Economic Inequality

The federal budget law passed in July 2025, known as HR1 or the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” will have profoundly negative  impacts on health care access and affordability, especially in rural Colorado. HR1 is beginning to show its impact with higher insurance premiums, but more significant changes will be phased in over the next seven years including higher uninsured rates, even more unaffordable premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and the closure of hospitals and clinics.

The Protect Colorado’s Future coalition has announced plans to put a graduated income tax on the 2026 ballot. This proposal would lower taxes for 98 percent of Coloradans, while raising taxes on individuals and corporations making more than $500,000 a year.

Federal lawmakers have cut critical supports to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. See where the greatest concentration of usage of federal benefits were slashed.

As federal and state budget cuts loom, maintaining and building upon the progress Colorado has made to support older adults will require more intentionality and dedication to creating an inclusive state where everyone has the ability to age in the way they’d prefer.

Too many Coloradans struggle to attain economic security. If left unaddressed, Colorado’s policy decisions will continue to perpetuate wealth inequality and hinder a more fair and prosperous state.

Care workers in Colorado are underpaid, which has led to high turnover. HB24-1312 provides them with a refundable tax credit of $1,200.

Either of these measures would have a devastating impact on Colorado and would be felt in every sector of our economy.

Taking steps to reduce child poverty through a refundable credit will benefit Colorado’s children and families, while also creating a stronger, more equitable state. 

Colorado’s housing crisis can be alleviated through land use reforms.