COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE By Carol Hedges You'd think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don't need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado's 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. Taxes are ripe for confusion and any time changes are being considered, some WHO WE ARE | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE Who We Are Our Mission: The Colorado Fiscal Institute provides credible, independent and accessible information and analysis of fiscal and economic issues facing Colorado. Our aim is to inform and influence policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities and the state as a whole. What We Do: Through high quality research, strategic A LIFELINE TO RECOVERY: THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLANSEE MORENEW CONTENT WILL BE ADDED ABOVE THE CURRENT AREA OF FOCUS UPON SELECTIONSEE MORE ON COLORADOFISCAL.ORG

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Affordable Housing . Home has always been a powerful word. According to studies published in the scientific journal Health Affairs, housing stability, quality, safety, and affordability all affect our health.Not only that, focusing policy solutions on housing can improve economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, and community well-being. TELL GOV. POLIS AND LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT TAX FAIRNESS Take Action: Ask Gov. Polis and Legislators to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Fund Tax Credits for Working Families and Small Businesses. We're asking you to contact Gov. Polis and key legislators and ask them to support HB21-1311 and HB21-1312, the 2021 Tax Fairness for Coloradans Package. Below are some sample talking points to

include in

DOWN PAYMENT ON RELIEF: AN ANALYSIS OF THE 2020 YEAR-END Like the CARES Act, the year-end federal relief bill provides stimulus checks to eligible individuals and their families. The one-time payments will provide $600 per person ($1,200 per married couple) and phase out at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples. There is an additional $600 payment per dependent child under the age of 17. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Environmental Justice This image shows turbines on the Cedar Creek wind farm at sunset with a backdrop of stratocumulus clouds. In Colorado, we are already experiencing climate change in the form of rising temperatures, declined snowpack, widespread droughts, and intense wildfires. Having financial resources to adapt and respond to these impacts is essential. Tax and fiscal policy have the DO THE RICH REALLY NEED TAX BREAKS TO PAY FOR COLLEGE By Carol Hedges. You’d think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don’t need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado’s 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. 3 WAYS COLORADO COULD TAX WEALTH An estate or inheritance tax is a tax on property such as cash, real estate, stocks, bonds, and other assets that are transferred to a person’s heirs when they die. In 2001, the federal government levied an estate tax and had a federal credit that allowed states to “pick up” a share of federal estate tax revenues. In 2001, Congress cut both the federal estate tax as well as the federal A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think. Posted February 28, 2019 by Abbey Pizel. The first and only Constitutional Convention, convened in 1787, created the framework for the United States Constitution and the government we know today. To ensure a balance of power, the framers included Article V of the Constitution, which

outlines

COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE By Carol Hedges You'd think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don't need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado's 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. Taxes are ripe for confusion and any time changes are being considered, some WHO WE ARE | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE Who We Are Our Mission: The Colorado Fiscal Institute provides credible, independent and accessible information and analysis of fiscal and economic issues facing Colorado. Our aim is to inform and influence policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities and the state as a whole. What We Do: Through high quality research, strategic A LIFELINE TO RECOVERY: THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLANSEE MORENEW CONTENT WILL BE ADDED ABOVE THE CURRENT AREA OF FOCUS UPON SELECTIONSEE MORE ON COLORADOFISCAL.ORG

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Affordable Housing . Home has always been a powerful word. According to studies published in the scientific journal Health Affairs, housing stability, quality, safety, and affordability all affect our health.Not only that, focusing policy solutions on housing can improve economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, and community well-being. TELL GOV. POLIS AND LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT TAX FAIRNESS Take Action: Ask Gov. Polis and Legislators to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Fund Tax Credits for Working Families and Small Businesses. We're asking you to contact Gov. Polis and key legislators and ask them to support HB21-1311 and HB21-1312, the 2021 Tax Fairness for Coloradans Package. Below are some sample talking points to

include in

DOWN PAYMENT ON RELIEF: AN ANALYSIS OF THE 2020 YEAR-END Like the CARES Act, the year-end federal relief bill provides stimulus checks to eligible individuals and their families. The one-time payments will provide $600 per person ($1,200 per married couple) and phase out at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples. There is an additional $600 payment per dependent child under the age of 17. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Environmental Justice This image shows turbines on the Cedar Creek wind farm at sunset with a backdrop of stratocumulus clouds. In Colorado, we are already experiencing climate change in the form of rising temperatures, declined snowpack, widespread droughts, and intense wildfires. Having financial resources to adapt and respond to these impacts is essential. Tax and fiscal policy have the DO THE RICH REALLY NEED TAX BREAKS TO PAY FOR COLLEGE By Carol Hedges. You’d think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don’t need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado’s 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. 3 WAYS COLORADO COULD TAX WEALTH An estate or inheritance tax is a tax on property such as cash, real estate, stocks, bonds, and other assets that are transferred to a person’s heirs when they die. In 2001, the federal government levied an estate tax and had a federal credit that allowed states to “pick up” a share of federal estate tax revenues. In 2001, Congress cut both the federal estate tax as well as the federal A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think. Posted February 28, 2019 by Abbey Pizel. The first and only Constitutional Convention, convened in 1787, created the framework for the United States Constitution and the government we know today. To ensure a balance of power, the framers included Article V of the Constitution, which

outlines

A LIFELINE TO RECOVERY: THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN The American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package, is a historic piece of legislation that is designed to bring the US economy back from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis. In this analysis, we lay out the provisions of DOWN PAYMENT ON RELIEF: AN ANALYSIS OF THE 2020 YEAR-END Like the CARES Act, the year-end federal relief bill provides stimulus checks to eligible individuals and their families. The one-time payments will provide $600 per person ($1,200 per married couple) and phase out at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples. There is an additional $600 payment per dependent child under the age of 17. TELL GOV. POLIS AND LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT TAX FAIRNESS Take Action: Ask Gov. Polis and Legislators to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Fund Tax Credits for Working Families and Small Businesses. We're asking you to contact Gov. Polis and key legislators and ask them to support HB21-1311 and HB21-1312, the 2021 Tax Fairness for Coloradans Package. Below are some sample talking points to

include in

OUR ISSUES | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE Our Issues State Tax and Budget Nothing expresses priorities and values more than how a state raises revenues and allocates resources. Tax and budget policies reflect what we most value as a state. CFI advocates for fair and sustainable taxes that can support our shared investments in a thriving economy and broadly shared prosperity. Federal Tax and Budget Colorado receives large investments FORECAST FIVE: MARCH 2021 REVENUE ESTIMATES via GIPHY. For FY2020-21 revenue is expected to fall by only 1.1 percent compared to the prior year. These revenue estimates have been revised upwards substantially (by $571 million) from the December forecast, driven by strong revenue collections data and upgrades from economic outlook caused by vaccine distribution and another federal

stimulus.

2020 LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP: THE FIGHT CONTINUES 2020 Legislative Wrap-Up: The Fight Continues. Between legislators hitting pause in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic followed by a return to anything but normal in May, to protests against racial injustice that led to dramatic policing reforms, the historic 2020 legislative session will long be remembered by everyone who was a part

of it.

RSVP FOR CFI'S RACIST ROOTS OF TAX POLICY WEBINAR ON RSVP for CFI’s Racist Roots of Tax Policy Webinar on Tuesday, June

15, 2021

HALF A MILLION COLORADO WORKERS WOULD BENEFIT FROM $15 The real value of the minimum wage hit its peak when the federal minimum wage went up in 1968 to $1.60— the equivalent of $14.47 in 2021 dollars. Colorado’s minimum wage of $12.32 in 2021 is still below the peak value, but Colorado’s minimum wage has gained back the real value it lost in the 1980s and 1990s. The proposed $15 per

hour wage

INEQUITIES IN COLORADO'S SENIOR HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX The law exempts 50 percent of the first $200,000 of the house’s value. For homes worth more than $200,000 in market value, the state reduces the value by $100,000 before calculating how much property tax is owed. For homes worth less than $200,000, only half of its market value is used to calculate property taxes. TABOR AT 25, PART II: A LIMIT ON COLORADO'S WAY OF LIFE by Carol Hedges, Executive Director Coloradans are fond of touting our way of life as unique, and with good reason. We are home to a beautiful landscape, a rich heritage, a growing economy, and a distinctive Western spirit. Whether you're a fifth-generation Coloradan or a new resident, a rancher on the Eastern Plains or a resort worker living the dream in a mountain town, a retiree on the COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE By Carol Hedges You'd think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don't need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado's 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. Taxes are ripe for confusion and any time changes are being considered, some WHO WE ARE | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE Who We Are Our Mission: The Colorado Fiscal Institute provides credible, independent and accessible information and analysis of fiscal and economic issues facing Colorado. Our aim is to inform and influence policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities and the state as a whole. What We Do: Through high quality research, strategic A LIFELINE TO RECOVERY: THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLANSEE MORENEW CONTENT WILL BE ADDED ABOVE THE CURRENT AREA OF FOCUS UPON SELECTIONSEE MORE ON COLORADOFISCAL.ORG

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Affordable Housing . Home has always been a powerful word. According to studies published in the scientific journal Health Affairs, housing stability, quality, safety, and affordability all affect our health.Not only that, focusing policy solutions on housing can improve economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, and community well-being. TELL GOV. POLIS AND LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT TAX FAIRNESS Take Action: Ask Gov. Polis and Legislators to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Fund Tax Credits for Working Families and Small Businesses. We're asking you to contact Gov. Polis and key legislators and ask them to support HB21-1311 and HB21-1312, the 2021 Tax Fairness for Coloradans Package. Below are some sample talking points to

include in

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Environmental Justice This image shows turbines on the Cedar Creek wind farm at sunset with a backdrop of stratocumulus clouds. In Colorado, we are already experiencing climate change in the form of rising temperatures, declined snowpack, widespread droughts, and intense wildfires. Having financial resources to adapt and respond to these impacts is essential. Tax and fiscal policy have the FORECAST FIVE: MARCH 2021 REVENUE ESTIMATES To put that drastic upward revision into perspective, in May 2020 we thought the FY2021-22 budget would have $10.3 billion in revenue, now the state economists believe it will be closer to $14.9 billion. That means there will be $5.29 billion more to spend on next year’s

budget compared to

DO THE RICH REALLY NEED TAX BREAKS TO PAY FOR COLLEGE By Carol Hedges. You’d think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don’t need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado’s 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. RACIST ROOTS OF TAX POLICY WEBINAR Racist Roots of Tax Policy Webinar. April 20, 2021. Tax policy isn’t race neutral. In fact, the history of its development shows us how it has been used explicitly as a tool for discriminating against people of color. Tax policy has been a powerful tool for shaping our country’s political, social, and economic landscape and has

contributed

A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think. Posted February 28, 2019 by Abbey Pizel. The first and only Constitutional Convention, convened in 1787, created the framework for the United States Constitution and the government we know today. To ensure a balance of power, the framers included Article V of the Constitution, which

outlines

COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE By Carol Hedges You'd think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don't need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado's 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. Taxes are ripe for confusion and any time changes are being considered, some WHO WE ARE | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE Who We Are Our Mission: The Colorado Fiscal Institute provides credible, independent and accessible information and analysis of fiscal and economic issues facing Colorado. Our aim is to inform and influence policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities and the state as a whole. What We Do: Through high quality research, strategic A LIFELINE TO RECOVERY: THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLANSEE MORENEW CONTENT WILL BE ADDED ABOVE THE CURRENT AREA OF FOCUS UPON SELECTIONSEE MORE ON COLORADOFISCAL.ORG

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Affordable Housing . Home has always been a powerful word. According to studies published in the scientific journal Health Affairs, housing stability, quality, safety, and affordability all affect our health.Not only that, focusing policy solutions on housing can improve economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, and community well-being. TELL GOV. POLIS AND LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT TAX FAIRNESS Take Action: Ask Gov. Polis and Legislators to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Fund Tax Credits for Working Families and Small Businesses. We're asking you to contact Gov. Polis and key legislators and ask them to support HB21-1311 and HB21-1312, the 2021 Tax Fairness for Coloradans Package. Below are some sample talking points to

include in

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Environmental Justice This image shows turbines on the Cedar Creek wind farm at sunset with a backdrop of stratocumulus clouds. In Colorado, we are already experiencing climate change in the form of rising temperatures, declined snowpack, widespread droughts, and intense wildfires. Having financial resources to adapt and respond to these impacts is essential. Tax and fiscal policy have the FORECAST FIVE: MARCH 2021 REVENUE ESTIMATES To put that drastic upward revision into perspective, in May 2020 we thought the FY2021-22 budget would have $10.3 billion in revenue, now the state economists believe it will be closer to $14.9 billion. That means there will be $5.29 billion more to spend on next year’s

budget compared to

DO THE RICH REALLY NEED TAX BREAKS TO PAY FOR COLLEGE By Carol Hedges. You’d think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don’t need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado’s 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. RACIST ROOTS OF TAX POLICY WEBINAR Racist Roots of Tax Policy Webinar. April 20, 2021. Tax policy isn’t race neutral. In fact, the history of its development shows us how it has been used explicitly as a tool for discriminating against people of color. Tax policy has been a powerful tool for shaping our country’s political, social, and economic landscape and has

contributed

A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think. Posted February 28, 2019 by Abbey Pizel. The first and only Constitutional Convention, convened in 1787, created the framework for the United States Constitution and the government we know today. To ensure a balance of power, the framers included Article V of the Constitution, which

outlines

A LIFELINE TO RECOVERY: THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN The American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package, is a historic piece of legislation that is designed to bring the US economy back from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis. In this analysis, we lay out the provisions of WHO WE ARE | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE Who We Are Our Mission: The Colorado Fiscal Institute provides credible, independent and accessible information and analysis of fiscal and economic issues facing Colorado. Our aim is to inform and influence policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities and the state as a whole. What We Do: Through high quality research, strategic TELL GOV. POLIS AND LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT TAX FAIRNESS Take Action: Ask Gov. Polis and Legislators to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Fund Tax Credits for Working Families and Small Businesses. We're asking you to contact Gov. Polis and key legislators and ask them to support HB21-1311 and HB21-1312, the 2021 Tax Fairness for Coloradans Package. Below are some sample talking points to

include in

CORONAVIRUS SQUASHES COLORADO SALES TAX REVENUE Coronavirus Squashes Colorado Sales Tax Revenue. In late March, stay-at-home orders issued by Gov. Polis in response to the coronavirus pandemic caused a sudden halt to the tourism, travel, food service and accommodations industries. The Colorado Department of Revenue recently released their sales tax collections data for April

2020 (the first

VIDEO LIBRARY

Video Library Colorado State Budget and Taxes Explained Gallagher in 5 minutes Population and Inflation: A Broken Formula Confused by the Gallagher Amendment to the Colorado constitution? If you have five minutes, we've got you covered. If you live in Colorado you'll want to watch, because you're going to be voting on at least one ballot measure related to it; including Amendment B, which DO THE RICH REALLY NEED TAX BREAKS TO PAY FOR COLLEGE By Carol Hedges. You’d think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don’t need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado’s 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. FORECAST FIVE: MARCH 2021 REVENUE ESTIMATES via GIPHY. For FY2020-21 revenue is expected to fall by only 1.1 percent compared to the prior year. These revenue estimates have been revised upwards substantially (by $571 million) from the December forecast, driven by strong revenue collections data and upgrades from economic outlook caused by vaccine distribution and another federal

stimulus.

PROPOSITION 116 BENEFITS WEALTHIEST COLORADANS MOST Proposition 116 won’t just result in cuts to important services, it will flow disproportionately to the richest Coloradans. As you can see in the chart below, Proposition 116 will effectively take millions of dollars for education and health care and put more than two-thirds of it into the pockets of those who make more than $100,000 a year. CARING FOR COLORADO: AN ANALYSIS OF PERSONAL CARE AIDE PAY The portion of reimbursement for personal care that goes to wages in the past seven years has ranged from 68 percent to 61 percent and was 63 percent in FY2018-19. This means as reimbursements for elderly, blind, and disabled personal care have gone up by $4.56 an hour, the median wage of personal care aides has only increased $2.23 an hour. TABOR AT 25, PART II: A LIMIT ON COLORADO'S WAY OF LIFE by Carol Hedges, Executive Director Coloradans are fond of touting our way of life as unique, and with good reason. We are home to a beautiful landscape, a rich heritage, a growing economy, and a distinctive Western spirit. Whether you're a fifth-generation Coloradan or a new resident, a rancher on the Eastern Plains or a resort worker living the dream in a mountain town, a retiree on the COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE By Carol Hedges You'd think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don't need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado's 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. Taxes are ripe for confusion and any time changes are being considered, some WHO WE ARE | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTECOLORADO FISCAL POLICY INSTITUTECOLORADO THINK TANKS Who We Are Our Mission: The Colorado Fiscal Institute provides credible, independent and accessible information and analysis of fiscal and economic issues facing Colorado. Our aim is to inform and influence policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities and the state as a whole. What We Do: Through high quality research, strategic EVENTS | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTECOLORADO FISCAL POLICY INSTITUTECOLORADO THINK TANKS Events The Colorado Fiscal Institute hosts several events throughout the year, from our annual Fiscal Forum, legislative briefings and more. Join CFI at any of our events to get the latest information on the current fiscal happenings around Colorado. Racist Roots of Tax Policy Webinar Tax policy isn't race neutral. In fact, the history of its development shows us how it has been used

VIDEO LIBRARY

Video Library Colorado State Budget and Taxes Explained Gallagher in 5 minutes Population and Inflation: A Broken Formula Confused by the Gallagher Amendment to the Colorado constitution? If you have five minutes, we've got you covered. If you live in Colorado you'll want to watch, because you're going to be voting on at least one ballot measure related to it; including Amendment B, which

THE PURPLE BOOK

schneider@coloradofiscal.org. 720 379 3019 ext: 225. 1905 Sherman St. Suite 225. Denver, CO 80203. Purchase Your Purple Book. I already have one but I'd like to donate. The Purple Book: A Colorado Compendium of Useful Fiscal Facts. Salsa Labs, Inc. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Environmental Justice This image shows turbines on the Cedar Creek wind farm at sunset with a backdrop of stratocumulus clouds. In Colorado, we are already experiencing climate change in the form of rising temperatures, declined snowpack, widespread droughts, and intense wildfires. Having financial resources to adapt and respond to these impacts is essential. Tax and fiscal policy have the STAFF | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTECOLORADO FISCAL POLICY INSTITUTECOLORADO THINK TANKS Chris Stiffler is a senior economist at the Colorado Fiscal Institute. Chris has been working in the public policy and economic research business since 2012. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond in 2009, after which he spent a year teaching

high

TABOR & CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES Coloradans have long favored constitutional fiscal policy. From TABOR, the most restrictive tax and expenditure limit in the country, to Amendment 23, a constitutional requirement for K12 funding, Colorado's constitution creates a complex path for state policymakers and the voting public to navigate when setting tax and budget priorities. CFI provides unmatched expertise on the effects A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think. Posted February 28, 2019 by Abbey Pizel. The first and only Constitutional Convention, convened in 1787, created the framework for the United States Constitution and the government we know today. To ensure a balance of power, the framers included Article V of the Constitution, which

outlines

INEQUITIES IN COLORADO'S SENIOR HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX The law exempts 50 percent of the first $200,000 of the house’s value. For homes worth more than $200,000 in market value, the state reduces the value by $100,000 before calculating how much property tax is owed. For homes worth less than $200,000, only half of its market value is used to calculate property taxes. COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE By Carol Hedges You'd think we could all agree that very wealthy folks don't need big tax breaks in order to get them to spend money. But the debate over reforming Colorado's 529 savings program—a tax incentive to encourage saving for college which should be targeted in a more equitable way—is proving otherwise. Taxes are ripe for confusion and any time changes are being considered, some WHO WE ARE | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTECOLORADO FISCAL POLICY INSTITUTECOLORADO THINK TANKS Who We Are Our Mission: The Colorado Fiscal Institute provides credible, independent and accessible information and analysis of fiscal and economic issues facing Colorado. Our aim is to inform and influence policy debates and contribute to sound decisions that improve the well-being of individuals, communities and the state as a whole. What We Do: Through high quality research, strategic EVENTS | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTECOLORADO FISCAL POLICY INSTITUTECOLORADO THINK TANKS Events The Colorado Fiscal Institute hosts several events throughout the year, from our annual Fiscal Forum, legislative briefings and more. Join CFI at any of our events to get the latest information on the current fiscal happenings around Colorado. Racist Roots of Tax Policy Webinar Tax policy isn't race neutral. In fact, the history of its development shows us how it has been used

VIDEO LIBRARY

Video Library Colorado State Budget and Taxes Explained Gallagher in 5 minutes Population and Inflation: A Broken Formula Confused by the Gallagher Amendment to the Colorado constitution? If you have five minutes, we've got you covered. If you live in Colorado you'll want to watch, because you're going to be voting on at least one ballot measure related to it; including Amendment B, which

THE PURPLE BOOK

schneider@coloradofiscal.org. 720 379 3019 ext: 225. 1905 Sherman St. Suite 225. Denver, CO 80203. Purchase Your Purple Book. I already have one but I'd like to donate. The Purple Book: A Colorado Compendium of Useful Fiscal Facts. Salsa Labs, Inc. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Environmental Justice This image shows turbines on the Cedar Creek wind farm at sunset with a backdrop of stratocumulus clouds. In Colorado, we are already experiencing climate change in the form of rising temperatures, declined snowpack, widespread droughts, and intense wildfires. Having financial resources to adapt and respond to these impacts is essential. Tax and fiscal policy have the STAFF | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTECOLORADO FISCAL POLICY INSTITUTECOLORADO THINK TANKS Chris Stiffler is a senior economist at the Colorado Fiscal Institute. Chris has been working in the public policy and economic research business since 2012. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond in 2009, after which he spent a year teaching

high

TABOR & CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES Coloradans have long favored constitutional fiscal policy. From TABOR, the most restrictive tax and expenditure limit in the country, to Amendment 23, a constitutional requirement for K12 funding, Colorado's constitution creates a complex path for state policymakers and the voting public to navigate when setting tax and budget priorities. CFI provides unmatched expertise on the effects A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think. Posted February 28, 2019 by Abbey Pizel. The first and only Constitutional Convention, convened in 1787, created the framework for the United States Constitution and the government we know today. To ensure a balance of power, the framers included Article V of the Constitution, which

outlines

INEQUITIES IN COLORADO'S SENIOR HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAX The law exempts 50 percent of the first $200,000 of the house’s value. For homes worth more than $200,000 in market value, the state reduces the value by $100,000 before calculating how much property tax is owed. For homes worth less than $200,000, only half of its market value is used to calculate property taxes. OUR ISSUES | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE TABOR and Constitutional Issues. Coloradans have long favored constitutional fiscal policy. From TABOR, the most restrictive tax and expenditure limit in the country, to Amendment 23, a constitutional requirement for K12 funding, Colorado’s constitution creates a complex path for state policymakers and the voting public to navigate when setting tax and budget priorities. A LIFELINE TO RECOVERY: THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN The American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package, is a historic piece of legislation that is designed to bring the US economy back from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis. In this analysis, we lay out the provisions of CAMPAIGNS | COLORADO FISCAL INSTITUTE Campaigns. The Colorado Fiscal Institute engages in year-round advocacy and public engagement campaigns. Whether we’re working with state legislators during the session, educating voters about ballot measures or lobbying our federal Congressional delegation, the Colorado Fiscal Institute advances policies that foster economic prosperity for all Coloradans.

DATA LIBRARY

Data Library Welcome to the Colorado Fiscal Institute's Data Library. Over the years, CFI has become the trusted source for fiscal and budget resources in Colorado. In this time our data library has grown, and we want to share our data with you! In this data library you will find helpful data files, inforgraphics and charts regarding higher education, school finance, transportation and so much

THE PURPLE BOOK

schneider@coloradofiscal.org. 720 379 3019 ext: 225. 1905 Sherman St. Suite 225. Denver, CO 80203. Purchase Your Purple Book. I already have one but I'd like to donate. The Purple Book: A Colorado Compendium of Useful Fiscal Facts. Salsa Labs, Inc. TELL GOV. POLIS AND LEGISLATORS TO SUPPORT TAX FAIRNESS Take Action: Ask Gov. Polis and Legislators to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Fund Tax Credits for Working Families and Small Businesses. We're asking you to contact Gov. Polis and key legislators and ask them to support HB21-1311 and HB21-1312, the 2021 Tax Fairness for Coloradans Package. Below are some sample talking points to

include in

IMMIGRATION

CFI recognizes that immigrants and immigration play a large role in Colorado's economy and our future. We believe that broadly shared prosperity means that all Coloradans, regardless of their immigration status, have equal access to the public resources and economic opportunities that allow them to achieve their full potential. CFI examines the role of immigrants in the Colorado economy and STATE BUDGET & TAXES Nothing expresses priorities and values more than how a state raises revenues and allocates resources. Tax and budget policies reflect what we most value as a state. CFI advocates for fair and sustainable taxes that can support our shared investments in a thriving economy and broadly shared prosperity. Colorado Budget Basics How big is the state budget and where does the money come from? TABOR & CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES Coloradans have long favored constitutional fiscal policy. From TABOR, the most restrictive tax and expenditure limit in the country, to Amendment 23, a constitutional requirement for K12 funding, Colorado's constitution creates a complex path for state policymakers and the voting public to navigate when setting tax and budget priorities. CFI provides unmatched expertise on the effects 3 WAYS COLORADO COULD TAX WEALTH An estate or inheritance tax is a tax on property such as cash, real estate, stocks, bonds, and other assets that are transferred to a person’s heirs when they die. In 2001, the federal government levied an estate tax and had a federal credit that allowed states to “pick up” a share of federal estate tax revenues. In 2001, Congress cut both the federal estate tax as well as the federal

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FEDERAL TAX AND BUDGET Bringing the federal budget home to Colorado. TABOR AND CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES Tackling the tangled web of TABOR and other constitutional issues. STATE TAX AND BUDGET Advocating for smart and equitable policies that foster thriving

communities.

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Do Rich Coloradans Really Need a Tax Break to Pay for College? Colorado offers families who save for college through the state's 529 college savings program a tax incentive. While it's designed to help Coloradans who earn low and middle incomes save for higher education costs, it's also helping rich people avoid paying millions in taxes. Alert: Tell Gov. Polis and Legislators to Support the 2021 Tax Fairness for Coloradans Package Join us to ask Gov. Polis and Legislators to support HB21-1311 and HB21-1312, the 2021 Tax Fairness for Coloradans Package. Workers, families, and small businesses deserve a tax code that works for them—not special interests who have the most resources and the most

connections.

Racist Roots of Tax Policy Webinar

Check

out our new dates! Tax policy isn’t race neutral. The Colorado Fiscal Institute invites you to join us for a zoom webinar to understand the history and reasons behind why racism is at the root of tax policy, and how we can change the tax code to create a system that builds a more equitable future. Tax Ambassador Training

The

Colorado Fiscal Institute is launching a virtual six-course series for you to become a tax ambassador-a knowledgeable advocate prepared to talk to your fellow Coloradans about crafting more equitable fiscal policies. This set of train-the-trainer classes will dive into Colorado's tax code, teach you the ins and outs of Colorado's fiscal constraints, and give you the tools you need to talk to your community about creating a tax code that works for everyone. A Lifeline to Recovery: An Analysis of the American Rescue Plan The American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package, is a historic piece of legislation that is designed to bring the US economy back from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis. In this analysis, we lay out the provisions of this legislation and how it will affect Colorado.

RECENT REPORTS

A LIFELINE TO RECOVERY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN March 30, 2021 The American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package, is a historic piece of legislation that is designed to bring the US economy back from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis. In this analysis, we lay out the provisions of this legislation and how it will affect Colorado. A MATTER OF JUSTICE: THE COST SAVINGS OF UNIVERSAL IMMIGRANT LEGAL

REPRESENTATION

February 18, 2021 Our latest report shows that a statewide legal defense fund, similar to one established by the City and County of Denver, would give due process to many immigrants who are not currently afforded it. In addition to allowing us to better live up to the values of our legal system, it would also result in millions of dollars in savings for workers, families, employers, and the state.

STATE OF CHANGE

January 30, 2021 CFI spent over a year compiling 50 years of Colorado tax, fiscal, and economic data. What we found allows us to use the past to see what might lie ahead in the future. New parts released

every two weeks.

VIEW ALL BY DATE

RECENT BLOG POSTS

DO RICH COLORADANS REALLY NEED A TAX BREAK TO PAY FOR COLLEGE?

May 19, 2021

RACIST ROOTS OF TAX POLICY WEBINAR

April 20, 2021

FORECAST FIVE: MARCH 2021 REVENUE ESTIMATES

March 23, 2021

JOIN CFI FOR OUR VIRTUAL PIES AND CHARTS

March 11, 2021

WHAT 2020 REVEALED FOR WOMEN (AND HOW RECOVERY CAN HAPPEN)

March 9, 2021

3 WAYS COLORADO COULD TAX WEALTH

March 5, 2021

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