AMENDMENTS 60, 61, & 101 ARE BAD FOR FIRE FIGHTERS
Updated On: Sep 02, 2010
Amendment 60 is a constitutional amendment designed to limit how taxes are raised and greatly reduces property taxes, including those used to fund fire departments. The loss of these tax dollars will mean the lack proper funding for fire apparatus, safety equipment, and great reduce the ability to pay for fire fighters in a state that is already well below the national standards for fire fighter staffing. Can Colorado really afford to cut the mills levies by half and expect fire departments to effectively provide safety?Amendment 61 is a constitutional amendment measure that prohibits by state or local governments without specific voter approval. It sounds reasonable but in fact it would eliminate state and local bonding. The funding mechanism for fire stations, training facilities, and major fire department improvements will be crushed. The fact is that that if fire departments can’t provide fire safety for our communities with adequate staffing and equipment.
Prop 101 eliminates funding by reducing ownership tax on cars. It is estimated that local revenue would be slashed by $500 million. These monies are greatly needed and used by our communities to fund public safety programs & keep our schools functioning. In these terrible economic times is it wise to reduce the amount of money needed to keep our fire fighters working in their communities? Colorado can not afford this massive blow to safety. We are a state the already lacks proper staffing and funding for our fire fighters. The additional cuts are far too extreme and could jepordize the communities we are so proud to serve.
