Colorado Lawmakers Divide Over Taxpayer Bill of Rights Amid Budget Shortfall

Several U.S. states have important tax and election issues on their ballots. In Colorado, Rep. Lorena Garcia advocates repealing the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), which limits state revenue growth and refunds excess revenue to taxpayers; Republicans counter that voters have repeatedly upheld TABOR, emphasizing its formula-based tax limits. In Concordia, Kansas, residents will vote on a 1% sales tax to fund a $13.8 million community activity center featuring courts and recreational spaces, with the tax set to be canceled early if funds are sufficient. Texas voters face multiple propositions including Proposition 3, which mandates bail denial for certain felonies to curb violent crime, and others (Propositions 2, 6, and 8) aimed at constitutionally banning future state taxes on capital gains, securities transactions, and inheritance to encourage economic growth, particularly with a new Texas Stock Exchange opening soon. Meanwhile, Twisp, Washington, residents may vote on renewing an emergency medical services property tax and a transportation sales tax to support rising call volumes and community infrastructure. These measures reflect broader debates on taxation, public safety, and community investment across diverse states.