Colorado voters won’t see party labels on this year’s ballot, but they will decide whether school cafeterias keep serving every student for free and how the state pays for it. Propositions LL and MM both tie back to the “Healthy School Meals for All” program voters approved in 2022.
“Healthy School Meals for All” provides free breakfast and lunch to all public school students, regardless of family income. Recently, schools’ necessity for the program has outpaced original funding projections, and the state now faces a shortfall. Art teacher at Northridge High School, Randy Carranza, sees the program’s impact firsthand in his classroom.
“Where I teach, many families can’t spare lunch money,” Carranza said. “We absolutely have to have free lunches.”
Lawmakers are asking voters for permission to either keep already collected funds or raise new revenue to sustain efforts.
Proposition LL would allow Colorado to keep and spend $12.4 million that has already been collected under the 2022 measure and would not raise taxes. A “yes” vote on this measure lets the state retain those funds for school meals. A “no” vote sends the money back to taxpayers and limits future collections.
On the other hand, Proposition MM would raise new revenue by tightening certain state income tax deductions for Coloradans who earn $300,000 or more annually. Those extra dollars would support school meal funding and the state’s food assistance programs such as SNAP. A “yes” vote on this measure would increase taxes on high-income filers. A “no” vote leaves deductions unchanged and could reduce future meal access for students.
AP government teacher at Northridge, Jeffry Fulton, said these ballot issues represent the kind of civic participation he urges his students to embrace.
“The most important thing is to be an informed voter,” Fulton said. “These off-year elections affect us locally, so do your research, ask questions and vote.”
For college students and new voters, LL and MM illustrate how state policy connects to everyday life. Fulton said civic responsibility starts with awareness.
“Democracy can’t survive too much ignorance,” Fulton said. “Whether it’s the presidency or a school-meal measure, you’ve got to know what you’re voting for.”
As ballots continue to shape Greeley’s future, local leaders say these decisions reflect the values residents want to see upheld. City council member Tommy Butler views the ballot measures as an extension of community priorities.
“When we fund things like school meals, we’re not just investing in students’ health,” Butler said. “We’re investing in their ability to learn, grow and contribute back to our city.”
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Ballots are already in mailboxes and must be received by voter service centers by 7 p.m.
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