Feb 28

Fiscal Rules and ‘Learning by Doing’

February 28, 2024

Fiscal Rules and ‘Learning by Doing’

By Barry Poulson

An important discovery in understanding productivity change and economic growth is the phenomenon of “learning by doing.” One of the first discoveries of this phenomenon was in the aircraft industry during World War II. Defense contractors discovered that in producing a particular aircraft, the labor force was more efficient with each successive contract. The labor force gained knowledge in producing aircraft in the initial contract that they applied in subsequent contracts.

Learning by doing is found to increase productivity across many industries. It is found in pursuing public policies as well. I gained insight into these learning effects as a member of the Colorado Tax Commission. We held hearings across the state to gain insight into citizen attitudes toward fiscal policy, and in particular to Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights Amendment (TABOR). If any government in Colorado wants to increase taxes, revenues, or issue public debt, it must have citizen approval. Citizens in Colorado have voted on hundreds of these ballot measures at all levels of government since TABOR was passed through citizen initiative in 1992. Continue reading

Feb 23

Freedom Minute | Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR)

Economist Dr. Paul Prentice explains Colorado’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) amendment. TABOR allows the state budget to grow each year at population plus inflation, while giving taxpayers the ability to vote on all tax and debt increases.

Feb 23

Freedom Minute | Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about TABOR

 

Rob Natelson wrote THE BOOK on Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. As he puts it, “It’s everything you could ever want to know about TABOR.” Check it out here: https://www.i2i.org/the-colorado-taxp…

Mar 17

Will The Left Abolish TABOR?

Friday @CompleteCO update:
@JonCaldara, @MichaelCLFields and @benamurrey on defending and strengthening the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights
#copolitics
http://CompleteColorado.com

https://twitter.com/CompleteCO/status/1636728225970946048?s=20

Click this link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGkh2Kg-MJU, to watch Jon Caldara, Michael Fields, and Ben Murrey discuss TABOR;

 

Mar 09

Americans For Prosperity Supports the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights

TABOR supporter,

Did you know Americans For Prosperity has been promoting and protecting TABOR, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights?

Attached is a brochure with their latest activities.

You can learn more by checking their website, https://americansforprosperity.org/state/colorado/

The purpose of this letter is to share a list of Americans for Prosperity’s vigorous activities educating the public about TABOR over the last several months.

Since not everyone may have witnessed those efforts (much is visible on facebook and twitter), I’m including some social blurbs and photos. These blurbs just span back to the July-August 2022 period and I certainly haven’t included all their activities, though there’s more available.

 

AFP mailers to voters that refunds were thanks to TABOR.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, AFP engaged in a gas promotion with unleaded at $2.38 per gallon. AFP covered the difference between the $2.38 and the going rate of $4.45. While drivers waited in line to get the promo gas price, AFP shared information about the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, handed out promo materials and water. Continue reading

Feb 27

AFP at the state capitol – this Thursday, March 2nd

With looming attacks on our Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) has organized a Lobby Day at the Colorado State Capitol for Thursday, March 2nd from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. Your participation is welcome, even if you have just a couple hours available.

The focus will be communicating directly with state legislators to:

  1. Protect TABOR refunds
  2. Stop the gas tax from going into effect
  3. Protect Coloradans from soaring energy bills.

The group will be meeting 8:30 am next to the south entry to the capitol at 14th Avenue.

Contact Michael Alarcon with AFP at 303-483-3217 if you have questions or need to meetup with the group through the day.

AFP will provide lunch.