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| Referenda C & D | | Date Created: Oct 15, 2005, 11:50 AM |
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Some quick thoughts on Colorado's referenda C & D:
For those out of state or not paying attention (i.e. by way of background), Referenda C & D are on the statewide Colorado ballot this election. Colorado is one of a few states that has a TABOR (tax payers bill of rights) that limits its state government from raising taxes without permission from the voters of the state via an election referendum. This was initiated by citizens of Colorado and has kept Colorado out of California-style government bloat and debt. Now comes a ballot initiative and referendum put forth by politicians that is brilliant in its conception and can't lose.
Referenda C & D make it look like TABOR is the problem and a tax increase can be hidden as getting permission to not return a tax refund owed to the taxpayers of Colorado. Further, the assumption that all the money the state now has is well spent and this non-return of a tax refund is for mom-and-apple-pie issues of health care, seniors, and infrastructure projects. Who could vote against that?
Well, the way Big Government works is to hide taxes and spending and make it look like it will benefit certain interest groups who will then actually pay money and work to get the benefits of the government spending. Who would pay and put the energy into being against a measly little failure to return an owed tax refund?
Judging by the TV ads, there are people who will fight to keep government limited but their slogan, VOTE NO IT'S YOUR DOUGH, is a bit greedy sounding. Here's how to think of these referenda without the soundbite.
The politician proponents of Referenda C & D say that it's not a tax increase. Well if it's not, then why do they need the permission of the voters?
On your federal income tax, if you paid too much in withheld income (i.e. the government withheld more in taxes than you owed for whatever taxes are set at at the moment) and instead of a refund of the money they withheld, they told you they really needed it for some worthwhile project like Medicare prescription benefits, would you let them keep it and not think your taxes were raised?
Vote No on C & D. Cut spending. Don't raise taxes. |
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