Dear Democrats of Adams County,

As we approach Thanksgiving and onward to Christmas, I wish I had more encouraging news to report.  The next legislative session, which begins on Jan. 12, will be known for its efforts to cut expenditures without hurting our most vulnerable citizens.  We will do our best and make thoughtful decisions based on our values as Democrats.  The future has some positive outlooks for Colorado for recovering more quickly than most states.  We certainly hope that is sooner, not later.

Despite the downturn and government cuts we have already encountered, there are three really bad initiatives that have already received enough signatures to make it on next year's Nov. ballot, and  which, if passed, will be disastrous for our state.  As the Bell Policy Center puts it - these ballot initiatives could blow a permanent and gaping hole in the state budget - and lock Colorado into a permanent recession.

Proposed Initiative 10 (the number will be different on the ballot, so that might get confusing) is intended to repeal Referendum C; establish new, much lower limits on state and local spending; reinstate the TABOR ratchet effect: and cut state and local public services by a total of more than $2 billion a year.

Proposed Constitutional Initiative 21 would ban the use of any kind of debt by the state of Colorado and greatly limit the amount of debt issued by local governments.  Colorado would become the only state in the nation without authority to issue debt.  In real terms, this means crumbling schools, fewer recreation centers and libraries, overcrowded colleges, etc. etc, etc.

Based on what the Bell Policy Center knows so far, this measure would set stricter limits on property taxes than currently imposed by TABOR.  It would cripple local governments in their ability to raise revenue by overriding all local de-Brucing elections; apply a 10-year limit on all property tax increases; and put in place a mechanism were taxpayers could petition for tax cuts on the ballot of every election.  It would also require local school districts to cut their mill levy rates in half by 2020, with local revenue to be replaced by the State.  Guess what, folks?  We are already discussing cutting funding to schools just to make next year's budget balance.

While everyone would like lower taxes, which services are we willing to forego?  Do we want fewers inspections in restaurants, at dairy farms, less safe drinking water, fewer people with mental health issues served, less police and fire protection, more bridges shut down for several weeks while emergency repairs are conducted?  Government (which is us) does for us collectively what we cannot do for ourselves.  And we have to pay for that.

I don't want to leave you on a down note.  With the holidays approaching, I hope you will be able to let a few of life's cares take a backseat, while you enjoy the warmth and joy of a grateful heart for your family and the blessings of living in this country, which is still the best on the planet.  I pledge to you that your Democratic lead legislature will come back in January with renewed energy to carry this state forward.

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  God bless us all, every one!