Colorado Governor to propose TABOR reforms

September 15, 2009

DENVER, Colorado: Last week Gov. Bill Ritter announced that he is currently working with groups to propose an initiative that addresses eliminating portions of TABOR for the 2011 state ballot. According to Ritter TABOR makes it difficult for state lawmakers to make necessary budget cuts and that the inability to do so is affecting the state financially. In the state of Colorado, TABOR Has been in effect since 1992, which requires voter approval of tax increases that exceed an index created by combining inflation and population increases. According to Ritter, Colorado has been restricted to 6% growth, unlike other states that are not restricted. However, Ritter added,"I’m not going to blame all the ills of the state on TABOR, but TABOR’s been in place since 1992, and basically everything under this 6 percent line that we lived under, there was just a wrestling match for the dollars."

On the other hand, Republican lawmakers said that they are prepared to fight in support of TABOR should an initiative be proposed. Rep. Kent Lambert said that he agrees that all necessary budget cuts should be implemented but so long as they follow the state constitution and law. Jon Caldara, president of Independence Institute said,"They want to take what has saved out budget, which is TABOR. I don’t think it’s going to be as easy to sell this time."

See also

Propositions •	Recall	• Law

* Colorado 2010 ballot measures

• Laws governing the initiative process in Colorado
• Colorado state budget