Press Room

Budget passed in Senate reflects Democratic pledge to protect Colorado education and economy

Monday, April 11 2011

“Our greatest responsibility is to guard the future of every child in Colorado”

DENVER— Today, the Colorado State Senate gave final approval to a balanced budget package. While financial constraints made this a year of tough budget choices, Senate Democrats fought to reduce proposed cuts to education by approximately $100 million. Democrats officially made the preservation of education funding their top priority during the 2011 legislative session.

Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) offered the following comment on the passage of the budget by the Senate today:

“The people of Colorado expect us to pass a balanced budget and we did. Democrats fought hard for a responsible, balanced budget that puts kids first and will help grow our economy. This budget was made through difficult conversations, tough cuts, and bipartisan compromise. We passed a balanced budget and we fulfilled our moral duty by standing up for Colorado kids and their future.

Education has been the Senate Democrats’ top priority from day one, and we said no to proposals that didn’t put our children’s education first. We fought for kids because, as legislators, our greatest responsibility is to guard the future of every child in Colorado. During this budget process we fought for education because education will prepare our youth for the future and make Colorado more welcoming to business.”

The balanced budget passed by the Senate:

• Reduces the cut to Colorado schools by $82 million
• Protects funding for preschool and full-day kindergarten
• Keeps a minimum $100 million in the State Education Fund to protect against future education cuts
• Increases the state reserve, Colorado’s rainy day fund, to 4 percent
• Cuts the state’s total budget by 3.3 percent, including substantial reductions in every state department

The budget now goes to the House for consideration.