(Denver, CO – August 26, 2025) – Colorado Republicans stood united at the conclusion of the Governor’s narrowly scoped special session, emphasizing that Democrats chose to raise taxes instead of adopting real solutions to Colorado’s structural budget challenges. The package of bills passed by Democrats raises taxes on the people of Colorado by over $200 million in this fiscal year alone, all while rejecting Republican proposals that would have increased savings, cut waste, and protected Colorado families.
House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese stated that the special session represented another missed opportunity to put families first.
“Colorado families are paying more for everything, from groceries to housing, yet Democrats raised hundreds of millions in new taxes while refusing to even consider Republican solutions to lower costs and protect Taxpayer Bill of Rights refunds. Families deserve leaders who protect their household budgets, not politicians who raid them.”
Upon adjournment of the session. Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson commented on the Democrats’ failure to welcome bipartisanship leading up to, and during the special session.
“This special session was never about collaboration, the script was written before the gavel dropped,” Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson said. “When it came to the fiscal bills considered, the Democrats knew exactly what would pass and what wouldn’t. The bills that were passed during this session will put taxpayers on the hook to partially close the $700 million budget deficit created by Democrats. The Democrats bills that were passed were crafted without Republican involvement and passed without our fingerprints. I am confident we would have found meaningful solutions that don’t increase taxes on Coloradans had only my Democrat colleagues opened the door to honest, bipartisan collaboration.”
Assistant House Minority Leader Ty Winter highlighted the hypocrisy and reckless budgeting behind the Democrats’ approach.
Colorado families are stretched thin with rising costs, and they deserve real solutions that put them first. Instead, Democrats came into this special session with their minds already made up. They ignored our ideas to lower costs and chose politics over people. That is not how you build trust or deliver relief for hardworking Coloradans.
Senate Minority Whip Janice Rich shared her frustrations with the Democrats’ choice to increase taxes instead of decreasing spending.
“To say I’m disappointed is an understatement,” Senator Janice Rich said. “My colleagues and I came to this special session ready to roll up our sleeves and fight for real relief for Coloradans, but the Democrats had other plans. Instead of tax relief, they chose tax hikes. Instead of working with us to solve this crisis, they doubled down on the same failed path that created it. Make no mistake: the economic downfall of this state lies squarely in the Democrats hands; I hope they come to realize this sooner rather than later and choose to work with us Republicans to create real and responsible solutions.”
Representative Rick Taggart pointed to the numbers, stressing the missed opportunity to address Colorado’s long-term budget challenges.
“The numbers speak for themselves. Democrats’ bills raise over 250 million dollars in taxes and tax credits in just the next year alone. This does nothing to address the state’s structural $700 million shortfall. Instead of bringing stability and discipline, they raised taxes while ignoring Republican solutions that would have protected savings and delivered long-term fiscal health and stability.”
Ranking JBC Member Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer condemned the Democrats for raising taxes on Coloradans, and condemned Governor Polis for reducing healthcare provider rates.
“Everyone in Colorado knows, feels, and believes things are already too expensive, yet this Democratic special session was about raising taxes even higher and blaming TABOR and Washington DC,” Senator Kirkmeyer said. “And while they’re raising taxes for hard working Coloradans and small business by hundreds of dollars, they gave $200M in tax credits to corporations. Finally, in the next few days, when the public isn’t watching, Governor Polis will cut access for 1.2 million Colorado citizens by reducing healthcare provider rates. I’m deeply concerned one party control has taken our budget and state in the wrong direction- making living here too expensive. We need to do better.”
Colorado Republicans remain committed to protecting taxpayers, preserving the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, and advancing policies that respect families and make life more affordable across the state.