Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend, the town of Vernon and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Va. court rules that unelected bodies cannot have taxing authority
I find it interesting that the Virginia Supreme Court has ruled that it is unconstitutional for an unelected body to have the authority to tax.
The Virginia Legislature had created the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to raise $300 million a year in taxes and fees for transportation projects. The state’s highest court ruled that the power to tax lies with elected officials.
Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling agreed.
“The authority to tax is one of the most significant responsibilities of government and that responsibility cannot and should not be delegated to a body that is not directly responsible to the voters,” Bolling said.
Here is more on the ruling.
I have authored and introduced Senate Bill 258 that requires that bodies that have taxing authority must be elected bodies. The bill is now in the state Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities and Rail.
Here is a copy of Senate Bill 258.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.