< Back January 29, 2020 REP. YOUNG’S CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BILL ADVANCES Legislation would give more parents resources to support their children with severe developmental and intellectual disabilities DENVER, CO — Legislation sponsored by Representative Mary Young to expand eligibility for a program to support children or youth with severe intellectual disabilities today advanced the House Public Health and Human Services Committee. The legislation passed 13-0. “Parents should never be faced with the prospect of having to give up their child with severe intellectual disabilities to the state in order to ensure that child gets the best possible care for their condition,” said Rep. Young, (D-Greeley). “As a former school psychologist and special education teacher, I know first-hand how difficult it can be for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find their kids the help they need. I’m grateful and pleased that we have taken this important step forward today.” HB20-1012 expands eligibility and improves the scope of an existing program for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Current law only allows for a county department of human or social services to submit applications to the program on behalf of a child or youth. Rep. Young’s bill extends this option to the parent or guardian of the child or youth, meaning that for the first time children who have not been surrendered to the Department of Human Services will be able to access the program’s benefits. The bill also asks the Department of Human Services to promulgate rules related to the expansion of the program. These rules include planning for services for children and youth who become 18 years of age while in the program; access to behavioral health services; waitlist management; process for a child or youth who is at risk for out-of-home placement; and program evaluation. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Chad Clifford that would create the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO). < Back March 20, 2024 Bill to Create a State Office for Coloradans with Disabilities Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Chad Clifford that would create the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO). “With 20 percent of Coloradans living with at least one disability, lack of basic access can make it difficult to find or maintain a career that accommodates their needs and pays their bills,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “We’re creating a permanent state office that will advocate for stronger support for Coloradans with disabilities so they have the same access opportunities as able-bodied Coloradans. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation so we can continue breaking down barriers to success and create a more equitable Colorado for all.” “People with disabilities have higher rates of poverty and employment, which is why this legislation is crucial in helping Coloradans build a successful life for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “By creating the Office of Opportunities of Coloradans with Disabilities, Coloradans will have better access to the good-paying jobs and education they deserve, so they have a fair shot at building a strong future.” HB24-1360 would create a new office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The goal of this office would be to implement a statewide strategy to facilitate economic stability for people with disabilities and promote successful economic, social, and community integration. The bill unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. Rep. Ortiz has been a long-time champion for disability rights at the Colorado State Capitol. He has led the charge in passing multiple bills to ensure Coloradans with a disability have the opportunity for legal recourse if they are discriminated against, expanding the youth prosthetic coverage law, creating the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force, and trailblazing two right to repair laws for wheelchair users. Previous Next

Op-Eds Jan 8, 2026 Rep. Froelich: Keeping the Craig coal power plant open will only hurt Colorado rate payers Read More Source Aug 7, 2025 Rep. Rebekah Stewart: Lakewood’s attempt to increase “middle housing” would be big step to address crisis in Colorado Read More Source Jul 16, 2025 Rep. Katie Stewart: Federal cuts and frozen funds threaten Southwest Colorado schools, hospitals, individuals and families Read More Source May 8, 2025 Rep. Meghan Lukens: Delivering results for the Western Slope Read More Source Mar 27, 2025 Rep. Meghan Lukens: Strengthening rural health care Read More Source Feb 25, 2025 Rep. Meghan Lukens: Supporting students and schools in our communities Read More Source Jan 17, 2025 Rep. Meghan Lukens: Getting to work for the Western Slope Read More Source Jan 14, 2025 Rep. Shannon Bird: The Colorado Opportunity Caucus puts paychecks first Read More Source Jan 5, 2025 Speaker McCluskie: Perspective: 2025 Legislative Preview Read More Source Sep 20, 2024 Rep. Weissman & Rep. Jodeh: If Trump brings his invective to Aurora, he should know we are proud to be the “The Ellis Island of the Plains” Read More Source Aug 27, 2024 Rep. McLachlan: Legislators work on tax relief, protecting funding during special session Read More Source Aug 25, 2024 Rep. Weissman: Here’s a plan to keep local property tax control local Read More Source Aug 20, 2024 Rep. deGruy Kennedy: Cause to celebrate state Rx affordability board milestone Read More Source Aug 20, 2024 Rep. deGruy Kennedy: After Colorado legislature’s latest special session is finished, we must restore local control over property taxes Read More Source Aug 20, 2024 Rep. Joseph: Rethink the Kids Online Safety Act to balance safety, freedom Read More Source Aug 7, 2024 Rep. Lukens: Increasing affordability across Colorado Read More Source Aug 1, 2024 Rep. McLachlan: 30 bills sponsored, signed in 2024 Read More Source Jun 17, 2024 Rep. McCormick: Ballot initiatives 144 and 145 will not help animals Read More Source Jun 12, 2024 Rep. McCormick: As a veterinarian and a lawmaker, please don’t let big businesses undermine Colorado pet care Read More Source Jun 12, 2024 Rep. Lukens: Breakthrough legislative session Read More Source 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ... 7

Speaker Julie McCluskie today met with the Lake County Board of Commissioners in Leadville for a presentation on the county’s legislative priorities. < Back August 13, 2024 McCluskie Meets with Lake County Commissioners LEADVILLE, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie today met with the Lake County Board of Commissioners in Leadville for a presentation on the county’s legislative priorities. The commissioners’ legislative priorities included school finance, improving access to grant opportunities for local governments, and a desire to engage with implementation of recent legislation. Commissioners also focused on funding for public safety and courthouses, housing affordability, and improvements to human services benefits delivery. “I always enjoy meeting with our county commissioners and hearing their priorities for the upcoming legislative session,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m committed to supporting our schools, local governments and Lake County residents, and I’m excited to continue working to invest in K-12 education and make our communities more affordable. I look forward to collaborating with the board of commissioners during the legislative session next year on these important priorities for Lake County.” Speaker McCluskie sponsored the new school finance formula, which significantly increases funding for rural schools and districts that serve more at-risk and special education students. The new formula will increase funding for Lake County R-1 by 14.4 percent a year by the time it is fully implemented. She has also sponsored legislation to protect residents in mobile home communities, increase housing affordability , and make it easier for high country communities to access Prop 123 affordable housing funds. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2020 TWO ESSENTIAL CHILD CARE BILLS PASS HOUSE Denver, CO– The House today passed two bills that would give Colorado families much-needed flexible child care options. Representative Dylan Roberts’ bill would allow home-based child care in Homeowners’ Association Communities, and Representatives Mary Young and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’ bill would extend the licensure exemption for family child care homes to September 2026. Rep. Roberts’ bill passed 62-2. Rep. Young’s bill passed 48-16. “As we work to recover Colorado’s strong economy, Colorado workers and families need access to child care more than ever,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley . “I’m thrilled that this bill passed with bipartisan support. Colorado families need flexible child care options, and this bill eases some of the licensure requirements for certain family care homes. Now more than ever, it’s important that we take steps to get back to work safely and responsibly.” “This bill gives parents more options and more information about home-based child care facilities,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder . “With daycare and preschool costs doubling almost twice as fast as overall inflation, this bill will also keep child care costs lower.” “This bill will give Colorado families even more child care options, something we desperately need as we take steps to support workers and small businesses and strengthen the economy,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon . “This is a win, win bill. Not only can Coloradans be assured that their children are being taken care of by a licensed establishment, but this bill also paves the way for more child care businesses to open, giving people the chance to open their home child care businesses more easily.” SB20-126 , Rep. Roberts’ bill, would allow a homeowner in a community organized under the “Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act” to operate a licensed family child care home notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the community’s guidelines. Community guidelines on parking, noise, landscaping continue to apply but communities must make reasonable accommodations for fences required by state child care home licensing laws. Licensure requirements for family child care homes are extensive and must include background checks, required training, inspections and more. HB20-1347 , Rep. Young’s and Rep Jaquez-Lewis’ bill would prolong the time period in which certain family child care homes can receive licensure exemptions from the state to September 1, 2026. Under HB20-1347, family care homes are homes where less than 24-hours of child care is provided. A family care home cannot exceed four children, and no more than two children can be under the age of two. Additionally, the children are not required to be related to the caregiver, but if the caregiver is caring for their own children in addition to non-family members, their own children are included in the four child limit. Caregivers are required to notify parents that they are operating under a legal license exemption. The state is required to provide educational information on the state licensing website for caregivers who are interested in becoming licensed. Previous Next

< Back Matthew Martinez Majority Whip Representative Matthew Martinez is the Vice Chair of the House Education Committee and a member of the Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Martinez represents House District 62 which includes Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Huerfano Mineral, Pueblo, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties. Veteran and educator, Rep. Martinez is passionate about post-secondary education opportunities, workforce development, veterans’ issues, and supporting local communities. During the 2023 legislative session, Rep. Martinez sponsored bipartisan legislation to provide financial assistance to high school seniors to pursue career or education opportunities after graduation.

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to strengthen accountability for public officials and employees in Colorado school districts and special districts. HB24-1073 passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back February 21, 2024 Story, Parenti Bill to Strengthen Government Ethics Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to strengthen accountability for public officials and employees in Colorado school districts and special districts. HB24-1073 passed by a vote of 8-3. “Government ethics rules are critical in preventing corruption in our government and ensuring the public’s trust while holding elected government officials accountable when they violate Colorado’s ethical standards,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “We have established ethical codes of conduct that local government officials and employees are expected to abide by. Our legislation would specify that school districts and special districts are also held to this code of conduct so the Independent Ethics Commission can investigate complaints made by Coloradans and hold bad actors accountable.” “The people of Colorado expect government officials at all levels to behave ethically and act in the best interest of the people of our state, but inconsistencies in Colorado law prevent investigation and enforcement of ethical standards,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. “School and special districts operate in every part of our state, employ thousands of people and control billions of dollars of taxpayer revenues. This bill is an important step in reminding all of us, at all levels of government, that we are first and foremost servant leaders and we must all be held to account when we betray the public trust or use our positions for personal gain." The Independent Ethics Commission was created in 2006 to investigate complaints and enforce rules of conduct for public officials and employees. HB24-1073 would expand the authority of the Independent Ethics Commission to include school district and special district officials and employees who report directly to them, such as school superintendents. This bill would allow the Independent Ethics Commission to investigate and enforce complaints of ethics violations by public officials and employees in these districts, improving accountability. Previous Next

Witnesses highlight devastating impact of Trump Administration actions to dismantle consumer protections and let corporations reap record profits by ripping off hardworking people < Back March 19, 2025 Lawmakers Spotlight State-Driven Solutions to Affordability Issues Witnesses highlight devastating impact of Trump Administration actions to dismantle consumer protections and let corporations reap record profits by ripping off hardworking people DENVER, CO – The House and Senate Judiciary Committees today held a joint hearing to examine the Trump Administration’s efforts to protect corporate profits and monopolies at the expense of hardworking Coloradans. As the federal government abandons efforts to save consumers money by holding corporations accountable, states like Colorado are leading the way to lower costs for working families by cracking down on rent algorithms , junk fees , and price gouging that drive up prices on critical necessities like housing, groceries and everyday purchases. “We are living in a time where corporate profits go unchecked while hardworking people struggle to live paycheck to paycheck,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “All this while federal agencies meant to protect everyday Americans are being gutted at the whim of an unelected billionaire and a President more interested in his own bottom line than the well-being of the people. This is why the Colorado legislature’s work to hold corporations accountable and shore up consumer protections is so critically important. We will continue to strengthen protections for Coloradans and level the playing field for all.” “While the Trump Administration is helping the wealthiest corporate monopolies rip off the American People by dismantling essential worker and consumer protections, we’re saving Coloradans money and boosting wages,” said House Judiciary Chair Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Colorado Democrats are making our state more affordable by cracking down on price gouging, junk fees and rent algorithms that drive up housing prices. The testimony we heard today makes it clear that if Elon Musk,Trump and DOGE succeed, corporations will raise prices further and more easily scam Americans out of their hard earned money while preying on the most vulnerable among us.” The committee heard testimony from Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, who was illegally fired by Trump yesterday, and Seth Frotman, the former General Counsel and Senior Advisor for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The witnesses highlighted how dismantling CFPB and FTC efforts to protect consumers will take money out of the pockets of the people who can least afford it while shielding corporations from accountability. In the few months since Trump took office, the administration has halted critical efforts to protect consumers from junk fees and rent algorithms. Elon Musk and DOGE have tried to shut down the CFPB, which was established after the Great Recession to crack down on predatory financial products and practices. Both the FTC and CFPB had been actively engaged on policies to make life more affordable for working people and address these critical issues, but when Trump took office, he stopped those efforts, leaving states like Colorado to fill the gaps. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO IMPROVE BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM, CREATE OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION Two lifesaving gun violence prevention bills pass the House on Third Reading DENVER, CO– The House passed two bills to curb the epidemic of gun violence, prevent mass shootings and save lives. The two bills, focused on expanding and improving our background check system and creating the Office of Gun Violence Prevention passed the House on Third Reading. “Colorado is showing that we can do so much more than offer thoughts and prayers in the wake of mass shootings,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Strengthening our background check system and closing the Charleston loophole are a commonsense way to stop firearms from getting into the hands of dangerous individuals, and they have the support of a majority of Coloradans. I’m proud of the work we did today and look forward to more moments of action to come.” “Coloradans have been loud and clear in demanding action to curb the epidemic of gun violence that takes loved ones away from families far, far too often,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Today, the House delivered. While no single bill or initiative will put an end to gun violence, ensuring that violent criminals have a harder time obtaining a deadly weapon is a commonsense step that will undoubtedly save lives.” HB21-1298 , sponsored by Reps. Woodrow and Amabile, prohibits a person who has been convicted of certain violent misdemeanor offenses from purchasing a firearm for five years. These specific criminal offenses show a propensity for violence or illegal usage of a weapon and include charges like child abuse, hate crimes, cruelty to animals, sexual assault and third degree assault. The bill passed by a vote of 42-21. The bill also closes the “Charleston loophole”, which allows an individual who may not have otherwise passed a background check to obtain a firearm if the results of said background check take longer than three days to process. This bill avoids that by creating a state requirement for a firearms dealer to receive approval from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation prior to transferring a firearm. “Colorado has made great strides in the area of gun violence prevention in the past few years, and especially the past few months,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Today, we voted to establish an innovative office that will centralize these efforts to save lives and prevent gun violence in our communities. Having this office will make our efforts more efficient and effective, and will hopefully provide answers that will guide our path forward.” “The Office of Gun Violence Prevention is designed to respond to the public health crisis that is gun violence by taking cues from affected communities and providing all Coloradans with the type of educational and mental health support that could save lives” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “In addition to the mass shootings we see on the news all too often, gun violence rips communities of color apart every single day in acts of ‘everyday’ violence. I’m proud of the work we did today to reject the status quo and ensure that communities affected by gun violence are properly invested in making necessary change. ” HB21-1299 , sponsored by Reps. Bacon and Sullivan, establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention under the Department of Public Health and Environment. The Office would be responsible for conducting public awareness campaigns about gun violence prevention. It would educate the public about existing state resources and laws, including how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order, how to access mental health resources and how to store firearms securely. The bill passed by a vote of 40-23. The office would also fund proven community-based violence intervention programs that are focused on interrupting cycles of gun violence through competitive grants. Finally, the Office would be tasked with promoting research and presenting gun violence prevention tools and resources that would be available to the public and to create and maintain a database of research regarding gun violence in Colorado. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman to better protect Coloradans from gender-related, bias-motivated crimes. SB24-189 would add transgender identity to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. < Back April 16, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Coloradans from Gender-Related, Bias-Motivated Crimes Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman to better protect Coloradans from gender-related, bias-motivated crimes. SB24-189 would add transgender identity to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. “The numbers do not lie; the LGBTQ+ community is encountering increased violence and hate crimes,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill modifies Colorado law to include transgender identity as a protected class and works to ensure perpetrators of bias-motivated crimes are held accountable by our criminal justice system. We know trans, nonbinary and gender-expansive people across the country are combating increased threats and violence, and I’m proud to live in a state that steps up to protect our LGBTQ+ neighbors.” SB24-189 , also sponsored by Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed by a vote of 9-1. The bill would improve protections for Coloradans by adding the definition of transgender identity to the protected classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. The bill also redefines "sexual orientation" as used in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes. This important legislation comes on the heels of recent data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which revealed the highest number of anti-LGBTQ+, anti-trans and gender non-conforming hate crimes ever reported. Additionally, the number of hate crimes based on gender identity increased by over 32 percent from 2021 to 2022. Previous Next

Lawmakers from Jefferson County today released the following joint statement: < Back October 13, 2025 Jefferson County Lawmakers Statement on Lookout Mountain Swastika DENVER, CO – Lawmakers from Jefferson County today released the following joint statement: “We, the legislative delegation from Jeffco, are horrified and deeply saddened by the hateful display of a giant swastika along I-70 near Lookout Mountain. This appalling act is more than vandalism, it is an attempt to spread fear and division in a community that stands for respect, inclusion, and human dignity. “We strongly stand against hate in all its forms. Every person, regardless of race, creed, or religion, deserves the freedom to live without fear. Staining our beautiful open spaces with symbols of antisemitic hate and Nazi propaganda is not who we are and it will never define Jefferson County. “We thank the Jeffco Open Space Rangers, local law enforcement, and community members who acted swiftly to remove the symbol and restore peace. But our work cannot stop there. When hate shows its face, we must respond not only with outrage but with unity, education, and courage. “Let this serve as a reminder that the forces of hate and division have no place here and when they rise, we will meet them together, with resolve and love for one another. “Jefferson County is, and must remain, a place where all people are welcome and safe. We will not be divided by hate. We will rise stronger together.” The following lawmakers represent Jefferson County: House Majority Leader Monica Duran Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter Senator Jesse Danielson Senator Lindsey Daugherty Senator Chris Kolker Representative Tammy Story Representative Shannon Bird Representative Lorena Garcia Representative Lisa Feret Representative Sheila Lieder Representative Rebekah Stewart Representative Brianna Titone Previous Next

U.S. President says he loves it < Back June 18, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: Trump’s High Energy Inflation Drives Up Costs for Coloradans DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the June quarterly economic forecasts. “The forecast shows that not only is inflation driving up costs for Coloradans, but it’s also neutralizing any wage gains workers might have earned even as the economy continues to grow at a steady pace,” said JBC Chair Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver . “Instead of addressing the affordability crisis, President Trump is making light of record-high inflation numbers while Coloradans are feeling squeezed from all sides. From driving down housing costs to creating universal preschool, Colorado Democrats have implemented real solutions to make our state more affordable for families. In stark contrast to Washington, we’re focused on creating communities that are safe, healthier and more affordable.” "The forecast reflects what many Coloradans already feel. The cost of gas, housing, and childcare continues to put pressure on family budgets,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Combined with uncertainty from Washington, these challenges create real strain on Colorado's economy and our state budget. We're focused on protecting core services and making sure Colorado is prepared for what comes next, while Colorado's workers and businesses continue to show up, work hard, and move our economy forward." “The forecast reflects what many Coloradans are already feeling: our economy is strong, but rising energy costs and national headwinds are making everything more expensive and dragging down growth in Colorado,” said JBC Member Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “We made difficult decisions during the legislative session to balance our budget, including cuts that no one wanted to make. It’s clear that without reforms to TABOR, the legislature will be forced to make additional cuts to address rising caseload and Medicaid costs. With the interim commission, we are working hard to find solutions so Medicaid can continue to deliver the services people need while putting the program on a more sustainable path.” “As a result of years of thoughtful budgeting and often painful cuts, this forecast shows that we have made the right decisions to put Colorado on strong economic footing even as the chaos in Washington continues to strain our state budget,” said JBC Member Sen. Judy Amabile. “Between corporate tax cuts in H.R. 1, high inflation, and soaring gas prices, we have not been dealt an easy hand, but we’ve been able to preserve crucial services and maintain a healthy reserve. There are certainly difficult decisions ahead, but we will continue to meet the moment.” The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenue to be $16.57 billion in FY 2025-2026, $18.07 billion in FY 2026-2027, and $19.05 billion in FY 2027-2028. This represents an overall increase of $489 million in the current year and $335 million for FY 2026-2027 as compared to the March forecast . The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) forecast anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $16.93 billion for FY 2025-26, $17.89 billion for FY 2026-2027 and $18.37 billion for FY 2027-2028. This represents an overall increase of $371 million in the current year and a decrease of $102 million for FY 2026-2027 as compared to their March forecast . This revised revenue increase shows a resilient economy and consumers. Medicaid costs have skyrocketed over the last two years, largely due to the increased cost of providing care. In addition to reducing Medicaid spending by $360 million this year alone, lawmakers also established an interim Commission on Medicaid to develop long-term strategies to focus on utilization, reduce spending and ensure sustainability in the program. Rising Medicaid costs continue to impact the state budget; however, the increase for FY 2027-2028 is far less than the $1 billion lawmakers addressed last session. According to LCS scenario B, the General Fund would end FY 2027-28 with a 13.2 percent reserve, $315.4 million less than the statutory requirement. This scenario accounts for a $462.5 million increase in Medicaid spending. This increase is almost half the previously forecasted increase in FY 2026-27. In addition, TABOR will likely trigger a temporary income tax rate reduction that disproportionately benefits the wealthiest Coloradans while requiring over $300 million in cuts to core services like Medicaid that benefit the most vulnerable Coloradans. The LCS and OSPB forecasts anticipate that FY 2027-28 revenue will be above the TABOR cap by $674 million and $52 million, respectively. For the 2026-27 FY (beginning July 1, 2026), revenue is forecasted to be above the cap by $483 million in the LCS forecast and $470 million per OSPB. For the 2025-2026 FY about to end, by the LCS forecast, Colorado’s revenue is below the TABOR cap by $425 million. By the OSPB forecast, revenue is below the TABOR cap by $15 million. Due to corporate tax cuts in H.R. 1, the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) will be entirely turned off for the 2026 tax year, raising taxes on families. Both forecasts released today now expect the FATC to be off for 2027 and 2028 taxes as well. To help blunt some of the cost for Colorado families, Democratic lawmakers created a new tax credit last session, the Family Affordability Credit (FAC). Families who would have been eligible for the FATC will be eligible for the FAC, and while it is a smaller credit, estimates show families could still receive up to $260 for each child under age six and up to $195 for each child between six and 16 because of HB26-1223 . The annual inflation rate (4.2 percent) in the U.S. hit a three-year high in May, up from 3.8 percent in April. This includes a 0.4 percentage point increase in May alone and has almost doubled since February. Trump’s war with Iran has caused an oil shock and increased energy costs nationwide, and is driving rising inflation in Colorado. High energy costs, combined with a weakening job market and worsening household finances, are weighing on families. Economic inequality continues to grow, with low-income families increasingly burdened by credit card debt. While wages have ticked upward for the majority of workers (3.8 percent), including low-wage earners, they have not kept pace with high inflation. In addition, many Coloradans are underemployed or have left the workforce and job growth remains stagnant at 0.1 percent, worsened by an 11 percent decrease in federal government jobs in Colorado. Previous Next