Colorado Care draws criticism from state’s top Democrats

A passionate group in Colorado looks to make health care history.

Colorado Care would create the nation’s first single payer, Medicare for All system.

Supporter Tom Faudree is a retired teacher.

“I’m currently on an Affordable Care Act policy with a $5,000 annual deductible,” Faudree said. “You can’t argue with the progress it’s made, but it’s time to go further and Colorado Care does that. Amendment 69.”

Colorado Care would increase both employer payroll and your state income tax.

Liberal-leaning Progress Now and some Democratic state leaders oppose it.

“We are troubled by the disproportionate burden these taxes would put on working families and small businesses,” Colorado House Majority Leader Crisanta Duran said.

If Colorado Care passes in the fall, it would replace the Affordable Care Act.

“Instead of buying health insurance, instead of paying deductibles and co-pays, you pay into a not for profit health care trust fund that’s there for you when you need it,” physician Irene Aguilar said. Aguilar, a state senator from Denver, is a big backer of Amendment 69.

Secretary of State Wayne Williams is opposed.

“It triples the state income tax and doubles the state budget,” Williams said. “It also gives power to an unelected board for three years to raise taxes without limit. “So, from an electoral standpoint it’s very concerning to me.

you can’t argue with the progress it’s made, but it’s time to go further and Colorado Care does that. amendment 69.

Sen. Michael Bennet and Gov. John Hickenlooper, the two top Democrats in the state, oppose Colorado Care.