MEDIA CONTACT
Hannah Morris | morris@coloradofiscal.org
DENVER—The Colorado Fiscal Institute (CFI) and Soul 2 Soul Sisters (S2SS) are excited to announce the launch of a feasibility study to explore how a statewide Baby Bonds program could be implemented in Colorado. This follows the 2024 legislative session, where House Bill 24-1297—which would have formally commissioned the study—fell short of passage.
Still, CFI and S2SS are moving forward with determination. Because even as federal uncertainty casts a long shadow, Colorado’s kids deserve the best possible future—and Baby Bonds represent a powerful tool for building intergenerational wealth, closing racial gaps, and giving every child a fair shot.
“We were fortunate to receive so many impressive proposals, and our teams poured a lot of time and intention into the review process,” said Lauren Smith, S2SS’s assistant director of Black civic engagement, policy and advocacy. “Throughout, we were really grounded not just in who could conduct the most rigorous and impactful study, but who also shared our passion, knowledge, and excitement for Baby Bonds. We are confident that together we will pave a brighter future for our Colorado families that prioritizes economic justice.”
After a highly competitive review process, CFI and S2SS selected the Systems for Equity and Economic Dignity (SEED) research team at the Colorado School of Public Health, led by Corey Jacinto, Alyssa Hernandez and Dr. Tran Doan, to carry out the nine-month feasibility study. Their interdisciplinary proposal stood out among 15 applicant teams, all of whom brought remarkable expertise, creativity and a deep commitment to equity and economic justice.
“This effort reflects our steadfast commitment to uplifting Colorado families. We are honored and dedicated to leading a bold research initiative that will help secure lasting economic opportunity and stability for generations to come,” the SEED team said.
“The selection process was inspiring—every finalist brought something unique and deeply valuable to the table,” said Kathy White, executive director of CFI. “Just getting to the final four was intensive and involved everyone. But in the end, this team brought the clearest, boldest vision for what’s possible in Colorado. We’re excited to get this work underway.”
“Over the next nine months, they’ll dig into the economic modeling, revenue scenarios, and community engagement necessary to build a Baby Bonds policy that’s fiscally sound, legally viable, and rooted in equity,” White added. “Our goal is to deliver a blueprint Colorado leaders can act on—one that builds wealth where it’s most needed and ensures kids grow up with real opportunities, no matter their zip code.”
Baby Bonds are publicly funded trust accounts seeded at birth for children from low-wealth families. When they reach adulthood, these funds can be used for wealth-building investments like college, homeownership, or starting a small business. Originally proposed by economists William Darity and Darrick Hamilton, Baby Bonds are intentionally designed to reduce racial and economic wealth gaps by targeting support where it’s most needed.
That equity-centered design stands in stark contrast to the federal “Trump Accounts” program, signed into law on July 4, 2025, as part of the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Trump Accounts will give a flat $1,000 to all U.S.-born children between 2025 and 2028, regardless of family income. While families and employers can contribute additional funds tax-deferred, critics warn the universal design without targeted support risks widening inequality—as higher-income families are far more able to contribute and benefit from market-driven returns.
CFI and S2SS believe Colorado can do better. With the right design, a state-level Baby Bonds program could ensure that low-income children and children of color—who have been historically excluded from wealth-building opportunities—receive the targeted investment they deserve. The feasibility study will dig into what that would look like, and how Colorado can build a model that gives every child the opportunity to thrive.
The feasibility study will begin in September 2025, with final deliverables—including a detailed report, public-facing fact sheet, and policy recommendations—expected by Spring 2026. These materials will inform legislators, advocates, and community leaders as they chart a course for future Baby Bonds legislation in Colorado.
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About the Colorado Fiscal Institute
The Colorado Fiscal Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides credible, independent, and accessible information and analysis of fiscal and economic issues facing Colorado. CFI believes in people-centered, fiscal and economic policies that advance equity and widespread prosperity in Colorado. Learn more at www.coloradofiscal.org.
About Soul 2 Soul Sisters
Soul 2 Soul Sisters is a nonprofit organization that provides holistic programming for Black women, femmes, and gender expansive beings that promotes healing, health and joy. Soul 2 Soul Sisters is committed to racial justice, dismantling and education around anti-Black oppression, and leadership in conversations regarding storytelling, economic justice and healing justice. Learn more at soul2soulsisters.org
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