Legislative Affairs
The Department of Higher Education is a key stakeholder in representing the voices of students and institutions at the Colorado State Capitol. The Department works with all legislators to advance our shared interests. Most importantly, we work with the Joint Budget Committee to set the state appropriation budget for all public institutions of higher education, which directly impacts tuition and other services for students. With the help of Department, the General Assembly has passed numerous bills to help erase racial equity gaps in higher education and increase student success support systems. The General Assembly prioritizes the advancement of financial accessibility and works to create new opportunities for all students while maintaining data-driven, inclusive, and collaborative values at the forefront.
Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis and with the support of DHE Executive Director, JB Holston and public institutions of higher education, Colorado continues to lead the nation in higher education policy.
For more information on our budget requests, legislative agenda and state laws impacting higher education, please contact Rachel Fischer, Director of Legislative Affairs at rachel.fischer@dhe.state.co.us.
- 2027 Legislative Session
- CDHE FY27-28 Budget Request
- R-01 Operating Support and Tuition Spending Authority
- R-02 Fort Lewis Native American Tuition Waiver
- R-03 Financial Aid Caseload Adjustments
- R-04 Administrative and Compliance Staff Support
- R-05 Data Support Staff
- R-06 LPFFS Program Elimination
- R-07 Rural Teacher Recruitment and Retention Program Elimination
- 2026 Legislative Session
- 2025 Legislative Session
- Previous Legislative Sessions
- January 24, 2024: DHE 2024 Legislative Agenda
- January 9, 2023: DHE 2023 Legislative Agenda
- May 13, 2022: Colorado legislature answers call to address workforce shortages and affordability
- January 10, 2022: Student Success and Workforce Revitalization Task Force Releases Recommendations to Make Colorado More Affordable & Help Students
- Learn more about HB 1330 and the Student Success and Revitalization Task Force