Hillman: How Proposition HH picks Colorado taxpayers’ pockets
We didn’t need an election this November to receive a modest property tax reduction. The legislature can cut taxes anytime; it doesn’t need voter approval.
But with Coloradans facing the largest property tax increase of our lifetime due to soaring home prices, the legislature chose to put a massive expansion of government on the ballot disguised as a property tax cut.
Remember this: even if Proposition HH passes, property taxes will still increase. If property values double in the next 10 years, so will property taxes.
The deceptive ballot question asks: “Shall the state reduce property taxes for homes and businesses…” That sounds good, so voters may not read much further. Even if they do, the ballot never explains voting “yes” is agreeing to give up refunds under the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR) and to permanently increase the cost of state government.
Voters are facing an average increase in home property taxes of 36% come next January. In some communities, the increase could be nearly 50%. If Prop HH passes, the average increase will be 26% – still the largest property tax increase of our lifetime.