As a Coloradan, I am writing to ask that you oppose tax increases on struggling hospitality businesses and local consumers. There are two bills that would result in higher prices for consumers, lost sales for local retailers AND an elimination of Colorado jobs - HB 1271, which would institute a "fee" that is really a tax on manufacturers and wholesalers of beer, wine, cider and spirits, and HB 1301 which would DOUBLE the current tax rate on alcohol products.
HB 1271 allows the Legislature to skip getting my approval as a voter for a tax increase. The "fee" proposed in this bill is clearly a tax as it is distributing the general burden to fund the enterprise to every consumer in the state that purchases alcohol, while providing services to a limited group and giving no privilege in return for the businesses paying the "fee." The Legislature should not be able to circumvent the will of voters like me by calling this tax a "fee."
HB 1301 would implement an excise tax increase that would directly impact hospitality businesses and consumers like me at a time when the entire alcohol industry is facing harsh economic challenges including record inflation, tariffs and a downward trend of consumer spending.
Saddling responsible consumers and hospitality businesses with any tax increases will further harm this already struggling industry – costing Coloradans their jobs.
Again, HB 1271 and HB 1301 will result in higher prices for responsible consumers, lost sales for local retailers AND an elimination of Colorado jobs!
It should be noted that the overwhelming majority of Coloradans who choose to drink do so responsibly, and these consumers, like me, should not be forced to pay more to enjoy our favorite cocktails when the research shows higher prices do not dissuade alcohol abusers.
Please vote NO on HB 1271 and HB 1301 in support of hospitality businesses and consumers.
Sincerely,
[Name]
