With just days before Election Day, there has been a lot of confusion, apparently, about the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. We hear arguments about whether or not the legislation would require cuts, if local control would be enhanced or reduced, and to what extent the Legislature would abide by this law if it passes on Nov. 7. What we are not hearing, though, is how the Taxpayer Bill of Rights would affect Maine’s young people.

There are two primary concerns to our young people: college tuition costs and the condition of the job market after graduation. Contrary to what opponents may say, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights addresses these concerns, and benefits the young people who are most affected by them.

According to a recent report by Morgan Quinto Press, a private research company based in Kansas, Maine ranks as the fifth smartest state. The rankings, based on elementary and secondary education indicators, prove that our high school graduates have the potential for greatness, if they can afford higher education that will provide them with the skills necessary for success.

Unfortunately, in Maine this can be a difficult task.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, between 2004 and 2005, the national average for four- year public school tuition and fees was $5,038. For two-year public schools, the average was $1,847. The average tuition costs in the state of Maine, however, are much different.

In Maine, during the same year, the average tuition for a four-year public education was $5,565, 10.5 percent more than the national average. For a two-year public school education, Maine’s average was an astounding 52 percent more than the U.S. average, costing $2,802. When you consider how low the average Mainer’s income is – one of the lowest in the country – imagine how difficult it is for a family to send their children to college. What a disservice to the fifth smartest batch of high school graduates in the country.

How will the Taxpayer Bill of Rights help? By limiting how much government can tax and spend, we can actually increase the amount of money the government collects.

States with lower tax burdens have increasing populations and economic climates welcoming to businesses and investment. With more people and businesses coming into the state, revenue will increase. Rather than imposing an oppressive tax burden on a small population with fewer businesses, Maine will see far greater returns by creating an environment with reasonable taxes that encourages relocation to our state.

We can look to Colorado for proof. Colorado enacted a Taxpayer Bill of Rights in 1992. Since Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights took effect, about 1.3 million people moved there for better opportunities – that’s the same number of people living in all of Maine.

According to the University of Colorado, residential tuition for their public school system has been steadily decreasing under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. In fact, in 2004-2005 when Maine residents were paying about $5,565, Colorado residents were paying $3,518 for a four-year public school education – 58 percent less. And for a two-year public school education, Mainers were paying $2,802 while Coloradoans were paying 51.5 percent less, at $1,850. Imagine the opportunity for young Mainers, with such potential coming out of high school, if they could afford a quality education the way Colorado’s young people can.

The second concern for our young people comes after college, if they could afford college in the first place; Maine’s job market.

Maine experiences an exodus of young people year after year. Our state’s population is now the oldest in the country, having surpassed Florida. Young people simply can’t stay in Maine because there are no job opportunities for them here.

This problem relates directly back to Maine’s high tax burden. Our poor business climate chases existing businesses out of Maine and prevents other businesses from expanding or investing here. Indeed, in 2005 only Maine and hurricane-ravaged Louisiana experienced declines in economic activity. How can we create jobs and opportunities for our young people when Maine’s government continues to prevent businesses from investing here?

Again, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights is the solution to this problem, and will provide our young people with the opportunity to remain in their home state.

Maine government must control spending to reduce our oppressive tax burden. By controlling spending, limiting tax and fee increases and requiring voters to approve proposed increases, we can change our economic condition and create an environment where entrepreneurs can see potential success coming from investment in Maine. This will, very simply, create jobs in the process.

The proof, again, lies in Colorado.

According to the IRS, between 1992 and 2004 the increase in the number of small businesses in Colorado compared to Maine was dramatically different. Between those years, Colorado experienced a 34 percent increase, with 95,488 new businesses created. During those same years, only 17,539 were created in Maine, an increase of only 18 percent.

Clearly, Colorado, with its low tax burden, has created more opportunities for their young college graduates. Maine can have this opportunity as well.

We have a chance to make public higher education more affordable for our bright young Mainers, and make sure they have plenty of opportunities here in Maine. Colorado shows what is possible with a Taxpayer Bill of Rights, and it’s time for Maine to do the same.

Mainers must vote yes on Question 1, and enact the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. We owe it to our young people and the future of our state.

Martin Macisso Jr., of South Portland, is chair of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. His e-mail address is mmacisso@hotmail.com.