This issue brief provides information on mechanisms used to refund revenue in excess of the state's constitutional spending limit. For information on the state spending limit and how it is calculated, please refer to Issue Brief 14-03A.

Colorado State Budgeting Process (FY 2016-17)

The FY 2013-14 General Fund surplus is estimated at $235.8 million.1 State law requires this surplus to be distributed in the amounts and order shown in Table 1.2 Additionally, the transfer to the Capital Construction Fund is allocated by state law in the order and amounts shown in Table 2.3 Up...

In 1992, voters approved a Colorado Constitutional Amendment -- Article X, Section 20, known as the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR). TABOR limits annual growth in state spending.

New construction and substantial renovation of academic buildings and facilities constructed or maintained with state General Fund moneys (hereafter referred to as "state facilities") are required to comply with the High Performance Certification Program (HPCP). The program requires the...

This issue brief provides information on the relative size of state and local governments, compared with the total state economy. Government expenditures are represented as a percentage of the state's gross domestic product (GDP). In Colorado, stategovernmentexpendituresarebelowthenational...

In 1992, voters approved an amendment to the Colorado Constitution — Article X, Section 20 — known as the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR). TABOR limits annual growth in state spending.

This memorandum provides background information on current and past statutory mechanisms used to refund state revenue collected in excess of the spending limit contained in the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). TABOR allows the state to use “any reasonable method” for refunds, including...

This report contains the final audited figures for the amount of money Referendum C provided for the state in the 2005-06 through 2014-15 state fiscal years and preliminary numbers for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 state fiscal years.  It also reflects the actions of the General Assembly and Governor...

New Legislator Orientation Phase II: FY 2016-17 State Operating Budget Overview

Understanding the State Budget: The Big Picture

Each year, the General Assembly is tasked with balancing constitutional, statutory, and federal requirements with a host of other considerations, such as competing policy priorities, caseload pressures, and the health of the state’s economy...

Where are we?

• 11.5% lower than the formula
• Local share falling or slowing
• State Education Fund close to depleted
• General Fund budget in cutting mode

How did we get here?

• Business cycle, demographic changes, and constitutional
...