Dublin our efforts to balance state budget

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Hopefully you survived the "Snowmaggedon" and can celebrate the holiday with some Irish libations. Regrettably, my focus won't be on a pint of Guiness today, as I must work overtime in order to finalize the state budget this week. You may want to wish us a bit o' luck, as Friday's forecast indicated a strong Colorado economy but a "constrained" state budget, which means we have a significant challenge ahead of us.

According to the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast, we anticipate General Fund revenues to be $17.6 billion in FY 2023-2024 and $18.7 billion in FY 2024-2025, a 5.9 percent increase year-over-year. For FY 2024-25, the TABOR surplus is expected to be $1.91 billion; however, budget limitations will continue to constrain investments in state services. Even with our strong economy, Colorado’s unique fiscal constraints make it challenging to fund new investments. According to our JBC budget overview, we must address an anticipated $200 million shortfall in order to achieve a balanced budget.

The March economic forecast represents the final set of data before we finalize this year’s budget. Friday's cautiously optimistic outlook reaffirms our budget work thus far: to be bold in supporting critical services by fully funding schools and our health care provider, but to be responsible and constrain spending so we remain well-prepared for the future. Now that we have an idea of what our revenues may look like next year, we will review each and every line item to balance our spending in alignment with the projections.

Despite a challenging fiscal landscape, I believe we are still well-positioned to fulfill our obligations to schools and families by eliminating the budget stabilization factor and fully funding our schools--a priority for me and the entire budget committee. The challenge in the next few days will be to finalize a fiscally responsible and balanced budget that invests in our critical services without overextending state resources. While the task appears daunting, I have confidence in my JBC colleagues and others that we will succeed. And just remember this Irish proverb: "There is no luck except where there is discipline."

Passed! HB24-1012 Front Range Passenger Rail District Efficiency: Concerning the operational efficiency of the front range passenger rail district. The bill passed through the Senate on Second Reading unanimously.

Passed! SB24-008 Kinship Foster Care Homes: Concerning increasing support for kinship foster care homes. The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Appropriations Committee and now heads to the full Senate.

NEW! HB24-1266 Local Government Utility Relocation in Right-of-Way: Concerning the relocation of utility facilities in a local government right-of-way. The bill passed the House on Second Reading.

In Committee this week: SB24-106 Right to Remedy Construction Defects: Concerning legal actions based on claimed defects in construction projects. The bill will be heard in the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee on Thursday, March 21 upon adjournment.

In Committee this week: SB24-170 America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission: Concerning the America 250 - Colorado 150 commission. The bill will be heard in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Commmittee on Thursday, March 21 at 1:30 pm.

SB24-174 Sustainable Affordable Housing Assistance: Concerning state support for sustainable affordable housing, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. The bill will be heard in the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee on Tuesday, March 26 at 2 pm.

HB24-1017 Bill of Rights for Foster Youth: Concerning a bill of rights for youth in foster care. The bill will be heard in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on Thursday, March 28 at 1:30 pm.

March 17, 2024 Ark Valley Voice: Colorado Forecast Shows Strong Economy, Constrained State Budget

March 17, 2024 Kiowa County Press: Forecasts show a strong Colorado economy but a 'constrained' state budget

March 16, 2024 Colorado Newsline: Forecasts show a strong Colorado economy but a 'constrained' state budget

March 16, 2024 The Denver Post: Colorado economic forecast gives rosy outlook, but legislators will have to juggle priorities in state budget

March 16, 2024 Colorado Springs Gazette: A tale of two legislatures: Republicans, Democrats find more common ground, even amidst usual partisan bickering

March 16, 2024 The Colorado Sun: Colorado could owe $2B in taxpayer refunds under new forecasts

March 15, 2024 Colorado Politics: Colorado lawmakers face tight pressures as they craft state's spending plan

March 15, 2024 Law 360: Colo. Senate OKs Tax Credits For Gifts Through Intermediaries

March 13, 2024 Colorado Politics: Colorado Senate OKs — after contentious debate — Polis' parks and wildlife appointees

March 16, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Strong Economy, Constrained State Budget

Legislative Town Hall Meeting



Please join Representatives Bird, Daugherty, Titone and Senator Zenzinger on Saturday, April 20 at 10:30 am for our monthly legislative town hall. The location for the town hall will be the Indian Tree Golf Course, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80003 (and NOT the library). For more information, click HERE.

Commissioner O'Dorisio endorses Zenzinger

“Ideally, a strong county government is able to collaborate with a strong state government to maximize the community’s welfare. Rachel Zenzinger is a state legislator who understands this synergy and finds creative ways to nurture it. I have had many occasions to interact with her in our mutual efforts to improve services such as transportation, housing and healthcare. She will be an excellent addition to the Jefferson County Commission.”

--Steve O'Dorisio, Adams County Commissioner

Endorsements of Rachel Zenzinger's campaign for Jeffco Commissioner are pouring in! To view the latest, click HERE. If you'd like to join the list of supporters, please send an email to: rachelforcolorado@gmail.com. Also, please feel free to make a contribution to Rachel in her bid for commissioner by clicking HERE.