What will lawmakers tackle when they convene Friday for a three-day special session?
Colorado lawmakers are gearing up for a three-day special session starting on Friday to address the pressing issue of soaring property taxes across the state. A problem that was fixable last session without an expensive ballot measure that eventually failed by a wide margin.
Proposals for the special session have been circulating this week, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing their opinions on the matter.
However, some clear lines have been drawn between the two parties. While Republicans are pushing for relief without tapping into Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) refunds, Democrats are leaning towards using those funds for local governments and renters' assistance.
Governor Jared Polis called for the special session, stating that relief from this burden is essential for Coloradans. His order for the special session also includes considerations for a TABOR refund mechanism, rental assistance, and adjustments to the Earned Income Tax Credit for the 2023 fiscal year. Lawmakers will also be tasked with creating a process to review and make recommendations for long-term property tax relief.
But the special session won't just be about property taxes. It will also address the issue of food and nutrition benefits for Colorado children by tapping into a new federal program.
So, what have the two parties worked out so far?
The proposed Democratic omnibus proposal includes measures such as reducing property tax burdens for the 2023 fiscal year, utilizing TABOR surplus and state reserve funds to deal with revenue reductions for schools and local governments, and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit. Notably absent, however, is the process for finding a long-term solution to the property tax issue.
Meanwhile, the Republican proposal, put forth by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer and Representative Rose Pugliese, includes a task force to investigate a long-term fix for property taxes. The 23-member group would include lawmakers with experience in local government, as well as representatives from various organizations related to property taxes and nonprofits.
Both the Republican and Democratic proposals offer relief through different mechanisms, with Republicans advocating for a clean property tax relief without touching TABOR refunds.
Pugliese emphasized that the voters have already spoken against Proposition HH, which would have used TABOR refunds for property tax relief. Instead, she suggests tapping into the $1.2 billion in additional revenue forecasted for the state, without using TABOR surplus.
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House Speaker Julie McCluskie expressed hope for a bipartisan solution, noting that the last bill that addressed property taxes, SB22-238, received unanimous support from both parties. She believes that the special session is an opportunity to provide property tax relief and address the needs of low-income Coloradans and renters.
McCluskie also stressed the importance of equalized TABOR refunds and a long-term solution to the property tax issue. But with the compressed timeline for the special session, she believes that the conversations she's had with members have been filled with enthusiasm and commitment to address these issues.
This seems hopeful at best.
McCluskie says is looking forward to seeing a full house on Friday and learning about the proposed legislation. As for the possibility of a repeat of the contentious rules and limited debate brought on by Democrats seen in the 2023 session, she believes that it's time to move forward and find solutions that resonate with voters and constituents.