The Colorado Senate on March 12 approved Senate Bill 188, its legislative department budget and appropriations bill, after extended floor debate about cash reserves, budget priorities and the effect of TABOR (the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights).

Senator Faith Coleman moved SB 188 for third reading. Senators criticized and defended elements of the legislative budget as the chamber grappled with broader state budget constraints. Senator Kirk Meyer said the Joint Budget Committee is “asking every department, every branch of government… to cut their budgets,” arguing the state faces a structural deficit driven by ongoing commitments rather than a lack of revenue. He pressed for clearer cuts and expressed concern about unencumbered balances in cash funds.

Majority Leader Bridal and other supporters emphasized that the state’s fiscal squeeze is caused by the TABOR “rationing equation,” not a revenue collapse, and defended some of the legislative budget’s reductions. Members discussed specific numbers during debate: speakers referenced about $22 million in unencumbered legislative cash fund balances and noted the executive committee’s proposal represented roughly a $6.4 million (7.9 percent) reduction from FY 2024–25 when including a recommended transfer from the legislative department cash fund.

After debate and roll call, SB 188 passed with 18 yeas and 16 nays, with one vacancy. Several members announced they would vote no, repeating concerns about oversight of cash funds and urging deeper cuts. The bill’s sponsors and cosponsors were recorded on passage.