6 Percent Progress Continues, But Some in Statehouse Cling to Failed Policies from the Past

As Colorado faces a budget and economic crisis, momentum continues to grow around the idea of getting rid of the 6 percent provision on general fund appropriations. But some in the statehouse are clinging to the failed policies of the past, as opposed to recognizing that we must use every tool we can to shorten the recession, strengthen our economy, create jobs, and improve our budget picture-and this is one of those tools.

The 6 percent provision prevents Colorado from making smart decisions based on key priorities, changing economic conditions, and Coloradans' needs. It requires governing by formula, rather than by deliberative and responsible actions.

Coloradans' needs are not static. They change with the times, they change with economic conditions, and they change with our values and priorities. Families are adapting, businesses are adapting, and it's long past time that state government adapts to 21st century economic realities.

When it comes to creating jobs, strengthening our fiscal landscape, investing in priorities like education and healthcare, and turning the economy around, Colorado is handcuffed. Getting rid of the 6% provision is the key.

The idea has strong bi-partisan support. However, some want to play the same tired old games to push through failed policies from the past. House Republicans have floated a proposal that gets rid of the 6 percent provision in exchange for a requirement that the state transfer 10 percent of its sales and use tax revenue into transportation funding each year, no matter what. This would take Colorado one step forward and two steps back by trading one constraint for another, and making transportation funding a higher priority than every other responsibility the state has for education, health care, higher education, and more.

What their plan really means is an additional $200 million in cuts to critical programs like K-12 and higher education, health care and public safety every year. Estimates show those cuts would be $189 million in FY 2008-2009; $206 million in FY 2009-2010; $215 million in FY 2010-2011 and $230 million in FY 2011-2012.

We have to ask: What will they cut? Which kids will they deny food or health care? Which students will they prevent from going to college? Which families will be left out to dry?

The real cost sometimes gets lost behind big numbers. That $200 million would pay for: two semesters of college for 36,231 students; the state's share of K-12 education funding for 43,379 students; health care for 33,369 Coloradans or 111,919 kids.

Proponents of this plan want to pave over every other priority, putting roads ahead of Colorado families, healthcare, education and other critical priorities, and they're willing to risk a smart, common sense plan to do it. We believe that Colorado must eliminate the 6 percent, to maximize federal stimulus dollars, and put all of our state's funding priorities on a level playing field.

Arbitrary formulas and constraints-and locking in one spending area over everything else-is exactly the kind failed fiscal policy that has gotten us into this mess. We've been down this road before, and look where it's gotten us.