The facts behind Colorado\'s new Internet sales tax law and the termination of affiliates at Amazon.com
March 18, 2010
A new whitepaper from the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute offers useful background for understanding the dispute over a change to Colorado\'s sales tax law.
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Colorado Recession Watch
March 17, 2010
Revised figures show the Great Recession hit Colorado harder than had been previously understood. The January numbers show that while the economic freefall has slowed nearly to a stop, conditions are still slipping slightly as Colorado and the United States as a whole near a turnaround. In the meantime, demand for state services such as health care and food assistance continues to grow in Colorado.
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ISSUE BRIEF: The next round of budget cuts
March 16, 2010
Colorado\'s most vulnerable residents are at risk if the recession continues to hammer vital public services.
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The facts behind House Bill 10-1193 and mass firings at Amazon.com
March 10, 2010
Amazon.com cited Colorado\'s House Bill 10-1193 as the impetus behind its decision to fire its Colorado-based affiliates. However, the bill makes no mention of affiliates of online retailers and was designed specifically to avoid affecting them. The bill helps ensure Colorado\'s sales tax law is evenly applied to all consumers.
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NEWS RELEASE: Amazon.com needlessly fires affiliates in tantrum over tax law
March 08, 2010
Amazon.com informed its Colorado affiliates today that their contracts were being terminated in response to House Bill 10-1193, a sales tax clarification just passed by the Colorado Legislature.
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Earned Income Tax Credit facts by state House district
February 22, 2010
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit, and its smaller version at the state level, are \"one of the most effective ways to preserve and create jobs,\" according to leading economists. Unfortunately, Colorado\'s state EITC is suspended. A bill under consideration at the Capitol would ensure it\'s restored when economic prosperity returns.
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Earned Income Tax Credit by state Senate district
February 22, 2010
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit, and its smaller version at the state level, are \"one of the most effective ways to preserve and create jobs,\" according to leading economists. Unfortunately, Colorado\'s state EITC is suspended. A bill under consideration at the Capitol would ensure it\'s restored when economic prosperity returns.
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Tax credit and exemption bills would threaten Colorado\'s recovery
February 19, 2010
The Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute strongly supports striking a better balance between making cuts in core services and closing corporate tax loopholes. This issue brief identifies a number of bills that would make reaching that goal tougher.
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Recovery act preventing worse budget cuts
February 17, 2010
The tremendous budget challenge facing Colorado lawmakers would be much worse without the help of $2.8 billion to Colorado from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was signed one year ago today.
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2009 Recovery Act fact sheet
February 17, 2010
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has touched the lives of every Coloradan, whether through direct assistance such as tax cuts or indirectly through the offset of broad budget cuts that otherwise would have reduced all government services.
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Limitation on deduction of business expenses
February 09, 2010
With revenue deficits at an all-time high, Colorado taxpayers should not be required to subsidize excessive salaries for corporate employees. House Bill 1263, sponsored by Rep. Jack Pommer and Sen. Betty Boyd, addresses this inequity.
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Eliminating the Domestic Production Activities Deduction in Colorado
February 09, 2010
It is time for Colorado to follow the lead of 22 other states and keep the federal Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD) from reducing revenue here.
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Colorado taxation -- apportionment and decoupling
February 08, 2010
For the 97 years the federal income tax has been in place, states have largely followed the lead of Congress in determining how to tax people and businesses. However, in the early 1980s states began to modify and expand their internal tax codes based on economic and fiscal need.
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COFPI Testifies Revenue Options 1-27-10
January 27, 2010
Carol Hedges, Senior Fiscal Policy Analyst, testified before the House Finance Committee on January 27, 2010. She called on lawmakers to strike a better balance on the budget by including revenue options instead of just service cuts.
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Summary of Governor Ritter\'s Revenue Options
January 27, 2010
Governor Ritter proposed twelve revenue options to help close Colorado\'s budget gap. The Office of the Governor estimates that the bills will generate about $130 million in revenue during Fiscal Year 2010-2011.
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Budget Works 2010 - COFPI Presentation
January 16, 2010
A summary of options to balance the budget beyond cuts.
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Budget Works 2010 - Presentation by Natalie Mullis
January 16, 2010
The state of the Colorado Budget by Natalie Mullis, Chief Economist for the Colorado Legislative Council.
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Budget Works 2010 - Summary of Governor\'s Revenue Options
January 16, 2010
A Summary of the 13 Revenue Options proposed by Governor Ritter.
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Budget Works 2010 - Budget Primer
January 16, 2010
The basics of the Colorado Budget.
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Budget Works 2010 - Presentation by Great Education
January 15, 2010
A presentation by Great Education Colorado that looks at the effect the state budget is having on education.
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Colorado Recession Watch: December 2009
December 23, 2009
Unemployment figures have improved recently, and the Great Recession is likely nearing an end in Colorado. However, the downturn has deeply impacted the state and national economies, proving longer and more painful than any recession in recent history.
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Issue Brief: December 2009 Revenue Projections
December 22, 2009
The Legislative Council report suggests that Colorado's economy has bottomed out and we are on the slow road to recovery. Unfortunately, the impact of the recession was deeper than anyone predicted.
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ISSUE BRIEF: September 2009 Revenue Projections
October 01, 2009
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RELEASE: Poverty rate hits 11.4 percent in Colorado
September 29, 2009
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NEW CENSUS DATA: Income lags in 2008, 1 in 6 Coloradans Uninsured
September 22, 2009
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Legislative Council: List of Sales and Use Tax Exemptions
September 08, 2009
A list, as prepared by Legislative Council for the Commission on Long-term Fiscal Stability, of sale and use tax exemptions in Colorado.
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Issue Brief: The High Cost of Cutting Services
September 02, 2009
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Presentation: The Unique Fiscal Constraints of Colorado
August 11, 2009
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2008-2009 Budget Primer
August 10, 2009
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2009 Aiming for the Middle: Updated State Investment Rankings
June 25, 2009
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2009 Aiming for the Middle Update: Press Release
June 25, 2009
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Issue Brief: Provider Cuts Unhealthy for Coloradans and Colorado\'s Economy
April 21, 2009
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Issue Brief: COFPI Budget Update
April 19, 2009
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Issue Brief: Revenue Forecast March 2009
April 08, 2009
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Fact Sheet:: SB 228
April 06, 2009
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6 Percent Solution: Maximizing Recovery Dollars and Getting Colorado\'s Economy Back on Track
February 19, 2009
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FACT SHEET: Unemployment Insurance Changes Needed In Colorado
February 12, 2009
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6% Percent: Endorsement Form
February 04, 2009
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FACT SHEET: Eliminate the 6% Directive
February 03, 2009
A fact sheet outlining how eliminating the 6% General Fund appropriations directive will help maximize federal stimulus dollars and strengthen Colorado\'s fiscal future.
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6% Directive: How It Works
February 03, 2009
An analysis of how the 6% General Fund appropriations limit works.
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6% Directive: What You Can Do
February 03, 2009
Action items outlining what you can do to help eliminate the 6% directive--which will maximize federal stimulus dollars and strengthen Colorado\'s fiscal future.
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6% Directive: Frequently Asked Questions
February 03, 2009
Everything you wanted to know about the impact of eliminating the 6% directive, but were afraid to ask.
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6% Directive: Legal Summary on why the Legislature can Act
February 03, 2009
A summary and background on why the Colorado Legislature can take the state\'s fiscal destiny into its own hands, and in doing so will maximize federal stimulus dollars and strengthen Colorado\'s fiscal future.
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Presentation: Maximizing Federal Stimulus and Eliminating the 6%
February 03, 2009
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Budget Works 2009: Economic Stimulus Benefits from Public Investment
January 16, 2009
Chart showing economic stimulus benefits from different types of public investments, courtesy of Moody\'s economist, Mark Zandi.
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Budget Works 2009: Colorado\'s Unique Constraints
January 16, 2009
A look at Colorado\'s unique constitutional and statutory constraints.
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Budget Works 2009: Revenue 101
January 16, 2009
A presentation on Colorado\'s revenue system.
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Budget Works 2009: Legislative Council Presentation
January 16, 2009
A presentation from Legislative Council economist, Natalie Mullis.
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PRESENTATION: 2009 Budget Outlook
January 06, 2009
A look at revenue estimates, economic indicators, and other bellweather signs for 2009.
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COFPI Statement on December Revenue Projections
December 19, 2008
COFPI Statement on December Revenue Projections
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REPORT: State of Working Colorado 2008
December 18, 2008
State of Working Colorado 2008 examines economic indicators such as unemployment, wages and income, poverty, health insurance, and others, over the business cycle from 2000-2007.
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ISSUE BRIEF: Governor\'s Budget Request FY 2009-2010
November 21, 2008
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FACT SHEET: September 2008 Revenue Projections
October 06, 2008
COFPI analysis of the state\'s September 2008 Revenue Projections, which included a $100 million reduction.
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FACT SHEET: SAFE proposal - ballot measure 126
August 06, 2008
Colorado's future economic vitality is compromised by restrictive and conflicting constitutional and statutory provisions that make it nearly impossible to provide adequate educational and economic infrastructure. In November, voters will have an opportunity to adopt an innovative proposal to untangle the constitutional and free up the State's economic prospects. The Savings Account for Education proposal (Ballot Initiative 126) is an important step in moving Colorado forward.
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Issue Brief: June 2008 Revenue Projections
July 15, 2008
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Issue Brief: Budget Update 2008 Legislative Session
July 01, 2008
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STATEMENT: COFPI testimony on TABOR reform proposal
April 29, 2008
Carol Hedges, Senior Fiscal Analyst at COFPI, delivered the following testimony on April 29 to the House State Affairs Committee on Speaker Romanoff\'s TABOR reform proposal.
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Report Update: Looking Forward
April 22, 2008
The Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute, the Bell Policy Center, and the Colorado Children\'s Campaign released a new in December 2007, called Looking Forward, that looks ahead at Colorado\'s fiscal prospects after Referendum C. The collaborative project, headed up by eight researchers from these three nonprofits, forecasts a six-year budget window with the goal of providing Coloradoans with good information so they can make sound decisions about tax and fiscal policy. This is an updated presentation about the Looking Forward report.
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Issue Brief: Long Bill Update - April 2008
April 17, 2008
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House Finance adds accountability, reporting measures to tax bill
April 10, 2008
The House Finance Committee voted last night, by a 10-1 margin, to move forward with H.B. 1380, which would change the corporate income tax system to the so-called Single Sales Factor. In doing so, the Committee added two amendments to the legislation that would implement corporate reporting and accountability measures.
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RELEASE: Are CO corporations paying their fair share?
April 08, 2008
As the House Finance Committee prepares to hear H.B. 1380 on Wednesday, April 9, a coalition of advocacy groups and labor unions is raising questions about the corporate tax system in Colorado. These questions include whether corporations are pulling their weight, and how is that impacting working families? An amendment will be offered on the bill that would help increase transparency on corporate taxes in Colorado, and ensure that policymakers and citizens alike have the necessary information to make good decisions when it comes to tax policies.
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ISSUE BRIEF: March 2008 Revenue Projections
March 28, 2008
On March 20, 2008, Legislative Council presented the quarterly revenue projections for March 2008. The big news is a decrease in projected General Fund revenues of $169.6 million for FY 2007-08 and $148.6 million for FY 2008-09.
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NEW REPORT: State of Working Colorado 2007
March 04, 2008
By 2006, Colorado had recovered the jobs lost during the 2001 recession and unemployment across the state was down. However, while Colorado median household income continued to hover above the national average, it has stagnated in recent years and has not recovered to its 2001 or pre-recession levels. Overall poverty rates have remained largely unchanged, but there has been a disturbing trend of increasing child poverty. Additionally, growing income inequality and soaring numbers of families without health insurance have offset positive developments in the recovery and indicate potential trouble ahead for the State of Working Colorado.
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State of Working Colorado 2007: Executive Summary
March 03, 2008
Wages and family income are stagnate or declining. Poverty rates have not declined, child poverty has actually increased, and the number of uninsured continues to grow. Every day costs like housing, food, transportation, and child care also continue to increase sharply. And working families in Colorado find it more and more difficult to make ends meet.
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2008 Budget Primer
January 17, 2008
Wondering what really goes into the state budget? Curious about how the budge process works? Questions about where the state invests tax dollars? Then check out COFPI\'s 2008 Budget Primer.
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REPORT: Looking Forward - Colorado\'s fiscal prospects after Referendum C
December 18, 2007
The Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute, the Bell Policy Center, and the Colorado Children\'s Campaign released a new report today that looks ahead at Colorado\'s fiscal prospects after Referendum C. This collaborative project, headed up by eight researchers from these three nonprofits, forecasts a six-year budget window with the goal of providing Coloradoans with good information so they can make sound decisions about tax and fiscal policy.
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SAVE THE DATE! Budget Works 2008
November 08, 2007
Budget Works 2008: Friday, January 4 from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Colorado History Museum.
Join COFPI for our annual budget event. Speakers will highlight the new challenges for state spending, what we can expect from the Feds, and how well Colorado tax system performs.
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Denver Post Column: Share the wealth stirs anew in Colorado
June 29, 2007
That about sums up the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute\'s report, \"Aiming for the Middle.\" It concludes Colorado would need to spend $3.3 billion just to reach the national average expenditure levels in key areas like elementary and secondary schools, health care, Medicaid, higher education and highways.
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Colorado Springs Gazette Article: State lags nation in spending in key areas
June 22, 2007
Colorado must spend billions more each year on education, transportation and health care just to reach the average per-capita allocations of other states in those areas, according to a report put out by a private organization this week.
The Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute, which works toward financial polices that benefit especially low- and moderate-income populations, did not offer specific solutions on how to fix the problem. But the report, Aiming for the Middle, declared that it is time for public discussion about the state\'s spending choices.
Colorado is a wonderful and amazing place in so many ways, yet we continue to lag behind other states when it comes to investing in our future, senior fiscal policy analyst Carol Hedges said in a statement.
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Aiming for the Middle - Executive Summary
June 20, 2007
In this report, Aiming for the Middle, we document how much Colorado is lagging behind most other states in funding public services and what it would cost just to get to the middle of states in essential measures such as public education, higher education, health care, and transportation.
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Aiming for the Middle - Full Report
June 20, 2007
Colorado currently invests a relatively small amount in public structures that support our economy and our way of life. We have survived and thrived despite our neglect of our school, university, health care and transportation systems, but increasingly we are warned that if we are to maintain our quality of life, we must change our course. Our neighbors and competitors are making the investments today that will reap the benefits tomorrow. We are not.
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What\'s Not In Your Wallet: The Colorado EITC (House Districts)
May 23, 2007
A breakdown of how much local communities lose out each year the state EITC is suspended. Breakdown by Colorado State House district.
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What\'s Not in Your Wallet: The Colorado EITC By Senate District
May 23, 2007
A breakdown of how much each Colorado Senate district loses in economic activity each year the state EITC is suspended.
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JBC Actions to Balance the Budget Over 3-Year Period
May 17, 2007
This Joint Budget Committee document shows the actions taken by the JBC and state legislature over a three year period to balance Colorado\'s state budget during and after the 2001 recession. (Posted here for information. No longer available on the JBC website.)
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Restored, New and Increased Programs in the Colorado State Budget Following the 2001 Recession
May 17, 2007
This paper examines the extent to which the revenue that the State of Colorado was able to retain under Referendum C, passed by voters in November 2005, have been used to restore programs eliminated or reduced during the recent recession, in the first two years of the five-year time-out in Ref. C.
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Fiscal Bill Summary - Final
May 17, 2007
A summary of fiscal, tax and budget bills of the 2007 session and their status as of sine die.
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Measured Success - Missed Opportunities: A Wrap-up of the 2007 Legislative Session
May 04, 2007
A brief look at the bills CCLP and COFPI worked on this year and our assessment of the 2007 session. How did low-income families fare? Find out with this brief summary.
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Summary of the March 2007 Revenue Projections
March 27, 2007
This concise issue brief outlines the basics of the state\'s most recent revenue projections. Learn what\'s in store for the state budget and the Colorado economy over the next five years. Includes information on Ref C dollars.
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House Bill 07-1302 Increase Colorado\'s Statutory Reserve
March 01, 2007
Outlines the basics of Representative Bernie Buescher\'s bill to increase the statutory reserve from the current 4 percent level to 8 percent and why the Fiscal Policy Institute supports this bill. It\'s time Colorado took some steps to create a \"Colorado kind of rainy day fund.\"
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The Colorado Budget Primer
January 05, 2007
Intended as a resource for advocates, the Colorado Budget Primer gives an introduction to the state budget and budget process. Learn what happens when, who the key players are and how you can best get involved.
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Colorado\'s Fiscal Future Post Referendum C: An Analysis
January 05, 2007
This PowerPoint presentation from our annual Budget Works Seminar analyzes Colorado\'s budget in the post Referendum C era. It models different economic possibilities and outlines steps that policymakers can take today to ensure a healthy future tomorrow.
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Referendum C: A Small Step But Not a Panacea
August 17, 2006
Ref c made it possible for the state to avoid further budget cuts but resulted in very little new investment. This analysis shows that Ref C was an important step in the right direction, but falls far short of solving the underlying financial problems plaguing Colorado\'s public sector.
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June Revenue Forecast - What It Means for Capital Construction
June 20, 2006
The most recent revenue forecasts show strong revenue growth. This issue brief walks through the Legislative Council forecast and demonstrates how greater general fund growth means more money for transportation and capital construction.
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Top 5 Reasons to Oppose Tobacco Securitization
April 26, 2006
Outlines the main reasons Colorado should avoid securitization of the tobacco settlement.
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State Revenues: Trends After 6 Months
April 13, 2006
Walks through the revenue trends as of March revenue projections 2006.
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New General Fund Spending After Referendum C
January 05, 2006
This issue briefs lays out the possible options for state spending given the passage of referendum C and the different ways that \"new money\" can be defined.
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Referendum C Passes - Now What for Colorado\'s Budget?
November 05, 2005
Using the September revenue forecast and OSBP projections this issue brief walks through options for Colorado\'s budget now that the TABOR revenue limit is suspended for the next five years
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Pros and Cons of Referendum C
June 08, 2005
Walks through the pros and cons of Referendum C and related bills, otherwise known as the Colorado Economic Recovery Act (HB05-1194).
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Pros and Cons of Referendum D
June 08, 2005
Provides pros and cons of the companion piece to the Economic Recovery Act or Referendum C.
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Tax Credits for Working Families
April 04, 2005
A concise grid that outlines the federal and state tax credits that help working families. Includes information about the earned income tax credit and child care credits.
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TABOR Fact Sheet
December 01, 2004
Just the basics of Colorado\'s tax and expenditure limit know as TABOR or the Taxpayers Bill of Rights.
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Colorado\'s Fiscal Problems Severe and Likely to Continue with TABOR
March 17, 2004
Published with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Bell Policy Center, this issue brief outlines the impact of TABOR on Colorado\'s budget.
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TABOR A Brief Outline
January 05, 2004
The main features and effects of TABOR as contrasted with the 6 percent limit.
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TABOR Had Nothing to Do With Colorado\'s Budget Situation...Read On
November 15, 2003
COFPI\'s response to the claim made by the former director of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) that TABOR had nothing to do with Colorado\'s declining fiscal situation.
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TABOR and the Unemployment Insurance System: Why Colorado Should Exempt the UI Trust Fund from TABOR\'s Definition of Fiscal Year Spending
May 15, 2003
Explains the problems created by the interaction of the unemployment insurance trust fund and TABOR\'s definition of fiscal year spending.
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Flaws in TABOR
April 23, 2003
Outlines the fundamental flaws in the TABOR revenue limit and its long term effects on the budget.
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TABOR and the Six Percent General Fund Appropriations Limit
March 01, 2002
A simple grid that shows the difference between the TABOR limit and the Arveschoug-Bird (six percent) limit.
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Baking the Biggest Pie - Using Referendum C Money the Way Voters Wanted
June 01, 2000
Explains the limits on Ref C money and how those limits will direct the flow of the money on programs and as a result possibly thwart the intent of the voters.
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TABOR Trouble 2002: Tax Cut Proposal On the November 2000 Ballot
June 01, 2000
A summary of Douglas Bruce\'s tax cut proposal 2000.
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TABOR Elections - An Analysis
January 15, 2000
Looks at the number and outcome of thousands of local elections held as a result of TABOR to 2000.
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