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WEEK OF OCTOBER 19, 2023
VOLUME 96 | ISSUE 46
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‘Building the world that we work in’ Prop II: Colorado New Resource Sharing Initiative coming to Denver is a win-win for local theaters
would keep tobacco tax funds for preschools
BY ELICIA HESSELGRAVE SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
BY SANDRA FISH THE COLORADO SUN
In a theater production, each object that an actor picks up or uses is a prop. The fountain pen. The handkerchief. Even the picture frames and books on a coffee table are part of the set dressing. The more elaborate a show, the more props that are required, and a properties master is responsible for finding each piece. It takes a lot of time to visit antique shops and thrift stores, or search online, to build a collection needed for each show. Then once the show closes, that prop may never get used again, sitting forgotten in storage or even thrown away. “Props are important because they add realism to theater on a level that other pieces don’t quite reach,” said Selena Naumoff, a local properties master who works at Denver-area theaters. When producing a show, theaters need various props, costumes, set pieces, lighting equipment and more. Generally, each theater company works independently to find, pay for and store these materials. Aurora’s Megan Davis seeks to make the art of creating theater an easier process by revitalizing a concept she is calling the Resource Sharing Initiative. “As theater companies, we spend a lot of time creating worlds that we share with other people,” Davis said. “I think the Resource Sharing Initiative would really help us to focus on building the world that we work in.”
Colorado voters approved a ballot measure in 2020 increasing taxes on tobacco and nicotine products and letting the state use the revenue to fund a universal preschool program. But the increased taxes generated more money than expected to the tune of about $24 million. So the legislature passed a bill asking voters this year through Proposition II to let the state keep that extra money — as well as all future revenue from the taxes — and use it to expand the preschool program. If voters reject Proposition II, the tax revenue collected above what was projected will be returned to nicotine and tobacco wholesalers and distributors. Additionally, the nicotine and tobacco tax rates will be cut to prevent future excess revenue. Why does the state need voter permission to keep the excess revenue?
Local theater artist Megan Davis adds texture to door entrances on the set of “A Shayna Maidel at Firehouse Theater Company” in the spring last year. Davis is hoping to bring the Resource Sharing Initiative to fruition, which would help participating theaters save money, time, storage space and stress by joining forces.
SEE BUILLDING, P4
VOICES: 8 | LIFE: 10| CALENDAR: 13
PHOTO BY ELICIA HESSELGRAVE
The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1992, requires that money collected in excess of a tax’s projected revenue be refunded unless voters let the government keep the money. The increased tobacco and nicotine taxes were approved in 2020 through Proposition EE, which was placed on the ballot by Democrats in the legislature. The measure, which got the support of 68% of voters, gradually increases tobacco and nicotine taxes through 2027. When the initiative was drafted, nonpartisan legislative staff predicted the increased taxes would generate $186.5 million in new revenue a year. But the revenue has been much higher than that — at around $208 million — which is why Proposition II was placed on the November 2023 ballot. SEE PROP II, P2
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