Colorado's TABOR Limits Education Funding, Former Director Warns

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, March 18th 2026 at 8:49 GMT by PBS
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Denver, Colorado - March 18th, 2026 - Colorado continues to grapple with a persistent challenge: balancing fiscal responsibility with the critical need for investment in key sectors, particularly education. Former Colorado Budget Director Mark Reitmeyer recently offered a sobering assessment of the state's budget situation, highlighting the constraints imposed by the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) and the long-term consequences of underfunding public schools.

Reitmeyer, speaking on a local radio program, emphasized that Colorado is navigating a "challenging environment" where budgetary needs frequently outweigh available resources. The primary obstacle, he stated, is Amendment 1, more commonly known as TABOR. Enacted in 1992, TABOR limits the amount of revenue the state can retain, requiring refunds to taxpayers when revenue exceeds prior year levels. While proponents tout TABOR as a safeguard against government overspending, Reitmeyer argues it significantly hampers the state's ability to address pressing needs such as education, infrastructure improvements, and healthcare access.

"It's a major constraint," Reitmeyer explained. "When the state collects more revenue than it did in the previous year, it has to refund that money back to taxpayers. That limits our ability to invest in things like education, infrastructure, and healthcare."

The impact on education is particularly acute. Colorado has a longstanding history of underfunding its public school system, a trend that Reitmeyer believes is creating a cascade of negative effects. These include ballooning class sizes, a growing teacher shortage, and a demonstrable decline in the quality of education provided to students. These aren't merely academic concerns; Reitmeyer stresses that consistent underfunding has far-reaching economic implications.

"We're not preparing our students for the jobs of the future, and we're hindering the state's economic growth," he stated. The skills gap created by a poorly funded education system directly impacts Colorado's ability to attract and retain businesses seeking a qualified workforce. In a competitive global economy, a robust education system is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for sustained economic prosperity.

So what can be done? Reitmeyer outlined a few potential pathways forward, none of which are without their own hurdles. The most direct, albeit politically difficult, solution would be to repeal or significantly reform TABOR. This would free up substantial revenue for investment in critical areas. However, overcoming the deeply ingrained public support for TABOR - and the accompanying concerns about government spending - presents a formidable challenge.

Another option involves identifying new revenue sources. This could include increasing the sales tax, implementing a property tax increase, or exploring other innovative funding mechanisms. However, any tax increase is likely to face stiff opposition from taxpayers and special interest groups, making legislative passage a complex undertaking. There has also been discussion around re-evaluating existing tax exemptions and closing loopholes that disproportionately benefit certain industries.

Perhaps the most concerning risk, according to Reitmeyer, is the emergence of a two-tiered education system within Colorado. He foresees a scenario where affluent school districts, bolstered by local property taxes and philanthropic contributions, continue to thrive, while less fortunate districts struggle to provide even a basic education. This widening disparity could exacerbate existing inequalities and create a permanent underclass, undermining the state's social fabric.

"I think the biggest risk is that we're creating a two-tiered system in Colorado. We're going to have some school districts that are well-funded and thriving, and others that are struggling to survive. That's not a recipe for a strong, prosperous state," he warned.

The situation isn't just about educational equity; it's about Colorado's long-term economic viability. A skilled and well-educated workforce is paramount to attracting businesses, fostering innovation, and ensuring a competitive edge in the 21st-century economy. Ignoring the needs of public education, Reitmeyer argues, is a shortsighted strategy that will ultimately jeopardize the state's future prosperity. The debate surrounding Colorado's budget and education funding is likely to intensify in the coming months, as lawmakers grapple with the difficult choices necessary to secure a brighter future for the state and its residents.