Dec
15
Category Archives: Taxes
Dec
12
In Two Blue States, Voters Back Democrats, But Show a Wariness Toward Taxes
A lawn sign urges voters to oppose Proposition CC, which would have relaxed a Colorado law that restricts the state’s taxing power. Voters rejected the measure in November. AP PHOTO/DAVID ZALUBOWSKI
In Colorado and Washington, residents this fall voted to either constrain state tax revenues or cut fees, even as Democratic lawmakers argue the money is needed to support education and transportation programs.
Colorado voters during the past two elections have made clear that while they’re willing to back Democratic candidates, they’re reluctant to give them greater taxing power to help carry out their agendas.
That’s even as progressives argue that funding is falling short in areas like education and transportation. Last month, Coloradans kept up the pattern, rejecting a ballot measure that would have relaxed limits on the amount of tax collections that the state government can keep.
Further west, residents in another left-leaning state, Washington, also voted in November to crimp government revenues. Voters approved a ballot initiative to cap the cost of vehicle registration fees, or “car tabs,” which help pay for transit and other transportation programs.
“I think you could say it’s an anti-tax vote, clearly,” said Rep. Jake Fey, a Tacoma-area Democrat who chairs the Washington state House Transportation Committee.
In both places, the election results show how there can be limits to the appetite people have for paying more money for public services and infrastructure—even when a majority of a state’s voters are willing to support Democrats who tend to embrace more progressive platforms, which often involve bigger government.
The measures also highlight the complications and uncertainty that can arise when making tax policy at the ballot box, as well as some unique facets of each state’s tax structure.
Dec
11
$10 million poured into 2019 election, but big money couldn’t push Proposition CC to passage
A look at the final campaign cash reports shows plenty of dark money on Proposition CC and two major players betting big on Proposition DD.
Dec
10
We Got All Kind Of Taxes, Forrest
Dec
10
The Wise And Correct Course To Follow In Taxation Is Not To
Dec
10
No Matter What Anyone May Say About Making The Rich And The Corporations Pay More In Taxes
Dec
10
I Want Taxes To Be Less, That The People May Have More
Dec
08
Everyone Desires A Reduction Of Taxes, And There Is A Great Preponderance Of Sentiment In Favor Of Taxation Reform
Dec
08
Collecting More Taxes Than Is Absolutely Necessary Is Legalized Robbery
Dec
08
As I Went About With My Father, When He Collected Taxes, I Knew That When Taxes Were Laid, Someone Had To Work Hard To Earn The Money To Pay Them
