GOP, Indy Star: Give the people a voice, Dems: No way

That’s how it seems to be shaking out, and it’s disappointing. Even the Indianapolis Star editorial board seems to be perplexed.

One new amendment, approved by House Democrats voting along party lines, would limit school construction referendums to those projects not directly tied to classroom instruction. Taxpayers under the proposal could still decide whether to build a new high school football stadium but wouldn't be able to vote on whether proposed classroom buildings are excessively expensive.

Opponents of referendums fear that taxpayers would be too stingy, blocking necessary construction to the detriment of students. But Hoosiers have shown repeatedly that they're willing to spend money on education when school administrators make clear that needs -- and not mere wants -- truly exist.

Taxpayers already have oversight of sorts through a remonstrance process. But it's a convoluted system that lacks transparency.

What opponents of referendums are really saying is that they fear taxpayers are unable to make wise decisions about how their money should be spent. That's not an attitude the General Assembly should embrace.

House Republicans, however, are clear. There is nothing dangerous about giving voters a voice in local school construction projects. Why the Democrats don’t trust the people is a mystery.