Colorado Supreme Court keeps wealth tax proposal on November ballot

The Colorado Supreme Court rejected an appeal on Friday that sought to remove Amendment 87 from the November ballot, affirming a lower court’s decision to allow the measure to proceed. The ruling resolves a legal challenge brought by Arapahoe County resident Michael Andre Hancock, who alleged violations in the signature-gathering process for the proposal.

Amendment 87 would replace Colorado’s current 4.4% flat income tax rate with a graduated tax bracket. Under the measure, individuals and small businesses earning less than $500,000 annually would see lower state income taxes, while those earning above that threshold would face higher rates. Revenue generated would be directed to a new Colorado Futures Account for public education, healthcare, and early childhood programs.

Secretary of State Jena Griswold stated that the court’s quick affirmation ensures every voter can have their voice heard on the issue. The proposal is distinct from Proposition 136, another ballot measure that would cap individual and corporate taxes at 4.4%, though the state legislature or a court would need to resolve any conflicts if both measures pass.

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