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No on 60, 61 and 101

Colorado Council of Churches says NO on Amendments 60, 61, and Proposition 101

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The Colorado Council of Churches has placed this ad in numerous local newspapers around the state. Thanks to the Peace and Justice Committee of the United Methodist Conference for assisting with the funding.

There were 34 ads placed in local newspapers in 24 communities (some papers had multiple ads.) They were: Glenwood Springs, Ft. Collins, Estes Park, Crested Butte, Gunnison, La Junta, Fowler, Bent, Boulder, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Englewood, Lone Tree, Parker, Douglas County, Castle Rock, Centennial, Pikes Peak, Teller County, Elbert County, Alamosa, Durango, Grand Junction, and Aspen.

In addition a different ad was placed in a publication produced by the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance. 25,000 copies were distributed to African American congregations in the metro area.

(Scroll down for resources)

These three ballot initiatives do not line up with the values of our faith.

Children and the most vulnerable in our communities would bear the heavy impact of slashed state revenue and the drastic restriction of the ability of local governments to meet the people’s needs.

Jesus teaches us that when we fail to care for the well-being of the “least of these” we fail to care for him.

Bi-partisan Opposition

Colorado Republican and Democratic leaders opposed to 60, 61 and 101:

ü Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, Republican-Grand Junction

ü House Minority Leader Mike May, Republican-Parker

ü Senate President Brandon Shaffer, Democrat-Longmont

ü House Speaker Terrance Carroll, Democrat-Denver

Proposition 101 –would reduce funding for State government by 25%, causing huge cuts to state human services programs, education, higher education, and health care programs.

Amendment 60 – would amend the state Constitution to make sweeping changes to Colorado’s property tax laws. These changes would significantly impact funding for public education and local services.

Amendment 61 – would amend the state Constitution to make sweeping changes to Colorado’s property tax laws, and would prevent any local government or public entity from any projects that would create debt including school or recreation center expansions or improvements, road and bridge repair.

Human services, health care for the most vulnerable, higher education, corrections, judicial, and most other state departments will be nearly eliminated if 60, 61 and 101 pass.

-Non-partisan state economists, Colorado Legislative Council, July 2010

Vote No on 60, 61, and 101. They do not represent who we understand ourselves to be as people of faith.

Colorado Council of Churches / Living in unity, working for justice.

Learn more by visiting www.cochurches.org

Vote No on 60, 61, and 101. Colorado’s future depends on it.

More About 60, 61 and 101: What do they really mean?

Proposition 101 – the intention is to drastically reduce state and local taxes and fees on a variety of “common basic needs.”

Beginning January 1, 2011 the ownership tax for new vehicles would be $2 and all other vehicles would be $1. There will no longer be a state or local tax on rental cars. Also, all registration, license, and title charges shall total $10 per year per vehicle.

Also under Proposition 101 the income tax rate shall be at 4.5% in 2011 and decrease 0.1% yearly until reaching 3.5% in the first ten years that the income tax revenue net growth exceeds 6%. (If the income tax revenue net growth is only 5% the income tax rate does not decrease by 0.1%)

Finally, beginning January 1, 2011 no telecommunications fees, except for 911 services, shall be assessed.

Proposition 101 is expected to reduce state revenue by at least $1.7 billion a year. An important aspect of this ballot measure is there is language included stating “added charges shall be tax increases” meaning the legislature’s hands would be tied and any attempt to restore this funding to the state would have to go to a vote of the people.

Amendment 60 – the intention is to drastically reduce property tax rates.

This measure would set stricter limits on property taxes than currently imposed by TABOR. It would cripple local governments in their ability to raise revenue and apply a 10-year limit on all property tax increases.

Amendment 60 would also and put in place a system where taxpayers could petition for tax cuts to be on the local ballot in every election. It also requires local school districts to cut their mill levy rates in half by 2020 with state aid replacing the revenue.

This amendment also states “this voter-approved change supersedes conflicting laws, opinions, and constitutional provisions.”

Amendment 61 – the intention is to change the way the state currently issues debt stating; “the state shall not contract any debt by loan in any form.”

This is interpreted by the Bell Policy Center to mean, general obligation bonds, certificates of participation, revenue bonds, or tax anticipation notes. It would also ban the state borrowing from the cash fund for the general fund.

This amendment would also limit the amount of debt a local government could issue and require that once the debt has been paid off the local government must cut the amount borrowed from their budget. And all local debt will be bonded and therefore must go to a vote of the people.

Resources: How can I learn more or become involved?

  • Colorado Council of Churches is coordinating the faith community around opposing these initiatives. Contact Becky Miller Updike at beckyupdike@hotmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (720)560-3810 to learn more or request materials or a speaker for your event or meeting.
  • Official No on 60, 61 and 101 Campaign Website: www.donthurtcolorado.com

  • The Bell Policy Center: www.bellpolicy.org
  • Great Education Colorado: www.greateducation.org
  • A PASTORAL LETTER signed by the denominational executives (bishops) and sent to all our congregations across the state. Click here.
  • AN OUTSTANDING ANIMATED VIDEO: go to You Tube and search for The Bad Three in Plain English
  • COUNTY BY COUNTY IMPACT: For facts and figures about how these three ballot initiatives would impact your county or your local school district, go to www.bellpolicy.org.
  • BUSINESS COMMUNITY OPPOSES: go to www.denverpost.com/election2010/ci_16148957 or Colorado Association of Commerce at www.cochamber.com.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT ANALYZING 60, 61 and 101 ~ Colorado’s Legislative Council (which is the non-partisan state economists who advise policy makers) released a 12-page analysis of 60, 61 and 101 in July 2010. This report addressed to Colorado’s General Assembly explores each of the three initiatives and their individual and combined implications for Colorado’s economy. To view the report, click here.