Reply #85: Yes. What is your answer to them?

[Feanorcurufinwe]

Specifically, one point that was made:

the money that funds public financing does not come from the general treasury. Only those taxpayers who make a voluntary contribution see their money used for this purpose. Most of the money comes from corporate fees. Is a healthy and vibrant democracy more important than road repair? Arguably yes, but that's not the point. This is a special fund, created by the Legislature for a specific use in 1997. It is inappropriate, and quite possibly illegal to use the funds for other purposes today.
Testimony of Paul Burns, Executive Director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group January 25, 2002

What is your response to that point?



Another point that was made:

This proposal is wholly inconsistent with the law as it stands and obviously has nothing to do with the state's economy. If the Legislature finds that the law needs to be changed, due to the federal district court's ruling or for any other reason, a separate bill should be drafted, debated and passed.
Testimony of Paul Burns, Executive Director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group January 25, 2002

What is your response to that point?