Supporters say farmers, ranchers need the lift; opponents say everyone should give a little to balance a tight budget.
Colorado Children’s Campaign says measure balances budget on poor kids’ backs.
“This is not just a cute thing because there’ll be more trees in Colorado. This is about more jobs, less paid out in bills, and it reduces energy uses.”
Lawmakers were told Colorado farmers and ranchers rendered last year’s legislation moot by shopping across state lines.
Dissenting lawmaker says the move is just another attempt at a back-door tax hike.
“If we’re going to switch from a private service to a public service, it should be up to the people of that community to decide.”
“The exchanges are a free-market idea that, absent some of the provisions of the federal law, are a good idea.”
Sponsor says Colorado could be a leader; critic counters that government shouldn’t second-guess marketplace.
“In this day and age no state contract should be out there without transparency.”
“This bill ensures that residents and tourists are able to travel to every corner of our beautiful state.”
