Report tracks decline of state spending on children

State government spending on programs affecting children has declined an average of 3 percent a year for the last five years, according to the Colorado Children’s Campaign annual review.

The report analyzes four areas of spending – early childhood learning and development, child health, K-12 education and family support programs.

Such spending has failed to keep pace with inflation and child population growth, the report found. In the current 2013-14 budget year just under 30 percent of total state appropriations goes to child-related programs, compared to 34 percent in 2009-10.

“This isn’t a sustainable trend if we want to give every child in Colorado the opportunity for a bright future, and it doesn’t reflect the values of a state that is dedicated to ensuring that all kids succeed,” Children’s Campaign President Chris Watney said.

Read the full “Colorado Children’s Budget 2013” report here.