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From Colorado Voters Pass Tax Reforms, Implementing Graduated Income Tax

How could Amendment 87 affect Colorado's state tax and funding structure?

Already happening What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Colorado's new graduated income tax could create a $2.7 billion pool for state services. Amendment 87, which passed with about 51.6% of voters supporting it, removes the requirement for a flat income tax from the Colorado Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). It replaces this with a graduated income tax system, which taxes lower incomes less and higher incomes more. This new structure is designed to create a pool of $2.7 billion specifically for education, childcare, and healthcare. Additionally, Proposition NN allows the state to retain and spend up to $4.6 billion over the TABOR cap annually, while also increasing K-12 education funding by 2% each year for the next 10 years.

Reported by 1 independent outlet Written 5 hours ago
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How it reaches Colorado

Reported by news outlets

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • Amendment 87 passed with about 51.6% of voters supporting the ballot measure.aspentimes.com
  • Amendment 87 creates a graduated income tax system that taxes lower incomes less and higher incomes more.aspentimes.com
  • The additional tax on the rich creates a pool of $2.7 billion for education, childcare and healthcare.aspentimes.com
  • Proposition NN allows the state to retain and spend up to $4.6 billion over the TABOR cap each year.aspentimes.com
  • Proposition NN allows the state to increase K-12 education funding by 2% annually over the next 10 years.aspentimes.com

Why it matters

The passage of Amendment 87 represents a significant shift in Colorado's fiscal policy, moving away from a flat tax structure toward a graduated system. This change directly alters the state's revenue streams and how those funds are allocated across public services, particularly education, healthcare, and childcare.

This measure is part of a broader trend where mountain communities in Colorado have used ballot measures to boost tax-related funding, while more rural areas have shown opposition to these changes. The new tax structure and the retention of up to $4.6 billion over the TABOR cap could fundamentally change the state's budget priorities and financial stability.

What we don't know yet

  • What specific tax rates will be implemented under the new graduated income tax system?
  • How will the state manage the increased K-12 education funding alongside the new revenue streams?

Is this still moving?

Still developing Reached 3 outlets in its first 24 hours
Reports
3
Developments
1
Repetition
67%

What would change this answer

The state legislature passes specific implementation legislation quicklyThe financial changes, such as the $2.7 billion pool, could begin affecting state budgets sooner.
A major economic downturn occurs in the stateThe reliance on a graduated income tax system could change the projected revenue stability of the state.

Who else could feel it

Other possible ripples from the same event.

Reporting

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The full eventColorado Voters Pass Tax Reforms, Implementing Graduated Income Tax Everything aboutColorado

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.