Search Results

The House today advanced the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget package on a preliminary vote. < Back April 9, 2025 House Advances Bipartisan FY 25-26 Budget to Protect Investments in K-12 Education, Medicaid DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget package on a preliminary vote. This bipartisan budget protects critical investments in K-12 education and Medicaid, caps tuition for higher education, and makes responsible reductions across programs and agencies to achieve a balanced budget. “We’re not happy about the cuts we had to make, but these strategic reductions protect essential services like health care and K-12 education,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “From protecting Medicaid coverage to capping college tuition, this budget supports popular services that boost public health and safety and foster opportunity for all. As our bipartisan budget moves closer to the finish line, I am proud of our efforts to preserve investments in the critical services Coloradans depend on.” “Despite having to make painful decisions over many months to balance our budget, we have fought to preserve essential services that families and vulnerable community members need,” said JBC Member Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “While making these cuts doesn’t feel good, TABOR requires difficult tradeoffs in order to protect funding for essential services like K-12 education and Medicaid. I remain deeply concerned by federal policies that could harm our economy, increase costs, and freeze funding Coloradans expect and deserve. However, I’m proud of the careful decisions we made to soften the impact of resolving our $1.2 billion gap and continue investing in child care, food assistance, and our environment.” The state’s $43.9 billion budget contains $16.7 billion in general fund expenditures. This year’s Long Bill, SB25-206 , is accompanied by 63 “orbital bills,” which move through the legislative process alongside the budget and make the statutory changes needed to balance the budget. Protecting Investments in K-12 and Higher Education Protecting K-12 Funding: In just the last few years, Colorado Democrats have increased total funding for our schools by nearly $3 billion. Since the 2018-19 school year, per pupil funding has increased from $8,123 to $11,852 next year. Despite a declining enrollment environment, this year’s budget builds on steady progress to increase the resources going to our classrooms by directing an additional $150 million more from the General Fund into schools as compared to the FY24-25 budget. Ultimately, total K-12 school funding will increase by over $250 million next year through HB25-1320 , the 2025 School Finance Act. Capping Tuition Rates for Higher Education: In recent years, Colorado Democrats have fought to increase college access by limiting tuition increases and boosting funding for financial aid. This year’s budget includes a 3.5 percent cap on tuition increases for in-state students. Continuing Medicaid Services for Vulnerable Coloradans Protecting Medicaid Services that Coloradans Rely On: This year, Colorado Democrats rejected proposed reductions to provider rates and instead secured a moderate 1.6 percent increase and protected Medicaid eligibility, avoiding dire impacts to Coloradans who rely on Medicaid services. However, this progress remains under threat by federal government actions to potentially cut Medicaid. Continuing Dental Services Provided Through Medicaid: This year’s budget protects funding for Coloradans on Medicaid to receive dental care. Supporting Colorado Kids and Families Bolstering Child Care Assistance: The budget invests $15 million in FY24-25 and $10 million in FY25-26 to increase support for the child care assistance program, a vital resource for low-income families to ensure access to quality child care providers which have seen long waitlists and frozen enrollment in many counties due to funding restrictions. Early Intervention Support for Colorado Children: The budget increases support for early intervention services that help bridge developmental gaps for infants and toddlers who were born premature or with other special needs. This year, Colorado Democrats acted swiftly to plug an unexpected gap in funding in FY24-25 by providing $4 million to halt proposed service reductions, and are investing an additional $16.5 million to sustain the program in FY25-26. Healthy School Meals for All: This budget fully funds the Healthy School Meals for All program through the end of the year, preserving what voters previously approved at the ballot. If HB25-1274 passes, a referred ballot measure in November will ask voters to weigh in on whether to continue the program or scale it back. Anti-Poverty Programs Administered by Local Governments: This year’s budget protects programs like TANF and SNAP administered by local governments to serve the most vulnerable communities. Preserving Colorado’s Public Lands and Natural Resources Investing in State Parks: This budget preserves and improves Colorado’s state parks, including $52 million in investments to protect critical habitats, maintain park facilities, and reinforce parks infrastructure. Promoting Water Conservation: This year’s budget protects funding for water conservation and resource management projects to ensure access to clean water for generations of Coloradans to come. Safeguarding Colorado's Civil Liberties Maintaining Election Security: The Trump administration abruptly halted federal support for election security, including from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This budget keeps Colorado’s elections safe and secure by providing $410,000 for robust security assessments and critical technology for all local elections systems. Defending Against Unlawful Federal Actions: Amidst ongoing uncertainty from the Trump administration, the budget allocates an additional $604,000 for increased support in the Attorney General’s Office to fight reckless, unlawful federal actions and protect federal funding that Coloradans rely on. This year’s budget also sets aside $4 million via SB25-269 and HB25-1321 to protect Colorado from the Trump administration's attempts to freeze federal grants or undermine Colorado’s sovereignty. Previous Next

Latest press releases and op-eds from Colorado House Democrats. NEWSROOM PRESS RELEASES > OP-EDS > House Advances Bipartisan FY 25-26 Budget to Protect Investments in K-12 Education, Medicaid April 9, 2025 The House today advanced the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget package on a preliminary vote. House Advances Bipartisan FY 25-26 Budget to Protect Investments in K-12 Education, Medicaid Bill to Increase Affordable Factory-Built Housing Passes Committee April 8, 2025 SB25-002 would increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing Bill to Increase Affordable Factory-Built Housing Passes Committee Feret Bill to Reduce Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers Passes Committee April 8, 2025 The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. Feret Bill to Reduce Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers Passes Committee

46 CO House Democrats fighting for hardworking Coloradans at the Capitol and across our state by saving you money, building a healthier Colorado and preparing our students for success. COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS Colorado Democrats fighting for hardworking Coloradans at the Capitol and across our state LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS LATEST NEWS MEET YOUR COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS CAREERS House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results . During the breakthrough 2024 Legislative Session, we focused on gun violence prevention, fully funding K-12 public schools, improving air quality and reducing the cost of housing, health care and prescription drugs. 2024 LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS Latest News House Advances Bipartisan FY 25-26 Budget to Protect Investments in K-12 Education, Medicaid April 9, 2025 The House today advanced the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget package on a preliminary vote. Read All Bill to Increase Affordable Factory-Built Housing Passes Committee April 8, 2025 SB25-002 would increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing Read All Feret Bill to Reduce Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers Passes Committee April 8, 2025 The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. Read All Colorado, It’s Showtime! Governor Polis Signs Film Festival Tax Credit Bill Into Law, Celebrates Colorado as the New Home of the Sundance Film Festival April 8, 2025 Last month, Governor Polis, the Sundance Institute, Visit Boulder, and others announced that Colorado was selected to be the new home of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. Read All Visit Our Newsroom Press Releases WE ARE COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS CONTACT US FIND MY REP SEARCH

Press Releases Apr 9, 2025 House Advances Bipartisan FY 25-26 Budget to Protect Investments in K-12 Education, Medicaid The House today advanced the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget package on a preliminary vote. Read More Apr 8, 2025 Bill to Increase Affordable Factory-Built Housing Passes Committee SB25-002 would increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing Read More Apr 8, 2025 Feret Bill to Reduce Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers Passes Committee The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. Read More Apr 8, 2025 Colorado, It’s Showtime! Governor Polis Signs Film Festival Tax Credit Bill Into Law, Celebrates Colorado as the New Home of the Sundance Film Festival Last month, Governor Polis, the Sundance Institute, Visit Boulder, and others announced that Colorado was selected to be the new home of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. Read More Apr 8, 2025 Bill to Prevent Overdoses in Schools, Save Lives Passes Committee Legislation would allow anyone to administer opioid-antagonist at schools Read More Apr 7, 2025 2025 School Finance Act Passes Committee HB25-1320 will drive $256 million more to Colorado’s K-12 public schools for the 2025-26 school year Read More Apr 7, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Protecting the Freedom to Marry Act Signed Into Law SB25-014 repeals unenforceable language from Colorado Statute that states that a marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman Read More Apr 4, 2025 Pair of Bills to Implement Voter-Approved Abortion Protections, Strengthen Reproductive Health Care Advance The House today on a preliminary vote passed two bills to protect reproductive rights in Colorado. Read More Apr 3, 2025 Bipartisan Martinez Bill to Support Wildlife and Property Owners Passes Committee The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. Read More Apr 3, 2025 Carter’s Facial Recognition Protections Bill Passes House The House today passed Rep. Michael Carter’s bipartisan bill to protect the biometric data of students and staff collected by schools. Read More Apr 3, 2025 “Freedom to Read Act” Moves Forward The House today advanced the “Freedom to Read Act” on a preliminary vote. Read More Apr 3, 2025 Mauro’s Bipartisan Bill to Attract Businesses, Jobs to Colorado Passes The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. Read More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 ... 184

Learn more about how to contact the Colorado House Majority team. Contact Chief of Staff Rebecca Kisner rebecca.kisner@coleg.gov COMMUNICATIONS Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy and Communications Jarrett Freedman jarrett.freedman@coleg.gov Media Relations Director Mallory Feeney mallory.feeney@coleg.gov C ommunications Advisor Kaitlin Begin kaitlin.begin@coleg.gov OPERATIONS Advisor to the Speaker Elizabeth Brawn elizabeth.brawn@coleg.gov Legislative Aide Program Manager Feliz Sanchez Garcia felizsanchez.garcia@coleg.gov Advisor to the Majority Leader Gina Kelble gina.kelble@coleg.gov POLICY Budget Policy Analyst Carl Plant carl.plant@coleg.gov Senior Policy Analyst Sarah Regan sarah.regan@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Amadia Al-Amin amadia.al-amin@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Jaclyn Davison jaclyn.davison@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Vanessa Garcia vanessa.garcia@coleg.gov

Learn more about the Colorado House Democrats, including meeting minutes and locations. Meetings & Minutes Meeting minutes and notices prior to August 22, 2024 can be found in the archive. April 17, 2025 8:30 AM Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 15, 2025 8:00 AM Health & Human Services Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 10, 2025 8:30 AM CANCELLED: Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 11:00 AM UPDATED: House Majority Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 8:00 AM Judiciary Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 8:00 AM Health & Human Services Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 8, 2025 8:30 AM Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 7, 2025 9:00 AM UPDATED: House Democrats Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 6, 2025 9:00 AM State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 4, 2025 1:00 PM House Education Committee Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 3, 2025 8:30 AM UPDATED: Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 3, 2025 8:00 AM Finance Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes

Last month, Governor Polis, the Sundance Institute, Visit Boulder, and others announced that Colorado was selected to be the new home of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. < Back April 8, 2025 Colorado, It’s Showtime! Governor Polis Signs Film Festival Tax Credit Bill Into Law, Celebrates Colorado as the New Home of the Sundance Film Festival Last month, Governor Polis, the Sundance Institute, Visit Boulder, and others announced that Colorado was selected to be the new home of the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. To support the festival's historic move to Colorado and the many other film festivals that call Colorado home, today Governor Polis signed HB25-1005 - Tax Incentive for Film Festivals - sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Brianna Titone, and Senators Judy Amabile and Mark Baisley. “Colorado is the best state for film and television artists, and I am thrilled today to sign this bipartisan law to support our growing film industry in Colorado that is captivating audiences, supporting hard-working Coloradans, and strengthening our tourism and economy. As the iconic Sundance Film Festival joins many successful film festivals operating across the state, we are ensuring that Colorado continues to be the top film festival state in the nation,” said Governor Polis. “From original films to panel discussions with filmmakers, the Sundance Film Festival will be right at home in Boulder,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Since Boulder was selected as the next location for the Sundance Film Festival in 2027, we expect our small businesses, restaurants and hotels to benefit from the boost in local tourism and out-of-state visitors. The Sundance Film Festival will strengthen Colorado’s reputation as a destination for the arts and will generate new jobs in our state.” “It’s an incredible honor to host the Sundance Film Festival because it will solidify our state’s reputation as a destination for the arts,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The 2024 festival attracted 24,000 out-of-state visitors and generated $132 million in gross domestic product, and we expect to see a similar positive economic impact in Colorado. We’re proud that the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival will call Boulder home for the next ten years.” “This law demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the success of the Sundance Film Festival in Colorado,” said Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Sundance is more than just an economic driver – it will cement Colorado’s place as a global hub for the arts, creating opportunities for filmmakers and audiences alike. Our communities will benefit year-round from Sundance’s investments in expanded access to the arts, support for aspiring storytellers, and a platform for powerful narratives that have the potential to move, inspire, and change all of us.” “Today’s bill signing is a tremendous win for Colorado small businesses. We welcome the Sundance Film Festival making its new home in Boulder. This will boost sales at restaurants, retailers and other small businesses throughout the region that rely on tourism, bringing much needed revenue to Colorado communities during a quiet time of year,” said Colorado Sen. Mark Baisley. Previous Next

Legislation would allow anyone to administer opioid-antagonist at schools < Back April 8, 2025 Bill to Prevent Overdoses in Schools, Save Lives Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to save lives and prevent overdoses. SB25-164 would allow anyone to administer opioid-antagonists, such as Naloxone, to someone experiencing an overdose at a Colorado public school. “Our students are losing friends and peers to preventable overdoses – we need to do more to save lives,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora . “During an overdose, time is of the essence, and this bill makes Naloxone more accessible in schools. Additionally, our bill would remove the unnecessary training requirements to administer opioid-antagonists, so anyone can act quickly to save a life.” “When compared to other states, Colorado ranks near the top for fatal youth overdoses,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Fatal overdoses are preventable, and we should be doing everything we can to save a life. Our bill works to make opioid-antagonists more accessible in Colorado public schools and school buses by allowing them to be placed in AED defibrillator cabinets.” SB25-164, passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This legislation aims to boost access to Naloxone in schools to combat fatal overdoses. While training is still encouraged, SB25-164 would remove cumbersome training requirements to administer Naloxone so anyone could help reverse an overdose. To increase access to Naloxone during an emergency, this bill would allow it to be placed inside AED defibrillator cabinets located in schools and on school buses. This bill also streamlines the Naloxone Bulk Fund to make it more accessible and efficient for schools. Specifically, allowing staff of the statewide program to focus on overdose prevention outreach, education and training in rural and underserved areas. A 2024 study revealed that Colorado ranked second in the nation for fatal youth overdoses. Colorado lawmakers have worked to combat the youth overdose crisis in Colorado. HB25-1293 , also sponsored by Rep. Jackson, would require public high schools to adopt education standards focused on drug overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response. SB25-164 builds upon previous legislation allowing school districts to maintain a supply of Naloxone to be used on buses and at school sponsored events. Previous Next

SB25-002 would increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing < Back April 8, 2025 Bill to Increase Affordable Factory-Built Housing Passes Committee SB25-002 would increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to make it easier to build more affordable housing across Colorado. SB25-002, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesensecker and Representative Rebekah Stewart, passed by a vote of 10-3. “Modular homes have proven to lower housing construction costs by up to 21 percent, especially in Colorado’s rural resort communities where nurses, teachers and firefighters are struggling to afford housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “This legislation would help streamline the permitting and approval process to increase affordable housing stock while ensuring all proper health and safety standards are met. Colorado is a great place to live, work and raise a family, and this legislation helps create affordable pathways to homeownership.” “SB25-002 aims to reduce bureaucratic red tape to building modular homes, tiny homes and other affordable housing options to create a more affordable Colorado,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “This bill would create more business for Colorado modular housing builders, like those in Aurora and Buena Vista, while providing quickly built, cost-saving housing options for Colorado communities. It’s going to take an all-hands approach to tackle the housing affordability crisis in Colorado, which is why I’m sponsoring this legislation to improve the coordination between state and local governments to create more housing that works for every budget.” SB25-002 would increase the stock of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers to the construction, installation, and inspection of factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing. Modular housing is usually less expensive than traditional, stick-built homes constructed on-site and can be assembled faster, which can help expand permanent housing opportunities and build more affordable housing options. This bill would direct the State Housing Board in the Department of Local Affairs to develop regional building codes for factory-built structures by July 1, 2026. The new building codes would supersede current regulations only for factory-built structures. The General Assembly passed a bipartisan law in 2022 to create the Innovative Housing Incentive Program to invest in companies pursuing innovative construction methods such as modular housing to create more affordable housing options. So far, the program has invested over $10.5 million with 13 businesses that are contracted to produce over 2,500 units and $20 million in loans to four businesses that will create over 3,300 units per year once their factories are up and running. In 2024, the town of Breckenridge built a 54-unit modular housing project. They saved 13-percent and completed the project six months faster when compared to quotes for traditional housing construction. The bids for a 37-unit affordable housing project in the town of Granby were 21-percent cheaper than stick-built homes and allowed for the construction to be completed within the seasonal six-month building window. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. < Back April 8, 2025 Feret Bill to Reduce Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. “Our health care workers have dedicated their livelihood to keeping our communities healthy, and they deserve to feel safe in their workplace,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada. “Health care workers experience higher workplace violence rates than police officers, which is why I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to incentivize hospitals to create a safer work environment for health care workers. This will help retain Colorado’s health care workforce so Coloradans can continue to receive the life-saving health care they deserve.” SB25-166 would add a workplace violence performance metric to the state’s quality incentive program and empower the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to consult with stakeholders to address workplace violence. In consultation with stakeholders, HCPF would develop workplace violence performance metrics, explore funding opportunities, and provide legislative recommendations. The group would include Medicaid providers, hospital associations, rural hospital representatives, nurse representatives, and relevant state agencies. HCPF would be required to consult with the Department of Public Health and Environment and other stakeholders by September 1, 2025. The bill would also empower HCPF to assess hospitals’ adoption of a formal workplace violence policy. Health care and social service workers experience the highest rates of workplace violence-related injuries and are five times more likely to be injured on the job compared to other industries. Previous Next

HB25-1320 will drive $256 million more to Colorado’s K-12 public schools for the 2025-26 school year < Back April 7, 2025 2025 School Finance Act Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed the 2025 School Finance Act to implement the new school funding formula and sustainably drive more funding to Colorado’s K-12 public schools. “This year’s School Finance Act delivers for our K-12 public schools – it drives $256 million more to school districts compared to last year, while creating a sustainable funding model for our schools,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Under this bill, the vast majority of districts will receive additional funding despite nearly universal declining enrollment, and no district will drop below the amount of funding they received this school year. Our students deserve a school finance formula that focuses on them, and that’s what we’ll deliver.” “From eliminating the budget stabilization factor to driving more funding than ever before to Colorado’s public schools, we’re committed to investing in public education,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “As a teacher, I know how important adequate school funding and reducing classroom sizes are to creating an environment where students thrive. This year’s School Finance Act invests $256 million more in Colorado’s public schools than last year and increases funding by $380 on average per student. I’m incredibly proud to sponsor this bill that will increase funding for our public schools and drive funding to the students who need it the most.” Colorado lawmakers have worked diligently to drive record-breaking funding to Colorado’s K-12 public schools. Since 2019 when voters gave Democrats the trifecta, total funding for schools has increased by over $3 billion while Colorado schools have lost tens of thousands of students in that time, even after accounting for increased student counts from full day kindergarten. Since the 2018-2019 school year, average per pupil funding has increased from $8,123 to $11,852 next year. The 2025 School Finance Act ( HB25-1320 ) passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would drive $256.7 million more to Colorado’s public schools than last school year, bringing the 2025-26 school funding total to a record $10.35 billion despite Colorado facing a declining student enrollment environment. HB25-1320 acknowledges unique challenges for rural and remote districts, increases education funding to keep up with inflation and prioritizes sustainable funding for years to come. In last year’s School Finance Act , lawmakers delivered on their promise to pay off the Budget Stabilization Factor. At the same time, HB24-1448 modernized the school funding formula used to determine the total program funding for Colorado’s K-12 public school districts for the first time in 30 years. This legislation created a more student-centered formula designed to drive more resources to rural and underserved districts, as well as students living with a disability, at-risk students and English Language Learners (ELLs). For the 2025-2026 school year, HB25-1320 will: Provide $82.5 million more for public schools next year than the old formula and five-year averaging would have. Increase per pupil funding by $400, bringing the total per pupil funding to $11,852. Ensure that 157 of 178 districts will see an average 2.9 percent increase in funding, while the remaining 21 districts with significantly declining enrollment are held harmless. HB25-1320 will implement the new school funding formula at 15-percent per year for six years, and then 10-percent for the final seventh year of implementation, while still maintaining the four-year averaging model for the 2025-26 school year. To help stabilize school funding in a declining enrollment environment, the bill includes a three-year averaging model in 2026-27 if the new funding formula is implemented at 30 percent, otherwise it will remain at four-years. Given the tight budget conditions, largely driven by increased Medicaid costs, Colorado lawmakers have had to address a $1.2 billion shortfall in the state budget. However, HB25-1320 is designed to give the legislature the flexibility to continue increasing school funding while adapting to changing budget realities. To maintain the financial health of the State Education Fund (SEF), HB25-1320 provides the flexibility to adjust the percentage of the formula implemented each year or the averaging components of the formula to ensure a healthy reserve in the fund’s balance. Previous Next