A group of Democratic lawmakers in Colorado has proposed a series of measures to overhaul the state’s tax policy and challenge the constitutionality of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). The plan includes reclassifying highway funding to free up money, changing the income tax to a graduated system, and launching a lawsuit against TABOR. The proposals come as Colorado faces a budget deficit of over $1 billion due to TABOR’s spending cap. The lawmakers believe that the state is struggling to sustain itself and that TABOR is constricting its ability to fund essential programs.
The lawsuit resolution, spearheaded by lawmakers including Sean Camacho and Lorena Garcia, aims to challenge TABOR on the basis of constricting the state’s ability to govern effectively. Governor Jared Polis has previously supported income tax reductions and defended TABOR in the past. The proposed changes to the income tax system would slightly decrease taxes for lower-income filers and increase them for higher-income filers.
While discussions about reforming TABOR have been ongoing throughout the legislative session, Republicans have already signaled their opposition to any changes to the policy. The proposed measures would need to be approved by voters unless the legislative challenge to TABOR in court is successful. The lawmakers argue that TABOR has created a financial chokehold on the state and is hindering its ability to address pressing issues such as education and infrastructure funding.
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