's a lack of a plan, and that doesn't work."
Proponents of Measure 4 argue that the Legislature will reduce spending and potentially utilize the Legacy Fund to offset losses and reimburse political subdivisions. However, critics find this logic questionable, as the Legislative Council estimates that Measure 4 would cost the state $2.466 billion per biennium, representing 40.4% of the general fund budget.
The North Dakota Association of Counties, a member of the Keep It Local coalition, also expresses serious concerns about how property tax revenues will be replaced. They join other organizations in arguing that Measure 4 lacks a well-vetted plan to address the significant loss of revenue, which could have detrimental consequences for essential local services and the state's economic stability.
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The measure would eliminate property taxes
The Measure to Eliminate Property Taxes
Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 1, also known as Measure 4, is a proposal to eliminate property taxes in North Dakota. The measure is supported by a group called Empower the Taxpayer, formed by Minot, North Dakota resident Robert Hale. Hale modelled the measure on a 2009 legislative proposal from State Rep. Dan Ruby to eliminate property taxes as a source of state revenue. The measure is also sponsored by former Rep. Rick Becker, who believes that property tax is "a fairly immoral tax".
Measure 4 would require the state government to replace property tax revenue to local governments in an amount equal to the tax revenue levied on personal property, minus taxes levied for the purpose of paying for bonds. The measure's proponents argue that it will provide tax relief for citizens and promote economic growth, the development of natural resources, and the welfare of the people.
However, Measure 4 has faced significant opposition from over 85 organisations, including North Dakota United, the State Chamber of Commerce, the North Dakota League of Cities, the Association of Realtors, the Farmer's Union, and the Petroleum Council. The main concern is the lack of a well-vetted plan to replace the estimated $1.329 billion per year in lost revenue that goes towards funding public schools and essential services. Opponents argue that the measure would be detrimental to the economy, citizens, and the state as a whole. They also believe that eliminating property taxes will only lead to increases in other taxes and fees to make up the difference.
In conclusion, while Measure 4 aims to provide tax relief and promote economic growth, it faces strong opposition due to concerns over the potential loss of revenue for essential services and the lack of a comprehensive plan to address this issue. Voters in North Dakota will decide on Measure 4 in the November 5, 2024, general election.
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The impact on public schools
Measure 4, an initiated constitutional amendment, would eliminate property taxes on assessed values. This measure has faced opposition from several groups, including North Dakota United, which is concerned about the impact on public schools. The measure lacks a clear plan for replacing the $1.3-1.4 billion per year in lost revenue that goes towards funding public schools and essential services. This could result in cuts to curriculum, student services, and other resources that schools rely on daily.
Proponents of Measure 4 argue that the Legislature will reduce spending and may use the Legacy Fund to offset these losses. However, critics argue that this logic is flawed, as the measure would cost the state $2.466 billion per biennium, or 40.4% of the general fund budget. This could have a significant impact on public schools, especially in smaller, rural school districts that may face the prospect of shutting down due to a lack of resources.
Additionally, property taxes are also used to fund other vital public services, such as emergency responders, road repair, public parks, libraries, and snow removal. These services are essential for the functioning of communities and the well-being of residents.
The potential impact on public schools and other essential services has led to a coalition of groups and citizens opposing Measure 4. They argue that the measure lacks a well-vetted plan to replace the lost revenue and could have detrimental effects on the quality of education and public services in North Dakota.
The impact of Measure 4 on public schools is a significant concern for voters, and the lack of a clear plan to replace lost revenue raises serious questions about the potential consequences for education and other vital services in the state.
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The measure has opposition from a coalition of groups
The measure's opponents argue that the drafters of the measure have not provided a clear plan for how political subdivisions will make up the billions of dollars in revenue they receive annually through property taxes. While proponents of the measure suggest that the Legislature will reduce spending or dip into the Legacy Fund to offset these losses, opponents argue that this logic is flawed, as the measure is estimated to cost the state $2.466 billion per biennium, or 40.4% of the general fund budget.
The opposition to the measure also includes educators, public employees, property owners, taxpayers, and community members who are concerned about the impact of the measure on public schools and essential services. They argue that the loss of property tax revenue will affect not just public schools but also emergency responders, road repair, public parks, libraries, snow removal, and other vital services.
The measure's opponents also criticise the lack of a well-vetted plan for replacing the lost revenue, suggesting that the measure's drafters are failing to learn from history and that the measure could lead to negative consequences for communities and public services.
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The measure would push people away from communities
Measure 4, an initiated constitutional amendment, would eliminate the collection of property taxes on assessed values in North Dakota. The measure has faced opposition from over 85 member associations and organizations, including North Dakota United, due to the lack of a well-vetted plan for replacing the $1.329 billion per year in lost revenue. This revenue is crucial for funding public schools and essential services in communities, such as emergency responders, road repair, public parks, libraries, and snow removal.
The potential loss of funding for public schools is a significant concern, as it could result in cuts to curriculum, services for students, and even the consolidation of school districts, particularly in smaller rural areas. This could have a detrimental effect on the quality of education and the overall well-being of students.
Additionally, the measure's drafters have not provided a clear strategy for how political subdivisions will make up for the billions of dollars in lost revenue from property taxes. While proponents suggest that the Legislature will reduce spending or use the Legacy Fund to offset these losses, the estimated cost of Measure 4 to the state is substantial, amounting to 40.4% of the general fund budget.
As a result, there are serious concerns that Measure 4 could lead to a significant reduction in essential public services and negatively impact the quality of life for community members. This, in turn, could push people away from these communities, as they may seek better opportunities and services elsewhere. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the potential consequences of Measure 4 and its impact on the well-being and cohesion of North Dakota's communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 4 is a proposal to eliminate property taxes on assessed values.
Proponents of the measure argue that the Legislature will reduce spending and possibly use the Legacy Fund to offset losses and repay political subdivisions.
Opponents of the measure argue that it lacks a well-vetted plan to replace the $1.329 billion per year in lost revenue that goes towards funding public schools and essential public services.
Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 4 is supported by a group led by former state representative Rick Becker.
Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 4 is opposed by North Dakota United, a coalition of 85+ member associations and organizations, including the North Dakota Association of Counties.
