Policy Position

In nearly every case, I vote NO on a bill if it requires new government spending, an increase in the number of government employees, or increases fees. Because of government's ongoing waste of taxpayers' money, I have voted NO on each and every annual state budget since my first year in the legislature, in 2001.

As a member of the State Audit Committee for four years, I have witnessed numerous examples of government waste and little accountability to address the causes of that waste. Consequently, I also vote against most bills that would "save" money, since it is evident that no savings (to taxpayers) truly exist unless those savings are targeted for return to the taxpayer. In all cases, "savings" in government only provides room in the budget for additional programs or an increase in the scope of existing programs; this is especially true in the area of health care.

In most cases, if a particular program is important enough to require taxpayer funds, then prioritization of existing programs should occur with the general budget, and less-effective programs terminated.

I have been honored as the Senate Champion by the Colorado Union of Taxpayers for the past two years.

Overview of Budget-balancing bills for the 2009/10 Fiscal Period:

The following is an overview of budget-balancing bills for the 2009/10 fiscal period ending June 30, 2009. This analysis shows the Democrat's effort to fund the major shortfall with one-time dollars. Rather than taking drastic action to cut the size of government, the Democrats insist on raiding cash funds, using American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (stimulus dollars) along with employee furloughs (instead of reducing the number of employees) to achieve a balanced budget. All this will push the problem out to the next fiscal year when even more serious cuts will be required and, with the hope that the Republicans will look harsh as the actual cuts will finally have to be made.

Below are two reports:
1. A report on the numerous budget-balancing bills passed by the Senate
during the week ending Feb 27th
2. A report showing the allocation of the ARRA funds accepted by Gov.
Ritter in the amount of $3.5 billion.

Overview of FY2009/10 Budget-Balancing Bills

Costs to Businesses by Removing Tax Credits

Articles:

Bernanke delivers blunt warning on U.S. debt

Bills introduced in 2010 that implement a new fee or raise fees:

Proposed Bills in the 2010 Session that Establish New Fees or Change Existing Fees

Costs to Businesses by Removing Tax Credits

Tobacco MSA Payment and Distribution Forecast

Gov. Ritter's Budget-Balancing Plan FY 09-10

Bills introduced in 2009 that implement a new fee or raise fees:

2009 Bills with a Fee Impact in '08-'09

2009 Bills with a Fee Impact in '09-'10

Cash fund transfers to the General Fund

Co. Office of Planning and Budget Forecast Highlights 2009

Focus Colorado: Economic and Revenue Forecast, 2007-2012