Democratic Leadership on Governor’s Budget Proposal

DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, today released the following statements on Governor Polis’ FY 2024-2025 budget proposal:

Statement from Speaker McCluskie:

“After years of delivering historic increases in public school funding and making steady progress, the General Assembly this year is poised to eliminate the public school funding deficit (the Budget Stabilization Factor) in Colorado for the first time since 2009. This is the moment that parents, students and teachers have been waiting for, and I’m proud that our responsible budgets and consistent investment in our students have paved the way to make it a reality. The Governor’s budget proposal will build on our collaborative efforts with the JBC and Education Committee Chair Rep. McLachlan to boost per pupil funding to record levels, increase teacher pay, and reduce class sizes to set up our students to thrive. I appreciate Governor Polis’ budget proposal, and I look forward to working with him and the JBC to improve education, support working families and make Colorado a more affordable place to live.”

Statement from President Fenberg:

“Making sure our kids get the best education possible is one of the most important jobs we have, which is why I am thrilled to see Governor Polis’ budget request put such a strong emphasis on fully funding our schools and eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor once and for all. Governor Polis’ budget request represents a thoughtful, responsible approach that will also save Colorado families money on urgent priorities like housing and health care, while providing badly-needed resources to help achieve our shared goal of making Colorado communities safer. I look forward to working closely with Governor Polis next session as we fight to create a healthier, safer, and stronger Colorado for us all.”