Great piece on C&D written by Senator Johnson

[pointsoflight]

The opponents don't have a plan; instead they parade pink pigs on TV ads and put out one incorrect accusation after another. They think this is a joke. Colorado's future is no joke. The quality of life and future economic opportunity in our state is a serious matter.
More on the flip.

What is the impact if C&D fail?

Next year, we would have to cut $400 million more from the General Fund. Estimates are we'd cut remaining support to higher- ed by 68 percent. CSU correctly predicts that tuition would have to increase by more than 50 percent to make that up.

What about the rhetoric from the opponents?

Opponents say spending is the problem, but offer no specifics. It is very appealing rhetoric, after all, who wants to pay taxes? But is Colorado a tax and spend state? Let's check the facts on taxes: We rank 50th in state tax burden. And on spending: We rank 32nd in support of schools, 47th in support of higher-ed and 48th in access to prenatal health care. General Fund spending per person in our state has declined. We run a very lean state budget.

What is the reality on C&D?

If Referendum C passes, government will still be smaller than it was before the 2001 recession. This isn't about growing government or creating new programs, it is about recovering from the recession with taxes we already pay.

http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050929/OPINION04/509290314/1014/OPINION