Assistant Minority Leaders from the House and Senate teamed up to deliver the GOP’s take on how Colorado is faring during these tough economic times.
They urged ruling Democrats to rethink their tax and spend habits during the worst recession Colorado has seen in three decades. “As lawmakers, we should have one goal in mind—implementing policies that set the stage for a return to economic prosperity,” said Sen. Greg Brophy, of Wray. “Republicans have one resounding message for our Democrat counterparts: Don't raise taxes and fees during a recession.”
Gov. Bill Ritter and legislative Democrats have proposed millions of dollars of tax increases to fill the growing budget deficit. This is on top of the $1 billion of tax and fee increases Democrats levied last year.
Rep. David Balmer, of Centennial, highlighted how higher taxes and bureaucracy hinder business and job creation. “During these tough economic times, we are very disappointed to hear of Democrat plans to raise your taxes and increase red tape for small businesses,” he said. “The new regulations Gov. Ritter is implementing are stifling entrepreneurial activity and chasing businesses out of Colorado."
Republicans believe the $131 million tax increases Ritter has proposed will also be passed along from businesses to consumers, making everything from phone service to local beer more expensive.