(DENVER) – After widespread anticipation across Colorado, it seems as if the leadership of Democrat-led House and the Republican-led Senate have come to a compromise to raise much-needed funds for transportation improvements. Unfortunately, the cost, a new tax increase, is too steep. A sales tax increase of .62% on top of the current 2.9% rate constitutes just over a 21% increase in the statewide sales tax.

Sales taxes are regressive as they disproportionately affect the lowest income brackets, people who must spend the highest percentage of their incomes on goods subject to said taxes. Shifting the burden of paying for Colorado’s much-needed road improvements to those who will be hurt the most is ill-conceived. Also, funding these improvements would require the legislature reprioritize only 2% of the current budget, something we should demand from our representatives.
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“I have the greatest respect for the legislative leaders who attempted to find a compromise,” said Kelly Maher, executive director of Compass Colorado, “However, there is a better way than to do it than off the backs of those amongst us who can afford it least.”

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