Dear Editor:
In a recent Cortez Journal column, Rep. Katie Stewart blamed the war in Iran, federal tariffs and wildfires for shrinking family paychecks. Those issues affect our economy. But Stewart left out something much closer to home: the higher costs approved by Colorado lawmakers.
Stewart voted yes on HB25-1296. That law denies Colorado workers the state tax benefit of the new federal deduction for qualified overtime pay. Federal law lowers the tax on qualified overtime, but Colorado still taxes it.
State analysts estimate about 500,000 Colorado taxpayers could be affected. The same bill also made interstate telephone services subject to state sales tax.
Stewart voted yes on SB25-285, which raised the maximum annual inspection fees charged to restaurants and other food businesses. The increases begin at 25% in 2026, followed by additional increases in 2027 and 2028.
Those expenses do not disappear. They can show up in the prices families pay for meals and groceries.
She also voted yes on HB26-1223. Beginning in 2027, the law extends Colorado’s sales tax to many downloaded software purchases. State analysts estimate it will collect $44.4 million in its first half-year and $92.2 million the following year. The bill uses that money for tax credits for qualifying families, but businesses and other software buyers will still pay the new tax.
Stewart also supported SB25-321, which allows certain vehicle-emissions inspection fees to double. That law mainly affects Front Range drivers, but it is another example of Denver approving higher charges for Coloradans.
She even voted for HB26-1418, which would have added a 5% fee to certain online video-game purchases. Gov. Jared Polis vetoed it, so families were spared that cost.
Katie Stewart cannot control a foreign war or federal tariff policy. She can control her votes. When she writes about affordability, she should acknowledge the taxes and fees she supported in Denver.
Families understand that government services cost money. They also understand that every new tax, fee and mandate eventually comes out of someone’s paycheck.
If Stewart believes rising costs are hurting families, she cannot keep blaming Washington while voting for higher costs at home. Southwest Colorado deserves a representative who will ask one question before every vote:
What will this cost the people I represent?
We need accountability from Denver, not excuses about decisions made somewhere else.
Kelly Hegarty
Durango, Colo.
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