Senators propose shifting film and creative funds to veterans assistance

Senator Janice Rich proposed a sweeping amendment to the long bill that would transfer what she described on the record as “742.7 or $742,750,000” from the Office of Film, Television and Media to the veterans assistance grant program, saying taxpayers should “prioritize core responsibilities, not subsidize the film industry.”

Supporters said the change would redirect discretionary cultural and marketing dollars to immediate veterans needs. Senator Mark Bazely pushed back, saying Colorado has a “budding film industry” and naming Sundance as an example of new economic opportunity; he urged finding alternative funding sources for veterans if possible.

Senator Rod Pelton offered a smaller, budget-neutral transfer (Amendment 2, J133) moving $74,654 from a Governor’s Mansion activity fund into the State Veterans Trust Fund, which a member explained provides grants to veterans organizations that deliver services statewide.

Senators also proposed moving the Council on Creative Industries’ appropriation into veterans assistance in a separate amendment that, according to committee discussion, would remove that council’s full fund balance and redirect roughly $1.4 million.

No formal votes or outcomes were recorded in the transcript for these amendments during the meeting; sponsors and opponents framed their priorities in economic and moral terms and advised colleagues to whip votes if they wished to carry amendments to passage.