Local Government Revenue/Spending Changes in Colorado, 1993-1999
In 1992 Coloradans approved Amendment One, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights or TABOR. This amendment fundamentally altered the way cities, counties and special districts in the state of Colorado conduct their fiscal business. TABOR imposed a strict revenue/spending limitation and required elections for any change in tax/debt policy resulting in a net tax/debt increase. TABOR is often associated with the idea that government spending is, or was, out of control. TABOR’s revenue/spending limits and election requirements are supposed to make government more efficient and more accountable. Critics of TABOR argue that TABOR has created a complicated fiscal environment in which the level of government services is being forced down while bureaucracy is being increased.
Released January 2000

