Colorado has officially passed a new program to help public school teachers and staff buy their first homes. Signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis, Senate Bill 167 establishes a state-run investment portfolio that will channel funds into down payment assistance for education employees across the state.

New Housing Support Program

Senate Bill 167 creates a down payment aid program specifically for public school teachers and staff. The state will manage a new investment portfolio within Colorado’s public school fund, generating income to finance housing projects and offer financial help to education workers.

Tax Revenue Exemption Secured

Most of the interest earned from the public school fund will be exempt from revenue caps under Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, allowing the program’s financial base to grow steadily without state revenue limits affecting it.

Millions in Future Aid

Lawmakers expect the measure to unlock at least $100 million in housing assistance by 2028 and $200 million by 2030. The bill prioritizes help for first-time homebuyers among public school employees, addressing a growing financial challenge in Colorado’s education sector.

Broad Bipartisan Backing

Senate Bill 167 received bipartisan support in both chambers of the state legislature. Its sponsors include Sens. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, along with Reps. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs.

Lukens Champions Educators

“The affordable housing crisis is the No. 1 issue that I hear about,” Lukens said, adding, “and I hear about it for our critical workforce, including educators.” As chair of the House Education Committee, Lukens called SB 167 a key move to “address housing costs and help keep our teachers in our communities.”

More Education-Focused Bills

SB 167 is one of several education-related policies Lukens sponsored this session. Others include House Bill 1135, which regulates student cell phone use in schools, House Bill 1006, which allows flexible land leasing for affordable housing projects, and House Bill 1186, which establishes a pilot work-based learning program under the Department of Higher Education.

All Measures Signed Into Law

Each of these bills, alongside SB 167, has now been signed into law. The education-focused legislative package is intended to improve both learning environments and living conditions for Colorado’s public school employees and students.