Another misleading attack on HB25-1137 has surfaced, attempting to paint a picture of the bill as a power grab by No Kill Colorado (NKC) and a threat to existing funding. Let's set the record straight: The organizations opposing this bill rake in over $60 MILLION annually, yet they're fighting to keep public funds away from under-resourced rural shelters and TNR groups. This isn't about protecting funding; it's about maintaining control.
Fun fact, the Executive Directors/CEOs of the 4 main opposition members' salaries are greater than the whole fund: I
It's about maintaining control.
The claim that NKC is prioritizing "power and influence" is laughable. NKC operates on a shoestring budget of under $100,000 annually, with zero paid staff. Board members cover all administrative costs, ensuring that every donated dollar goes directly to supporting animal welfare initiatives across Colorado. Unlike the multi-million dollar organizations opposing this bill, NKC has no self-serving agenda.
Their Executive director has been paid $0 since its inception as a non-profit in 2014.
HB25-1137 is about transparency, fairness, and inclusion. It's about ensuring that the Pet Overpopulation Fund actually serves its intended purpose. Currently, spay/neuter and TNR organizations are excluded from applying for these funds. Think about that for a moment. The very groups on the front lines of managing pet overpopulation are denied access to the funds meant to address it. This bill simply seeks to open the application process to these vital organizations.
For the opposition: it's about maintaining control.
The assertion that this bill "guts" existing funding is false. It simply creates a more equitable distribution of resources. It's not about taking away from existing programs; it's about adding to the pool of eligible recipients.
The opposition's argument about NKC seeking a board seat is disingenuous. The current board is heavily weighted with representatives from specific shelter models, excluding other equally valid approaches. Adding an NKC representative would provide much-needed balance and objectivity, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered. And to be clear: NKC cannot apply for these funds, even with this bill's passage. This isn't about NKC benefiting; it's about benefiting other deserving organizations.
it's about maintaining control.
The attack on TNR funding is equally misguided. TNR is a proven, humane, and cost-effective method of managing community cat populations. Claiming that funding TNR takes away from other programs is a false dichotomy. Both are essential. Furthermore, the amount allocated to TNR has already been significantly reduced in response to opposition concerns, demonstrating a willingness to compromise. The writer is not keeping up with the compromises afforded to the opposition already.
Finally, the claim of no favoritism in grant allocation is demonstrably false. Testimony in the hearing clearly showed rejection of one model over favoritism of another. It is literally in the decision rubric! We have 1st person testimony where organizations are being denied funding specifically because they prioritize lifesaving practices. HB25-1137 seeks to address these very inequities. As the opposition themselves admit, "...it is always worth evaluating how grant money is awarded..." That's exactly what this bill does! I assume by the end of their post they agree. I thnk them for supporting the bill!
HB25-1137 is about ensuring that public funds are used effectively and equitably to address pet overpopulation in all of Colorado, including rural communities and the organizations that serve them. It's about transparency, accountability, and giving a voice to those who have been historically excluded. Support HB25-1137 and help us create a more humane Colorado for all animals.
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