This
week, we passed a balanced budget that goes a long way to help Colorado
families. The Senate assembled a fiscally responsible budget that begins the
process of restoring cuts to public education, shoring up the safety net and
investing in our people and our economy. This budget reflects our values
of a government that lives within its means and cares about the most vulnerable
among us, and one that invests in our future. We increased K-12 funding,
higher education funding, made greater investments in economic development,
tourism, and mental health. My first two years in the Senate were all about
making budget cuts, but this year we’re starting to restore those cuts. Colorado is paving the way for national
economic recovery. It was a long and difficult negotiation but, it felt good to
move away from making cuts and begin to restore funding as we reduced the
waitlist for people with developmental disabilities, invested in child
welfare/protection, and increased sex offender treatment in prison. Our budget added
funding for the Senior Homestead Act and senior services for transportation,
living independently in their homes longer, and Meals on Wheels. We also increased
oil & gas inspectors, added air quality studies and infrared detection for
oil & gas, and we set aside a 5% reserve for a rainy day. The budget
goes on for deliberation in the House this next week. Take
a look at some more info if you are interested in budget specifics!
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| Our aides, Sasha and Donna, enjoying a drink with the interns before Jessie and I arrive! |
