Honest Colorado taxpayers protest 'Dirty Dozen' tax increases

It seems that legislators trying to sneak tax increases by the public cannot catch a break these days. Small business owners and ordinary citizens packed a Colorado House committee room today to standing room only to protest what they are calling Ritter’s “Dirty Dozen” tax increases.

The overwhelming response came after Tea Party activists learned Monday that legislators were finalizing plans on a dozen bills to eliminate tax breaks for businesses in Colorado with only a few days notice to the public. The hearings were announced with less than a two-day notice and were not put on the House Calendar, which led many Tea Partiers to feel the legislature was trying to pass the bills through will no public debate.

After researching the bills, the activists felt the tax increases needed to be challenged and sent out the call to small business owners who came in droves to the hearings. The room, which holds 100, was standing room only, and Capitol staff had to set up overflow rooms where they piped in the proceedings.

One taxpayer present, Laurie Bratten, said, "The people I spoke with today resoundingly feel if taxes are increased on their industries they will lose their jobs. The message is clear, we need to cut spending, not raise taxes. Although I won't be able to stay for the duration of the hearing, I plan to listen to the testimony live from my office and may archive it later."

The testimony is always available to listen to online.

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