Colorado Tradeoffs Simulation Helps Voters Review State Budget Measures

A digital tool called Colorado Tradeoffs was launched to help voters consider major decisions regarding taxes and spending in Colorado. The simulation allows users to see how three ballot measures would affect the state budget, which currently has a $1.6 billion gap. The tool requires users to consider balancing the budget across areas like K-12, healthcare, and affordable housing.

The simulation provides a mechanism for the public to evaluate the fiscal impact of proposed state measures. The tool was designed by Chris Adams, who noted that about 14% of users who completed the exercise changed their minds on the ballot measures they initially opposed.