It is no secret that the people of Colorado are overtaxed. Once a campaign promise, Gov. Jared Polis has repeatedly voiced his commitment to reducing income taxes in Colorado. He continues to call on the state Legislature to make this happen. It is time for him to make these more than soundbites and deliver tangible relief.
Every Republican legislator agreed and applauded Polis during his annual State of the State address back in January as he once again highlighted reducing the income tax rate; a sentiment he has stated in every single one of his State of the State addresses since taking office in 2019.
However, Coloradans deserve more than just promises; they deserve a state Legislature that takes concrete steps to address the challenges faced by our hard-working families. It is time to move beyond one-sided partisan rhetoric and deliver on our commitment to the people of Colorado.
Coloradans have been subject to record inflation and cost of living; all of which has been compounded by increased taxes and fees in other areas implemented by his administration and Democrat-controlled Legislature. We sincerely hope that this will be the year the governor follows through on his proposal to keep your Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) surplus low by cutting the income tax rate.
As affordability remains the number one concern for people across the state, including those in rural Colorado, it is more important than ever to cut income tax rates. The governor’s recognition of overtaxation during his speeches signifies an understanding of the issue, but words alone will not ease the burden on our citizens.
The people of Colorado are hurting, and the Legislature can help. This legislative session, we are bringing forward HB24-1065, which proposes a reduction in the state income tax rate from 4.4% to 4%, providing immediate relief to taxpayers. If passed, taxpayers would be saving hundreds of dollars each year; for our seniors living on a fixed income, this is no small victory.
Our proposal is not just a counterpoint; it is a practical solution aimed at addressing the ongoing affordability crisis in our state. We understand that the state’s diverse needs require bipartisan cooperation.
In the pursuit of a “Colorado for All,” we have to look at what is good for Coloradans as a whole, not just some of it. Keeping more money in the wallets of our citizens who are suffering under the weight of increased costs and inflation is beneficial to all parts of Colorado.
The bill not only reduces the individual income tax rate but extends this relief to corporations as well, acknowledging the interconnectedness of our economic landscape. It is a comprehensive approach that seeks to stimulate economic growth, encourage business investment, and ultimately benefit all Coloradans.
We can make income tax reduction a reality. The key lies in the governor working to get 20 Democrats to support our bill. This is the true meaning of bipartisanship.
As the leader of the Democratic party, the governor plays a pivotal role in steering the direction of policy priorities. If the governor is sincere about reducing income taxes, the responsibility falls on his shoulders to rally the necessary support within his party. He has shown no problem in whipping support among legislators on his side of the aisle for his initiatives, we need him to bring the same vigor towards whipping votes towards reducing income tax.
Our bill is a step toward turning a new leaf, creating a space for ideas that truly represent the entirety of our great state. We firmly believe that policies coming out of our state Legislature should be focused on the long-term goal of providing a more affordable Colorado for our families.
The people of Colorado have long awaited the relief they so desperately need, and we can and must deliver. Savings accounts are near empty, and rising costs are crippling families. It is time for our citizens to trust in their elected officials again.
The real question is: will the governor of Colorado rise as the leader within his party and fulfill his commitment to lowering the income tax rate? We stand ready and able to assist in the mission of creating a true “Colorado for All.” Please voice your support for our bill by contacting the governor’s office and testifying in person, Zoom or by submitting written testimony to us. The voice of the people matter, and that voice needs to be heard by our fellow legislators across the aisle.
— Rose Pugliese & Scott Bottoms are Republicans representing District 14 & District 15, respectively, in the Colorado House of Representatives. Rep. Pugliese also serves as the minority leader of that body.
