RL21: It's David vs. Goliath

Are taxpayer-subsidized corporations using taxpayer money to convince voters (taxpayers) to do something that is not in their best interest?

The financial reports are now available for the citizen-led effort to repeal Senate Bill 201, the highly unpopular bill that makes it easier for large, taxpayer-subsidized companies to seize a citizen’s land.

Here are the numbers:

• GOLIATH — Keep the Bill (Taxpayer-Subsidized Companies): $2,575,000

• DAVID — Get Rid of the Bill (Citizens): about $200,000

Here are some interesting details about the Keep the Bill side.

• All $2,575,000 came from companies. There are no individual donors.

• Ethanol is not cost competitive with other forms of energy, so none of these companies would be in business without the government (taxpayer) subsidies they receive every year.

If RL21 passes, it would remove local government zoning and permitting control, making it easier for these large, taxpayer-subsidized companies to seize land. And sadly, they would be making money off the taxpayers (through government subsidies) who were forced to give up their properties.

Honestly, it is impressive that citizens have raised about $200,000 (volunteer petition collection, election communication) to Get Rid of the Bill. This money has come mostly from land owners and organizations that are concerned about property rights.

I am not sure how we reached the point where someone’s taxes could be used to fund their demise. Obviously, this problem needs to be corrected. In the mean time, we don’t need anyone taking our land or our livelihoods. So I will be voting No on RL21.