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

Empowering Working People, Building a Thriving Colorado

Working people are the backbone of Colorado’s economy, and their ability to earn fair wages, work safely, and have a voice is key to our state’s prosperity.

Imagine a Colorado where every working person earns a living wage, feels safe on the job, and has the power to shape their workplace. This vision is achievable when people are empowered to advocate for themselves and their families.

States with pro-worker policies see lower income inequality, stronger local economies, and greater opportunities for all. Strengthening unions and supporting working families doesn’t just help individuals—it uplifts entire communities.

At the Colorado Fiscal Institute, we advocate for policies that:

Make it easier for working people to come together and negotiate for better wages, benefits, and safer working conditions.
Support training, education, and workplace protections that prepare working people for stable, well-paying jobs and contribute to Colorado’s economic growth.

Popular Resources

Explore tools, reports, and research that highlight the benefits of pro-worker policies and empower working families to thrive.

Tax Credits for Working Families

Tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) are proven tools to support working families and strengthen communities. These credits put money back into the pockets of those who need it most, helping families cover essentials like housing, food, and childcare.

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JobsWatch

A look at Colorado’s economy, exploring employment trends, wage growth, and what they mean for working people.

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Paid Family & Medical Leave

Colorado’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI) went into effect Jan. 1, 2024, meaning Colorado workers no longer have to choose between caring for themselves or their loved ones and earning a paycheck.

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Workers' Rights

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Equal Pay Day: Addressing the Challenges Women Face in Colorado’s Workforce

March 25, 2025

Today marks Equal Pay Day, a significant reminder of the persistent wage gap that continues to impact women across Colorado.

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Strong Unions Report Brief: Part Two

March 12, 2025

Strong Unions Promote Economic Justice for Workers of Color, Women, and Frontline Workers In this second brief of Colorado Fiscal Institute’s (CFI)’s series on unions and workers rights in Colorado,…

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Strong Unions Mean Strong Economic Outcomes for All Coloradans

November 18, 2024

In this report, we review available research on the economic benefits of unions, the impact of state laws like Colorado’s…

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Five Ways Project 2025 Could Undermine Colorado Workers

October 31, 2024

Project 2025 would undermine American workers and create obstacles to achieving a place in the middle class, all while providing…

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The Union Difference

August 30, 2024

This Labor Day it’s worth celebrating that 7 out of 10 Americans support labor unions. This marks the highest public…

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Your support makes it possible for CFI to provide independent information that policymakers, community leaders, and residents need to make the best decisions for themselves and their communities. Your support makes it possible for CFI to provide accessible information that policymakers, community leaders, and residents need to make the best decisions for themselves and their communities.

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