State legislators already overspent the 2020 budget by more than $100 million. Why didn’t legislators see this coming?
They did. In fact, along with Gov. Jared Polis, they purposely low-balled estimates of new programs like full-day kindergarten to fit the budget without cutting other programs, while knowing the actual cost would come in higher.
The Colorado Sun recently reported: “To make their bills more attractive, lawmakers kept spending in the first year low and often pushed the cost into future years.” One Democrat and budget author was quoted saying, “I was concerned last year. And the fact that estimates are coming in so much higher just increases my concern.”
It was irresponsible for her party to author and push through such a budget. They used their new majority to push through an irresponsible spending agenda, and kicked the can down the road.
Now, Democrats are asking voters to approve a tax increase to help cover costs.
I hope CC fails, but either way, you can bet they’ll come back with additional tax increases next year. Coloradans shouldn’t approve another penny until they can responsibly manage the $32.5 billion budget they already have.
Lindsey Singer
Arvada