This year, 17 new fees were passed, totaling a staggering $776,832,144. No, your eyes are not playing a trick on you. That number is three-quarters of a billion dollars to be collected over the next two to three years! Our vaunted liberal state Legislature just can’t keep their sticky fingers off our dwindling money. By imposing fees, they circumvent voter-imposed limitations on tax collection. As if calling something a fee, makes it more palatable for those who must eat the cost.

The citizens in this state are getting crushed with out-of-control inflation: $100 for a single tank of gas, debilitating housing costs, stunning food prices and now . . . fees. One more financial burden dumped on the citizens of Colorado.

If the Legislature or Gov. Jared Polis had a shred of leadership, they would do all they could to lighten the load on the citizens of this state, but that doesn’t seem to interest them. The approval of 17 new fees demonstrates their complete lack of awareness. Why is it so damn important at this point in time to charge folks 10 cents for plastic bags at grocery stores? And it’s not about the dime, it is about signaling to the citizens that you understand their plight. Stand up and lead!

Timothy Deal

Bayfield