Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Repealing of Outdated Budget Formula A Victory for Kids


REPEALING OF OUTDATED BUDGET FORMULA A VICTORY FOR KIDS
 
Today, Governor Bill Ritter signed SB 228, repealing the Arveschoug-Bird amendment, a budget formula that prevented the state from investing in priorities like education, child health and early childhood.
 
"Eliminating this outdated formula will increase the ability of lawmakers to make decisions about state spending according to the needs and priorities of the state – including the needs of Colorado's children – rather than an arbitrary formula," said Chris Watney, Interim President of the Colorado Children's Campaign.  "This is a tremendous step in ensuring the state has the flexibility it needs to respond to the challenges we face and support programs we know are protecting our most vulnerable kids and bolstering our economy. This is even more critical in a time of recession to give Colorado the ability to withstand and recover from an economic downturn."
 
The Children's Campaign commended Governor Ritter, legislative sponsors Sen. John Morse, Rep. Don Marostica, and Rep. Lois Court, and partners including the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute and The Bell Policy Center for their leadership in the passage of this important legislation to modernize and strengthen the state budget.
 

"With more children living in poverty in Colorado than ever before, we know that improving access to quality healthcare, education and child care has never been more critical. The state's ability to make effective investments is an important part of meeting the needs of children and families," said Watney.  "Colorado should be a good place to live, work and be a kid, and this measure is an important step to getting us back on track."