State
Colorado's TABOR Expert Sets the Record Straight
By David Crocker
Oct 14, 2009 - 9:37:04 AM

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."