Gov. Jared Polis just signed Colorado’s budget. Here’s what it does for education.
The budget restores nearly $500 million in higher ed spending that was cut last year and includes $100 million to help low-income and first-generation students.
Colorado education interests spend millions on lobbying mostly to retain, gain funding
Education represents the second largest lobbying interest at the Capitol, behind health care. There’s a lot at stake: Education — K-12 and higher ed — takes up about 45% of the general fund, yet Colorado still funds education at far lower levels than other states.
Colorado’s 2022 budget restores higher ed cuts, boosts K-12 spending
Colorado’s proposed budget also would provide more money to help students who have traditionally struggled to complete college.
Standardized tests and protections for student borrowers among Colorado lawmakers’ concerns
The 2021 session is underway. Among the early bills is one that would reduce the role of the SAT and ACT in college admissions.
COVID Budget Toll: Education Won’t Be Spared as Colorado Lawmakers Face $3.3 Billion Hole
The scenario is worse than preliminary estimates predicting a $2 billion to $3 billion shortfall.
Colorado Schools, Universities Could See Major Budget Cuts Amid Coronavirus
Even the best-case scenarios mean the loss of millions in funds that paid for school construction, social workers, and tuition increases for students.