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Suppose a proposition worded like tigs were on the Virginia ballot this fall: * “If there are surplus tax revenues at the end of the year, I want them (check op$'* ? ' f * —Returned to taxpayers - —Spent by government as it sees fit Z Does anyone seriously doubt what tifc outcome would be? Virginians, historically in favor of limited government spending, would ask for a tax rebate. * Prospective Republican gubernatorial nominee Jim Gilmore’s plan to eliminate the personal property tax on vehicles less than $20,000 has to be s<Jld in that manner. Otherwise he will be in danger of letting Democratic nominee Don Beyer and some liberal editorial writers convince voters that tife Gilmore plan would deprive education and other worthy functions of badly needed financial support. * After the Gilmore plan was unveiled, Beyer—with uncharacteristic decision—assailed it as reckless. Doubtlessly pushed by special interests, chief among them teacher unions, h|S sought to persuade Virginians that QJlmore was out to destroy their schools, clean air and water and everything good and holy, the way Bill Gfinton and company convinced many Ajnericans, albeit falsely, that Republicans wanted to destroy Medicare. „ Gilmore tried to make it clear that his plan will take away nothing from legitimate state needs, but would reward taxpayers only if the economy continues it dynamic growth of recent years. Any slowdown or recession would postpone tax cuts until economic conditions markedly improved.
As Dr. W. Mark Crain, a professor of economics at George Mason University and member of Governor Allen’s Advisory Board on Economics, noted, “Given the reality of a stronger than expected economy....a multiyear plan to manage revenue ‘windfalls’ is in order.” He noted what most state taxpayers well realize, that past such windfalls were divided up by politicians rather than returned to the people. .. One of those who quickly commended the Gilmore plan was State Sen. Charles Colgan of Prince William, a Democrat, who has been a long time foe of the personal property tax on vehicles. While few taxes achieve any degree of popularity among thpse who pay them, if taxes were wildlife, then the personal property tax would be the skunk among them. It is particularly hated in an era when most families need two vehicles and must pay through the nose for them. ;; Unlike such states as California, citizen referendums aren’t allowed in
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