A bill that would allow Colorado voters to decide on raising the state’s revenue cap for K–12 public education advanced out of the Senate Finance Committee on March 12. The committee approved Senate Bill 26-135, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Cathy Kipp and Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Meghan Lukens, with a 6-3 vote.
The measure is significant because it seeks to address long-standing underfunding in Colorado’s public schools without increasing taxes. If passed by voters in November 2026, the proposal would let the state retain revenue above its current cap and invest those funds into education.
Kevin Vick, president of the Colorado Education Association (CEA), said, “Colorado’s public schools have been underfunded for decades because we are operating under an outdated revenue cap written more than 30 years ago. Today’s vote is an important step toward finally addressing that structural problem and allowing Colorado to invest in the public schools our students deserve. This measure does not raise taxes or ask Coloradans to pay a dollar more. It simply allows the state to use the revenue it already collects to support students, educators, and communities across Colorado.”
Supporters say that every student in Colorado is underfunded by about $4,000 per year, resulting in a $3.5–$4 billion annual shortfall for public schools. The bill includes provisions for stable increases in K–12 funding of up to 2% annually and requires independent audits each year for transparency.
Senator Bridges said, “For decades, Colorado has been asking our schools to do more with less, and our students and educators are paying the price. This measure would allow Colorado to invest the revenue it already collects to support smaller class sizes, better teacher pay, and the programs and services students need to succeed. It’s about making sure our schools have the resources to recruit and retain great educators and give every student the opportunity to thrive.”
Senator Kipp added, “Colorado’s students deserve strong public schools no matter where they live, and our educators deserve the resources and support they need to help every child succeed. For too long, outdated fiscal constraints have prevented our state from fully investing in public education, even when the revenue is already there. This measure gives voters the opportunity to modernize that system, strengthen our schools, and build a more stable future for Colorado, all without raising taxes.”
The CEA joined other organizations such as AFT Colorado, the Colorado Association of School Boards, the Colorado Rural Schools Alliance, Stand for Children, and United for a New Economy at the Capitol in support of this legislation.
