According to a report from EdNews Colorado, state Democrats will push for a $1 billion tax increase to help fund Colorado’s underfunded education system. It’s a complicated plan from Democratic Sens. Rollie Heath, of Boulder, and Mike Johnston, of Denver. But essentially it’ll be an attempt to reform the state’s school finance formula, and jack up taxes to pay for the change.
Any tax increase, however, would have to go before the voters, so nothing is certain. To get the measure onto the ballot, the senators (and/or other backers) would have to petition on, or two-thirds of the state Legislature would have to vote to refer the measure to the ballot. And getting any Capitol Republicans to support a tax increase is a pretty lofty goal.
From EdNews:
In recent years education reform legislation and school budget cuts have focused attention on the stresses facing Colorado’s education system. Supporters of reform and more funding think the timing is right to accomplish both goals because of public concern about budget cuts, the improving economy, strong voter support for local school tax increases this year and Democratic control of the state legislature.
And some of those involved in the discussions believe a 2013 school-funding solution should be followed in 2014 by what’s the called the “big fix” – a proposal to straighten out the conflicting provisions of the state constitution that hamstring the legislature’s ability to raise revenue.
The plan faces plenty of challenges before it gets to the final test of a public vote on higher taxes. While there’s broad agreement among many education interest groups on the need for reform, disagreements may emerge after specific provisions of the plan are crafted. Supporters also will face the challenge of raising money to gather petition signatures and run an expensive campaign.
And the Colorado Supreme Court could rule on school finance in the middle of everything else, adding a new complication. A district court judge last year found the state’s school finance system is unconstitutional. The case, Lobato v. State, now is on appeal to the Colorado Supreme Court, and a decision is expected next spring.
But I really can’t explain all of it, since it’s a headache of a plan, because I haven’t done the research EdNews has. So I suggest just checking their story out. And anyone who wants to keep up on state education policy news, follow EdNews.
This is nuts!! Education K-12 is already a huge portion of the Colorado state budget. We know that more money does not correlate to better education outcomes. Cost per pupil in Denver schools is high, but the graduation rate and quality is quite poor. Then there is the enormous PERA liability and PERA’s fund to lobby for (or against) legislation.
Some of our charter and private schools are turning out excellent product for less per pupil than the public schools.
People who wish to DONATE to education are free to do so.
Colorado ranks as one of the lowest funded states for education. Providing our children with excellent education options should be a priority. Our children are our future, and for the people who want to complain because they do not have children in public schools and do not feel that their taxes should not go towards education, please understand that your property values are also tied to the quality of you neighborhood schools. I am sure that many of the complainers’ children also benefitted from an education that was funded by taxes, but now they feel it is no longer their responsibility. Again this would be typical ultra conservative Colorado garbage. Every man or woman for themselves. Mary Lou, you may want to research how much Colorado pays for public education and where it is ranked nationally before you spout off. Where are your facts to support you statements?
it is all about funding retirements and nothing about the education… the government is going after our throats in every aspect. the government and education system are an enemy of the people.
So sorry you find education to be an enemy, Roger.
Mary Lou .. and other charter and private school endeavors have proven to be spectacular failures. Most notably, the GOP’s darling of decentralization .. online education, which is posting dropout rates between 50% – 800% higher than those in traditional education, with low proficiency scores across the board.
The truth of education in our nation is far more complex than most care to understand .. which truly is sad. I’m astounded by just how disengaged Americans are in the future of their own nation.
I agree with Zen. I have spent many hours volunteering at my children’s school, attending PTA meetings, staying in contact with their teachers and anything else I can do to play an active role in their education. I also work fulltime. I understand the importance of staying involved, keeping in contact with teachers, and volunteering whenever I can. Our children are our future and it is our job as parents to be actively involved in their education. I know most people work full time but it does not take much time to email or call the teacher to touch base or discuss issues or concerns. Most teachers I have worked with have been very happy discuss these issues, It does not take that much time to attend a PTA meeting or volunteer. This allows parents to get a better understanding of how the school functions, the types of activities and functions available. This is a partnership with everyone, parents, students, teachers, and principals taking an active role to help our children succeed. Colorado does despite being ranked 42nd in the nation for school funding.
If it includes vouchers that parents can use to send their children to any school they choose I will vote for it, but no vouchers then no yes vote.
I have a grandson in elementary school and I am now learning about the crisis that is facing our education system Public, Charter and Private.
TITLE ONE schools Helen Hunt, Monroe, Will Roger to name a few have much to be desired. I won’t name the school but one of them is in bad shape, the teachers hates thier jobs( and it shows) they don’t want parent involvment, the food they serve these students is gross then students have 10 minutes to eat thier lunch if that and it all about rush rush hurry hurry.
Charter schools are not a better choice its another choice, Which of the two evils will we choose for our children.
I have no expereinced with Private schools.
So with all this funding where does it go???
Lilithia