EXIT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2024
Media Contact: Lindsey E. Rasmussen
LRasmussen@hilltoppublicsolutions.com / 612.867.9940
Colorado Voters Approve Proposition KK, Delivering Critical Funding for Mental Health and Victim Services
DENVER – Colorado voters have officially approved Proposition KK, a landmark measure that will provide essential funding for mental health services for veterans, at-risk youth, and crime victims through a modest excise tax on firearm and ammunition sales. The measure, which was passed with strong support, is expected to raise approximately $39 million annually to address critical gaps in mental health and victim support services across the state.
Majority Leader Monica Duran, a survivor of domestic violence and a leading voice in the effort as well as a sponsor of HB24-1349 which referred the measure to the ballot, celebrated the victory as a pivotal moment for Colorado. “As someone who has experienced firsthand the trauma of violence, I know how vital it is to have support during times of crisis,” Duran said. “With the passage of Proposition KK, Colorado is taking a stand for those who need it most—veterans, young people, and survivors of violence. This funding will provide life-changing resources to help people heal and rebuild their lives just like me.” State Representative Meg Froelich, who was also a sponsor of HB24-1349, expressed her gratitude to the people of Colorado, “We’re incredibly grateful to the voters of Colorado and our tireless advocates who understood the need for this critical funding. Prop KK delivers resources to save lives, make our communities safer and promote health and healing.”
The funds from Proposition KK will be allocated as follows:
- $30 million for victim services, including emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy;
- $5 million for veterans’ mental health services;
- $3 million for youth behavioral health crisis response;
- $1 million for school safety and gun violence prevention.
Proposition KK’s passage will bring in critical resources to stabilize the network of victim support services across our state; however, programs are still facing 20-40% budget cuts in this next year until the new funding becomes available in 2026.
Supporters of the measure hailed it as a step toward a safer, healthier Colorado. A coalition led by Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA), Violence Free Colorado (VFC), Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) and the Colorado Children’s Alliance coordinated legislative and campaign efforts.
Courtney Sutton, Public Policy Director at Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance expressed gratitude, “We are incredibly thankful that Coloradans recognize the need for trauma victims to have access to the resources they need to heal and end the cycle of violence in their lives and community,” as did Elizabeth Newman, Public Policy Director at Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault: “This is a win for survivors, youth, and veterans. We are grateful to Colorado voters for supporting these vital services that will help make our communities safer and healthier.”
Soledad Diaz, Public Policy Director at Violence Free Colorado, stated, “This is how we become part of each other’s solutions, we are profoundly grateful for Colorado voters showing up for survivors, veterans and youth!” These thoughts were mirrored by coalition member Ashley Jellison, Executive Director of The Colorado Children’s Alliance, “Coloradans have shown their dedication to supporting and empowering victims statewide through the passage of Proposition KK. Together, we are building a safer and more resilient community for every child to grow up in.”
“Colorado voters, who are no strangers to the tragedy of gun violence, just made it clear they want to see more investment in efforts to keep their schools, homes, and neighborhoods safe,” said John Feinblatt, President of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Everytown was proud to support Prop KK, and we will continue working with our allies in Colorado to establish more common-sense measures to prevent gun violence.”
Eileen McCarron of Colorado Ceasefire expressed the organization’s gratitude that Colorado voters recognized that violence can be prevented by funding services for victims of crime, especially shelters and assistance for domestic violence victims, as well as mental health counseling to troubled veterans and youth.
“This innovative measure is a major step forward in prioritizing the safety of our communities over the interests of the gun industry,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action. “Our movement championed this ballot initiative because we know it will make Colorado families safer, and we’re proud to see it pass today.”
Hudson Munoz, Executive Director of Guns Down America said about the passage of the measure, “Colorado voters made history last night by approving a new tax on the gun industry by ballot initiative. This initiative will fund critical services for gun violence survivors, Colorado veterans, and youth. Let’s be clear about the significance of this event: the days of the gun industry pumping inherently dangerous products into society and passing the bill to taxpayers is over. Prop KK is a blueprint for the nation.”
For more information, next steps and how to stay involved, visit YesOnPropKK.com, or contact Campaign Lead Lindsey E. Rasmussen at LRasmussen@hilltoppublicsolutions.com.
Paid for by Colorado Supports Crime Victim Services. Registered Agent Katie Wolf.
