How Colorado’s Tax Burdens Rank Nationally
Residents of Colorado should know how their tax burden compares with Americans throughout the nation. Colorado ranks 26th nationally, compared to all other states for the combined state and local tax burden, on a per capita basis.
Government Loans Bring Trouble
by Harris Kenny Solar panel-maker Solyndra has been in the headlines because it received $528 million worth of taxpayer-backed federal loans and then went bankrupt. But Denver residents don’t need to look at failed Solyndra to see the trouble that government loans can bring. Sadly, there are some prime examples closer to home. Last month, […]
Prop 103: What Is The Cost To Colorado Taxpayers?
by Barry Poulson In November, Colorado citizens will vote on Prop 103 to increase taxes and earmark the revenue for education K-12. Prop 103 increases the personal income tax, the corporate income tax, and the statewide sales and use tax for the years 2012 through 2016. The Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Colorado Legislative […]
Proposition 103: What is the Cost to Colorado Taxpayers?
Proposition 103 is an initiative that will increase Colorado tax rates and require the state to spend the money on government schools. Prop 103 increases the personal income tax, the corporate income tax, and the statewide sales and use tax for the years 2012 through 2016.
The Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by Colorado’s Legislative Council Staff estimates the cost of the tax increase at $2.9 billion. However, the cost for Colorado taxpayers will be significantly greater than staff estimates. Legislative Council uses static analysis, measuring only the direct impact of the higher taxes on state revenue. They ignore the negative impact the tax increase will have on economic growth and jobs in Colorado.
Appendix E: TABOR, Article X, Section 20, Colorado Constitution
PDF of full Appendix E Scribd version of full Appendix E Section 20. The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. (1) General Provisions. This section takes effect December 31, 1992 or as stated. Its preferred interpretation shall reasonably restrain most the growth of government. All provisions are self-executing and severable and supersede conflicting state constitutional, state statutory, […]
How to Save a Billion Dollars in Other Post-Employment Benefit Costs
This study focuses on the retiree health plan administered by the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA). The PERA Health Care Program is a cost sharing multiple-employer plan. The “employers” in this context are the various governments that hire most public employees, such as public school teachers, fire fighters, police officers and state employees. Under this program, PERA subsidizes a portion of the premium for health care coverage, and the retiree pays any remaining amount of that premium. The Colorado legislature created the Health Care Trust Fund in 1999 to provide state subsidies to the Health Care Program.
Apologize Now for the Burden Future Generations Will Bear
First, you should apologize to your children.
Software Download Tax a Threat to Colorado’s Online Future
But of course bad legislation is all about absurdity.
The Mother of All Unfunded Mandates
If there ever was a time for the states to challenge federal unfunded mandates, it is now.
TABOR Amendment has Saved Colorado
Do we really want to follow California’s disastrous abandonment of fiscal discipline?
Coloradoan Says Tax-Limiting Initiative There Has Worked
Polls reveal that Colorado citizens support the TABOR Amendment by a greater majority today than when it was enacted.
PERA Falls Off A Cliff
The Public Employees Retirement System (PERA) in Colorado is experiencing a funding crisis. The recent collapse of financial markets has resulted in a significant decrease in the value of the PERA portfolio. But the funding crisis in PERA is not just the result of problems in financial markets.
