Representative Marc Catlin Bill to Move $10 Million to CMU and WCU
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Office of Colorado
State Representative Marc Catlin
303-866-2955
marc.catlin.house@state.co.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Representative Marc Catlin Bill to Move $10 Million to CMU and WCU
Denver, Colorado – Colorado State Representative Marc Catlin is bringing long-overdue funding to Western Slope Universities. Catlin introduced and passed the bill, Transfer From Severance Tax Operations Cash Fund, SB23-250. The bill requires the State Treasurer to transfer $10 million into the capital construction fund. The bill appropriates $6 million to Colorado Mesa University for implementation of the geothermal exchange system. $4 million is appropriated to Western Colorado University to provide additional teaching and laboratory space for its petroleum geology program and to allow for expansion of the Natural and Environmental Sciences Department. The bi-partisan bill received 95% approval from all state legislators and is set to be signed by Governor Jared Polis.
The prime sponsors in the Colorado House of Representatives are Shannon Bird (D-HD29) of Adams County and Marc Catlin (R-HD58) of Montrose County. The prime sponsors in the Colorado Senate are Barbara Kirkmeyer (R-SD23) of Weld County and Kyle Mullica (D-SD24) of Adams County.
Representative Marc Catlin says, “Over the last several years, Western Slope Universities have repeatedly asked the legislature to finish funding specific programs, but were denied any allocations. This year, my colleagues and I brought attention and weight to bear on this issue. We were able to find a pathway for funding. On the Western Slope, opportunities for expanding education should be taken seriously. Mesa’s geothermal program is expected to lower the cost of tuition, while expansion of the Natural and Environmental Sciences Department will bring more educational opportunities to Western. Our number one export on the Western Slope is our kids. This money will increase opportunities for our kids to stay and thrive at home.”
Colorado State Representative Marc Catlin represents the eight counties of Dolores, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel. Representative Catlin Vice Chairs the Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, a member of the Capital Development Committee and Ranking member of the Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee.
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