Signed! Polis Signs Supplemental Budget Bills to Set Students Up for Success, Support Marshall Fire Survivors, and Improve Pay Equity into Law

FY21-22 supplemental budget package will help move Colorado forward

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law three bills from the FY21-22 supplemental budget package.

The bills include measures to boost funding for Colorado’s K-12 schools and get the Colorado Department of Early Childhood up and running ahead of schedule, provide support for survivors of the Marshall Fire, and study ways to address pay inequities in Colorado. 

“As we continue our efforts to move Colorado forward, we’re channeling critical funds to address the challenges Coloradans are seeing in their everyday lives,” said JBC Vice Chair Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “From boosting funding to support our schools, to providing much-needed relief to the survivors of the Marshall Fire, to improving pay equity in our state, we’re making important investments to uplift folks in need and help more Colorado families thrive.”

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.

“The Boulder County community was heavily impacted by the Marshall Fire that destroyed homes and devastated families, and it’s critical that we deliver the relief they need to rebuild and recover,” said Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County). “These funds will make a big difference by helping offset property taxes that were lost due to the wildfires, which will help affected communities bounce back and begin to move forward.” 

“Our community was hit hard by the Marshall Fire, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure the folks rebuilding their lives have all the support they need,” said Senator Tammy Story (D-Conifer). “This critical funding will help make sure our communities have the resources they need to continue funding critical services as we continue working to recover and rebuild.”

“The communities impacted by the Marshall Fire are looking at a long road to recovery. As the rebuilding process stretches on, we’re working to ensure communities have access to the resources they need to get back on their feet, without being forced to cut critical services,” said President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “I’m proud to see that this funding will soon make its way to Boulder County and I remain committed to doing all I can to continue to support our communities.”

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. 

Jumpstarting the Department of Early Childhood
HB22-1197 will allow the Department of Early Childhood to become effective upon signature of the bill - nearly six months earlier than the previously established July 1, 2022 effective date. The bill also makes a $3.5 million transfer to initiate the department’s goal of expanding access to early childhood education to every Colorado family.

“I am pleased that we were able to increase funding to our schools mid year, especially considering the enormous challenges our schools have faced recently,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “This additional investment is a huge step forward and will definitely lead to better educational outcomes for our students.”

“Our schools and students have faced tremendous challenges over the last few years, and it’s up to us to help them bounce back and set them up for success,” said Sen. Chris Kolker (D-Centennial). “This supplemental package will make vital investments in our public education system. It will get the Department of Early Childhood up and running, reduce the Budget Stabilization Factor, and help schools better serve and support at-risk students.”

Improving Pay Equity in Colorado
HB22-1196 directs the equity diversity and inclusion task force to contract for a pay equity study to assess pay inequities specific to gender, race, and other protected classes, to provide recommendations to alleviate pay inequities. 

“Colorado has been a national leader in building more equitable workplaces and ensuring pay transparency,” said Sen. Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “Funding the pay equity study means we will soon be able to take a data driven look at what inequities remain and determine how we can chart a path to alleviate them. This is a critical step in ensuring Colorado remains the best place to work.”

“All Colorado state employees deserve to be paid a fair wage for their service to our state,” said Majority Leader Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City). “We know pay inequities exist in many workplaces. This law is the first step toward ensuring we have the data and tools needed to honor the service of all of our public servants.”