Colorado Speaker Ferrendino Addresses Fire Funding and Marijuana Tax Fund Concerns

Concerns over wildfire funding and marijuana tax allocations dominated the Joint Budget Committee meeting on August 28, 2025, as Colorado legislators grappled with pressing budgetary issues.

Representative Rick Taggart raised alarms about the ongoing wildfire crisis in Western Colorado, emphasizing the need for continued financial support for emergency services. "We need to make sure the funding is there," he stated, highlighting the hard work of local and state teams battling the fires. Speaker of the House, Alec Ferrendino, echoed this sentiment, assuring that the committee has set aside significant resources for disaster relief, despite uncertainties surrounding federal funding due to a lawsuit with FEMA.

The discussion shifted to the marijuana tax cash fund, with Senator Mavily expressing disappointment over proposed cuts that could impact substance abuse programs. "Cutting back on things related to substance abuse is the wrong direction," he asserted, signaling a commitment to advocate for prioritizing these funds in future budget discussions.

Senator Gonzales added complexity to the conversation by referencing President Trump's recent comments about potentially reclassifying cannabis at the federal level, which could have significant implications for Colorado's tax structure. Ferrendino acknowledged the need for ongoing discussions to prepare for any changes that may arise from federal actions.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for adequate funding to combat wildfires and the future of marijuana tax allocations remained at the forefront of legislative priorities, setting the stage for continued debates in the coming months.