This November, Colorado voters will decide candidates and several statewide ballot measures. Colorado is one of 26 states with a referendum and initiative process. A referendum is a proposal submitted by the Legislature and referred to voters for approval or rejection. Initiatives originate with citizens. Supporters say initiatives create a more direct democracy, while critics argue they can clutter the ballot and may not receive sufficient review. Both referendums and initiatives require 124,238 valid voter signatures to make the ballot. Additionally, if an initiative changes the Constitution, 2% of signatures must come from each state Senate district.
This summer, several petitions are being circulated. To sign a petition, you must be an active registered Colorado voter, although you do not have to live in Montezuma County. If you are unsure of your registration status or have become inactive, you can easily check and update your voter registration at GoVoteColorado.gov. You can also register online by providing your Colorado driver's license or ID card number and/or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Initiative No. 195 proposes amending Colorado’s Constitution to replace the current 4.4% flat income tax with a graduated income tax. A flat tax is one in which every taxpayer pays the same rate regardless of income, while a graduated income tax applies higher rates to higher levels of income and lower rates to lower levels of income.
Supporters of the flat tax argue that it is easier to calculate, encourages investment and is fair because everyone pays the same rate. It is also predictable, making it easier for taxpayers and governments to forecast tax liabilities and revenues. Critics, however, note that a flat tax is regressive because lower-income households pay the same rate as wealthier taxpayers while having less disposable income to meet other needs.
Supporters of a graduated income tax argue it is fairer because those with higher incomes contribute a larger percentage of their earnings while still retaining more dollars after taxes than lower-income households. They also argue it helps reduce income inequality by generating additional revenue for public and social services. Critics contend that a graduated income tax is more complex and may discourage economic growth. Supporters counter that Colorado's sales, property and excise taxes are already regressive, making the flat income tax especially burdensome for lower-income households.
The League of Women Voters supports Initiative No. 195 because “it aligns with our long-standing advocacy for progressive taxation and adequate public funding.” The proposed initiative would replace the flat tax with a six-bracket system ranging from 3.7% to 8.4%. According to initiative supporters, an estimated 97% of Coloradans would pay the same or less in state income taxes. Supporters also estimate the measure would generate about $2 billion annually for education, including teacher pay raises, childcare and healthcare. Sites where Initiative No. 195 petitions can be signed are posted on the Montezuma County League of Women Voters Facebook page.
Carefully review every petition before signing. There are certainly some interesting initiatives being circulated this year!
On July 11, the League of Women Voters is pleased to host a program about artificial intelligence in partnership with the Cortez Public Library. If you are interested in learning more about this powerful new technology, plan to attend Ben Burkett’s presentation, “What Is AI? What It Isn’t, and What It Means to You,” at 10:15 a.m.
Karen Sheek of Cortez chairs the Montezuma County League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, and is a former Cortez mayor and city councilor. Contact lwvmzc@gmail.com or find the League on Facebook at https://tinyurl.com/bdcjr8pn.
