Few letters are as divisive in Colorado politics as T, A, B,O, and R. TABOR, or the 'Colorado Taxpayer's Bill of Rights,' was enacted in 1992 as a voter referendum. The law added an amendment to the Colorado constitution that essentially prohibits all levels of government from increasing taxes without voter approval, and requires excess revenue be returned to the taxpayers.
A lawsuit filed in late May of this year by 34 past and present lawmakers seeks to overturn the amendment. The suit challenges TABOR's constitutionality on the grounds that rigid tax and spending limits obstruct the General Assembly's obligation to govern. After TABOR's passing, state representative Doug Bruce, the measure's champion, said TABOR "was the most important event in Colorado since statehood."
TABOR's critics say the measure has deeply harmed education funding and public health programs in the state.
In the interim since 1992, Bruce has staunchly defended the measure. His political activities in the state have also included numerous other anti-tax initiatives, hiding from subpoenas, illegally practicing law, and failing to pay taxes (no surprise there).
Writes the AP, "Bruce showed a rebellious streak that left even his fellow Republicans slack-jawed. He voted against honoring veterans, called Mexican farm workers "illiterate peasants" and kicked a news photographer who took his picture, a kick that earned Bruce the first formal censure in the history of the Colorado House."
Needless to say, Bruce does not support the current lawsuit challenging TABOR. And neither does Governor Hickenlooper. The unlikely ally has asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit, reports the AP.
Bruce told the Denver Post, "not only would [the suit] invalidate TABOR, but would invalidate term limits and many other initiatives the people have wanted and voters have approved ... they're attempting ... to do away with our right to petition."
The AP reports Hickenlooper is named as a defendant in the suit against TABOR. State lawyers have presented the suit as an attack on citizen initiatives.