Published On 9/29/2023
The LWVD has closely followed efforts to publicly fund the Denver Preschool Program (DPP). In 2006 voters approved a 0.12% sales tax to give preschool tuition credits to Denver families. That legislation had an eight-year expiration date, but in 2014 voters reauthorized DPP with a 0.03% increase, and in 2016 voters approved the 0.15% higher rate through 2026. In each instance, LWVD's position was supportive. In its 17 years, DPP, a non-profit corporation, has helped 65,000 Denver children attend preschool (double the national average).
In November, 2023, Denver voters will be asked to vote on Referred Measure 2P "Denver Preschool Program" 23-0513. Given DPP's past success and well-run administration, the Board of the League of Women Voters of Denver voted by consensus to take a position in support of Referred Measure 2P. For more information about this Measure, please see LWVD's Pro/Con brochure or this article in the Denverite.
Sue Stark