(The Center Square) – Key proponents and opponents of Proposition HH met on Monday night, two weeks before election day on Nov. 7, to debate the measure.
The debate, hosted by 9NEWS and The Denver Gazette, featured Gov. Jared Polis and conservative economist Art Laffer arguing in favor of the measure, and Rep. Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, and Colorado Rising Institute President Michael Fields opposing it.
Prop HH, which was referred to the ballot by the Democratic-controlled legislature, proposes lowering residential property tax assessment rates to 6.7%, but cover the lost revenue with Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights money that would have otherwise been refunded back to voters.
Pugliese and Fields defended overall TABOR refunds and pressured the governor to call a special legislative session rather that help pass what they characterized as a “misleading” and “bad deal.” Polis and Laffer defended the measure, arguing the tax rate decrease under Prop HH would be more meaningful to Coloradans than TABOR refunds that change depending on state revenue surpluses.
“[Prop HH] would greenlight the largest property tax increase in Colorado history and it would also take away $10 billion in TABOR refunds over the next 10 years,” Fields said in his opening statement. “And that would be a blank check to politicians.”
Polis said in his opening statement that he favors tax cuts over TABOR refunds, noting Prop HH will “contain the growth of property taxes over time.” He also reiterated his support for further cuts to income taxes.
Pugliese, who’s the House assistant minority leader, said property taxes are increasing on top on other taxes, fees, and inflation costs, and that Prop HH only amounts to a “decrease on the increase – your property taxes are still going up regardless.”
The governor then chimed in to clarify that people have to pay more in property taxes because the value of homes have increased.
“We’re trying to provide some relief,” he added. Pugliese responded that the ballot measure which reduces TABOR refunds could have been avoided during the legislation session.
Laffer told 9NEWS moderator and journalist Marshall Zelinger that under Prop HH, “renters will be benefitted by the tax rate reduction from what otherwise would be if they didn’t have the tax rate reduction.”
Pugliese also asked Polis directly if he would call a special session on property taxes.
“Whether it’s in January or whether it’s in November or December, and whether Prop HH passes or not, I’m all for you guys doing more property tax relief to be clear,” the governor responded. “I’m all for you guys cutting the income tax. I don’t think you’re going to see anything close to this size of a $13 billion property tax cut over 10 years…”
Pugliese concluded the debate by arguing property owners, renters and senior citizens are the ones who lose out most if Prop HH passes.
“Please, first, vote ‘no’ on HH and second, demand that the governor be a leader and call a special session bringing the right people to the table,” she said.
Laffer concluded that Prop HH will “help everyone in this state across the board,” but it would especially help property owners and renter with its tax rate reduction.
County clerks began mailing ballots to voters last week for the Nov. 7 election.
