DENVER-
Lawmakers introduced the state budget in the Senate on Monday, a plan that will increase spending for education, health care, higher education and prisons.
The $17.8 billion budget for operating expenses and capital construction includes an increase of $185 million for public education, $52 million for health care, $52 million for higher education and $51 million for prisons.
Because voters agreed to give up tax surplus refunds for five years to shore up the state budget, the state will be allowed to spend another $1 billion in the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Lawmakers have said they want to focus this year on developing Colorado renewable energy industry by providing incentives and improving health care and education to attract new businesses.
They said they also want to provide more money for renewable energy by cutting prison costs and reducing recidivism.
