Educators in Colorado are supporting public education through the Every Member Option (EMO), a voluntary contribution program run by the Colorado Education Association (CEA). These contributions are used for political and legislative advocacy, focusing on electing candidates and influencing policies that affect schools and educators across the state.
According to CEA, EMO funds do not support federal candidates or issues. Instead, they are directed solely toward state-level efforts. The annual maximum EMO amount is set at $49 for full-time licensed educators and $24.50 for full-time Education Support Professionals, with lower amounts for part-time members. These rates are determined by CEA members at their annual Delegate Assembly and included in each member’s dues.
During the 2025 election cycle, CEA reports that 83% of its recommended candidates were successful. The association highlighted victories in several school board races, including defeating reform candidates in Denver and stopping attempts described as “far-right efforts” to take control of schools in Cortez and Grand Junction.
Ballot measures supported by CEA also passed during this cycle, including Proposition LL and Proposition MM. Local mill levy overrides (MLOs) and bond measures received voter approval in districts such as Thompson R2-J, Aspen School District, and Adams 12.
The organization states that EMO contributions enable it to elect pro-public education candidates during both odd- and even-year elections, support or oppose ballot measures affecting public schools, hold lawmakers accountable after elections, and shape education policy through lobbying and advocacy campaigns.
“With your continued support—both through your EMO contributions and active engagement—we can: Elect pro-public education candidates…Support pro-public education ballot measures…Hold lawmakers accountable…Shape education policy,” according to the statement from CEA.
Colorado law allows individuals to contribute to political action committees like those formed by CEA but prohibits non-U.S. citizens from making such contributions. Members who are not U.S. citizens will have their EMO amount returned if collected with dues during the current school year. All citizen members may request an annual refund of their EMO dues if desired.
For more information about how to access a refund or details about the program, individuals can refer directly to resources provided by CEA.
