With a recession on the horizon, flush times at the Capitol are nearing an end. The needs of families, roads and schools will remain.
Colorado budget
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Federal rescue funds show Colorado what an adequate budget looks like
A massive, one-time influx of federal dollars has given Coloradans a glimpse of what a robustly funded state government looks like. The federal American Rescue Plan Act, passed in the spring of 2021, brought billions of dollars to Colorado, enabling policymakers over the past two years to simultaneously fund long-recognized priorities like housing, the caring […]
Posted inNews
Here’s what’s in the $36 billion state budget proposal now being debated by Colorado lawmakers
The full Colorado legislature this week began debating a $36 billion state budget proposal that, buoyed by a strong economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and a flood of federal stimulus dollars, would boost funding to K-12 and higher education, give state employees a 3% raise and expand state efforts to improve public safety and […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: I’m a state environment-protection employee. Our workload is not sustainable.
The pandemic made clear for many Coloradans what state employees already knew: state services and infrastructure are underfunded, under-resourced, and understaffed. That’s why the recent negotiation of the first contract between state employees and the state was such an important win for both state workers and the Colorado families that depend on public services, from […]
Posted inBusiness, News, Politics and Government
8 big things you need to know about Colorado’s $34 billion state budget
Colorado lawmakers this week began debating the state’s $34.1 billion budget, which helps chart a path out of the coronavirus crisis and sets aside millions of dollars for equity-related initiatives and a historic sum for future economic downturns. The legislature was able to reverse funding cuts made as the pandemic descended upon the state last […]
Posted inEconomy, News, Politics and Government
Gov. Jared Polis wanted quick action on his $1.3 billion stimulus plan. Colorado lawmakers want more time.
Three months ago, Gov. Jared Polis put forward a $1.3 billion stimulus plan and asked Colorado lawmakers to fast-track the measures. On Thursday, the General Assembly said not so fast. Instead of inserting the governor’s November spending requests into a supplemental budget package being drafted now, the proposals will move ahead in separate legislation for […]
Posted inGrowth, Politics and Government, Transportation
Colorado lawmakers considering new fee on gallon of gas to boost money for roads
Year after year, Colorado lawmakers in both parties make finding money for road and transit projects a top priority only to see a big deal get downsized — or more often, collapse entirely. “We are Charlie Brown and we are hoping we are going to get that football,” said state Rep. Matt Gray, a Broomfield […]
Posted inBusiness, Politics and Government
Colorado’s fiscal future looks brighter. Now lawmakers must decide how to spend the unexpected windfall.
The dark clouds shadowing Colorado’s fiscal situation are giving way to a brighter economic outlook, according to a pair of forecasts presented Friday to state lawmakers. The arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine, an increase in job creation and a higher online sales are boosting the state’s economy, but it’s not universal. The latest numbers show […]
Posted inElection 2020, Politics and Government
Colorado governor says his $1.3 billion stimulus plan would create up to 15,000 jobs, but questions abound
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday asked state lawmakers to spend $1.3 billion on an economic stimulus package that he said would create up to 15,000 jobs and boost the state’s economy by 11% over current projections. “Making these investments now with this one-time money will help restore economic growth faster and better, and shrink […]
Posted inElection 2020, Politics and Government
The 2020 election untied and retied the fiscal knot in Colorado with decisions on Gallagher and taxes
On the same ballot that cemented statewide Democratic power not seen since 1936, Colorado’s voters once again sent their elected leaders mixed messages on taxes and spending. They voted to raise taxes in one measure, and cut them in another. They authorized expansive new social programs, while limiting the state’s ability to afford the programs […]