DENVER, CO – As the Colorado General Assembly gavels out its 2026 legislative session today, a series of controversial bills underscores what many see as misplaced priorities—advancing regulatory mandates, tax increases, and expanded government control rather than addressing the most pressing concerns of Colorado families and small businesses: affordability, energy costs, and economic opportunity.
Americans for Prosperity-Colorado (AFP-CO) Deputy State Director Brittany Trujillo issued the following statement:
“At a time when families across Colorado are struggling with rising costs—from groceries to housing to energy—lawmakers chose to prioritize policies that increase government control, complicate our tax system, and raise costs for small businesses. Instead of expanding opportunity and making our state more affordable, this session advanced an agenda that puts political priorities ahead of practical solutions for hardworking Coloradans.
“Colorado deserves policies that empower families, encourage innovation, and support economic growth. AFP will continue advocating for solutions that put people—not politics—first.”
Instead of pursuing meaningful relief amid rising costs of living, lawmakers spent the session advancing policies such as SB26-146, targeting single-use plastics, and a package of tax changes—including HB26-1221, HB26-1222, which failed, and HB26-1223, which passed —that roll back previous tax relief for working families and add complexity for small businesses navigating Colorado’s tax code.
At the same time, legislators revisited the state’s taxpayer protections through HB26-135 and SB26-042, proposals related to Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) refunds and ballot measures that critics argue chip away at taxpayer rights and fiscal transparency.
Additionally, HB26-1005, a sweeping expansion of collective bargaining powers, has raised concerns about increased costs, reduced employer flexibility, and long-term impacts on Colorado’s economy – AFP is urging Governor Polis to veto this anti-worker legislation.
Supporters of a more growth-focused policy agenda say these measures signal a broader disconnect between legislative actions and the economic realities facing Coloradans. Critics argue the legislature missed key opportunities to address high utility bills, reduce regulatory burdens, and create a more competitive environment for job creation and small business growth.