There's an endless appetite for state funds. In some areas, like housing and infrastructure, the needs are undeniable and pressing. But since 1992, state spending has soared about 70 percent, much higher than inflation. The debt load has grown even more. There's little external pressure on the Legislature or Cellucci to innovate or be more efficient.
Tax cuts force government to hack back the weeds, to be creative.
Governors Weld and Cellucci long ago ceased their hollow ''entrepreneurial government'' chant. Except for bleating about being steamrolled on veto overrides, they've gone along and gotten along with the Democratic Legislature. The wild card is Question 6, the biggest threat to Question 4 because the opponents lump them together. But it will strain local aid. The toll credit is an invitation for tax cheating, and it will be an auditing nightmare for the state.