It is dangerous, opponents say, because the state constitution is tough to change, requiring a vote of the people, while the state economy can be as capricious as Colorado's weather. But if we were in a recession, I think it would provide some difficult issues for the state. Neither supporters nor opponents can say for sure how Amendment 23 would affect state spending. That's because no one knows for sure what inflation will be, how much the state surplus will shrink or grow, or how much Coloradans' taxable incomes will be. This proposal is begging for a court challenge.
Supporters counter that the doubts are unfounded.
It was 3.2 percent this year and has averaged 3.4 percent over the past decade. The general fund provided a 6 percent increase to state education funding this year, supporters say. Colorado PTA public policy director Vicki Newell said the funding situation has deteriorated for education in Colorado. Now we're funding basics. What's happening in Douglas County and Cherry Creek and Littleton is our parents have compensated for lack of funds.