Proposition 103

Summary

Will amend the Colorado statutes to:

• Increase the state income tax rate from 4.63 to 5.0 percent for five years, starting January 1, 2012.
• Increase the state sales and use tax rate from 2.9 to 3.0 percent for five years, starting January 1, 2012
• Require the state legislature to spend the money on public education by increasing funding above the amount in budget year 2011-12.

Vote Yes

K-12 education in Colorado is being decimated. The ongoing budget cuts are not cutting education to the bone, they're lopping off major appendages. The future of Colorado will be determined by the educational level of our citizens. And at present we're headed toward mediocrity.

The cost? $100.00 - $200.00 per person/year. Or one Latte/week.

Passing proposition 103 is a game changer for our state, turning our education funding from a race to the bottom into one that with adequate funding for the schools and implementing SB-191 will put us on the road to being a leader in this century. It's rare that we have a chance to directly have this level of impact.

Arguments Against

The increased taxes could reduce consumer spending. It does not specify exactly how the funds are to be spent. It will require spending cuts in five years when the tax ends.

Arguments For

Strong economies are built on the foundation of strong public schools. A yes on proposition 103 will stop the short-sighted and irresponsible cuts to our schools and colleges. It will start reinvesting in our kids, our communities, and our economy.