Sine Die

It sounds like a garbled threat, or possibly a song from the High Mass. Sine die means neither, but it is cause for high celebration: The Colorado state legislature is adjourned for 2009, at least for the regular session. (I’m hearing insiders say that the Governor very well may call a special session in the summer.)

In one sense, it’s a shame to see the legislature walk away from its responsibility: Democrats have kicked the state’s fiscal problems a little ways down the road. But then again, the majority Democrats aren’t likely to grow a sense of responsibility any time soon.

So staunch the bleeding while there’s still time. Because, in fact, Democrats are now openly touting a recent state supreme court decision to say they can raise capital gains (and who knows what other kinds of) taxes — spitting on the state constitution’s plain language that requires a vote of the people to approve tax hikes.

While the legislature is out of session for now, the high court continues to wreak havoc. That’s why Clear the Bench Colorado is deserving of our support. We’d also do well to clear most of the benches in the state house and senate, too.

Sine die has come, just not quite soon enough.