Whether you have children in school or not, you probably think producing an educated work force is important. Consider what has happened in Colorado. Our state ranks 49th among other states in investment in K-12 education even with Amendment 23. Per-pupil funding is nearly $700 below the national average.

Colorado ranks 48th in the nation for per capita funding for higher education. Tuition and fees have increased while state support to higher education has been cut by 22 percent. Middle-class and low-income families struggle to send their children to college. Because of budget cuts, our state and community colleges are suffering. Do we want further budgetary restraints on community colleges where 65 percent of our nurses and 90 percent of our first responders receive their education?

Local economies depend on the health of their colleges. Just think of the jobs generated by our colleges and universities and the businesses that depend on the higher education community.

Because of missed payments due to the recession and budget problems, Colorado still owes $240 million over time to the police and fire retirement funds. Referenda C and D earmark a lump-sum payment of $175 million, thereby concluding the state’s obligation to these funds. Restoring these pension funds to those who keep our communities safe is the best way to honor them.

When I was teaching, we used a discipline technique called timeout. Unruly students were placed in a quiet, safe spot for a short time to evaluate their behavior and make a plan for positive change. That’s exactly what Referenda C and D are asking voters, for a temporary five-year timeout from the punishing constraints of TABOR’s ratchet-down behavior.

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