Since the 1970s, when most social programs started, the costs to taxpayers have been escalating at an alarming pace. Mandates in the workplace, fears of lawsuit, sophistication in education meaning everything to every child, special education and its growth, the pursuit of leisure and recreation at public expense in school and municipalities, the growth and cost of welfare with no limits, and now state benefits for illegal immigrants.

The cost of government and the pressure on taxpayers have been growing at an unsustainable rate.

Unfortunately, this growth affects not only the federal and the state budget, but also the municipal budget, which we always were told, as citizens, we had somewhat the power to control. Well this control did not work, and it is the property taxes that are out of control!

There is no end to the appetite and inventiveness of local special interests who thrive in spending taxpayers’ money.

We could, of course, give up our house.

On top of it all, everybody who wants our money exhibits some form of moral authority in asking. If, as a resident, you dare to question their demands, you will be labeled heartless, selfish, cruel, greedy or even racist.

Their moral superiority has made every taxpayer a slave to the special interests’ voracious appetites.

If voters want to grow old in the homes they have maintained, bought and cherished, they should vote yes on the tax cap. It will save their homes. It will save their money. It will save our state.

Valerie Allen, Byron

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