Denver7 (KMGH) reports Colorado Democrats kicked off the 2026 legislative session promising to “stand up to Washington” while staring down a budget deficit for the second year in a row. Senate President James Coleman said lawmakers want to grow the economy, lower costs, and protect families from “skyrocketing” insurance premiums tied to Congress not extending enhanced premium tax credits. Coleman also pointed to TABOR constraints and said the state’s Medicaid budget has “exploded,” contributing to the budget shortfall. Meanwhile, Gov. Jared Polis and Democratic leaders previously used a mix of reserve dips, spending cuts, and changes to corporate tax breaks to plug an earlier hole.
Here’s the part we’re supposed to clap for: they’re “standing up to Washington.” Here’s the part they’re actually teeing up: standing up to your refund, your budget guardrails, and your say-so. That’s not a fortress. That’s a hustle.
Stand Up to Washington (But Bill Colorado)
- Denver7 quotes Coleman blaming Congress for not extending enhanced premium tax credits and saying the state will “do our best” to blunt premium increases.
- Leaders repeatedly frame the session as resisting federal policy moves.
Colorado Democrats are marketing a fight with Washington as if it’s a coupon book for your household budget. They posture, grandstand, and weaponize “Trump” while Coloradans ask a simpler question: where’s the relief here?
Rage is the strategy, not results.
Budget Deficit = Their Favorite Cover Story
- Coleman says TABOR constraints and federal economic policies contribute to a shortfall.
- Denver7 says a special session addressed a reported $1.2 billion budget hole, leaving an estimated $783 million gap.
- Polis announced $250 million in cuts and redirected spending to balance the budget.
They overspend, scramble, and then act shocked that math still exists. When the hole shows up, they redirect, backpedal, and raid reserves—then sell it as “leadership.”
They break it, then demand applause for duct tape.
“Medicaid Exploded” — So Who Approved That?
- Coleman says Colorado’s Medicaid budget has “exploded” and is a major contributor to budget challenges.
Notice how the line is always passive voice: “has exploded,” like it escaped a lab. Legislators and the Polis administration govern this state, allocate the dollars, expand programs, and then pretend the bill landed from space.
Own the growth, or stop using it as camouflage.
Translation: TABOR Is Back on the Menu
- House Speaker Julie McCluskie says it’s time for a “very real conversation” about TABOR and “modernizing the fiscal structure.”
- MSU Denver professor Robert Preuhs says eliminating TABOR would give the legislature “a lot more flexibility” and would likely require a ballot question/initiative.
They call it “modernization” because “we want your refunds forever” polls badly. First they frame TABOR as the villain, then they’ll launder a ballot measure as a noble fix, and then they’ll monetize the new “flexibility.”
Flexibility for them means bills for us.
We live here. We pay the premiums, the property insurance, the energy bills, and the tab for every “strategic and tactical” press conference under the Gold Dome. We also remember what happens when politicians get “flexibility”: spending creeps, accountability evaporates, and taxpayers become the permanent ATM. If Democrats want to “protect the state,” start by protecting Colorado families from Colorado government.
Stop performing and start cutting what you grew.
Denver7 says Republicans will outline their priorities next, and we’ll see who shows up with actual numbers instead of slogans. So: is “standing up to Washington” supposed to lower your costs, or just juice the base while TABOR gets lined up for the next hit? Drop your take and share this with the friend who still believes press conferences are policy.
Source: Denver7 (KMGH)
Just Stop It
