The Get More Smarter Podcast - A Weekly Show About Colorado Politics Team Normal and the Escape Goats (feat. Jessica Killin)
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Sep 2, 2025 Jessica Killin, an Army veteran and Democratic candidate for Colorado's 5th Congressional District, shares her vision for political engagement in a largely Republican area. They discuss the recent billion-dollar budget cuts and the challenges stemming from contentious tax reforms. Killin emphasizes grassroots involvement and the importance of community accountability in her campaign. Additionally, the conversation touches on unusual political proposals and the shifting voter sentiment in Colorado, pointing towards prospective electoral shifts as the 2026 election approaches.
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Federal Tax Cuts Caused State Shortfall
- Colorado's state budget gap was created because federal tax changes automatically lowered state revenue.
- The legislature addressed it by closing business loopholes and reversing some federal-cut-driven provisions.
How Lawmakers Plugged The $800M Gap
- Democrats used several mechanisms to cobble together funds, including selling tax credits and tapping reserves.
- Governor Polis also received authority to make targeted executive cuts to close the gap.
Polis Used Signing For Clear Messaging
- Governor Polis publicly blamed Colorado's federal Republicans for the budget shortfall and used the signing event as messaging.
- He highlighted that Colorado's delegation voted for H.R.1 which created the deficit here.