Joint Budget Committee

A parole backlog and new laws lengthening sentences are leading to a surge in the prison population.

The Joint Budget Committee rejected Gov. Jared Polis’ plan for the state to buy a prison and operate it itself.

Medicaid took the brunt of the final reductions, include a reimbursement rate cut for providers and a cap on Cover All Coloradans, which provides health care to immigrants who are children or pregnant.

Colorado’s Medicaid spending has grown dramatically in recent years, making it tough for the state’s budget writers to avoid deep cuts to the program.

Colorado's budget shortfall was $500 million higher than earlier projections.

The Department of Corrections says it needs money to fund additional beds. But Colorado lawmakers don’t want to keep writing short-term checks without a long-term plan.

The news was met with shock from state lawmakers, who have been reeling in recent weeks as they cut Medicaid and other state services to address a $1 billion budget shortfall.

Family caregivers are worried the cuts will jeopardize their livelihoods and ability to support their loved ones. Lawmakers and public health officials say they have no choice but to make them.

The state predicts that the Covering All Coloradans program will cost Colorado $104.5 million in the fiscal year that began July 1. Nonpartisan fiscal analysts estimated the cost would be $14.7 million.

The Trump administration continues to take aim at Colorado.