Joshua Mantell

Unlike many other states, Colorado does not have a “rainy day fund.” The state does have reserves, which are a pot of money set aside from the General Fund to protect against declining revenues and economic downturns.

Colorado lawmakers are making some very difficult choices this budget cycle, and some of the toughest will come in the next week as they work to close a $1.2 billion funding gap.

The 2025 legislative session could be a bumpy ride, driven by scarcity and the need to make substantial cuts to the Colorado state budget for 2025-26.

Colorado voters favored increased spending, increased taxes, and exempting local tax revenue from TABOR, showing an overall readiness to move toward funding community priorities like education, transportation, child care, health care, and other crucial programs.

Several local governments are asking their voters to opt out of the revenue cap imposed by TABOR and redirect some of the funds from lodging taxes to address child care and affordable housing needs in these communities.

As more states have adopted voucher programs, spending for public schools has decreased, disproportionately hurting students in higher poverty areas.

Updated data on TABOR surpluses and how upcoming ballot measures will influence the distribution of funds, shaping the future of tax rebates in Colorado.

As Colorado is in the midst of historic TABOR rebates, it is important to understand the larger context and how lawfully collected tax revenue has historically been used.

Colorado’s budget is heading toward a structural deficit. Only a shift in fiscal policy will ensure the state can fund priorities.

We look at how Colorado’s legislature utilized the state’s temporarily expanded revenue base to target relief to those who need it.