Broad Coalition Asks Colorado Contractors to Withdraw Proposed Initiative 175

Initiative 175 would divert $539 million from Medicaid, higher education, and K-12 funding

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:21am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a lone highway overpass or construction site, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the complex tradeoffs involved in infrastructure funding.As Colorado grapples with budget challenges, a coalition of organizations warns that a proposed infrastructure initiative could devastate funding for essential public services.Denver Today

A coalition of over 40 organizations, including K-12 education advocates, higher education institutions, conservation groups, public transit organizations, hospitals, labor unions, and health care advocates, have released a letter asking the 'Restore our Roads' coalition to withdraw Initiative 175. The proposed measure would earmark funding for construction without new revenue, resulting in a $539 million diversion from Colorado's general fund that supports critical services like Medicaid, higher education, and K-12 education.

Why it matters

Initiative 175 threatens to severely undermine funding for essential public services in Colorado. Medicaid, K-12 education, and higher education make up approximately 70% of the state's general fund budget, so balancing the budget without major cuts to these areas would be impossible if the initiative passes. This would have devastating impacts on vulnerable populations who rely on Medicaid, students in K-12 and higher education, and Colorado's overall economic and social wellbeing.

The details

The initiative is backed by corporations that stand to benefit financially from more highway construction, but the non-partisan legislative council staff estimates the measure could cause $1-2 billion in impact on the state budget. In addition to the $539 million diverted from the general fund, the initiative would also sweep hundreds of millions of dollars from critical cash funds, likely requiring additional backfilling from the general fund.

  • Initiative 175 is currently collecting signatures to qualify for the 2026 ballot.

The players

Keep Kids First Colorado

The organization that released the letter asking the 'Restore our Roads' coalition to withdraw Initiative 175.

Colorado Contractors Association

The group behind the 'Restore our Roads' coalition that is proposing Initiative 175.

Colorado Legislative Council

The non-partisan legislative staff that estimated the $1-2 billion impact of Initiative 175 on the state budget.

Colorado Joint Budget Committee

The committee that projects a $1 billion shortfall for the 2027-28 budget year, exacerbating the budget challenges that Initiative 175 would create.

Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado.

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What’s next

Initiative 175 is currently collecting signatures to qualify for the 2026 ballot. If it qualifies, Colorado voters will have the opportunity to vote on the measure.

The takeaway

This coalition letter highlights the severe consequences Initiative 175 would have on critical public services in Colorado, including Medicaid, K-12 education, and higher education. The measure's diversion of $539 million from the general fund would force lawmakers to make drastic budget cuts that would harm vulnerable populations and undermine the state's long-term economic and social wellbeing.