Proposition NN and Amendment 87 reverse years of K-12 funding failure at the ballot box

For the first time in 15 years, Colorado voters approved two significant measures at the ballot box that will provide a substantial boost to K-12 education funding. Proposition NN and Amendment 87, both of which passed with strong Democratic support, represent a major shift in the state's approach to school financing. The Democratic wave brought out voters who were concerned about wealth inequality, according to education advocates, lawmakers, and independent analysts.

Proposition NN requires the state to increase the revenue cap that triggers refunds under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) from $4.6 billion to $5.6 billion, with at least half of the additional $500 million spent on K-12 education for the next decade. Amendment 87, which received 51.7% of the vote, could generate up to $2 billion in 2028 through a new six-tier graduated income tax code, with the additional revenue earmarked for education, healthcare, and early childhood programs.

While opposition to both measures was limited, the coalition in favor of Proposition NN leaned heavily on the message that the new funding would pay for crucial services like healthcare, education, and early childhood, which voters rely on. Teachers also played a significant role in promoting the measure by knocking on doors and sharing stories about low teacher pay and educators' struggles.