House Minority Leader Pugliese Calls for Stronger Budget Priorities for Colorado Families, Education, and Public Safety
(Denver, CO – November 1, 2024) – Colorado House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese responded to the Governor’s recent budget proposal, expressing concern over its impact on key issues like education funding, support for oil and gas communities, and public safety.
"While I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to avoiding the budget stabilization factor, there is still much more work to be done to address Colorado’s education needs fully," said Pugliese. "Unfortunately, the school finance reforms we have pushed for will not take effect soon enough. Colorado families can’t wait seven years for an updated formula to roll out—our students deserve real support now."
Pugliese voiced disappointment in the budget’s proposed severance tax sweep from local governments, calling it another blow to oil and gas communities that already bear the brunt of losing resources year after year. "We have consistently said that these funds are critical to the communities that generate them. We should be supporting our oil and gas regions, not draining their resources," she stated.
On public safety, Pugliese acknowledged the Governor’s goal for Colorado to be one of the nation’s ten safest states but emphasized the budget's failure to provide meaningful solutions. "While we share the Governor’s vision, the paltry increase in funding to public safety falls drastically short in addressing the significant safety challenges we face in Colorado. This does nothing to tackle pressing issues such as fentanyl, property theft, and increased transnational gang activity," she remarked.
Pugliese affirmed that Colorado Republicans are ready to work alongside the Majority to shape a budget that reflects both fiscal responsibility while aligning with the proper role of government. "Our priority is a budget that truly serves Colorado families and addresses our communities’ needs. We are committed to making this happen in collaboration with our colleagues across the aisle."
