This November, Colorado voters will decide on two statewide measures — Propositions LL and MM — that affect funding for school meal programs and taxes on high-income households. Both focus on the Healthy School Meals for All Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all public school students

Proposition LL: Keep and Spend Revenue Already Collected

LL asks voters to let the state keep $12.4 million in tax revenue already collected from households earning $300,000 or more, rather than refunding it. This money would continue the Healthy School Meals for All Program and maintain current deduction limits for high-income households, preventing scheduled tax cuts for these earners in 2026.

Supporters say LL ensures ongoing access to free school meals, eliminates stigma for low-income students, and helps schools manage rising food costs. Opponents argue that LL is a tax increase without explicit voter approval and that families able to pay should not be subsidized during uncertain economic times.

Proposition MM: Raise Taxes for School Meals and Food Assistance

MM would increase state income taxes on households earning $300,000 or more by limiting deductions to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers. This would generate up to $95 million annually, funding the school meals program, wage increases for cafeteria staff, local food purchasing, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Supporters highlight the unexpectedly high demand for free meals, the importance of nutritious food for student performance, and the need for better staff compensation and expanded food assistance. Opponents worry about the tax burden on high earners and question funding meals for families who can afford them.

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Participation Statistics

Since launching Healthy School Meals for All in 2022:

75% of Colorado public students (about 630,000 children) received free meals in 2022-23, up from 40% previously.

Schools saw a 25% increase in meal service versus pre-pandemic years.

Districts like Denver and Aurora reported participation above 80%.

Over 90 million free meals were served statewide in the first year.

Demand exceeded projections by about 15%, prompting these ballot measures.

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Fiscal Impact

LL keeps $12.4 million already collected and provides up to $67 million in reimbursements to schools by 2026-27, with at least $1 million for local food purchasing.

MM would raise an estimated $103 million annually, with $126 million in spending by 2026-27 for meals, staff wages, local food, and SNAP.

Who Pays and Who Benefits

Only households earning $300,000 or more are directly affected by these measures. Other Coloradans will not face new taxes, but all benefit from expanded or continued access to free meals and food assistance.

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Possible Outcome

If LL passes and MM fails: The state keeps the $12.4 million already collected but does not raise new taxes. Some program enhancements may go unfunded.

If MM passes and LL fails: New taxes fund program enhancements and SNAP, but the $12.4 million is refunded.

If both pass: Maximum funding for meals, wages, local food, and SNAP.

If both fail: Free meals are limited at low-income schools and enhancements are not funded.

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What a Yes or No Vote Means

Proposition LL

YES: The state keeps $12.4 million from high-income households for school meals. Deduction limits stay in place.

NO: The $12.4 million is refunded. Deduction limits are lifted, reducing taxes for high-income households.

Proposition MM

YES: Further limits deductions for high-income households, raising up to $95 million for school meals, staff wages, local food, and SNAP.

NO: No new taxes on high earners and no expanded funding for these programs.

In summary, a YES vote on either measure supports funding for universal school meals (and, for MM, SNAP and wage increases) from high-income households. A NO vote reduces or prevents this funding.