I think this is a genuine trend, and I see very little opposing it (outside limited numbers of libertarian rabble-rousers). Am I paranoid?
Depends. What are the other instances of this trend?
Good question...
It seems to be a natural by product of the growing presumption that government is responsible for our overall well-being. It's used as a justification for a wide variety of the so-called "nanny-state" laws. Arguments over drug laws, seat-belt laws, helmet laws, etc.. usually come around to some claim that these personal decisions cost taxpayers money, and that that justifies government dictating behavior.
Really, you see this dynamic any time the government is providing a service. Unemployment insurance provokes the same kind of demands. "Free" public education creates a similar tension where taxpayers feel justified in dictating how other people's children are raised.
From the Foundation, many of these issues were State Government issues.