More Coloradans understand increased revenue will be necessary to support vital public services
For years, the discussion about public services in Colorado has been dominated by two things: Cuts and more cuts. But many Colorado residents are demanding a broader conversation. They want to understand the options for increasing investment in their communities, not just limiting the damage from the next round of cuts. They want a tax system that’s adequate to meet the needs of a growing population, that ensures everyone pays a fair share and that’s sustainable even through rough economic times.
Here are quotations from individuals and organizations making the case that maintaining Colorado’s quality of life will require more revenue. The quotations don’t indicate a formal endorsement of measures the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute is pursuing for the November 2011 election, but they do show a diverse and growing group of state residents wants to expand the discussion beyond a cuts-only approach.
“At some point, given the lean nature of the state's finances, there will have to be talk about structural reform and probably revenue enhancement — yes, we mean taxes.” Denver Post editorial board, Jan. 23.
“Without raising revenues, it is becoming increasingly clear that we will not be able to maintain even current service levels. Soon, the citizens of Colorado will have to decide what they want from their state government and whether they are willing to pay for it.” From the report “Colorado’s Fiscal Future: We’ll Get What We Pay For.” University of Colorado at Denver School of Public Affairs. February 2011
“We must start a serious dialogue now around how to raise revenue to restore funding to our schools.” Colorado Education Association President Beverly Ingle, in a Feb. 15, statement on the governor’s proposed budget cuts.
“The situation in our communities is dire. We must take action in 2011 before it gets worse. Everyone in the room agrees that we must bring in more revenue.” E-mail message from Corrine Fowler, economic justice director of the Colorado Progressive Coalition, Feb. 22.
“New revenue must be part of a broader conversation about how Colorado will move forward without making the kind of cuts that will harm not only the futures of our children, but of our state.” Chris Watney, president and CEO of the Colorado Children’s Campaign, in a Feb. 15 statement to media outlets.
“Does (Colorado) want to be the lowest tax state in the union, even though that might mean substandard schools, exorbitant college tuition, and crumbling roads and bridges? Or does it want to make strategic, reasonable investments in the things that make this state attractive for job creation, tourism, quality of life and good health for its citizens? It can’t be both. Something’s gotta give.” Denver Business Journal Editor Neil Westergaard in a Feb. 18 commentary.
“If we want to invest more in our children's education and the public services that underpin our economy, we can decide to increase revenues.” Wade Buchanan, president of the Bell Policy Center in a Feb. 16 statement to media outlets.
“Cuts of this magnitude and long-term significance should not be imposed without letting the voters weigh in on whether Colorado should take a different path that is more consistent with their values.” Great Education Colorado, in a Feb. 15 statement to media outlets.
“These newest proposed cuts will have a lasting impact on our ability to maintain the quality of life and values we expect, appreciate and uphold as Coloradans. Now is the time to look for all possible solutions to our serious budgetary problems.” Rep. Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, in a Feb. 15 statement on the governor’s proposed budget
“It is even more important for our elected officials to begin an honest conversation with the people of Colorado about what steps must be taken to stabilize the funding of our schools and critical services in the future. If we cannot have this conversation, then the people of Colorado can expect many more days like today in the years ahead.” Colorado AFL-CIO Executive Director Mike Cerbo in a Feb. 15 statement on the governor’s proposed budget.
“The question before us is straightforward: What do we want for Colorado, for our children and the future? And in the end, that is up to the people of the state, not this or any other governor.” The Durango Herald editorial board, Feb. 16.
“Addressing the dire shortfall in higher education cannot consist solely of tuition increases, as that simply limits opportunity for Coloradans. State support of all colleges and universities will continue to diminish at an alarming rate, with no solution in sight, unless new revenue is raised.” Norma Anderson, Steve Tool, Penfield Tate and Alice Madden in a Jan. 16 Denver Post commentary.
Released Feb. 24, 2011
Learn more about the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute's fair tax proposal.