White House
A Proclamation on Veterans Day, 2023 From President Biden: “This Veterans Day, we honor the genera- tions of women and men who have served and sacrificed — not for a person, a place, or a President — but for an idea unlike any other: the idea of the United States of America. For nearly 250 years, our veterans have defended the values that make us strong so that our Nation could stand as a citadel of liberty, a beacon of freedom, and a wellspring of possibilities. Today, I am thinking of all our Nation’s veterans, who put their lives on the line to protect our democracy, val- ues, and freedom around the world. We honor our wounded warriors, so many of whom the First Lady and I have met over the years, who are bound by a common sense of duty, courage, and optimism, and we remember those who are still missing in action or prisoners of war and renew my pledge to bring them home. Our military families, caregivers, and survivors also answer the call to serve. I remember so clearly the pride I felt in our son Beau during his service in Iraq as well as those mornings I saw the First Lady saying a prayer for his safe return. Our veterans and their families give so much to our Nation, and we owe them a debt we can never fully repay.”
Colorado Governor
Governor Polis announced the third round of the Governor’s Bright Spot Awards, celebrating students from 16 Colorado schools who showed above-average achievement in science. The Governor was joined by Senators Janet Buckner and Rhonda Fields and Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mike Weissman. This week, Governor Polis announced his budget proposal which eliminates the Budget Stabilization Factor and fully funds the school finance formula for the first time through a K-12 total program increase of $564.1M – an average of $705 more per pupil or $15,500 for a classroom of 22 kids, this is on top of last year’s budget’s increase of $1,019 per pupil. The Governor’s budget proposal provides $8M to support science enrichment programs and $7.8 million for work-based learning.
Denver Mayor
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston today announced his support for City Council’s Amendment 1 to Amendment 23-1642 to the Proposed 2024 Budget. This amendment provides an additional $13.5 million for the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program in 2024, bringing the total funding for TRUA to $29.1 million in 2024. Critically, this new amendment helps preserve the city’s emergency reserves at a time when we will need to also use contingency funds to help manage the migrant crisis and support new arrivals, and respond to any emergencies. “After working in close partnership with the City Council, we are excited to deliver funding for rental assistance that will work both for the city budget and for Denverites,” said Mayor Mike Johnston.
