State Board for Community Colleges Votes to Oppose Property Tax Ballot Measures

DENVER (Aug. 8, 2024) – During its regular meeting yesterday, the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE) voted to oppose two ballot measures that will go in front of voters this November. The SBCCOE governs the Colorado Community College System and its 13 member colleges.

Members of the State Board adopted a resolution of opposition to Initiatives 50 and 108, which cap statewide property revenue and lower property tax rates, respectively. If passed, the measures would drastically decrease tax revenue over the current fiscal year and trigger cuts to higher education funding by 13.5 to 48%, according to estimates from the Office of State Planning and Budgeting. 

These reductions would have an acute impact on CCCS, the State Board noted in its resolution. In response to the state budget cuts, CCCS would have to slash operating funds by up to $140.8 million and state financial aid by up to $37.1 million, depending on election outcomes.  

“In order to cover the forecasted state revenue reductions, CCCS would have to increase tuition between 14% to 49% in a single year,” board members stated in the resolution. “CCCS’s mission is rooted in providing economic mobility for students, and Colorado cannot afford to shut these students out of affordable postsecondary education and training.”  

The full resolution is available here.