Two more groups have added their names to the growing list of entities supporting a legislative compromise to provide more tax relief to Coloradans and end a pair of property tax propositions on pace to appear on the November ballot.

One of the groups cited the two measures’ potential fiscal impact on governments’ budgets. The second group said the legislature’s response to soaring property taxes has so far “missed” the mark, and that a special session provides the opportunity for a “meaningful” tax relief. 

 In statements, the Colorado Student Government Coalition (CSGC) and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce called on lawmakers to convene a special session to hammer out a solution to soaring property taxes. 

CSGC, which represents student body presidents and trustees from some of the state’s higher education institutions, said it “strongly opposes ballot measures 50 and 108.”

“We urge (Gov. Jared Polis) and legislators to recognize the serious negative impacts these measures could have on state-funded services. Allowing either measure on the ballot risks around a billion dollars in funding if passed, with our campuses undoubtedly poised as the first to feel the squeeze of these budget constraints,” the group said. 

In an email to its members, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce president J.J. Ament asked them to join the organization in renewing its call for the special session.

“We believe a legislative compromise can be reached to provide meaningful tax relief while also protecting state and local budgets,” Ament wrote. “This past spring, the legislature passed SB24-233 in a good faith effort to address these issues. However, while better than no action at all, the chamber’s position has always been that SB24-233 missed the mark in meeting the needs of both residential property owners and our business community — especially small businesses that are the backbone of Colorado’s economy.”

Earlier this week, less than an hour before a special commission on property tax convened, a coalition of more than 40 organizations submitted a letter, raising concerns about the potential impact of Advance Colorado’s Initiatives 50 and 108 on the state’s finances. They, too, urged the parties to find a compromise. 

“We are supportive of a compromise and a special session to codify this deal and believe this is the best way to work together,” the coalition wrote. “Should a special session be called, we urge the scope to be very narrow, limited to one bill that would implement one agreed-upon deal.”

Lawmakers and political advocates have hinted at negotiations to provide more tax relief to residents and businesses and halt Proposition 108 and its companion measure, Proposition 50. Proposition 50 already qualified for the ballot, while election officials have yet to conclude whether Proposition 108 also turned in enough signatures. Proponents are confident it would make the ballot. 

That special session would have to happen quickly, as the deadline to remove the propositions from the ballot is Sept. 6.

***This story has been updated to reflect that the Denver Metro Chamber supports the special session, but does not have a formal position on Initiatives 50 and 108***