April 2026 issue includes:

• A letter from our CEO
• Protect Colorado's Future (PCF)
• CCLP at the Rally for a Graduated Income Tax
• Testimony at the Capitol
• Legislative updates
• Colorado Medicaid and Work Requirements group
• CCLP Public Comment
• CCLP in the news
• Advocacy At Every Stage event series
• Meeting rooms for rent at CCLP
• Become a CCLP Rights Defenders
• Community updates & opportunities

April 2026

A letter from our CEO

Hello friends,

You know what I learned this week? The nonpartisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) just took a look at our proposed ballot measure to introduce a graduated income tax.

According to their analysis, 94% of the revenue generated from the increase in corporate taxes would come from non-resident businesses. In other words, of the small portion of corporations that would pay slightly more on net (not gross) revenue of over half a million dollars in a year, the vast majority of them aren’t even based in Colorado.

As we dive deeper into the signature collection phase of this monumental effort it is becoming more and more clear to me that Coloradans are ready for this common sense change to our tax system. Those individuals and corporations making over half a million dollars in taxable income can afford to pay a little more. And people who are struggling or just barely making ends meet deserve a break. It’s that simple, and Colorado voters get it.

In a time when it feels like we’re being relentlessly assaulted with bad news, I hope you can take hope in the growing momentum and resolve of this movement to fight for communities across the state. I know I can.

In solidarity,

Lydia McCoy

Chief Executive Officer

Colorado Center on Law and Policy

Protect Colorado’s Future

People making over $500,000 a year aren’t paying their fair share of Colorado taxes. As a member of the Protect Colorado's Future coalition, CCLP is trying to change that. We're advocating for a smart, fair fix for Colorado's budget crisis: a Graduated Income Tax.

Under our proposal:

✓ 97% of Coloradans will pay lower taxes.

✓ Those making over $500,000 will pay a little more.

✓ Over 2 billion dollars will be raised to fund schools, health care, and child care. And an annual audit will ensure the money goes where it is supposed to go!

YOU can help make this happen! We're working to get our proposal to the ballots this November. We need donors and volunteers from across the state to get this across the finish line. We've gathered thousands of signatures already, but we'll be facing stiff opposition as we try to make big changes for our state. 

You can help make change with your vote this November!

CCLP at the Rally for a Graduated Income Tax!

Testimony at the Capitol

CCLP testifies in support of conversion therapy survivors

Annie Martínez provided testimony in support of HB26-1322, which would remove the statute of limitations for conversion therapy survivors, ensuring they are legally protected moving forward.

Read more

“Don’t forget about adult education,” says Chaer Robert

Chaer Robert provided testimony on HB26-1317, which would create a postsecondary talent development committee to merge the Department of Higher Education with workforce development programs.

Read more

Skills2Compete CO testifies on unifying higher ed and workforce development

Laura Ware testified on behalf of Skills2Compete Colorado on HB26-1317, which would create a postsecondary talent development committee to merge the Department of Higher Education with workforce development programs.

Read more

Legislative updates

For the 2026 legislative session, CCLP is advocating for bills focused on advancing economic justice, defending public programs, and strengthening consumer rights.

Stay tuned as our priority bills are introduced in the Colorado legislature!

Skills2Compete Colorado

Read the list to learn about legislation associated with jobs, workforce, and skills training introduced during the 2026 Colorado Legislative Session.

Colorado Medicaid and SNAP work requirements group

CCLP convenes with a Medicaid and SNAP work requirements group to address how H.R.1’s change in eligibility requirements in Colorado.

CCLP Public Comment on HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters

The following public comment was submitted by Bethany Pray, Esq. on behalf of CCLP on March 13, 2026, to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, regarding HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters.

"Policies contained in the proposal are overall untested, unsupported and impossible to evaluate based on information provided... The amount of change that would be imposed through this rule on states, exchanges and carriers would be disruptive, at best."

CCLP in the news

• Colorado May Allow Lawsuits Against Conversion Therapy Providers Following Supreme Court Ruling - Westword
• Colorado bill removing statute of limitations for conversion therapy survivors passes committee - Colorado Newsline
• From Community Engagement to State Policy: Colorado’s Fight to Keep Supportive Services at the Heart of Workforce Development - National Skills Coalition
• Victims of Conversion Therapy Could Sue Practitioners Under Colorado Bill - Westword
• Graduated Income Tax Initiative Begins Signature Gathering Campaign - Colorado Times Recorder
• Supporters of Colorado measure to raise taxes on higher earners begin collecting signatures for 2026 ballot - Summit Daily

Advocacy at Every Stage from the Capitol to the Ballot

A four-part advocacy series on engaging across the policy process

Part 2: Budget Training & Advocacy

Wednesday, April 22nd | 11:30am - 1:00pm

Join us for an overview of Colorado’s state budget process, how funding decisions are made, and where advocates can engage to protect programs that support our communities.

Abogacía en Cada Etapa desde el Capitolio hasta la Boleta

Una serie sobre cómo involucrarse en todo el proceso de políticas

Capacitación y Abogacía Presupuestaria

Miércoles 22 de Abril | 11:30am – 1:00pm

Acompáñenos para obtener una visión general del proceso presupuestario del estado de Colorado, conocer cómo se toman las decisiones de financiamiento y descubrir dónde pueden intervenir los defensores para proteger los programas que apoyan a nuestras comunidades.

Meeting rooms at CCLP

CCLP meeting rooms are available at low cost to nonprofit organizations needing modern, productive spaces for events and group activities.

CCLP's office includes four modern meeting spaces, ready to serve our communities. These conference rooms are suitable for small or large meetings, including events hosting as many as 50 people at a time.

All rooms come equipped with audio/visual video conferencing capabilities.

Become a CCLP RIGHTS DEFENDER!

By joining as a monthly-donor, you will know that your dollars are going directly into the fight to preserve the rights and benefits of low-income Coloradans.

We will provide you with exclusive updates directly from our advocates on the front lines. Help us continue this work!

Community updates & opportunities

Unheard Voices Story Collection

The National Coalition for Language Access is collecting stories to share about how language barriers impact people's lives and how tearing down these barriers can make a difference.

Let’s shine a light on the problem and work toward a world where language differences are not a barrier to full and equal participation in society. Learn more and share your story today!

Elevated Denver's Voices & Visions: Stories that Spark Hope

An immersive exhibition by artists with lived experience of homelessness.

This free event will feature photos, personal narratives, and spoken word from people with lived experience of homelessness. The event will honor emerging leaders, share creative expression, and explore how community-driven solutions can spark lasting change.

Where: The Denver Armory - Denver, CO

Date: Thursday, May 7th from 5:30 pm to 8 pm

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.

Colorado Center on Law and Policy

789 N. Sherman St., Suite 300

Denver CO, 80203

Call: 303-573-5669

Fax: 303-573-4947

copolicy.org