Educators, lawmakers unveil bill that would untie education funding from TABOR rules

March 6, 2026 - 07:36

A new legislative effort aims to fundamentally change how Colorado funds its public schools by separating education dollars from the state's strict taxpayer bill of rights, known as TABOR. The proposed bill, unveiled by a coalition of educators and state lawmakers, seeks to address what proponents call a decades-long crisis in school financing.

Advocates point to stark data showing the tangible impacts of current constraints. They argue that Colorado schools are effectively operating at 1989 spending levels when adjusted for inflation. This chronic underfunding is further highlighted by U.S. Census data, which consistently ranks the state in the bottom 20 nationwide for per-pupil spending. The existing system ties school budgets to TABOR's revenue limits, which restrict the amount of money the state can retain and spend even during periods of economic growth.

Supporters of the bill contend that this change is necessary to provide a stable and adequate funding stream for K-12 education, allowing investments in teacher salaries, classroom resources, and critical student support services. They argue that the current model fails to keep pace with the needs of a growing and evolving student population. The proposal is expected to spark significant debate at the state capitol regarding taxation, constitutional mandates, and the prioritization of public education.