May 12, 2021
Dear Honorable Members of the Colorado State Legislature,
Together Colorado is a nonpartisan, multi-racial and multi-faith statewide organization working to place human dignity at the center of public life in Colorado. We are writing this letter to express our unequivocal support for HB21-1311, Income Tax, and HB21-1312, Insurance Premium Property Sales Severance Tax.
No matter what we look like or where we come from, most of us work hard for our families. But today, Colorado’s tax code is written in a way that prioritizes a handful of large corporations and the ultra-wealthy at the expense of all Coloradans. Our out-dated tax code is home to countless loopholes and benefits for large corporations, leaving our communities inadequately resourced and underfunded.
As clergy and faith leaders from across the state, we see firsthand how this pandemic has further deepened inequality. While those at the top recover more quickly, too many people who are not paid enough to thrive — a disproportionate number of whom are Black and Brown — have struggled to pay their rent, feed their families, and cover child care costs. Additionally, small businesses have been devastated by the pandemic. This legislative session, you have the opportunity to make policy choices that help everyday Coloradans have the resources they need to live healthy, fulfilled lives.
We urge our Colorado Legislature to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) and support small businesses by closing wasteful tax loopholes that benefit only the ultra-wealthy and large corporations. HB21-1311 will expand tax credits for working families, putting money back into the pockets of those who need it most. HB21-1312 will clean up Colorado’s tax code by closing loopholes and supporting small businesses.
Working-family tax credits have a deep and proven track record of benefits for those who claim them. The EITC and CTC help lift millions of families across the country, and tens of thousands of Coloradans, out of poverty every year. These credits boost incomes for families and are proven to help kids do better in school, lead healthier lives, and even have a more secure future when they reach adulthood. This legislation will also support small businesses which keep our local economies healthy and provide character and vibrancy to our communities. These bills are an investment in the future of Colorado.
As people of faith, we urge our elected officials to prioritize the wellbeing of all Coloradans. This pandemic has been hard on everyone, but today we have an unprecedented opportunity to re-write the rules for a better Colorado where all children and families have the resources needed to thrive, no exceptions.
Thank you for your public service and leadership.
Signed by 157 Colorado clergy and faith leaders below. (See attached PDF)