Posts by Josh Mantell

TABOR Surplus Outlook

Updated data on TABOR surpluses and how upcoming ballot measures will influence the distribution of funds, shaping the future of tax rebates in Colorado.

TABOR Rebate History

As Colorado is in the midst of historic TABOR rebates, it is important to understand the larger context and how lawfully collected tax revenue has historically been used.

‘Saving People Money’ Can Be a Double-edged Sword

Colorado’s budget is heading toward a structural deficit. Only a shift in fiscal policy will ensure the state can fund priorities.

How Colorado’s Legislature Targeted Relief in 2022

We look at how Colorado's legislature utilized the state's temporarily expanded revenue base to target relief to those who need it.

TABOR Rebates: Finding Fairness in an Unfair System

How tax revenue that comes in over the revenue cap gets sent to taxpayers and why the current system isn’t working for most Coloradans.

Beneath the Surface: How Orphan Oil Wells Could Overwhelm Colorado’s Budget

A fiscal problem lurks “beneath the surface” in Colorado. Without real reform, Colorado could be on the hook for over $8 billion worth of work to plug current oil and gas wells.

Amendment 78 & Climate Change: A Bad Combination

We cannot let communities affected by natural disasters wait for relief while politicians grandstand. Amendment 78 wants us to do exactly that.

5 Questions & Answers About Denver’s Initiative 304

Initiative 304 would save Denverites some money in sales taxes, but would cost millions of dollars in lost programs and services.

New Tax Reform Package Introduced: What’s Inside?

When we have a tax code that doesn’t adequately fund public services going forward — even though Colorado currently has a good budget picture, that will not last forever — then it doesn’t work for the majority of Coloradans.

Keeping an Eye on the Colorado Ballot

There could be some fiscal measures on the ballot that would set Colorado back economically. Here is what we are watching, and what the consequences could be.