SOUTH PORTLAND -- TABOR expert Barry Poulson,
Professor of Economics at the University of Colorado, visited Maine on
Monday to release a new study that sets the record straight about the
prosperity Colorado has enjoyed as a result of its version of the
Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
"A major factor in the rapid economic growth experienced in Colorado
is the constraint on the growth of government imposed by the TABOR
Amendment," Professor Poulson said at a press conference at Governor's
Restaurant. "TABOR has put $6.75 billion in tax rebates and tax cuts
back in the pockets of taxpayers."
The study, "Setting the Record Straight on Colorado's Taxpayer Bill of Rights," was co-authored by Professor Poulson and Scott Moody, Chief Economist at the Maine Heritage Policy Center.
The facts reported in the study paint a very clear picture of the
economic success enjoyed by Colorado residents because of TABOR. For
example, between 1990 and 2008, Colorado's personal income has more
than tripled while population has grown 49 percent, indicating a highly
productive economy.
Opponents of a Maine Taxpayer Bill of Rights, Question 4 on the
November 3 ballot, have engineered a campaign of false claims and
misinformation regarding TABOR's impact on Colorado residents, such as
tales of devastating cuts in government spending in the Rocky Mountain
state. At the press conference, Professor Poulson dispelled those myths.
"In every year since TABOR passed, Colorado has increased state
spending without incurring deficits, increasing taxes or borrowing, as
other states have," he said. "These fiscal policies have created one of
the best business tax climates in the nation. Colorado has attracted
business investment and jobs at a higher rate than most other states."
David Crocker, State Chairman of the Yes On 4 campaign, said Maine can expect similar results if TABOR passes on Election Day.
"The progress and prosperity TABOR has created for the residents of
Colorado is clear: rapid economic growth, new jobs, responsible
government spending growth and real tax relief," Crocker said. "Maine
can enjoy this type of prosperity as well. It begins with a YES vote on
Question 4."