Greetings, 

Our last Legislative Update was just two weeks ago, but we want to provide a timely update on the budget and key issues we’re watching in the final stretch. With only six weeks left in the legislative session, we anticipate sending updates more frequently from here on out.

Budget Update:

After a week-long delay, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) has introduced a budget that closes a $1.2 billion shortfall through program cuts, transportation funding reductions, and other financial shifts. While this budget eliminates several social programs, it does increase funding for K-12 education. Though the final amount won’t be determined until the School Finance Act passes, we are optimistic that statewide average per-pupil revenue (PPR) could increase by nearly 3%—a significant achievement given the state’s fiscal challenges.

The League is closely monitoring the budget process and actively advocating to ensure that charter schools receive equitable funding and resources. Key areas of focus include:

• CSI Mill Levy Equalization

• An increase in the cap on the state's Moral Obligation Program

• Protecting Charter Capital Construction, At-Risk Supplemental, and Part-time Enrichment Program funding

• Support “turning-on” of the new funding formula

Importantly, the proposed increase in PPR is contingent on implementing the new funding formula next year. The League supports Speaker McCluskie’s latest plan to begin phasing in the new formula 15% next year while ultimately shifting district funding calculations from a four-year average to a three-year average. Without this change, K-12 schools would see a lower PPR increase overall. That’s because the new formula brings with it over $500 million in additional funding to K-12 education above and beyond inflation over the time of its implementation.  

Call to Action:

If you wish to contact your legislators and urge them to support the official “turning-on” of the new funding formula along with the $500M in additional K12 funding it represents, we’ve made it easy for you. Use our online tool to ask your legislators to begin phasing in the new school finance formula.

By starting to phase in the new school finance formula in the School Finance Act this year, schools will receive more overall funding for the 2025-2026 school year than if the old formula is left in place. At the same time, the state will also take an important step towards more equitably funding all schools based on their current enrollment. Take three minutes and ask your legislators to start phasing in the new school finance formula this year.

Federal Developments: 

We are closely monitoring federal developments that could impact charter schools, including proposed cuts to the Department of Education, the Supreme Court case on religious charter schools, and changes to Title IX regulations. Some of these issues have direct implications for charter schools in Colorado, and to keep our community informed, we are working with an attorney who has prepared a series of briefs outlining the potential effects. You can find them here. 

As new developments arise, we will continue to provide additional briefs and updates.

Stay Engaged:

There have been over 500 bills introduced this session, and new education bills are being introduced daily. To keep you informed, we continue to provide regular updates to the Bill Tracker. 

Legislative Lunches: In addition to the Bill Tracker, we have our legislative lunches from 12:00 to 12:30 each Friday during the session, an informal conversation where members get to hear the latest news from the Capitol, along with time for questions and answers. Sign up here. 

Legislative Updates: Stay informed with our regular email updates throughout the legislative calendar. Access past newsletters here. 

Direct Contact: Have questions, ideas, or feedback? Reach out to our advocacy team or contact Prateek at [email protected]. You can also text him at (720) 440-1160.

Sincerely,
The League’s Policy and Advocacy Team