Monday the Senate took up the annual resolution that sets the foundation for the General Assembly’s budget and spending priorities. Senate Republicans called on Democrat lawmakers to show restraint in this process and break the old habits of excessive spending through speculative forecasts. Arguing against a Democrat amendment to raise the revenue projection, Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp made the following statement.
“If we look at the pattern this body has set for itself over the last few years, it has routinely and consistently said we are going to take in more money than we actually take in,” said Kopp. “One of the reasons we are having a conversation about difficult cuts now is precisely because we have continued to overestimate the amount of revenue that will come in.”
Previous budget forecasts have painted an unrealistic picture of the state’s finances leaving lawmakers no choice but to make deep, last-minute cuts. In 2009, 2008, and 2007 the budget forecasts predicted Colorado would take in more revenue than it actually did.
“If history has taught us anything, we should make a clean break from our old habits and budget to the more conservative number, concluded Kopp.”
Republicans argued in favor of House Joint Resolution 11-1007 as approved by the House of Representatives. The House version of HJR 11-1007 reduced the budget target for next year by 2.75 percent, or approximately $195 million.
Via – ColoradoSenateNews
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