Proposed amendments put focus on other states

As Iowans consider putting taxing and spending restrictions in the stateconstitution, some are citing the experiences of other states which havesimilar constitutional limits. On Tuesday, Iowa voters will decide whether to place constitutionalrestrictions on legislators’ ability to tax and spend. Thirteen otherstates require a 60 percent vote of legislators to raise certain taxes. Arkansas has had their limits since 1934. California’s infamous”proposition 13″ came in 1979. Supporters of the Iowa constitutional limitssay property taxes in those 13 states have been held in check — whileeducation spending increased in those states. Opponents point out that theproposed Iowa limits do not restrict property taxes, and they cite figureswhich show education spending grew but grew slightly behind the nationalaverage in states which had limits. Iowa State University political scienceprofessor Steffen (STEF’-un) Schmidt says he’s disturbed by tomorrow’sreferendum because of its timing and Schmidt says the radio and televisionadvertisements sponsored by amendment supporters and opponents are”horrendous.”Schmidt says most Iowans are more concerned about “dandelions and fishing”than about these constitutional amendment.editors: This is the third in a series of reports on the upcoming vote. On Tuesday, the special report will focus on voter turn-out and the rarityof a special election to amend Iowa’s constitution.