New Democrat Caucus Defines Tax Package for the People
DENVER, APRIL 20, 2000 - With the Colorado Department of Revenue as a backdrop called for comprehensive tax reform that , Representative Dan Grossman and Senator Terry Phillips, along with other members of the New Democrat Caucus, chose D-Day for paying taxes to define the elements of a Colorado tax package that meets the people's needs.
The New Democrat Caucus members expressed support for a broadly based tax program that takes into account those Colorado citizens who need relief the most. Such a program would include the reduction of income and sales tax rates, a permanent and expanded earned income tax credit, property tax relief for the elderly, and research and development tax credits to create new job opportunities.
Grossman suggested that the one really good tax bill of the session was Senator Feeley’s and Representative George's tax study. “The results of that study will help us finally craft a tax system that pays attention to equity, current resource requirements and economic development goals.” He went on to say that he hoped the study “would give our legislative colleagues the courage to end special privileges and pointless incentives.”
Phillips pointed out that there were 16 days left in the current legislative session. “There is still time - if legislators have the will - craft a tax package for the people. And when we complete the Feeley-George tax study we can insure that Colorado's tax system is fair and responsive to Colorado's needs in the 21st Century.” He also pointed out the “painful irony” that on the day many Coloradans pay their taxes, the state will be returning hefty tax refunds at the very same time there are critical funding needs in K-12 education and Medicaid, as well as modernization and maintenance of state buildings.
The New Democrat Caucus is a group of state legislators developing a new public policy agenda that moves beyond traditional conservatism and liberalism. The Caucus embraces a new “third way” in politics that emphasizes opportunity, responsibility and community, rooted in mainstream values and dedicates its efforts to development and passage of progressive legislation.
Jim Gibson, president of the Colorado Democratic Leadership Council, said that DLC members believe the 21st Century “requires constructive contributions from all to insure that the Colorado we bequeath to our children is better than the one we enjoy today.”