Latest news with #PropositionEE
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Colorado's preschool enrollment more than doubles under Universal Preschool Program
The number of 3- and 4-year-olds attending preschool in Colorado more than doubled in 2023-24, when the state launched its Universal Preschool Program, according to a new national report. Colorado had 52,617 children ages 3 and 4 in preschool in 2023-24, an increase of 31,277 from the previous year, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, said in a news release. The state moved from No. 27 nationally to No. 3 in the number of 4-year-olds in preschool with the increase, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research's annual report. Nearly 70% of eligible 4-year-olds in the state enrolled in the Universal Preschool Program, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood said in a news release. Registration for the 2025-26 school year is continuing, with direct enrollment now available at That program, approved by voters as Proposition EE in the November 2020 election, has saved families an average of $6,100 annually on preschool expenses for 4-year-olds, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood news release said. UPK, as the program is known, reimburses nearly 2,000 participating providers for up to 15 hours of preschool each week during the school year for children in the year before they begin kindergarten. The program provides additional hours of coverage for children, including some 3-year-olds, who meet certain qualifying criteria. Preschool enrollment nationally increased 7% from 2022-23 to an all-time high of more than $1.75 million, report found. More than 60% of that increase came from two states, California and Colorado, 'with ambitious plans for universal preschool.' This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: State-funded program more than doubles Colorado preschool enrollment
Axios
05-02-2025
- Health
- Axios
Colorado's anti-tobacco initiative ranks near top in nation
Colorado is one of the leading states when it comes to anti-tobacco efforts, a new report finds. Why it matters: Cigarette smoking has faded significantly in recent decades but remains the country's leading cause of preventable deaths — and causes 1 in 5 of all U.S. deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By the numbers: The state spends roughly $40 million on tobacco control programs — about 78% of the total level recommended by the CDC, per the American Lung Association's new "State of Tobacco Control" report. The state ranks 5th in the nation for spending. Between the lines: Colorado voters boosted tobacco prevention and cessation efforts with the 2020 passage of Proposition EE to gradually increase taxes up to 22% in 2027. The lung association advocated for the measure. Yes, but: Where Colorado receives its worst grade — an "F" — is flavored tobacco products. The lung association wants a statewide ban Zoom in: Denver recently approved a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco within city limits, but it came after much debate and a possible repeal effort at the ballot box.
