|
|
|
|
Are Colorado's Taxes "Too High?"
|
|
|
As Bell supporters know, while Colorado is making steady progress toward investing in the public services that fuel economic mobility, truly adequate funding for these programs is notoriously hard to come by. In any other state, the legislature would be able to use the revenue from existing tax rates to strengthen these programs. But in Colorado, lawmakers must figure out how to equitably deal with the $1.7 billion TABOR “surplus” that comes in over an arbitrary spending limit set in our constitution.
|
|
|
Instead of using his annual State of the State address to make the case to Coloradans that the programs he is so proud of would benefit from increased funding from current revenues, Gov. Jared Polis chose to laud permanent tax reductions and warn lawmakers that our taxes are “too high.” For members of the majority caucuses who have spent years working to increase public investment, it was truly a record-scratch moment. They sat in silence while their conservative colleagues applauded.
Bell President Scott Wasserman told Axios Denver: "I'm befuddled. This is completely inconsistent with everything else in the speech. A flat income tax cut will end up benefiting the wealthy … and undercutting the services that low- and middle-income people rely on."
The Bell also responded with social media posts on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, Threads and LinkedIn. As we said in the statement posted to social:
|
|
|
There was nothing trivial about this moment for the Bell Policy Center. As an organization committed to economic mobility for all and the public systems that make that happen, it's critical that taxpayers have a clear understanding of the obstacles facing those systems. It is also critical that the legislature figure out the right way to handle this massive “surplus."
Over the coming months, we will be advocating for targeted and equitable uses of those dollars that, as best as possible, fill the cracks created by underfunding. We will also continue to be vocal advocates for an informed conversation about our taxes in this state: who pays them, what they pay for, and how we can make this system fair and adequate so it can serve the needs of every Coloradan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bill Tracker
As the 2024 legislative session gets under way, we're sharing our bill tracker so you can stay informed about issues that affect economic mobility.
|
|
|
The Care Economy
Strengthening the care economy is something we're monitoring closely as the state budgeting process gets under way. Here are some budget line items to watch.
|
|
|
In The Know
Property taxes have become a hot topic as property values have risen in many parts of Colorado. We've covered this, and many other topics, in our In The Know series.
|
|
|
Thanks for joining us!
Thanks to all who joined us for trivia night last week at Goldspot Brewing! It was a great evening that included questions on an important topic -- housing. Stay tuned for more fun Bell events.
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2024 The Bell Policy Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in for email notifications from the Bell Policy Center.
Our mailing address is:
|
|
|
|
|
