Colorado earns a ‘D+’ for disclosing tax breaks

Colorado provides tens of millions of dollars in tax subsidies each year, but produces minimal information for taxpayers about who receives the support.

A report from Good Jobs First shows Colorado earned a “D plus” grade for disclosing tax subsidies, after researchers determined the vast majority of recipients are not disclosed online.

The largest subsidy program, Colorado’s Enterprise Zone Program, cost state taxpayers $46.7 million in 2008 but did not disclose who received the subsidies. Other programs fared better, with the Job Creation Performance Incentive Fund, which cost $6.1 million in 2009, earning a score of 84 out of 100.

The report issued today, called “Show Us the Subsidies,” details grades for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Thirteen states, including the District of Columbia have no disclosure and received “F” grades. Colorado was one of seven states to receive a “D Plus.”

To review the findings of the study, visit http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/showusthesubsidies

Comments are closed.