Colorado Senate Republicans are making a bold claim that a series of bills they plan to introduce could potentially save the average family around $4,500 per year. These bills are aimed at repealing various fees and regulations that impact everyday expenses such as housing, transportation, groceries, utility bills, and more. Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Monument Republican, emphasized the urgent need for these measures during a press conference at the Capitol, attributing the affordability crisis to policies enacted by the Legislature.
One of the key strategies proposed by Senate Republicans is to roll back the fees that have been imposed by Democrats in recent years. Unlike taxes, fees in Colorado do not require voter approval under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. In the 2023 fiscal year, the state collected approximately $23.3 billion in fee revenue, as reported by the Common Sense Institute, a right-leaning organization. Lundeen visually represented the potential savings by unveiling a stack of $4,500 in cash at the press conference.
Senator Mark Baisley, a Sedalia Republican, is set to sponsor a bill that would eliminate several fees, including a delivery fee, shopping bag fee, and electric and gas utility bill fee. Additionally, the bill would revoke the authority of local governments to impose special sales taxes on nicotine products. Republicans estimate that repealing the shopping bag fee alone could save individuals $90 annually, assuming a typical use of 900 non-reusable bags per year.
Another bill focusing on transportation-related fees, sponsored by Senator Scott Bright, a Platteville Republican, aims to abolish fees such as the waste tire fee, the state’s 22-cent per gallon gas fee, and a $2 per day short-term car rental fee. The bill also proposes a rebate program funded by an existing enterprise fund to help offset the increasing costs of cleaner fuel. However, specific details regarding the rebate amount, eligibility criteria, and determination process were not provided.
Senator Janice Rich, a Grand Junction Republican, plans to introduce a bill targeting various business regulations, including the repeal of a 2020 law that imposes emissions fees. Additionally, Senator Byron Pelton, a Sterling Republican, aims to eliminate state income taxes on social security payments, particularly benefiting fixed-income individuals who rely on these payments.
In response to these proposed bills, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, a Denver Democrat, expressed a willingness to explore areas of common ground with Republicans to address the rising costs faced by Coloradans. Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, has indicated a willingness to reduce regulations but has not shown support for repealing fees tied to significant legislation he has endorsed in the past.
As discussions unfold in the Legislature, it is crucial to consider the potential impacts of these proposed measures on essential programs that support Coloradans’ daily needs. While the goal of making the state more affordable is shared across party lines, careful deliberation is necessary to ensure that any changes do not compromise critical services such as transportation infrastructure, heating assistance, and public transit.
Despite being in the minority in both legislative chambers, Colorado Senate Republicans are determined to push forward with their agenda to alleviate the financial burden on families and individuals. The upcoming debates and negotiations surrounding these bills will undoubtedly shape the economic landscape of the state and impact the lives of its residents.
