Referenda C & D at a glance
By Dan MacArthur
North Forty News
It's no simple matter sorting out mind-numbing numbers competing campaigns
are using to make their case for or against Referenda C and D.
The numbers certainly are important and some no doubt will find them compelling.
But the real bottom line for many voters will be whom to believe.
Is the additional revenue essential to relieve the state from a devastating
financial crisis? Or is it simply a huge tax grab to keep feeding a bloated
government bureaucracy?
The ballot language, contained in the "Blue Book" mailed to every registered
voter, is relatively direct. The real debate is in the interpretation.
The text states that the referendum would not result in a tax increase.
But opponents challenge that retaining billions of dollars that otherwise
would be returned to taxpayers effectively represents a record tax hike.
There are also deep disputes about the actual dollars involved. The nonpartisan
Legislative Council estimates passage of Referendum C would cost every
taxpayer an average $491 over the next five years that otherwise would
be returned through a sales tax refund. Opponents have countered that it
would take $3,000 out of the pockets of an average family.
The accompanying stories further examine some of the issues on both sides
of the debate in an effort to help you decide for yourself.
Here's a quick summary:
- Referendum C asks voters to suspend for the next five years refund requirements
contained in the Taxpayers Bill of Rights. Approval would allow the state
to keep an estimated $3.7 billion that would otherwise be rebated to taxpayers
under TABOR. That money would be earmarked to finance health care, transportation
projects, education and related capital construction projects, and to cover
shortfalls in police and firefighter pension plans.
- State spending increases still would be limited to the rate of inflation
and population growth.
- Referendum D, which would take effect only if approved along with Referendum
C, would authorize the state to issue up to $2.1 billion in bonds.
- Of the total, $1.7 billion would go toward 55 specific road and bridge
repair and replacement projects; $175 million toward underfunded police
and fire pensions; $147 million toward repairing, maintaining and replacing
public schools; and $50 million toward capital improvements to higher education
facilities.
- The measure authorizes the state to retain $100 million a year in revenues
that otherwise would be refunded under TABOR. That money would be collected
starting in 2011, after the Referendum C TABOR refund suspension expires,
and continue until the bonds are repaid.
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