On the November ballot is a statetax increase measure for education called Proposition 103.
The specific language is contained in the Colorado blue book. If you’re a current registered Colorado voter you should have received a copy in the mail. Here’s the online version.
Proposition 103 would:
- increase the state income tax rate from 4.63 to 5.0 percent for five years, starting January 1, 2012
- increase the state sales and use tax rate from 2.9 to 3.0 percent for five years, starting January 1, 2012
- require the state legislature to spend the money on public education by increasing funding above the amount in budget year 2011-12.
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce has not taken a position on the issue. At this writing very few business associations or chambers of commerce have endorsed it. To my knowledge, the only chambers that have endorsed it are the Boulder Chamber and the Hispanic Chamber. The list of supporters primarily includes boards of education (including the Poudre School District), labor unions, education foundations and liberal think tanks and foundations.
Following are links to information on both sides of the issue:
- Colorado Proposition 103: More tax dollars for schools does not improve kids’ education
- What does Proposition 103 do?
- Another reason for Coloradans to vote no on Prop. 103
- Proposition 103 Colorado Election 2011 Ballot: P-12 and Higher Education Initiative
- Prop 103 foes roll out campaign
- Proposition will raise taxes to support education
And here are the Web sites for the proponents and opponents: