Senate GOP Fights for Relief, School Safety, Infrastructure, Rural Colorado during 2024 Budget Debate

DENVER
– This morning, the
FY 2024-25 Colorado state budget, HB 24-1430
, was passed in the Senate.
The Colorado Senate Republicans proposed 31 amendments on various issues, with a key focus on enhancing school safety, supporting rural Colorado, building infrastructure, and protecting victims. Unfortunately, democrats killed a majority of these amendments.
Below is a summary of the most impactful budget amendments offered by Senate Republicans during the debate.
Budget Amendment 47
(J.137)
Sponsors:
Senators Pelton B and Winter
Description:
This budget amendment re-allocates $15 million from the general fund to Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund. This fund provides direct support to victims by paying for medical expenses, mental health services and home health services/home security.
Status:
Adopted!
Budget Amendment 36
(J.175)
Sponsor:
Senator Pelton R
Description:
This amendment gives $10 million to the Groundwater Compact Compliance and Sustainability Fund. The fund supports initiatives that enhance the long-term viability of groundwater resources. Specifically, it supports activities such as purchasing and retiring irrigation wells and irrigated acreage.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment 46
(J.148)
Sponsors:
Senator Van Winkle and Pelton B
Description:
This amendment gives $4 million to the school safety disbursement program. The program works with local education providers and eligible non-profits to ensure schools have adequate safety measures in place to protect students, teachers and the community as a whole.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment 28
(J.142)
Sponsor:
Senator Pelton B
Description:
This amendment re-allocates $2 million from the JUD OSPD staff and operation budget and gives it to rural hospitals.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment 31
(J.143)
Sponsor
: Senator Pelton B
Description:
Re-allocates $2.0 million from the JUD OSPD staff and operating to the School Safety Disbursement Program
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment 6
(J.130)
Sponsors:
Senators Rich , Michaelson Jenet and Ginal
Description:
This amendment gives $6.1 to Denver Region AAA for: Congregate meals, home delivered meals, transportation, in-home services
Status:
Adopted by the Senate!
Budget Amendment #34
(J.155)
Sponsor
: Senator Pelton B
Description:
This amendment increases the appropriation to the Veterans Assistance Grant Program in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs by $2,500,000 General Fund.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #45
(J.150)
Sponsor:
Senator Van Winkle
Description:
This amendment adds $27m to school safety disbursement program to fully fund all of the grant applicant requests. 125 request totalling $43 million, however only 66 grant applications were funded at a total of $16 million
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #16
(J.170)
Sponsor
: Senator Pelton B
Description:
Redistributes $20 million from the State Ed Fund for the BEST program
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #15 (
J.154)
Sponsor
:
Senator Will
Description:
Adds $5,000,000 General Fund for the State Share of Districts' Total Program Funding in the Department of Education and adds a footnote stating the General Assembly's intent that the additional funding is for distribution to rural districts.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #29
(J. 163)
Sponsor:
Senator Will
Description:
Adds $6,000,000 General Fund to the Underfunded Courthouse Facilities Grant Program in the Judicial Department and adds a footnote indicating that this amount is for updates and controlled maintenance for the Dolores County Courthouse.
Status:
Killed by Democrats
Budget Amendment #38 (
J.162)
Sponsor:
Senator Rich
Description:
Reduces General Fund appropriations to the Division of Disease Control and Public Health Response in the Department of Public Health and Environment by $3.0 million, with a corresponding decrease in FTE of 33.1.
Status:
Killed by Democrats