Category Archives: TABOR Refunds

Sep 24

In its latest ruling, Colorado Supreme Court once again avoids question at heart of TABOR debate

Posted on by

In its latest ruling, Colorado Supreme Court once again avoids question at heart of TABOR debate

NFIB filed a lawsuit five years ago arguing that fees levied by the secretary of state’s office violated the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. The ruling left them unsatisfied.

The Colorado Sun — johnfrank@coloradosun.com

More than 25 years since the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights won voters approval in Colorado, one question continues to vex policymakers and judges: What qualifies as as tax?

The question sat at the center of a 5-year-old case before the Colorado Supreme Court challenging the fees the secretary of state’s office charges businesses. The 22-page ruling issued by the court Monday, however, once again avoids a direct answer.

What is clear in the decision: The fees the Department of State charges to businesses for registration, licenses and other purposes do not equate to a tax that needs approval for voters under the requirements of TABOR.

The National Federation of Independent Business, which represents small businesses, filed a lawsuit in 2014 challenging this system as unconstitutional. The group argued that the charges to businesses were taxes — rather than fees — because the revenue paid for other unrelated agency services, such as overseeing elections. And if true, any increase in the charges or alteration in the policy would run afoul of TABOR, which mandates such moves need consent from voters.

The state Supreme Court’s decision rejecting the claim affirmed a lower court ruling that sided with the secretary of state and vacated a Court of Appeals determination that kept the case alive. The case started under Republican Secretary of State Scott Gessler and continued under his GOP successor Wayne Williams. But in the end it carried the name of Secretary Jena Griswold, a Democrat, who applauded the decision.

To read the rest of this story, please click (HERE):

Sep 21

Now we know how much money is at stake on the 2019 ballot with Proposition CC and TABOR refunds in Colorado

Posted on by

Now we know how much money is at stake on the 2019 ballot with Proposition CC and TABOR refunds in Colorado

New economic forecasts show the state may refund as much as $1.7 billion to taxpayers in the next three fiscal years — but not all will benefit the same

The Colorado Sun — johnfrank@coloradosun.com

On the November ballot, Colorado voters will decide a question potentially worth as much as $1.7 billion.

Proposition CC asks voters for permission to end the cap on state tax revenue outlined in the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. If the answer is yes, the state plans to spend the money on schools, higher education and transportation projects. If the answer is no, the money would get returned to taxpayers as a refund — mostly to benefit seniors and disabled veterans.

Just how much money is at stake became clearer Friday, as state economists released the latest economic projections to inform the ballot question

The tax revenue is estimated to exceed the TABOR caps by $541.7 million to $1.7 billion total in the next three fiscal years through 2022, according to forecasts from legislative economists and Gov. Jared Polis’ budget office. If the state’s economy continues to prosper, the total would continue to grow in future years.

House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, said the numbers show how much Colorado voters can do to address priority spending areas in the $30 billion state budget if Prop. CC is approved.

To read the rest of this story, please click (HERE):

Sep 21

Cooke: The case against Colorado’s Proposition CC

Posted on by

 By Amy Oliver Cooke

For those who aren’t familiar with our Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, also known as TABOR, it’s simple. TABOR promotes transparent, consensual and good, fair government. Ever since voters approved it in 1992, this constitutional amendment has been an indispensable voter check and balance on state government growth. TABOR provides reasonable limitations on revenue collection (population growth plus inflation) and general government debt.

If government wants to grow, all it has to do is ask voters. Coloradans are lucky to live in a state in which we get to decide on the size and scope of government.

First, there is no budget crisis.

To read the rest of the story, click (HERE):

Sep 21

Ari Armstrong Tweet About Proposition CC

Posted on by
Ari Armstrong@ariarmstrong
CO Prop. CC is a “net tax increase.”
It doesn’t increase tax *rates*, but it increases the overall amount of tax dollars that government keeps.
Here’s an idea: If you want government to have more of your money, just send it in.
No one’s stopping you.