Face The State Staff Report
At a Monday morning gathering at the state Capitol, Republican lawmakers offered their plan for fixing the economy and admonished Gov. Bill Ritter and his Democrat allies for their lack of leadership.
Rep. Mike May, left, and Sen. Mike KoppFTS Staff Photo
Joined by candidates, the Republicans outlined their plan to address the down-turning economy, a solution they say is grounded in reality and begins with ending the government’s “spending spree.”
“Hope is part of every piece of our lives,” said House Minority Leader Mike May. “But it is not a budget policy.”
They referenced a report released last week by the non-partisan Office of Legislative Council that estimated the state may face over $100 million in new debt. The Republicans blamed Ritter and Democrats for approving a record-breaking $18.4 billion budget that added 1,300 new employees to the state’s payroll.
They also pointed out that no Republicans, except those on the Joint Budget Committee, voted in favor of the budget.
“Instead of saving for a rainy day, they spent like sailors on leave,” Assistant Minority Leader Nancy Spence said.
Included in the Republicans' plan was a proposal to create a "rainy day" fund that would set aside at least $500 million over the next four years to prepare for weak economic conditions.
Republicans also questioned Ritter for "burdening" Coloradans with what they called an unconstitutional property-tax increase. The estimated $118 million a year tax landed in the Colorado Supreme Court earlier this month after Ritter refused to accept the decision by the Denver District Court that his attempt to impose a “mill levy freeze” was actually an unconstitutional tax increase under the state Constitution.
Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, urged Ritter and Democrats to not “spend every theoretical penny” in state coffers.
“Bill Ritter wouldn’t tighten his pants and now he has to pull them up,” Mitchell said.
Also part of the Republicans' plan was a declaration of war on the business personal property tax and a vow not to support any tax hike without voter approval.
The GOP lawmakers said they were open to talk to Ritter to come up with a viable economic plan, but lamented a lack of cooperation from the Ritter administration.
“We are willing and ready to talk to this governor,” May said. “But the silence from the first floor [of the Capitol, where Ritter's office is housed] is deafening.”
In response, Ritter said his office is ready to put partisan differences aside and work with Republicans.
"With the 2009 session just a few months away, the governor also looks forward to working with lawmakers from both parties to ensure that taxpayer dollars are protected and essential services are provided," Ritter spokesman Evan Dreyer said.