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Colorado state tax reform and revenue ballot measures

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-21 11:32 UTC → 2026-10-23 20:19 UTC · added removed

Colorado state tax reform and revenue ballot measures

Colorado voters face several significant tax-related ballot measures this November. Amendment 87 proposes replacing the state’s current flat income tax with a graduated system. Supporters, including the Protect Colorado’s Future coalition, claim the measure would lower taxes for most residents while directing approximately $2 billion in annual revenue toward childcare, healthcare, and education by increasing taxes on individuals and businesses earning over $500,000. Governor Jared Polis has expressed opposition to Amendment 87, characterizing the potential $2.7 billion revenue increase as an “existential danger to the state” that could impact seniors and low-income veterans. Recent reports indicate a significant spending gap regarding the amendment: while the Protect Colorado’s Future coalition reported approximately $1 million in spending, opposition spending has exceeded $3.6 million. Much of Nonpartisan fiscal analysis indicates this opposition funding originates from 501(c)(4) conservative advocacy groups, which critics characterize as “dark money.” Advance Colorado, a nonprofit founded by former Republican Governor Bill Owen, is among the groups leading the opposition. Newer developments highlight that proponents, such as the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, argue the measure is necessary to address a projected $1 billion budget shortfall and rising Medicaid costs. They contend that 96% of the new revenue increase would come from the top 1% of taxpayers, resulting in tax cuts for 97% of Coloradans, apply to individuals and that higher rates would primarily affect large multinational corporations. Conversely, opponents argue small businesses earning more than $550,000 annually, a group representing 3% of individual taxpayers and midsize 5% of businesses would bear the brunt according to Department of Revenue data. Opposition spending has significantly outpaced proponent spending, with much of the tax increase. funding originating from 501(c)(4) groups like Advance Colorado. Other measures include Proposition NN, which seeks to adjust the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) system to allow the state to retain and spend up to $4.6 billion more in annual tax revenue. The Yes for Colorado Kids committee supports this to increase K-12 education funding by 2% annually, while opponents argue it provides a “blank check” for lawmakers. Additionally, Proposition 137 proposes creating a $175 million pool for conservation and wildfire mitigation by retaining more tax revenue from sports equipment sales. Proponents argue this funds crucial programs without raising taxes, though opponents note it could reduce TABOR refunds for some taxpayers.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-23 20:19 UTC Colorado state tax reform and revenue ballot measures
  2. 2026-10-21 11:32 UTC Colorado state tax reform ballot measures
  3. 2026-10-17 21:43 UTC Colorado state tax reform ballot measures
  4. 2026-10-06 02:30 UTC Colorado state tax reform ballot measures

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