Most of the arguments around Proposition CC stress the immediate impact on the state budget and the benefits of additional funding for roads, K-12 education, and higher education.
More important, in my opinion, are the potential long-term benefits. The TABOR restriction that state tax and fee revenue can grow only in proportion to population and inflation becomes devastating in the wake of revenue losses that occur during a recession. The state must balance its budget, even on reduced revenue. When the economy recovers, the TABOR limit serves as a ratchet, reducing the baseline for possible future growth. Over time, that has caused perennial shortfalls in funding for transportation and education.
The annual refunds provided to individual taxpayers under TABOR in good years are modest ($26 to $90 per taxpayer per year) and they vanish most years, when revenues are limited by a weak economy.
Vote Yes on CC to ensure that after recessions, the state can recover its ability to support the fundamental needs for transportation and education.
Dick White
Durango
