Denver, CO - Colorado Senate Republicans today challenged Governor Jared Polis and legislative Democrats to take responsibility for the state’s unsustainable spending trajectory after eight years of one-party control. The Governor delivered his FY27-28 budget address today at the Capitol and issued a dire warning: if no action is taken, the accelerating cost of Medicaid will make it impossible to fund everything else the state is responsible for.
"After eight years of Democratic control of the governor's office and both chambers of the legislature, Coloradans are due some accountability," said Senator Barb Kirkmeyer. "The governor's own numbers tell the story of what happens when you allow spending commitments to outstrip the state's ability to sustain them. We need spending discipline that is actually enforceable, meaningful oversight, and a budget proposal that is actually balanced."
In the Governor's statement, he says that Medicaid will be 38% of the General Fund. Without any action, it projects another 15% increase in Medicaid General Fund spending in FY 2027-28. Even with the Governor's proposed restraints, total Medicaid spending would still rise by about $820m, with $250m coming from the General Fund.
“Colorado families have to make tough choices in order to live within their means, and the state government has to do the same,” said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Lisa Frizell. “Eight years of one-party control here in Colorado has allowed commitments to grow without any real discipline as to their long-term cost. Taxpayers deserve a government that measures results, gets rid of waste and stops making promises it can't afford.”
Republicans stressed that reform must protect access to care while also restoring fiscal accountability. If costs continue on their current unsustainable trajectory, both people receiving care and other vital services are in danger.
"For rural Colorado, these decisions have a direct bearing on whether a family can find a doctor, whether a hospital can continue to serve the community, and whether our schools and our public safety agencies have the resources they need," said Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson. "We need a Medicaid program that the state can afford. We need thoughtful reform that preserves the essential services, that holds spending accountable and that recognizes the reality of what rural providers and patients are up against."
Senate Republicans are calling for stringent oversight of Medicaid payments, measurable efforts to prevent improper payments, transparent accounting of long-term obligations, and a full review of the state's programs before imposing any further financial burden on Coloradans.
The Governor has proposed slowing the growth rate of Medicaid spending to 4.3% and said further actions will be announced in January. Republicans have said the proposal must be assessed on whether the reforms will deliver sustainable savings without compromising the level of care for Coloradans.
After eight years of one-party control, Coloradans deserve more than yet another warning about the future. They deserve a sustainable budget and some accountability for the decisions that have got us to this point.
About the Colorado State Senate Republican Caucus
The Colorado Senate Republican Caucus is committed to advancing common-sense solutions that make Colorado safer, more affordable, and full of opportunity. Senate Republicans work to protect individual liberty, promote responsible government, strengthen families and communities, and ensure every Coloradan has the opportunity to succeed.