Boulder lawmakers brace for hard cuts after $1B budget blow
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Boulder Democrats tell Axios they'll focus on education and health care as they prepare for a special session to address a $1 billion budget gap.
Why it matters: The deficit — triggered by a new federal law — threatens key state services, forcing painful decisions even in progressive districts like Boulder.
Driving the news: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Wednesday called for a special legislative session to start Aug. 27 aimed at fixing a $1 billion budget shortfall following the recent passage of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Threat level: "There's not a lot of places to cut," state Sen. Judy Amabile, a Boulder Democrat on the Joint Budget Committee, tells Axios.
- "For some people, this will be life or death," she adds.
Between the lines: Even before the reconciliation bill passed, Colorado was already staring down a spending crunch.
- And some lawmakers say they are also limited by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR).
Zoom in: Both Boulder Rep. Lesley Smith and Amabile say Boulder constituents are urging them to shield K-12 education, health care and college aid from deep cuts.
- "Personally, I don't want us to cut anything that impacts patient care," Amabile says.
- Smith, a former CU regent, says she's especially concerned about student grants and aid.
- Boulder Rep. Junie Joseph adds she plans to prioritize government programs that "can improve people's lives," adding: "'I'm ready to return to the Capitol and fight for Boulder's values and priorities."
Friction point: Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson blames Democrats for the budget crisis, citing "overspending and mismanagement." Democrats counter that Republicans in Congress triggered the shortfall by backing the Trump-backed federal package.
The bottom line: Colorado is required by law to balance its budget, so, Amabile says, "Everything is on the table.
- Smith said Colorado lawmakers have had experience in making these types of cuts: "We're no strangers to making tough decisions while still protecting the core services our communities rely on."