Senate Boosts K-12 Support, Sends FY21-22 Budget Supplemental Package to Governor’s Desk

Legislation will also provide resources to support Marshall fire survivors and first responders, jumpstart new Department of Early Childhood

DENVER, CO – The Senate today voted to send the FY21-22 supplemental budget package to Governor Polis’ desk.

The package – worth more than $80 million – will boost funding for Colorado’s K-12 schools, invest in Colorado’s health care system, reduce the amount the state owes school districts, and get the Colorado Department of Early Childhood up and running ahead of schedule.

“Budgets reflect priorities, and this budget package will move Colorado forward and deliver real, transformational change to address the challenges folks are seeing in their everyday lives,” said JBC Vice Chair Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City). “This package will boost support for Colorado’s public schools, ensure first responders and health care providers have the resources they need, mitigate impacts from the Marshall Fire, and help more Colorado families thrive.”

“Colorado’s schools and students have faced numerous challenges in recent years, and we have worked hard to address funding levels and support our schools,” said JBC member Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “This budget package will make critical investments to get the Department of Early Childhood up and running ahead of schedule, further reduce the Budget Stabilization Factor, and set Colorado students up for success.”

Increased Funding for Colorado’s K-12 Schools, At-Risk Students
HB22-1186 will buy down the Budget Stabilization Factor by $68 million and provide an additional $91 million to help school districts better serve and support at-risk students.

Support for Counties Impacted by the Marshall Fire 
HB22-1183 provides $3.7 million to help make up for lost property taxes as a result of diminished property values in areas impacted by the Marshall Fire. The funding will be transferred from the General Fund to the Treasury Department, and then distributed to affected counties. These funds will be used to make up for lost revenue as a result of decreased property values due to the fire.
 

Investments in Urban Indian Health Care
HB22-1190 provides increased funding to urban Indian organizations to address health-care disparities among the urban Indian community.
 

$5 Million for Firefighters
HB22-1194 provides $5 million to help Colorado firefighters purchase critical firefighting equipment and PPE.

The package now heads to the Governor's desk for final approval.