Editor’s note: Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter faces Republicans Scott McInnis and Dan Maes in next year’s gubernatorial election. The Post asked the three candidates this question: “The state has a $1 billion shortfall. What would you cut?” To read the other candidates’ answers, see the links at right.
Colorado families and small businesses are tightening their belts and making difficult changes. Facing the worst economy since the Great Depression, people are feeling uncertain about the future.
They expect government to make the same kind of changes to keep the budget balanced. Coloradans are doing their part, and government must keep doing its part, too.
This is our new economic reality, a time for strong leadership and tough choices — choices that may not be politically popular but are necessary so we can rebuild an economy that’s stronger and more sustainable than before.
Over the past 15 months, I’ve made hundreds of specific budget decisions to cut spending, eliminate waste and streamline services.
I’ve eliminated raises for employees for two years, ordered eight unpaid furlough days, and I’m returning a portion of my own salary. I’ve proposed a 2.5 percent pay cut for state employees, eliminated 300 full-time positions, and the executive branch workforce is 520 employees smaller today than when the economy collapsed last fall.
We’re doing things we’ve never had to do before, like cutting K-12 education and adjusting some tax credits and exemptions. As a father, I know a quality education is the key to Colorado’s future. That has been, and always will be, a guiding principle of my administration.
I know our schools are doing more with less, and I honor that dedication and sacrifice. Until now, we’ve protected K-12 education, increasing it by $1 billion the past five years. Even with this proposed 4.6 percent reduction, education still makes up nearly half of our General Fund budget, and we will be protecting pre-school and full-day kindergarten expansions and other nationally recognized reforms.
When examining tax credits, I chose to continue exempting items from the state’s 2.9 percent sales tax that are most important to consumers and small businesses: food, medicine and manufacturing parts. I’ve chosen to eliminate or temporarily delay 13 of 100 special tax exemptions and credits to protect against further education cuts.
Overall, I’ve insisted on a fair and balanced budget strategy that minimizes pain and asks everyone to share in the solutions. It allows us to protect public safety, maintain the safety net and preserve programs that encourage job-creation and economic growth.
These budget decisions are not easy, and many people will find them unpopular. But they are necessary and right. As state government adapts to new economic times, I’m more committed than ever to creating a better future for our children and grandchildren.
Bill Ritter is the 41st governor of Colorado.
