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We envision a Colorado where people-centered policies advance

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

June 2025 Forecast Five

June 18, 2025
It’s time for another Forecast Five, where CFI gets down in the details so you don’t have to. Check out our top five takeaways from the Legislative Council’s presentation on…
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Introducing CFI’s First Legislative Scorecard

June 17, 2025
For the first time ever, the Colorado Fiscal Institute is spotlighting six fiscal champions from the 2025 legislative session. This scorecard isn’t about winners or losers—it’s about recognizing leadership committed…
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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.
Explore Our Issues

Taxes, TABOR, & Budget

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

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

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

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Colorado Tax Basics

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Colorado TABOR Basics

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Federal Budget & Taxes

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Our Latest Reports

View all Reports
  • May 30th, 2025
  • JobsWatchReports

JobsWatch Quarterly Report

he quarterly JobsWatch Report from the Colorado Fiscal Institute offers important insights into Colorado’s workforce and economy. At CFI, we are committed to the belief that a robust economy prioritizes policies that focus on the individuals who drive it—particularly the workers. By leveraging job data as a crucial resource, we can advocate for policies that […]

Read the report
Medicaid Requirements
  • April 18th, 2025
  • Federal Budget & TaxesHealthcareReports

Medicaid Work Requirements Harm Families and Strain Colorado’s Systems

Medicaid work requirements are policies that condition continued health coverage on a person’s ability to meet certain “community engagement” activities—such as employment, education, or volunteering—and regularly report those activities. Supporters of these policies argue they incentivize work, reduce reliance on government assistance, and promote health and independence through greater self-sufficiency. These arguments often rest on […]

Read the report
  • March 21st, 2025
  • JobsWatchReports

JobsWatch Quarterly Report

The quarterly JobsWatch Report from the Colorado Fiscal Institute offers important insights into Colorado’s workforce and economy. At CFI, we are committed to the belief that a robust economy prioritizes policies that focus on the individuals who drive it—particularly the workers. By leveraging job data as a crucial resource, we can advocate for policies that […]

Read the report
  • May 30th, 2025
  • JobsWatchReports

JobsWatch Quarterly Report

he quarterly JobsWatch Report from the Colorado Fiscal Institute offers important insights into Colorado’s workforce and economy. At CFI, we are committed to the belief that a robust economy prioritizes policies that focus on the individuals who drive it—particularly the workers. By leveraging job data as a crucial resource, we can advocate for policies that […]

Read the report
Medicaid Requirements
  • April 18th, 2025
  • Federal Budget & TaxesHealthcareReports

Medicaid Work Requirements Harm Families and Strain Colorado’s Systems

Medicaid work requirements are policies that condition continued health coverage on a person’s ability to meet certain “community engagement” activities—such as employment, education, or volunteering—and regularly report those activities. Supporters of these policies argue they incentivize work, reduce reliance on government assistance, and promote health and independence through greater self-sufficiency. These arguments often rest on […]

Read the report
  • March 21st, 2025
  • JobsWatchReports

JobsWatch Quarterly Report

The quarterly JobsWatch Report from the Colorado Fiscal Institute offers important insights into Colorado’s workforce and economy. At CFI, we are committed to the belief that a robust economy prioritizes policies that focus on the individuals who drive it—particularly the workers. By leveraging job data as a crucial resource, we can advocate for policies that […]

Read the report

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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Register for CFI's Tax Ambassador Program

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for the Fall Program
Join us for a Postcard Party!

May 30, 2025

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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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  • Blog
  • 06/18/2025

June 2025 Forecast Five

It’s time for another Forecast Five, where CFI gets down in the details so you don’t have to. Check out our top five takeaways from the Legislative Council’s presentation on the economic and fiscal outlook for Colorado. For Forecast 5, we usually include gifs to find humor in the absurdities—but there’s nothing funny about this […]

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  • Blog
  • 06/18/2025

From Slavery to Sales Tax: The Fiscal War on Black America

Juneteenth and Justice: The Legacy of Racist Tax Policy On June 19, 1865—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, finally received word that they were free. Juneteenth marks the day federal troops enforced the end of slavery in the last Confederate state. But in reality, that freedom didn’t come […]

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