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