vbustamante, Author at Stand for Children Colorado

Capitol Week In Review: Week 14

Capitol Week in Review | 04/14/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about policy concerning educational equity and criminal justice reform. You will also hear from us about opportunities to engage in advocacy on topics important to you.

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Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to share several priority bill updates:

HB 25-1214, Appropriate Use of Prison Beds, reforms sentencing and parole by requiring courts to review key information before sentencing and notifying them when individuals near parole eligibility are sentenced. It expands treatment options to certified recovery residences, removes payment requirements for mandated treatment after positive drug or alcohol tests, and presumes parole for low-risk inmates with mandated monthly status reports. This bill passed out of the House Finance Committee with a 7-6 vote.

HB 25-1146, Juvenile Detention Bed Caps, was adjusted by a “strike below” amendment which has changed this bill to overhaul juvenile detention funding in Colorado. Starting in 2025-26, $1.98 million annually will support alternatives to detention, while the $1.36 million requirement for emergency beds is repealed. The detention bed cap rises to 254 in 2025-26, then adjusts to 125% of projected need starting in 2026-27, excluding youth charged with class 1 felony-level acts. The Division of Criminal Justice must report detention projections, and the General Assembly must fund beds accordingly.

HB 25-1116, Reporting Statistics on Restitution, is off the Governor to sign! This bill would ensure the Department of Corrections regularly checks for outstanding warrants on inmates and notifies them, courts, and public defenders. It encourages timely resolution, including virtual court appearances, to prevent legal issues from delaying reentry.

SB25-208, Department of Corrections Inmate Phone Costs, proposes adjustments to the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) responsibility for covering inmate phone call costs. Under current law, the DOC is required to cover 100% of these costs starting July 1, 2025. This bill modifies that requirement by mandating the DOC to cover 75% of inmate phone call costs beginning July 1, 2025, and then increasing to 100% coverage on and after July 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill appropriates $1,436,165 from the general fund to the DOC for inmate telephone calls. This bill is passed third reading in the House.

SB25-001, Colorado Voting Rights Act , strengthens protections against voter discrimination, expands multilingual ballot access, improves accessibility for tribal and disabled voters, and creates a statewide election data office. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee on April 14th at 1:30pm.

HB 25-1204 Colorado Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), aligns with federal ICWA while adding stronger state protections. It ensures tribal involvement in child welfare cases, prioritizes placement with family or tribe, and mandates reporting and oversight starting in 2027. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on April 23rd upon adjournment.

Our Take: HB25- 1116 Heads to the Governor: Advancing Justice with Stand’s Relentless Advocacy

We are thrilled to announce that HB25-1116, a bipartisan bill aimed at reducing re-incarceration by ensuring individuals in the Department of Corrections (DOC) custody address outstanding warrants or pending cases before release, has passed both chambers of the Colorado legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s signature.

This legislation mandates the DOC to conduct comprehensive searches of court records at key points during an offender’s incarceration to identify any unresolved legal matters. By proactively addressing these issues, the bill seeks to facilitate smoother reintegration into the community and prevent unnecessary re-incarceration due to overlooked legal obligations.

We have been a steadfast advocate for HB25-1116, working tirelessly to advance this critical reform. Our efforts included organizing community support, providing testimony, and engaging with legislators to highlight the importance of this bill in promoting fair and safe reintegration for returning community members.

The passage of HB25-1116 represents a significant step forward in our commitment to criminal justice reform and the well-being of our communities. . We appreciate the support of the many advocates who engaged along the way to getting this bill passed.

Take Action: Eliminate Medical Co-Pays for Incarcerated People: Support HB25-1026

Our priority bill, HB 25-1026, Repeal Co-payment for Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Health Care, would eliminate medical co-pays for incarcerated individuals in Colorado—fees that currently range from $3 to $5 per visit. While that might seem small, incarcerated people earn just $0.69 to $1.81 per day, making access to basic healthcare a major financial burden. It’s the equivalent of charging a $900 co-pay to someone earning minimum wage.

The House of Representatives is considering this bill – Ask them to Eliminate Needless and Inefficient Fees.

Email House representatives now!

What We’re Reading

The Colorado Sun, Supreme Court allows Trump to cut teacher-training money. How might it affect Colorado?
Chalkbeat, Colorado delays rules aimed at ensuring high-quality preschool — again
Chalkbeat, Colorado lawmakers reject bill on child care chains backed by private equity

Capitol Week In Review: Week 13

Capitol Week in Review | 04/5/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to share several new priority bills and important updates to key priority legislation:

HB25-1320, School Finance Act, extends the transition to Colorado’s new school funding formula by one year, now fully implementing it in 2031-32. This bill increases funding for education by nearly $256 million. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on April 7th at 1:30pm.

HB 25-1116, Reporting Statistics on Restitution, is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 7th at 1:30pm. This bill would ensure the Department of Corrections regularly checks for outstanding warrants on inmates and notifies them, courts, and public defenders. It encourages timely resolution, including virtual court appearances, to prevent legal issues from delaying reentry.

HB 25-1146, Juvenile Detention Bed Caps, proposes increasing Colorado’s juvenile detention bed cap for the 2025-26 fiscal year and, in subsequent years, setting the cap at 125% of the projected average daily juvenile detention population. The bill also mandates annual appropriations to fund these beds. We are in strong opposition; after several delays, this bill will be heard in the Health and Human Services Committee on April 8th at 1:30pm. We are not asking for testimony as there will likely be a compromise.

HB 25-1026, Repeal Co-payment for Department of Corrections (DOC) Inmate Health Care, stops the Department of Corrections from charging medical fees to incarcerated individuals seeking healthcare, separate from what is billed to insurance and already provided by the state. This bill passed out of the House Appropriations Committee with a vote of 8-3.

SB25-200 Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements, updates Colorado’s READ Act to include stronger screening for dyslexia by 2025-26. This bill passed second readings in the Senate.

HB25-1147 Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court, aligns municipal courts with state legal standards by ensuring sentencing parity, improving access to indigent defense, and enhancing transparency in court proceedings, passed the Senate and is off to the Governor’s desk!

HB 25-1204 Colorado Indian Child Welfare Act, aligns with federal ICWA while adding stronger state protections. It ensures tribal involvement in child welfare cases, prioritizes placement with family or tribe, and mandates reporting and oversight starting in 2027. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on April 23rd upon adjournment.

Our Take: Let’s talk budget- where we were, where we are, and where we are going!

Last week, the long-anticipated Colorado state budget—also known as the “long bill”—was introduced. But if you thought that was the end of the ride, think again. The real action kicked off this week, and it’s been a whirlwind in the State Capitol. As you will recall, Colorado is facing a $1.2 billion shortfall, so legislators have been hard at work identifying ways to balance the budget.

We started with the budget being presented to the Committee of the Whole, where lawmakers dug into the details and debated priorities. From there, it moved into the Senate Appropriations Committee, where amendments and negotiations shaped the next version.

Next came the public caucuses, giving lawmakers from both parties the chance to share their positions and concerns more openly. Then we hit second readings, a critical moment where the Senate debated the bill on the floor—sometimes line by line. It has now passed third readings and is now in the House, bringing the bill one step closer to final passage.

And now, we wait until we get to the final vote on the long bill—arguably the biggest budget moment of the year.

Stay tuned. The twists and turns aren’t over yet, and this budget will shape funding for schools, healthcare, transportation, and so much more across our state.

Take Action: Let’s Ensure Fair and Safe Reintegration for Returning Community Members!

HB25-1116, a bill that seeks to reduce the likelihood of re-incarceration by ensuring that offenders in the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC) address any outstanding warrants or pending cases before their release, is being heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 7th at 1:30pm.

HB25-1116 will:

ensure that before an individual leaves prison, the DOC conducts thorough checks for any outstanding in-state or out-of-state warrants or pending cases in Colorado courts.
gives individuals the opportunity to address legal matters before they return home.
require the DOC to notify the individual, a public defender liaison, and the relevant court in case an outstanding warrant or pending case is identified.

Email the Senate Judiciary COmmittee!

What We’re Reading

The Colorado Sun, Minimal cuts next year: School funding proposal promises districts more stable funding — for now
Chalkbeat, Colorado House Speaker’s school finance plan seeks a compromise on enrollment-averaging

Capitol Week In Review: Week 11

Capitol Week in Review | 03/21/2025

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

Legislation of Interest

We’re excited to announce that one of our key criminal justice reform policies is scheduled for it’s hearing next week. In addition, there has been another scheduling update, read below for more information:

HB 25-1214, Appropriate Use of Prison Beds, reforms sentencing and parole by requiring courts to review key information before sentencing and notifying them when individuals near parole eligibility are sentenced. It expands treatment options to certified recovery residences, removes payment requirements for mandated treatment after positive drug or alcohol tests, and presumes parole for low-risk inmates with mandated monthly status reports. A public defender liaison will also address outstanding warrants for eligible inmates. This bill is being heard in the House Judiciary Committee on March 26th at 1:30pm.

SB25- 190, Offender Release from Custody, aims to improve processes for releasing offenders from custody. It allows individuals to remain in jail overnight to facilitate connections with service providers and revises eligibility criteria for special needs parole, particularly for inmates aged 55 or older with severe cognitive impairments. Additionally, the bill mandates a study on options for releasing aging and seriously ill offenders to appropriate care facilities or alternative programs better suited to their medical needs. This bill is being heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 26th at 1:30pm.

HB25-1135 Communication Devices in Schools, requires all public and charter schools in Colorado to establish policies on student use of communication devices during school hours by July 1, 2026. These policies must specify any restrictions and exceptions for device use throughout the school day. The bill is being heard in the Senate Education Committee on March 31st at 1:30pm.

HB25-1293, Drug Overdose Education & Opioid Antagonists in Schools, mandates the State Board of Education to incorporate standards into high school health education that address drug overdose risks, recognition, prevention, and response. Additionally, it permits educational institutions to seek external funding to maintain and administer opioid antagonists. This bill passed out of the House Education Committee with a vote of 13-0.

Our Take:

Last year, our state made historic progress by eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and updating the school funding formula for the first time in 30 years. These changes promised much-needed resources for students in poverty, English learners, and students with special needs. However, with a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, this progress is at risk.

The draft 2025 School Finance Act (that isn’t introduced yet) offers a responsible solution by ensuring funding increases for schools while:

Our schools cannot afford to go backward. This proposal strikes a fair balance between the state’s fiscal constraints and its commitment to fully and equitably funding public education.

Take Action: Let’s Ensure Sustainable and Equitable Funding for Colorado Public Schools, Act Now!

We need your voice to help protect Colorado’s commitment to public education. Here’s how you can help:

Urge legislators to support the 2025 School Finance Act Proposal, which balances progress with fiscal responsibility.

Colorado’s students deserve progress. Let’s demand stable, equitable funding for our public schools—no exceptions, no excuses.

What We’re Reading

Life incarcerated is already incredibly difficult… The last thing they need is another legal hurdle standing in their way.

In Their Own Words | 02/11/2025

Claudia Carrillo Program Food System Coordinator & Stand Advocacy Fellow

Today the House Judiciary Committee heard HB 25-1116 Department of Corrections Search Court Records Before Offender Release. The bill requires the department of corrections to search all information available to the department to determine whether an offender held at a correctional facility is subject to an outstanding warrant or if the offender has a pending case in a Colorado court. Claudia Carrillo, a Program Food System coordinator and Stand Advocacy Fellow prepared testimony in support of HB25-1116 that was read during the hearing by our State Organizer, Natalie Perez. Below are those remarks.

“My name is Claudia Carrillo, and I am here to ask you to vote YES on HB25-1116 because this is about fairness, second chances, and fixing a broken system.

Inmates are more than just prisoners—they are someone’s child, sibling, parent, or grandparent. They are human beings who deserve the chance to move forward, not be held back by bureaucratic obstacles they don’t even know exist. Life incarcerated is already incredibly difficult. Depending on where they’re placed, some inmates might have access to programs that help with reentry, but many don’t. On top of everything they’re already struggling with, having outstanding warrants they are unaware of only sets them up to fail before they even get a chance to start over.

I saw this firsthand with my aunt’s experience. When she was incarcerated, she had to give custody of her children to my grandmother. When she was released, she expected to immediately regain custody, but the process was much harder than she anticipated. Her children—U.S. citizens—had to remain in Mexico with my grandmother until she could find a stable job that would accept her. She worked tirelessly, first finding a small rental, then eventually securing a three-bedroom home so she could bring her children back.

After overcoming every obstacle, rebuilding her life, and providing for her children, she was blindsided by an outstanding warrant from 20 years ago. Just when she thought she had finally created stability, she was suddenly at risk of going back — losing everything she had worked so hard to rebuild.

When someone goes to prison, they are already facing the consequences of their actions, yet their struggles don’t stop there. They fight battles we don’t see, and the last thing they need is another legal hurdle standing in their way. How can we expect people to successfully reintegrate into society if they walk out of prison only to be arrested again for something they were never even told about?

That’s why HB25-1116 matters. This bill would require the Department of Corrections to regularly check for outstanding warrants or pending cases and notify inmates—rather than allowing them to find out years later, when they have already worked so hard to reintegrate, like in my aunt’s case.

At the end of the day, this is about fairness. People who have served their time deserve a real chance at rebuilding their lives. They shouldn’t walk out of prison only to be thrown right back in because of unresolved legal issues they never even knew existed.

Let’s fix this. Let’s make sure people know their rights, have the support they need, and get a real chance at moving forward.

I urge you to vote YES on HB25-1116. “

In a Nutshell: What is a Bond?

Elections | 09/19/2024

The Stand for Children CO Team

There are several bonds on ballots in school districts across Colorado, but what is a bond and what does it mean for education and our communities? Let’s dive in!

What is a bond?

A bond is essentially a loan that investors provide to an organization, such as a government or a corporation, with the promise of being paid back over time with interest. Here’s how it works in the context of public education:

Bonds in Public Education:

When a school district, like Denver Public Schools (DPS), needs to fund large projects—such as building new schools, renovating existing ones, or upgrading technology—they might not have the cash on hand to cover these costs. Instead, they can issue bonds.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

Issuing the Bond: The school district proposes a bond, outlining how much money they need to borrow and what it will be used for. This proposal is usually put to a vote by the public.

Public Approval: If voters approve the bond, the school district is authorized to borrow the money by selling bonds to investors. These investors could be individuals, businesses, or financial institutions.

Paying Back the Bond: Over time, usually 10 to 30 years, the school district repays the borrowed money to the bondholders with interest. This repayment is typically funded through property taxes, which may be adjusted to cover the cost.

Vote YES on the 2024 DPS Bond: Investing in Denver’s Schools and Future

Elections | 09/19/2024

Vallerie Bustamante Digital Organizing Manager

We believe that a strong, well-supported public education system is the foundation of a healthy, thriving community so we are proud to endorse the 2024 Denver Public Schools (DPS) Bond—an investment in the future of our children and our city.

If you are a Denver resident, you will see the DPS Bond on your ballot and we encourage you to vote YES on the DPS Bond. Bonds are not new to Denver Public Schools. The district has had 7 bonds (including this year’s) proposed on the ballot for voters to decide on whether to pass it or not.

What is the 2024 DPS Bond?

The 2024 DPS Bond is a $975 million proposal aimed at addressing critical needs within Denver Public Schools. These funds are earmarked for significant improvements across the district, including the renovation and modernization of aging school buildings, providing quality learning environments, and the enhancement of safety and security measures in schools. You can read more about what the bond will fund specifically here.

According to Denver Public Schools, the Bond will invest in the following key areas:

Modernizing School Facilities: Many DPS schools are outdated and in dire need of repair. The bond will provide the necessary funding to renovate and modernize these facilities, ensuring that students have access to safe, comfortable, and conducive learning environments.

Enhancing Safety and Security: The safety of our students is paramount. The bond includes provisions for improving security systems in schools, ensuring that all students and staff can learn and work in a secure environment.

Investing in Technology: In today’s digital age, access to modern technology is essential for student success. The bond will fund the purchase of new technology and infrastructure upgrades, helping to bridge the digital divide and ensure all students have the tools they need to succeed.

At Stand for Children Colorado, we recognize that the quality of our schools directly impacts the success of our students. By endorsing the 2024 DPS Bond, we are advocating for a measure that will provide critical resources to schools, allowing them to better serve our children and prepare them for future success.

More reading:

DPS Bond Website

Chalkbeat Colorado: 2024 Denver schools bond: $975 million measure will be on the November ballot

What Can You Do?

We urge you to learn more about the 2024 DPS Bond, talk with your friends and neighbors about it, and most importantly, vote in support of the bond this November. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our children and the future of Denver.

Breaking Barriers: Language Justice and Mental Health in Denver Public Schools

Community Engagement | 01/29/2024

Pamela Kaspar Parent Advocate and Stand Fellow

Pamela Kaspar is an educator and mental health provider in DPS. She is a parent and Stand Advocacy fellow. In this blog, she shares why strengthening language justice to better support families and students in DPS will positively impact the mental well-being of students and families. Our team is currently working to ensure DPS educators have are trained in how to use and have access to interpretation and translations services to build strong partnerships with families. Sign our petition calling on the DPS board to strengthen Language Justice in DPS here.

In the diverse and vibrant Denver Public Schools (DPS) landscape, ensuring equity and promoting social justice are at the forefront of the educational agenda. One crucial aspect often overlooked is language justice, a key element in fostering an inclusive environment that supports the mental well-being of all families. Language justice is a practice to create inclusive and equitable spaces in schools so that families, students and staff can participate in the language they are most comfortable with. In my experience as a part of a team that provides social emotional and mental health supports for DPS students, I can clearly see the significance of strengthening language justice in DPS. It is critical to increase on-demand translation and interpretation services because it empowers mental health providers to better assist a broader spectrum of families.

Providing more on-demand translation and interpretation services in Denver Public Schools can be a game-changer. These services would provide mental health providers with the tools to bridge language gaps, fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment.

Diversity in DPS: A Strength and a Challenge

DPS prides itself on its diverse student population, representing a rich tapestry of cultures and languages. However, this diversity can pose challenges when it comes to effective communication, particularly in mental health support. Many families may face barriers due to language differences, hindering their student’s access to critical supports such as Individualize Education Plans and 504 plans, which support students with disabilities.

The Impact of Language Barriers on Mental Health – Language barriers can significantly impact mental health outcomes. Individuals who struggle to communicate in their preferred language may find it difficult to express their emotions, hindering the therapeutic process. This issue is particularly pronounced in a school setting, where children and families may be dealing with various stressors.

Trauma-Informed Approach to Language Justice – As a school district that is committed to a trauma-informed approach, it is crucial to recognize the potential trauma caused by language barriers. Feeling misunderstood or unable to communicate effectively can exacerbate existing traumas and create additional stress for students and their families.

Empowering Mental Health Providers – By prioritizing language justice, DPS would empower mental health providers to connect with families more deeply. When families can communicate comfortably in their preferred language, it enhances the therapeutic alliance and facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of their needs.

Building Trust and Breaking Stigmas – Language justice initiatives in DPS not only break down linguistic barriers but also contribute to building trust within the community. When families see that their language and cultural backgrounds are respected, it helps break down stigmas associated with seeking mental health support.

Denver Public Schools has a unique opportunity to lead the way in promoting language justice and, by extension, improving mental health outcomes for its diverse student population. Implementing on-demand translation services is a tangible and impactful step toward creating a more equitable and inclusive educational environment. By embracing language justice, DPS can ensure that every family, regardless of their linguistic background, has access to the mental health support they need to thrive.

Staff Call on DPS Board to Improve Parent Engagement Through Language Justice

Community Engagement | 12/14/2023

Vallerie Bustamante Digital Organizing Manager

Last night, during public comment at the DPS board meeting, our State Organizing Director and Digital Organizing Manager thanked DPS board members for their work to strengthen parent engagement in DPS by improving Language Justice and called on them to take the next steps to advance their goals. Here is more about what has happened in DPS to improve Language Justice so far and what we want to see next.

Join us – Sign the Petition NOw!

Read their testimonies below:

Hello, my name is Vallerie Bustamante, DPS Alumna, co-chair for the Latine Education Advisory Council, and the Digital Organizing Manager for Stand for Children. First, I want to welcome the three new board members, congratulations, I look forward to working with all three of you!

I am here to talk about language justice, but in order for me to do that, we need to rewind time to about 19 years ago—the year little Vallerie, started Kindergarten in DPS. Back then, the only language I knew was Spanish—in fact, I was monolingual until I was about 9 years old. Because we are certainly not counting the times I would pretend to know English and would actually be talking jibberish to my mom. But my mom certainly went along with it.

Anyway, I still remember the hardships other students would go through when they knew their mom or dad couldn’t or didn’t know how to come talk to the teacher or whoever to support them with homework or the events that would happen during the school year due to there being a language barrier. Fast-forward to today, I have been given the honor to work alongside families and educators that want to promote and practice family engagement so bad—yet, some of the challenges I remember from 2005 to 2010 as a little girl—are still present today.

Specifically, I have worked with monolingual Spanish-speaking moms who want to learn how they can best support their child with literacy at home. These workshops that I facilitate have a lot of content, but one topic that always stirs up dialogue is family engagement and building a connection with the teacher to work with them for the student. I want to say, in about 95% of all workshops that I have facilitated over the past 4 years, the topics of the sense of belonging and language justice always come up. I have parents tell me of their experiences where they seek information or a conversation with a teacher, and if there is no bilingual staff in sight—they get dismissed with no follow up. Times when they feel unwelcomed by the demeanor some educators have when parents who do not speak English arrive or seek a meeting. That isn’t language justice. This isn’t an environment where we can build authentic family engagement for the betterment of our students.

I am looking forward to working with you all, to implement simple solutions to improve the practice of language justice in our school buildings, as well as any DPS facility. I am hopeful that we as a district, as a community, are always seeking innovative solutions to improve the trajectory of our student’s education and future—especially those that come from our most marginalized communities.

Thank you for your time.

Vallerie Bustamante, Digital Organizing Manager, DPS Alumna

My name is Ivana Bejaran, I am the State Organizing Director with Stand for Children and I am here today to talk about Language Justice and how we can make sure we are building a DPS that feels welcoming to parents, guardians, and caretakers.

I grew up with Spanish as my dominant language. My parents sacrificed everything to ensure I learned English and had the brightest future they could give me. By the time I was in my twenties and living in the United States, I was the unofficial translator for them. I think when you live in a place where you know the predominant language, you don’t even wonder what it would be like to not speak it. So many of our systems assume that by having documents in other languages and having (a not easily accessible) interpretation service, the language barrier is solved.

I’ll share that when I was in my twenties, I assumed the same thing too. My dad is about 80% fluent in English and had a very important doctor’s appointment so I wanted to go support him. He declined the interpreter that the hospital could provide because he felt like it made him stand out too much, made him feel othered, and ‘he knew how to speak English… he could do it.’
As soon as the appointment was over, he turned to me and asked me a question about something the doctor had very clearly stated minutes ago. He just didn’t understand it. And didn’t feel like he could ask the doctor to clarify. At that point I realized that because we live in a system that discourages difference and makes people feel othered when they need additional services to participate in society, so many people just like my dad are only partially understanding what is happening. This happens every single day here in DPS.

Some examples I can share with you. I’ve had parents call me and forward emails to me that they received from the district in English asking me to translate them. One of the most important ones was an application to be in the DAC. I have been asked by parents to accompany them to important school meetings about their children because they trusted me to ensure they understood the information that was being shared with them. And lastly, I’ve been called countless times by parents or guardians who just walked into a school and were turned away because no one in the office that day could speak their language. Would you feel welcome in a space like that? Would you feel like you belonged in that building, in that district?

Language justice is not a thing that is one and done, it is a practice and the more we do it and understand that it’s real people like you and me on the other side of this, the better you will be able to serve adults in the community. Because of this, we would like to see the district address their commitment to the practice of language justice by providing a training for all DPS teachers and administrators, before school starts next year, about how to access and offer interpretation and translation services to adults in the community without making them feel othered or like its extra work.  

-Ivana Bejaran, State Organizing Manager

Si A LA PROPUESTA II, EL PREESCOLAR UNIVERSAL APOYA A LAS FAMILIAS Y A LOS ESTUDIANTES

Elections | 10/12/2023

Vallerie Bustamante Digital Organizing Manager

En nuestro hermoso estado de Colorado, la educación siempre ha sido una prioridad importante para Stand, los legisladores y, lo que es más importante, las familias de Colorado y su futuro. Somos firmes respaldadores de la Proposición II porque prioriza la educación y el futuro de nuestros hijos.

Es importante tener en cuenta que la Propuesta II es una extensión de la Propuesta EE bipartidista de 2020. La Propuesta EE generó más ingresos de los estimados, por lo que TABOR requiere que los votantes aprueben la retención del exceso de ingresos por parte del estado. Es por eso que es importante que usted vote SÍ a la Propuesta II. Esta medida electoral estatal nos permitió generar aproximadamente $275 millones por año para prioridades de salud pública y educación a través del aumento de impuestos sobre los productos de tabaco y nicotina. Fue una invercion en la preparación para K-12 al proporcionar acceso a preescolar para los niños de Colorado.

¡Tener acceso a preescolar es vital para el futuro de Colorado! Los estudiantes que asisten a pre-kínder se inician en la lectura y desarrollan habilidades sociales, emocionales y habilidades en su comportamiento. Esto, a su vez, preparará a nuestros hijos para una experiencia exitosa de K-12 y los preparará para una mejor oportunidad de vida en su viaje postsecundario como adultos.

Entendemos que cuando las familias atraviesan momentos difíciles, esto puede afectar negativamente el bienestar y la experiencia educativa de un estudiante. Por lo tanto, además de las inversiones que continuaremos viendo en nuestra educación de la primera infancia, esta propuesta continuará invirtiendo en nuestras familias al financiar viviendas, asistencia para el alquiler y asistencia para el desalojo.

¡Estamos emocionados de respaldar la Propuesta II y esperamos que usted también lo esté con su voto en noviembre!

Complete nuestro formulario y comprométase a votar para recibir más información sobre la Proposición II, y recordatorios a medida que nos acercamos al día de las elecciones y si cree que todos los niños de Colorado merecen la oportunidad de asistir al preescolar!

Promete en votar

Yes on Prop HH, How Affordable Living Impacts our Children’s Future

Elections | 10/5/2023

Vallerie Bustamante Digital Organizing Manager

We all know that Colorado is a great place to live, and it is safe to say that Colorado has grown in population and, in turn, a surging housing market that has made our property taxes skyrocket in the last several years. That is why we are supporting PROP HH which will lower property taxes AND increase funding for schools. This tax cut will provide relief for families and put more money in our K-12 education by allowing a portion of the TABOR surplus to offset the lost property tax revenue.

Not to mention, one of the main drivers to student outcomes is whether a child’s family is experiencing financial and home stability, therefore the relief that Prop HH would provide to families would also be benefitting our children’s experience in and out of school.

Does it sound too good to be true? How are schools still being financed through this proposition?

We fund education through property taxes, so it makes sense to think that we would be cutting funds to our schools through this proposition, BUT this proposition actually ensures that the funding stays and/or increases through the TABOR surplus mechanism.

We urge you to vote yes on Proposition HH to help families across Colorado and students receive an equitable education!

Pledge to vote