DENVER (AP) -- Colorado's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights went under direct challenge in federal court Wednesday as state lawyers argued that a judge can't touch the amendment voters approved in 1992.
A group of state lawmakers wants the court to throw out TABOR.
They say the measure strips legislative bodies of the power to tax and spend, and therefore the U.S. Constitution, which designated certain powers to the branches of government.
TABOR forbids state lawmakers and local elected bodies from raising taxes without a vote by the people. It also puts severe restrictions on spending, limiting officials' ability to respond in an economic downturn.
A state lawyer argued that the TABOR challenge could endanger all citizen initiatives.
U.S. District Court Judge William Martinez did not immediately rule on whether to dismiss the lawsuit.
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