Former Senator Ken Salazar Opposes Colorado's Amendment 87 Tax Reform

Ken Salazar, who previously served as a U.S. senator, ambassador to Mexico and Interior secretary, appeared in a campaign video urging a "no" vote on Colorado's Amendment 87. The proposal seeks to eliminate the constitutional flat-rate income tax and introduce a six-bracket progressive system topping out at 8.4%, projected to generate about $2.7 billion annually. Salazar argues the change would raise costs for workers, citing a construction site backdrop in the video.

He aligns with outgoing Governor Jared Polis and one outlet's editorial board, both of whom label the amendment a large tax increase that would primarily affect small and mid-size firms. Voters will also see Proposition 136, which caps the income tax rate at one outlet 4.4%, creating potential conflict if both measures pass. State officials note that any clash would likely require legislative or judicial resolution.