House passes Colorado budget with GOP opposition

DENVER (AP) - The Colorado House passed a $23 billion budget that increases funding to schools, colleges, and the state’s savings for a rainy day.

The budget received unanimous support from Democrats, but it was decried by most Republicans. Only the Republican member of the budget-writing Joint Budget Committee voted in favor of the spending plan Friday.

The budget adds $100 million to colleges for financial aid and to limit tuition increases. Per-student spending at public schools is also increasing to keep up with inflation and enrollment growth. Meanwhile, the state’s budget reserves are being increased to 6.5 percent, up from 5 percent.

Republicans criticized Democrats for not accepting amendments to increase funding for road and bridge repair and add more funding for colleges.

The Senate will consider the budget next week.