June 6, 2023

Ever since the state turned Blue, Democrat politicians have been trying to get at the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), which is in the Colorado Constitution.

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They are at it again.  This time, Democrat legislators and Governor Jared Polis seem to be trying to trick voters into giving away TABOR refunds they are due to get a little property tax relief.

Recently, Coloradoans received property value estimates that show property taxes will go up substantially, even by 30 to 70 percent.

Shortly thereafter, outside a home in Commerce City, the governor signed SB23-303, a bill that refers Proposition HH to the November 2023 ballot.  It indicates that, if voters approve, the government will slightly reduce property taxes, and then backfill the government from surplus dollars used to give citizens TABOR refunds.

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Preceding a feature about the measure on CBS Colorado, News Anchor Karen Leigh said that people are a little confused by what this measure is actually going to do.  Political Specialist Shaun Boyd responded, “And no wonder. It deals with two very complicated subjects: property taxes and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights or TABOR, which caps how much money the State gets to keep.  Proposition HH raises that cap, substantially, over time, and yet the measure makes no mention of TABOR.  It doesn’t say how much it will cost you in tax refunds or save you in property taxes, which is why 12 counties have already signed onto a lawsuit saying the measure is unclear and unconstitutional.”

Boyd pointed out, simply, what the ballot measure will be asking voters.  “Shall the State reduce property taxes for homes and businesses… by using a portion of the state surplus…”

Michael Fields, president of Advance Colorado, who filed the lawsuit, commented that the State is labeling, saying, “This money is just sitting there.  Let’s get some property tax relief.  Doesn’t that sound great?”

However, as KOAA5 News reported, Advance Colorado stated their lawsuit focuses on SB23-303 and Proposition HH and calls them single subject and “clear-title” violations. Also, Fields expects the lawsuit to be expedited because the measure is to be on the November ballot.

Field explained, “Look, you’re going to put something on the ballot that pairs something that is unpopular, taking our TABOR refunds, with something that is popular: property tax relief.  Then those should be in two separate bills.”  Also, Field said the measure is telling voters, if you want property tax relief, give up your TABOR refunds.

Others are speaking up against Proposition HH, as well.