DENVER - Today, Governor Polis presented his budget proposal to the General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee for consideration. Governor Polis has proposed a budget that addresses the pressing challenges facing Colorado and prepares the state to weather any future economic challenges, and for the first time in 14 years fulfills the promise to voters to fully fund our schools.
“This balanced budget will help address the most pressing challenges facing our state, fully fund our schools, and make Colorado safer. I look forward to working with the Joint Budget Committee and legislature to implement a balanced budget to fund schools, build more housing now, make Colorado a top 10 safest state, save people money on healthcare, and protect Colorado's environment,” said Governor Polis
Governor Polis’s proposed budget focuses on the challenges facing hardworking Coloradans. The Governor’s balanced budget makes important investments allowing the state to continue to provide Coloradans with real results.
This comprehensive budget includes major investments in housing, public safety, and more:
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Strengthening Schools: For the first time since 2009, Governor Polis proposes eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor, fully funding our schools. To fully fund our schools, this budget invests $564.1M in K-12 program increases, including $141.3M of specific investment to fulfill our promise to voters. This budget will provide teachers with the support they need to ensure student success. In addition to fully funding schools, Governor Polis is providing $42.7M for higher education affordability to ensure that higher education in Colorado is more attainable for all Colorado students.
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More Housing Now: Governor Polis is investing $35M in tax credits to incentivize more housing creation, $35M for Transit-oriented infrastructure to build housing near jobs and transit centers, $18M to boost ADU construction, $16M for workforce housing to ensure workers can afford to live in the communities they serve, and more. This budget makes living in Colorado more affordable for all of us.
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Making Colorado a Top Ten Safest State: Governor Polis is investing $14M in auto theft prevention so Coloradans don't have to worry about their car being stolen, $7.5M to fund community-led crime prevention tackling the needs of Colorado's diverse and unique communities locally, $3.6M for afterschool programming to ensure Colorado’s marginalized youth are invested in, $3.3M to provide Colorado victims with accurate information and financial support, and more. These investments help prevent crime, invest in youth, and support Coloradans during difficult times.
Governor Polis is affirming his commitment to providing a balanced budget that addresses the challenges facing the state while ensuring a responsible financial future for Colorado. This budget will improve communities and will support data-driven programs addressing challenges in each unique community.
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