Vote 'yes' on Proposition 103 and Denver's paid-sick-leave proposal

You'll be getting your ballot any day now, and we'd like to remind you of two important issues.

One is Proposition 103, the only statewide measure this year. It would raise $536 million each year through 2016 to halt steep cuts to K-12 and higher education. Colorado's tax rates would temporarily return to 1999 levels, with the sales tax rising from 2.9% to 3% and personal and corporate income taxes increasing from 4.63% to 5%.

The Bell Policy Center has endorsed this measure. We believe there is no better tool to spur job growth and economic development than having a well-educated workforce.

Another important measure is Initiative 300 on Denver's ballot. It would require employers to provide paid sick leave for their employees.

We released a report last week on research on paid-sick-leave laws, and we believe the evidence shows that allowing workers to stay home when they or their children are sick will help families and improve public health in Denver.

San Francisco and Washington, D.C., have paid-sick-leave laws, and their experience shows that the costs to businesses are modest and manageable – and largely offset by improved productivity and reduced turnover.

The Bell Policy Center also endorsed Initiative 300.

Vote "yes" on both measures.