About Us

What was Prop EE?

In 2020, Colorado’s legislature referred Proposition EE to the voters via HB20-1427 with a bipartisan vote. In November 2020, Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition EE, which:

● Increased existing taxes on tobacco and instituted a new tax on other nicotine products, generating approximately $275 million per year for public health and education priorities.

● Dedicated the first two years of funding to affordable housing and rural public schools.

● After those first two years, ensured that the revenue funded tobacco and nicotine cessation initiatives and a new statewide, voluntary universal preschool program that serves Colorado kids through community and school district-run programs.

● Invested in K-12 readiness by providing all Colorado kids with access to preschool in the year before kindergarten.

The Problem

Proposition EE is bringing in more revenue than was estimated in the Blue Book revenue analysis in 2020. Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) requires that voters approve the state’s retention of the excess revenue. If Proposition ii doesn’t pass, Colorado will have to refund the $23.65 million inequitably, primarily to tobacco wholesalers and retailers. This will result in less money to spend on universal preschool.

The Solution:

Vote YES on Proposition ii to retain the $23.65 million for universal preschool and respect the voters’ intent. By voting YES, Proposition ii will allow thousands of children more access to additional preschool programs per year. Additionally, studies have shown that higher prices on tobacco and nicotine products lead to less usage amongst youth and young adults. By retaining these funds, we can keep these harmful products out of the hands of youth across the state of Colorado.

Helping Colorado Kids

Retaining the $23.65 million will allow Colorado to provide universal preschool services and extend additional hours to more children, especially those with qualifying factors that need it most, which include:

  • Families with a household income below 270% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines;

  • Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP);

  • Families experiencing homelessness;

  • Students who are dual language learners; and

  • Students in foster or kinship care.