Colorado Senators Debate Tax Amendment Before 2025 Ballot Vote

In a recent meeting of the Colorado State Legislature's Senate Appropriations Committee, lawmakers engaged in a heated debate regarding a proposed bill that would refer a tax rate increase to voters in the upcoming election on November 4, 2025. The discussions centered around compliance with the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR), a constitutional amendment that requires voter approval for any tax policy that results in a net revenue gain.

The bill's proponents argued that it merely continues existing tax policies rather than introducing new ones. Senator Kirkmeyer emphasized the necessity of the legislation to secure an estimated $45.9 million in tax revenue, asserting that without the bill, the state would not benefit from this financial gain. He urged colleagues to uphold their constitutional duties by allowing voters to decide on the tax increase.

Conversely, opponents of the bill, including Senator Cutter, contended that the proposed amendment was unfriendly and unnecessary, arguing that the legislature should not circumvent TABOR's requirements. Senator Weisman echoed this sentiment, stating that the legislature has the authority to enact such measures without needing to refer them to voters, thus challenging the interpretation of TABOR's stipulations.

The debate highlighted a fundamental divide among lawmakers regarding the interpretation of tax policy and the implications of TABOR. Senator Henriksen defended the bill, asserting that it respects Colorado's self-governance and maintains the current tax framework. He criticized the notion that the bill represented a significant policy change, framing it instead as a continuation of existing tax practices.

Ultimately, the proposed amendment to refer the tax increase to voters failed by a vote of 5 to 2, indicating a preference among the majority of committee members to proceed without voter input. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions in Colorado's legislative approach to taxation and the complexities of adhering to TABOR while addressing the state's revenue needs.

As the legislative session progresses, the implications of this decision will likely resonate throughout the state, influencing both fiscal policy and public sentiment as the election date approaches. The committee's actions underscore the challenges faced by lawmakers in balancing constitutional mandates with the financial realities of governance.