Colo. gov proposes K-12 schools cut and sales tax on soda, online sales to help balance budget

Colo. gov proposes sales tax on soda, online sales

DENVER — Facing an expected $1 billion shortfall in next year’s budget, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter is proposing a 4.6 percent cut in education spending and charging sales tax on items including candy and soda and online purchases.

Under a plan submitted to state lawmakers Friday, kindergarten through 12th grade schools would get $260 million less than they’re getting this year.

Schools wouldn’t get another $184.6 million because of a change in the way their annual mandatory increase is calculated under Amendment 23. The voter-approved amendment has largely protected education from deep cuts during the recession.

State workers would have to pick up the state’s share of their pension contribution — 2.5 percent of their salary — for a year to save $20.1 million.