YOUR AD HERE »

Colorado lawmakers consider easing spending limits

Associated Press

DENVER, Colorado ” Lawmakers are considering a plan to eliminate a cap on spending as they seek ways to cut $625 million from this year’s state budget.

Increases in state revenue usually require voter approval. But Rep. Don Marostica, a Republican from Loveland who sits on the Joint Budget Committee, says lawmakers believe they have the authority to change the law.

The spending limit, known as the Arveschoug-Bird limit from its 1991 sponsors, set a 6 percent cap on increases in general fund spending.



Marostica disclosed the idea on Monday after lawmakers were briefed on a plan to balance the current budget ending July 1.

The money has to be cut because tax collections are dropping because of the recession.

Support Local Journalism



The budget committee has recommended balancing the budget largely by taking $244 million from funds set up to pay for specific programs and withdrawing about $150 million from the state’s reserve fund. They’re also counting on getting over $100 million in extra Medicaid funding from the federal stimulus package.

About $90 million of the recommended cuts come directly from state agencies, mainly public schools and higher education.


Support Local Journalism