Colorado WINS Executive Director Hilary Glasgow issued the following statement today in response to the release of Governor Jared Polis’s 2023 budget proposal:

"This budget is a solid investment in the future of Colorado and in the critical elements of a functional society. From recommending the largest investment ever in state employees by funding the Colorado WINS contract, to buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor to benefit teachers, students, families and communities, to increasing wages for direct care workers, to expanding apprenticeship programs, to increasing housing stock in Colorado, this is how we ensure a prospering Colorado in years to come.

“Previous decades of budget cuts and stagnant salaries for state workers have led to growing turnover and severe understaffing, which directly impacts our ability to assist Coloradans in need. On average state employees make 7.9% less than their counterparts in the private sector and one in five state positions is vacant. This historic funding is a critical step forward to help address these issues at the state level and to support the growth of our schools, economies, and communities. Colorado WINS members look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and individual departments to strengthen our services and keep Colorado running.