Colorado lawmakers convened a special legislative session in Denver on Thursday to close a budget gap estimated by state analysts at $783 million and by other officials at roughly $1 billion for the fiscal year that began 1 July. The shortfall stems from federal tax-code changes enacted last month by President Donald Trump, which have quickly reduced state income-tax collections because Colorado’s tax structure closely mirrors federal rules. Democrats, who control both chambers nearly two-to-one, opened the five-day session with bills that would trim or eliminate several corporate tax breaks, target overseas tax shelters and draw on the state’s rainy-day fund. They also propose giving Governor Jared Polis authority to order mid-year spending cuts if revenues deteriorate further. Republican lawmakers argue that the deficit results from excessive state spending rather than Washington’s policies and are pushing instead for program reductions and a halt to certain tax credits for low-income residents. GOP leaders say any measure that raises taxes without voter approval would violate Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and are preparing potential court challenges. The meeting is the 52nd special session in state history and the fourth called by Polis. Legislators aim to send a balanced-budget package to the governor before adjourning next week, warning that failure could disrupt funding for education, health care and other services.