In this debate ahead of Election Day, we focused on Denver Ballot Measure 7A. If passed, Measure 7A would permanently allow the Regional Transportation District (RTD) to keep revenue that would otherwise be returned to taxpayers.
RTD – like all governments in Colorado – is subject to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. That’s a constitutional amendment that limits how much money a government can keep and spend. Many local governments have successfully asked voters to permanently lift those restrictions.
RTD currently has existing TABOR exemptions, but they are temporary. One is set to sunset later this year, and the other in 2050.
If it lapses, about half of RTD’s annual revenue – roughly $670 million – would be subject to limitations through TABOR, according to Denverite. That could mean refunds for taxpayers, but cuts to public bus and train services.
KGNU’s Jackie Sedley was joined by two individuals – one advocating for voters to say YES to RTD Ballot Measure 7A, and one advocating for NO votes.
Lynn Guissinger is the Director of the RTD Board for District O, and joined in-studio.
Natalie Menten is a former RTD board member and current candidate for Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, and joined via Zoom.
Listen:
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APublicAffair_2024-10-30 Jackie Sedley