Progressive Democrats take advantage of special session to push for overreaching bills
Colorado's special legislative session intended to fix the state's terrible property tax mess has been hijacked by progressive Democrats in the legislature.
What was supposed to be a simple and necessary fix has turned into a far-reaching spending spree, with the House of Representatives passing a measure that would double a state tax credit for low-income working families and redirect $185 million from the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) fund.
This move has sparked outrage from both moderates and conservatives and highlights the differing priorities between Democrats and Republicans in the Colorado state legislature. One proposal, House Bill 23-1002, aims to redistribute tax breaks from higher earners to those in financial need, which aligns with progressive ideals but goes against the principles of conservative taxpayers. It’s also outside the scope of what was intend by the special session.
One of the bill's sponsors, Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, stated that the measure "ensures that we are targeting necessary relief to the people who need it the most." However, this claim is debatable, as the bill includes a $185 million diversion from the TABOR fund, which is meant to protect taxpayers from excessive government spending.
So, we don’t forget, Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn is the same Colorado legislator who plays with “Think Putty” in committee hearings to address her attention deficient issues and has read from Dr. Seuss’s ‘The Lorax’ into the Colorado House official record to explain Colorado’s complex energy policy.
This push for redistribution of wealth comes as no surprise, as progressives have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the recently failed Proposition HH, which they believed favored wealthy homeowners over low-income individuals.
Their solution? Use the special session as an opportunity to push for their own agenda, despite widespread opposition from moderates and conservatives who have been critical of the bill.
Republicans in the legislature have taken a different lesson from the rejection of Proposition HH by voters - "Leave taxpayer refunds alone." Rep. Scott Bottoms, R-Colorado Springs, noted that the bill directly contradicts the will of the people and their desire to not have their TABOR funds touched.
“Why do we just keep giving and backfilling and giving and back filling when the actual taxpayers are the ones taking the cut,” said Rep. Scott Bottoms R-El Paso speaking to Senate Bill 23B-001. “Let's stop hurting the taxpayers and expect some of these districts to do without some stuff.”
“Why do we just keep giving and backfilling and giving and back filling when the actual taxpayers are the ones taking the cut, said Rep. Scott Bottoms R-El Paso speaking to Senate Bill 23B-001. “Let's stop hurting the taxpayers and expect some of these districts to do without some stuff.”
HB 1002 not only disregards the concerns of taxpayers but also expands the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by a significant margin. This credit, intended to benefit low-income workers with children, has now been expanded to include all families making up to $63,400 annually. This means that families who were not previously eligible for the EITC will now receive a payment back from the state when filing their taxes.
Democrats have justified this expansion by claiming it aligns with the spirit of TABOR, but in reality, it goes against the constitutional limit on annual government revenue growth and the principles of fair taxation. It is simply another attempt by progressives to unfairly redistribute wealth and pick winners and losers in the state's tax system.
Even some Republicans who previously supported expanding the EITC have spoken out against HB 1002, stating that it is unfair to middle-class workers who do not qualify.
And let's not forget that this bill is just one of two being debated in the special session, with the other providing $30 million for rental assistance. All this spending will ultimately come from hard-working taxpayers who are already struggling to make ends meet, especially in the current economic climate.
READ MORE:
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COLORADO COULD EXPAND LOW-INCOME TAX CREDIT WHILE SHRINKING TABOR REFUNDS
EVEN 9NEWS’ KYLE CARK HAS CALLED ON DEMOCRATS TO BE MORE HONEST
DEMOCRAT SPEAKER LOSES CONTROL OF THE HOUSE TO PRO-PALESTINIAN PROTESTERS
In their rush to push through their own agenda, Democrats have completely disregarded the voices of the taxpayers who elected them and have shown a concerning lack of fiscal responsibility. It is important for all Coloradans to stay informed and hold their elected representatives accountable for their actions.
Sadly, the outcome of this special session, as Democrats and Governor Polis squander an opportunity to provide real property tax relief for working Colorado families, won’t be what Coloradans had asked for when they rejected Prop HH.