DENVER (KKTV) -Colorado lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Thursday for a special session to deal with a massive budget shortfall caused by recent changes to the federal tax code.

The state is facing a gap of nearly $800 million after the passage of President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” a tax law signed in July. Because Colorado’s tax system is tied to federal rules, the cuts in Washington mean less money flowing into state coffers.

Democratic leaders, including House Speaker Julie McCluskie, said the state should close corporate tax loopholes, trim some operating expenses and use part of its rainy day savings to keep essential services funded. Those include public schools, health care, food assistance and public safety programs.

Republicans pushed back, arguing the problem s

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