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...

This issue brief outlines the types of projects and expenses defined as capital construction, the role of the Capital Development Committee (CDC) in overseeing the approval and implementation of capital projects, and funding for capital projects.

This report contains the final audited figures for state revenue retained under Referendum C in the 2005‑06 through 2016‑17 state fiscal years and preliminary numbers for the 2017‑18 and 2018‑19 state fiscal years.  It also reflects the actions of the General Assembly and Governor in spending...

Focus Colorado presents forecasts for the economy and state government revenue through FY 2020-21. Implications of the forecast for the state's General Fund budget and spending limit are described in the report's highlights and executive summary sections. The report is based on current law,...

During the 2018 legislative session, the General Assembly considered a number of bills affecting funding for capital construction and the duties of the Capital Development Committee (CDC).

Colorado receives annual payments from tobacco manufacturers as part of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). In April 2018, the state received $177.3 million, including a one-time payment of $113.3 million pursuant to the Nonparticipating Manufacturers Adjustment Settlement Agreement,...

Focus Colorado presents forecasts for the economy and state government revenue through FY 2019-20. Implications of the forecast for the state's General Fund budget and spending limit are described in the report's highlights and executive summary sections. The report is based on current law,...

This memorandum addresses questions around recent announcements and consideration of changes to the state employee payroll schedule.  Legislative Council Staff has received inquiries regarding the timing and amount of state employee payroll during the months of July and August 2018 as a result...

The Long Bill Narrative, which is the annual appropriations act, is prepared by staff to explain funding decisions recommended by the JBC to the rest of the General Assembly.  This document is a companion document to the actual Long Bill.  The narrative outlines budget changes...

Economic Outlook for the U.S. and Colorado

The ongoing expansion in the U.S. economy is fueld by consumer contributions.