Politicians at all levels are always talking about creating jobs and enticing new businesses to move to Colorado. Amendment 69 will have the exact opposite effect on job creation.
Can you imagine trying to sell a prospective business owner on relocating to Colorado or starting a new business in light of the new 10 percent payroll tax this amendment would impose?
This new tax would make Colorado the state with the highest income tax bracket in the country! ColoradoCare is an amendment to the state Constitution, which would make it very difficult to unwind when it doesn’t work.
The governing board (yet to be established) can determine if there’s a “need” for more money if a shortfall occurs. Consequently, a massive tax increase, or cut in benefits, would be required at the behest of this governing board with no further input from the taxpayers who would bear the burden.
Questions of accountability and transparency, specifically the compensation package for board members comes into question.
Colorado state Sen. Irene Aguilar (who spoke in Durango on Sept. 1) is a leading proponent of this amendment. She may be term-limited, as she spoke to this at that time. She has an interest in serving on such a board. Looking for work?
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, made up of 3,000 members, who employ 300,000 individuals in the area, voted unanimously to oppose Amendment 69. The National Federation of Independent Businesses, for which I worked at one time, opposes ColoradoCare by 98 percent. Gov. John Hickenlooper and both Colorado U.S. senators oppose ColoradoCare. It would be devastating for small businesses and working class families.
I’m voting “no” on ColoradoCare.
Joe Zuber
Durango
