IP-3-1994 (March 1994)
Author: Fred Holden

PDF of full Issue Paper
Scribd version of full Issue Paper

Executive Summary:

• Although American political heritage teaches the importance of representative government, in practice the best representation comes to those with the best lobbyists.

• Almost half (45%) of all lobbyists registered in Colorado represent government or quasi-government entities.

• As a result, taxpayers are forced to support a large cadre of lobbyists who push for even higher taxes, paid for by taxpayers.

• To provide better balance—and more truly representative government—a stronger taxpayer lobbying voice is needed.

• One remedy would be to impose a 4% surcharge on lobbying expenditures of government entities. The revenue would be placed in a taxpayer Lobbying Trust Fund, to support pro-taxpayer lobbying.

• Alternatively, or additionally, place a check-off box on the Colorado income tax form, so that taxpayers can voluntarily designate a portion of their refund to support lobbyists with a lower tax, less government viewpoint.