Costs of Yuma Schools mascot change included in 2023-24 budget

State House lawmakers wrapped up their work on the 2023-24 State budget as contained in Senate Bill 214, with Republicans winning some key concessions that added amendments to the budget.

Among the amendments added: $354,701 to pay for the costs of replacing the Indian mascots at the Yuma School District.

Most significantly, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, agreed to carry the amendment, along with Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron. McLachlan was one of the House sponsors on Senate Bill 21-116, the measure that mandated the mascot changes. In this matter, she took a decidedly different...