Editor’s note: We sent House Speaker Julie McCluskie a set of questions: What are your top policy priorities for the 2024 session? How will the 2024 election affect your chamber? How would you like this session to be different than 2023? Given the tight budget, what are your expectations in areas such as housing and education? What do you think will be the toughest challenges this session? 

She didn’t answer each specific question and instead sent back the statement below:

This session we will deliver a historic investment in K-12 education and make Colorado more affordable by reducing the cost of housing and other large expenses for families. Schools could see an average of $15,000 more per classroom, which we hope they will use to increase pay for teachers and improve education outcomes for our students. I’m also excited about our efforts to foster the next generation of workers through low cost and free pathways to the careers of their dreams. 

Colorado faces grave threats from our changing climate, and I know House Democrats are dedicated to protecting our environment, improving our air quality, and securing our water future. While we certainly have budget constraints this year, we are committed to prioritizing our resources to support the health and safety of Coloradans, and I am confident we will meet our goal of providing historic levels of public school funding in Colorado. 

I know it will be challenging, but my hope for this session is that we can redouble our efforts to work together and strive toward our common goals to deliver the results our communities need. It won’t surprise those who watch the legislature closely that minority frequently speaks for the majority of debate on legislation. When we come into this building, my expectation is that we put aside our campaigns and do the work we were sent here to do. That means being respectful and adhering to our rules, which help ensure that every member has a fair shake to serve their constituents and make their voice heard.