(Denver, CO – August 21, 2025) – Colorado Republican leaders are standing united as the Governor convenes a narrow and predetermined special session that fails to address the state’s structural budget challenges. While Democrats push for higher taxes and more government spending, Republicans are offering common-sense solutions that respect taxpayers, protect families, and restore fiscal discipline.
House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese emphasized that the Governor’s special session is not about solving a crisis but about raising taxes.
“For years, Democrats at the Capitol have spent beyond their means and ignored Republican solutions. Now, they want taxpayers to bail them out,” Pugliese said. “Republicans will protect your right to vote on tax increases, defend your refunds, and not give Democrats a blank check. Our bills repeal hidden tax hikes, protect small retailers, and preserve Medicaid for the most vulnerable. These are real solutions for Colorado families.”
Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson pointed to years of unsustainable spending under the Democrat majority as the cause of the $700 million budget gap.
“This special legislative session is the direct result of years of unchecked spending, government expansion, and excessive waste by the Democrat-controlled legislature,” Senator Cleave Simpson said. “Since taking full control of state government, the Democrat majority has grown the budget from $32 billion to $46 billion and created more than 200 new offices and programs. This reckless spending is the sole cause of our budget deficit. My hope is that my Democrat colleagues will finally heed our warnings and show fiscal restraint instead of repeating the same costly mistakes.”
Assistant House Minority Leader Ty Winter highlighted the impact of the Governor’s plan on rural communities.
“The Governor chose to call this session during the Colorado State Fair, showing just how out of touch this administration is,” Winter said. “He condemned Washington for withholding funds, yet now threatens to do the same to Colorado’s own counties — that is hypocrisy, plain and simple. That is why I am introducing a bill to repeal his $4 million slush fund, while my colleagues bring forward other solutions that protect taxpayers and families.”
Senator Lisa Frizell reassured Colorado taxpayers that Republicans would be fighting to protect them during the upcoming legislative session.
“Coloradans should be offended by the Democrat’s notion that taxpayers should foot the bill for their costly partisan projects and bloated government offices,” Senator Frizell said. “Candidly, I don’t think they’re fooled by the ridiculous rhetoric that has been promulgated. Families across our great state have had to tighten their belts and do without, while the Governor and Democrat-led legislature have been on a spending spree. They have increased the size of the state government, pandered to special interests, and enacted policies that have bloated our cost of living. This amazing assembly around me looks forward to the upcoming debate, and Colorado taxpayers need to know that it will be Republicans who are fighting to keep more money in their wallets.”
Joint Budget Committee member Representative Rick Taggart pointed to the state’s structural deficit and the need for long-term fiscal discipline.
“On June 18, we learned that Colorado would begin the next budget year nearly $700 million in the red,” Taggart said. “This is a structural deficit that has been years in the making. The Governor’s call is narrow and focused only on raising revenue, not fixing spending. My bill will ensure accountability by requiring spending reduction plans if reserves fall below safe levels. Colorado families live within their means every day, and government should be no different.”
Senator Kirkmeyer shared her comments on the Democrats’ over spending.
“This crisis wasn’t made in Washington — it was made right here in Colorado by Democrats who spent billions, grew government, and ignored the warnings,” Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer said. “Now they want to point fingers and raise your taxes to cover up their own mismanagement. Hardworking Coloradans shouldn’t have to pay the price for years of overspending at the Capitol. We don’t need another tax hike — we need accountability and real spending cuts.”
Colorado Republicans remain committed to offering meaningful reforms that strengthen families, respect taxpayers, and provide long-term stability for Colorado’s budget.