Governor Hickenlooper Releases FY 2012-2013 Budget

Today Governor Hickenlooper delivered his proposed FY 2012-2013 budget to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC). The budget request totals $20.09 billion. His proposal contains few cuts to healthcare programs. No Medicaid provider rate cuts were proposed and Amendment 35 funding will not be transferred to the General Fund but will be granted out through CDPHE to local organizations for prevention and health promotion activities. Cost-sharing for higher income beneficiaries of Medicaid and CHP+ is proposed. New revenue-generating measures are not in the plan; however, it calls for education budget cuts of $90 million for K-12 and $60 million for higher education.

We will share more information about the Governor’s budget as it becomes available. The budget represents the first step in the FY 2012-2013 budget process, continuing with JBC hearings and briefings beginning this month. The JBC will draft the Long Bill that requires the full legislature’s approval and the Governor’s signature.