As a retired small-business owner, I was amused at first, then angered, at the recent letter written by D. Rico Munn, executive director of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

Mr. Munn stated that regulatory programs are not funded by taxpayers, but rather are funded by the regulated professionals through licensing fees. Mr. Munn ignores the fact that these programs are funded by everyone, taxpayers and non-taxpayers, rich or poor, who purchase the goods and services provided by those being regulated.

When I was in business, many of my clients were surprised to learn that one-third of the cost of the service I provided was for my taxes and licensing fees. In other words, I wrote the check for the licensing fees and taxes, but my clients paid for them.

A license fee may be for a worthy cause, but it is a tax that everyone pays.

JIM CHINN
Cedaredge

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