The February 23, 2003 rally for Amendment 23 and full funding for Colorado's public schools focused on the fact that in November 2000 Colorado voters passed a constitutional amendment (called Amendment 23) that set annual school funding at a rate of the cost-of-living plus one percent for the next ten years.

Colorado voters approved the amendment to make up for a decade of under funding, recognizing the state ranked 45th in education funding. Leaders of the state legislature have indicated they do not agree with this constitutional mandate and may not fully fund the public schools.

Cary Kennedy, author of Amendment 23 said: "Amendment 23 has made a real difference to the children in this state." Supporting Kennedy were a series of "Voices of Amendment 23"who spoke about the specific effects of Amendment 23 in their classrooms, schools and districts.

• Download "Talking Points" about Amendment 23 by clicking here!
• Download the Amendment 23 resolution introduced in both the Colorado House of Representatives and Senate by clicking here!

Standing beside her daughter, Linda Fedak (left), a parent activist and member of the JPS Accountability Committee explained how Amendment 23 improved teaching and learning.