The state is subject to several constitutional and statutory spending limitations that help restrain the growth of government; however, local governments face no similar restrictions. Cities and counties should be required to follow comparable rules.
Key points:
- Unlike state government, local governments do not observe any meaningful expenditure limit.
- Without restraint, city and county government spending is growing far faster than it should.
- Government spending is taxation, and excessive spending begets exorbitant taxes.
- If state government is required to exercise fiscal discipline, then local governments should be expected to do the same.