Gov. Jared Polis presented his budget proposal to the General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee for consideration which, for the first time in 14 years, fulfills the promise to voters to fully fund schools.
“This balanced budget will help address the most pressing challenges facing our state, fully fund our schools, and make Colorado safer. I look forward to working with the Joint Budget Committee and legislature to implement a balanced budget to fund schools, build more housing now, make Colorado a top 10 safest state, save people money on healthcare, and protect Colorado's environment,” said Polis in a news release.
This budget includes investments in housing, public safety, and more:
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Strengthening Schools: For the first time since 2009, Polis proposes eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor, fully funding schools. To fully fund schools, this budget invests $564.1M in K-12 program increases, including $141.3M of specific investment to fulfill our promise to voters. This budget will provide teachers with the support they need to ensure student success. In addition to fully funding schools, Polis is providing $42.7M for higher education affordability to ensure that higher education in Colorado is more attainable for all Colorado students.
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More Housing Now: Polis is investing $35M in tax credits to incentivize more housing creation, $35M for transit-oriented infrastructure to build housing near jobs and transit centers, $18M to boost ADU construction, $16M for workforce housing to ensure workers can afford to live in the communities they serve, and more. This budget makes living in Colorado more affordable for all of us.
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Making Colorado a Top Ten Safest State: Polis is investing $14M in auto theft prevention so Coloradans don't have to worry about their car being stolen, $7.5M to fund community-led crime prevention tackling the needs of Colorado's diverse and unique communities locally, $3.6M for after-school programming to ensure Colorado’s marginalized youth are invested in, $3.3M to provide Colorado victims with accurate information and financial support, and more. These investments help prevent crime, invest in youth, and support Coloradans during difficult times.
