DENVER – On Thursday afternoon, Democrats killed Senate Bill 22-039 sponsored by Senator Paul Lundeen (R – Monument) and Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer (R – Weld County). The bill would have fully funded Colorado schools by eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and by creating the Hope Scholarship Program, which would allow students to pursue alternative education opportunities outside traditional government schools. 

“The test scores don’t lie– schools are failing across this state,” Senator Lundeen remarked. Students and parents are voting with their feet and leaving the public education system to seek out alternatives. We have a duty to provide resources to them. It is a failure for this legislature to keep students trapped in failing public schools.” 

Numerous parents and educators testified in favor of the bill, signaling to legislators how the Hope Scholarship Program would create greater opportunities for their students to receive quality education. 

“Our colleagues opted to play politics over prioritizing the students of this state,” said Senator Kirkmeyer. “Our children can’t read or do math at grade level. This bill would have provided opportunities to parents to ensure their children are given the best education that suits their needs. Children are unique individuals and we need to start treating them that way through our education system.” 

The bill died on a party-line vote, 4 to 3.

The bill is part of the Republican’s “Commitment to Colorado” legislative package.