Colorado Senate Bill SB136

Colorado 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/6/23
• Report Pass: 2/7/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Engrossed: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23
• Report Pass: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Engrossed: 2/28/23
• Enrolled: 2/28/23
• Passed: 3/3/23

Caption

Adjustments To School Funding Fiscal Year 2022-23

Impact

The implementation of SB136 will directly affect total program funding for schools in Colorado. By acknowledging the actual local property tax revenue increases, the bill seeks to balance the state’s share of funding while responding to the educational needs of at-risk pupils. The anticipated result is that funding dynamics will be adjusted to promote both equity and stability in public school financing, ensuring that essential educational resources remain available where they are most needed.

Summary

Senate Bill 136 addresses adjustments to school funding for the fiscal year 2022-23 in Colorado. It was introduced in response to significant discrepancies between the anticipated and actual pupil counts. The bill acknowledges that the actual funded pupil count was lower than expected, while the at-risk pupil count was higher, prompting the need for increased financial allocation for at-risk pupils. Furthermore, the bill seeks to maintain the budget stabilization factor at the level set during the previous appropriations, effectively leading to a decrease in state funding for district programs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB136 appears mixed among lawmakers and stakeholders in the education sector. Proponents argue that the bill thoughtfully balances fiscal responsibility with the essential support needed for vulnerable student populations, while critics express concern about the implications of reduced state funding for districts that may rely heavily on state contributions. Overall, the discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of ensuring adequate educational funding amid changing student demographics.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential long-term implications for school districts that may experience decreased financial support from the state under the provisions of this bill. Some legislators raised concerns that limiting state funding may disproportionately affect schools with a high number of at-risk students, undermining local efforts to provide targeted educational services. Furthermore, debates around how the budget stabilization factor is applied in practice suggest a tug-of-war between fiscal prudence and the necessity of educational equity.