Fact Check: Colorado anticipates $313 million less in its general fund for 2025-26.

Fact Check: "Colorado anticipates $313 million less in its general fund for 2025-26."

What We Know

Colorado's projected general fund revenue for the fiscal year 2025-26 is indeed expected to decrease significantly. According to the Economic & Revenue Forecast, the general fund revenue is projected to total approximately $16.99 billion, reflecting a decrease of 1.5% compared to previous estimates. This decline is largely attributed to a decrease in corporate income tax revenues.

Furthermore, the 2025 Fiscal Note Data Reports indicate that various factors, including legislative changes and economic conditions, are contributing to a projected reduction in general fund revenues. The state anticipates a decrease of around $313 million in its general fund for the upcoming fiscal year.

Analysis

The claim that Colorado anticipates a $313 million reduction in its general fund for 2025-26 is supported by credible sources. The Economic & Revenue Forecast provides a detailed analysis of the expected revenue, citing specific declines in corporate income tax as a primary factor. This forecast is produced by the Colorado General Assembly, which is a reliable source of financial projections.

The 2025 Fiscal Note Data Reports corroborate this information, explicitly noting the anticipated decrease in the general fund. These reports are also produced by the state legislature, ensuring that the data is both accurate and relevant to the state's financial planning.

While other sources, such as the Colorado Department of Law FY 2025-26 Budget Request and the Colorado Newsline, discuss broader budgetary concerns and potential cuts, they do not directly contradict the specific claim regarding the $313 million reduction. Instead, they provide context about the overall fiscal challenges facing the state, which aligns with the anticipated decrease in revenue.

Overall, the sources used for this analysis are credible and provide a consistent narrative regarding Colorado's financial outlook for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Colorado anticipates $313 million less in its general fund for 2025-26 is accurate. This conclusion is based on reliable forecasts from the Colorado General Assembly and corroborated by additional fiscal reports. The projected decrease is attributed to various economic factors, particularly a decline in corporate income tax revenues.

Sources

1. Economic & Revenue Forecast | Colorado General Assembly
2. 2025 Fiscal Note Data Reports General Fund Impacts
3. fy2025-26 budget request
4. Colorado Department of Law FY 2025-26 Budget Request
5. Colorado lawmakers warned of billion-dollar budget crunch ...
6. Colorado
7. mayor's - 2025 budget
8. In The Know: 2025 State Budget