Colorado Dems move to divert $4M in taxpayer dollars to fight Trump admin in court
Colorado House Democrats are saying the bill would 'Musk-proof' the state
By Jamie Joseph Fox News
Published April 16, 2025 10:22am EDT
A new Colorado bill giving the governor broad power to spend taxpayer dollars against possible Trump administration actions cleared a major hurdle this week.
HB25-1321, also known as the "Support Against Adverse Federal Action," will earmark $4 million from the state's infrastructure cash fund as a safeguard against potential federal retaliation over state laws that defy President Donald Trump's executive orders.
According to the language of the bill, the governor's office could use the fund to hire outside lawyers or contractors to respond to federal decisions impacting grants, contracts or funding sent to Colorado. It also covers legal costs for any state employees facing federal investigations or lawsuits related to their official duties.
The bill was passed by the House Committee on Appropriations on Tuesday and is scheduled for consideration by the full House. It will then go before the Senate for consideration.
Colorado Democrats may be taking a page out of California's playbook, as Gov. Gavin Newsom approved $50 million in taxpayer dollars in February to aid in legal court battles and protection for illegal immigrants against the Trump administration.
State Republicans immediately slammed the bill's passage, saying on social media the Centennial State's legislature has "continually poked the Admin in the eye this session & are now using our tax dollars meant for roads & water to defend it."
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