Liberal Colorado coalition say progressive tax could provide more schools funding

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat.

DENVER | A coalition of liberal groups hope to put a tax reform measure on the November 2026 ballot that could result in significant additional funding for K-12 schools and higher education.

The Protect Colorado’s Future coalition wants to amend a portion of the state’s constitution that mandates a flat income tax rate, currently set at 4.4%.

A linguistically diverse classroom of first graders excitedly raise their hands while learning how to create an opinion at Ponderosa Elementary School in Aurora. (Marla R. Keown/Aurora Sentinel)

The draft measure, which the group unveiled Wednesday, would ask voters to approve a new graduated income tax. Taxes would remain at the same rate for earners making under $500,000 a year and progressively