Referendums: Taxing Debate

Even as the Supreme Court was approving California's term limits last week, voters in Oklahoma drastically curbed the powers of their elected representatives. By a vote of 56% to 44%, Oklahomans backed a ballot initiative that would require a three-fourths legislative majority for all laws that raise revenue, excluding property taxes. Bills falling short of that majority would have to be approved by popular vote at the next regular election, virtually ensuring that future tax hikes will be few and far between.

"It is a shot that will be heard around the U.S.," says Dan Brown, head of the state's anti-tax forces. "We have set standards for other states to aspire to." But critics, particularly in the business community, say the measure will cripple economic development. The most likely result will be a rise in property taxes.