Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about policy concerning educational equity and making our schools and communities more supportive. You will also hear from us about opportunities to engage in advocacy on topics important to you.
Legislation of Interest
| HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, was passed by the House Education Committee 8-3 and was referred to the House Appropriations Committee. This bill will update our 30-year-old school finance formula and dramatically increases how much school districts get for: each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each student with a disability. HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions, was passed by the House on second reading and will be considered Monday, April 22nd. HB24-1445 will expand opportunities for remote reporting (via online platform or phone) for individuals on parole or probation. SB24-188, Public School Finance, would raise the base level of per-pupil funding by nearly $420 to $8,496 per-pupil and completely buys down the Budget Stabilization Factor. The bill passed the House Education Committee unanimously. |
Our Take: A Record Week for School Funding!
This week, the legislature advanced two measures that will dramatically increase funding for our students: SB24-188, Public School Finance, and HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula. These measures represent an incredible investment in Colorado students and schools!
SB24-188, Public School Finance, would raise the base level of per-pupil funding by nearly $420 and completely eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor, a maneuver that withheld education funds to pay for other priorities. HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula updates our 30- year-old school finance formula with one that puts students at the center of how we fund schools.
49 school districts representing 270,962 students are supporting this HB24-1448. During the committee hearing, members heard powerful testimony from district leaders, educators, parents and policy experts about how impactful this legislation would be for their community.
Take Action: Ask your Representative to Support Virtual Supervision
HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions was passed unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee this week. HB24-1445 will expand opportunities for remote reporting (via online platform or phone) for individuals on parole or probation.
Currently, lower-risk individuals under probation or parole supervision may have the option to check in virtually with their supervising officers in many jurisdictions, however, this option varies across the state, and we want to change that. This bill will ensure we are supporting opportunities for reintegration so that individuals can work, seek education, care for children, or other responsibilities, all while meeting the requirements of their parole or probation reporting.
The House of Representatives will consider this bill next. Will you email your representative and ask them to support HB24-1445?
What We’re Reading
- The West Steps Podcast: What Does It Mean to Center Kids in Colorado’s School Funding Formula?
- Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues
