Colorado House legislators recently debated and approved a $44 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year, with the largest hurdle being closing a $1.2 billion general fund shortfall. The budget includes $17 billion in general funds and $14 billion in federal dollars, with cash funds making up the rest. Lawmakers also approved 63 “orbital” bills to change state law to balance the budget.
During the debate, House Republicans offered numerous amendments to reduce state spending, including cutting $3 million for the office of gun violence prevention. Other unsuccessful amendments targeted funding for immigrant health care, veterans courts, film subsidies, and more. A bipartisan amendment to increase provider rates for therapies was successful, as well as others to restore funding for various programs and projects.
The House also engaged in some humor, passing a joke amendment to require the licensure of professional circus clowns making over $43,977 annually. Additionally, House Republicans honored the memory of the late House Minority Leader Hugh McKean by wearing bowties during the budget debate, a tradition he started in 2022. Despite the lengthy debate on the budget bill and orbitals, a deal was made to avoid the bill being read at length, allowing for fewer working weekends until the end of the session.
Overall, the budget process in the Colorado House involved serious discussions on spending priorities, with lawmakers from both parties working to address funding needs and make changes to the budget bill.
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