An All-Star Debate Over Prop HH
The stage is set for a heated debate as Colorado's Governor Jared Polis and economist Arthur Laffer gear up to defend their support for Proposition HH against Representative Rose Pugliese and Michael Fields' staunch opposition. The proposal, which would divert funds from the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights to provide property tax relief and boost education funding, has been a hotly contested issue leading up to the November election.
Colorado's Governor Jared Polis, economist Arthur Laffer, Representative Rose Pugliese and Michael Fields
Colorado Politics, The Denver Gazette, and 9News have joined forces to host this highly anticipated debate, which is sure to be a showdown of epic proportions. With the future of TABOR dollars at stake, both sides are pulling out all the stops to convince voters that their stance is the right one.
On one side, Governor Polis and renowned economist Arthur Laffer will argue in favor of Proposition HH, stating that it is a necessary measure to support local governments and improve education funding.
But they will face fierce opposition from Pugliese, the assistant minority leader in the House, and Fields, of Advance Colorado Action, who believe that diverting TABOR dollars is a dangerous move that will only lead to more government spending and higher taxes for hardworking Coloradoans.
The ballot question, which was referred by the legislature, would increase the Referendum C cap by 1% and use that additional revenue to provide property tax relief and boost education funding. This would generate an estimated $167 million per year, which would be distributed to local governments and schools.
In addition, House Bill 1311 would provide a one-time equalized TABOR refund to taxpayers if Proposition HH passes. This would give each single filer $873 and joint filers $1,746, an attempt to sway voters with the promise of a refund.
However, opponents argue that this is a temporary solution and will only lead to further government overreach and higher taxes in the future. They also point out that the money is being diverted from TABOR, a measure put in place to protect taxpayers from excessive government spending.
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If approved, Proposition HH (SB23-303) would also provide temporary assessment rate reductions for certain property classes and decrease property valuations for owner-occupied, senior, and multi-family housing. But if the measure is rejected by voters, the current six-tier TABOR refund system based on income levels will remain in place.
The debate on Oct. 23 is expected to be a crucial turning point in the Proposition HH battle. Both sides will have the opportunity to present their arguments and convince voters why their stance is the best for the future of Colorado.