Republicans fight for public safety, mental health, and rural Colorado during budget debate

DENVER
– This morning, the state budget, SB23-214, was passed in the Senate.
During yesterday’s debate on the bill, Colorado Senate Republicans offered substantial amendments largely addressing public safety, mental health, and the prosperity of rural communities; most amendments were killed by democrats.
Senate Republicans also made four unsuccessful efforts to fully fund Colorado’s schools by finally paying off the budget stabilization factor. Colorado Senate Republicans will continue to press for the full funding of Colorado’s schools through the school finance act, set to be considered in the coming weeks.
Below is a summary of the most impactful budget amendments offered by Senate Republicans during the debate:
Budget Amendments #8, 9, 10, 11
(
J.016
,
J.026
,
J.024
,
J.015
)
Sponsor:
Senators Lundeen, Baisely, Gardner, Liston, Byron Pelton, Rod Pelton, Rich, Simpson, Smallwood, Van Winkle, and Will
Description:
Allocate $321.1 million of existing funds to the Department of Education for the purpose of fully funding Colorado’s education by eliminating the budget stabilization factor.
Status:
Lost
Budget Amendment #16
(
J.055
)
Sponsor:
Senators Pelton B, Pelton R, and Will
Description:
Allocates funds to assist rural hospitals with mental health crisis services.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #19
(
J.028
)
Sponsor:
Senator Will
Description:
Provides funds to the Department of Higher Education to be used for scholarships, need-based grants, and tuition assistance.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #29
(
J.051
)
Sponsor:
Senator Baisley
Description:
Allocate funds to the Department of Local Affairs to be used for emergency rental assistance programs and eviction programs.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #37
(
J.027
)
Sponsor:
Senator Baisley
Description:
Provide funds to the Department of Public Health and Environment for suicide prevention programs.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #41
(
J.018
)
Sponsor:
Senators Smallwood and Van Winkle
Description:
Fund the Community Crime Victims Grant Program to assist victims of violent crimes.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #42
(
J.048
)
Republican Sponsor:
Senator Gardner
Description:
Funds the Colorado Crime Services Fund
Status:
Adopted!
Budget Amendment #45
(
J.021
)
Republican Sponsor:
Senator Will
Description:
Provide funds to the Department of Transportation for the construction of wildlife safe passages.
Status:
Adopted!
Budget Amendment #46
(
J.047
)
Republican Sponsor:
Senator Lundeen
Description:
Provides funds to the Department of Transportation to be used for the construction and maintenance of Colorado’s roads.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #50
(
J.054
)
Republican Sponsor:
Senators Pelton R, Pelton B, and Will
Description:
Provides funding for charter schools in rural districts.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
The Colorado General Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to pass a balanced state budget every year. Learn more about the state’s balanced budget requirement on the
Civics Corner resource on our website
.
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