WCDD Home > 2005-2007 Leg. Platforms

Property Tax Freeze and Taxpayers Bill of Rights

The legislature and the Governor have both proposed freezing the amount of funding local governments can raise and spend from property taxes. In addition, legislation called the Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR) has been introduced. TABOR would change the State Constitution to limit taxing and spending.

People with disabilities rely on basic community services as well as disability services, such as:

• Support for people with disabilities to live independently in the community
• Assistance for people with significant disabilities to get jobs or training
• Respite care for families and caregivers
• Medicaid and long-term care programs
• Public transportation
• Police and fire protection
• Public libraries
• Special education

What is the problem?

Unless state funding is provided to make up for lost local revenue, property tax freezes could harm people with disabilities by forcing cuts in programs. TABOR would limit the amount of state funding provided for services as well as cap local revenue and spending. TABOR could cause deep cuts in many services used by people with disabilities.

How to fix it?

Increase revenue from other sources, such as closing sales tax loopholes and raising cigarette taxes, to address property taxes.