The Colorado Senate convened on March 20, 2025, for Legislative Day 072, focusing on critical discussions surrounding public education funding and upcoming committee meetings. The session began with a warm welcome to members of the Colorado Education Association, emphasizing the importance of fully funding high-quality public education for every child in the state.

Senator Malika announced that the Senate Business Labor and Technology Committee would meet after adjournment to consider several House and Senate bills, including House Bills 1205 and 1179, as well as Senate Bills 181 and 186. Additionally, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee was scheduled to meet at 1:30 PM to discuss House Bills 1085, 1086, 1124, and Senate Bill 152.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions about the state budget and the prioritization of education funding. Senators highlighted the urgency of addressing the budget stabilization factor, which had been eliminated in the previous year. They acknowledged the challenges ahead, as lawmakers would soon face tough decisions regarding budget allocations.

Senator Marchman urged colleagues to engage with educators present at the meeting, stressing the need to identify potential cuts to non-essential programs to protect public education funding. He presented a list of 105 programs totaling $335 million that could be considered for cuts, reinforcing the message that prioritizing education is essential.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among lawmakers and educators to ensure that public education remains a top priority in the state budget. As the Senate prepares for upcoming budget discussions, the focus on education funding is expected to remain a central theme in the legislative agenda.