Daniel: The state’s mandates, your money—and why counties are saying “Enough”
By Bobbie Daniel | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Imagine walking into a restaurant, and before you even look at the menu, someone else orders for the whole table. They choose the most expensive items, add dessert, and go for top-shelf drinks—and when the check comes, they quietly slide it over to you.
That, in a nutshell, is what the State of Colorado is doing to counties.
Every year, new laws and regulations roll out of the Capitol with noble names and lofty goals. But when it comes time to pay for them, the state shrugs and walks away—leaving counties, and local taxpayers, to foot the bill. It’s called an unfunded mandate, and it’s become one of the biggest threats to responsible government in Colorado.
In Mesa County, we’ve always believed in balan...
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