Log In


Reset Password
Columnists View from the Center Bear Smart The Travel Troubleshooter Dear Abby Student Aide Of Sound Mind Others Say Powerful solutions You are What You Eat Out Standing in the Fields What's up in Durango Skies Watch Yore Topknot Local First RE-4 Education Update MECC Cares for kids

Money, cooperation in home stretch

The legislative session is in the home stretch, and there are fewer than 30 days remaining. We are currently in the process of finalizing the state budget, known as the “long bill.” It passed through the Senate last week, and it is currently being considered by the Joint Budget Committee’s conference committee.

I am optimistic that Fort Lewis College and Western State College of Colorado will receive funding for their capital construction projects. I have been working diligently with JBC members to find a solution.

While the long bill is being considered by the conference committee, the House of Representatives is still hard at work. We considered two very important bills regarding school financing this week. House Bill 1292, the Student Success Act, begins to restore funding that was cut during the Great Recession, by putting more than $220 million toward K-12 education.

The bill is being sponsored by Rep. Millie Hamner, D-Dillon, and Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock. It provides $20 million for youth reading programs and $13 million for charter-school construction. There is also some money to increase financial transparency, which allows you, the taxpayer, to see exactly how school districts are spending your money. HB 1298 is the annual school-finance bill, which adjusts annual school funding and is being sponsored by Rep. Hamner and Rep. John Buckner, D-Aurora. This bill increases per-pupil funding to $7,021. It also provides $30 million for English-language learners and includes funding for an additional 5,000 slots for preschool or full-day kindergarten.

HB 1298 also increases funding for rural schools by increasing funding for San Juan Boards of Cooperative Educational Services by $2 million. While opponents of these bills argued the state should spend more money buying down the negative factor, I believe the we need to take a balanced approach. We are putting more than $150 million toward the negative factor this year, while providing support for important services. HB 1292 and HB 1298 passed the House with bipartisan support.

HB 1119, which I am sponsoring with Sens. Mary Hodge and Ellen Roberts, passed the House on third reading this week. It creates a tax credit for farmers who donate excess livestock and produce to food banks and charitable organizations. I was proud that this bill passed with bipartisan support. It will give hungry families across Colorado greater access to fresh food and nutritious choices. I look forward to its passage in the Senate.

On April 4, I attended the 32nd Annual Water Seminar by the Southwestern Water Conservation District. We discussed water conservation, creating a strategic water plan, maintaining the Colorado River and guaranteeing future water quality. I enjoyed hearing from all the different voices in the room, especially the Colorado Water Congress. I would like to thank Doug Kemper for his insightful comments. As we all know, issues related to water usage directly affect people across Colorado, particularly those living in rural Colorado. These types of conversations are critical to developing sustainable water policy.

Finally, I would like to remember Chairman Jimmy R. Newton, who passed away March 31. Since the age of 26, Chairman Newton served in variety capacities on the Tribal Council for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. He assumed the position of chairman in 2012, and was an active member the Southern Ute Community. He consistently advocated for the well-being of his tribe and regularly participated in cultural ceremonies. I knew Chairman Newton for many years and was always impressed by his kindness and intelligence. His passing is a loss to the entire state of Colorado. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Newton Family.

As always, I remain honored to be your state representative from House District 59.

McLachlan represents House District 59 in Colorado’s General Assembly. The district encompasses La Plata, Archuleta, San Juan, Ouray and Hinsdale counties and part of Gunnison County. Call McLachlan at (303) 866-2914 or email mike.mclachlan.house@state.



Reader Comments