The purpose of this booklet is to help readers understand how Colorado finances its public elementary and secondary schools. The major focus of this booklet is an explanation of the funding formula included in the Public School Finance Act of 1994, including amendments made to the act in 2005.

Case law concerning the use of the safety clause in legislation clearly states that the General Assembly may prevent the people from referring an act to the ballot by declaring that the act is "necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace health, or safety". Further, the General Assembly is vested with exclusive power to determine whether that declaration is appropriate. The question of including the safety clause in legislation is...