Colorado’s ambitious initiative to provide free school meals to public school students faces a significant funding gap as lawmakers look for solutions to bridge the divide. The Healthy School Meals for All program, approved by voters in 2022, is now struggling to meet its growing costs, just as the state faces broader budget challenges.
The Challenge of Budgeting for Free School Meals
Voters approved Proposition FF in 2022, which raised income taxes on high earners to fund free meals for students across Colorado. The initiative aimed to ensure that every child, regardless of their family’s income, would have access to nutritious meals during the school day. However, as with many well-intended programs, the cost has risen faster than anticipated, putting pressure on the state budget.
Originally, the program was expected to cost around $124 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, funded by an increase in income taxes for those making over $300,000 annually. Yet, projections indicate a shortfall of approximately $19 million, with available revenue estimated at just $105 million. This discrepancy could leave a significant hole in the program’s ability to provide meals to all eligible students.
This budget gap comes on top of other financial pressures. For the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the program cost $162 million, which the Legislature managed to cover using supplemental funding adjustments. But as the program expands, the gap between demand and available revenue grows.
The Road Ahead: Exploring Cost-Cutting and Revenue-Boosting Options
The Colorado Department of Education presented the funding shortfall to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC), with Commissioner Susana Córdova confirming that more accurate projections would be available in January. As lawmakers consider their next steps, a technical advisory group has suggested several potential solutions to close the gap.
One possible route is to trim the program’s scope, reducing the number of students who benefit from the free meals. Some of the options presented include limiting breakfast service to certain age groups, like elementary and middle school students, which could save up to $28 million. Another suggestion is to restrict eligibility to school districts with a high percentage of students who already qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, or those in districts participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision. Such a move could eliminate between 25% and 60% of the students who currently receive the benefit.
However, these cost-cutting measures have met resistance from lawmakers, particularly those who are concerned about the impact on children.
“I am not in favor of cutting food to any kid, period,” said Democratic Representative Shannon Bird during a briefing on December 3, stressing the importance of ensuring that no student goes hungry during the school day. For many lawmakers, maintaining access to free meals for all students remains a top priority, despite the budgetary challenges.
Exploring New Revenue Streams
In light of the resistance to cuts, lawmakers are exploring options to raise additional revenue to sustain the program. One potential solution is to seek a ballot measure in 2025 asking voters to approve a slight modification to the income tax rates. The proposal would allow the state to retain about $26 million more than originally intended by the 2022 ballot measure. While raising revenue through a ballot measure could provide an immediate solution, the process is not without its challenges.
Senator Jeff Bridges, a Democrat, voiced support for this approach, stating, “Making sure that kids aren’t hungry when they’re trying to learn is a core service, and it’s one that we as a state need to fund.” The push for new revenue has been met with some resistance, however, as the Joint Budget Committee traditionally avoids supporting revenue-raising bills.
Despite this, individual lawmakers could introduce the measure, setting the stage for a potentially contentious vote in 2025. This proposal would need to gain the support of both lawmakers and voters if it is to succeed.
State Budget Woes Complicate the Situation
The free school meals program is not the only initiative feeling the squeeze of Colorado’s budget shortfall. Lawmakers are also tasked with cutting nearly $1 billion from the state budget while maintaining funding for essential services, such as healthcare, education, and public safety. The pressure is mounting as lawmakers attempt to balance the needs of the state’s population with the reality of limited financial resources.
For now, the future of the free meals program remains uncertain. While lawmakers are determined to find a solution, the combination of rising costs and a challenging budgetary landscape makes it unclear how the state will manage the gap. With crucial decisions looming in the coming months, the fate of the Healthy School Meals for All program will depend on how Colorado’s lawmakers approach the tough choices ahead.
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