Colorado and its state policymakers face impossible budget shortfalls, with the impossible task of closing between $670 million and $1 billion in deficits in the 2025 General Fund. Cutting the state budget will be challenging. This will result in cuts to programs that many Coloradans depend on. The key question is which programs will face reductions and which communities will be most impacted.
Check out the stories of young adults who shared their perspectives:
The Colorado Budget Crisis: What’s at Stake for Families Like Mine
Colorado faces a massive budget shortfall of between $670 million and $1 billion in 2025. This means the state will have to make significant cuts, and essential programs that many families depend on—such as health care, education, and local community services—could lose funding. For families like mine, this is highly concerning because these programs help keep us healthy, educate our kids, and provide opportunities for a better future.
One of my biggest worries is Medicaid. As a type 1 diabetic, I rely on Medicaid to afford insulin, medical supplies, and doctor visits. Without this support, managing my condition would become much harder and significantly more expensive. If Medicaid is cut, many people with chronic illnesses like mine may not be able to afford the treatment they need, putting their health and even their lives at risk.
Another primary concern is education funding, especially for K-12 schools. My young son will start school soon, and I want him to love learning. However, if the state cuts school funding, it could mean larger class sizes, overworked teachers, and fewer student resources. When kids don’t receive the attention and support they need in the classroom, they can feel frustrated, left out, or disconnected from learning. I don’t want my son to feel that way.
I’ve seen what happens when schools lack funding. Growing up in Florida, I attended underfunded schools where teachers struggled to give students the help they needed. It was difficult to stay engaged in an environment where supplies were scarce, technology was outdated, and classrooms were overcrowded. Many students became discouraged and lost interest in school altogether. I worry the same could happen in Colorado if education funding is cut.
College affordability is also a significant issue. As a student working toward a diploma in Health Information Technology, I know how critical financial aid and state-funded scholarships are. If funding for higher education is reduced, many students—especially working parents like me—may be forced to pause their education or take on more debt just to continue. This could lead to fewer skilled workers in essential industries like health care, ultimately hindering Colorado’s economic growth.
Local programs like public libraries, mental health services, and job training programs are also at risk. These resources provide a lifeline for many people in our communities, offering education, support, and opportunities for a better future. If state funding is cut, these services could disappear, making it even harder for struggling families to get ahead.
This budget crisis is not just about numbers—it’s about real people. It’s about kids who need good teachers and small class sizes to succeed, patients who need affordable health care, and students who dream of a better future. Colorado’s leaders have tough choices ahead, but cutting essential services will only make life harder for families like mine.
Aragon, Nieves, CO
$670 Million CO State Budget Deficit
Colorado is facing a significant budget shortfall, projected to be between $670 million and $1 billion in deficits in the 2025 General Fund. This financial strain has led to proposed cuts in various educational programs and services that affect my peers and me. These programs provide essential opportunities for higher education, economic stability, and fundamental needs like Medicare. People should not have to face setbacks in their education or choose between medical care and putting food on the table just to survive. We must fight to prioritize funding for these programs to ensure a better future for Coloradans.
As a high school senior, my classmates and I rely on government funding to help us continue our education after graduating. The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative is at risk of being cut, which could impact many low-income families and limit their financial resources. Additionally, being from Pueblo, I have seen how many nonprofit organizations create community-based scholarships to help students in our town afford higher education. This reduction in funding could limit the availability of local scholarships and educational programs that benefit students like me in my community.
College affordability is critical to me, especially as a first-generation student. I want to make my parents proud and achieve the education they couldn’t. My goal is to become a veterinarian, but vet school alone costs over $250,000! While it is not confirmed, budget constraints could lead to higher tuition rates for veterinary students, making financial struggles even more significant for me.
Medicare is also a critical program for my grandfather, as he relies on it to receive diabetes treatment. Medicare covers his essential diabetes supplies, such as blood sugar monitors, test strips, lancets, and glucose control solutions. Unfortunately, he has faced racism and mistreatment in hospitals because he doesn’t understand English, making his medical journey even more challenging. He receives regular dialysis treatments to maintain his health and fights every day to be well enough to watch me dance and grow. If Medicare funding is reduced, it will create a huge financial strain on my family and could potentially limit his access to life-saving treatments.
K-12 education is another primary concern when it comes to budget cuts. I have attended public schools my entire life, and although I am graduating, it is heartbreaking to see the potential losses these cuts could bring. In many schools, students already need to provide their own supplies, and in rural areas, especially where lower-income families live, this will become even harder without school support. Additionally, after retiring from being a veterinarian, I want to teach biology to children and inspire a love for science in them—just like my elementary teachers did for me. I would not be where I am today without the help of my teachers, and I want to see schools progress rather than take steps backward.
These budget cuts affect everyone, not just a select few. I want to make a difference in my community and state by advocating for funding for these critical programs that have been so helpful to my family and others. Lastly, when we stand up for education, health care, and opportunity, we build a future where everyone can thrive.
Beltran, Stephanie, CO
Higher Education Funding Can Not Be On The Chopping Block This Legislative Session
The budgetary constraints in Colorado for this legislative session pose a tangible threat to the dreams and ambitions of many aspiring higher education students. As a committed community activist, I have long supported public education. As we progress through this legislative session, I am deeply concerned about potential cuts to higher education funding, especially given Colorado’s troubling ranking of 42nd out of 50 in the U.S. for higher education expenditures.
The current fiscal landscape in Colorado is alarming. Our state is grappling with a massive budget deficit projected to reach up to one billion dollars. One of the areas identified for potential cuts is higher education. These cuts are not just a mere adjustment of numbers; they represent a direct threat to those looking to continue their education.
These potential state cuts come when federal funding is reduced, compounding the financial strain. Many colleges across the U.S. feel the effects of federal cuts so intensely that they have begun withdrawing acceptances to graduate programs. For students applying to schools, this is their worst nightmare.
As a graduate student at CU Boulder, I fear what these cuts mean for my future and peers. When I was accepted to CU, my program director fought for me to receive funding to support my education. I made it clear that I might not be able to make ends meet without funding. Fortunately, he secured a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to support my academic growth and provide valuable research experience.
However, given the current political climate and the direct cuts facing the NSF, there is an almost zero chance our grant will be continued next year. This, on top of state funding reductions, could leave me without any financial support going into my second semester. With thousands of dollars still owed in student loan debt, I already cannot afford to begin repaying my federal and private loans. My story is one that millions of students nationwide can relate to. So why does our legislature even consider cutting funding when students are struggling?
It is imperative that we, as a state, take a stand to safeguard access to higher education. The federal government is already trying to dismantle it—why would we help them? We must not cut funding; in fact, we should be working to implement innovative solutions to enhance educational financial stability. As policy decisions unfold, they must reflect a vision that values education.
We must mobilize, advocate, and ensure our voices are heard at the Capitol. The stakes are high, and the impact of our actions will define Colorado’s values. Let us choose a path that secures educational opportunities for all. We cannot stand by as the Colorado legislature considers cutting higher education funding to compensate for its inability to balance a budget.
Rodriguez, Sierra, CO