Money spent on children under age 4 have an enormous return on investment, including less reliance on social services later in life and an economic boost by allowing parents the time and ability to work.
Research done for the Bell Policy Center shows "traditional success is unobtainable for families earning the median income, regardless of county, age of children, or year studied."
Whether you're just starting out or getting closer to the end of your career, saving for retirement must be a priority for all Coloradans.
Increasing the state tax credit for child care expenses as a percentage of the federal tax credit and extending eligibility to those with middle incomes will help more Coloradans afford child care. The Bell supports HB18-1208 to expand the child care expenses income tax credit and urges a yes vote on it.
Outstanding student loan debt now totals $24.75 billion across the state, outpacing all other debt outside of mortgages. Adding insult to injury, federal student loan servicers often operate deceptively to collect on these debts.
Increased drug price transparency in Colorado provides the public with information about how rising prescription drug prices impact health care costs, and helps Coloradans plan for these expenses.
Public investments play a vital role in building and maintaining infrastructure, educating residents, and reducing the costs of services that help put opportunities for economic mobility within the reach of more families. The drastic cuts in revenue projected under HB18-1203 will make it even more difficult to help families get ahead.
Temporary health care cost relief offers hardworking Coloradans who meet certain criteria the budgetary breathing room to navigate the financial squeeze caused by rising insurance costs and stagnant wages.
We need serious proposals that will ensure economic growth for every Coloradan, not bumper-sticker bills designed to make out-of-state funders happy. Our message to legislators is ‘put down the shovel.’
As we seek to make economic mobility for every Coloradan a reality, two-generation policies will be crucial to that mission. Here, we identify the bills being considered during the 2018 legislative session that focus on both children and parents.
