In the final hours of the lawmaking session, the General Assembly finalized a $30.3 billion state budget after weeks of difficult work to close a $3 billion deficit. Instead of expressing relief at the finish line, the top legislative budget writer issued a warning. “For those of you who haven’t heard the news flash, next […]
revenue forecast
A coronavirus shift to online shopping has helped save some retail sales — and tax revenue — in Colorado
When Erika Righter saw foot traffic at Hope Tank vanish in March as coronavirus safety measures went into place, she temporarily closed her Broadway gift store and reopened online. “Thank God for online,” said Righter, who opened the Denver store in 2012. “I launched an online shop, which I wish I had done years ago.” […]
Three budget numbers that will set the tone for the 2020 legislative session in Colorado
Colorado lawmakers are adjusting to a new reality when it comes to the state budget: The boom years are over. A pair of forecasts presented Friday to state budget writers suggests the state’s economy will continue to grow, but it will come at a slower rate, which will limit discretionary government spending in the future. […]
The Democratic agenda came with a big price tag. Now Colorado budget writers worry about paying the bill.
To pass their expansive legislative agenda, the new Democratic majority at the Colorado Capitol spent big this year. Real big. And now even Democratic budget writers are worried about how to make ends meet. “There were a lot of bills passed last (session) that have continued spending … and some of those were very large,” […]
Now we know how much money is at stake on the 2019 ballot with Proposition CC and TABOR refunds in Colorado
On the November ballot, Colorado voters will decide a question potentially worth as much as $1.7 billion. Proposition CC asks voters for permission to end the cap on state tax revenue outlined in the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. If the answer is yes, the state plans to spend the money on schools, higher education and […]
How much Colorado taxpayers will get in TABOR refunds depends on these two wildcards
Colorado taxpayers could get a potential TABOR refund worth hundreds of dollars over the next three years — or not. How much the state returns to taxpayers depends on two major questions, one that Democratic leaders will answer and another that voters will decide. The two combine to form a political puzzle for Democrats and […]