2020 Research | Common Sense Institute

Colorado Budget: Then and Now

Dec 1, 2021 | 2019 Research, 2020 Research, 2021 Research, Featured Research, State Budget

Colorado Budget Then and Now illuminates the meaningful changes in Colorado state spending over the last twenty years. The following figures provide a summary overview of state spending across different state funds and agencies. The trends shown reflect the shifting priorities brought on as a direct result of the laws and budgets passed each legislative session.

The Evolution of the Colorado Public Option: CSI Impacting the Debate

Jun 11, 2021 | 2019 Research, 2020 Research, 2021 Research, Featured, Featured Research, Healthcare, Recent Research

After publishing 8 reports, 3 rounds of testimony, and over a dozen meetings with legislators, Common Sense Institute’s work has led the way in helping impact the debate and deliver the facts on the Colorado public option health care proposal…leading to lots of changes.

The State of Colorado’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund

Apr 14, 2021 | 2020 Research, 2021 Research, Jobs & Our Economy, Recent Research

As a result of a sudden spike in unemployment insurance claims, Colorado’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund quickly depleted and fell into a debt financed by loans from the U.S. Treasury.

Colorado Prices in the 21st Century

Feb 3, 2021 | 2020 Research, 2021 Research, Featured, Jobs & Our Economy, Recent Research, Research

This chart displays 16 years of changes in wages, inflation and the prices of consumer goods and services in Colorado since the beginning of the 21st century.

2020 Annual Report

Jan 25, 2021 | 2020 Research, Annual Reports, Recent Research

In 2020, we celebrated CSI’s 10-year anniversary and many achievements but the year also marked one of the organization’s biggest challenges.

Colorado’s Labor Force & Jobs Report COVID-19

Jan 6, 2021 | 2020 Research, 2021 Research, Jobs & Our Economy, Recent Research

The impacts of COVID-19 have disproportionately impacted some parts of our economy more than others.

Property Tax in Colorado Post Gallagher: What Can Be Understood From Other States?

Dec 17, 2020 | 2020 Research, Featured, Taxes

At the November 2020 election, Colorado voters approved Amendment B, a constitutional ballot measure which repealed a key formula that has controlled the state’s property tax system for almost 40 years.

New Spending in Denver to Reduce Greenhouse Gas and Adapt to Climate Change: Get It Right and Avoid Further Tax Increases

Dec 15, 2020 | 2020 Research, Featured, Taxes

If you live in Denver, your sales taxes are set to increase on January 1st. $40,000,000 will be to fund yet to be identified projects to address climate change and emission reductions.

The Road to Recovery Initiative

Dec 10, 2020 | 2020 Research, Jobs & Our Economy, Recent Research

The Colorado Business Roundtable and Common Sense Institute have provided a forum to formulate and influence public policy through collaboration and research in response to the pandemic’s economic realities.

Economic Impacts of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Series 1200 Proposed Oil and Gas Setbacks

Nov 13, 2020 | 2020 Research, Energy & Our Environment, Recent Research

Common Sense Institute examines the economic impacts of just one of the recommended new rule changes from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation: State-determined wildlife habitats.

Sales Tax Revenue In Colorado Cities Since Start Of The Pandemic

Oct 29, 2020 | 2020 Research, Jobs & Our Economy, Recent Research, Taxes

Monthly revenue estimates suggest differing impacts on sales tax revenue across Colorado cities.

Proposition 118: A Statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave Program for Colorado but At What Cost?

Oct 21, 2020 | 2020 Research, Ballot Issues, Healthcare, Proposition 118, Recent Research

This November, voters in Colorado will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 118, a a state-run paid leave insurance benefit program for Colorado.

Proposition 118: How Will It Affect Your Bottom Line?

Sep 23, 2020 | 2020 Research, Healthcare, Proposition 118, Recent Research

Run your own inputs through the Colorado Paid Family and Medical Leave Model to project a broad range of fiscal and individual results.

Amendment B: The Inherent Tradeoffs in Amendment B

Sep 16, 2020 | 2020 Research, Measure SCR 001, Recent Research, Taxes

This November, Colorado voters will be asked to approve or reject a proposed reform of the state’s property tax system through a repeal of the Gallagher Amendment of 1982.

Proposition 116: Dynamic Economic and Fiscal Impacts of a Cut to Colorado’s State Income Tax Rate

Sep 2, 2020 | 2020 Research, Proposition 116, Taxes

This November, voters in Colorado will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 116, a state income tax reduction, which would decrease Colorado’s income tax rate from 4.63% to 4.55%.

The Price of Higher Education in Colorado

Aug 5, 2020 | 2020 Research, Education, Recent Research

The costs for Colorado residents to obtain a degree at a university or college within the state is only getting more expensive, as tuition and fees have far outpaced inflation and most other consumer items.

A Path Forward: A Common Sense Strategy for the Continued Viability of Colorado’s Transportation Network

Jul 22, 2020 | 2020 Research, Infrastructure

Colorado’s transportation infrastructure (highways, roads, bridges, transit, and heavy and light rail) are in need of attention.

Digging Into the Data on Colorado Charter Schools

Jul 9, 2020 | 2020 Research, Education

An In-Depth Look at Colorado High School Graduation Rates for Students of Color.

Proposition 117 – Voter Approval of New Fee Based Enterprises

Jun 18, 2020 | 2020 Research, Initiative 295, Taxes

Under the Colorado Constitution, the creation of new taxes or the raising of existing taxes must be voted on by the people of Colorado.

One Size Shutdown Does Not Fit All

Jun 15, 2020 | 2020 Research, Jobs & Our Economy

Though all Coloradans faced a stay-at-home order, the latest data suggest that the rates of COVID-19 infection vary widely between counties.

$4 Billion in New Taxes and Fees on the Table

Jun 10, 2020 | 2020 Research, Recent Research, Taxes

A series of legislative proposals and proposed ballot measures would impose billions of dollars of higher taxes and fees on a state economy that’s struggling to restart after the COVID-19 shutdown.

The Economic Impacts of Oil and Gas Setback Ballot Measures in Colorado: A Historical Review

May 20, 2020 | 2020 Research, Energy & Our Environment, Recent Research

This report examines the projections of past oil and gas setback studies and how they can be applied to future analysis in response to 2020 ballot measures.

The Colorado Option Plan: Modeling the Impacts of Government Price Controls in Health Care

May 7, 2020 | 2020 Research, Healthcare, Recent Research

In this study, we explore how the introduction of a new government-controlled health plan would impact the state’s healthcare system and the overall state economy.