BISMARCK -- North Dakota voters should know how much an initiated measure is going to cost or benefit them before they vote, a Fargo senator said Wednesday.
Republican Tim Flakoll said he'll introduce a constitutional amendment in the 2003 legislative session that will require a "statement of direct fiscal implications" on initiated measure petitions.
If Flakoll's resolution is OK'd by both houses of the Legislature, the question would then go to voters for approval.
Flakoll was inspired by the lottery and Youth Initiative measures on last week's state ballot. There were disagreements between supporters and opponents of the lottery as to how much money may be generated for the state treasury by joining a multi-state lottery.
Likewise, supporters and opponents of the Youth Initiative squabbled for weeks over the estimated cost of the measure. The lottery was approved. The Youth Initiative was defeated.
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Under Flakoll's idea, petitioners would submit a proposed initiated measure to the secretary of state, just as they do now. But then the secretary of state would submit the wording to state agencies or the Legislative Council for an estimate of the cost or income of the revenue, or a statement that it is revenue-neutral. The process is similar to what is required on legislators' bills that may cost or raise money. Those statements are known as "fiscal notes."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Janell Cole at (701) 224-0830
