Colorado’s Childcare Funding Victory & Denver’s Decision
While NLEF successfully educated the State of Colorado, allocating $7 million in grant funding for law enforcement childcare initiatives, the City of Denver and the Denver Police Department ultimately decided not to move forward with a childcare program for officers.
A Bipartisan Effort to Secure Funding for Law Enforcement Childcare

In early 2023, NLEF met with Colorado Governor Jared Polis’s team (D), who supported innovative approaches to addressing the lack of quality and affordable childcare. With Denver PD Assistant Chief Archer, NLEF presented a customized childcare model to assist Colorado’s law enforcement officers. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Governor Polis and State Senator Kevin Van Winkle (R) developed a bill to reallocate unused appropriated funds from fiscal year 2023 specifically for improving recruitment and retention by funding childcare solutions.

By March 2023, NLEF played a key role in shaping the bill’s progress, providing lawmakers with data, talking points, and officer testimonials. With strong bipartisan support, State Senator Janet Buckner (D) became the bill’s author. Within weeks, the bill was introduced to the Colorado Senate subcommittee, with NLEF’s CEO testifying in favor of the measure.

A Legislative Win: $7 Million for Law Enforcement Childcare

The bill successfully passed the State Senate committee and the Colorado House, securing millions in appropriations to fund innovative childcare solutions for law enforcement families. After passing both chambers, Governor Polis signed the bill into law, making funding available to Colorado law enforcement agencies to establish and support childcare programs.