The way a legislator votes on a bill is important BUT it is not the ONLY thing. The process bills go through mean that the final product, and voting on it, is often party line. Looking at how bills may be changed to be ‘palatable’ for a final vote without stakeholdering, using the process to stop a bill or stand up for the policies that support educators, students, and public schools over those of corporate interests also plays an important role.
Being a legislator is more than voting on bills. What bills were the legislator a primary sponsor for? Did they advocate and support public education values? Did they support socially, racially, and economically equitable bills? Did they support bills that address students’ needs and education funding? Did they listen to the public education experts, the educators, when crafting or supporting legislation?
- CEA/Local Roundtables
- 2021 CEA Education “Bootcamp”
- Additional Events sponsored by CEA and Locals
The 39,000 educator members of the Colorado Education Association have been consistent in our message to the Colorado Legislature over the last 5 years--the Colorado Legislature must take meaningful, creative, and bold action to address the chronic underfunding of our public schools.
CEA was excited to see a much more positive outcome for Public School Funding this session, but there is still more work to do.
The Budget Stabilization factor was brought down to a level before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is more work to do if public education can be fully funded in Colorado, with the first step being the current Budget Stabilization factor cut in half by 2023.
Colorado was quick and efficient in its dispersion of federal relief and support funds. However, there was limited engagement with educators and CEA on how those funds could be used to support public education.
The Colorado Legislature stepped up to provide funding to support educator mental health by providing funding for one year to support and expand existing programs. This funding, while greatly appreciated, does not address the underlying causes or long term needs of educators.
The legislature passed bills to directly and indirectly support public education funding and educator salaries via: SB21-172, HB21-1164, HB21-1311, and HB21-1312. CEA remains hopeful that these will lead to meaningful funding increases to public education and a commitment to increasing educator pay.
Legislators who worked closely with the Colorado Education Association, local affiliates, and educators to address CEA’s priority issues, promote educator voice, and strive to support the public schools our students deserve.
