In fact, Amendment 23 author Cary Kennedy says, there was no pattern. The former state budget analyst worked out the language with economists and educators over about two years. Kennedy says that's not true, and has a dozen University of Colorado economists behind her. Each has signed a letter declaring it would take a 1930s-style depression to adversely affect Colorado if Amendment 23 passes. Stuck in the middle are voters, struggling to measure the effect of a complex initiative and its financial consequences.
Supporters say the benefits to schoolkids outweigh other considerations.
Critics say it is well-intentioned but will siphon money from roads, prisons and higher education. Informed, objective appraisals are hard to find. One is the Legislative Council, the research arm of the General Assembly. By state statute, a highway fund fed by sales tax would be first on the chopping block. Opponents argue that's too much uncertainty.