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Resources to understand Colorado's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR), its fiscal impact, and advocacy for reform.
The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) is the most restrictive tax and expenditure limitation law in the country, shaping nearly every fiscal decision made in Colorado.

While it was designed to limit government growth, TABOR has created significant barriers to addressing the needs of our state and its residents. As we face federal budget cuts and increasing demands on state services, TABOR hampers Colorado’s ability to backfill essential funding for programs and services.

 At the Colorado Fiscal Institute (CFI), we understand the complexities of TABOR and its impact on everything from government transparency and accountability to economic resilience, local governance, and democratic processes.

This collection of resources is designed to help you, and your stakeholders, understand what TABOR is, why it’s a problem, and how you can take action to support reforms or repeal efforts. With this information, you'll be better equipped to engage in meaningful advocacy and share the facts with others, helping to foster a more sustainable fiscal future for Colorado.

  1. TABOR in 1 Minute: Fact Sheet
  2. TABOR in 2 Minutes: Video Explainer
  3. TABOR in 3 Minutes: TABOR Tots
  4. TABOR IN 10 Minutes: TABOR Primer
  5. "TABOR: The Colorado Con" E-Blast
  6. More TABOR Talk

TABOR in 1 Minute: Fact Sheet

Pressed for time but eager for knowledge? This fact sheet highlights the essential details of TABOR—its impact on state services, local governments, and Colorado’s future—and explains why reform or repeal is crucial for the state's economic stability and long-term growth.
TABOR one-pager

TABOR in 2 Minutes: Video Explainer

Learn why a formula that links spending on roads, healthcare, and schools to the cost of toothpaste is silly.


TABOR in 3 Minutes: TABOR Tots

Introducing TABOR Tots on TikTok—a fun and engaging series where CFI breaks down the complex world of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) in short, easy-to-understand videos. In each episode, we explain key aspects of TABOR and its far-reaching impact on Colorado, from budget challenges to limitations on essential services. Never miss a video. Follow us on TikTok @coloradofiscalinstitute.

@coloradofiscalinstitute TABOR is one of the most important laws in Colorado, but not enough of us really understand what it is and how it works. Join CFI as we explore the many implications of TABOR, and learn how it keeps Colorado from becoming its best self. #tabortot #coleg #copolitics #tabor #tabortots #tatertot ♬ original sound - Colorado Fiscal Institute
@coloradofiscalinstitute This year, Coloradans are staring down $750 million in cuts to services we all use. Without TABOR, K-12, healthcare, higher education, and more wouldn’t be on the chopping block year after year. TABOR make governing harder, that’s why it’s got to go❌ #tabortots #copolitics #coleg #tabor #tabortot #tatertot ♬ original sound - Colorado Fiscal Institute
@coloradofiscalinstitute TABOR forces our tax code to be inequitable, placing a higher burden on people with lower incomes. Without TABOR, we could actually tax wealth in our state and invest in working people. #TABORtot #coleg #copolitics #tabortots #tabor #tatertot ♬ original sound - Colorado Fiscal Institute
@coloradofiscalinstitute Ever heard of a TABOR cap? Here’s everything you need to know about the limits TABOR sets on government spending every year. #TABORTot #coleg #copolitics #tabortots #tabor #tatertot ♬ original sound - Colorado Fiscal Institute
@coloradofiscalinstitute SHALL TAXES BE RAISED BY… If you’ve ever voted on a tax measure in Colorado, you’ve seen this language before. Here’s why. #tabortot #coleg #copolitics #tabor #tabortots #tatertot ♬ original sound - Colorado Fiscal Institute
@coloradofiscalinstitute TABOR forces an unfair system in our state. At a time when federal programs are at risk, we need access to all the tools at our disposal to make sure Colorado is a place where we can all thrive, not just the wealthiest few. #tabor #copolitics #coleg #tabortot #tabortots #tatertot ♬ original sound - Colorado Fiscal Institute

TABOR in 10 Minutes: TABOR Primer 

For a more detailed look at the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), this primer breaks down its fiscal impact on Colorado’s budget, state services, and local governments. We explore how TABOR affects economic stability and funding for essential programs, providing you with a clear understanding of its long-term challenges for the state’s financial future.

"TABOR: The Colorado Con" E-Blast

Our new weekly email series, where we serve up Tator-Tot-sized bites of digital content to help you explain why TABOR doesn't work for Colorado. Whether you're a legislator, grassroots activist, or just a concerned citizen who sees how TABOR has our state budget stuck in a crisis, this series is your go-to guide.

Why: Since 1992, we've been hoodwinked into thinking that the Colorado Taxpayer's Bill of Rights gives us control over our tax dollars, when in reality, it’s like handing lawmakers a set of handcuffs. TABOR keeps us from fully funding the services we all need, like education.

Why now: As you may have noticed, key federal programs are being slashed. But here’s the kicker—unlike other states, Colorado can't fill those funding gaps because of TABOR. Our deficit is only going to get worse until we confront the big, pink elephant in the room: an outdated law that wasn't built to adapt to the needs of a growing state. If you're ready to shake up the status quo and take on our tax laws, hit that subscribe button!

More TABOR Talk

Want to dive deeper into TABOR reform? Visit our TABOR Insights page, where we explore the impact of TABOR and constitutional policies on Colorado’s budget, public services, and economy.

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

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