Proposition NNState law · Put on the ballot by lawmakers
Keep TABOR surplus for schools
Explain it like I'm 5
Colorado normally refunds some extra tax money when collections go above the TABOR limit. This would let the state keep some of that money for K-12 schools and children's programs.
Yes vote
The state may retain surplus revenue above the TABOR cap for K-12 education and specified children's programs, mainly reducing or eliminating refunds.
No vote
Current TABOR refund rules remain and surplus revenue continues to be handled under existing limits.
The question to ask yourself
Should surplus money be returned to taxpayers or retained for K-12 education and related children's programs?
The case for
- It could provide more stable funding for teacher pay, class sizes, career education, and classroom needs.
- The measure uses revenue already collected rather than increasing tax rates.
- Dedicated spending, reporting, and audits can make the new money easier to track.
Backed by: Colorado Education Association, Yes for Colorado Kids, Democratic Party of Colorado
The case against
- Taxpayers could receive smaller or no TABOR refunds.
- The measure raises the spending limit and may allow government spending to grow faster.
- After the initial period, lawmakers may gain broader discretion over retained funds.
Opposed by: Republican Party of Colorado, Independence Institute, Colorado Chamber of Commerce, Common Sense Institute
- Money
- The state estimates about $500 million would be retained in the first year, reducing or eliminating TABOR refunds when revenue exceeds the limit.
- Don't be misled
- It is misleading to say this raises tax rates, because it changes how already collected revenue is spent, but taxpayers may receive smaller refunds.