COLEMAN, GONZALES-GUTIERREZ BILLS TO SUPPORT COLLEGE STUDENTS SIGNED INTO LAW

(May 13) – Gov. Polis signed two bills sponsored by House Democrats at Metro State University today.

First up was Rep. James Coleman’s bill, HB19-1187, which will help increase federal financial aid application completion rates. Colorado students missed out on as much as $50 million in financial aid last year due to students failing to complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.

“We are letting our hard-earned taxpayer dollars go to other states because our students are not filling out their FAFSA forms,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver. “This new law will help Colorado get a huge return on our investment in our students, ensure more students have the tools they need to succeed and make our higher-ed institutions stronger.”

Finally, Polis signed a bill to expand state financial aid resources for ASSET students. HB19-1196, sponsored by Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, will provide Advancing Students for a Strong Tomorrow (ASSET) students the ability to receive state financial aid.

“Increasing the eligibility for state financial aid will help Colorado’s rural institutions that lack financial resources to supplement state financial aid for ASSET students,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Improving access to higher education by increasing financial assistance will erase our state’s equity gaps and serve as an investment in Colorado’s future.”