By now, your ballot has likely arrived, sitting in your mailbox, on your kitchen counter, or waiting to be discussed around the dinner table. As Coloradans begin making decisions about the future of our state, we know there is a lot of information, advertising, and political messaging competing for attention. 

We believe voters deserve clear, factual information about measures that will affect students and families. We hope this overview helps you understand two ballot measures that could have a significant impact on Colorado’s children and families: Proposition NN and Amendment 87. Together, these measures represent a unique opportunity to invest in both our public schools and the support systems that help students thrive.  

Why This Matters 

Colorado students deserve great schools, excellent teachers, safe learning environments, and the opportunities they need to succeed. Yet schools across the state continue to navigate staffing challenges, rising costs, and increasing student needs. At the same time, families are facing growing costs for healthcare and childcare, both of which play a critical role in a child’s success in school.  

Student success doesn’t begin and end in the classroom. Strong schools matter. Healthy communities matter. Affordable childcare matters. That’s why Proposition NN and Amendment 87 work best together. 

Proposition NN: A Direct Investment in Public Education 

Proposition NN would increase funding for Colorado’s K-12 public schools over the next decade. According to supporters, the funding would help schools invest in priorities such as higher teacher pay, smaller class sizes, career and technical education opportunities, and increased accountability.  

Proposition NN: What Colorado Voters Should Know 

• Proposition NN would use existing revenue, not create a new tax. Proposition NN would dedicate a portion of future TABOR surplus revenue to K-12 public schools rather than returning that portion through taxpayer refunds.  

• It would provide additional resources for public schools. Schools could use the funding to support priorities such as teacher pay, smaller class sizes, career and technical education opportunities, and improved student outcomes. 

Amendment 87: Investing in Students Inside and Outside the Classroom 

Amendment 87 would create a graduated income tax system in Colorado, lowering taxes for most Coloradans while asking the highest-income earners and large corporations to contribute more. Revenue generated by the measure would be dedicated to K-12 education, healthcare, and childcare. In this new system, 97% of Colorado taxpayers would receive a tax cut, and no one earning less than $500,000 annually would pay more in state income taxes.  

For students and families, those investments could help strengthen schools while also addressing challenges such as childcare affordability, childcare waitlists, healthcare access, and community support systems.  

Amendment 87: What Colorado Voters Should Know 

• Most Coloradans would receive a tax cut. Amendment 87 would create a graduated income tax system based on income. Under the proposal, 97% of Colorado taxpayers would receive a tax cut, and no one earning less than $500,000 annually would pay more in state income taxes. 
• Tax rates would be based on income, not age or profession. Whether someone pays more or less would depend on taxable income, not whether they are a senior, veteran, teacher, or retiree.
• The measure would support more than public education. Revenue would be dedicated to K-12 education, healthcare, and childcare, recognizing that students are more likely to succeed when their families and communities have access to essential supports. 
• Communities across Colorado could benefit. The measure could generate new school funding for districts across the state while helping address local healthcare and childcare needs. 

Better Together 

These measures address different parts of the same challenge. 

Proposition NN strengthens our schools by providing direct K-12 investment.  

Amendment 87 strengthens the broader conditions that help children succeed while also investing in education. 

Together, they recognize a simple truth: families are more likely to thrive when they have excellent schools, access to healthcare, affordable childcare, and strong community supports. 

We believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Investing in students means investing in teachers, schools, families, and communities. Proposition NN and Amendment 87 offer voters the chance to do exactly that.  

As you review your ballot at the kitchen table, talk with your family, and prepare to cast your vote, we encourage you to look beyond the headlines, review the facts, and consider what these measures could mean for Colorado’s children. 

Because when Colorado invests in kids, Colorado invests in its future. 

Learn more. Make a plan. Vote by November 3. 

Sources: 

Protect Colorado’s Future, Amendment 87 

Yes for Colorado Kids, Prop NN 

9 News, No, Amendment 87 does not raise taxes on seniors and veterans, at least not for Social Security and pensions 

The Colorado Sun, Proposition NN: Colorado TABOR refunds would be diverted to K-12 education 

Primary Election Day is June 30, 2026

Stand for Children Colorado announced the endorsement of candidates for the June 30, 2026 primary election.

• Justine Sandoval (HD 5)
• Lindsay Gilchrist (HD 8)
• Monica VanBuskirk (HD 9)
• Alexis Hoffkling (HD 23)
• Jacque Phillips (HD 31)
• Heidi Henkel (HD 33)
• Dr. Anne Keke (HD 41)
• Taylor Voss (SD 3)
• Andrés Carrera (SD 34)
• Senator Michael Bennet (Governor)

Candidates seeking Stand’s endorsement complete a questionnaire and are interviewed by a panel of parents and community members. Stand and the parents, educators, and community members we work with will now engage to get out the vote in support of these candidates between now and election day.

“Senator Michael Bennet has an unparalleled track record of standing for children. He’s advanced changes to improve student achievement and to support our schools and educators; his deep commitment to reducing child poverty and creating real opportunities for Colorado families makes him the right choice to lead our state forward,” said Stand for Children Executive Director Krista Spurgin.

We share Senator Bennet’s belief that a strong, well-supported public education system is the foundation of a healthy, thriving community and are proud to endorse Senator Michael Bennet for Governor of Colorado in the 2026 election.

Learn more about Senator Bennet’s policy goals and achievements for children and families in Colorado.

Great news: Amendment 80 was rejected by Colorado voters. Disguised as a measure seeking to protect school choice in the state constitution, which Colorado families already have, Amendment 80 would have taken a permanent first step toward creating a voucher system, which would use taxpayer dollars to bankroll elite private school tuition.  

“Our schools need more teachers, smaller classrooms, and resources for critical programs like mental health services, early literacy support, and workplace readiness, but Amendment 80 would have achieved the opposite,” said Stand for Children Executive Director Krista Spurgin. “We are thrilled to see Colorado voters reject this misleading measure because it is the last thing our children need. We need to stay focused on supporting schools that are open to all students, accountable to taxpayers, and preparing kids with the skills they need to succeed.”

“As a parent and a teacher, the education of my children and students is one of my top priorities, and Amendment 80 puts that at risk,” said Alysia Bellamy, a parent and educator in Pueblo. “I am a strong supporter of school choice, but Amendment 80 was not about school choice, which Colorado parents already have. It was a dangerous move toward vouchers which would have diverted money away from the public schools that are serving the majority of our kids. I am glad Amendment 80 was rejected by voters. Now we can return our focus to better supporting our public schools and teachers.”

Voucher programs divert critical resources from already-underfunded public schools and funnel them to unaccountable private schools that do not have to meet state education standards, or even teach scientifically sound curriculum. Often, vouchers primarily benefit families that can already afford private school tuition and may not address the needs of disadvantaged students.  

We thank everyone for their work getting out the vote to ensure we protected our already underfunded schools from this deceitful effort to open the door to public school funding being sent to private schools. 

We cannot allow funding for public schools to be sent to private schools. Disguised as a measure seeking to protect school choice in the state constitution, which Colorado families already have, Amendment 80 takes a permanent first step towards creating a voucher system, which would use taxpayer dollars to bankroll elite private school tuition.  

Voucher programs divert critical resources from already-underfunded public schools and funnel them to unaccountable private schools that do not have to meet state education standards, or even teach scientifically sound curriculum. Often, vouchers primarily benefit families that can already afford private school tuition and may not address the needs of disadvantaged students.  Together, we can protect our already underfunded schools from this deceitful effort to open the door to public school funding being sent to private schools. 

If you’ve already voted, please use this toolkit to ask your friends and neighbors to vote no on Amendment 80.

Election day isn’t until Tuesday, November 5^th, but your inbox, mailbox and social media is probably starting to be filled with information about candidates and initiatives. With that in mind, we are sharing that Stand for Children endorses the Denver Public Schools Bond and opposes Amendment 80.   

Vote No: Amendment 80 

Amendment 80 would amend the Colorado Constitution to include the right to school choice. School choice is already protected by Colorado law.  Colorado families have exercised school choice for decades and there are no threats to their ability to continue, so this constitutional amendment is unnecessary.  It is a deceitful and misguided effort to open the door to harm our students with vouchers that WILL take money away from our already underfunded schools.  Colorado ranks in the bottom half of states for school funding, and vouchers will only exacerbate inequity and student outcomes.   

More Reading:  

• Colorado Public Radio: Opponents of Amendment 80, including teachers and public school advocates, rally against proposed constitutional change 
  
• Colorado Sun: Could a potential school choice ballot measure lead to a voucher program in Colorado?  
  
• State Board of Education Members: Don’t be fooled, Amendment 80 not just about school choice 

Vote Yes: DPS Bond 

The $975 million bond for Denver Public Schools would not require a tax increase for Denver property owners and would include investments for schools including air conditioning and safety upgrades, construction and other capital improvements for Denver schools, and investments in technology and career and technical education and STEAM spaces. You can read about the specific projects that would be funded here.  

More reading:  

• DPS Bond Website 
  
• Chalkbeat Colorado: 2024 Denver schools bond: $975 million measure will be on the November ballot 
  
• Colorado Public Radio: $975 million bond for DPS schools is headed to Denver voters 

We will be sharing more information about these measures, but in the meantime, it’s a great time to make sure your voter registration is up-to-date! Here’s where you can get the latest information about your voter eligibility and ballot drop off and polling locations. 

It may not feel like election season, but in 20 days we will decide who will be on our ballots this fall. 

June 25th is Colorado’s primary election for candidates running for federal, state, and local office. This is your opportunity to ensure someone that aligns with your values and vision for our state and community is on the ballot in November. 

Your ballot is probably in your mailbox or sitting on your kitchen counter, so as you sit down to fill it out, we’ve compiled some resources to help. 

LEARN ABOUT WHO IS RUNNING TO REPRESENT YOU:

• Visit candidate websites, check out their social media, and run some internet searches of their name to see recent news coverage. 
  
• Check out a Voter Guide. Here’s one from Colorado Public Radio. 
  
• Pull information from organizations you trust to see who they have endorsed. 
  
• If you don’t have your ballot yet, use this website to pull a sample ballot for your address.   

VOTE BY JUNE 25th:

Here’s where you can find locations to drop off your ballot. Just be sure you drop it off by 7pm, June 25th. If you mail it, be sure to send it by June 20th. 

Please let us know if you have any questions.