VOLUME 60 | ISSUE 12
WEEK OF OCTOBER 26, 2023
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issue INTO THE UPSIDE DOWN Ballot would let state
Northglenn Safe Street Halloween hosts some Stranger Things P6
keep extra tobacco funds BY SANDRA FISH THE COLORADO SUN
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?
The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, SEE FUNDS, P11
BRIEFS: PAGE 10 | VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 NORTHGLENN-THORNTONSENTINEL.COM • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
IMPORTANCE OF PUMPKINS
How a simple gourd became a seasonal icon P14
CHECK OUT: SCHOOL OF CHOICE SPECIAL PULLOUT INSIDE THIS ISSUE