This Wednesday Dr. Henry Weisser will examine the American role in WWII and of the myths created and major achievements of American society both in the war itself, and as a result of the war. Topics to be covered include the effect of the G.I Bill, the importance of the D-Day landing and the significance of American participation.
Dr. Henry Weisser holds a Ph.D. in history from Columbia University, and has taught at various institutions for 44 years, 39 of them as a Professor of History at CSU. He is the author of at least 9 books including Ireland: An Illustrated History, the Hippocrene Companion Guide on Ireland (history and culture), England: An Illustrated History, and A Companion Guide to Britain, England, Scotland and Wales”. He has four children and five grandchildren.
Last week, recently retired CSU Political Science Professor John Straayer reviewed TABOR’s impact on state and local budgets, governance and our economy overall. He noted it took three times to pass TABOR, and the author, Douglass Bruce is now in jail. A few of Dr. Straayer’s remarks:
TABOR castrated the fiscal authority of the legislature. We now have a “5.5 million-person Finance Committee”.
Causes more voting by citizens, even though they may not be well informed. We are making more decisions by ballot.
Estimates say we need $9 B to fix our transportation infrastructure, yet legislature this past session could not even agree on a bill to propose to the public for a November vote.
In the 60’s, 75% of cost of higher education was funded by state. Due to a combination of TABOR, recessions and other constitutionally protected items, higher education has taken the largest cut, and now only 25% is funded by the state.
Colorado seems to have one foot on gas and one on the brakes as a result of the interaction of several requirements: amendment #23 requiring spending on K-12 and unavoidable prison and Medicaid costs etc. keeps the gas pedal down, while Gallagher and TABOR keep the brakes on.
Why? The near impossibility of reversing past legislative tax cuts, or either eliminating TABOR or adjusting its formula. Voters have repeatedly defeated state-wide ballot measures to raise taxes or retain TABOR overages.
Colorado’s Per capita income is between #7 and #11 (depending on who’s counting) in the nation, yet we rank #49 in support for education per million dollars of personal income. We are also 37th in the nation in terms of dollars per pupil, dropping us into the bottom quarter of states.
In 2016, state appropriations for higher education per student: CO $3769; Arizona $4489; Utah $6147; Nevada $6528; New Mexico $8321; Kansas $5679; Wyo $17,620; USA $6954.
Higher education dollars per $1,000 personal income (2016) CO $2.80; New Mexico $12.69; Kansas $7.70; Wyoming $13.59.
39th in gas tax; gas tax has not been raised since 1992.
43rd in beer tax
Personal income tax Colorado 4.63%, one of the lowest in the nation.
Referendum C passed, Referendum D failed. 70% of donations to defeat both referendums came from outside Colorado
Chances for changes to TABOR or any tax increases to fund transportation or education are very slim.
TABOR has become a sacred cow. Any Republican who even hints at supporting a tax increase or restriction on TABOR will face a primary challenge, and likely to lose.
We are in an era of tribal politics. Very difficult to get out.
What are we going to do? Live with it until it becomes completely unworkable, or do what past citizen have done, and invest more in their state.
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ross Lane acknowledged we had "conquered" Webber 7th graders with the help of 34 Rotarians. He had them stand and club members thanked them!
John Roberts encouraged members to visit Egypt at the Global Village Museum before the exhibit closes mid-June. He reminded all that GVM would be open for First Friday Gallery Walk this week.
Dan Mackey is "desperate" because he needs housing for Jere, our Exchange Student, from June 20 to July 7. Please call him at 970-214-4656!
Bonnie Titley announced a two-week trip to Morocco in September 2018. Because travel to Morocco is hot right now, we must file reservations by June 30 or we will lose our slots. Deposit: $350 per person. Basic cost: $4145, including airfare from Denver. Pre- and Post-extensions are available. Travel insurance strongly encouraged at $499 per person for basic trip (additional for extensions).
Call Bonnie if you have questions, or of you are interested and get our assigned group number. Additional info online at oat.com. Look for Morocco Saharan Odysset.
Dawn T-Baumgartner has volunteered to summarize program contents for the third Wednesday each month. Individual volunteers are needed for the other weeks. "If I can do it, you can do it", Dawn asserts.
Our club provides many thousands of hours of volunteer service in addition to annual giving to charitable projects. Our giving to charitable projects has not grown to keep up with inflation and growing community needs. The RCFC Legacy Fund has established as an endowment that will provide supplemental funds into the foreseeable future for humanitarian and educational programs in and around Fort Collins. Your contributions to the Legacy Fund are tax deductible and will assure “Service in Action Forever”.
This Wednesday Dr. Henry Weisser will examine the American role in WWII and of the myths created and major achievements of American society both in the war itself, and as a result of the war. Topics to be covered include the effect of the G.I Bill, the importance of the D-Day landing and the significance of American participation. 
Last week, recently retired CSU Political Science Professor John Straayer reviewed TABOR’s impact on state and local budgets, governance and our economy overall. He noted it took three times to pass TABOR, and the author, Douglass Bruce is now in jail. A few of Dr. Straayer’s remarks:
