Colorado Ballot Measure 130
“Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning state funding for peace officer training and support, and, in connection therewith, directing the legislature to appropriate 350 million dollars to the peace officer training and support fund for municipal and county law enforcement agencies to hire and retain peace officers; allowing the fund to be used for pay, bonuses, initial and continuing education and training, and a death benefit for a peace officer, police, fire and first responder killed in the line of duty; and requiring the funding to supplement existing appropriations?”
What is Prop 130?
Prop 130 directs the legislature to take $350 million out of the general fund, without raising taxes, and use it to create a law enforcement fund. This fund will be used to:
● Train Law Enforcement Officers
● Recruit Law Enforcement Officers
● Increase Salaries
● Fund Special Divisions That Target Specific Crime Like Human Trafficking Rings
The measure will also create a $1 million death benefit for the surviving family of polices officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders killed in the line of duty.
A Message from Former Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen
Why do we need Prop 130?
U.S. News and World Report ranked Colorado the 3rd most dangerous state in the nation. Prop 130 is needed to provide more resources, more training, more manpower, and more support to make Colorado’s communities, streets, and schools safer.
20%
Between 2019 and 2022, crime grew 20 percent in Colorado – the fastest increase in the nation.
3rd
According to figures compiled by the Common Sense Institute, Colorado is third nationally in property crimes and eight in violent crimes.
43%
Violent criminals are getting back on the streets after serving only 43% of their sentence.
$27B
In 2022, the cost of crime statewide was $27 billion or $4,623 per person.
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FAQs
Will Prop 130 raise taxes?
No. The $350 million is taken from the legislature’s general fund – money they already collect – and does not allow them to raise new taxes for this. The $350 million cannot be taken from TABOR refunds either. Currently, the legislature has $16 billion annually in its general fund.
Do the families of first responders already get a death benefit?
Not a significant one. Currently, peace officers’ families receive a pension, if their loved one has been in the job long enough to receive one, and 70% of their salary. However, considering how low first responders’ salaries are, this is not enough for a family to survive on after a sudden death. A $1 million death benefit is a reasonable amount to help provide for the families of those who give their lives to protect us.
Will the legislature control this fund?
No. This fund is formed under the Department of Public Safety.
Endorsements
Colorado State Lodge
Fraternal Order of Police
County Sheriffs of Colorado
Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police
Denver Police Protective Association
Back the Blue
Vote YES on Prop 130
Paid for by Colorado Dawn. Katie Kennedy Registered Agent.