A contentious bill that would withhold certain grant and tax money from Colorado communities that choose not to participate in a federal program targeting illegal immigrants passed the House on Tuesday in a 36-29 vote.
HB 1140 received unanimous support from Republicans and three “yes” votes from Democrats. It now heads to the Senate.
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The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, would withhold certain grant and tax money — such as cigarette-tax revenue — from any local government that chooses not to participate in the initiative. Governments across the state that do participate would, in turn, have access to that extra money.
Most Democrats opposed the bill because they say withholding tax revenue from communities is the wrong move in a tight economy.
