Colorado Governor Polis opposes Amendment 87 tax measure

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has expressed opposition to Amendment 87, a proposed graduated income tax measure. While supporters claim the amendment would result in tax cuts for 97% of Coloradans, opponents argue it represents a significant tax increase.

Nonpartisan fiscal analysis indicates the measure could increase state tax revenue by up to $2.7 billion in its first full year. However, the increase would only apply to individuals and businesses earning more than $550,000 annually. According to Department of Revenue data, this category includes only 3% of individual taxpayers and 5% of businesses.

Governor Polis has characterized the potential $2.7 billion revenue increase as an “existential danger to the state,” suggesting it could impact low-income veterans and seniors. His opposition aligns with arguments made by groups such as Advance Colorado, which previously attempted to disqualify the initiative from the ballot on technical grounds.