This November, Colorado voters will weigh in on two pivotal statewide ballot measures that could reshape how the state funds school meals and supports food access. Both measures stem from the legislature and are permitted under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), which restricts odd-year ballot topics to fiscal matters.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what each measure proposes, how it compares to current law, and what it means for everyday Coloradans.

Measure 1: Retaining Revenue for Healthy School Meals

What It Does:
Allows the state to keep and spend all revenue generated by the 2022 cap on itemized tax deductions for individuals earning $300,000 or more. The funds would continue supporting the Healthy School Meals for All Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all public school students.

Current Law:
TABOR requires the state to refund excess revenue unless voters approve its retention. The 2022 deduction cap created surplus funds, but without voter approval, that money must be returned.

What Changes:
If passed, the state keeps the surplus and uses it to maintain universal school meals. This ensures stable funding for food programs, better wages for cafeteria staff, and more Colorado-grown ingredients in school kitchens.

Impact on You:

• If you’re a parent: Your child continues receiving free meals at school.
• If you earn under $300,000: No change to your taxes.
• If you earn over $300,000: You won’t receive a refund of the surplus revenue.

Measure 2: Increasing Taxes to Expand Food Access

What It Does:
Creates a $95 million annual tax increase by further limiting state income tax deductions for individuals earning $300,000 or more. The revenue would expand school meal programs and support food access initiatives like SNAP.

Current Law:
High-income earners can still claim itemized deductions beyond the 2022 limits. No additional state restrictions apply.

What Changes:
Caps deductions at $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers in the $300,000+ bracket. The new revenue would:

• Improve school meal quality
• Raise wages for food service workers
• Support SNAP benefits for low-income families

Impact on You:

• If you earn over $300,000: You’d pay about $486 more annually in state taxes.
• If you’re a student or parent: Expect better food quality and broader access.
• If you rely on SNAP: You may see increased benefits.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Measure 1	Measure 2
Tax Increase	No	Yes ($95M/year)
Affects High-Income Earners	Yes (retains deduction limits)	Yes (further deduction limits)
Benefits	Maintains universal school meals	Expands food access, improves meals, supports SNAP
TABOR Implication	Retains existing revenue	Generates new revenue

What’s at Stake

These measures reflect Colorado’s evolving approach to food equity and fiscal responsibility. Measure 1 preserves a program already in place, while Measure 2 asks voters to invest further in nutrition and support for vulnerable families. The choice is yours: maintain the current path or expand the state’s commitment to food access.