Advancing People-Centered Economic & Fiscal Policy in Colorado

We are a recognized leader in high quality research, strategic communications, and advocacy to champion equitable fiscal and economic policies in Colorado.

We envision a Colorado where people-centered policies advance prosperity and equity for all.

Through high quality research, advocacy, strategic communications, and deep partnerships the Colorado Fiscal Institute addresses one of the most urgent challenges: how tax, budget, and economic policies can create widespread prosperity.
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Featured Insights

Policy Brief: H.R. 1 and Immigrant Families

Impacts on Essential State and Federal Programs Colorado’s immigrant communities are facing significant challenges as recent federal policy changes threaten access to essential programs and services. H.R. 1, signed by…
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Our Key Issues

We address a range of economic and fiscal challenges confronting Colorado’s communities, including taxes, budgets and TABOR, economy and affordability, and workers' rights. Discover our key issues and learn how we are committed to fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all Coloradans.

Taxes, TABOR, & Budget

We advocate for fair and sustainable fiscal policies that support our shared investments in a thriving economy and prosperity for all

People-Centered Economy

We advocate for economic policy solutions that invest in the people and structures that form the foundation of a strong economy where all Coloradans thrive.

Environmental Justice

We use research to shed light on the impact of climate change on our natural environment, giving policymakers the tools they need to protect and manage our land, air, and water.

Housing

We work alongside housing advocates across the state to champion fiscal policies that effectively address the growing demand for affordable housing in Colorado.

Immigration

We promote policies that improve the economic well-being of Colorado immigrants so that all Coloradans have access to the resources and opportunities to allow them to reach their full potential.

Workers' Rights

We fight to change economic policy in order to build worker power to deliver true opportunity and prosperity for all.

CFI's Legislative Priorities

We promote sound and responsible tax and budget policies that check growing income and racial inequality, that enhance transparency and accountability of government, and that support broad economic opportunity and prosperity.
Colorado State Capitol with Denver skyline in the background
Popular Resources

Budget Basics 101

How big is the state budget and where does the money come from? Who sets the budget and how? What restrictions is the state budget under? Our budget basics answer your most burning questions.

Colorado Budget Basics

Colorado Tax Basics

Colorado TABOR Basics

Federal Budget & Taxes

Our Latest Reports

Policy Brief: H.R. 1 and Immigrant Families

Impacts on Essential State and Federal Programs Colorado’s immigrant communities are facing significant challenges as recent federal policy changes threaten access to essential programs and services. H.R. 1, signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, will negatively affect the well-being of immigrant children, families, and individuals across the state. The law—officially enacted as Public […]

Report: Deepening the Divide

H.R. 1 and the Feminization of Poverty The term feminization of poverty describes two connected realities: women’s disproportionate representation among people in poverty and the policies, labor-market dynamics, and caregiving responsibilities that systematically heighten women’s economic risk. While many single mothers are employed — and most work full-time — their typical annual earnings remain disproportionately […]

Report: Policy Solutions for Colorado’s Medicaid Managed Care System

Medicaid managed care was designed to control costs and coordinate care by outsourcing public health coverage to private managed care companies. But in Colorado, as in many other states, this model has funneled billions of tax dollars to a small group of out-of-state corporations, many backed by private equity, while patients face delays, denials, and […]

Policy Brief: H.R. 1 and Immigrant Families

Impacts on Essential State and Federal Programs Colorado’s immigrant communities are facing significant challenges as recent federal policy changes threaten access to essential programs and services. H.R. 1, signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025, will negatively affect the well-being of immigrant children, families, and individuals across the state. The law—officially enacted as Public […]

Report: Deepening the Divide

H.R. 1 and the Feminization of Poverty The term feminization of poverty describes two connected realities: women’s disproportionate representation among people in poverty and the policies, labor-market dynamics, and caregiving responsibilities that systematically heighten women’s economic risk. While many single mothers are employed — and most work full-time — their typical annual earnings remain disproportionately […]

Report: Policy Solutions for Colorado’s Medicaid Managed Care System

Medicaid managed care was designed to control costs and coordinate care by outsourcing public health coverage to private managed care companies. But in Colorado, as in many other states, this model has funneled billions of tax dollars to a small group of out-of-state corporations, many backed by private equity, while patients face delays, denials, and […]

CFI Events

Your Front-row Seat to Colorado's Fiscal Policy

Join CFI at our events to keep informed about the latest fiscal developments in Colorado and engage in the fair tax movement.

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We simplify complex topics, from tax reforms to budget updates, to keep you informed about the policy decisions that affect our communities.
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Injury to the Affordable Care Act Leaves Millions Without Health Care

Unextended Premium Tax Credits Make Coverage Even Harder to Afford By Keirin Gonzalez With the Dec. 15 insurance enrollment deadline approaching, many people are already facing steep increases in premium prices. With the expiration of extensions to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Premium Tax Credits (PTCs), millions enrolled in Marketplace plans will see their health […]

How H.R. 1 Changes Medicaid Renewals: A Peek Behind the Curtain

By Shana McClain Most people probably never think about Medicaid renewals until a letter shows up reminding them of the cumbersome task. Now, however, H.R. 1 changes how often that letter may come, what it asks for, and how easy it is to keep coverage you already qualify for. For many adults, renewals will now […]

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