With an estimated increase of $1.2 billion in Colorado’s General Fund, 2014 is a year when shortfalls in funding of existing programs should be budgeted. I believe K-12 and higher education as well as highway funding should be high priorities. Funding for K-12 has not satisfied the mandates of Amendment 23. This year, those shortfalls can be remedied. Tuition costs to students in Colorado’s colleges and universities have skyrocketed. There is a proposal, which I support, to increase higher education spending by $100 million. However, higher-education administrators must do everything they can to keep operating expenditures in check.

Highways are not even being discussed by the majority party in the Legislature. The latest figures show 53 percent of Colorado highways are in poor condition. That is up from 47 percent just two years ago. This is a looming crisis the Legislature must address. Before 2010, there was a state law requiring general fund monies go to highways when tax revenues are high. This law required discipline of the Legislature – but was repealed by the Democrats. This is the kind of law that should be reinstated to help maintain our highways.

Because of the projected increase in tax revenues, our out-of-control Legislature will be tempted to start new programs. This is a huge mistake. We do not know if the increased revenue will be sustained past 2014. Increased health-care costs and taxes as a result of Obamacare may thrust the nation into another recession. The Legislature needs a leader with courage and common sense. I am that leader.

J. Paul Brown

Ignacio

Editor’s note: J. Paul Brown is a Republican candidate for the Colorado House of Representatives, 59th District.