Colorado Legislators Debate Proposed Tax Increase and Voter Accountability Measures

The Colorado Senate convened for its 2025 1st Extraordinary Session on August 24, 2025, where significant discussions centered around proposed tax policy changes and government spending. The session highlighted concerns regarding the growth of state government and the implications of a new tax bill.

During the meeting, a senator raised alarms about the increase in government departments, which reportedly grew by 39% under Governor Jared Polis's administration, while state revenues adjusted for inflation only increased by 11.3%. The senator criticized the proposed legislation, arguing that it represented a clear tax increase, which would require voter approval under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR). The senator emphasized that the bill's intent was to raise taxes, contradicting claims that it was merely an administrative adjustment.

The proposed tax changes are projected to generate an additional $35.6 million in the second half of fiscal year 2025-2026 and $72.2 million in the following year. The senator questioned the rationale behind increasing taxes to create a surplus that would later be refunded, suggesting that this approach does not align with responsible fiscal management.

Furthermore, the senator proposed an amendment to refer the tax changes to voters, arguing that constituents should have the opportunity to approve or reject any tax increases. The amendment aims to uphold the accountability expected from elected officials and ensure compliance with the constitutional requirement for voter approval before implementing tax policy changes.

The discussions reflect ongoing tensions in Colorado's legislature regarding fiscal policy, government spending, and the role of voters in tax decisions. As the session progresses, the outcome of the proposed tax bill and the amendment will be closely watched by both lawmakers and constituents.