Lincoln Journal Star on February 16: Local View: A dangerous proposition

The need to use great care with taxpayer dollars is inherent at all levels of government.

Our collective experience as former Nebraska lawmakers is that the overwhelming majority of legislators are intensely aware of and dedicated to their roles as stewards of taxpayer dollars and they consistently display a level of fiscal restraint that is much higher than many realize.

The term “fiscal restraint” is, however, being used to promote a measure before the Nebraska Legislature that calls for a constitutional convention, and that presents a serious threat to our state and national well-being.

The measure, LR 35, is identical to proposals before other state legislatures. Many proponents of such measures want to hold a constitutional convention in order to pass a federal balanced budget amendment. Such proposals are dangerous for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that requiring a balanced federal budget every year could cause incredible damage at nearly every level of our society.

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