The unlikely connection between universal pre-K and nicotine taxes in Colorado

 The unlikely connection between universal pre-K and nicotine taxes in Colorado

Colorado voters in 2020 approved raising hundreds of millions of dollars to establish a universal pre-K program. That money comes from a surprising — and controversial — source: tobacco tax revenue.

John Opp and his daughter Giuliana communicate with their hands at the Isabella Bird Community School in Denver. Opp said he’s grateful for the universal pre-K program and the support it provides her…