Bill seeking tax hike for transportation spending praised, panned

A bill introduced in the state Legislature by the Democratic speaker of the House and the Republican Senate president would seek voter approval to raise the state sales tax to help pay for Colorado's transportation needs.

Colorado's growing population and overburdened roadways have put transportation at the forefront of this legislative session, which began in January and ends in May. House Bill 1242, if approved at the Capitol, would request a 0.62 percent increase in the state sales tax on the November ballot, raising the tax to 3.52 percent.

A joint news release issued by House and Senate leadership said about $680 million would be generated, and much of that would be distributed to city and county governments for local transportation priorities.

Members of a coalition of business and community leaders called FixItCO applauded the introduction of HB 1242.

Read more: http://coloradocommunitymedia.com/stories/bill-seeking-tax-hike-for-transportation-spending-praised-panned,244022