Gov. Bill Ritter today issued the following statement regarding the legislature’s passage of the School Finance Bill:

"I congratulate the House and Senate for resolutely addressing one of this state’s more serious fiscal challenges. By taking action during this legislative session, lawmakers averted a fiscal calamity that was just four years in the offing. They did so by adopting a plan that earned widespread, bipartisan community support, and they did so by giving voice to voters in 175 of 178 school districts across the state.

"Voters elected us to solve problems. Today’s action by the Senate and last week’s action by the House will make a difference not just for children in our K-12 education system, but for higher education, health care and other services provided by the state to the people of Colorado.

"Lawmakers also have taken a vital step toward halting the growing inequity between the state and local share of education financing. It’s crucial that we allow local districts to retain local control.

"In addition, 34 school districts across Colorado also will see a reduction in their high property-tax rates, and the 11 districts currently at the lowest per-pupil funding levels will see an increase in funding."

"The 66th General Assembly has approved a School Finance Bill that represents sound public policy that will make a difference in the lives of Coloradans for years to come. On behalf of the people of Colorado, I congratulate our lawmakers."