Policy Position

In nearly every case, if a bill requires new government spending or an increase in the number of government employees I will be a "No" vote. 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.

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 provide room in the budget for additional programs or an increase in the scope of existing programs.

In most cases, if a particular program is important enough to require taxpayer funds, then prioritization of existing programs should occur, and less-effective programs should be canceled.

As a past member of the State Audit Committee, I have witnessed numerous examples of government waste and little accountability to address the causes of that waste.

Articles

May 4, 2004
Applause for Cadman and Coffman on Measure to Limit TABOR Refund Mechanisms
Rep. Bill Cadman (R-Colorado Springs) was applauded for his introduction of HCR 1018, which would submit to voters a change to TABOR to require voter approval for all new TABOR Refund Mechanisms (TRM) enacted by the legislature. TRMs are targeted tax credits against the TABOR surplus and, "are a way for government to pursue its own social goals instead of returning those dollars to the people."

April 19, 2004
The Day After Tax Day
It's the day after tax day, and we are hearing one proposal after another up here, including the leading one sponsored by our Republican governor, to alter the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) in order to solve the state's alleged budget crisis. There's only one problem: there is no crisis.

February 18, 2003
Rep. Schultheis responds to objections from the head of Catholic Charities
Thank you for your letter to the General Assembly of January 23. First, let me say that you are correct when you note that this economic downturn has affected everyone, including private churches and charities. You are also correct that economic health and the demand for social aid are inversely related, making our job now very difficult. These facts make it understandable why you would question the argument that churches and charities can pick up whatever government stops doing.

PDF Files:

Excess State Revenue Report, October 2006

Co. Office of Planning and Budget Forecast Highlights

Pilfering State Cash Funds to Balance the General Budget

Focus Colorado: Economic and Revenue Forecast, 2005-2011

Boulder Campus Athletic Department, University of Colorado Performance Audit-November 2005