That is the message Colorado Sen. Greg Brophy conveyed on Aug. 20, when he suggested that funds, which are pumped into education, should shift in 2011. Amendment 23, which was passed by voters in 2000, requires that state funding for public schools increase every year by the rate of inflation plus 1%. However, in 2011 the 1% portion is lifted. Brophy thinks the state should continue the financial commitment, which would generate almost $4 billion in 10 years, on the road and bridge side.
Colorado could certainly use the help. A special transportation panel appointed by Gov. Bill Ritter said in 2007 that the state needs $500 million in additional funding every year just to maintain its highway network and an additional $1.5 billion annually to actually repair roads and bridges.
