Colorado Families Face Mixed Impact from Federal Spending Bill as State's GOP Representatives Back Measure

A new federal spending bill supported by all of Colorado's Republican representatives could have dramatically different effects on Colorado households depending on their income levels, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis released Thursday.

The measure, which passed the House with support from Colorado's entire Republican delegation, would create a stark divide in its impact on Colorado families, with the state's highest earners seeing gains while many working-class families could face financial challenges.

Impact on Colorado Communities

For Colorado Springs and Denver metro families, the implications are significant:

• 25% of households in Colorado Springs' District 5 earn less than $50,000 annually
• 24% of households in the northern Denver metro's District 8 fall below the $50,000 threshold
• 35% of households in Western Colorado's District 3 could face program cuts

Local Representatives Respond

"Not passing this crucial legislation would devastate Colorado and the hardworking families in my district," said Rep. Jeff Crank of Colorado Springs, arguing that his constituents would face tax increases without the bill.

However, Colorado Fiscal Institute Executive Director Kathy White warns of unique challenges for Colorado families: "We can't use our own sources to make up for what the federal government takes away. Our people will bear the brunt of that pain more than other states."

TABOR Complications

Colorado faces a distinctive challenge due to its Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR). If the federal spending cuts pass, state lawmakers would need to convene a special session to address budget shortfalls, with limited options for replacing lost federal funding due to TABOR restrictions.

By the Numbers for Colorado Families

According to CBO projections, the impact over 10 years would mean:

• Households earning around $692,000 would gain approximately $12,000
• Middle-income families ($86,000-$107,000) would see $500-$1,000 in benefits
• Families earning under $56,000 would experience net losses due to program cuts

For Colorado's working families, the cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs could have particularly severe effects, especially in rural communities and urban areas with higher concentrations of lower-income households.

This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.