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. 


HB24-1311, Family Affordability Tax Credit, was passed by the House Finance Committee and was referred to the Appropriations Committee. The bill creates a family affordability tax credit and will distribute a portion of the state’s $1.8 billion TABOR surplus to families, including those making up to $95,000 a year, to help cover the rising costs of housing, food, and child care. 

HB24-1432, Repeal CBI Criminal Justice Record Sealing Fee, was passed unanimously out of House Judiciary Committee. The bill repeals the requirement for a defendant to pay to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation any costs related to sealing the defendant’s criminal justice records in the bureau’s custody. 

HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions, was introduced in the House and assigned to the Judiciary Committee. HB24-1445 will expand opportunities for remote reporting (via online platform or phone) for individuals on parole or probation. 

HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, was introduced and assigned to the Education Committee. This bill will update our 30-year-old school finance formula.


We are thrilled that HB 24-1445, Probation & Parole Reporting & Fee Conditions was introduced 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. 


This week, members of the House of Representatives introduced bipartisan legislation to center students in the way Colorado funds schools. HB24-1448, New Public School Finance Formula, will update our 30-year-old school finance formula and send additional state dollars to every school district. Most importantly, this update puts students at the center of school funding.

The bill would put in place a school finance formula that 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. 



Welcome to a special edition of Capitol Week In Review. We are updating you on the progress of our top policy priorities now that we are more than halfway through the 2024 legislative session. 


The Colorado state budget, or Long Bill, was introduced this week. The $40.6 billion budget is drafted by members of the Joint Budget Committee and considers recommendations in the Governor’s annual budget request. 

According to reporting from Chalkbeat, “K-12 funding would increase nearly 7% to about $9.7 billion next year. Average per pupil spending would increase by about 7%, or $780, to $11,450 next year.”

Senators Buckner and Zenzinger sponsored the Colorado School Finance Act, which passed out of the Senate Education Committee this week. For the first time since 2009, the School Finance Act proposes to fully fund K-12 schools by eliminating a maneuver that withheld education funds to pay for other priorities. The end of what’s called the budget stabilization factor will mark a turning point for the state and schools.  

To learn more about the state budget process, check out our video explainer and be sure you are following us on TikTok and Instagram!


Changing the trajectory for high school students by increasing funding for the 9th grade success grant program

HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, creates a statewide report on Ninth Grade On-Track rates so we can track what is working and areas that may need support, and removes the 2025 expiration date of the current grant program.

Current status: HB24-1282 passed the House Education Committee and is awaiting a hearing by the House Appropriations Committee. An amendment adding $2 million for the grant program to the budget, or long bill, was passed by the House of Representatives. 

Impacting generations of Colorado students by updating Colorado’s 30-year-old school finance formula

Our school finance formula, which defines how Colorado schools are funded by the state, hasn’t been updated in 30 years.  Legislation (to-be-introduced) this year aims to update the formula.

Current status:  A to-be-introduced legislative proposal puts more money in the formula overall, and importantly 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.  

Increasing educator diversity and addressing Colorado’s teacher shortage 

HB24-1290, Student Educator Stipend Program, appropriates annual funding for stipends for student teachers. This bill is part of a multi-year effort to remove barriers in educator preparation to increase educator diversity and address Colorado’s teacher shortage. HB22-1220, a policy we championed 2022 included a program to give a student teacher stipend to educators that qualify. This legislation continues that program. 

Current Status: The bill passed the House Education Committee and is awaiting a hearing by the House Appropriations Committee. 

Decreasing recidivism by increasing virtual supervision opportunities for probation and parole statewide

Expanding opportunities for remote reporting (via online platform or phone) for individuals under supervision in Colorado is a way to use technology to ensure people can meet the requirements of their parole or probation while supporting their ability to work, seek education, care for children, or other responsibilities.  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 aim to change that. 

Current Status:  Yet-to-be introduced, legislation will standardize remote supervision statewide for individuals that qualify.

Supporting Youth Mental Health by continuing free therapy sessions

SB24-001, will continue the “I Matter” youth mental health services program, which provides up to six free therapy sessions and reimburses participating licensed therapists. Almost 11,000 children and teens have used the program already. If SB24-001 is not passed, the “I Matter” program will end this summer.

Current Status:  SB24-001 has been passed by the Senate and is scheduled to be heard by the House Health and Human Services Committee next week.


We are thrilled to let you know that there will be an opportunity to update the 30-year-old school finance formula this year. Soon-to-be introduced legislation, aims to ensure the way we fund schools puts students first.

The draft proposal would put in place a school finance formula that sends more money per student to all districts and also, dramatically increases how much school districts get for each student from a low-income household, each English Language Learner, and each special education student.   This is an opportunity to have a deep and lasting impact on Colorado students and educators.

Lawmakers need to understand it is a priority for you, so please email to let them know you support the effort to update the school finance formula!



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. 


HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, is scheduled to be heard by the House Education Committee, on March 6th.  This bill expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, which provides funding to schools to implement a ninth-grade success program.

HB24-1003, Opiate Antagonists and Detection Products in Schools, expands upon current law to allow schools to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses and allows school bus operators to administer them in good faith. The bill was passed by the House. 

HB24-1323, School Graduation Attire, allows preschool, public school, or university students to wear or display religious or cultural regalia at a graduation ceremony. The bill was passed by the House Education Committee.

SB24-049, Content of Material in Libraries, establishes a process for people to object to a library resource in a school or public library, and creates a framework for reviewing/removing materials. The bill was postponed indefinitely by the Senate Education Committee. 


Despite having one of the fastest growing economies in the United States, Colorado is unaffordable for working families and more than 133,000 children are living in poverty. We’re excited to support the Family Affordability Tax Credit, also known as HB 23-1311. The Family Affordability Tax Credit will put more money into the hands of working families and cut child poverty in Colorado by half, by distributing a portion of the State’s $1.8 billion TABOR surplus directly to families who need it most.


The House Education Committee is scheduled to hear HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, on March 6th. This bill expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, which will allow more Colorado schools to implement the approach changing the trajectory for our high school students.

Decades of research has shown that supporting students by implementing a 9th grade success approach improves graduation rates, and the impacts in Colorado schools speak for themselves. 


Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado bill to curb book bans in school and public libraries voted down in education committee

Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues


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. 


HB24-1282, Ninth-Grade Success Grant & Performance Reporting, is scheduled to be heard by the House Education Committee, on March 6th.  This bill expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, which provides funding to schools to implement a ninth-grade success program.

HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, addresses issues raised through the implementation of Colorado’s “Clean Slate” policy, which automatically seals the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once certain conditions have been met. The bill was passed unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. 

HB24-1311, Family Affordability Tax Credit, was introduced in the House. The bill creates a family affordability tax credit and will distribute a portion of the state’s $1.8 billion TABOR surplus to families, including those making up to $95,000 a year, to help cover the rising costs of housing, food, and child care. 

HB24-1136, Healthier Social Media Use by Youth, was passed unanimously by the House Educations Committee and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. The bill requires the Department of Education to compile a bank of evidence-based program materials regarding the mental health impacts of social media use by children and teens.



We are thrilled that The House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes. This bipartisan legislation makes important updates and clarifications to Colorado’s landmark “clean slate” policy (SB22-099) which was signed into law in 2022. These updates are needed to ensure our clean slate policy can be implemented successfully. 

Removing barriers to housing and employment by automatically sealing criminal records of non-violent offenders equips everyone with the opportunity to provide for their families and become more productive citizens. 


In 2019, school leaders in Center, Colorado were alarmed as their high school graduation rates dropped to the lowest in the state. Now, they’re among the highest.  Our team at the Colorado Center for High School Success partnered with educators at Center High School to implement a ninth grade on-track approach that is changing the trajectory for their students and community. 

We must work to ensure that more students in Colorado can access this support, and that’s why we are championing HB24-1282, which expands funding for the 9th Grade Success Grant Program.


Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues


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. 


HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, addresses issues raised through the implementation of Colorado’s “Clean Slate” policy, which automatically seals the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once certain conditions have been met. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Judiciary Committee, February 21st. 

HB24-1003, Opiate Antagonists and Detection Products in Schools, expands upon current law to allow schools to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses and allows school bus operators to administer them in good faith. The bill was passed unanimously by the House Education Committee. 

SB24-053, Racial Equity Study, requires the state historical society to conduct a study to determine historical and ongoing effects of slavery and subsequent systemic racism on Black Coloradans that may be attributed to state policies, and to identify measures to address those effects. The bill was passed by the Senate Committee on Finance and referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

HB24-1004, Ex-Offenders Practice in Regulated Occupations, creates a process for ex-offenders to receive authorization to practice in state-regulated occupations. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on February 15th.


Nearly a third of Colorado’s population is currently listed in state databases as having a criminal record -many for a single, low-level, and non-violent offense. For these Coloradans, the stigma of a criminal record can create ongoing obstacles to long-term employment, education, and housing. 

SB22-099 was signed into law in 2022, to automatically seal the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once they have completed their sentence, a waiting period, and not committed another criminal offense.

In order for this landmark legislation to be implemented successfully, certain clarifications need to be made by the legislature now.

HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, is bipartisan legislation to address parts of SB22-099 that need to be clarified. When people can provide for themselves and their children, all Coloradans benefit. This proposed update improves outcomes for individuals, children, and entire families.  


On February 21st, The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear HB24-1133, which will ensure Colorado’s “clean slate” law can be successfully implemented to automatically seal the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense.

Please email House Judiciary Committee members and ask them to support HB24-1133 to ensure our clean slate policy can be implemented successfully. 


Chalkbeat Colorado, Why some Colorado lawmakers say funding for K-12 schools is at 1989 levels

Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues


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. 


HB24-1003, Opiate Antagonists and Detection Products in Schools, expands upon current law to allow schools to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses and allows school bus operators to administer them in good faith. The House Education Committee is scheduled to hear the bill Thursday, February 8th. 

SB24-053, Racial Equity Study, requires the state historical society to conduct a study to determine historical and ongoing effects of slavery and subsequent systemic racism on Black Coloradans that may be attributed to state policies, and to identify measures to address those effects. The Senate Committee on State, Veteran and Military Affairs Committee passed the bill.

HB24-1004, Ex-Offenders Practice in Regulated Occupations, creates a process for ex-offenders to receive authorization to practice in state-regulated occupations. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on Thursday, February 8th. 

HB24-1133, Criminal Record Sealing & Expungement Changes, addresses issues raised through the implementation of Colorado’s “Clean Slate” policy, which automatically seals the criminal records of individuals who are convicted of a non-violent offense once certain conditions have been met. The bill expands eligibility for automatic criminal record sealing for individuals arrested due to mistaken identity, for those acquitted, and convictions for offenses that are no longer considered illegal under new state statute. This bill was introduced in the House.


Englewood High School has been implementing a 9th grade success approach in partnership with our Colorado Center for High School Success for two years. Their 9th Grade Academy is a robust effort to support students by implementing proven interventions to increase the number of 9th graders on-track to graduate by the end of the year.

Colorado schools and districts that are investing time and money implementing a ninth grade on-track approach continue to demonstrate results for students. That is why we are advocating to increase funding for the Colorado 9th Grade Success Grant Program, and make it a permanent program


The need for mental health supports for Colorado children is greater than ever before, and the legislature is considering legislation to help. 

SB24-001, will continue indefinitely, the “I Matter” youth mental health services program which provides up to six free therapy sessions and reimburses participating licensed therapists. SB24-001 cleared the first legislative hurdle when it was passed by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. It will be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee in the coming weeks.

At a time when there are many things competing for limited resources, Senators need to hear that supporting our children’s mental health is a top priority for you. Children’s Hospital Colorado declared a “state of emergency” in youth mental health in May 2021 due to striking increases in the number of Colorado kids and teens arriving in emergency rooms seeking support in a mental health crisis.

Email your Senator and ask them to support SB24-001.


Colorado Public Radio, After 30 years, a new way to fund Colorado’s schools is ready for lawmakers’ eyes

Colorado Public Radio, Racial equity study bill passes first hearing at Colorado legislature

Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues


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. 


SB24-001, Continue Youth Mental Health Services Program, which will continue the “I Matter” youth mental health services program indefinitely, was amended and passed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. It was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

SB 24-034, Increase Access to School-Based Health Care, authorizes grants for evidence-informed, school-linked healthcare services which may include primary healthcare, behavioral, oral, and preventive healthcare services. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee on January 29th. 

SB24-049, Content of Material in Libraries, establishes a process for people to object to a library resource in a school or public library, and creates a framework for reviewing/removing materials. It is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Education Committee, February 12th. 

HB24-1070, Allowing Certain Items at School Graduation, allows preschool, public school, or university students to wear or display religious or cultural regalia at a graduation ceremony. It is scheduled to be heard by the House Education Committee, February 7th. 

HB24-1003, Opiate Antagonists and Detection Products in Schools, expands upon current law to allow schools to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses and allows school bus operators to administer them in good faith. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Education Committee, February 8th. 

HB24-1063, Addressing Abbreviated School Days, is scheduled to be heard by the House Education Committee, February 22nd. The bill clarifies what constitutes an “abbreviated school day” and seeks to address the effect of abbreviated school days on children with disabilities in public schools.


Let’s Improve Colorado’s Recidivism Rates

One of our policy priorities this legislative session is to expand opportunities for remote reporting via online platform or phone for individuals under parole or probation. This enables the use of technology to ensure people can meet the requirements of their parole or probation while supporting their ability to work, seek education, care for children, or other responsibilities.  

By providing comprehensive support and opportunities for reintegration, we not only reduce the risk of recidivism but also contribute to a more productive and inclusive society.  

Currently, lower-risk individuals under probation or parole supervision in Colorado may have the option to check in virtually with their supervising officers in some parts of the state. However, this option varies across the Colorado and we aim t change that. By providing comprehensive support and opportunities for reintegration, we not only reduce the risk of recidivism but also contribute to a more productive and inclusive society.  


Follow Us!

Are we in your feed yet on TikTok and Instagram? This is the best way to get regular updates about the policies we’re tracking, what is happening at the Capitol, and opportunities for you to advocate for legislation that is important to you. 


Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado bill to make free youth therapy permanent moves forward

Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues

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. 


SB24-001, Continue Youth Mental Health Services Program, which will continue the “I Matter” youth mental health services program indefinitely, was introduced in the Senate.  

SB 24-034, Increase Access to School-Based Health Care, was introduced in the Senate. The bill authorizes grants for evidence-informed, school-linked health-care services which may include primary health-care, behavioral health-care, oral health-care, and preventive health-care services.

HB24-1003, Opiate Antagonists and Detection Products in Schools, expands upon current law to allow schools to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses and allows school bus operators to administer them in good faith. The bill was introduced in the House. 

HB24-1063, Addressing Abbreviated School Days, was introduced in the House. The bill clarifies what constitutes an “abbreviated school day” and seeks to address the effect of abbreviated school days on children with disabilities in public schools.

HB24-1070, Allowing Certain Items at School Graduation, was introduced in the House. The bill allows a preschool, public school, or university students to wear/display religious or cultural regalia at a graduation ceremony.


Increasing Graduation Rates by Investing in 9th Grade On-Track

9th grade has come to be well known as the make-or-break year.  How well students perform academically in 9th grade can predict their future success.  To be “on-track” means a 9th grade student has earned at least a quarter of the credits needed to graduate and received no more than one F in any course. Research shows that on-track status is a stronger predictor of high school graduation than race/ethnicity, level of poverty, and test scores combined!   

9th  Grade Success programming includes targeted interventions, transition supports, school-based teaching teams, and certain instructional approaches. 

This year, we are advocating for legislators to increase funding for the Colorado 9th Grade Success Grant Program, and make it a permanent program. This will allow more Colorado schools to participate in the 9th Grade Success Grant Program, which is changing the trajectory for many Colorado high schoolers.


Follow Us on TikTok

Did you know we are on TikTok now? Stay informed about ways to advocate for what matters to you by following us for regular updates. Next week, we are launching a series about the legislature, policymaking, and advocacy. Don’t miss it! 


Chalkbeat Colorado, Five things to know about how Colorado leaders propose to reshape workforce education

Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado becomes one of the first to employ an incarcerated professor

Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues

Colorado Sun, Colorado’s 2024 legislative session begins today. Here’s your guide to get involved

Happy New Year! Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about legislation concerning educational equity and making our schools and communities more supportive.   The 2024 Colorado Legislative Session convened January 10th and for the next five months, policymakers will be making decisions that affect our communities, students, educators, and families. 


The Second Session of the 74th General Assembly kicked off this week with mostly pomp and circumstance. Members were sworn in, committee assignments were made, and legislation started being introduced. 

Governor Jared Polis delivered his State of the State address this week, highlighting housing, transit, public safety and other priorities. He celebrated the multi-year effort to fund free full-day Kindergarten and preschool for Colorado families and applauded legislators for acting to support policy and funding to “ensure more than 300,000 Colorado children have healthy meals through Summer EBT.”

Governor Polis also outlined plans to eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor saying, “This historic investment means an additional $705 per student on average, or another $15,500 more for a classroom of 22 kids. This is on top of last year’s increase of more than $1,000 per student, made possible by this legislature. 

It means better teacher pay, expanded learning opportunities for students, professional development for teachers, and better resources in our classrooms.” 

You can watch the recording here. 


Get Involved!  At Stand Colorado, we deeply believe that policymaking is most effective when the voices of those impacted are at the center of decision-making. Want more regular updates about key bills and opportunities to engage? Follow us on social media to stay informed about ways to advocate for what matters to you!  

While legislators are the ones introducing and voting on the bills, YOU can play a critical role too. We believe in the power of community, so we are here to support you if you want to get involved. 


Chalkbeat Colorado, 2024 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues

Colorado Sun, 8 storylines to watch at the Colorado Capitol this year as the 2024 legislative session begins

We spent time this summer in conversation with parents, educators, policymakers, and community members. Now our team has identified goals that build upon our impact in recent years and act on what we heard in listening sessions. Will you please weigh in on our plans?  

Our Goals for Next Year:

  • Early Literacy
    • Understanding how to better support educators to use the science of reading and evidence-based curriculums and practices in their literacy instruction.
  • Ninth Grade Success
    • Expanding funding for the Ninth Grade Success Grant program.
  • Supportive Schools
    • Promoting educator diversity by securing continued funding for policies that create equity in teacher preparation and alternative pathways to enter the workforce.
  • Justice System Reform
    • Helping prevent recidivism in our justice system by updating probation and parole supervision to include remote check-in options.
    • Expanding access to criminal record sealing for non-violent offenses, helping to remove barriers to housing and employment.
    • Reducing unjust fees for incarcerated individuals and their families. 

We cannot do this work alone – we need your help! Read more about our priorities and let us know which ones you are interested in working with us to advance.