Political Sheet

Polis Throws a Fit Over You Keeping Your Money

Written by Scott K. James

Colorado Dems are crying foul over Trump’s tax law—but it’s really about Polis losing your cash to your own wallet. They treat TABOR like a piggy bank with no lid.

The Colorado Sun just dropped a rundown on how Governor Jared Polis and the Democrat-controlled state government are having a full-blown budgetary tantrum. The article, written in their usual “everyone is serious here” tone, breaks down why Colorado is headed into a special session: because Trump’s OG Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) means Coloradans are going to keep more of their hard-earned cash… and big government doesn’t like that one bit. The piece gives credit where credit’s due, but misses the meat of it – Polis and company are addicted to your paycheck.

The Bullet Point Brief

  • Trump’s OBBBA tax code change means lower taxes for most Americans and corporations – and less cash flowing into state coffers.
  • Governor Polis is calling a special session to fix what he calls a “budget hole.” Translation: He needs your money back.
  • Colorado’s revenues have exploded recently, but Democrats still scream poverty. Must be allergic to budgeting like adults.
  • The Sun slows the heat by blaming TABOR requirements for forcing high spending – in reality, it allows transparency, not irresponsibility.
  • Bottom line? They made bank from COVID special dollars and surpluses and spent it like drunken sailors. Now they want you to feel bad for them.

My Bottom Line

Coloradans are about to witness the world’s most performative temper tantrum – and it’s coming straight from under the Gold Dome. Why? Because when President Trump’s tax reform lets you actually keep more of what you earn, that’s less loose change for Jared “Spend-It-All” Polis and his full-time legislature of enablers. A politician without your wallet is like a vegan at a Texas barbecue – mighty uncomfortable.

Let me say it plain: This isn’t about revenue shortfalls. It’s about discipline shortfalls. They’re treating budgeting like toddlers at Chuck E. Cheese – you hand ‘em tokens, they spend ’em all, then cry when they can’t hit the jackpot again. And now they blame TABOR – the only damn guardrail left between us and fiscal ruin – for their inability to control spending? Spare me.

TABOR doesn’t require you to blow every dime just because it passed through the front door. It says: be transparent with people’s money – and refund some if you’ve taken too much – but they always find some special pet project for your TABOR refund. And NOW the Gov is concerned about your TABOR refund – puh-lease!. But instead of reining in waste or trimming bloated programs, lawmakers are revving up the spin machine faster than an MSNBC intern during campaign season.

You know who should learn to live with less? Government, starting with Polis’ crew, who think they’re entitled to every cent that’s not nailed down. Budget shortfall, my ass – it’s a leadership shortfall wrapped in entitlement tantrums. Time for them to sack up, trim the fat, act like adults – and leave our wallets alone.

About the author

Scott K. James

A 4th generation Northern Colorado native, Scott K. James is a veteran broadcaster, professional communicator, and principled leader. Widely recognized for his thoughtful, common-sense approach to addressing issues that affect families, businesses, and communities, Scott, his wife, Julie, and son, Jack, call Johnstown, Colorado, home. A former mayor of Johnstown, James is a staunch defender of the Constitution and the rule of law, the free market, and the power of the individual. Scott has delighted in a lifetime of public service and continues that service as a Weld County Commissioner representing District 2.