Proposition II: Ask Voters to Let Government Keep Overtaxing
In a stunning move, the state of Colorado has once again shown its true colors by proposing to keep excess tax dollars from already overtaxed citizens. Proposition II, a ballot measure placed on the November ballot by the Democratic-led legislature, aims to let the government keep all future revenue generated from increased taxes on tobacco and nicotine products. This comes after the state collected $24 million more than expected in revenue from the taxes, which were originally raised to fund a universal preschool program, according to Common Sense Institute data.
Under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, money collected in excess of a tax's projected revenue must be refunded to citizens unless they approve the government keeping it. However, the state is ignoring this and asks voters to let them keep the extra money to expand the preschool program.
In 2020, the increased taxes on tobacco and nicotine products were approved by voters through Proposition EE, which was heavily pushed by Democrats. However, the revenue generated from these taxes exceeded expectations, leading to the proposal of Proposition II. This is a clear case of government greed, as they are now attempting to take more money from hardworking citizens under the guise of "funding a popular preschool program."
Supporters of this “sin tax” argue that higher taxes on tobacco and nicotine products will discourage their use and that expanding the preschool program will benefit children's education and health.
However, what they fail to mention is the fact that this money was originally intended for other uses, such as funding for K-12 education and housing assistance. This is a bait-and-switch tactic by the state, and citizens should not be fooled by their deceptive tactics.
A no vote on Proposition II would refund the projected $23.65 million to various tobacco and nicotine wholesalers and distributors. The tobacco and nicotine tax rate created by Proposition EE would be reduced by 11.53% to ensure future collections do not exceed projections.
Even one of the three Democrats who voted against the bill (HB23-1290) that put Proposition II on the ballot, State Representative Stephanie Vigil, expressed her disgust with the increased nicotine and tobacco taxes.
She describes them as regressive and not helpful in encouraging people to quit smoking. Yet, she is still voting in favor of the measure. This is yet another example of political posturing and hypocrisy by our elected officials.
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It's time for the state of Colorado to stop taking advantage of its overtaxed citizens and return the excess revenue collected.
Proposition II is a blatant money grab and must be rejected by voters in November. It's time for the government to be held accountable and prioritize the needs of its citizens over its own agenda.