HomeMy WebLinkAbout1268 - A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF COLORADO PROPOSITION CC, A MEASURE ON THE NOVEMBER 2019 STATE BALLOT WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE STATE TO RETAIN REVENUE FOR TRANSPORTATION AND EDUCATION RESOLUTION 1268
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF COLORADO PROPOSITION CC, A MEASURE ON
THE NOVEMBER 2019 STATE BALLOT WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE STATE TO
RETAIN REVENUE FOR TRANSPORTATION AND EDUCATION
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO FINDS AND
RECITES THAT:
1. Every student should have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential and to
participate meaningfully in the civic and economic life of the community and that quality public
education develops a competitive workforce that will drive a vibrant Colorado economy for
decades to come.
2. Colorado's investment in education is lagging behind other states and consistently ranks
near the bottom in funding.
3. The University of Colorado Boulder has seen more than a 44 percent decline in state
funding for resident students since FY 2001. Moreover, its capital programs faced a deferred
maintenance backlog of approximately $525.5 million in July 2018.
4. Colorado's recent population boom has resulted in an unprecedent growth in the number
of drivers on our roads, putting a strain on an already deficient transportation budget and on
Colorado roads, 52 percent of which are in poor condition. The struggle to maintain existing
infrastructure makes the task of effectively addressing regional mobility and congestion nearly
impossible. It is estimated that in the next 20 years the population of Colorado will grow by 48
percent and vehicle miles traveled will increase by 64 percent. If, in that same time frame, no
additional infrastructure is constructed, Coloradoans can expect an estimated 158 percent increase
in traffic delays. What is now a 17-minute commute will become more than 44 minutes.
5. The main funding source for transportation infrastructure is the Highway Users Tax Fund,
which is funded by a state gas tax and license/registration fees.Though the price of gas has steadily
increased, the gas tax rate has remained unchanged since 1991 and now accounts for a mere 22
cents per gallon of gas.
6. On November 5, 2019, Colorado voters will have an opportunity to support Proposition
CC, which would allow the state to retain revenue for transportation and education.
7. Proposition CC permits the state to keep and spend all the revenue it collects annually after
June 30, 2019, which it is not currently allowed to do under Colorado law.
8. The General Assembly also passed HB 19-1258, separate legislation that would allocate the
retained revenue resulting from the passage of Proposition CC equally among higher education,
public schools (distributed on a per pupil basis and used only for nonrecurring expenses for the
purpose of improving classrooms), and the Highway Users Tax Fund (HUTF). At least 15%of the
HUTF funds would be expended for transit purposes or for transit-related capital improvements.
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9. The majority of Colorado local governments and school districts have asked for and
received permission from voters to invest the revenue they already collect above current limits.
10. Proposition CC does not raise the tax rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BOULDER:
The Boulder City Council supports allowing the state to retain revenue for transportation and
education as proposed in Proposition CC and urges its community members to vote for the
measure.
ADOPTED this 1st day of October 2019.
CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO
Su . •nys,Mayo
Attest:
Lynn Beck, City Clerk
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