Even 9News’ Kyle Cark has called on Democrats to be more honest and respectful of Colorado Voters.
As lawmakers gathered for a special session intended to address Colorado's property tax mess, it quickly became apparent that the extreme liberal Democrat-led legislature has no intention of staying within the scope of the session.
Despite claims of seeking bipartisan compromise, it is clear that Democrats are pushing a radical agenda that goes well beyond providing much-needed relief for homeowners.
On Friday, after prolonged debate over the extent of the property tax cuts and how to fund them, Democrats in the House and Senate passed a set of bills that bear a striking resemblance to the recently defeated Proposition HH. This includes a modest rate cut and exemption for homeowners, but conveniently leaves out any relief for commercial properties. Not only that, but instead of using surplus tax money collected under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights to fund the cuts, Democrats are proposing to use general fund money - effectively taking away taxpayers' rightful refunds.
In a commentary this week, even 9News Anchor Kyle Clark called on Democrats at the state capitol to be “more honest” and to give voters “more respect” during the special session. Somethings they are apparently unwilling to do.
In a blatant attempt to further redistribute wealth in the state, Democrats are also pushing a bill to make TABOR refund checks equal for all taxpayers, regardless of income. This goes against the fundamental principles of TABOR, which limits government spending and returns excess funds to the taxpayers.
And as if that wasn't enough, Democrats are also using this special session as an opportunity to advance their own agenda, completely unrelated to property tax relief. The Senate is set to debate a bill on Saturday to create a nutrition program for students, while the House has already passed bills to increase the federal earned income tax credit and provide additional rental assistance - all outside the scope of the special session.
Republicans, who have been shut out of the process and had all their bills killed in committee, are outraged at the Democrats' blatant disregard for the purpose of the special session and their unwillingness to compromise. But with Democrats holding a large majority in both chambers, they have little power to stop the extreme liberal agenda.
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It's clear that Democrats are more concerned with pushing their own progressive policies than actually addressing the property tax crisis facing Colorado homeowners.
Instead of working together to find a solution that benefits all Coloradans, Democrats are once again focusing on their radical agenda and leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. It's time for the extreme liberal Democrats to put aside their partisan politics and focus on providing real relief for hardworking homeowners.