Property Tax Relief Threatens TABOR While Federal Debt Spirals

On this Friday, June 2, 2023 broadcast, Kim Monson examines two critical fiscal battles: Colorado’s deceptive property tax relief proposal that threatens TABOR refunds, and the federal debt ceiling deal that merely slows runaway spending. Former State Senator Kevin Lundberg and economist Stephen Moore provide expert analysis on protecting taxpayers at both levels of government. Colorado’s Property Tax Shell Game Start listening at 30:34 – Hour 1 Kevin Lundberg, who spent 16 years in the Colorado legislature, exposes what he calls the “Polis Extortion Act,” referring to Senate Bill 303 and its companion House Bill 1311. Lundberg explains that these measures, now headed to the November ballot as Proposition HH, promise modest property tax relief while systematically dismantling TABOR refunds. The former state senator details how property values have surged dramatically, creating the largest potential property tax increase in Colorado history regardless of whether HH passes or fails. Lundberg emphasizes that TABOR has served as Colorado’s last line of defense against government overreach for 31 years. The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights mandates that government cannot grow faster than inflation plus population, returning excess revenue to citizens. Yet politicians and bureaucracies have worked relentlessly to circumvent these protections. Proposition HH represents their most ambitious assault yet, offering a few million dollars in temporary relief while the state retains billions that should flow back to taxpayers. “Because as the government grows, liberty diminishes.” Kevin Lundberg, Former State Senator Federal Debt Ceiling: Baby Steps Amid a Train Wreck Start listening at 1:33:24 – Hour 2 Stephen Moore, senior fellow with the Heritage Foundation, grades the debt ceiling compromise a B, acknowledging that Speaker McCarthy achieved meaningful concessions given Republicans’ slim House majority. Moore notes that instead of borrowing $10 trillion over the next decade, the government will now borrow $8.5 trillion, hardly cause for celebration. The economist directs his sharpest criticism at President Biden, calling him the most financially reckless president in modern history. Moore warns that America should be running surpluses now that COVID spending has ended, yet deficits continue mounting. He decries the 87,000 new IRS agents that remain funded under the deal, predicting they will target conservatives given the administration’s pattern of weaponizing government agencies. Despite the grim fiscal picture, Moore finds hope in the American people’s capacity for change, citing Rudy Giuliani’s dramatic turnaround of New York City in the 1990s as proof that bold leadership can fix seemingly intractable problems. “Our government is out of control, and they are supposed to work for us, but I get a feeling we’re working for them.” Stephen Moore, Heritage Foundation Senior Fellow Honoring Medal of Honor Recipients Start listening at 13:40 – Hour 1 With D-Day’s anniversary approaching on June 6th, Kim shares Medal of Honor quotes throughout June in partnership with the Center for American Values in Pueblo. Today’s quote comes from John W. Finn, a Navy Medal of Honor recipient who defended Pearl Harbor. Finn’s words about taking the oath to support and defend the Constitution resonate powerfully amid discussions about government accountability and constitutional limits.