In The Know
Truth and context in political discussion is more important now than ever. So often, assertions are made without evidence or follow-up, leaving voters without the information they need to make informed choices about candidates or issues. This new series aims to cut through the noise to provide factual analysis about the issues facing Colorado.
We’re dedicated to peeling back the rhetoric and giving you the facts. Below, find a collection of fact sheets with up-to-date research to help you stay informed on the issues leading debates & discussion around the state.
March 27, 2025 – Colorado lawmakers are making some very difficult choices this budget cycle, and some of the toughest will come in the next week as they work to close a $1.2 billion funding gap. Learn how we got here and the pressures at work.
Jan. 13, 2025 – Colorado’s financial progress is being jeopardized by new, unregulated high-cost loans, where individuals get short-term, small-dollar advances, borrowing against their future paycheck and leading to cycles of debt.
Oct. 22, 2024 – As more states have adopted voucher programs, spending for public schools has decreased, disproportionately hurting students in higher poverty areas.
Aug. 26, 2024 – Homestead exemptions are one of the few progressive options for reducing property taxes, providing a relatively greater benefit for homeowners of middle value property.
July 18, 2024 – The caring workforce, which includes caregivers for individuals across the lifespan, has far-reaching impacts on our broader economy. Despite their critical role, care workers are underpaid, which has led to high turnover. To address these challenges, Colorado made a significant move in the 2024 legislative session with HB24-1312, the State Income Tax Credit for Careworkers.
Jan. 31, 2024 – Douglas County Commissioners announced a 4 percent reduction in property values for all homes in the county last September. The State Board of Equalization then struck down their value reduction by a unanimous 5-0 vote. Here’s why this seemingly simple move by Douglas County doesn’t make sense and why the State Board of Equalization was correct in striking down the decision.
Jan. 30, 2024 – Over the last two years, Colorado lawmakers have restructured the way that revenue above the state’s spending cap has been sent to Coloradans. In the past, the amount in these “rebates” have been based on income, so that the more money one makes, the larger amount they receive. However, the state legislature decided that in 2022 and 2023 every Colorado taxpayer should receive the same amount. This has created more fairness. But why is this money available and how is it calculated?
Dec. 6, 2023 – During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 23-261, a measure creating the Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Board. The board aims to address the turbulence in the direct care industry by calling on the voices of those in the field to make recommendations to lawmakers on employment standards and market conditions including wages, benefits, and working hours.
Past In The Know Fact Sheets:
- Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
- New Protections for Colorado Consumers
- School Finance
- Zoning and Land Use Reform
- Consumer Loan Protection
- Energy Costs
- Rent Control
- The Caring Workforce
- New Protections for Consumers
- Rent Control
- The Caring Workforce
- Colorado Taxes
- Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
- Making Housing Affordable
- Early Childhood Education
- State Budget
- Property Taxes
- Transportation Fees
- State Refunds
- Making Housing Affordable
