Joint Budget Committee
Colorado’s economy has recovered so quickly that the legislature will have to refund taxpayers under TABOR
While state coffers have recovered and employment is increasing, low-income, Black and Hispanic workers still lag in job recovery
With bites, bruises and low pay, caretakers for Colorado’s troubled youth say there’s not enough staff to keep kids — and each other — safe
The state has shifted funding to child abuse prevention and away from residential centers for youth who’ve suffered trauma. Now those centers are on the edge of a financial cliff.
Colorado governor signs $34 billion budget into law, setting aside historic reserves and funding $800M stimulus package
The budget does not include $3.8 billion in federal coronavirus stimulus money heading to Colorado as part of the American Rescue Plan
Colorado will finally get hundreds off the waitlist for disabilities services. But not everyone.
The average wait time was 15 years. Then eight. Now, lawmakers are poised to spend $15.5 million to fund 667 spots in the disability program.
Opinion: Colorado’s investment in more equitable higher-ed funding is a necessary start
Laying the groundwork for an economy with a strong middle class requires us to be strategic with our investments – and it’s time to reinvest in higher education.
Opinion: We need higher education for all to overcome racial, income and health divides in Colorado
Higher education changes lives, but not everyone starts off equally. Getting through the front door is just the first hurdle.
Colorado’s governor wants a big, fast coronavirus stimulus package. State lawmakers worry about the details.
The situation echoes of the yearslong tug of war between the governor and Democratic budget writers that began soon after Jared Polis assumed office
Rep. Leslie Herod: Colorado to see maternal health legislation during the 2021 session
We aim to close racial inequities in care and advocate for those who experience the worst disparities at the very beginning of life.
Colorado school finance bill would spare districts from impact of enrollment declines
The Joint Budget Committee OK'd an education finance bill that send an extra $60 million to districts that saw large enrollment declines or a decrease in the number of students living in poverty. Rural districts will share another $25 million from the new nicotine tax.
Colorado’s state budget drives decisions that affect us all, but it’s long and complicated. We’re here to help.
The Colorado Sun’s Capitol Sunlight project will help you make sense of the budget and how money is spent.
Gov. Jared Polis wanted quick action on his $1.3 billion stimulus plan. Colorado lawmakers want more time.
Legislative budget writers decided that the governor’s measures needed more consideration and debate and didn’t fit the definition for mid-year spending adjustments
Colorado’s fiscal future looks brighter. Now lawmakers must decide how to spend the unexpected windfall.
The December revenue forecasts from the governor’s office and legislative economists show the recovery is impacting high-wage and low-wage workers differently
Colorado governor says his $1.3 billion stimulus plan would create up to 15,000 jobs, but questions abound
Lawmakers are open to a stimulus, though skeptical because the economic package amounts to deficit spending. Gov. Jared Polis says it's worth the investment.
The 2020 election untied and retied the fiscal knot in Colorado with decisions on Gallagher and taxes
In the 2020 election, the fickle Colorado electorate sent mixed messages on taxes and spending with big implications for the future
Colorado state workers ordered to take unpaid furlough amid state budget shortfall
Gov. Jared Polis said “it's a time for belt tightening” but offered a tiered approach to reduce impact on lower-wage workers
Colorado state budget could escape “worst of the worst,” latest economic estimates show
Still, rising demand and cost of state government services means reserves may not fill the gap and could force more budget cuts next year
Colorado gun sales remain at high volume, prompting $1.3 million request to speed up background checks
At its peak in April, the average state firearm background check took 56 hours to process, up from about five minutes in April 2019
Jared Polis is taking big money from private donors to fund key positions in Colorado governor’s office
The work covered by private gifts and grants include the Colorado governor’s top issues -- climate change, immigration and early childhood
Colorado spared more budget cuts for now, but an additional $1 billion in reductions looms on 2021 horizon
The state’s reserve is so minimal the slightest change will force Gov. Jared Polis to take executive action to reduce spending.
