- Read EdNews’ coverage of the Nov. 1 election – Proposition 103 soundly defeated
Colorado voters face only one statewide ballot measure this election, and it’s of major interest to education.
Proposition 103 would increase the state income tax rate to 5 percent from 4.63 percent and the state portion of sales taxes to 3 percent from 2.9 percent for five years and devote all those new revenues to education.
The brainchild of Sen. Rollie Heath, D-Boulder, the higher tax rates (the same as those on the books in 1999) would be in effect for five years. Heath, prompted by 2011 school budget cuts to propose the idea, calls it a temporary fix for education funding while policymakers develop broader, more permanent solutions to state revenue issues.
The measure would raise an estimated $3 billion over the five years, and lawmakers would decide annually how to split the money among preschool programs, K-12 schools and state colleges and universities. The legislature couldn’t use the new money to supplant existing funding; 2011-12 spending would be set as a floor.
Heath’s effort is a low-profile one. The main groups supporting the measure, Great Education Colorado and the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, are running a small-budget, grassroots campaign. The state’s mainline education interest groups have endorsed Proposition 103.
The main opposition is a group of Republican lawmakers and conservative activists who argue higher taxes would reduce job growth at a time when the state’s economy is fragile.
Information & Links
- Proposition text
- State “blue book” explanation of Proposition 103
- Pro: Support Our Schools for a Bright Colorado
- Con: Save Colorado Jobs and Too Taxing for Colorado
Recent EdNews coverage
Prop. 103 fundraising inches up
Groups supporting Proposition 103 continue to outpace opponents in fundraising, according to the latest contribution and spending reports. And supporters of the measure have launched the first TV ads in the campaign. Story
Recent news from other sources
- Durango board fails to muster enough votes to support proposition
- Regents divided on 103, won’t be voting
- Summit board members support 103
- Gunnison board endorses Prop. 103
- Supporters rally in Pueblo
- Aurora board endorses Proposition 103
- Poudre board also supports state tax hike for schools
- Moffat County school board joins proposition supporters
“Colorado State of Mind” discussion about Proposition 103
From EdNews’ partner Rocky Mountain PBS
Watch the full episode. See more Colorado State of Mind.
