WFCO Position: Support

Summary:

Proposition HH is a measure that was referred by legislators in the 2023 session to be on the ballot this fall. If it is passed Colorado would lower property tax rates for the next ten years. It changes the TABOR revenue cap, allowing it to grow by an extra 1%. The additional  revenue will then be directed to backfill essential services (schools, libraries, fire districts, water districts, and hospitals) that are funded by property taxes. Specifically, it will be directed to reimburse local governments for lost property tax revenue, the Housing Development Grant Fund (5% or $20 million) and the State Education Fund. 

This measure is a longer-term solution to control property tax rates while also finding funding for essential services that are supported by property taxes. It does the following:

• HH reduces assessment rates for all properties-residential, commercial, agriculture, etc. Residential rates decrease from 7.2% to 6.7% and commercial decreases from 29% to 25.9%.

• HH reduces the value of each home that is subject to tax by $50k in 2023 and $40k in 2024 for owner occupied homes and multi-family housing.

• HH allows seniors who are eligible for the senior homestead exemption to move and continue receiving the same tax savings.

• HH dedicates $20 million per year for rental assistance.

• HH implements a property tax growth cap, which limits 

WFCO Reasoning:

Given WFCO’s policy priority to reform Colorado’s tax and budget policies to promote equity and allow for sufficient resources to be dedicated to WFCO priorities, we believe that this policy solution will temper rising property taxes and continue to direct funds to support essential services like schools, fire districts, and libraries. This measure is a necessary step towards unraveling the fiscal knot of our state’s tax and budget system. 

Proponents:

Colorado Education Association, Colorado Concern, Gary Community Ventures, Democrats for Education Reform, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Bell Policy Center, Colorado Parent Teacher Association, Great Ed Colorado, Colorado Association of School Executives

A list of all endorsers can be found here.

Opponents:

Tabor Coalition - RejectHH.com, NO ON HH, Taxpayers For A Better Deal, Americans for Prosperity Colorado Issue Committee, HH-NO.com

WFCO Position: Support

Summary: 

In 2020, 68% of Colorado voters approved Proposition EE. Proposition EE increased taxes on cigarette and tobacco products and created a new tax for nicotine products such as e-cigarettes or other products used for vaping. The revenue generated supports the creation and implementation of a statewide universal preschool program along with funds dedicated for cigarette, tobacco, and nicotine cessation programs. When the measure was originally presented to voters, it was estimated that $176 million would be collected in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Actual revenues generated were larger than the original amount by $24 million. Due to TABOR, voters must again approve that the tax revenue generated from the tax can be used to support universal preschool. If the voters do not approve this measure, the revenue will go back to the retailers and tobacco companies.

WFCO Reasoning:

Given our past support of Proposition EE and deep commitment to advancing the early child care and early education (ECE) sector, WFCO has taken a support position on this measure. It is important for Colorado to retain the revenue originally approved by the voters to ensure our state has more resources to support ECE in our communities.

Proponents:

Children’s Hospital Colorado, Council for a Strong America, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC)

A list of all endorsers can be found here.

Opponents:

There is no registered opposition.

WFCO Position: Support

Summary:

Earlier this year the Denver City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that sends a question to Denver voters which asks them to make permanent the 0.15% sales tax to support the Denver Preschool Program. This will be the 4th time voters will decide whether or not sales tax revenue should be directed to support preschool in Denver.

WFCO Reasoning:

Access to early child care and early education (ECE) is hard to find and too expensive. Local measures like 2P are a part of a larger solution to ensure that kids and families throughout Colorado have access to affordable and high-quality ECE programs.

Proponents:

Gary Advocacy, League of Women Voters Denver

A list of all endorsers can be found here.

Opponents:

There is no registered opposition.