Colorado ASSET passes through the Senate

Monday, February 25 2013

DENVER -- Today in a bipartisan vote, the Senate passed Colorado ASSET on its final reading in the Senate.  With a 23 to 12 vote, the legislation garnered the broadest base of support it has seen in the past ten years. 

The legislation must now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

“There is a profound ripple of hope being sent forth from the Senate today.  There are kids in high school, middle school, and grade school who can now study knowing that there will be opportunity at the end of their K-12 schooling,” said Sen. Mike Johnston. 

“Today, we are closer to helping young people who have done everything we have asked and excelled at school.  Now, those students will be able to go to college, and continue to give back to our communities while contributing to our tax base,” said Sen. Angela Giron. 

This is the third year Sen. Giron and Sen. Johnston have run legislation similar to SB 13-033, and the tenth year since the concept was first introduced at the Colorado Legislature. 

Below is a brief summary of legislation similar to the one that passed today:

HB 03-1178, In-state tuition students (Rep. Vigil; Sen. Tapia, Sen. Sandoval)

HB 04-1132, In-state tuition students (Rep. Vigil; Sen. Tapia, Sen. Sandoval)

HB 05-1124, In-state tuition students (Rep. Vigil; Sen. Tapia, Sen. Williams)

SB 09-170, Nondiscrimination in higher education (Sen. Romer; Rep. Miklosi)

SB 11-126, Unsubsidized in-state tuition (Sen. Giron, Sen. Johnston; Rep. Miklosi, Rep. Williams, A.)

SB 12-015, Optional tuition category for higher education (Sen. Giron, Sen. Johnston)

This year’s, SB 13-033 allows Colorado high school grads, regardless of citizenship, to attend a state college or university at an in-state tuition rate if the student:

• Attends a Colorado secondary school for three years prior to graduation or completion of a GED
• Is admitted to a Colorado higher education institution
• Provides an affidavit stating that they have applied for lawful presence, or that they will apply as soon as they are eligible to do so

Thirteen other states have recognized that investment, and allowed aspiring Americans to pay in-state tuition.