state revenues

Thanks to those who contacted us to point out that yesterday's email about the TBD Colorado summits didn't mention that one of the meetings is set for Denver on June 23.

There is, indeed, a Denver meeting, but it is already booked up. We urge you to consider attending one of the other meetings if you can (click on links to RSVP):

We're looking to spark a good conversation – on the state budget.

After three years of cutbacks, after cutting K-12 and higher education, after closing state parks and prisons, more and more Coloradans are asking questions about state finances and our fiscal challenges.

We think Coloradans want to talk about the state budget.

State revenues are expected to be $116 million higher this fiscal year than projected in December, according to legislative economists. When coupled with cuts and actions already taken by the legislature to balance the budget this session, the state is projected to end the current fiscal year with a $447 million surplus. By law, these funds will be transferred to the State Education Fund.

Legislative economists expect revenues to be $99 million higher in fiscal year 2011-12, which will help to reduce the projected shortfall.

Peter Marcus
Denver Daily News

April 29, 2010

Angry over fee increases backed by lawmakers in recent legislative sessions, Republican Sen. Greg Brophy is attempting to send to voters a constitutional amendment that would only allow fees to be levied to defray costs for specific government services related to that fee.