Representative Meghan Lukens today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee’s latest Colorado tour. < Back September 4, 2024 Cell Phone Connectivity Committee Tours Rural Cell Phone Infrastructure DENVER, CO - Representative Meghan Lukens today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee ’s latest Colorado tour. The bipartisan interim committee toured a handful of locations in Garfield, Eagle and Clear Creek Counties. Chair Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “We know with better cell phone service, Coloradans can have peace of mind when traveling through the mountains. Today’s tour allowed us to not only engage with experts about some of the challenges of cell phone connectivity in rural Colorado, but to learn more about what it takes to make cell phone coverage reliable in remote areas. “Local emergency response centers in the mountains play a massive role year-round to keep our communities safe, and this tour allowed us to experience some of the tactics they use to stay connected in any condition. “As our committee works toward finalizing legislation for next year’s legislative session, tours like this one provide critical, local insight to boosting cell phone connectivity in our state.” Yesterday, committee members toured Hanging Lakes in Glenwood Canyon, a popular site for tourists and locals alike, as well as Macro Cell Tower in Vail and Vail Public Safety Communications Center. Committee members then completed their visit with an inside tour of the Eisenhower Tunnel located near Keystone in Clear Creek County. The September 3rd tour showcased the large-scale operations, infrastructure and emergency response networks needed in rural Colorado for fast, reliable cell phone service. Previous Next

< Back March 21, 2019 JBC JOINT RELEASE: DEMOCRATS WORKING TO DELIVER FOR COLORADO (Mar. 21) – The Joint Budget Committee completed negotiations on the budget recently and approved the “Long Bill” package for introduction. Democrats are focused on responsibly managing tax-payer dollars while taking care of the priorities of the entire state. Democratic members of the committee released the following statements: “I am confident that this budget will enable us to address the needs of Coloradans across this great state in a fiscally responsible manner,” said JBC Chair Senator Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “We won Democratic majorities because we had a strong, clear vision for solutions to issues like rising healthcare costs and a lack of education and transportation funding. I am confident that this budget will enable us to make necessary investments to help hardworking Colorado families while also protecting our state’s long-term finances.” “I’m proud of the bipartisan and responsible budget we are putting forward that addresses our state’s most pressing needs and reflects the values of all Coloradans, ” said JBC Vice-Chair Representative Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Families and individuals in Southern Colorado will be better served by the responsible investments we are making in health care, transportation and other priorities by having more access to full-day kindergarten.” Several highlights of the budget package completed today are: Increases K-12 education funding by $335.9 million, including an additional $77 million buy-down of the budget stabilization factor and a $185 million set-aside for a bill that would begin to implement full-day Kindergarten Invests in higher education to keep tuition flat for students Frees up preschool slots for Colorado’s youngest learners Increases funding towards the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities waitlist so more people can access the services they need Invests an additional $30 million General Fund in transportation, on top of $200 million already budgeted this year for transportation Adds $10 million for implementation of the Colorado Water Plan Adds $1 million for family planning services Makes critical investments in mental health care services “We were able to balance many competing priorities because of the JBC’s commitment to writing this budget in a bipartisan and fiscally responsible way,” said Senator Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “These decisions were difficult, but I believe that we have drafted a budget that will address many of our state’s biggest needs and ultimately improve the lives of Coloradans in every corner of our state.” “In the face of needless trade wars, a poorly targeted federal tax change and uncertainty from Washington, we are still able to put forward a budget that is responsible and works for all ,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This an historic opportunity for all of us here in Colorado to put more kids on the path to receiving a strong education and I’m happy we have a found a way to invest in Colorado’s students and education that carefully manages tax payer dollars.” The Joint Budget Committee staff will complete drafting on the Long Bill package that was approved today, and the package will be introduced in the Senate for consideration next week. Previous Next

SB25-005 would update the 80-year-old Colorado Labor Peace Act to empower workers, increase wages and strengthen the middle class < Back May 5, 2025 Worker Protection Act Advances House DENVER, CO — The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to update Colorado’s labor law and support workers. SB25-005 is sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon. “Since the 1970s, we've seen income inequality skyrocket to levels we haven't seen since the 1920s as union membership has declined due to anti-union laws like the ones we have in Colorado,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Since the New Deal, we've had one silver bullet for growing the economy, and that's unions. To establish basic principles of workplace democracy and fairness, this bill would make it easier for workers to form and sustain unions. Passing this legislation affirms our support as Democrats for workers and their right to collective bargaining in the workplace.” “To strengthen the middle class, we need to uplift working people and empower unions to fight for them,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill gives workers the power to negotiate for a better life for themselves and their families and increase wages, benefits and workplace safety. Unionized workers currently earn more than non-unionized workers in the same industry; this bill is about standing up for workers and strengthening their collective voice.” The Worker Protection Act ( SB25-005 ) updates the Colorado Labor Peace Act to make it easier for workers to negotiate a union security clause in the collective bargaining process. Currently, Colorado labor law requires two elections for workers seeking to form a union and collect dues: one that meets the federal standard set by the National Labor Relations Act and a second election which must be won by a supermajority approval of at least 75 percent of those who vote, or 50 percent plus one of all employees eligible to vote, whichever is greater. This process creates a uniquely high threshold for workers to achieve the right to negotiate with their employers. From the 40-hour work week to child labor laws, unions are incredibly beneficial to our economy, democracy and strengthening working families. Union workers earn 10.2 percent more than non-union workers with similar jobs and qualifications. Unions also play a role in boosting wages across the board – wages in states with anti-worker laws are 3.1 percent lower than in states with these laws. Unions also help reduce income inequality and bridge racial and gender pay gaps. Additionally, unions help increase homeownership and help Coloradans build wealth. For example, working class union households are 13 percent more likely to own a home, and non-white Hispanic households experience a 17 percent increase relative to non-union households. Previous Next

< Back May 15, 2021 DEMS ADVANCE TAX FAIRNESS PACKAGE Bills would limit subsidies for the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations to provide tax assistance to hardworking Coloradans and small businesses DENVER, CO– The House Finance Committee today advanced legislation that would provide economic assistance to hardworking families and small businesses. The two bills boost the state Earned Income Tax Credit, fund the state Child Tax Credit, and raise the exemption for business personal property taxes by limiting loopholes for the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations. “We have a choice to make–we can create a fair tax system that supports the families, workers and small businesses who are being left behind in our recovery, or we can continue outdated and ineffective tax windfalls for the wealthiest individuals and most profitable corporations,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Low wage workers and small businesses are falling behind as special interests protect their ineffective and outdated tax subsidies. As we emerge from this pandemic, we have to do everything possible to help all Coloradans recover as quickly as possible and build back stronger.” “This pandemic and recovery have not treated all Coloradans the same; the wealthy and largest businesses have fully recovered as middle and lower-income workers are falling behind,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Colorado’s billionaires grew their wealth by $10 billion since the pandemic began. We can either create a fairer tax code that lowers taxes on small businesses and increases assistance to hardworking families, or we can continue outdated loopholes that only benefit a few of the most prosperous corporations and wealthiest individuals. The choice is clear to me.” HB21-1311 would boost the incomes of over 300,000 hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 20 percent of the federal credit and by funding the state’s Child Tax Credit, which was created in 2013, but has never been funded. In order to provide this relief, the bill closes loopholes primarily used for tax avoidance or which only benefit three-tenths of a percent of the wealthiest tax filers, such as eliminating at the state level business meals deduction expanded by the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and requiring filers to report financial accounts held in foreign tax shelters. HB21-1312 would eliminate business personal property taxes (BPPT) for over two-thirds of the businesses that remit BPPT. Currently, businesses with under $7,900 in business personal property do not have to pay BPPT. The bill increases this exemption to $50,000. In addition to providing an important tax cut to tens of thousands of small businesses, raising the exemption means businesses will no longer have to complete and submit burdensome paperwork needed to claim the BPPT exemption. In order to provide this relief, the bill modifies ineffective tax subsidies for the largest businesses, such as strengthening the criteria insurance companies must meet in order receive a 50 percent discount on their insurance premium tax rate. Many of the tax expenditures that these bills seek to close or limit have been identified by the State Auditor as ineffective and only benefit a small number of businesses and Colorado’s wealthiest residents. The bills seek to narrow expenditures that benefit only a few individuals and large businesses in order to provide broad tax relief to large numbers of hardworking Coloradans and small businesses. For fact sheets or to learn more about the bills visit taxjustice.co Previous Next

< Back June 21, 2021 NEW LAWS INVEST IN THE SUSTAINABILITY AND VITALITY OF COLORADO’S AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY DENVER, CO — Governor Polis today signed two bills to support Colorado’s agriculture industry, investing in agricultural products and helping farmers improve their soil health to deal with droughts and increasingly dry conditions. “Colorado’s Agricultural products are not only known locally but known for their high quality and wonderful taste around the country,” said Rep Donald Valdez, D- La Jara, sponsor of SB21-203 . “With the Colorado Proud brand, our products will soon be known around the world. Today is a wonderful day for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers who continue to provide food on our tables and are the stewards of our land.” Colorado’s robust agricultural sector has been the backbone of our economy for decades, and the pandemic has burdened the industry with unique challenges that require additional resources to overcome. To accelerate the economic recovery of our agricultural and rural communities, SB21-203 , which is a part of the Colorado Comeback State Stimulus package and is also sponsored by Representative Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, provides $2.5 million to the Colorado Proud program within the Department of Agriculture. Colorado Proud provides new opportunities for Colorado’s food and agricultural producers to increase sales globally and helps support the growth and resiliency of Colorado food systems. “Soil health is a crucial part of any agricultural operation, but Colorado’s increasingly dry conditions make it even more critical,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB21-1181. “This new, voluntary program will help Colorado’s farmers improve their productivity and create sustainable practices in the face of drought and decreased water supplies. It’s up to all of us to ensure Colorado’s agriculture industry stays healthy and vibrant well into the future.” HB21-1181 creates the Soil Health Program to help Colorado deal with droughts and dwindling water supplies that are becoming more extreme as the impacts of climate change worsen every year. The program provides voluntary incentives to support the vitality of the agriculture industry statewide by sharing best soil health practices with farmers, seeking to improve soil productivity and drought resilience while making operations more sustainable. Previous Next

Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the March quarterly economic forecasts: < Back March 15, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Strong Economy, Constrained State Budget DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the March quarterly economic forecasts: “Colorado’s growth is an indicator of a strong economy, yet we are cautiously optimistic as we place the final touches on the budget,” said JBC Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “I’m excited that we are in a position to fulfill our promise to students and educators by eliminating the budget stabilization factor. This will put more money into Colorado classrooms further increasing teacher pay, reducing class sizes, and ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed. We will soon finalize a fiscally responsible and balanced budget that represents our values, sustains our economic growth, uplifts families and invests in critical services.” “The March economic forecast represents the final set of data before we finalize this year’s budget,” JBC Vice Chair Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, said. “Today’s cautiously optimistic outlook reaffirms our budget work thus far: to be bold in supporting critical services by fully funding schools and health care provider rates, but to be responsible and constrain spending so we remain well-prepared for the future. I’m pleased that despite a challenging fiscal landscape, we’re well-positioned to fulfill our obligations to schools and families, close gaps in workforce shortages, and fund critical behavioral and mental health services – all without overextending state resources.” “This economic forecast shows steady economic growth and lays the foundation for us as we craft a budget that invests in Colorado’s families and workers," said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Even with our strong economy, Colorado’s unique fiscal constraints make it challenging to fund new investments. Our goal this year is to prioritize funding for our public schools and early childhood education, working families and the critical community-based services Coloradans rely upon to keep us safe, protect our health, and thrive.” “Today’s economic forecast tells two stories,” Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, said. “The first story is that Colorado’s economy is strong. Unemployment rates remain low while the number of jobs and income levels are growing. However, the second story tells us that because of TABOR, our state resources remain tight and we must be cautious with this year’s fiscal commitments. I look forward to integrating today’s forecast into the final days of budget drafting to ensure we deliver for hardworking Coloradans and set our state up for success.” Colorado’s economy continues to grow, with an unemployment rate of 3.4 percent and total employment growth clocking in at aroun d 2.5 percent in 2023, adding, in aggregate, 57,600 jobs over the past year. Year-over-year wage gains of 6.2 percent outpaced the average rate of inflation which grew by 3.9 percent. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.6 billion in FY 2023-2024 and $18.7 billion in FY 2024-2025, a 5.9 percent increase year-over-year. For FY 2024-25, the TABOR surplus is expected to be $1.91 billion; however, budget limitations will continue to constrain investments in state services. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) revised its General Fund revenue expectations up relative to the December forecast to $17.9 billion in FY 2023-24, while FY 2024-25 revenue was revised down to $18.1 billion. OSPB anticipates General Fund revenue will grow 5.8 percent to $19.1 billion in FY 2025-26, due to stable income and sales revenue growth. The March forecast projects that the economy will realize a soft landing, with no recession anticipated in 2024, and Colorado is expected to modestly outperform the U.S. economy. However, the economy is still susceptible to a downturn if confronted with major shocks. Stronger than expected wage gains could boost sales and income tax collections above the amounts projected in this forecast, which anticipates a continued, slowing economic expansion. Some risk factors that could improve the forecast include a faster resolution to inflationary pressures and more accommodative monetary policy. Some risk factors that could negatively impact the forecast include potential tightening of household finances that could hurt consumption and high borrowing costs that could discourage investment. Previous Next

Legislative leaders in the House and Senate released statements following Governor Polis’ call for a special session to address property tax relief for Coloradans: < Back November 9, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Legislative Leadership Statements on Call for Special Session DENVER, CO – Legislative leaders in the House and Senate released statements following Governor Polis’ call for a special session to address property tax relief for Coloradans: “We always knew that if Proposition HH failed, property taxes would rise dramatically for thousands of Coloradans, which would make Colorado’s cost of living even more out of reach for so many,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “The voters had their say about a long-term, comprehensive approach. Our caucus will now be laser-focused on providing short-term relief to those who are most vulnerable to the rising cost of living – which means working families, renters, and those on fixed incomes – while protecting our schools and fire districts.” “We have a responsibility to deliver real results on the issues that matter most to Coloradans, and that’s what we’ll do in this special session as we continue working to address the rising cost of living,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With rising property values leading to unaffordable tax increases, our goal is to responsibly provide real relief to the people who need it most while protecting schools, fire districts and libraries. In this special session, we will work to boost support for renters and working people and deliver urgent property tax relief for Coloradans.” “The cost of living in our state is a top concern for Colorado homeowners and renters alike, and steep property tax increases are stretching budgets even further,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “As we continue our work to make Colorado more affordable and consider the options available to us, we must now determine if a path forward exists that can provide relief while protecting funding for schools and essential community services.” “We have an opportunity to deliver urgent property tax relief and support for working families, especially renters,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Rising property taxes threaten the lifelong investments many lower-income Coloradans and people of color have made to achieve the dream of owning a home. Despite our limited options, we are committed to working with stakeholders to craft a responsible package that protects schools and makes Colorado more affordable. I encourage everyone to come to the table and work with us to provide relief for Coloradans.” Previous Next

< Back June 16, 2021 SIGNED! FUNDING FOR CHILD CARE, SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND HIGH-IMPACT TUTORING DENVER, CO- – Governor Polis today signed three bills into law that will invest $100 million to expand access to affordable child care, fix and improve air quality filtration systems in public schools and provide Colorado students with high-impact tutoring to address disrupted learning from COVID-19. “Child care costs are overwhelming Colorado families and make it harder for parents, especially working moms, to get back to work and find a safe place for their children to learn,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, a prime sponsor of both SB21-236 and HB21-1234. “By creating affordable child care options and supporting the child care professional workforce, we are going to boost our economy and help Coloradans get back to work while providing more young kids the early childhood education they need to thrive. I’m also proud that the governor signed critical legislation to provide $5 million to fund high-impact tutoring for K-12 students to address pandemic-related learning disruptions.” SB21-236 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Tonya Van Bener, provides $100 million to support child care providers and young families in Colorado. First, it creates the new innovative Employer-based Child Care Facility Grant Program and funds it with Colorado Comeback state stimulus dollars. The program would award matching grants to nonprofit, private, and government employers to retrofit and develop new, on-site or near-site licensed child care facilities. The bill also sets up a framework to ensure hundreds of millions of federal dollars directed to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) can be spent effectively and efficiently by the Department of Human Services. SB21-236 sets up several new programs and adequately funds several others to ensure Colorado’s youngest kids, as well as their parents and early childhood professionals, can thrive. HB21-1234 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Mary Bradfield, would create and fund the Colorado High Impact Tutoring Program. Data consistently demonstrates that high-impact tutoring, when administered during the school day to groups of four or fewer students by the same qualified tutor at least three times per week, is one of the most effective interventions to raise student achievement. This program would be administered under the Colorado Department of Education and would provide grants to local education providers for high impact tutoring programs designed to address COVID-related learning disruption. “Every student in Colorado should have a safe and comfortable school environment that is conducive to learning, but there are schools in our state that lack adequate air filtration and ventilation,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We are going to build back stronger by using state stimulus funds to make critical school improvements that will create jobs and help provide more students with the school facilities they need to learn and excel.” SB21-202 , also sponsored by Rep. Colin Larson, would allocate $10 million for Building Excellent Schools Today grants to fund much-needed public school air quality improvement projects to improve air quality in as many public and charter school facilities as possible. Kids learn better in environments that are safe, clean, and healthy. Unfortunately, over the years, Colorado’s deferred maintenance of school facilities has grown, particularly in rural areas. These construction and capital projects will create good jobs, make long-term improvements to Colorado schools’ infrastructures, and provide safer, more constructive learning environments for students. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill that would create more affordable places to live. SB23-001 passed by a vote of 50 to 15. < Back April 26, 2023 House Passes Bills to Build More Housing DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill that would create more affordable places to live. SB23-001 passed by a vote of 50 to 15. “Public-private partnerships not only increase the supply of housing that works for all budgets, but they also create more good-paying construction jobs,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “We need all hands on deck to address Colorado’s housing crisis, and this is one of many approaches that we’re taking to tackle housing insecurity and create more options that Coloradans can afford.” “Colorado mountain towns are becoming increasingly difficult to afford for educators, construction workers, and everyone in between,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Land costs make up a large portion of the cost of housing, and this bill will make it easier to build housing that Coloradans can afford on state-owned land, helping us retain our workforce and boosting local economies.” SB23-001 would provide $13 million in funding for public-private partnership projects managed by the Public-Private Collaboration Unit within the Department of Personnel Administration to help develop affordable affordable housing on state-owned land so that Colorado workers like teachers and nurses can find housing that fits their budget. SB23-001 builds on work from previous sessions, including HB21-1274 and SB22-130 , regarding the inventory of underutilized properties and state-owned land. Previous Next

< Back February 3, 2023 Water Efficiency and Resiliency Bill Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to help commercial property owners better finance water and energy efficiency upgrades and improve the resiliency of their properties. HB23-1005 passed by a vote of 46 to 15. “We are one step closer toward making it easier for commercial property owners in Colorado to improve the efficiency of their buildings,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “The C-PACE program is a widely-used, successful program to help commercial properties reduce water and energy usage. In the face of climate change, it is important building owners invest in resilient infrastructure and eco-friendly upgrades–our bill sets them up for success to reduce their carbon footprint.” “We know the C-PACE program is successful, and our bill modernizes the process so more property owners can improve the resilience and efficiency of their buildings,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “By expanding this favorable financing mechanism, more building owners can make property upgrades that help them save water, cut down on energy usage and build more resilient structures. Investing in eco-friendly infrastructure is a smart move, and our bill increases opportunities to take advantage of the C-PACE program.” HB23-1005 would help protect Colorado's environment and conserve water resources by expanding project eligibility and streamlining the financing process so more commercial properties in Colorado can take advantage of Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE’s) program for eco-friendly property upgrades and investments. The C-PACE program allows certain commercial and industrial buildings to finance energy improvement projects through a voluntary property tax assessment that is repaid over a 25-year term. Since 2016, the program has helped finance 116 different projects across the state, totaling almost $250 million in investments. The C-PACE program is currently utilized by 40 different counties , which make up 96% of Colorado’s commercial and industrial properties. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2020 BIPARTISAN OCCUPATIONAL CREDENTIALING BILL MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO — Representative Shannon Bird’s bipartisan bill to streamline Colorado’s credentialing system for dozens of professions today passed the House by a unanimous vote. “I’m committed to taking responsible steps to get our small businesses up and running, our economy back on track, and Coloradans back to work,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bill will remove red tape and ensure qualified job seekers and health care professionals are able to practice their professions without undue burdens. The Occupational Credential Portability Program created by this bill will be yet another tool in our toolbox as we work to ensure Colorado’s strong economy bounces back as soon and as safely as possible.” HB20-1326 creates the Occupational Credential Portability Program in the Department of Regulatory Agencies to streamline and centralize the credentialing of individuals licensed in another state. The bill will apply to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to allow businesses to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after a $1 billion hole was created in Colorado’s budget by recent federal tax changes. < Back August 28, 2025 Signed! Bill to Auction Future Tax Credits at Discount DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to allow businesses to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after a $1 billion hole was created in Colorado’s budget by recent federal tax changes. HB25B-1004 , sponsored by Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and Representatives Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, and Sean Camacho, D-Denver, allows businesses to pre-pay taxes at a discount for future years when Colorado is anticipated to collect more revenue than the state’s spending limit under TABOR. “HB25B-1004 gives Colorado businesses a chance to save on future taxes while helping the state manage this year’s billion-dollar budget shortfall,” said Marchman. “It’s a practical approach that supports local economies, protects essential services, and makes sure businesses and communities both come out ahead.” “The billion-dollar revenue shortfall we’re facing from Congressional Republicans’ corporate tax breaks would require cuts to health care, public education, transportation and other essential services, which is why we took action with this special session to protect Coloradans and core services," said Stewart. “By allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes, we can boost revenue now to fund these services. We’re using all the tools in our toolbelt to address the crisis caused by Trump and Congressional Republicans when they passed a budget bill that hands out corporate tax giveaways at the expense of hardworking Coloradans.” “This new law lets Colorado businesses work with the state to save money now and protect the things we all rely on like K-12 public schools, roads, and health care,” said Snyder. “By prepaying future taxes at a discount, businesses can reduce long-term costs while helping the state weather the budgeting storm caused by Republicans in Congress. This law represents who we are as Colorado, where all of us chip in to keep our communities thriving.” “Unlike Republicans in Congress, Colorado Democrats are demonstrating that we prioritize the needs of our constituents, not the ultra-wealthy,” said Camacho. “Our legislation will allow businesses to pay their future taxes now, at a discounted price, to save them some money while protecting funding for services that all Coloradans rely on. This law is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to blunt the destructive impacts of Trump’s tax bill.” HB25B-1004 allows a one-time auction of future tax credits, giving companies the opportunity to buy tax credits to pre-pay a portion of their future taxes at a small discount. This saves businesses money, allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now, and bolsters our state revenue to offset the immediate impacts of recent federal tax changes. This does decrease revenue in future years, but after 2025-2026 the state budget is forecast to be limited by the TABOR cap, not the amount of revenue collected, so this won’t cut deeper into state services. Previous Next