April 11, 2025
Contact: Caitlin Schneider, Director of Outreach
Colorado Fiscal Institute
schneider@coloradofiscal.org

FAMILIES OVER BILLIONAIRES: COLORADANS TO RALLY ON TAX DAY FOR A FAIRER ECONOMY

Join us as we stand up to demand a system that puts working families first—not billionaires and big corporations.

Denver, CO — This Tax Day, Thursday, April 15, Coloradans from across the state will gather on the West Steps of the State Capitol (200 E. Colfax Ave.) from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. for a powerful call to action. The “Families Over Billionaires” rally—hosted by the Colorado Fiscal Institute, New Era Colorado, CWA 7799, Colorado AFL-CIO, SEIU Local 105, and Towards Justice—will demand tax justice and shine a light on how billionaires and corporations continue to profit while working families are left to pick up the tab.

This rally comes at a critical moment. Colorado is grappling with a triple threat: a chronic structural budget deficit, expected cuts to essential federal programs, and the threat of an economic downturn. At the same time, federal lawmakers are proposing to extend the Trump-era tax cuts—a move that would hand the top 1% of income earners in Colorado an average $78,000 tax break, while working families would receive less than $2 a day.

We know who benefits—and who pays the price.

Featured speakers include Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young, Kimberly Carracedo and Jorge Hernández of New Era Colorado, Diane Byrn, president of Colorado WINS, David Seligman, executive director of Towards Justice, Jade Kelly, president of CWA 7799, and Alendra (Len) Harris of Colorado AFL-CIO. Alongside workers, advocates, and community members, they’ll urge lawmakers to reject false choices between corporate tax breaks and vital investments in education, health care, housing, and infrastructure.

“Programs like Medicaid and SNAP improve long-term outcomes, protect the middle and working class, and boost our quality of life. They make America great,” said Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young. “I urge our Congressional delegation to speak out against these proposed cuts. Together, we can build an economy that works for all Americans—not just billionaires.” 

Why We Rally:

• In 2024, billionaires’ wealth grew three times faster than the previous year—while working families struggled to make ends meet.
  
• The push to extend the Trump-era tax cuts would hand the top 1% in Colorado an average of $78,000, while the bottom 60% would see less than $2 a day.
  
• These giveaways would be paid for by slashing Medicaid, public education, housing support, and food assistance.
  

This rally is a response to a system increasingly tilted in favor of the ultra-wealthy. While billionaires rake in record profits, Colorado families face rising costs for groceries, rent, and gas—and state budget constraints mean fewer public services and deeper inequities.

Colorado’s outdated flat tax and the restrictive TABOR revenue limit have already forced over $1 billion in cuts to essential services. Despite budget surpluses, the state is legally barred from investing that money where it’s needed most. In a state where billionaires pay the same tax rate as janitors, it’s clear the system is broken.

“Colorado has everything we need to invest in strong schools, affordable healthcare, and safe, stable housing for every family,” said Caitlin Schneider of the Colorado Fiscal Institute. “But outdated, harmful policies like TABOR are holding us back. And now, instead of fixing what’s broken, Congress wants to make it worse—shoveling massive tax breaks to billionaires while gutting the services everyday people depend on. It’s outrageous, and we won’t stay silent.”

The April 15 event is part of a national campaign led by Americans for Tax Fairness to stop what advocates are calling the “Billionaire Bailout.” Communities in more than 20 congressional districts are rising up to demand that Congress choose families over billionaires.

Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation—Civic Center Station is just a short walk from the Capitol, and the Free Mall Ride runs frequently from Union Station. Metered parking is available nearby.

This Tax Day, Colorado communities are sending a loud and clear message: No more tax cuts for billionaires and corporations at the expense of working people. It’s time for our leaders to choose a side.

“Young Coloradans are tired of footing the bill while billionaires get away without paying their fair share. We won’t stand by any longer and watch the programs we rely on continue to get cut such as housing, healthcare and education,” said Christina Soliz, executive director of New Era Colorado. “With the Trump-era federal cuts looming and Colorado’s budget already in crisis, it’s time our leaders do something to stand up against the wealthy by addressing the root cause of the issue: a tired and broken fiscal policy that does not work for young Coloradans. This is how we protect our communities and fund the future we deserve.  We need public money for the public good.” 

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About Colorado Fiscal Institute
The Colorado Fiscal Institute uses research, advocacy, strategic communications and statewide education to promote responsible, people-centered, fiscal and economic policies that advance equity and widespread prosperity in Colorado. To learn more, visit www.coloradofiscal.org.