Colorado Democrats have approved millions in Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood amid a projected $1.2 billion budget shortfall. The state’s financial crisis, attributed to President Trump’s HB-1 Act, has prompted lawmakers to direct funds to the organization while deferring major spending cuts. House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese argued that the funding is a way to address the crisis, but Republicans contend the decision was politically motivated.
During the special session, Democrats passed S.B. 25B-2 to cover what the HR-1 Act cut. This law prohibits the use of federal Medicaid funds at Planned Parenthood for one year and introduced stricter Medicaid rules. Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) limits the state’s spending, contributing to the budget crisis.
Democrats have blamed Republicans in Washington for the deficit, arguing that GOP members could have stopped the bill that caused the revenue loss. Speaker Julie McCluskie stated that their balanced approach closed corporate tax loopholes and protected funding for health care, roads, and education. However, Republicans argue that lawmakers used HR-1 as cover to fast-track the session.
The budget battle isn’t over yet, with $300 million in cuts left for Gov. Jared Polis to propose. Democrats remain divided over how to address the deficit, facing pressure from both sides of the aisle. The funding of Planned Parenthood has also sparked controversy, with some arguing that the state should prioritize its own financial health first.