The evidence was there in all forms for the legislators to see.  The less obvious, sad and unstated fact was that the same evidence was there for all those who will have to pay the increase.  The citizens didn't bother to voice their dilike of the bill, seems like you could say our elected representatives, simply reflected their constituents views, or lack thereof.  

Wake up voters.
Many thanks for Mac Center for making the facts available.  
Maybe as we go broke we will start to pay them the attention they deserve.