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September 2025 issue includes:
- A letter from our CEO
- Save the date for CCLP's Colorado Champions Awards!
- CCLP statements & 2026 ballot measure proposal
- CCLP in the news
- Testimony & legislation
- Public comments
- Become a CCLP Rights Defenders
- Meeting rooms at CCLP
- Community updates & opportunities
| | A letter from our Chief Executive Officer: | | |
Dear friends,
On the heels of the special session of the legislature, the CCLP team is reflecting on the challenges ahead and how we can mitigate harm to vulnerable Coloradans. We showed up and testified at the Capitol. We advocated for increases in revenue to address the immediate need to close our state’s current budget gap. Sadly, we know that next year’s budget landscape will be even more bleak.
There is reason to hope, however! As part of the Protect Colorado’s Future Coalition, CCLP is co-leading the effort for a longer-term solution through a potential ballot measure in 2026. There are resources to learn more about our effort in this newsletter, and you may have already seen it in the news, but the goal is simple: rebalance the portion of income the ultra-wealthy pay in taxes compared to lower income Coloradans.
The flat tax structure required by TABOR does not mean equal burden. As usual, the richest come out ahead, and those struggling to make ends meet are left behind. Our proposal would reduce taxes on 98% of Coloradans, while increasing them gradually on incomes over $500,000.
There will be lots more to come as this ballot measure takes shape. And this is only one tactic in an overarching strategy CCLP is pursuing to advocate for the economic and civil rights of every Coloradan. Stay tuned!
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In partnership and gratitude,
Lydia McCoy
Chief Executive Officer
Colorado Center on Law and Policy
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Save the date for CCLP's annual awards reception. This year, the Colorado Champions Awards will be celebrated in an evening event in Denver's Santa Fe Arts District. Join us in recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership has advanced equity, justice, and opportunity in Colorado.
We'll have a night of networking and conversation among Colorado's legal, political, philanthropic, and civic leaders. Guests will be served delicious food from Organic Roots, as well as drinks to celebrate the evening. We hope to see you there!
When: Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 5:00-8:00PM
Where: Skylight Denver; 833 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, 80204
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Coloradans launch 2026 ballot push for graduated state income tax
New ballot measure proposals would cut taxes for 98 percent of Coloradans, raise revenue to address budget crisis.
Read more
| | | Learn more about our 2026 ballot measure proposal below, with our fact sheet. | |
CCLP statement on the executive order and Colorado's endless budget catastrophe
Coloradans deserve better than the artificial budget crisis that led to today's crippling cuts by Governor Jared Polis.
Read more
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CCLP condemns slate of new directives from Trump administration agencies
Reversal of decades-old federal policy will deprive Coloradans of access to basic health care, nutrition, education, and more.
Read more
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Protect Colorado's Future Coalition
Special Session
Other
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CCLP testifies in support of Colorado's AI Sunshine Act
Charles Brennan provided testimony in support of Senate Bill 25B-004, Increase Transparency for Algorithmic Systems, during the 2025 Special Session.
Read more
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Colorado AI Sunshine Act - Q&A with Charles Brennan
Charles Brennan answers questions about Colorado's AI Sunshine Act, simplifying the AI regulations passed in SB24-205.
Read more
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CCLP testifies in support of measures to help balance the budget
Chris Nelson provided testimony in support of House Bill 25B-1003, a tax measure to help balance Colorado's budget shortfall.
Read more
| | | Become a CCLP RIGHTS DEFENDER! | | | | |
Earlier this Spring, we launched a brand-new program of monthly giving: CCLP Rights Defenders.
By joining our movement, you will know that your dollars are going directly into the fight to preserve the rights and benefits of low-income Coloradans. As our thanks to you, we will provide you with exclusive updates directly from our advocates on the front lines.
Crucial work is already underway, but we need your support. Help us continue this work!
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Public Comment on HHS Reinterpretation of Federal Public Benefit
CCLP writes in opposition to the reinterpretation of the definition of a "Federal public benefit" by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Read the full public comment here
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Public Comment on USDA's System of Records Notice for SNAP
CCLP comments on a concerning proposed plan for a database of Personally Identifiable Information drawn from SNAP records by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Read more
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Public Comment on the Consumer Financial Civil Penalty Fund Rule Amendment
CCLP responds to concerning proposed changes by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Read more
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CCLP meeting rooms are available at low cost to nonprofit organizations needing modern, productive spaces for events and group activities.
Our new office renovation prioritizes community and collaboration. CCLP headquarters includes four modern meeting spaces, ready to serve our communities. These conference rooms are suitable for small meetings and large, including events hosting as many as 50 people at a time.
All rooms come equipped with audio/visual video conferencing capabilities. No laptop? No problem! The CCLP offices are well-appointed for your comfort and convenience. Use our kitchen - coffee, tea and water are complementary!
| | Community updates & opportunities: | | |
Community Resource Connection Hub
The Community Resource Connection Hub is a pilot project offering free, one-on-one support to help neighbors find and connect with the resources they need. Located inside the Westwood Community Center (1000 S. Lowell Blvd), the Hub is staffed by compassionate staff who understand what you’re going through. Learn more on about the Hub from Elevated Denver!
Join a Community-Owned Rideshare Platform in Colorado
Drivers are uniting to build a community-owned rideshare platform in Colorado. By owning the platform, Coloradans can earn more, take control of their lives, and keep wealth within our communities. Get started today and learn more about Drivers Cooperative Colorado!
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Colorado Children's Campaign
Join Colorado Children's Campaign to commemorate their incredible milestone of 40 years as an organization. Connect with fellow advocates, community leaders, and lawmakers with a night of dinner & drinks, golf simulator experiences, and special surprises!
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When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 @ 6:00 PM
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Where: The Hangar Club, 7600 E 1st Pl, Denver, CO 80230
Learn more and register today!
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative
Join Colorado Consumer Health Initiative's 25th Anniversary Celebration! Join staff, partners, and community members in celebrating 25 years of bringing consumer voices to the center of health policy in Colorado and beyond.
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When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 @ 5:00 PM
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Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, Mitchell Hall, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206
Learn more and register today!
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Every dollar makes a difference
We depend on support from individual donors to help us improve economic security and access to affordable health care for Coloradans facing poverty. We cannot do this important work without you.
| | CCLP is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible for state and federal income tax purposes. We’ll send a letter acknowledging your donation and noting our tax-exempt status. | | |
Colorado Center on Law and Policy is an antipoverty organization advancing the rights of every Coloradan. | |
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