House OKs to create taxpayers fund

By Howard Fischer
Capitol Media Services
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 3:06 PM MDT


causes through their annual tax returns.


The idea is not original. In 2001, when Mike Huckabee was governor of Arkansas he instituted a similar fund. The results were dismal: It took until 2005 for donations to crack $1,000.

Burgess, however, said she has reason to believe Arizonans would be more generous.

For example, taxpayers provided provide nearly $196,000 for domestic violence shelters, more than $106,000 for Special Olympics and another $53,000 to the Neighbors Helping Neighbors fund that assists people in paying utility bills and making changes to their homes and apartments to make them more energy efficient.

Burges acknowledged her measure is a bit different, giving the cash to the state treasury to be used as lawmakers please rather than dedicated for specific purposes. But she said the

Legislature has "a good number of conservatives that spend the money very wisely.'' So would Burges be willing to make a donation? "I received a letter from the federal government saying that I might be receiving up to $300,'' she said, referring to the economic stimulus package. "You know, if it's money I never had, it certainly is easy to give it back.''

The bill requires a final roll-call vote before going to the Senate.

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Teri Clark wrote on Mar 22, 2008 7:12 AM:

    " The comment of Dan Bogdan is the most needed one.
    We all know that gov. officials have soo much more than the average person,and could do this much easier than others.
    Yes, an excelent example for the leaders[and those who think up these things] to be the first to contribute. "

    Jason Byrd wrote on Mar 21, 2008 8:58 AM:

    " I have to disagree with Ron up there, I think the point to this type of show and tell legislation is imperative. It will, if passed, directly inform Democratic pork barrell money hogs that Americans don't see any point in attaching a million dollar pet project to any legislation and every legislation. Half of Americans are smart with thier money they are called Republicans. The other half of America that isn't, are either on welfare or suing the government for money.... Go figure. Dan Your just missing the point completely, Democrat? "

    Luis wrote on Mar 20, 2008 9:11 PM:

    " Here in Florida we have special car tags for that purpose. There are probably a couple of dozen different ones by now. From manatee conservation and a memorial to the Challenger astronauts, to the various universities and even the charities of the professional sport teams. They cost a little more than the regular boring state tags and the diference goes to the charity. That might be a better way to do it. At least it seems like you're getting something for your contribution. "

    Ron Campana wrote on Mar 20, 2008 9:23 AM:

    " This kind of legislation just makes our lawmakers look silly. At a time when the State is facing a billion plus spending deficit, I expect members of the legislature would be considering serious solutions to the State's fiscal problems, not bills that are nothing but a diversion. This bill takes away from the time our elected officials should be considering and debating real issues and finding real solutions. Dysfunctional politics and leadership is not what we vote for. "

    Dan Bogdan wrote on Mar 20, 2008 8:24 AM:

    " Maybe the actual presumptive nominee should create a matching fund from his own financial resources so that he would lead by example, puting his money where his mouth (or hertah) is, isn't it ? "

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