The fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019, for the state of Colorado was marked by the General Appropriation Act, a comprehensive legislative measure outlining the state’s financial plan. This act, often referred to as the “long bill,” dictates the allocation of funds across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as various state agencies and institutions throughout the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The total operating budget established for this period reached a substantial $31,933,536,156.
This significant sum was derived from multiple funding sources, reflecting the diverse financial structure of the state. A substantial portion, $9,202,196,421, was allocated from the general fund, the state’s primary revenue source. An additional $2,638,215,405 came from the general funds exempt portion, while cash funds contributed $9,281,575,477. Reappropriated funds accounted for $2,087,776,808, and federal funds provided $8,723,772,045 to complete the operating budget.
Beyond the operating budget, the 2019 Colorado General Appropriation Act also addressed capital construction projects. For these projects, a total of $260,727,454 was appropriated. The capital construction fund contributed $168,460,533, with cash funds adding $72,690,215. Reappropriated funds for capital construction amounted to $8,911,836, and federal funds provided $10,664,870.
The 2019 act also included amendments to previous fiscal legislation, specifically the 2017 and 2018 general appropriation acts. These amendments were implemented to ensure budgetary balance and make necessary adjustments to the allocated amounts for several key departments. Departments impacted by these amendments included Education, Health Care Policy and Financing, and Higher Education, reflecting ongoing adjustments to meet the evolving needs within these sectors. Further amendments to the 2018 act also involved the Departments of Corrections, Human Services, Judicial, Personnel, and Public Health and Environment, indicating a broad review and adjustment across various state services.
Furthermore, the act addressed specific appropriations from prior House Bills. House Bill 16-1398, which concerned respite care task force recommendations, saw an extension of unexpended funds for the Department of Human Services into the 2019-20 state fiscal year. Similarly, House Bill 18-1328, related to the children’s habilitation residential waiver program, resulted in a reduction of the appropriated amount for the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. These adjustments highlight the dynamic nature of state budgeting and the ongoing process of refining financial allocations to meet specific program needs and fiscal realities within 2019 Colorado.
