In a few short days, the 67th session of the Colorado General Assembly is set to begin. We are entering this legislative session with the hope that we can set the stage for a return to economic prosperity. That is why legislative Republicans have one resounding message for our Democratic counterparts: Don’t raise taxes and fees during a recession.
Many Colorado families are still struggling with the continued effects of a lagging economy. Unemployment is close to double digits, and although we are beginning to see signs of life in the economy, we still have a ways to go.
Raising taxes and fees and creating new mandates on small businesses won’t help put moms and dads back to work. Yet last year, Gov. Bill Ritter and majority Democrats levied $1 billion of new taxes and fees on Colorado families, including a $90 million property tax increase on Colorado seniors; a $30 million tax hike on small businesses; a $225 million-a-year car tax that will raise registration fees by up to $70 per vehicle; a new half-billion dollar tax on the state’s hospitals; and a $40 million tax increase on capital — choking off investment and job creation at a time when Colorado desperately needs more of both. Democrats even doubled the cost of a marriage license and increased the cost of a divorce petition.
But that wasn’t enough. Ritter wants to dig into taxpayer wallets again and has already proposed some $500 million in tax increases for 2010 and 2011. Some Democrats in the legislature want to go even further, calling for more than $1 billion in tax hikes.
At a time when we are already fighting cap and tax on the federal level, another damaging proposal to come out of the governor’s office would raise taxes on energy used by agriculture, industrial and manufacturing services. This is a $48 million energy tax on businesses and farms in Colorado. When the cost of doing business increases, it is inevitably passed along to the consumer. It will hit your pocketbook in the form of higher prices on things like your phone bill and your favorite local beer.
These additional burdens on Colorado businesses will only further hinder our economic recovery. That is why we pledge to fight back against continued government growth and the erosion of our liberties under the current administration.
From the GOP, you will see fiscally responsible and common sense proposals to cut back government spending, create a rainy day fund and oppose job-killing rules and regulations. You will see bills that protect our state’s right to reject the outrageous Democratic federal health care plan that does nothing to “reform” or expand coverage. We will not allow Colorado taxpayers to pick up the tab for every deal-making congressman.
Republicans know that with the recession comes an incredible opportunity to truly reform government, reduce spending and create a state government that is responsive to the people it serves. Despite being consistently rebuffed by the Democratic majority, we will continue to advocate for a responsible state budget.
The administration has repeatedly avoided making difficult budget cuts. In fact, 82 percent of the current budget “fixes” proposed by the governor are only one-time solutions, like federal bailout dollars, cash fund transfers, accounting gimmicks, and raids on state trust funds. Kicking the can down the road is not leadership; it is bad public policy and irresponsible governance.
As many members of the House and Senate GOP are small-business owners, farmers, and parents, we understand the effects of the current recession because we are feeling them, too. The current administration believes that government alone can lead us back to economic prosperity. However, Colorado has been built by the ingenuity and hard work of businesses and families, not the bureaucracy of government.
That is why we will continue to offer solutions that empower individuals, small business owners, cut back government spending and move Colorado toward a brighter future.
State Sen. Greg Brophy is assistant minority leader and represents Senate District 2. State Rep. Amy Stephens is the minority caucus chair and represents House District 20.
