COFPI Lays Down the Facts at the Legislature

COFPI policy staff testified yesterday on a dizzying seven different pieces of tax and fiscal legislation. The broader message was that in these difficult economic times, as the state faces mounting budget problems, we must do everything we can to preserve revenue and protect the worker safety net that is so vital to our economic health during a recession.

Colorado doesn't have a spending problem, we have a revenue problem. And as the debate over Colorado's budget and economic outlook evolves, we urge state leaders and policymakers to recognize that when state investment is cut, there is a direct negative impact on the economy. We know government is not the only answer, nor is it the silver bullet solution to all our ills. But we do know—because it is fact—that state government investment supports job creation, economic activity, and, amid a growing economic crisis perhaps most importantly, a vital safety net for unemployed workers and lower-income Coloradans.

Carol Hedges, COFPI Senior Fiscal Analyst, was quoted in this Denver Business Journal article. She also appeared on The Jay Marvin Show this morning, and participated in a live debate on KGNU with Wade Buchanan from The Bell Policy Center, and Baryy Paulson from the Independence Institute (forward to the 37:30 mark for the start of the hour long discussion).

Laura Oldright, COFPI Tax Analyst, was quoted in this Denver Daily News article about closing tax loopholes.

COFPI analysis was also cited in this Denver Post article about broadband access investment included in the federal stimulus package.