More Tax Breaks At Risk In Colorado

This Time Around The Democrats Have “Dynamic Analysis”

Colorado House Majority Leader Paul Weissmann and his gang of Democratic friends have learned that with the aid of the Colorado Supreme Court, every tax credit and exemption in the books is subject to elimination despite the Taxpayer’s Bill Of Rights (TABOR) amendment. If the Colorado State legislature and State Supreme Court has learned anything, it’s that political will to raise tax revenue can be far greater than any silly State Constitution.

The Colorado News Agency reported that the Majority Leader, Paul Weissmann is proposing a “dynamic analysis” study for the remaining tax breaks the Democrats haven’t abolished.

The measure proposed by Democratic House Majority Leader, Paul Weismann of Lousiville, would direct the General Assembly’s Legislative Council to prepare a report that reviews each tax exemption and credit at prescribed intervals. The reports would then be provided to the legislature for their consideration.

Now I wonder what such a report might say? Might it mention something along the lines of increased tax revenue? Well, that’s certainly what Weissmann and other members of the anti-tax break cartel hope anyway. Nothing’s easier than asking to repeal another tax credit with a fancy report showing how much more money can be taken from Colorado businesses and citizens to pay for government services that Colorado businesses and citizens can’t afford.

Also reported,

Rep. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, said dynamic analysis has been bandied about over the years, but he questions the notion of singling out tax credits and exemptions as the sole barometer of decisions regarding tax policy.

“To say we’re going to apply this concept just to tax credits and exemptions — the only action that can possibly be taken is we’re going to eliminate the tax credit or exemption,” said Lambert. “That’s the only actionable thing.”

As Clear The Bench Colorado aptly concluded,

What, the “Dirty Dozen” tax increases weren’t enough, so now it’s the “Horrible Hundred?” (Actually, I only counted 66 statutory tax exemptions – although some statutes account for multiple items – so, minus the “Dirty Dozen”, perhaps it’s only the “Filthy Fifty.” Take the “New Tax Lottery” survey for yourself and see how many new taxes YOU might get to pay!)

The argument we will hear is that these tax credits and/or exemptions are a kind of ‘corporate welfare’ that isn’t fair and the children need the funds for indoctrination education (not that the parents of these children need jobs and financial security.) Granted, most tax credits were granted as a result of political favor. However, this is akin to saying that because the state isn’t robbing everybody as much as others, the state should rob some more.

Allow me to help Rep. Weissmann and friends save Colorado significant time and money. I’ll just give you the short version of “dynamic analysis” when tax breaks are eliminated. Jobs will be lost, teachers will be paid off, prices will rise, the state will grow, there will be less capital for investment, Rep. Weissmann will advance his political career, and freedom will diminish.

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Tags: colorado legislature, colorado supreme court, paul weissmann, tax break, tax credit