Colorado lawmakers are planning to introduce a bill as soon as this week that would overhaul the state’s unemployment system and also send roughly $600 million to the depleted unemployment insurance trust fund to lower a $1 billion federal debt hanging over employers. The $600 million replenishment was expected — Gov. Jared Polis made the […]
Colorado Fiscal Institute
Posted inNews, Politics and Government
Is Colorado’s government headed toward a fiscal cliff? Democrats say yes, Republicans say no.
Colorado’s coffers are flush with cash right now — so much so that taxpayers are getting refunds. But Democrats see trouble on the horizon. They’re not worried so much about a downturn, but the potential for spending on critical services like education and health care to run up against constitutional limits on how much tax […]
Posted inHousing, News, Politics and Government
This senior property tax exemption has saved Colorado’s older homeowners millions. But it also has an equity problem.
Dian Feral has lived in the frame house on a corner lot in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood for more than 30 years since she bought it for $87,000 back when she worked the graveyard shift at the Keebler cookie and cracker plant. It was never what she’d call a good house, situated in what she describes […]
Posted inEconomy, News, Politics and Government
Colorado Democrats want to use one of TABOR’s most effective tax-halting mechanisms for themselves
One of the most effective parts of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights when it comes to stopping tax-raising ballot questions in Colorado is a requirement that voters be informed, IN CAPITAL LETTERS, about the eye-popping sum they are deciding whether to allow the government to collect. “SHALL STATE TAXES BE INCREASED $766,700,000 ANNUALLY FOR A […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Sen. Winter, Rep. Gray: It’s time for Congress to catch up to Colorado on paid family leave
On election day 2020, Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved a groundbreaking proposal to implement a paid family and medical leave program in our state – finally granting residents this essential benefit and ultimately paving the way for a nationwide shift. Now, six months later, President Joe Biden has proposed the American Families Plan, which would not […]
Posted inBusiness, Economy, News, Politics and Government
Colorado businesses would be required to accept cash under measure headed to governor’s desk
Colorado businesses could be fined up to $250 if they refuse to accept cash for goods and services under a bill that cleared the state legislature on Tuesday and is headed to Gov. Jared Polis’ desk. The measure from state Rep. Alex Valdez and state Sen. Robert Rodriguez, who are both Denver Democrats, would make […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Using federal COVID stimulus dollars to backfill Colorado’s unemployment insurance trust fund is a bad idea
Imagine getting an interest-free loan from a bank for that coffee shop you’ve always dreamed about opening and another $50,000 to jump start your business. Money for that espresso machine, to hire talented baristas — whatever you need to hit the ground running. What would you do with it? Whatever you might choose, one thing […]
Posted inBusiness, Economy, News
New Year, new minimum wage: Colorado’s hourly rate jumps to $12.32 an hour
A new minimum wage increase will take effect in Colorado on New Year’s Day, bringing wages to $12.32 an hour, or $9.30 for tipped workers. The 2.7% statewide increase is based on language in the Colorado Constitution, which mandates annual inflation adjustments based on the consumer price index. Colorado voters approved a constitutional amendment in […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Congress should deliver holiday COVID-19 relief
We usually look forward to the holiday season as a time spent with family and filled with joy. However, with COVID-19 cases exploding and more than 2,600 Coloradans lost to the virus so far, the holidays will be difficult this year. Too many people have lost loved ones, and many of our neighbors are struggling […]
Posted inEducation, Politics and Government
TABOR repeal is off the table for 2020. Now it’s Initiative 271, a $2 billion tax hike targeting the wealthy
A coalition pushing to overhaul Colorado’s tax system will not pursue a complete repeal of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights this year, opting instead for a ballot measure in November that would generate billions in new money with higher taxes on the wealthy. The new initiative — which is expected to receive final legal approval […]