Amendment 77, Local control of gaming, will allow residents of Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek to expand gaming and gaming limits, removing the maximum single bet limit of $100 and letting them add new casino games. We see no reason to stand in the way of these towns exercising their prerogatives. Yes on Amendment 77.
Amendment C, the Charitable Bingo and Raffles Amendment, makes it quicker for new charities to organize bingo games and raffles for their fundraisers. When someone suggests going through the overwritten Colorado constitution to lighten it up, dropping bingo and raffle rules is a good example why. Yes on Amendment C.
Proposition 116 would decrease the state income tax rate from 4.63% to 4.55%. But now is when the state, with its growing population and commitments to education, Medicare, and transportation, needs the full tax revenue. No on Proposition 116.
Proposition 118, the Paid Medical and Family Leave Initiative, would create an enterprise in the state’s Department of Labor. Given what is certain to be a sizable administrative office, and its cost to employers and employees, this is the wrong plan at the wrong time. No on Proposition 118.
Proposition 115, the 22-Week Abortion Ban Initiative, would penalize doctors for performing an abortion after that time. But the government has no judgment or skills in the reproductive arena, and should stay out. No on Proposition 115.
Proposition 117, to Require Voter Approval of Certain New Enterprises Exempt from TABOR, will require voters to approve any new state enterprise that is expected to be supported by more than $100 million in revenue from fees over five years. Colorado is a leader in involving voters in setting taxation levels. That can apply to new initiatives supported by fees. Yes on Proposition 117.
Proposition EE would tax nicotine from all sides, adding to cigarette taxes, taxing wholesalers and for the first time taxing vaping. It would set a minimum price on cigarettes, adding to tax revenue and likely discouraging use. Revenue from the added and new taxes will go to public schools, including free preschool programs, and to programs that reduce nicotine use. Yes on Proposition EE.
Amendment B, the Gallagher Repeal, means Colorado homeowners will continue to pay unusually low property taxes, but they will not go lower. And local services, those funded by mill levies, will at least see some stability in their budgets. A state’s appeal is not all mountains and rivers. Its residents need a certain level of proper school support and quality services. Vote Yes on Amendment B.
Proposition 113, National Popular Vote, will add Colorado to the list of states that want the victor in the presidential race to be determined by a larger pool of voters, not state by state. It is time to give the American electorate an improved opportunity to select its president. Yes on Proposition 113.
Amendment 76 would replace the word “every” with the word “only” to describe citizens who can vote. We see no reason to apply this apparent limitation. There has been no abuse of “every” through the years. Leave the constitution alone. No on Amendment 76.
Proposition 114, the reintroduction of gray wolves, will create a plan after statewide hearings shaped to include “scientific, economic and social considerations” and to resolve conflicts with those engaged in ranching and farming. Yes on Proposition 114.
Initiative 4A, to benefit 9-R schools and public charter schools, will continue the property tax mill levy that homeowners have been paying – about $166 on a $400,000 residence – to upgrade facilities, money well spent and invested. Yes on Initiative 4A.
