SB22-202 (Zenzinger & Rankin/ McCluskie) State Match for Mill Levy Override Statute
Summary
This bill recognizes local property tax investments that have been made in low property wealth, low-income communities through approved mill levy overrides, and meets that effort with a state match. The bill specifies which districts will be eligible for matching funds and how the match amount will be determined. In June of each budget year, the Department of Education must calculate and distribute the mill levy match amounts from the Mill Levy Override Match Fund created in the bill.
Position
The Children’s Campaign supports this bill. Across Colorado, the funding available for our public schools depends largely on local property wealth, meaning the opportunities available to kids differ based on where they live. The amount of “mill levy override” funding approved locally by voters has more than doubled in a decade, from $580 million in 2010 to $1.4 billion in 2021. Unfortunately, that funding does not benefit all students. A state-funded Mill Levy Override Match Fund will level the playing field for schools in low-wealth communities, who otherwise constantly struggle for adequate funding to meet student needs.
Current Status
In its final reading, the bill passed out of both the House and Senate on bipartisan votes. It now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed.
Previous Statuses
May 6, 2022
The bill passed out of the House Committee on Transportation and Local Government on a vote of 11-2. It now heads to Appropriations.
May 1, 2022
The bill passed out of the Senate on a vote of 27-7.
April 22, 2022
The bill passed out of the Senate Education Committee on a vote of 5-2. Our Vice President of Education Initiatives, Leslie Colwell, testified in support. It now heads to Appropriations.
