DENVER — Saturday marked day two of the Colorado General Assembly’s special session.
Voters overwhelmingly shot down Prop HH in Colorado’s statewide election at the beginning of November. Now Democrats are trying to push parts of Prop HH forward. The clock is ticking for the state legislators because county tax assessors are already preparing next year’s taxes.
You see it, and your wallet feels it.
Property taxes are skyrocketing.
Democrats and Republicans disagree about how much help you should get with your property taxes next year, and where that money will come from.
Republicans are calling for more tax relief, but the Democratic majority doesn’t want to dip into the state’s reserves to pay for it.
Also, Democrats are trying to bring back flat TABOR refunds, which were part of Prop HH, which voters overwhelmingly rejected.
Democrats want to have everyone get the same amount, regardless of what they paid in taxes.
Every tax filer would get $847, or double if you file jointly.
On the second reading, the senate approved legislation to cut property taxes for the 2023 tax year while protecting funding for schools, fire districts, ambulance and health districts.
It would increase the property value exemption for residential properties up to $55,000.
Saturday, the Senate also passed a bill to provide students with food during summer break.
Families will get $40 per month per eligible child next summer, and will be adjusted for inflation in the following years.
Friday night, there was controversy when Democrats didn’t have the votes to move the special session along as quickly as they wanted. Democrats declared they won a vote but refused to let the votes be counted. Eventually, they struck a deal with Republicans to extend the special session one day, until Monday.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Politics