GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Fresh off his re-election Jared Polis has presented his new budget for 2023-24.

In a press release, the Governor said the budget has four key focus areas.

  • Saving families money and investing in our future
  • Making neighborhoods safer and more affordable
  • Protecting our land, air, and water
  • Delivering a balanced budget with record reserves

Here are some key notes from the budget increase:

  • $704 million increase for K-12 schools
  • $10 million for universal preschool
    • “For a half day of preschool will save families over 4,000 dollars a year,” according to Lauren Larson, director of the office of state planning and budgeting.
  • $38.3 million for fire mitigation, suppression, and recovery.
  • Additional resources on top of a previous $200 million to help reduce homelessness
  • $5 million for housing vouchers for former foster youth
  • $3.2 million for statewide fire data program
  • $17.6 million towards the state water plan
    • “You’re getting close to a $100 million investment from that first $17.6 million seed,” Larson said.

Governor Polis will make amendments to his budget in January following an end-of-the-year economic forecast.