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Local lawmakers outline budget cuts, tax ballot proposal and EMS 'essential service' bill
Summary
State Representative Tammy Storey and State Senator Mark Bazely briefed Conifer residents on large budget cuts in the Colorado legislature, an upcoming November ballot measure proposing a graduated income tax, and a bill designating emergency management services as an essential service that is now on the governor's desk.
Two state lawmakers gave a brief legislative update at the Conifer town hall, focusing on the state budget, a proposed graduated income tax ballot measure and a public‑safety bill affecting emergency management services.
State Representative Tammy Storey (House District 25) said the legislature is nearing the end of session and that recent budget work has required significant cuts to produce a balanced budget. "Last year during the session ... we had to cut about $1,000,000,000 dollars out of our budget," she said. Storey said additional adjustments were required after federal changes and that the legislature had to make further reductions this year.
Storey also described a proposed graduated income tax that will appear on the November ballot if certified: she said the measure is intended to lower rates for about 98% of taxpayers while increasing rates on very high earners and some corporations and that it would generate roughly $2.5 billion in additional revenue per her description.
State Senator Mark Bazely (Senate District 4) overviewed the budget process and noted that two bills he sponsored on local school misconduct did not pass. He reported a bill he sponsored to designate emergency management services (EMS) as an essential service "is on its way to the governor," and said that designation would require communities to maintain organized EMS capabilities.
Bazely also mentioned he has been designated his party’s nominee for U.S. Senate and will remain state senator through the end of the year. Both speakers encouraged residents to engage with their local fire district on home hardening and preparedness.
Next steps: the legislature is in the final weeks of the session; the ballot measure described will reach voters in November if certified; residents with questions were invited to follow up with the lawmakers present.
