MCLACHLAN BILL SUPPORTS FOSTER YOUTH

DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today unanimously passed legislation that will require higher education institutions in Colorado to pay for the tuition of foster youth in the state.

“Colorado is raising thousands of youth in our foster care system, and it’s only right that we defray the cost of their degrees,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “We need to do everything we can to set up our youth to thrive and leave no one behind, and that’s what this bill does. SB22-008 will save students money on their higher education degrees and make it easier for foster youth to attend a higher education institution.”

SB22-008, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Hugh McKean, would require higher education institutions to provide foster youth with financial assistance for the balance of their total cost of attending a higher education institution. It also establishes the foster care navigation office to help students select institutions and programs and assist students in completing their applications.