Propositions MM and LL Supporters Celebrate Victory
In the recent election held on November 4, 2025, Colorado’s propositions MM and LL emerged victorious, bringing significant changes to school meal programs. Preliminary results indicate that Proposition LL leads by 27 points, while Proposition MM holds a 14-point advantage. Together, these ballot measures aim to fund free meals for all public school students and enhance compensation for cafeteria workers.
Funding for Healthy School Meals
Both propositions are designed to build upon the existing Healthy School Meals for All program, which was initially approved three years ago. This program provides free meals to students and supports local farmers by enabling schools to purchase fresh ingredients.
- Proposition LL: Retains approximately $12 million generated from taxes on high-income earners.
- Proposition MM: Aims to collect an additional $95 million by limiting tax deductions for households earning above $300,000.
This tax adjustment will require about 200,000 households, representing six percent of Colorado taxpayers, to pay an additional average of $480 each year.
Community Support and Impacts
Advocates like Anya Rose from Hunger Free Colorado expressed relief at the results, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all children have access to nutritious meals. According to Rose, eliminating hunger is crucial in light of current economic pressures on families.
Weakening federal benefits such as SNAP (food stamps) adds urgency to these initiatives. Community supporters, including over 100 nonprofit organizations, emphasized that offering free meals could save families around $1,250 annually per child.
Public Opinion and Reactions
While many voters supported the measures, some concerns were raised. Critics argue that providing free meals to wealthier families could lead to waste and unrealistic expectations. Others caution against potential government overreach and emphasize the need for balanced state budgeting.
Supporters stress that providing universal meals can decrease stigma associated with free lunch programs, benefitting all students equally. Personal testimonies from voters reveal a shared desire to mitigate the social challenges faced by children from lower-income backgrounds.
Looking Ahead
As Colorado solidifies its stance on universal free meals, the focus will remain on the successful execution of these initiatives. The state is already providing meals to 600,000 students, reflecting a 30 percent increase in lunch participation since the program’s inception in fall 2023.
The implementation of Propositions MM and LL marks a notable step toward enhancing child nutrition, supporting local agriculture, and addressing food insecurity in Colorado.
