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Colorado: On The Ballot
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Amendment 49 Gets Lots Of Attention

At Issue: What Government Can Take Out Of Paychecks

POSTED: 8:24 pm MDT October 6, 2008
UPDATED: 3:11 pm MDT October 7, 2008

The billboards are up and the commercials are running. Amendment 49 is getting a lot of attention from both sides.

"The government cannot take money from one group, funnel it, bundle it up and give it to another group that lobbies government back." said Amendment 49 supporter, Jon Caldara.

Inside the Colorado Blue Book there's a list of exceptions for government paycheck deductions, including those required by federal law tax withholdings and health benefits, just to name a few.

Caldara also said, "All this does is put a simple restriction on government. It says, 'Government, you will not be funneling money to lobbying organizations.' People want to give that to lobbyist, they should do that themselves."

Opponents say if Amendment 49 passes the restriction will go beyond the government.

"I have control of my paycheck currently. It actually takes away control of my paycheck. I can no longer have things that are taken out currently taken out if that amend were to pass," said Joel Heinemann, professional firefighter.

"There's nothing in here that stops any employee from giving any amount of money to any membership group, special interest, or lobbying organizations," said Caldara.

But for opponents, they said it's an unnecessary hurdle to jump over.

Heinemann also said, "As a firefighter, if we're allowed to take control in regards to saving lives, I think we should have control of our paycheck."

For information on what else supporters say, check out www.ethicalstandardsnow.com

for information on what else opponents say, check out www.protectcoloradosfuture.org


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