Colorado’s Amendment 87: A Proposed Graduated Income Tax Sparks Debate Over Economic Impact

Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, October 11, 2026 — A proposed change to Colorado’s income tax structure, known as Amendment 87, is drawing attention and sparking debate regarding its potential economic consequences. The amendment, which aims to establish a graduated income tax system, has been analyzed in a commentary titled “Envy on the ballot” by Jon Caldara.

The analysis posits that Amendment 87 is fundamentally driven by sentiments of “class envy.” According to the commentary, the proposed legislation effectively disguises a tax increase, a characteristic that could lead to negative repercussions for the state’s economic landscape.

Caldara’s argument suggests that implementing a graduated income tax under Amendment 87 could potentially discourage wealth creators and businesses from operating within Colorado. This, in turn, could lead to adverse effects on the state’s overall economy.

Further details regarding the specific percentages of the proposed graduated tax rates, the projected revenue generated, or the exact timeline for when these potential economic impacts might be observed were not explicitly detailed in the summary of the trend. The author’s perspective frames the amendment as a measure that could foster an environment less conducive to business growth and individual economic contribution.

The discussion highlights a critical juncture for Colorado voters as they consider the implications of shifting from its current tax framework to a system with graduated income tax rates. The debate centers on balancing potential revenue needs with concerns about economic incentives and the perceived motivations behind such legislative proposals.

Story summarized from the original created by Jon Caldara on gazette.com, see more information here.

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