GOV. RITTER STATEMENT ON PROPOSED CONSITUTIONAL FISCAL FIX

Gov. Ritter issued the following statement today supporting the proposed solution to Colorado's conflicting fiscal mandates:

 

"Over the years Colorado's Constitution has developed into a knot of conflicting financial mandates. This has severely restricted our budgetary flexibility, and it's becoming more and more difficult for the state to pay its bills.

 

"I have long believed that we must take bold efforts to solve this problem. Speaker Romanoff has developed an idea that is indeed bold and elegant, and I look forward to working with him, the legislature and others to further examine this proposal and determine if it is indeed the best way forward.

 

"There are several critical components to this conversation. The TABOR amendment and Amendment 23 are two of those. I look forward to working with the Speaker and the Legislature to evaluate the proposal and determine if it's the best way forward.

 

"I have insisted that this proposal protects Senate Bill 1 transportation dollars, similar to how it is protected in current law. Transportation funding is a top priority and we must ensure that Senate Bill 1 is funded whenever possible.

 

"I will also insist that this proposal ensures our rainy day fund for K-12 remains solvent. We have taken steps to restore this fund's solvency and I am committed to ensuring it remains solvent. Flexibility cannot come on the backs of our children."