In an effort to prioritize the well-being of Coloradans amidst a challenging financial climate, Governor Jared Polis has submitted the 2025-26 supplemental and budget amendment requests. According to the Colorado Governor's Office, the proposal aims to balance the state's budget while safeguarding key areas such as education, health care, and public safety.
"We are focused on protecting the issues that Coloradans care most about - education, access to health care and safety - while delivering a balanced budget for Colorado. In this difficult budget environment, we are doing everything we can to deliver the best possible results for Colorado and know that the Joint Budget Committee will have challenging decisions to make in the months ahead. We look forward to working with them and the rest of the General Assembly," said Governor Polis, as per the Colorado Governor's Office. The proposed budget maintains 13% reserves in anticipation of recession risks, an effort aimed at fiscally responsible governance.
Education takes a prominent spot in the Governor's budget, with a $167 million state funding boost for school finance that continues the trend toward a student-centered funding approach. This adjustment is part of a phased implementation of a new school finance formula, which hinges on a three-year average enrollment method starting in FY 2026-27. Polis's administration is touting a significant increase in per-pupil funding, exceeding 50 percent during his tenure, to $12,272, as outlined by the Colorado Governor's Office.
Public safety efforts are bolstered with a proposed investment exceeding $34 million over the next 18 months, focusing on resources for those deemed incompetent to proceed in the judicial system. Colorado aims to bridge the gap for individuals at the intersection of competency issues and public safety needs, with facility upgrades and improved community-based supervision options. Meanwhile, the anticipated disaffiliation of Pinnacol from the state will sustain programs like the senior Homestead Tax reduction and the portable Homestead Property Tax reduction.
