CO SJR021

Reaffirms the General Assembly's commitment to full and fair funding of Colorado's public schools, citing public education as fundamental to democracy, individual opportunity, and economic prosperity

References two adequacy studies received in January 2025 (by American Institute for Research and Augenblick, Pailaich and Associates) that found Colorado's teacher salaries are too low and the school tax system is inequitable and inadequate

Notes the APA study recommends a funding base of $12,346 per student, with adequate funding being $3.5 billion higher than current levels and $3.1 billion higher than when House Bill 24-1448 is fully implemented

Declares the legislature's intent to honor the $2 million investment in adequacy studies by developing a multi-year implementation plan with revenue triggers to phase in the recommendations

Acknowledges current threats to school funding sustainability including state fiscal constraints, depletion of the state education fund, and potential federal funding cuts to education, Medicaid, and school nutrition programs