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District lobbyist: no K–12 cuts in special session but budget pressure may hit next year
Summary
Contract lobbyist Amy Atwood told the Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 board that the special session did not cut K–12 funding but warned HR1 and Medicaid pressures could make next year's finances more difficult; she flagged TABOR-related ballot measures and the upcoming revenue forecast.
At the district board meeting, contract lobbyist Amy Atwood briefed trustees on state action affecting K–12 funding and the governor's fiscal choices.
"The good news is there were no cuts during the special session to K12 education," Atwood said, describing a bill that adjusted handling of universal healthy‑school‑meals funding and noting the governor's authority — granted by the legislature — to advance budget reductions through the Joint Budget Committee.
Atwood warned trustees that while this budget year appears stable, pressures related to HR1 and the Medicaid budget could affect school finance going forward. She said discussions are beginning on topics such as student funding averaging and on avoiding a return to the budget stabilization factor.
She also said several ballot measures are being explored for 2026, including proposals tied to a graduated income tax and changes to TABOR refunds that could alter the state's approach to local tax increases; she described polling on those ideas as preliminary. The board was told to expect the Joint Budget Committee's September revenue forecast next week, which will inform budget decisions for the coming year.
Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill introduced Atwood and thanked her for ongoing updates; trustees asked clarifying questions and said they expected continued reports as the session develops.
