SB 228 Passes Senate; Supporters Rally at Capitol

Just minutes after SB 228 passed in Colorado State Senate by a 21-14 vote, supporters gathered in the Capitol to applaud the strong fiscal leadership of bill sponsors Sen. John Morse and Rep. Don Marostica. The important budget reform bill would get rid of an outdated budget formula, known as Arveschoug Bird or the 6 percent, and help Colorado get out of the recession quicker.

“I thank the Senate for passing the budget reform that Colorado needs now,” said Sen. Morse. “Getting rid of the 6 percent will help untie the knot, level the playing field for our state’s priorities, and help get us out of the recession quicker than we otherwise would.”

“I’m very pleased to be working with Sen. Morse on this legislation, and appreciate the Senate’s work in passing it today,” said Rep. Marostica. “It’s a very important step toward meaningful budget reform in Colorado at a time when our state needs it the most so we can have a quick, strong recovery from the recession.”

“Our state is handcuffed and our leaders are forced to make decisions based on an outdated formula – not on the needs of our children or the priorities of our citizens,” said Megan Ferland President of the Colorado Children’s Campaign. “Colorado has the fastest growing rate of child poverty in the country, but getting rid of the 6 percent formula is one way to get our state back on track and out of the recession.”

“Families adapt, businesses adapt, and it’s long past time that Colorado’s state budget adapts to get out of the worst economic crisis in two generations,” said Carol Meredith, with The Arc of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties. “SB 228 is the kind of common sense budget reform that Colorado families need now.”

“The tired, failed policies of the past are threatening to destroy the economic security, prosperity, and opportunity that this great state provides,” said Jack Wylie, with the Associated Students of Colorado. “We must invest in our students and our economic future, and SB 228 will help Colorado do exactly that.”

The bill sponsors were joined by House co-sponsor Rep. Lois Court, as well as supporters representing some of the more than 85 state and local groups that are supporting the budget reform bill.

Right now, anything over the 6 percent budget formula is automatically earmarked for transportation, preventing Colorado from making smart decisions based on key priorities and current economic needs.

SB 228 will get rid of Arveschoug-Bird and outdated earmarks, put all the state’s funding priorities on a level playing field, and help Coloradans get out of the recession quicker and stronger.

The bill will now move to the House for consideration.