June 05, 2008 10:21 PM UTC

GOP to Ritter: Start Chopping

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• by: Colorado Pols

They’re gleefully sorry, as the AP reports:

Colorado Republican leaders demand Thursday that Gov. Bill Ritter immediately start cutting the budget to cover $118 million the state has spent from an education tax that a district court ruled was unconstitutional.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, the GOP lawmakers say the governor also could call the Legislature back into session to decide which programs to cut if the ruling stands.

“If you refuse to act, we strongly believe you owe the people of Colorado an explanation as to why you are so certain that the Supreme Court will overturn the existing ruling,” the letter states.

The letter is signed by House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, and Senate Minority Leader Andy McElhany, R-Colorado Springs.

Ritter’s spokesman said the three are “playing politics.”

The letter cites a study that shows if the new budget goes into effect July 1 as written, the state could be on the hook for $272 million that may have to be refunded to taxpayers…

Whoever pays, the effect on government could be catastrophic, the Republicans said.

Just the way we like it, the Republicans didn’t say.