Colorado Democrats Push for Unfair Fees that Will Hurt Families & Small Businesses

Colorado Democrats are once again targeting hardworking Coloradans with yet another scheme to take their money. This time, it's through a new plan to add additional registration fees to tens of thousands of Colorado family’s SUV’s and trucks in order to, supposedly, pay for pedestrian and cyclist deaths.

But who is really responsible for these tragic accidents? And why should responsible drivers or Colorado families on a tight budget be penalized for the actions of others?

Under this proposal, drivers in the state's 12 most populous counties would face increased registration fees for cars, SUVs, and trucks weighing over 3,500 pounds. According to state analysts, these fees would raise approximately $20 million per year, which would then be used for "multimodal safety projects."

But let's call this what it really is: A money grab by Democrats to push their anti-car agenda under the guise of safety.

The bill's sponsor, Democrat Sen. Lisa Cutter, claims that these fees are necessary to make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. But in reality, it's just another way for Democrats to push their radical agenda of promoting alternative forms of transportation while punishing hardworking Americans who rely on their vehicles for their livelihoods.

Democrat Sen. Faith Winter, who herself was injured in a biking accident, is also a sponsor of the bill. Are we really going to let the personal experiences of a select few dictate policy for the entire state? These politicians are using their personal tragedies to further their own political agendas and it's unacceptable.

The early draft of the bill targets larger vehicles because they are deemed by these Democrats more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. But why are we punishing drivers for the weight of their vehicles? This is a clear attack on a certain type of vehicle, which have grown in popularity due to their safety and utility. And let's not forget that the average new vehicle sold in the United States is heavier than it was in the 1980s, not because of personal preferences for larger vehicles, but because of technological advances and safety improvements. Families with small children simply prefer larger SUV for safety, according to the automobile industries own data.

What's is concerning to those who have looked at the proposed bill is that it is based on flawed and biased research.

The supposed increase in pedestrian deaths due to larger vehicles has been debunked time and time again. In fact, research by the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that pedestrian fatalities have increased across all types of vehicles, not just larger ones. Yet those liberal on the left continue to peddle the false narrative that larger vehicles are solely responsible for these tragedies.

Critics have also been dumfounded by the bill exempting large commercial vehicles, showing that this is not truly about promoting safety, but rather targeting everyday drivers. And what about rural communities where larger vehicles are necessary for work and agriculture? They will be forced to pay these unfair fees, further penalizing hardworking Americans who are just trying to make a living.

In reality, the money raised from these fees will be a drop in the bucket compared to the overall need for road safety investments. So why are Colorado Democrats pushing for this ineffective and unjust plan? Because they want to appear as though they are doing something to address a growing issue, without actually addressing the root cause.

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As the bill moves forward through the legislative process, it's important for Coloradans to speak out against this blatant attack on drivers.

It's time to put the brakes on this Democrat plan and demand real solutions that benefit all Coloradans, not just a select few such as families and small business owners who need these SUV’s and larger vehicles.