TABOR recall gets go-ahead, author Doug Bruce speaks out

An effort to abolish TABOR, Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, is moving forward. The Colorado State Supreme Court has ruled a repeal question can be put before voters in 2020 if enough signatures are gathered.

In a few short words, the man who wrote the law and got it passed back in 1992 said, “when that happens, which it won’t, call me.”

When asked what would happen if it did happen, Doug Bruce, former Colorado lawmaker responded, “You’re asking me to speculate on a proposal that’s never going to happen.”

A group called Colorado Fiscal Institute is spearheading the effort.

TABOR allows voters to weigh in on every new tax before it becomes law and dictates how much lawmakers at the state capitol can spend.

Opponents say the law doesn’t allow adequate spending in the state budget for funding in education and transportation.

Bruce says, it still won’t happen.

“People are not going to vote to give up their right to vote,” he explains.

Ultimately, the decision isn’t up to him, or any organization or even lawmakers.
It lies in the hands of voters.

House Bill 19-1257 passed in the last legislative session and it could allow the state to keep excess revenue, money that would otherwise be refunded under TABOR rules.

That would strip TABOR of one of its major functions, but again, it will need to be approved by voters in November.