(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump’s signing of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on July 4 has sparked strong reactions from Colorado lawmakers, particularly over changes to SNAP and Medicaid that many believe will deeply impact the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Concerns From Democrats
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a 2026 gubernatorial candidate, called the bill’s passage a “dark day” for the nation, warning that the reforms could result in “painful fallout” for thousands.
“The radical cuts in the GOP budget bill will take healthcare away from over 200,000 Coloradans, put rural hospitals at risk, threaten jobs, raise utility bills, and take away vital food assistance,” Weiser said. He also pledged to defend Colorado against what he called “Trump’s attacks.”
SNAP Changes
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports over 600,000 Coloradans monthly with roughly $120 million in benefits, will face major changes. These include stricter work requirements for certain able-bodied adults and, for the first time, a requirement for states to cover a share of the benefit payments. Colorado may be required to pay up to 20% of SNAP costs.
“Since its inception, SNAP benefits have been covered 100% by the federal government,” noted the Colorado Fiscal Institute. “This proposal shifts that responsibility to states.”
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston criticized the changes as harmful and ill-timed.
“It is stunning that the federal government is choosing to create a financial and humanitarian crisis that will only hurt our own residents,” Johnston said. “There is nothing more un-American on the Fourth of July than deliberately cutting benefits to the most vulnerable.”
Medicaid Reforms
The bill also imposes work requirements for some individuals enrolled in Medicaid, which currently covers nearly 2 million Coloradans. Additionally, it shifts more financial responsibility back to the states.
U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen argued the changes aren’t about accountability but bureaucracy.
“Republicans’ reckless budget proposal doesn’t implement work requirements – it’s paperwork requirements that mean 140,000 Coloradans could lose access to the care they need,” Pettersen said. She also warned the changes could cost the state $57 million annually and slash Medicaid by hundreds of billions over the next decade.
Rep. Jason Crow echoed the criticism, calling the reforms “heartbreaking and cruel.”
Republican Support
Colorado Republicans, meanwhile, praised the reforms as necessary for targeting waste and ensuring resources go to those most in need.
“Republicans are fighting tooth and nail to make sure Medicaid dollars go to people who need it most: seniors, single moms, kids, and people with disabilities,” said U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans.
The Jefferson County GOP dismissed Democratic criticism.
“Colorado Democrats are fear mongering and lying about the new Big Beautiful Bill — calling it apocalyptic,” the party said in a statement. “In truth, it cuts red tape, boosts energy, and puts Colorado’s families FIRST.”
Looking Ahead
The changes will go into effect in December 2026, but Colorado officials are already bracing for the impact.
Kim Bimestefer, executive director of Colorado’s Medicaid program, said the state is working to reduce the expected fallout.
“The bill is anticipated to result in the large-scale loss of health insurance coverage for Coloradans and the extraordinary cost shift to our state that Colorado’s state budget cannot absorb,” Bimestefer said. “All efforts will focus on mitigating health care coverage loss and the challenging downstreaming results.
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