joint budget committee
-
Colorado governor signs $47 billion budget in which ‘nobody won’
—
by
Gov. Jared Polis on Friday officially signed a $46.87 billion spending plan for the Colorado state government in the next fiscal year. His signature is the culmination of months of work by legislators, who resorted to cuts, transfers and other mechanisms to balance the 2026-27 budget amid a deficit of more than $1 billion. That…
-
Colorado bill redirecting $300M in TABOR refunds raises legal concerns, sparks budget committee dispute
—
by
A discussion about a proposal to eliminate $300 million in taxpayer refunds over the next two fiscal years quickly shifted into a strategy session — and a tense exchange among members of a budget committee — over what would happen if a lawsuit were filed to stop it. House Bill 1419 attempts to take $300…
-
Colorado lawmakers cut newer programs to close $1.2 billion budget shortfall
—
by
With Colorado facing a budget gap exceeding $1.2 billion, lawmakers are preparing to wind down or sharply reduce a slate of recently-created programs — from teacher training to wildfire mitigation — as they search for for savings across state government. While some of these newer programs will continue with reduced funding, others are being eliminated…
-
Senate Democrats outline amendment strategy as budget debate nears
—
by
Members of the Colorado Senate met with their respective caucuses on Tuesday to discuss the state’s proposed $46.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which passed through the House over the weekend following lengthy debate. The full Senate will begin debating the budget on Wednesday. Joint Budget Committee members Sens. Jeff Bridges and Judy Amabile…
-
Colorado House Democrats focus on prison costs in budget discussions
—
by
Colorado’s House Democrats pressed budget writers Tuesday over a nearly $70 million increase for the Department of Corrections, questioning why the state plans to add 941 prison beds and explore new prison capacity at a time when, they said, crime rates are falling and hundreds of inmates are eligible for parole. The majority of the…
-
Inside the GOP caucus: Colorado legislator explains why a bigger budget still means cuts
—
by
Tasked with explaining a budget driven by rising caseloads, shifting federal dollars and a $1.5 billion shortfall, Joint Budget Committee member Rep. Rick Taggart spent Tuesday’s Republican caucus meeting detailing why the 2026–27 spending plan appears larger on paper, even as many state programs face cuts. “If I look a little tired, I am,” Taggart…
-
Colorado legislators propose $46.8 billion budget, driven by Medicaid costs
—
by
The six-member panel of legislators in charge of crafting the state budget has now turned over its plan to the Colorado legislature, proposing to spend $1.5 billion more for the Medicaid program. The increase is driven by Medicaid costs, which forced the Joint Budget Committee to make cuts elsewhere. All told, House Bill 26-1410 proposes…
-
Colorado lawmakers propose deep cuts to close $1.2B budget gap
—
by
The panel of Colorado legislators in charge of crafting next year’s budget has finalized the 2026–27 spending plan built on deep cuts and one‑time cash transfers in an attempt to close a shortfall of more than $1.2 billion. The plan is leaving lawmakers frustrated with the reductions to core services. Some cited cuts to health…
-
Pinnacol separation bill delayed as Colorado budget remains in flux due to $1.5B deficit
—
by
A bill that would allow Pinnacol Assurance to formally sever its remaining ties with the state appears unlikely to emerge anytime soon, as House leaders juggle a massive budget shortfall, unresolved negotiations with key stakeholders, and growing doubts about whether the insurer’s proposed $400 million payment could be counted on to help balance next year’s…
-
Colorado legislators consider $500 million in general fund cuts amid $1.5 billion deficit
—
by
The legislature’s Joint Budget Committee is working through a list Wednesday of about 150 suggestions to cut as much as $1.5 billion in general fund dollars out of next year’s budget. The largest on the list prepared by JBC staff is $198 million in cuts to the funding for the annual senior and disabled veterans…