JOINT RELEASE: Joint Budget Committee Democrats Respond to Newly Released Budget Forecast

March 15, 2019

Denver, CO – This afternoon, the Governor’s office and the Colorado Legislative Council released a quarterly budget forecast that will help lawmakers write the annual state budget. In response, members of the Joint Budget Committee released the following statements:

“While this budget forecast might not be as strong as we hoped for, the Joint Budget Committee's priority must be to serve as responsible stewards of taxpayers dollars as we work to balance the state budget,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “I am still confident that we will be able to find a way forward that protects the state’s finances while also delivering on many of the important legislative priorities that our Democratic majorities were elected on.”

“We remain focused on putting forth a bipartisan and responsible budget that addresses our state’s most pressing needs and reflects the values of Coloradans,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Hardworking individuals and families in southern Colorado and across our state are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. We must work together to support them and give them the tools they need to get ahead.”

“The budget forecast is not a red or a blue issue, and regardless of party, we must be smart with our decisions and balance many competing priorities with the need for fiscal responsibility,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We take these decisions very seriously, and will carefully identify what our biggest financial needs are as we debate and finalize our state’s budget.”

“A poorly targeted federal tax change and pointless trade wars and tariffs have manufactured uncertainty in the economy and are beginning to drag down hardworking families,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “We must work together to responsibly invest in education, work to cut the cost of health care to ensure our state remains prosperous.”

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