Colorado voters are facing a critical decision this November: whether or not to pass Proposition HH, the largest property tax hike in the state's history. This measure claims to help Coloradoans by limiting the increase in property taxes and addressing the spike in property values during the pandemic, but it will do more harm than good.

Under Proposition HH, property taxes will still go up by a staggering 30%. This tax hike, disguised as a "relief", will only adjust the assessment rate from 6.76% to 6.7%, which is a minuscule decrease in the worst increase in state history. Coloradans will be forced to pay at least double of what Proposition HH claims to give back. This is not a tax cut; it is a blatant attempt by the government to take more money from hardworking citizens.

WATCH: The ‘No on Prop HH’ commercial produced by Advance Colorado. Proposition HH, the misleadingly phrased ballot initiative being put before Colorado voters this November. Prop HH’s true purpose is: bailing out profligate state legislators, sticking working Coloradans with the bill, and piercing the ironclad protections embedded in the state’s popular, longstanding Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

If Proposition HH passes, it will also permanently take away the taxpayer refunds under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR). That $750 "Colorado Cash Back" check you received last year? It's money the government owes you, but with this measure, the government can keep an extra compounding 1% every year, resulting in a staggering $10 billion handed over to politicians over the next 10 years.

This is money that should be in taxpayers' pockets, not lining the pockets of politicians.

What's even more concerning is that there is no guarantee where this $10 billion will go. The legislature can rewrite and allocate it as they please, making it a blank check for politicians. It's time to hold our elected officials accountable and say no to Proposition HH.

According to the nonpartisan Common Sense Institute, renters will be the biggest losers under Proposition HH. Despite making up 33% of Coloradoans, they will receive no tax relief and will also have to give up their TABOR refunds forever. This measure will also hurt senior citizens and working families, as their refunds will also be taken away.

Furthermore, Proposition HH will have a devastating impact on the senior homestead exemption, which currently allows those 65 and older to exempt 50% of their home's value up to $100,000 from taxation if they have owned their primary residence for at least 10 years. Under this measure, this exemption will be forfeited if someone over 65 who receives or has received the benefit moves or has moved. This will only add more financial burden on our seniors, who have already been hit hard by the pandemic.

But the truth is, there are better solutions to address the spike in property taxes. Governor Polis can and should have by now called a special session to address this issue without ending TABOR. The long-term solution to this crisis is to cap future increases in property taxes – either through a special session or by allowing citizens to put a cap on the ballot.

READ MORE:

• Capitol Democrats Attempt to Reverse Property Tax Relief in Douglas County

• Proposition HH: A Deceptive Bailout For Politicians at the Expense Of Coloradans

• Proposition HH: Polis’ Trojan Horse Tax Hike Disguised as Tabor Refunds

• Polis Discusses Affordable Housing, Drug Policies, Gun Control, and More in Interview

It's important to note that Proposition HH was crafted by the same legislators who are trying to take an extra $10 billion from taxpayers. Their carefully worded ballot language may sound appealing, but they are simply trying to buy your vote. Do not be fooled by a bait & switch – Proposition HH is a tax hike, not a property tax relief.

Many are warning voters not let the government take advantage of this crisis to increase their power and fill their pockets. Instead demand better solutions and hold our elected officials accountable.