The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT), a longstanding voice for taxpayers since 1976, today released its official positions on key 2024 ballot issues. With a firm commitment to defending taxpayer rights and promoting good governance, CUT is urging voters to carefully consider the implications of several proposed measures that could significantly impact the future of Colorado.
CUT Opposes Amendment G: Property Tax Exemption for Veterans
While CUT deeply values our veterans, the organization believes that tax policy should apply equally to all citizens. The amendment attempts to address high property taxes by providing targeted relief for veterans with individual unemployability status, but CUT maintains that the best approach is to lower property taxes for everyone. CUT votes NO on Amendment G.
CUT Opposes Amendment K: Initiative and Referendum Filing Deadlines
Amendment K, proposed by the State Legislature, seeks to move up the filing deadlines for initiative and referendum petitions. CUT sees this as yet another effort to make citizen initiatives more difficult to achieve, thereby reducing opportunities for public involvement. CUT votes NO on Amendment K.
CUT Opposes Amendment 79: Right to Abortion and Health Insurance Coverage Initiative
CUT opposes this initiative, citing concerns about taxpayer-funded abortion and the elimination of parental involvement for underage individuals seeking the procedure. CUT believes that taxpayer dollars should be used for purposes that benefit all Coloradans, rather than funding contentious social policies. CUT votes NO on Amendment 79.
CUT Opposes Amendment 80: Constitutional Right to School Choice Initiative
While CUT supports school choice and competition to improve education, Amendment 80 is seen as poorly written and ambiguous. CUT believes that adding unclear amendments to the state constitution can create legal conflicts and unintended consequences. Therefore, CUT votes NO on Amendment 80.
CUT Opposes Proposition JJ: Retain Sports Betting Tax Revenue for Water Projects
Proposition JJ allows the state to retain excess sports betting revenue for water projects. Although funding for water initiatives is essential, CUT is concerned that this measure is another attempt to undermine the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). CUT believes in holding the government accountable to voters, particularly regarding tax revenue use. CUT votes NO on Proposition JJ.
CUT Opposes Proposition KK: Excise Tax on Firearms and Ammunition
Proposition KK proposes an additional 6.5% excise tax on firearms and ammunition. CUT is firmly against this measure, arguing that it infringes on citizens’ Second Amendment rights while doing little to address public safety concerns. CUT votes NO on Proposition KK.
CUT Opposes Proposition 127: Prohibit Hunting of Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Lynx
Proposition 127 aims to ban hunting of mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx, which CUT believes is detrimental to responsible wildlife management and Colorado’s economy. Legal hunting supports wildlife population control, protects livestock, and contributes millions to the state’s economy. CUT votes NO on Proposition 127.
CUT Opposes Proposition 130: Peace Officer Training and Support Fund Initiative
Proposition 130 mandates $350 million in state spending to support law enforcement training and recruitment. While CUT supports law enforcement, it opposes centralized state control over local law enforcement operations. CUT believes that local law enforcement is best managed at the community level. CUT votes NO on Proposition 130.
CUT Opposes Proposition 131: Top Four Open Primary and Ranked Choice Voting Initiative
CUT stands firmly against Proposition 131, which proposes ranked choice voting and jungle primaries. CUT believes these voting systems complicate elections, confuse voters, and could undermine transparent audits of election outcomes. CUT votes NO on Proposition 131.
About CUT
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Colorado taxpayers. Since 1976, CUT has worked tirelessly to keep government accountable and promote efficient, limited government. For more information, go here to read or download the 2024 CUT Ratings Book.
