Democrats pulled a fast one in the first hour of the first day of the special legislative session that is supposed to end property tax battles between tax-and-spend Dems and fiscal Republicans.
Key players on both sides of the aisle were focused on crafting and passing the primary property tax bill to avoid two ballot measures in November that would cap tax increases and reduce assessment rates
Meanwhile, Committee Democrats were busy pushed through a separate measure to make it harder for Coloradans to use statewide ballot initiatives to limit future property tax increases.
This divide and conquer tax preservation scheme in HCR-1001 passed on an 8-3 party line vote out of the House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee and now goes to the full House floor for consideration.
The measure requires a constitutional amendment that state ballot initiatives proposing to reduce property tax payments for homeowners and businesses would then have to be passed in every local jurisdiction that claims a government agency would not get more of our money out of the deal.
Voting yes were Democrat state Reps. Meg Froelich of Englewood, Jennifer Bacon of Denver, Iman Jodeh of Aurora, Tisha Mauro of Pueblo, Barbara McLachlan of Durango, Brianna Titone of Golden, Jennifer Lea Parenti of Erie, and Alex Valdez of Denver.
Voting against the measure were Republican State Reps. Marc Catlin of Montrose, Mike Lynch of Wellington, and Don Wilson of Monument.
The measure is sponsored by Democrat state Rep. Mike Weissman and state Sen. Chris Hansen.
.@RoseforCO and I led one of the largest ballot initiatives in CO history. Through that experience, I learned the importance of ensuring government accountability. This resolution passing through committee is detestable to defenders of the 1A and supporters of the voices of CO https://t.co/UoGdvgA2FQ
— Representative Don Wilson (@RepDonWilson) August 26, 2024
Republican opponents of the measure say it’s an attack on Coloradan’s constitutional rights to propose statewide initiatives.
State Rep. Rose Pugliese said the measure would disincentivize voters from voting on state ballot issues, which is precisely the point of the Democrat’s move.
The Majority voted today to silence the people. Having led one of the largest grassroots ballot initiatives in CO, I have seen firsthand the power of the people. I will never support legislation to limit our citizens’ rights or disincentivize them to go to the ballot on any issue https://t.co/BTRx5Ofk1s
— Representative Rose Pugliese (@RoseforCO) August 26, 2024
For those who wish to contact state lawmakers about this resolution, you can find that list and contact information here.