There are 18 statewide measures on the Colorado ballot. Amendments are measures “put on the ballot through the signature-collection process,” whereas referendums are placed on the ballot by state legislatures, according to the 2008 state ballot information booklet. The Clarion has compiled a list of the eight measures we saw as having the greatest impact on college students. Please use this information as a reference. All information was gathered from the state blue book. More information can be found at www.coloradobluebook.com.
Amendment 46
Preferential treatment by governments
What it says
Amendment 46 proposes to prohibit Colorado governments from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group based on sex, race, ethnicity or national origin in public employment, public education or public contracting.
Arguments for
It provides equal treatment for those in public employment, education and contracting. Ideas of discrimination and preferential treatment based on race or gender are outdated. As the world becomes more multi-racial, those definitions are becoming more blurred, and this measure aligns Colorado with the rest of the world.
Arguments against
Discrimination still exists, and it prevents some people from succeeding. Programs that take race and gender into account provide greater opportunities for historically disadvantaged peoples. e impact is uncertain.
Amendment 53
Criminal accountability of business executives
What it says
Amendment 53 proposes amending Colorado statutes to hold a business executive criminally accountable for the business’ failure to follow through with a duty required by law if the executive was aware of the duty and the company’s failure to abide by it. The measure applies to an officer, director, managing partner, managing member or sole proprieter.
Arguments for
The measure fills a gap in the current law by requiring accountability of executives, not just the business itself. It could also create a healthier moral economic climate in the state.
Arguments against
State and federal laws already in existence are sufficient to hold these executives accountable. The amendment could also have a negative affect on the business climate where the majority of businesses aare compliant with the law. A fear of prosecution could reduce recruitment of new talent.
Amendment 48
Definition of a person
What it says
Amendment 48 proposes that the Colorado Constitution be changed to define a ‘person’ to “include any human being from the moment of fertilization.” The Colorado Bill of Rights does not currently have a definition of a person.
Arguments for
By providing a set definition of what a person is, this amendment guarantees the term is applied consistently in the courts and in ensuring equal rights is provided to all people. Also, the amendment could provide a legal base for ending the practice of abortion in Colorado.
Arguments against
The amendment allows the government to intrude in the doctor-medical relationship, limiting the practice of independent medical judgment. It could also affect people’s personal decisions by limiting such things as abortions, emergency contraception and commonly used types of birth control. It could also restrict stem cell research.
Amendment 56
Employers and insurance
What it says
Amendment 56 would place a requirement in the Colorado Consitution that employers with 20 or more employees must provide health insurance for them and their dependents or pay for insurance through a new state authority. It would limit the amount the employee must pay to 20 percent for employee-only coverage and 30 percent for dependent coverage.
Arguments for
Having insured employees is beneficial for businesses, which are more likely to experience higher productivity and fewer sick days. The amendment also improves affordability of and access to health insurance for employees and their families.
Arguments against
Amendment 46 places an additional burden on companies, which could result in higher costs and job losses. It could also hurt employees because businesses might have to decrease wages or other benefits to offset the health plan covereage costs
Amendment 51
State sales tax increase
What it says
Amendment 51 proposes that Colorado statutes be altered to increase the state sales and use tax from 2.9 percent to 3.0 percent on July 1, 2009 and to 3.1 percent on July 1, 2010. The new money – estimated to be $89 million in the first year of the increase – would help pay for services for people with developmental disabilities and help reduce waiting lists for needed services.
Arguments for
The demand for these services continues to grow and waiting times can last as long as 10 years. New funding is needed to combat these issues. Spending proactively now reduces future costs for the state.
Arguments against
A raise in sales tax could hurt Colorado’s economy and citizens by placing an additional burden on lower- and middle-income individuals. Waiting lists could be shortened without raising taxes by reorganizing how the state spends its money and by reducing government inefficiencies.
Amendment 58
Oil and gas industry
What it says
This measure would alter the Colorado statutes to increase the amount of state severance taxes paid by oil and natural gas companies. The increase revenue would be used for college scholarships for state residents, wildlife habitat and water treatment projects, among other initiatives.
Arguments for
The redirected money is being used to enhance state and community programs that wil help the state’s economy, environment and infrastructure. It can help make a college education possible for more residents. The measure will not have a significant effect on production, and it brings the state’s tax rate to a more equal footing with other states.
Arguments against
By doubling the state’s severance tax, the measure could make Colorado less appealing to the oil and gas industry, resulting in a loss of jobs. The amendment lacks specifics on the new spending distribution plan, and it increases energy prices for consumers.
Amendment 52
Using tax for highways
What it says
Amendment 52 would change the Colorado Constitution to require the state legislature to spend part of the state severance tax collections on highway projects. Fifty percent of the severance taxes are spent on state programs. The measure would require a portion of that to be used to construct and maintian highways, with reducing congestion on I-70 a priority.
Arguments for
The amendment creates a permanent source of revenue for highway projects, with a focus on I-70, a main thoroughfare for visitors and residents. It also increases this funding by approximately $225 million over the next four years without raising taxes.
Arguments against
The measure takes money that could be used to help meet Colorado’s growing water demand. It could also lead in politicization of funding for transportation projects. There is no guarantee in the amendment that new money would go to projects for I-70.
Referendum L
Lowering age in legislature
What it says
Referendum L proposes that the age requirement for serving in the state legislature be lowered from 25 to 21. The existing age requirement has been in the constitution unchaged since 1876,
Arguments for
A 21-year-old is considered an adult by the law, and the 25-year-old age restriction is unnecessary. This referendum would encourage involvement by young people in local and national politics. Young legislators could aos encourage debate on relevant issues to young adults.
Arguments against
Candidates who are under the current age restriction could lack the maturity and real-life experiences necessary to be an effective legislator. The signficant decisions made by people in this role are best made by those with life experience. Also, the current age restriction provides a good balance between youth and experience.
Facts compiled by Daliah Singer
