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A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today < Back August 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Law to Improve Education in Colorado Takes Effect DENVER, CO – A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today. Starting August 7, HB23-1263 , sponsored by Reps. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, and Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Sens. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, will reduce language barriers in special education learning plans. Under Colorado law, every public school student that qualifies for and receives special education services must have an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is catered to each individual student and aims to improve their educational results and ability to learn in the classroom. HB23-1263 requires the IEP, the draft IEP, and any other related documents to be translated to the primary language spoken at the students’ home as necessary. “Parents and guardians are invested in their child’s success at school, but language barriers can prevent them from understanding the details and requirements of their individual child’s education plan,” said Garcia. “This law works with local school districts to ensure that translated drafts of individualized education programs are provided so parents and guardians can be involved in their child’s special education eligibility. Together, we’re improving equity in our schools and making sure every learner is set up for success.” “Every parent or legal guardian should have equal opportunity to participate in their child’s learning plan, regardless of language barriers,” said Zenzinger. "This new law is essential, enabling families to actively collaborate in the creation of their child's learning plan, even if they don’t share a language with their child’s educators. I’m proud to have worked on this bill that will improve learning outcomes and better ensure quality special education." “In order for a child to be eligible for special education services their parents must provide critical input, but sometimes a language barrier can limit parental involvement,” said Young. “This law is another step toward eliminating language barriers and boosting equity in our schools by ensuring that parents whose primary language is not English have the opportunity to participate in decisions related to their children’s special education eligibility.” “Education is opportunity, and the law going into effect today will set Coloradans up for success,” said Gonzales. “HB 1263 will allow families of all backgrounds and languages to have an accessible opportunity to craft a special education learning plan. This is vital in our work to create an education system that works for all students and their families – regardless of language barrier.” Previous Next

< Back March 6, 2019 OPEN FOR BUSINESS: HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TAKING THE SQUEEZE OFF OF KIDS LEMONADE STANDS (Mar. 6) – The House Business Affairs and Labor committee approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver, to allow children to operate a temporary business – such as a lemonade stand – without a license. “We need to encourage these kidpreneurs and allow their creativity to flow,” said Rep. Coleman. “This bill started with an incident on Memorial Day involving a lemonade stand. Ultimately, this bill will allow our children to cut through the red tape to build new skills and experiences or to raise money for a good cause.” SB19-103 would allow small, temporary businesses such as lemonade stands, snow removal, and other kid-owned businesses across Colorado to operate without licensing requirements. These businesses must operate for fewer than 84 days each year and be located at a proper distance from other businesses to avoid unfair competition. The bill arose from an incident last Memorial Day with a family with three young boys who tried to have a lemonade stand but were shut down by police due to the lack of a license. The House co-prime sponsor is Terri Carver, R-El Paso. The bill passed unanimously through the Senate with sponsors Sen. Angela Williams, D-Denver, and Sen. Jack Tate, R-Centennial. The bill passed out of the House Business Affairs and Labor committee with unanimous bipartisan support. It now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist to save Coloradans money on health care. The bill would reduce health care costs for families by standardizing insurance coverage determinations to ensure that mental health care is based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. HB25-1002 passed by a vote of 54-9. < Back February 10, 2025 Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Mental Health Care Passes DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist to save Coloradans money on health care. The bill would reduce health care costs for families by standardizing insurance coverage determinations to ensure that mental health care is based on clinical evidence, not profit margins. HB25-1002 passed by a vote of 54-9. “Health care coverage decisions should be made based on the best evidence based recommendations of health care professionals, not on profit margins,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Right now, too many Coloradans struggle to receive the care they need while insurance companies continue to deny coverage for behavioral health care. This bill helps standardize insurance coverage decisions so Coloradans can actually access the behavioral health services they pay for.” “Health insurance companies should cover services for mental health care at the same level they do for all other care, but far too often they deny claims when the care is necessary,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “When insurance doesn’t cover claims, that drives up costs for families, and it makes it harder for Coloradans, especially young people, to receive critical care, as too many still don’t receive care at all. Colorado has made major strides in recent years to invest in behavioral health care, and this bill carries on this work by ensuring providers can’t deny insurance coverage for medically necessary health care. We’re saving Coloradans money on health care and improving access to the care people need.” HB25-1002 would make sure that insurance companies use transparent, evidence-based criteria and programming when deciding whether mental health care should be covered under an insurance plan. This bill would also codify the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act into state law, requiring mental health services to see the same amount of coverage as physical health services. The goal of HB24-1002 is to ensure that insurance providers are covering mental health care and to limit gaps in insurance coverage for Coloradans. The bill also clarifies state law around mental health parity and requires the use of clinical standards from select national organizations to ensure parity. Previous Next

Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee’s recent meetings. < Back August 20, 2024 Cell Phone Connectivity Committee Outlines Future Legislation, Tours Cell Phone Infrastructure DENVER, CO - Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee ’s recent meetings. The bipartisan interim committee discussed future legislation and toured cell phone infrastructure in Lyons. Chair Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “Addressing the gaps in cell phone service is crucial for the health, safety and well-being of our community members and those visiting our state. Yesterday’s urban field trip allowed us to engage with experts about some of the challenges of cell phone connectivity in Colorado, and experience some of the emerging technologies designed to boost coverage in densely populated areas. “As we work toward finalizing legislation for next year’s legislative session and an upcoming rural field trip in early September, I am working hard to create a future where no one in our state has to question if their cell phone will be able to dial in an emergency.” Committee Member, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver: “Reliable cell phone service is more than just staying connected with our loved ones; the need to dial emergency services is very real. When we convened the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee, our goal was to uncover opportunities for making cell phone coverage more reliable in our state, especially in underserved and rural areas. “As we get closer to solidifying future legislation, our vision remains the same – create a future where Coloradans can confidently rely on their cell phone no matter their zip code.” On Monday, August 19, committee members toured a small cell site in Lyons and FirstNet Authority. This outing showcased a public safety broadband network in Colorado, allowing committee members to experience first-hand the infrastructure necessary for fast, reliable cell phone service in densely populated areas. Previous Next

< Back August 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: New Laws to Protect Workers from Harassment and Discrimination, Improve Equity in Colorado’s Justice System Go Into Effect New laws include updates to the POWR Act, alternative sentencing options for pregnant people and admissibility standards for youth interrogations DENVER, CO – Three new laws aimed at improving equity in workplaces and Colorado’s justice system take effect on August 7. “SB23-172 provides long overdue modifications to Colorado’s law that will improve accountability measures, create safer workspaces and allow workers to fight back against harassment and discrimination,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-172, HB23-1187, and HB23-1042 . “Another new law I championed allows alternative sentencing options for pregnant people so they can focus on their health, the health of their child, and keeping their families united. Lastly, we know children and teens are very susceptible to deceptive law enforcement tactics. In order to keep our kids from having permanent records for crimes they didn’t commit, we passed legislation to make juvenile statements inadmissible in court if law enforcement uses untruthful practices during interrogation. Together, these laws work to create a more just society we can all benefit from.” “Every year, I work with my community to identify ways we can build a more just and equitable Colorado, and I fight hard to see those ideas become laws,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-172, HB23-1187, and HB23-1042. “There is more hard work ahead to ensure every single Coloradan is treated with dignity and respect, but today’s new laws bring us closer to our goal of a Colorado for all. This year, we can be proud of our efforts to protect Colorado workers from discrimination and harassment of all types, our policy to ensure pregnant Coloradans navigating the justice system are able to care for their newborn while remaining part of their community, and our new law to reduce false confessions from kids and ensure law enforcement is keeping our communities safe by finding the correct perpetrator of crimes.” “Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws needed to be revised to protect our workers, and this law does that and more to foster more equitable workspaces,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-172 . "No one should have to suffer workplace harassment because it doesn't align with a nearly 40-year old legal standard. The POWR Act modernizes the definition of workplace harassment and discrimination, so we can hold wrongdoers accountable thus creating safer and more productive workplaces in the process. If you’re earning a living, you should be able to do so in a space that’s free from harassment or discrimination, and this legislation puts policies that protect workers first.” “No Coloradan should face harassment or discrimination at the workplace, yet our state still lacks adequate policies to protect our workers and hold bad actors accountable,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, sponsor of SB23-172. “This new law takes an important step forward in deterring bad behavior and better supporting survivors. By improving accountability measures and enhancing equity in the workplace, we will ensure that every Colorado worker can feel safe and secure on the job.” Beginning on August 7, the Protecting Opportunity & Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act ( SB23-172 ) will update the definition of harassment and specify that harassment does not need to be “severe or pervasive” to constitute a discriminatory or unfair practice. The law also deters future harassment by modernizing language around non-disclosure agreements, expanding protections for people with disabilities, and adding marital status as a protected class. The “severe or pervasive” standard was established by the U.S. Supreme Court more than three decades ago and assumes that some harassment is tolerable as long as it is not “severe” and does not happen frequently. It allows employers to tolerate a level of groping, touching, crude sexual or racist comments, and other offensive behavior that creates a toxic work environment and leaves employees as targets for offensive behavior. Eliminating the excessive “severe or pervasive” hostile work environment requirements and replacing them with clear standards for “harass” and “harassment” considers the totality of the circumstances, and allows survivors of discrimination and harassment to better pursue justice. The POWR Act also removes language in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act that permitted employers to discriminate against people with disabilities or refuse to accommodate them if “the disability has a significant impact on the job." Additionally, it establishes an affirmative defense for an employer if the employer meets certain requirements, including establishing a harassment prevention program and taking prompt action in response to a complaint. “The stress of navigating the criminal justice system on top of a pregnancy can be overwhelming to future parents,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1187 . “This law establishes dignity and respect for pregnant people, allowing alternative sentencing opportunities that keep families united and have the potential to reduce recidivism.” “As a mother I know firsthand how difficult it is to give birth - and adding the trauma of being separated from your newborn makes things even harder,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1187. “Keeping new families together will benefit both infants and parents while reducing the chances of future involvement in the justice system.” Beginning August 7, HB23-1187 allows courts to consider alternative sentencing options for anyone who is pregnant or in the postpartum period. Alternative sentencing options would include bail, diversion, deferred judgment, deferred sentence, and stay of execution. If a defendant is arrested or in custody at a county jail or correctional facility, the defendant may request a pregnancy test following admission to the county jail or correctional facility. Law enforcement would be required to provide the defendant with the pregnancy test within 24 hours after the request, and the request and results would be kept confidential. “As a criminal defense attorney, I see families on their worst days and know innocent kids' extreme distress when they’re accused of committing a crime,” said Rep. Said Sharbini, D-Brighton, sponsor of HB23-1042. “Our law requires juvenile interrogations to be recorded, which means judges can determine if untruthful practices were used in a juvenile’s confession. Weeding out false confessions shifts the focus from innocent people that can help track down the perpetrator and keep our communities safer.” HB23-1042 makes a juvenile’s statement inadmissible in court if a law enforcement official knowingly uses untruthful practices during a custodial interrogation, unless the prosecution can prove that the statement was made voluntarily despite the untruth. It requires an interrogation to be recorded and would allow a judge to use the recording to determine if the statement or admission is voluntary and admissible. While the law officially begins August 7, law enforcement departments have until February 2024 to complete officer training. Previous Next

< Back March 8, 2021 DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REDUCE COSTS AND INCREASE AFFORDABILITY OF LIFE-SAVING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS DENVER – This afternoon, Senators Jaquez Lewis and Gonzales, along with Representatives Caraveo and Kennedy, in partnership with Governor Polis, announced the introduction of SB21-175, a bill to establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. “Prescription drugs cost too much and Coloradans are sick and tired of being ripped off. This bill is an important step toward our goal of saving people money on health care,” said Governor Jared Polis. “I want to thank the bill sponsors for their efforts to ensure that hardworking Coloradans can get the medicine they need for themselves and their families without worrying about astronomical costs.” “As prescription drug costs continue to skyrocket, people are forced to make impossible choices,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County, a pharmacist and prime sponsor of the legislation. “This proposal–this group of non-partisan experts–has the potential to save Coloradans as much as 75% on the most unaffordable drugs. We have no choice but to address this issue–we absolutely must get this under control so we can build a healthy Colorado for all!” “The painful and heartbreaking accounts of Coloradans who are forced to choose between filling prescriptions, skipping doses or paying for basic necessities are far too common,” said bill sponsor Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “The skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs is hurting families, and it’s hurting our economic recovery. Coming out of this pandemic, we must build back stronger, and that means making common sense reforms to lower the costs of the drugs that are eating away at the bottom line of so many hardworking Coloradans.” Too many Coloradans skip doses, stretch the length of their prescriptions, or delay filling prescriptions because they simply cannot afford them. As established in the bill, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board will convene a panel of experts to investigate prescription drug cost increases, and set guardrails on cost increases for the most expensive prescription drugs in the state. The affordability board would set upper payment limits for prescription drugs that meet certain cost increase thresholds. These payment limits would apply to all purchasers in the state, but will only be placed on the highest cost drugs, with purchasers continuing to be able to negotiate rates for the vast majority of drugs. The board will collect and evaluate the data necessary to review the affordability of prescription drugs and make policy recommendations to legislators. The board will be made up of nonpartisan, unpaid experts who are free from conflicts of interest. “Even prior to the pandemic, nearly 1 in 3 Coloradans struggled to afford the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy, forcing families to choose between buying their prescriptions or paying rent and buying groceries,” said bill sponsor Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “At a time when Coloradans are struggling with the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we should ensure that all Coloradans – particularly in communities of color – have access to affordable health care.” “Prescription drugs are essential to managing, preventing, and curing diseases, but not every Coloradan can access them because cost is a barrier when it shouldn’t even be a consideration,” said bill sponsor Rep Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, a physician. “Coloradans need us to act now. Colorado families are struggling with unfair and unaffordable drug costs. The affordability board will reign in the highest cost drugs and stop the out of control increases that are reaching deeper and deeper into Coloradans pockets and driving up the cost of healthcare for everyone.” A recent poll from the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative found that 77% of Coloradans supported the idea of establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to analyze and act to lower the cost of certain prescription drugs — and this bill seeks to answer their call. To read the full text of the bill and track it through the legislative process, visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-175 Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2021 FROELICH BILLS TO DEFEND COLORADO FAMILIES ADVANCE UNANIMOUSLY Two proposals from Rep. Meg Froelich to support domestic violence survivors and parents in custody court were approved by the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed two of Representative Meg Froelich’s bills to increase domestic violence training requirements and update child support statues. “Giving court personnel the training they need to identify and assess instances of domestic violence will make their jobs easier and hopefully save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The many tragic stories we heard in committee today demonstrate how critical it is for us to be better prepared to deal with domestic violence in the courts. I’m proud of the work the committee did today to stand up for families and ensure our statutes and courts are up-to-date and ready to serve Colorado.” HB21-1228 would clarify and increase domestic violence training requirements for court personnel who frequently deal with cases related to domestic matters, such as custody disputes. Training for all personnel includes both an initial training as well as an ongoing annual continuing education. The training would encompass domestic violence and its traumatic effects on children, adults and families. This bill is directly responsive to cases of domestic violence in Colorado, including the tragic murder of 10 year old Ty Tesoriero . The bill passed 13-0. HB21-1220 would update Colorado’s statutes by enacting the recommendations of the Colorado Child Support Commission regarding how child support is enforced and calculated. Among the changes made are provisions that would reduce the interest rate on unpaid child support, clarify which courts that have jurisdiction over child support matters, as well as technical amendments and provisions updating outdated language. The bill passed 13-0. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie that would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. < Back April 19, 2024 Bipartisan McCluskie Bill to Boost Water Conservation Funding Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie that would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. HB24-1436 passed by a vote of 59 to 1. “From agricultural use to recreation that drives our tourism economy, protecting Colorado’s waters is essential and will ensure its availability for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We’re asking for a reaffirmed commitment from Colorado voters to fund our water conservation projects by keeping excess revenue from Colorado’s sports betting tax. I’m honored to bring forward this legislation to continue our bipartisan commitment to the future of water in Colorado.” In 2019, Colorado voters approved Proposition DD, allowing the state to keep and spend $29 million of sports betting tax revenue per year for water conservation efforts. Any additional revenue above $29 million is required to be refunded to casinos and online sports betting entities. HB24-1436 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow revenue above the $29 million cap to be transferred to the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. This cash fund supports water projects across the state, including water storage and supply, agricultural projects, and watershed health and recreation projects. Speaker McCluskie is also sponsoring legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands for Colorado waters that are not federally protected. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2021 VETERINARIAN REP. MCCORMICK TAKES THE REINS OF HOUSE AG COMMITTEE DENVER, CO — House Speaker Alec Garnett today appointed Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, to chair the House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee. Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, will be the Vice Chair for the 2021 legislative session. “My goal is to support the long-term success and strength of Colorado’s critical agriculture industry and essential water resources,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “It’s an honor to lead this committee, and I’m excited to work alongside Rep. Catlin to continue its bipartisan legacy and to help our agriculture industry and our state build back stronger.” “Representatives McCormick and Catlin bring invaluable experience to the House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee, and I’m excited to see them take the reins,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “As a veterinarian, Rep. McCormick has decades of experience in animal medicine and has focused her legislative work on issues that are critical to the industry, like soil health, supply chains, and renewable energy projects for agriculture producers and processors to reduce their energy costs.” The House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee considers issues and legislation concerning water, agriculture, wildlife, and recreation. It is the committee of reference for and has oversight of the departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Representative McCormick, elected in 2020, is a veterinarian with over 33 years of experience treating animals. She has sponsored legislation to promote soil health and expand access to broadband for school districts in underserved areas. In the coming days, she will sponsor a state stimulus bill to establish a $30 million agricultural loan program to help build back Colorado’s agriculture industry even stronger than before. Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, was appointed as Vice Chair by the Speaker with the support of all members of the committee. “I’ve worked with Representative Catlin for many years on water and agriculture issues,” Speaker Garnett continued. “He’s proven himself to be an honest, bipartisan, and respectful member of the minority party who defends and upholds the dignity and decorum of the chamber. Representative Catlin has repeatedly shown that he respects the institution and embodies the values we need in the legislature. This is what Coloradans want to see– lawmakers coming together to help our state recover faster and build back stronger.” Previous Next

< Back February 23, 2022 RURAL ED BILLS ADVANCE IN HOUSE DENVER, CO – Two bills that would address the rural educator shortage and improve access to early childhood education in rural areas today advanced on Second Reading in the House. “We’re serious about addressing the teacher workforce shortage in rural Colorado,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Our bipartisan legislation will boost the rural education workforce by simplifying the path for teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and other retired staff to return to rural school districts. This will help prepare students for success by making sure they have enough talented, qualified teachers and educators in their schools.” HB22-1101 , sponsored by Representatives McLachlan and Catlin, would make it easier for rural school districts to address the rural educator shortage. It would make permanent a program that is currently scheduled to expire that allows retired public employees to return to full-time work in a rural school district without an impact on their retirement benefits. It also expands the program to include school nurses and paraprofessionals. “This session, we’re making every effort to improve access to early childhood education and prepare our students for success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Between pandemic induced-learning loss and educator workforce shortages, this has been a challenging year for parents and students. This bill would make it easier to access quality, community-driven early learning and care solutions which saves parents money and sets our youngest learners up for success.” HB22-1070 , sponsored by Representative McCluskie, would make it easier to form an early childhood development service district. Under current law, a service district must include all of the territory of a political subdivision. For example, a service district established in a municipality or county, would need to include all of that county or municipality. The bill allows a service district to include only a portion of a special district, municipality, county or other existing taxing entity. This bill would also allow for early childhood districts to receive gifts, grants and donations to provide early learning opportunities to students. Previous Next

< Back March 12, 2021 STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCY MOVES FORWARD New state agency would increase access to apprenticeship programs in Colorado DENVER, CO– Legislation that would create a state apprenticeship agency to oversee, promote and ensure the quality of apprenticeship programs in Colorado today passed the House Business Affairs and Labor committee by a vote of 8-5. “State apprenticeship agencies like the one we’re creating help people learn the skills they need to enter and advance in a trade and ensure they get the training they signed up for,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “We can build back stronger by making sure that every worker has access to the tools they need to thrive.” “So many Coloradans would jump at the chance to enter an apprenticeship program, so let’s make it easier for them to do so and improve the quality of these programs at the same time,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This bill would help create jobs by increasing access to critical skills training programs and by expanding these programs to new and emerging industries.” HB21-1007, sponsored by Representatives Tom Sullivan and David Ortiz, would establish a state apprenticeship agency. The agency will collaborate with the US Department of Labor to register and oversee apprenticeship programs, determine standards for apprenticeship programs, and ensure these standards are being met. It will work to promote apprenticeship programs so that more Coloradans can access these critical training opportunities, which to-date have jump-started the careers of nearly 2 million Americans in the last decade. Because Colorado does not have a state apprenticeship agency, apprenticeship programs are currently registered with the US Department of Labor. This new state agency would work with apprenticeship programs to provide technical assistance to help them create and meet standards and provide more flexibility to ensure apprentices are learning the skills they need to advance in their trade. Twenty-five other states have state apprenticeship councils. Previous Next

< Back Yara Zokaie Yara Zokaie is the State Representative for House District 52 in Fort Collins. Representative Zokaie is a first generation child of immigrants and the first Iranian American to serve in the Colorado General Assembly. Rep. Zokaie serves on the House Judiciary and Finance Committees. Representative Zokaie is an attorney with a masters in taxation and former Deputy Assessor. As a tax attorney, she has represented hundreds of individuals and small businesses against the IRS and Colorado Department of Revenue. Rep. Zokaie also founded a non-profit that worked to bring resources to marginalized communities in Northern Colorado, including COVID vaccinations during the pandemic and voter registration drives. Rep. Zokaie is committed to using her expertise to champion policies that bring meaningful and lasting improvements to the lives of working class families and marginalized communities. Her priorities include strengthening public education, supporting workers’ rights, creating affordable housing, increasing access to affordable health care, addressing climate change, and creating an equitable tax code. Representative Yara Zokaie is a mother to three young boys, and enjoys spending her free time with her family and crafting for her children’s school parties and projects.