I read the article "Colorado Taxpayers will receive $400 this summer" in the May 5 Golden Transcript regarding the Colorado legislature’s plan to rebate tax overpayments to the public. Much of the article consisted of quotes from House Speaker Alec Garnett and Governor Polis, pontificating about how the State, in its infinite benevolence, is giving this money to suffering Coloradans, even ahead of schedule!

A few points to make and questions to ask about these rebates: (1) Do you find it convenient that the rebates – originally scheduled to be sent back in 2023 — are happening prior to the 2022 elections? (2) These rebates are mandated by the TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) Amendment. Do you honestly think the State would give this money back to its citizens if the TABOR Amendment did not exist? (3) It needs to be emphasized: The money belongs to you. According to State law, you overpaid your taxes, and you are entitled to it. It is not a gift from Speaker Garnett and Governor Polis out of the goodness of their collective hearts, but they want you to think it is. 

This warped perspective and the political spin presented in the article insults the intelligence of those of us under this leadership.

Barry J. Stamp, Golden