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CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
Page 2 CUT Rates Colorado’s 2010 Legislature
Key Bill Summaries
SB-001 revises the PERA benefit rules and in-
Senate Scores: Friend or Foe?
Highest to Lowest - Who is representing the best interests of taxpayers? Here’s what
creases state contribution rates in an attempt Members of Colorado’s Senate earned on CUT’s 2010 Ratings Scorecard:
to create solvency in PERA within 30 years.
The bill increases contribution rates for the gov- CUT
ernment divisions generally by up to 2.0 % of SCORE Senators Pledge Party District Hometown
gross payrolls and employee contribution rates 100.00....Cadman, Bill............... P............. R.......... 10..............Colorado Springs
up by up to 2.0 %, with new actuarial formu- 100.00....King, Keith.................................. R.......... 12..............Colorado Springs
las in place after approximately seven years.
100.00....Kopp. Mike................. P............. R.......... 22..............Littleton
Cost of living adjustments for retired beneficia-
ries for inflation are generally limited to 2 % 100.00....Renfroe, Scott ........... P............. R.......... 13..............Greeley
per year with new formulas in place based on 100.00....Scheffel, Mark............................ R.......... 4................Parker
PERA’s actuarial funded ratio. Places an 8 % 100.00....Schultheis, David....... P............. R.......... 9................Colorado Springs
cap on salary increase for purpose of counting 95.65......Lundberg, Kevin......... P............. R.......... 15..............Berthoud
highest average salary for benefit computation; 92.00......Harvey, Ted................. P............. R.......... 30..............Highlands Ranch
and creates a new age and years-of-service re- 92.00......Spence, Nancy........................... R.......... 27..............Centennial
quirements to retire with a full benefit. Requires 91.30......Mitchell, Shawn.......... P............. R.......... 23..............Broomfield
notice to PERA members in the event of an 88.00......Brophy, Greg.............. P............. R.......... 1................Wray
actuarial necessity. Authorizes the General As- 84.00......Penry, Joshua............................. R.......... 7................Grand Junction
sembly to modify the benefits allowed to mem-
68.00......White, Al..................................... R.......... 8................Winter Park
bers in the defined benefit plan. This legislation
increases the taxpayers contribution to PERA
62.50......Kester, Kenneth.......................... R.......... 2................Las Animas
by an additional 2% of payrolls. This legisla- 44.00......Schwartz, Gail............................ D.......... 5................Snowmass Village
tion is an admission that the largess in PERA 40.00......Whitehead, Bruce....................... D.......... 6................Hesperus
benefit rule changes during the last twelve years 36.00......Sandoval, Paula......................... D.......... 34..............Denver
was extreme and can no longer be continued 16.00......Tochtrop, Lois............................. D.......... 24..............Westminster
given economic constraints now and in the 12.50......Tapia, Abel.................................. D.......... 3................Pueblo
foreseeable future. Overly generous pension 12.00......Newell, Linda.............................. D.......... 26..............Littleton
benefits for state employees (including age 55 8.70........Gibbs, Dan................................. D.......... 16..............Silverthorne
retirements and earlier retirement buy downs) 8.70........Romer, Chris............................... D.......... 32..............Denver
was once looked upon as a balance for low- 8.33........Foster, Joyce.............................. D.......... 35..............Denver
paid state employees. State salary levels now
8.33........Keller, Maryanne......................... D.......... 20..............Wheat Ridge
equal or exceed private levels and state pension
benefits greatly exceed employee pensions in 8.00........Bacon, Bob................................ D.......... 14..............Fort Collins
the private sector. This legislation again puts 8.00........Boyd, Betty................................ D.......... 21..............Lakewood
higher burdens on the state taxpayers without 8.00........Carroll, Morgan........................... D.......... 29..............Aurora
converting the PERA system from a guaranteed 8.00........Heath, Rollie............................... D.......... 18..............Boulder
defined benefit system to a defined contribution 8.00........Hodge, Mary............................... D.......... 25..............Brighton
system that most private sector workers have 8.00........Hudak, Evie................................ D.......... 19..............Westminster
to live with. The legislation does not fix PERA 8.00........Johnson, Michael....................... D.......... 33..............Denver
permanently. Only conversion from a guaran- 8.00........Morse, John............................... D.......... 11..............Colorado Springs
teed benefits plan to a defined contribution plan 8.00........Shaffer, Brandon C..................... D.......... 17..............Longmont
will guarantee financial solvency for PERA. 8.00........Steadman, Pat............................ D.......... 31..............Denver
PASSED. Senate 25/10, House 36/29. (Sen.
8.00........Williams, Suzanne...................... D.......... 28..............Aurora
Schaffer, B/Rep. Kerr, A) Governor SIGNED.
CUT votes NO. In CUT’s view, the benefit Overall Senate Score ………. 44%
modification reforms only partially address the
excesses in the past, and the legislation does not Human Services, and Education, and Nine (9) HB-1001 Renewable Energy Standards / Solar
fix PERA permanently financially. Only con- members to be selected by the Governor with Certification
version from a guaranteed defined benefits plan representation from various geographical areas, This bill requires most energy providers to ob-
to a defined contribution plan will guarantee fi- production, food retail/distributors, food assis- tain increasing percentages of their supplies
nancial solvency for PERA and some relief for tance programs, and economic development. from non traditional sources until a level of 30%
the taxpayers. Members get $4000 annual travel budgets. This is achieved in 2010 AD. It also sets staffing ra-
is in response to a report from Federal Center tios and qualifications for those installing pho-
SB-106 State Food Advisory Council. for Disease Control that Americans were not tovoltaic systems. PASSED. House 37/27/1,
This bill sets up a state Food Advisory Coun- eating enough fruits and vegetables. PASSED. Senate 21/13/1. (Rep. Tyler/Sen. Schwartz)
cil composed of 13 members and an executive Senate 23/12, House 41/23/1. (Sen.Bacon/Rep. Governor SIGNED. CUT votes NO. Whether
director/staff to make recommendations to the Looper) Governor SIGNED. CUT votes NO. economic times are good or bad, the Legislature
legislators and policy-makers on changes in the In CUT’s view, this represents unnecessary es- has no business in forcing consumers and utili-
“Food System.” This includes food practices, tablishment of government bureaucracy aimed ties to purchase energy from more costly and
local food economies, food access, collabora- ultimately at government overregulation of an less efficient intermittent sources to satisfy a
tion with area food councils and promotion of entire industry beginning at the federal level and utopian diktat, nor does it need to codify staff-
Colorado food marketing program. Four (4) enforced through the state using the Food Advi- ing requirements for low voltage work.
members are to be selected from state depart- sory Council as its entry point.
ments of Health & Environment; Agriculture, Key Bill Summaries continued on page 3
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
CUT Rates Colorado’s 2010 Legislature Page 3
HB-1002 Priority Of TABOR Refund Methods
This bill increases the threshold amount of ex-
cess state revenues which would normally trig- House Scores: Friend or Foe?
ger a refund to the taxpayer via a temporary tax Highest to Lowest - Who is representing the best interests of taxpayers? Here’s what
rate reduction; and, also introduces a refund Members of Colorado’s House earned on CUT’s 2010 Ratings Scorecard:
freeze if spending measures are on the Novem-
ber ballot. PASSED. House 37/27/1, Senate CUT
22/12/1. (Rep. Kefalas, Sen. Sandoval) Gov- SCORE Representatives Pledge Party District Hometown
ernor SIGNED. CUT votes NO. In an effort to 100.00....Lambert, Kent D......... P ............ R.......... 14..............Colorado Springs
further bypass the requirements of TABOR, the 96.00....... Swalm, Spencer.............P................R............ 37............... Centennial
Legislature has decided to amend the Constitu- 92.00....... Gardner, Bob....................................R............ 21............... Colorado Springs
tion by statute again, enabling it to hang on to 91.67....... Baumgardner, Randy........................R............ 57............... Hot Sulfur Springs
your money for a bit longer. This is a ‘Back Door 91.67....... Tipton, Scott.....................................R............ 58............... Cortez
91.67....... Vaad, Glenn......................................R............ 48............... Mead
Tax Increase’ without a vote of the people. 91.67....... Waller, Mark......................................R............ 15............... Colorado Springs
91.30....... Murray, Carole..................................R............ 45............... Castle Rock
HB-1008 Prohibition Against Consideration of 88.00....... Balmer, David.................P................R............ 39............... Centennial
Gender in setting Rates Individual Health Insur- 88.00....... DelGrosso, Brian..............................R............ 51............... Loveland
ance Policies 88.00....... Kerr, Jim............................................R............ 28............... Littleton
88.00....... Liston, Larry....................P................R............ 16............... Colorado Springs
According to the Colorado Legislative Council 88.00....... Looper, Marsha.................................R............ 19............... Calhan
Staff Fiscal Note; “This bill prohibits insurance 88.00....... McNulty, Frank..................................R............ 43............... Highlands Ranch
companies from using gender as a factor in de- 88.00....... Sonnenberg, Jerry............................R............ 65............... Sterling
termining the rate for an individual health cov- 87.50....... Gardner, Cory.................P................R............ 63............... Yuma
erage plan. Any premium rate based on gender 87.50....... Stephens, Amy.................................R............ 20............... Monument
will be considered unfairly discriminatory. The 86.96....... Bradford, Laura.................................R............ 55............... Collbran
84.00....... King, Steve.......................................R............ 54............... Grand Junction
Governor signed the bill into law on March 29, 84.00....... May, Mike.........................................R............ 44............... Parker
2010, and it takes effect January 1, 2011.” 84.00....... Nikkel, B.J.......................P................R............ 49............... Loveland
PASSED. House 59/4/2, Senate 20/13/1/1. 84.00....... Priola, Kevin......................................R............ 30............... Henderson
(Reps. Schafer S/McCann/Sens. Carroll M/ 83.33....... Acree, Cindy.....................................R............ 40............... Aurora
Schwartz) Governor SIGNED. CUT votes NO. 80.00....... Gerou, Cheri.....................................R............ 25............... Evergreen
80.00....... Summers, Ken..................................R............ 22............... Lakewood
This bill added language to the state statues that 72.00....... Roberts, Ellen...................................R............ 59............... Durango
outlines additional requirements for health in- 70.83....... Massey, Tom.....................................R............ 60............... Poncha Springs
surance companies to be able to offer medical 50.00....... McKinley, Wesley..............................D............ 64............... Walsh
insurance in Colorado. Current law prohibits 28.00....... Curry, Kathleen.................................D............ 61............... Gunnison
consumers from purchasing health insurance 21.74....... Rice, Joe...........................................D............ 38............... Littleton
20.00....... Pace, Sal...........................................D............ 46............... Pueblo
from out-of-state companies that are not ap- 16.67....... Weissmann, Paul..............................D............ 12............... Louisville
proved by the state insurance regulators. This 16.00....... Apuan, Dennis..................................D............ 17............... Colorado Springs
current prohibition is one of the reasons that 16.00....... Casso, Edward.................................D............ 32............... Thornton
Key Bill Summaries continued on page 4 12.50....... McFadyen, Buffie.............................D............ 47............... Pueblo West
12.50....... Primavera, Dianne............................D............ 33............... Broomfield
12.50....... Scanlan, Christine.............................D............ 56............... Dillon
A SPECIAL BREED 12.00....... Fischer, Randy..................................D............ 53............... Fort Collins
12.00....... Kefalas, John....................................D............ 52............... Fort Collins
12.00....... Merrifield, Michael............................D............ 18............... Colorado Springs
A special breed of legislators is 12.00....... Peniston, Cherylin.............................D............ 35............... Westminster
demonstrating election year cam- 12.00....... Soper, John......................................D............ 34............... Thornton
9.09......... Miklosi, Joe.......................................D............ 9................. Denver
paign pledges are not simply po- 8.33......... Frangas, K.Jerry...............................D............ 4................. Denver
litical rhetoric. In 1998, CUT es- 8.33......... Gagliardi, Sara..................................D............ 27............... Arvada
8.33......... Kerr, Andy.........................................D............ 26............... Lakewood
tablished a ten-point Candidate/ 8.33......... Levy, Claire.......................................D............ 13............... Boulder
8.33......... Middleton, Karen..............................D............ 42............... Aurora
Legislator Pledge for legislative 8.00......... Carroll, Terrance...............................D............ 7................. Denver
candidates. The program was 8.00......... Court, Lois........................................D............ 6................. Denver
8.00......... Hullinghorst, Dickey Lee.D................10.......... Boulder......
very successful—with about one- 8.00......... Judd, Joel.........................................D............ 5................. Denver
third of the entire general assembly 8.00......... Kagan, Daniel...................................D............ 3................. Denver
8.00......... Labuda, Jeanne................................D............ 1................. Denver
signing the pledge. CUT's pledge 8.00......... McCann, Elizabeth...........................D............ 8................. Denver
signers are shown with a “P” on 8.00......... Riesberg, Jim....................................D............ 50............... Greeley
8.00......... Ryden, Su.........................................D............ 36............... Aurora
pages 2 and 3. CUT Champions 8.00......... Schafer, Sue.....................................D............ 24............... Wheat Ridge
and Guardians are almost always 8.00......... Solano, Judy.....................................D............ 31............... Brighton
8.00......... Todd, Nancy.....................................D............ 41............... Aurora
pledge signers. Be sure to con- 8.00......... Vigil, Edward.....................................D............ 62............... Alamosa
4.35......... Benefield, Debbie.............................D............ 29............... Arvada
gratulate them for their high scores 4.17......... Ferrandino, Mark..............................D............ 2................. Denver
and integrity in following through 4.17......... Tyler, Max..........................................D............ 23............... Lakewood
on their campaign promise to be 4.00......... Pommer, Jack...................................D............ 11............... Boulder
fiscally conservative. Overall House Score ………. 43%
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
Page 4 CUT Rates Colorado’s 2010 Legislature
health insurance rates are not as competitive as Romer) Governor SIGNED. CUT votes YES. based on the retail sales price, the sales tax will
they could be. Dictating yet another mandate CUT congratulates the legislature for this sig- be based on the cost of all wholesale inputs,
only ensures that rates will be higher for all nificant piece of legislation. Transparency in including energy. This bill taxes the wholesale
consumers who purchase insurance. Like car government is key for Colorado state residents purchase of energy, and thereby imposes a
insurance, which has different rates for males to understand how their education tax dol- double taxation, first at the wholesale level, and
and females, health insurance companies ought lars are being spent. This legislation provides then at the retail level.
to be able to price their products in a manner for a 3 year transition period to have all of the
that makes the most business sense. noted public school spending posted online, in a HB-1191 Eliminate Candy & Soft Drink Sales
downloadable format. This information will al- Tax Exemption
HB-1017 Authorization for Certain Public Enti- low comparisons of school expenditures among Although non-restaurant food is exempt from
ties to Enter into Voluntary Agreements Affect- districts and promote efficiencies and account- sales taxes, this bill imposes the sales tax on
ing Rent on Private Residential Property ability in the school system. CUT encourages candy and soda purchased from stores or vend-
According to the Colorado Legislative Council the legislature to continue this transparency ing machines. PASSED. House 36/29, Senate
Staff Fiscal Note, this bill…”states that a county effort with other components of state govern- 18/17. (Rep. Pommer, Sen. Heath) Governor
or municipal ordinance or resolution to control ment. SIGNED. CUT votes NO. The bill represents
rent on a private residential housing unit shall another step in government micromanagement
not include: HB-1138 Colorado Health Services Corps of what we choose to eat. A “soft drink” is any
• an individualized negotiated agreement to This bill creates a new government apparatus to non-alcoholic drink that contains sweeteners.
limit rent on the unit or to otherwise preserve provide money for retiring educational loans of So apparently iced tea is not a “soft drink,” but
affordable housing stock; or unspecified ‘health professionals’ who will work sweetened ice tea is. “Candy” is any product
• the placement on the title to the unit of a deed in designated under-served areas. PASSED. “in the form of bars, drops, or pieces” which
restriction that limits rent on the unit or that House 56/5/4, Senate 27/8. (Rep. Gagliardi/ contains sweeteners, but only if there is no flour
is otherwise designed to preserve affordable Sen. Morse) Governor SIGNED. CUT votes in the product and the product does not require
housing stock. NO. The state should not be creating yet another refrigeration. So Altoids are taxable while lico-
“The bill authorizes agreements to specify how 15 member commission and an (untouchable) rice is not—since no sweeteners are added in
long a private residential housing unit is sub- cash fund to disburse excess money unequally. the production of the latter. The picayune dis-
ject to its terms, whether a subsequent property The bill does not specify what classes or crafts tinctions will be highly burdensome for retail-
owner is subject to the agreement, and remedies would receive the loan forgiveness or how much ers, especially small businesses, trying to figure
for early termination.” PASSED. House 39/26, could be given to a single individual for his two out what is taxed, and to apply the tax to some
Senate 21/12/1/1. (Reps. Kagan/Sen. Boyd) year assignment. Further it denies anything to food purchases but not others.
Governor SIGNED. CUT votes NO. The anyone who has the audacity to work in the Key Bill Summaries continued on page 8
previous statue wording was very precise… private sector. To quote Mussolini ‘All things
”no county or municipality may enact any within the state, nothing outside the state.’
ordinance or resolution which would control
rents on private residential property.” The HB-1189 Elimination of Sales Tax Exemption How
right of private contract is core to our system
or free enterprise. Allowing municipalities to
for Direct Mail
This bill (illegally) eliminates the Sales & Use
did the
authorize agreements on the length of terms,
subsequent property owner restrictions and con-
Tax exemptions on materials used in direct mail
advertising, except if included in newspapers.
Governor
sequences of early termination have no place in PASSED. House 37/28, Senate 19/15/1. (Rep. Rate?
private property negotiations. Pommer/Sen. Heath) Governor SIGNED. CUT
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
CUT Rates Colorado’s 2010 Legislature Page 5
Senate Champion Senate Champion Senate Champion Senate Champion Senate Champion
Bill Cadman Keith King Mike Kopp Scott Renfroe Mark Scheffel
“Being recognized by CUT is “The 2010 Legislative session “When it comes to the “Tax increases, hiding as “I applaud CUT for their ef-
always an honor. The members gives Colorado a clear choice economy, the most important fees, have dominated the forts to educate the electorate
of CUT are steadfast intheir for those who support limited work legislators can do is to fiscal policy at the Capitol. and spotlight failed tax policies
commitment to hold elected government and taxation.” defend taxpayers. Their indi- Attacks on TABOR seem to that affect the daily lives of
officials accountable for votes vidual freedom and prosperity occur daily. I have stood firm Coloradoans. It is an honor
on taxes, spending and liberty. -- not more government -- is and always will against the to be recognized by CUT, I
I am grateful to be in the com- the goal. I’m pleased to be rec- progressive vision of growing will continue to represent and
pany of other legislators CUT ognized by CUT as a legislator government and controlling defend the rights of taxpayers
has recognized as true believ- who has made defending the our lives with tax increases. in Colorado.”
ers in limited government.” personalfinancial well being of I thank CUT for the ratings
Coloradans a top priority.” and encourage the tax-payers
of Colorado to become active
and hold anti-free market big
government legislators ac-
countable.Colorado taxpayers,
families, and business cannot
afford their policies.”
“The ONLY method of slow- “The 2010 Legislative session “According to the Declaration- “Colorado taxpayers have
ing or reversing the constant gives Colorado a clear choice of Independence, the purpose said through their consistent
growth of government is to cut for those who support limited of government is to secure our support of the Taxpayers’Bill
off its supply of tax and fee government and taxation.” God-given, inalienable rights. of Rights (TABOR) that they
income. No other solution will This is not possible when gov- don’t want their taxes raised
be effective.We must be ever- ernment continues to take more without first getting their per-
vigilant to do so. Furthermore, and more of our individual mission. I intend to honor their
it is counter-productive to en- rights through higher and wishes and the oath of office I
courage government efficiency higher taxes. If we stop spend- took to protect and defend the
unless those “savings”can ing and taxing more than the Colorado constitution. I will
be returned to the taxpayer; people can reasonably afford, oppose any legislative efforts
greater “efficiency”only pro- freedom and prosperity will to ignore TABOR.”
vides funds for more programs once again thrive. I am com-
or for the expansion of existing mitted to putting this principle
programs.” of good government back into
our state’s policies.”
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
Page 6
SB SB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB POSITIVE
COLORADO 1 106 1001 1002 1008 1017 1036 1138 1189 1190 1191 1192 1193 1194 1195 1199 1287 1327 1328 1333 1365 1370 1376 1409 1417 CUT VOTES CUT
SENATORS Party District Hometown NO NO NO NO NO NO YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO VOTES CAST SCORE
Bacon, Bob D 14 Fort Collins - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Bacon, Bob D
Boyd, Betty D 21 Lakewood - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Boyd, Betty D
Brophy, Greg R 1 Wray - + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + + 22 25 88 Brophy, Greg R
Cadman, Bill R 10 Colorado Springs + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 25 25 100 Cadman, Bill R
Carroll, Morgan D 29 Aurora - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Carroll, Morgan D
Foster, Joyce D 35 Denver - - - - - A + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 24 8.33 Foster, Joyce D
Gibbs, Dan D 16 Silverthorne - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - E - E - - - - 2 23 8.7 Gibbs, Dan D
Harvey, Ted R 30 Highlands Ranch + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + 23 25 92 Harvey, Ted R
Heath, Rollie D 18 Boulder - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Heath, Rollie D
Hodge, Mary D 25 Brighton - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Hodge, Mary D
Hudak, Evie D 19 Westminster - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Hudak, Evie D
Johnson, Michael D 33 Denver - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Johnson, Michael D
Keller, Maryanne D 20 Wheat Ridge - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - E - - - - - - 2 24 8.33 Keller, Maryanne D
Kester, Kenneth R 2 Las Animas - - + - - E + - + + + + + + + + + - - - - + + + + 15 24 62.5 Kester, Kenneth R
King, Keith R 12 Colorado Springs + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 25 25 100 King, Keith R
Kopp. Mike R 22 Littleton + + A + + + + + + A + + + + + + + + + E A + + + E 20 20 100 Kopp. Mike R
Lundberg, Kevin R 15 Berthoud + + + - + + E + + + + + + + + + + E + + + + + + + 22 23 95.65 Lundberg, Kevin R
Mitchell, Shawn R 23 Broomfield + + + - + + E + + + + + + + + + + E + + + - + + + 21 23 91.3 Mitchell, Shawn R
Morse, John D 11 Colorado Springs - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Morse, John D
Newell, Linda D 26 Littleton - - - - - - + - - - - + - - - - + - - - - - - - - 3 25 12 Newell, Linda D
Penry, Joshua R 7 Grand Junction - + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + - - + + + + 21 25 84 Penry, Joshua R
Renfroe, Scott R 13 Greeley + + + + + + E + E + + + + + + + + E + + + + + + + 22 22 100 Renfroe, Scott R
Romer, Chris D 32 Denver - - - E A - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 23 8.7 Romer, Chris D
Sandoval, Paula D 34 Denver - - - - - - + - - + + + - + + - + + - - + - - - - 9 25 36 Sandoval, Paula D
Scheffel, Mark R 4 Parker + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 25 25 100 Scheffel, Mark R
Schultheis, David R 9 Colorado Springs + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 25 25 100 Schultheis, David R
Schwartz, Gail D 5 Snowmass Village - - - - - - + - + + + + + + + + + + - - - - - - - 11 25 44 Schwartz, Gail D
Shaffer, Brandon C D 17 Longmont - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Shaffer, Brandon C D
Spence, Nancy R 27 Centennial + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + 23 25 92 Spence, Nancy R
CUT Rates Colorado’s 2010 Legislature
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
Governor Ritter D Aurora - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + - 2 25 8
SB SB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB POSITIVE
COLORADO 1 106 1001 1002 1008 1017 1036 1138 1189 1190 1191 1192 1193 1194 1195 1199 1287 1327 1328 1333 1365 1370 1376 1409 1417 CUT VOTES CUT
REPRESENTATIVES Party District Hometown NO NO NO NO NO NO YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO YES NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO VOTES CAST SCORE
Acree, Cindy R 40 Aurora + + + + - + E - + + + + + + + + + + + + - - + + + 20 24 83.33 Acree, Cindy R
Apuan, Dennis D 17 Colorado Springs - - - - - - + - - - + - - - - - + - - - + - - - - 4 25 16 Apuan, Dennis D
Balmer, David R 39 Centennial + + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + + 22 25 88 Balmer, David R
Baumgardner, Randy R 57 Hot Sulfur Spgs + - + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + E + 22 24 91.67 Baumgardner, Randy R
Benefield, Debbie D 29 Arvada - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - E - - - - - - E - 1 23 4.35 Benefield, Debbie D
Bradford, Laura R 55 Collbran + + E + E + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - - + + + 20 23 86.96 Bradford, Laura R
Carroll, Terrance D 7 Denver - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Carroll, Terrance D
Casso, Edward D 32 Thornton - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + + - - - - + - - 4 25 16 Casso, Edward D
Court, Lois D 6 Denver - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Court, Lois D
Curry, Kathleen
DelGrosso, Brian
D
R
61
51
Gunnison
Loveland
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
-
-
-
+
+
+
-
-
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Curry, Kathleen
DelGrosso, Brian
D
R
Ferrandino, Mark D 2 Denver - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - E - - - - - - - - 1 24 4.17 Ferrandino, Mark D
Fischer, Randy D 53 Fort Collins - - - - - - + - - - - - - - + - + - - - - - - - - 3 25 12 Fischer, Randy D
Frangas, K.Jerry D 4 Denver - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - E - - - 2 24 8.33 Frangas, K.Jerry D
Gagliardi, Sara D 27 Arvada - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - E - - - - - - 2 24 8.33 Gagliardi, Sara D
Gardner, Bob R 21 Colorado Springs + + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 23 25 92 Gardner, Bob R
Gardner, Cory R 63 Yuma + + E + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + + 21 24 87.5 Gardner, Cory R
Gerou, Cheri R 25 Evergreen + + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - - + + + 20 25 80 Gerou, Cheri R
Hullinghorst, Dickey Lee D 10 Boulder - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Hullinghorst, Dickey Lee D
Judd, Joel D 5 Denver - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Judd, Joel D
Kagan, Daniel D 3 Denver - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Kagan, Daniel D
Kefalas, John D 52 Fort Collins - - - - - - + - - - - + - - - - + - - - - - - - - 3 25 12 Kefalas, John D
Kerr, Andy D 26 Lakewood - - - - E - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 24 8.33 Kerr, Andy D
Kerr, Jim R 28 Littleton + + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + + 22 25 88 Kerr, Jim R
King, Steve R 54 Grand Junction - + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - - + + + 21 25 84 King, Steve R
Labuda, Jeanne D 1 Denver - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Labuda, Jeanne D
Lambert, Kent D R 14 Colorado Springs + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 25 25 100 Lambert, Kent D R
Levy, Claire D 13 Boulder - - - - - - + E - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 24 8.33 Levy, Claire D
Liston, Larry R 16 Colorado Springs + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + - - + + + 22 25 88 Liston, Larry R
Looper, Marsha R 19 Calhan + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + 22 25 88 Looper, Marsha R
Massey, Tom R 60 Poncha Springs + - + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + E - - - - + + 17 24 70.83 Massey, Tom R
May, Mike R 44 Parker + + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - + - + + 21 25 84 May, Mike R
McCann, Elizabeth D 8 Denver - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 McCann, Elizabeth D
McFadyen, Buffie D 47 Pueblo West + - - - - - + E - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 3 24 12.5 McFadyen, Buffie D
McKinley, Wesley D 64 Walsh - - + E - - + - + + + + + + + + + - - - - - - + - 12 24 50 McKinley, Wesley D
McNulty, Frank R 43 Highlands Ranch + + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + + 22 25 88 McNulty, Frank R
Merrifield, Michael D 18 Colorado Springs + - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 3 25 12 Merrifield, Michael D
Middleton, Karen D 42 Aurora - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - E - 2 24 8.33 Middleton, Karen D
Miklosi, Joe D 9 Denver - E - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - E - - - - E 2 22 9.09 Miklosi, Joe D
Murray, Carole R 45 Castle Rock + + + + E + + - + + + + + + + + E + + + + - + + + 21 23 91.3 Murray, Carole R
Nikkel, B.J. R 49 Loveland + + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - - + + + 21 25 84 Nikkel, B.J. R
Pace, Sal D 46 Pueblo + - - - - - + - - + - - - - + - + - - - - - - - - 5 25 20 Pace, Sal D
Peniston, Cherylin D 35 Westminster - - - - - - + - - - - - - + - - + - - - - - - - - 3 25 12 Peniston, Cherylin D
Pommer, Jack D 11 Boulder - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 1 25 4 Pommer, Jack D
Primavera, Dianne D 33 Broomfield + - - - E - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 3 24 12.5 Primavera, Dianne D
Priola, Kevin R 30 Henderson + + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - - + + + 21 25 84 Priola, Kevin R
Rice, Joe D 38 Littleton - - - - - - + E - + - + + E - - + - - - - - - - - 5 23 21.74 Rice, Joe D
Riesberg, Jim D 50 Greeley - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Riesberg, Jim D
Roberts, Ellen R 59 Durango - + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + + + + - - - - + + 18 25 72 Roberts, Ellen R
Ryden, Su D 36 Aurora - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Ryden, Su D
Scanlan, Christine D 56 Dillon - - - - - - + - - - - - + - - - + - - - - - - - E 3 24 12.5 Scanlan, Christine D
Schafer, Sue D 24 Wheat Ridge - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Schafer, Sue D
CUT Rates Colorado’s 2010 Legislature
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
Tyler, Max D 23 Lakewood - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - E - - - - - - - - 1 24 4.17 Tyler, Max D
Vaad, Glenn R 48 Mead + + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + + + + - E + + + 22 24 91.67 Vaad, Glenn R
Vigil, Edward D 62 Alamosa - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - - + - - - - - - - - 2 25 8 Vigil, Edward D
Waller, Mark R 15 Colorado Springs + + + + - + + E + + + + + + + + + + + + + - + + + 22 24 91.67 Waller, Mark R
Weissmann, Paul D 12 Louisville + - - - - - + + - - - - - E - - - + - - - - - - - 4 24 16.67 Weissmann, Paul D
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
CUT Rates Colorado’s 2010 Legislature Page 9
Senate 19/16. (Rep.Ferrandino /Sen. Heath) votes YES. The current cost of this program is chosen to steal this money to cover its own in-
Governor SIGNED. CUT votes NO. This approximately $2,721,653 per year. The Colo- ability to cut spending out of the General Fund.
is another example of the legislature squeez- rado Fiscal Note states “Under current prac-
ing Colorado businesses for more tax revenue. tice, employees who commute to work using a HB-1328 New Energy Jobs
The Legislative Council Staff anticipates that state vehicle must pay income taxes based on Creates a new agency (“District”) to provide in-
this change will add $8.2 million dollars to FY the value of the vehicle to the employee. Most centives for subsidies for energy conservation
2010-11 and $16.6 million in FY 2011-12. At employees pay taxes on $60 per month of im- or alternative energy installations. Declares that
a time when Colorado businesses are struggling puted income. This amount represents the tax- it is not a government for purposes of TABOR
with the current recession it makes no sense to able value of the commuting benefit and is not and exempts it from constitutional mandates
deny them the full exemption. The Colorado a reimbursement to the state.” There are cur- of Ethics in Government. Authorizes the is-
legislature has not yet learned that spending rently 1,058 employees using state vehicles for suance of $800,000,000 in bonds that the tax-
CUTS are required in a time of recession. commuting purposes and travel approximately payers may NOT vote to approve. Establishes
7,458,900 miles per year. The current cost of a $10,000,000 debt fund within the Treasurer’s
HB-1287 Concerning the use of a state-owned the program is $2,721,653 per year. office to make up missed payments. PASSED.
motor vehicle for commuting purposes. House 37/26/2, Senate 20/13/2. (Rep. Miklosi,
The Colorado Legislative Council Staff Fiscal HB-1327 Transfer of Cash Fund Monies into the Sen. Schwartz). Governor SIGNED. CUT votes
Note provided the following Summary of Legis- General Fund NO. To support this you must first believe that
lation: “This reengrossed bill defines commut- This bill augments the state General Fund rev- there is no higher or better use of a huge capital
ing as driving a state-owned vehicle between enue in FY 2009-2010 by requiring the State investment than what the General Assembly has
an employee’s residence and his or her princi- Treasurer to transfer a total of $87,856,471 to determined. It’s a wasteful diversion and cre-
pal or temporary work location, except when the General Fund from 11 different cash funds. ates a government that is not elected but run by
the employee’s residence is his or her princi- This bill does not directly increase state expen- a board appointed by elected officials, but yet
pal work location or the employee is respond- ditures but it makes over $87 million available is declared not to be a government. That sets a
ing to an emergency. As of October 1, 2010, for appropriation by depleting funds generated terrible precedent. Like the huge lending mess
a state-owned vehicle may be used by an em- for the original intended purposes (e.g., Higher with Fannie Mae securities, the State created a
ployee for commuting purposes only if current Education Maintenance and Reserve Fund, similar monster and tells voters not to worry.
law requirements are met, the employee’s job Public Safety Communications Trust Fund,
description requires it, and the employee agrees Local Government Permanent Fund, Law En- HB-1333 New Energy Training Program
to allow the state to deduct reimbursement for forcement Assistance Fund, etc.) PASSED. Uses $100,000 “stimulus money” to start up
commuting from his or her salary. A state agen- House 36/29, Senate 20/12/3. (Rep. Pommer, a new training program for workers who will
cy may not waive reimbursement except for an Sen. White) Governor SIGNED. CUT votes install energy conservation and energy alterna-
employee who drives a clearly marked police or NO. The legislature AGAIN robs Peter to pay tives. PASSED. House 39/25/1, Senate 23/11/1.
fire vehicle, or other qualified non-personal use Paul. If the money is not needed for its intended ( Rep. Vigil, Sen. Schwartz) Governor SIGNED.
vehicle. Other provisions of the bill: purpose in these special funds, it should be re- CUT votes NO. Why didn’t the last great train-
turned to taxpayers in the form of lower taxes
• require each state agency to submit a written and fees. Instead, the State Government has Key Bill Summaries continued on page 10
application to the Division of Central Services
(DCS) within the Department of Personnel and
Administration (DPA) for each employee that
the executive director authorizes for commut-
Help CUT Waste, Fraud, and Abuse of Your Tax Dollars:
ing;
• direct the DCS to establish rules for com- Since 1976 CUT’s awareness efforts have saved Colorado taxpayers
muting, to verify and approve each employee’s hundreds of millions of dollars. Yet we have much to do. Please help
commuting authorization, and provide an annu- by supporting CUT today. CUT is saving you money by reducing your
al report to the Joint Budget Committee on the
use of state-owned vehicles for commuting; taxes.
• specify that the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) lease-value rule will be used to determine q Yes, I want to support CUT. $20 Annual Dues/6 years $100
the rate for employees that are required to pro- q I want to do more! Here is my additional donation of $_______
vide reimbursement; and
• require the state to tax the employee if q “Taxes are too high already and I want to protect against further
the amount reimbursed for the commuting use tax growth. Here is my contribution of $________” Please keep
of the vehicle is less than the IRS value of the me informed.
commuting benefit.
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
Page 10 CUT Rates Colorado’s 2010 Legislature
HB-1370 Increase Disclosure Requirements The non-paid commission will educate employ-
for Issue Campaigns ers and employees regarding pay equity and
Strengthens the requirements for issue commit- best practices for encouraging equal pay. The
tees to report expenditures on statewide ballot commission will submit reports to the General
issues and identifies specific thresholds. Clari- Assembly by June 30th of each year until it sun-
fies who may submit pro and con statements. sets on July 1 2015. The Department of Labor
PASSED. House 51/10/4, Senate 25/10 ( Rep. and Employment is authorized to accept gifts,
Court, Sen. Steadman). Governor SIGNED. grants and donations for the commission’s work.
CUT votes NO. Some provisions place fur- PASSED. House 35/28/2, Senate 21/13/1. (Rep.
ther administrative burdens on proponents or Peniston/ Sen. Williams) Governor SIGNED.
How Congress Voted* opponents of ballot measures; another step in
restricting 1st Amendment freedoms in the in-
CUT votes NO. A commission funded by
“gifts” that will then put pressure on businesses
terest of disclosing who is paying for what. for its agenda? Really? Gifts from whom? This
Senate Results one doesn’t quite pass the smell test! Colorado
HB-1376 Annual State Budget (Long Bill) doesn’t need any more intrusion on its business-
Bennet, M F 10% The annual state budget for the fiscal year be- es. And State Government does not need anoth-
Udall, M F 8% ginning July 2010 totals $19.6 Billion. This rep- er commission which will undoubtedly end up
resents an increase in the total budget of $400 taking paid government employee time and ma-
State Average 9% Million (about 6%) over last year’s budget. terials at a time
PASSED. House 40/25/0, Senate 22/13/0 (Rep. when funding
House Results Pommer, Sen. Keller). Governor SIGNED. is supposedly
CUT votes NO. This budget uses other leg- so limited.
islation that eliminated many tax credits and
Coffman, M B+ 88% exemptions and raised fees and shifted monies
DeGette, D F 2% into the general fund from other cash accounts,
which CUT has also opposed. It assumes tax
Lamborn, D A 93% revenues will rise by 5.8% in the new fiscal
Markey, B D 19% year even though these revenues fell by a total
of $1.3B over the last two years and we have
Perlmutter, E F 3% not seen significant improvement in Colorado’s
Polis, J F 8% economy. The legislature ignored calls from
Salazar, J F 8% Republican members for across-the-board cuts
from state agencies. Citizens have to sacrifice to
make their family budgets work – but the state
State Average 32% government refuses to show the same common
sense restraint.
CUT
*Source: National Taxpayers Union,
HB-1409 State Employee Compensation
Board of Directors
111th Congress 1st Session 2009
This (very late) bill attempted to resurrect the
long dead ‘Step and Level’ automatic pay in- Marty Neilson
ing program work? There are lots and lots of crease system which gave automatic raises to President & Ratings Chairman
government training dollars spent with no dis- state employees in part based on date-of-hire. Gregory Golyansky
cernable results except duplication of effort and PASSED. House 35/27/3, Senate 22/13 (Rep. Vice President
waste of taxpayer funds. Since “green energy” Pommer, Sen. Tapia) Governor VETOED.
is not itself self-sustaining, its supporters must CUT votes NO. Like a Vampire eagerly await- Jim Frye
find many different ways to subsidize it. ing someone to lift the lid of his coffin and free Secretary
him to prowl the earth to suck more blood from
HB-1365 Incentive For Utilities To Convert the taxpayer, Step-and Level almost returned. In Bill Hammel
From Coal To Natural Gas a time of economic distress, the Legislature had Treasurer & Ratings Statistician
This bill will prod energy suppliers to convert no business to saddle the State and its citizens Joe Chavez
their power plants from coal fueled to natural with additional annual cost increases, some of
gas, and to allow long term natural gas supply which could be termed ‘Dozing for Dollars’. Russ Haas
contracts therefore. PASSED. House 53/12, Further the newly founded union would have
Senate 20/13/1/1. (Rep. Solano, Sen. White- been established as a player in determining pay Dave Kopel
head) Governor SIGNED. CUT votes NO. rates. Thank the Governor for driving another
Cowering before prospects of additional EPA nail into this coffin. To add insult, this bill was Dan Kopelman
‘Clean Air’ regulations and the prospect of be- tagged as an emergency measure to preclude Penn Pfiffner
ing called ‘un-Green’, the House in a Bi-Partisan citizen review.
effort and the Senate decided to substitute their Ruth Prendergast
collective wisdom for that of the Market, ignore HB-1417 Pay Equity Commission within the De-
the possibilities of nuclear power, cripple the partment of Labor and Employment Lou Schroeder
State’s coal mining industry, and perhaps raise This bill creates an 11-member Pay Equity
the future cost of home heating. The obligatory Commission in the Department of Labor and Wendy Warner
use of natural gas for fuel may not be the best Employment, the members of which are to be
Renee Welsh
use of this valuable and versatile commodity. appointed by the Governor by August 1, 2010.
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
CUT Rates Colorado’s 2010 Legislature Page 11
CANDIDATE/LEGISLATOR PLEDGE
I_______________________________________, candidate/Legislator for________________________
hereby pledge to the Citizens of Colorado:
Tabor to honor and uphold the spirit as well as the letter of TABOR.
Spending Limit to limit government spending to growth of Colorado population and inflation.
Tax Surplus to support the refund of surplus taxes to the citizens of Colorado proportional to their contri-
butions.
Prioritize Spending to support prioritizing the budget by shifting spending from lower valued programs to the
higher priorities, and not fund spending with new net taxes.
Education to support educational alternatives such as vouchers to create competition and improve stu-
dent results at a lower cost.
Privatize to support privatization of government departments and functions to make them more efficient
and less expensive.
Property Rights to defend private property rights from “takings” by government or by regulation.
Payroll Deductions to oppose unauthorized payroll deductions that are used for political purposes.
Petition Rights to support the citizen’s right to petition with rules as non-restrictive as possible.
Signature:_____________________________________________Date:___________________________
Sponsored by: Colorado Union of Taxpayers, PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224, 303-494-2400 REV 2009
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org
Colorado Union of Taxpayers PRESORTED
P.O. Box 24594 STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
Denver, CO 80224
67 pt. futura T extra bold
PAID
BOULDER, CO
Taxpayer Hotline: (303) 494-2400 PERMIT NO. 909
www.coloradotaxpayer.org
CUT • PO Box 24594, Denver, CO 80224 • Taxpayer Hotline (303) 494-2400 • www.coloradotaxpayer.org