Colorado

What Are the Budget Issues Facing Colorado?

In 2009, Colorado faces a $604 million budget gap representing 7.7% of the general fund. In 2010, Colorado is looking at another $386 million shortfall, 4.9% of the general fund.

What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Colorado

The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:

• $880,000,000 in relief for Colorado’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
• $621,900,000 in relief to the state of Colorado to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
• $128,900,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
• $156,100,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
• $28,500,000 for other education programs in Colorado’s schools.
• $181,000,000 in food stamps for 277,000 Colorado men, women, and children.
• $15,600,000 in emergency shelter grants for 3,100 households.
• 197,000 Colorado children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
• $24,312,304 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 3,680 Colorado children.
• An increase in unemployment benefits to 173,464 Colorado families.
• $10,800,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
• $12,000,000 in youth training employment services.

How Have Colorado’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Mark Udall (D)

Michael Bennett (D)

Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information