Colorado lawmakers only have $23 million for new programs but have a wish list totaling $2 billion.
As the 2024 session approaches, Colorado lawmakers are already making plans to spend over $2 billion on new programs – despite having only $23 million in funds to do so.
This has worried many Colorado taxpayers who understand the Democrat led legislature has proven they aren’t afraid to create fees to fund their “social justice” programs. Despite budgeting only $23 million for new programs, that didn't stop the state legislature from advancing 54 bills with a total cost of nearly $2 billion.
Leading the charge are five bills from the Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee, with a staggering price tag of over $1.8 billion over the next three years.
But where is the money going to come from for these ambitious plans?
According to a revenue forecast, the state could have an “extra” $1.2 billion to spend in the 2024-25 budget year. However, when you take into account expected increases in expenses such as inflation, state reserves, and employee compensation, there is only $23 million left for new programs.
But that didn’t stop the Legislative Council from approving these costly measures, with some members expressing concern about the potential financial burden.
One bill, a comprehensive review of the child mental health system, comes with a price tag of over $1 billion in the 2026-27 fiscal year alone.
Even some Democratic lawmakers raised eyebrows at the high costs, recognizing that this is beyond the scope of what the child welfare committee was supposed to do.
But despite mounting costs, the council voted to send these expensive bills to the General Assembly. And it’s not just the child welfare committee pushing expensive proposals – multiple committees have requested millions of dollars for various programs, including a controversial $1.8 million for a grant program on training for “gender-affirming” care.
And let’s not forget the Transportation Legislation Review Committee, which advanced five bills with costs reaching almost $2 million, including a proposal to overhaul the state’s towing industry.
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Meanwhile, the Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Tax Policy is proposing a measure that has the potential to reduce the state’s obligation to K-12 education by $78 million in 2026-27.
With their eyes on the wallets of Colorado taxpayers, It seems that the Democrats in Colorado are more interested in overspending and pushing their own agenda than being fiscally responsible.