A sampling of reaction to the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling upholding a school tax measure:
“With all due respect to the Supreme Court, the district court (whose ruling was overturned) got this right. The Supreme Court’s decision today represents a fundamental erosion of Colorado taxpayers’ rights.”—Attorney General John Suthers.
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“The real winners today are Colorado’s children, families and schools. We took up this fight two years ago because it was the right thing to do for the right reasons: We were leading Colorado forward by removing an obstacle that hurt students, families and this state’s future.”—Gov. Bill Ritter.
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“The purpose of (the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights) ‘is to require that the voters decide for themselves the necessity for the imposition of new tax burdens.’ … Today the majority (of the Supreme Court) deprives the voters of this opportunity regarding SB 07-199. I therefore respectfully dissent.”—Colorado Supreme Court Justice Allison Eid.
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“Everyone in Colorado wins today, especially Colorado’s children. If Colorado is to compete in a global economy, we cannot allow education to continue to go underfunded, and the ruling today affirms an important step forward.” Senate President Peter Groff, D-Denver.
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“This is a rogue court issuing yet another reckless ruling.”—Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch.
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“I’m pleased with the court’s decision but not in the least surprised. We knew this would pass constitutional muster or we wouldn’t have done it. The legislation simply stabilizes funding for our kids’ schools so they can get the quality of education they deserve.”—House Speaker Terrance Carroll, D-Denver.
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“Just because a court can do something doesn’t mean they should.” House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker.
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“Today is a wonderful victory that will allow us to provide long-term, sustainable local support for our schools. It’s also a victory for local voters who have said they want to invest in their local schools.”—State Treasurer Cary Kennedy.
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“With loyalist Democrats in charge of the governor’s mansion, the state House, the state Senate, and the Supreme Court, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights is on life support and the principle of fiscal restraint is in full retreat.” Rep. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction.
