May 6 marked 鈥渟ine die,鈥� the final day of the 2015 state legislative session.
Almost 700 bills were introduced, which is a record number over the past five years. The Office of Government Relations actively worked on and tracked many bills of interest to CU-Boulder. Major legislative topics this year included higher education funding, tuition classification, capital construction, veterans affairs, health care and job creation.
CU initiated several bills that are on their way to the Governor for signature. In addition to our CU initiated bills, we also played a critical role in lobbying for and against numerous other legislative items impacting the University. Please visit the 听for a comprehensive report.
Thank you to everyone at CU-Boulder who helped provide information about bills, testified before committees and engaged with legislators. Your efforts helped make this a successful session for CU and we appreciate your advocacy.
Higher Ed Funding Highlights:
- Operating: A statewide $66.6 million increase for operating at public colleges and universities in FY 15-16. CU鈥檚 portion is $17.5 million.听
- Financial Aid: $15.2 million increase for need-based aid and $5 million for the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative for next fiscal year.听
- Capital Construction: $15 million for CU-Boulder Systems Biotechnology Building, Academic Wing. CU's campuses also received $2.6 million total in controlled maintenance funding.