Video & Transcript : 'taxpayers' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Mar 16th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- To offset this cost and make homeownership more affordable, I introduced AB 1620 to allow taxpayers to
- The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is proud to support this measure and urges you to support it
- Providing deductions for insurance premiums means state taxpayers are called on to subsidize well-off
- Our driver's taxpayer association is proud to support this measure and urges you to support it at the
- Providing deductions for insurance premiums mean state taxpayers are called on to subsidize well-off
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Under Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code, taxpayers may exclude up to 100% of capital gains from
- Under Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code, taxpayers may exclude up to 100% of capital gains from
- Under Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code, taxpayers may exclude up to 100% of capital gains from
- In terms of the fiscal impact, this bill is expected to affect 260 taxpayers and increase state revenue
- House Bill 1376 will authorize taxpayers to prepay their capital gains tax up to six months prior to
Committee:
Senate Ways & Means
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tax Reform Jan 15th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Special Committee on Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, we will work with the taxpayer.
- I give the taxpayer the benefit of the doubt.
- I mean, we will work with the taxpayer.
- I give the taxpayer the benefit of the doubt. Two more questions.
- Yeah, and the intent was to protect the taxpayers from overtaxation.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tax Reform
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And I still can't get over the fact that the taxpayers... ...in the area of health care delivery.
- And I still can't get over the fact that the taxpayers need to know, and we all need to know, you all
- are taxpayers, you're paying for malpractice claims on behalf of hospitals and doctors so they don't
- And so because they're not segregated, we are, again, the point is the taxpayers have used this...
- you put it... ...we've done pretty good research on this already, that when you take taxpayer money
Committee:
Senate House Judiciary
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 99, a proposed reform of the Medical Malpractice Act. Representative Chandler said the bill is intended to address physician shortages, rising malpractice premiums, and litigation pressures by changing punitive damages rules, including a higher standard of proof, a requirement that punitive damages not be pleaded in the initial complaint, and limits tied to the type of provider. Supporters, including physicians, business leaders, and some patients, said the bill would help retain doctors, improve access to care, and create more predictable liability exposure. Several supporters also said current malpractice conditions are driving doctors out of the state and harming rural access to services.
Opponents argued the bill would reduce patient recovery, create unequal treatment based on insurance status through the bill-versus-paid provision, and raise constitutional concerns involving equal protection, collateral source rules, and separation of powers. They also criticized the bill for not addressing other drivers of malpractice, such as hospital practices, prior authorization, staffing, and background checks for out-of-state doctors. Some witnesses urged amendments to protect the Patient Compensation Fund, ensure future medical expenses are covered, require minimum surcharge settings, and improve oversight of providers entering the state.
Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about whether the bill would actually lower premiums, whether it would improve access to care, and how it would affect hospitals, independent providers, and the Patient Compensation Fund. The sponsor said the bill was based on negotiations and comparisons with other states, and that it should help premiums over time. Members raised concerns about the fund’s solvency, the role of hospitals in the fund, and whether some provisions would survive legal challenge. No final vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated amendments would be discussed later and the committee would continue the hearing the next day.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 2/23/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota's EIDBI service the taxpayers.
- </c> We know that they're being paid by taxpayer dollars.
- That's where my taxpayer dollars are going?
- <c> dollars</c><01:16:07.320><c> are</c> That's where my taxpayer dollars are That's where my taxpayer
- </c> vulnerable Minnesotans and taxpayers. vulnerable Minnesotans and taxpayers.
Bills:
HF3542
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (05/01/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> $5,24, there's a savings to the taxpayer $5,24, there's a savings to the taxpayer of<01:20:37.360
- </c> saving any taxpayers any money at all. saving any taxpayers any money at all.
- The state taxpayers, mostly property taxpayers, as Representative Fellows has just pointed out, is going
- taxpayers, mostly property taxpayers,<01:50:04.719><c> as</c><01:50:05.040><c> Representative</c><01
- :50:05.600><c> Fellows</c><01:50:06.080><c> has</c> taxpayers, as Representative Fellows has taxpayers
Summary:
The Education Funding Committee met in executive session on a bill concerning school meal access and reimbursement. The bill would address local school districts’ responsibility to provide meals during school hours, reimburse schools for meals served at no cost, and make an appropriation. The committee first moved to retain the bill, with supporters saying it was complex, had uncertain fiscal impacts, and should be considered alongside other related meals bills. Opponents argued the committee already had enough information, that the bill served a small number of students at relatively low cost, and that delaying action would harm children who need food to learn.
The committee also heard from Tim Roar, a Keene school business administrator and co-designer of the bill, who explained that the proposal was intended to be an opt-in program for districts, with rulemaking to set participation requirements. He said the bill was meant to target aid to students between 175% and 200% of poverty, reduce bad meal debt, and avoid spending taxpayer money on families who could afford to pay. He estimated the state cost at about $250,000 in year one, with local taxpayer costs around $8,500 for Keene, and said some districts already have systems for online applications while others do not.
Committee members questioned him about meal debt, online application software costs, and how districts handle students who reach debt limits. Roar said districts still feed students who are hungry, but use other resources and family outreach when meal debt is capped, and he argued that parents should be responsible for providing lunch when they can afford it. Other members pushed back, saying they had seen students go hungry and that teachers sometimes pay for lunches themselves. One member noted the bill would increase eligibility, make it easier to apply, strengthen personal responsibility, and was not a mandate. The discussion ended without a recorded final vote in the excerpt, though the retain motion remained the central action under debate.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (04/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:15.760><c> considering</c> to local property taxpayers considering to local property taxpayers
- Again, I just remind you that that 20% goes to your local property taxpayers, right?
- So, in in an property taxpayers, right?
- </c> local property taxpayer. local property taxpayer.
- ,</c><03:53:47.840><c> the</c> all the the the local taxpayers, the all the the the local taxpayers,
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 292, which would authorize a governor’s warrant to cover special education aid shortfalls from the education trust fund, and from the general fund if needed, so local school districts would not have to absorb prorated costs or raise local property taxes. Senator Lang said the bill was prompted by a prior $15 million special education funding shortfall caused by higher-than-expected catastrophic aid claims, including more qualifying students and the recent increase in the special education age limit to 22. He emphasized that the bill is intended to ensure the state meets its funding commitment and avoid shifting costs to towns.
Members asked about how the bill interacts with House Bill 742 and House Bill 773, including whether the language should be merged or whether the state should fund 100% versus an 80% floor. Lang said he was open to improving the bill and to adding a study committee or performance audit on special education costs, but maintained that the state should not push costs to local taxpayers when it has available funds. The hearing on SB 292 was then closed, with no vote taken.
The committee then opened Senate Bill 98, which would extend for five more years a tax credit program for donations to regional career and technical education centers. Senator Waters said the program has been successful in building partnerships between CTE centers and employers, especially through equipment donations that support training and apprenticeships. He cited examples including automotive, marine trades, and advanced manufacturing programs, and said the five-year extension would let lawmakers continue to review whether the incentive is working as intended.
Several members questioned whether the credit is effectively a 100% subsidy and how the cap works. Waters and another member explained that the underlying program has an aggregate cap of $500,000 and that credits are prorated if requests exceed that amount; they also said the donations are primarily equipment, not cash. Some members raised concerns about whether businesses could also claim other tax deductions or credits, but the sponsor said the existing structure has been in place for years and has been revisited periodically. No vote was taken during the hearing excerpt provided.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill simply says that the ...millions of taxpayer dollars every year in higher education.
- Louisiana taxpayers deserve institutions that are accountable for that result.
- Louisiana taxpayers deserve institutions that are accountable for that result.
- First, Louisiana taxpayers invest over a billion dollars annually in public universities.
- First, Louisiana taxpayers invest over a billion dollars annually in public universities.
Committee:
House Education
Keywords:
higher education, accountability, curriculum review, faculty governance, disciplinary procedures, SB 28, Act 233, associate educator program, associate teachers, teacher certification, alternative teacher pathway, education workforce, teacher shortage, minimum age, age requirement, Louisiana schools, Title 17, R.S. 17:7.8, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tax Reform Apr 2nd, 2026
Special Committee on Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- to me, so going through our assessment challenges in Jackson County, I probably heard from more taxpayers
- What we're talking about here is them going out and interfacing with the taxpayer in a positive experience
- What we're talking about here is them going out and interfacing with the taxpayer in a positive experience
- I'm a taxpayer in Jackson County, and I've got a short statement to read, and it also describes a few
- The feedback I've seen online about this legislation is that some taxpayers want the tax exemption to
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tax Reform
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2923, which would give homeowners a temporary property tax exemption of up to four years on qualifying home improvements between $7,500 and $75,000, so long as the property is the owner’s homestead and the required intent and completion forms are filed. The sponsor said the bill is meant to encourage reinvestment in homes, including after catastrophic events, and said the fiscal note showed no impact. Members asked about the bill’s effect on assessors, taxing districts, school districts, the definition of homestead, and whether the state would reimburse lost revenue. Testimony in support argued the bill would reduce ambiguity in new-construction assessments, encourage repairs and improvements, and help homeowners avoid being penalized for fixing damaged homes. Concerns were raised about routine maintenance, the four-dwelling language, possible burdens on assessors, and whether the bill could affect senior tax freezes. The hearing on HB 2923 ended without a vote.
The committee then went into executive session on House Bill 3256, adopted a committee substitute, and voted the substitute do pass by a roll call of five yes and one no. Discussion focused on criminal penalties in the bill, with the ranking member objecting to those provisions and noting that other states do not include them. The sponsor explained changes in the substitute, including broader retail-establishment language, explicit coverage of sports venues and concert halls, and removal of banks and credit unions from the bill. Members suggested further floor amendments and additional review of other states’ statutes.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 95, which would create the Show Me Prosperity Fund as a constitutional endowment intended to eventually replace all state-imposed taxes with investment earnings. The senator said the fund would be seeded by a one-time appropriation, managed by the treasurer, audited by the auditor, and protected from borrowing or diversion, with distributions capped at 3 percent. Supporters said the proposal would use compound growth to create long-term tax relief and eventually make Missouri the first state to eliminate state taxes; one witness called it straightforward and honest. Members questioned the size of the needed appropriation, how the fund would work if state income tax changes separately, whether state law allows the needed investments, and how the fund would avoid becoming unstable if distributions begin before it is large enough. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing concluded without action on SJR 95.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This takes the $40 million of taxpayer money and gives it back to the taxpayers, both to those who rent
- </c> burdens onto the hardworking taxpayers burdens onto the hardworking taxpayers of<01:17:16.560><c
- taxpayers taxpayers struggling. struggling. struggling.
- </c> a $40 million pilfering of taxpayer a $40 million pilfering of taxpayer money. money. money.
- health care, taxpayer-permitted taxpayer-permitted taxpayer-permitted driver's<03:34:04.280><c> license
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:42:50.639><c> We</c> taxpayer money. Yes, I am. Thank you. We taxpayer money. Yes, I am.
- taxpayer dollars are spent.
- So even taxpayer dollars are spent.
- Once school vouchers consisting of New Hampshire taxpayer dollars are awarded, taxpayers do not have
- </c> consisting of New Hampshire taxpayer consisting of New Hampshire taxpayer dollars<02:04:11.599><
Committee:
Senate Education
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Auditing Committee Dec 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So half a million dollars comes from the taxpayers? Yes, that'd be correct. Okay.
- Well, they're all taxpayers, but from the property of residents, yes. Right.
- This is our only business: to go after taxpayer dollars like this.
- Our business is to protect taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse.
- Our business is to protect taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to consider several audit requests and enforcement items involving local governments and special districts. The committee approved operational audits of the City of Miami Beach, the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, and the City of Daytona Beach. In each case, the requesting member described concerns about transparency, financial management, or internal controls, while local officials or representatives generally said they were willing to cooperate and, in Delray Beach’s case, noted that an internal audit had already been completed and that some issues were being corrected.
The committee also received a presentation on the statewide review of neighborhood improvement districts. The reviewers reported that 15 of 21 districts were active and six inactive, with common findings including outdated or missing performance plans, weak web presence, inadequate meeting notices, and limited management mechanisms. They said staffing levels often correlated with the ability to meet statutory requirements, and they recommended updates to district governance and transparency practices.
On enforcement, staff reviewed local governments and special districts that had failed to file required financial reports or had submitted audit reports missing required information. The committee approved staff recommendations to proceed under the statutory enforcement process for the noncompliant entities, with flexibility for the chair and vice chair to delay action if additional information is provided in good faith. The committee also voted to send a letter to the Union County Legislative Delegation encouraging a local bill to dissolve the Town of Rayford, based on staff’s view that the town lacked employees, services, debt, and a clear reason to continue existing as an incorporated municipality.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2025-04-03
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Of property taxpayers without the property taxpayers' knowledge, consent, opportunity to intervene, or
- market data is compared to their opposing litigant in a property tax matter, who is the property taxpayer
- For a property taxpayer to obtain this information from the county, but those same barriers don't exist
- It was to prevent either the taxpayers or the counties from using non-public data, and the counties were
- It's not in a public property tax trial, but it is in the possession of another property taxpayer.
Bills:
HF2233 , HF1524 , HF1893 , HF1396 , HF2456 , HF2959 , HF2300 , HF2412 , HF3022 , HF2825 , HF1862 , HF1373 , HF1039 , HF3070
Committee:
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, February 13, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> elsewhere uh it will save the taxpayers elsewhere uh it will save the taxpayers money<00:43:51.920
- </c> things that dumb things where taxpayer things that dumb things where taxpayer money<01:06:06.799
- taxpayers the shaft.
- </c> Stevens and I introduced the taxpayer Stevens and I introduced the taxpayer data<02:37:14.080><c
- Federal taxpayer dollars.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- It strengthens taxpayer protection statewide.
- Scott Kaufman, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, in support. Thank you.
- Taxpayers Association, also in opposition.
- Taxpayers Association also in opposition.
- Scott Kaufman-Hauer, Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Taxation
Summary:
The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local government finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco retail locations. The author and a physician witness argued the bill would raise awareness of a highly underused screening that can save lives, while retailers and fuel/convenience groups raised implementation concerns about signage size, notice, and penalties. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a 4-0 vote after the committee later took up the on-call item.
SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without triggering reassessment, so long as the property was destroyed in a governor-declared disaster. Supporters, including the L.A. County Assessor, the California Assessors Association, Realtors, and taxpayers groups, said the bill would reduce uncertainty and help families rebuild without higher property taxes. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dodd, would provide a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased to furnish a primary residence after a disaster; it drew one opposition witness from the California Teachers Association but otherwise had no public opposition and passed 5-0 to Appropriations.
SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place caps and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to cases in Shafter and Dinuba where revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. Local government and business groups supported the measure as a guardrail, while some members expressed concern about Sacramento limiting local control; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; transit agencies and local officials supported it, while taxpayer groups opposed it, and it passed 4-1. SB 1404 by Senator Stern would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with supporters arguing the fee would broaden funding and opponents calling it an unfair tax on rural and wildfire-prone residents; it passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help recruit and retain nurses in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 as amended to Appropriations.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The County Board of Supervisors has to, and the county taxpayers have to.
- It was really to stabilize the cost for the taxpayers in these counties.
- The County Board of Supervisors has to, and the county taxpayers have to.
- It was really to stabilize the cost for the taxpayers in these counties.
- We believe in less bureaucracy and less taxpayer dollars to the taxpayer.
Committees:
Senate Finance , Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference
Keywords:
income tax, conformity, Arizona Revised Statutes, taxpayer, federal regulations, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 24th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It just makes sure that taxpayers know what their rights are if they want to pursue anything regarding
- Maybe someday this could be a possibility and would be a benefit for the taxpayer. Thank you, Mr.
- Thank you. the taxpayers don't have to solve.
- This is not the right... ...the taxpayers' back pocket. This is not the role of government.
- we end up redistributing taxpayer dollars to pay for everyone else's needs.
Bills:
SJR47 , SB1491 , SB1579 , SB1806 , SB1552 , SB483 , SB63 , SB137 , SB346 , SB514 , SB1344 , SB1360 , SB1380 , SB1437 , SB1189 , SB1217 , SB1221 , SB1262 , SB1272 , SB1325 , SB1339 , SB201
Summary:
The Senate began with a quorum call, a ceremonial recognition of two Elgin High School students, Clayton Raoul and Leon Anderson, and bus driver Kevin McDonald for their heroic actions during a March 2 bus crash. A citation was read honoring their selfless efforts to evacuate injured students and assist first responders. The chamber also introduced several student pages and recognized visiting groups in the gallery, including Impact Oklahoma and the Ardmore Leadership Group.
The Senate then considered several bills. Senate Bill 1491, requiring appointed presidential electors to take the same oath as other electors, advanced and passed. Senate Bill 1579, which requires assessors to mail taxpayers a statement of rights when property valuations increase, also advanced and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 1806, extending foster care eligibility to age 21 for those who opt in and meet program requirements, drew supportive debate about helping youth transition to adulthood; it advanced and passed as an emergency measure.
A lengthy debate followed on Senate Bill 1552, which would allow certain large counties to pursue home rule charters through a voter-approved process. Supporters argued it would give populous counties more flexibility and local control, while opponents raised concerns about unequal treatment, population-based governance, rural representation, and possible constitutional issues. The bill advanced and then passed 26-18. Senate Bill 483, authorizing county-run relocation assistance programs funded by private donations for voluntarily relocating individuals, especially homeless persons, also prompted extensive questions about liability, trafficking concerns, accountability, and whether it could shift people between jurisdictions; it advanced and passed 39-6. Finally, Senate Bill 63, raising school board member stipends from $25 to $190 per meeting under permissive language, advanced over concerns about cost and then moved to final passage, with debate beginning at the end of the transcript.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/11/26 - Part 3
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> taxpayers money. So with that, Mr. taxpayers money. So with that, Mr.
- </c> ensure that we are protecting taxpayers. ensure that we are protecting taxpayers.
- And number three, it's to taxpayers.
- </c> taxpayer dollars onto an NOKA um costs. taxpayer dollars onto an NOKA um costs.
- </c><00:43:17.200><c> making</c> money on the back of taxpayers making money on the back of taxpayers
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- But by April 1, the property appraiser must review that form and notify the taxpayer whether they approve
- or deny it, because the taxpayer must provide certain backup information to show why the property was
- If the taxpayer does not pay taxes timely, they are not eligible for a refund.
- hold that refund application until the final date that taxes may be paid, and then reimburse the taxpayer
- So there's not a concern that the taxpayer has to wait until after their taxes are paid timely to file
Committee:
Senate Finance and Tax
Summary:
The Committee on Finance and Tax met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from Lissette Kelly of the Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Oversight Office on property tax relief for catastrophic events. Kelly reviewed existing statutory relief for homestead, non-homestead, commercial, and agricultural property owners, including extended rebuild timelines, preservation of homestead exemption during rehabilitation, agricultural classification protections, and the catastrophic event refund program for residential property that becomes uninhabitable. She also explained the refund process, the roles of property appraisers and tax collectors, and prior legislative reimbursements to local governments after storms such as Ian, Nicole, and Idalia.
Members asked about how portability works if a homeowner chooses not to rebuild, and Kelly said she would follow up with more detail. Senator Bernard also asked how residents learn about the refund application, and Kelly said property appraisers and tax collectors actively notify affected owners, including through mailings, FEMA and Red Cross sites, public service announcements, and outreach at community events. She said the property appraisers take the lead in promoting the program, with tax collectors also helping direct taxpayers to apply.
The chair noted that staff will distribute the department’s guide to offices before hurricane season and said the committee’s next meeting, during the first week of session, will focus on property taxes more broadly. Kelly said the department would be willing to review the process further and bring suggestions if needed. No votes were taken on legislation, and the committee adjourned without objection.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 10th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It should go back to the taxpayers. It's their money. It's their money.
- the taxpayer keep it before we go spend it.
- If the taxpayer has a balance due, it may be beneficial to have the taxpayer come forward and pay the
- or disclosed by the taxpayer to the department on or after July 1, 2026.
- I think the taxpayer would get benefit out of this.
Summary:
The House debated a series of amendments to a major income tax bill, with repeated arguments over tax fairness, affordability, administrative feasibility, and the role of the Department of Revenue. Early motions to reconsider a failed child care amendment were rejected, and Amendment 2561, which would have restricted data sharing with the IRS, was also defeated after debate over privacy, federal relationships, and whether the proposal was administrable. Amendment 2579, which would have required annual reporting on the tax’s effects on filers, businesses, and charitable donations, likewise failed, with supporters emphasizing transparency and opponents arguing DOR was not the right agency and the report was too speculative. Amendment 2598, proposing to use half of new revenue for a broad sales tax cut, was rejected despite arguments that it would reduce regressivity and provide immediate relief; Amendment 2556, expanding sales tax exemptions for diapers and other child-care essentials to include adult diapers and earlier implementation, also failed after debate over scope and timing.