Kevin Vick, president of the Colorado Education Association (CEA), has issued a statement supporting the call for significant changes to Colorado’s budget in response to a letter from the Colorado Fiscal Institute addressed to the state legislature.
Vick referenced recent federal legislation, H.R. 1, which he said threatens Colorado’s financial stability and ability to provide essential services. “Recent federal action has placed Colorado’s ability to provide the strong future our students, families, and communities deserve at risk. As lawmakers prepare to convene for a special session, we urge them to take bold and necessary steps to protect Colorado’s future by ensuring that our tax code works for everyone—not just the wealthy and well-connected,” Vick stated.
He pointed out that last year state leaders managed a $1 billion shortfall while maintaining critical services. However, he warned that H.R. 1 could result in a $1.2 billion revenue loss this year and even larger deficits in coming years.
“We cannot cut our way out of this crisis without devastating consequences for Colorado’s students and families. H.R. 1 has already threatened to strip hundreds of thousands of Coloradans of services that provide food security and health care coverage. It has made health insurance premiums and energy costs more expensive for working families. To pile additional cuts onto schools, educators, and communities would only deepen the harm,” Vick said.
Vick emphasized the need for lawmakers to address tax loopholes as part of their budget solutions: “Colorado’s budget must reflect our values. We know that budgets are moral documents, and in this moment, lawmakers have a moral obligation to protect education, healthcare, and the essential services that every family depends on. Closing tax loopholes is not only a responsible choice, it is a just one.”
He concluded by reiterating CEA’s commitment to working with policymakers: “Educators across the state stand with Colorado families in urging lawmakers to act with courage and clarity in this special session. Our students cannot afford deeper cuts. Our communities cannot carry the burden of decisions made in Washington. And our future depends on leaders who are willing to put people over politics.
“The Colorado Education Association and our nearly 40,000 members remain committed to working alongside lawmakers to ensure Colorado emerges from this crisis stronger, fairer, and more united.”
