Proposition 110 would increase Colorado's sales tax from 2.9 percent to 3.52 percent and allow the state to borrow up to $6 billion. The $767 million generated annually would go toward a variety of road, transit, pedestrian, and bike projects.
The measure differs from Proposition 109 in that it raises taxes, allows state and local governments to choose which projects to pursue, and includes money for multimodal transportation projects. Researchers at the legislature estimate it will affect taxpayers thusly:
Family Income | State Sales Tax Paid (2.9%) | Tax Increase (.62%) | Total State Sales Tax Paid (3.52%) |
---|---|---|---|
$6,495 | $197 | $42 | $239 |
$13,143 | $235 | $50 | $285 |
$24,015 | $359 | $77 | $436 |
$42,272 | $459 | $98 | $557 |
$74,374 | $611 | $131 | $742 |
$83,473 | $730 | $156 | $886 |
$190,232 | $1,171 | $250 | $1,421 |
Proponents, including transportation agencies across the state and business groups, say the state needs to invest immediately in its infrastructure and can't afford to expand and modernize its transportation network without new revenue. They also say it allows the state to fund other programs like education, health and public safety while investing more in transportation.
Opponents, including the conservative Independence Institute think-tank, which is running its own transportation ballot measure, say the state should cut other programs to spend more on transportation. They also say it spends too much on multimodal transportation and relies on a sales tax, which they say disproportionately affects low-income residents.
The measure is statutory, meaning it needs a simple majority to pass.
You want to know what is really going on these days, especially in Colorado. We can help you keep up. The Lookout is a free, daily email newsletter with news and happenings from all over Colorado. Sign up here and we will see you in the morning!
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. Listen now.
It takes a good day’s drive to cover Colorado, but we’ll help you do it in a few minutes. Our newsletters bring you a closer look at the stories that affect you and the music that inspires you.