Since Democrats took full control of the State Legislature in 2018, the state budget has exploded. We are now in a financial mess stemming from years of reckless and unsustainable spending at the state level.
For seven years, Colorado Republicans have warned against treating taxpayer dollars like endless overtime pay. Now, as the bill comes due, the Governor and State Democrat leaders are avoiding responsibility and blaming others for their fiscal malfeasance.
This is not a revenue issue, it is a spending issue. Until Colorado reins in its spending habits, no amount of revenue will ever be enough. We must implement fiscal accountability just like every family and business owner. Democrats should not try to correct their irresponsible spending habits on the backs of hard-working Colorado families and small businesses.
The Data:
In just five years, CO State budget grew from $32 billion to $46 billion (a 50% increase), creating a $1.2 Billion deficit.
CO State population has grown less than 5% during this time, however inflation is up 26%.
From 2010 through 2025, total General Fund spending is up 134%.
Should CO’s rates stay consistent - Common Sense Institute projects a $2.8 billion budget hole for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. If CO’s rates take a downward turn, the predicted hole is $3.9 billion.
Rep. Woog, Senator Kirkmeyer, and I are running a bill this Special Session to give restaurants a boost by doubling the monthly vendor fee retention cap from $1,000 to $2,000, and increasing the rate to 6%. This will ensure they keep more of what they earn - without raising taxes. Check it out here:
My office is here to listen, serve, and keep you informed as we work to make Colorado stronger.
Local HD44 Events:
AFRIK Impact - This week, I had the privilege of attending the 10th Annual AFRIK Impact Gala, hosted by the African Leadership Group (ALG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the African immigrant community. The event highlighted the inspiring journey of ALG Founder and CEO, Papa Dia, who immigrated to the United States from Senegal in 1998 with the goal of supporting his family back home. Starting with a job at a bookstore, he developed his English reading and literacy skills. He went on to spend 18 years in banking, gaining knowledge in business finance and resources.
Papa Dia was motivated to help those with similar stories and thus was the inspiration as he founded ALG to promote the professional and social integration of African immigrants. His story is a testament to the American dream and the values of hard work, perseverance, and service to others.
Tour of Craig Hospital - I was humbled to tour Craig Hospital with Dr. Jandel Allen-Davis. The treatments they provide for spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation is incredible. It was amazing to see the custom engineering of everything imaginable to help patients adapt to living and improving their lives. There is a garden outside the hospital to help patients learn how to navigate in the community and help them transition to being self reliant. They are nationally recognized as a leader in their field. The dedication of the staff to their patients is truly inspiring. Visit their website out here:
SB25-024, added 15 Judges in Colorado. I was honored to attend the swearing-in of Judge Gullion in Douglas County in one of the new positions. Representative Michael Carter and I had a great discussion with Chief Justice Ryan Stuart after the ceremony regarding legal and social issues currently facing Colorado. Congratulations to Judge Gullion and her family on this achievement and her commitment to upholding the law in Colorado.
