By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice
Members of the 74th General Assembly are not the only ones working overtime during a special session called by Gov. Jared Polis.
So is Liberty Scorecard Colorado. The team behind Liberty Scorecard has released six position points to guide the special session, after review of bills proposed for the session’s single focus of property tax relief.
The House and Senate convened the special session Monday, with Democrat House Speaker Julie McCluskie lamenting two special sessions and a regular session all within about 10 months.
“When we concluded our regular session in May, we came together and delivered a bipartisan property tax bill that reduced rates, capped growth and permanently fixed our antiquated property tax system,” she said. “It was an historic achievement. It wasn’t easy. It meant compromise. It meant hours upon hours of conversations, building understanding and strengthening relationships.”
Each of the Liberty Scorecard’s A-grade members of the House authored bills for the special session and each of the top six members are prime sponsors on a bill. Following are the positions recommended by Liberty Scorecard Colorado:
- Permanent property tax cuts: “Instead of slowing the growth of property taxes, the state should pursue permanent reductions in property tax rates. This would provide long-term relief to property owners and reduce the tax burden without relying on temporary measures.”
- Spending reductions: “To offset the revenue loss from tax cuts, the state should focus on reducing government spending. By cutting unnecessary or inefficient programs, Colorado could maintain essential services while lowering taxes.”
- Decentralized property tax control: “Empower local governments or even communities to set and manage their property taxes independently. This would increase accountability and ensure that taxes reflect the specific needs and preferences of local residents, rather than a one-size-fits-all state policy.”
- Eliminate special tax exemptions: “Instead of offering targeted relief through specific exemptions, eliminate special tax breaks and lower the overall tax rate. This approach would simplify the tax code and promote fairness by ensuring all property owners are treated equally.”
- Expand TABOR protections: “Strengthen TABOR by requiring voter approval not just for tax increases, but also for any changes in tax assessment formulas or caps that could lead to higher taxes. This would ensure that taxpayers have a direct say in any changes affecting their property taxes.”
- Drop the safety clause: “Taxpayers have a right to question important legislation and contest it at the ballot box if we so choose.”
Ken DeGraff, with a grade of 95, is the leading Liberty member of the Colorado House, while Kevin Van Winkle, with a score of 84, is the leading Liberty member of the Colorado Senate. Only 13 members of the House and Senate have passing Liberty grades.