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< Back June 24, 2022 SPONSORS OF COLORADO’S LAW TO PROTECT ABORTION BLAST SCOTUS RULING TO OVERTURN ROE V. WADE DENVER, CO – Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Meg Froelich, sponsors of Colorado’s Reproductive Health Equity Act , today released the following statements after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Statement from Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo: “This decision by five Republican-appointed Justices is a travesty of justice, a perversion of our Constitution, and a tragedy for the American people. In a ruling that restricts the rights of all Americans and opens the door to ban marriage equality and contraception, the Court has stripped millions of women of our bodily autonomy, reproductive freedom, and the rights that have been the law of the land for over fifty years. We knew overturning Roe vs. Wade was a real possibility, which is why I lead the charge on the Reproductive Health Equity Act to protect abortion because we trust people to make their own, private medical decisions. It was signed into law in Colorado, but our fight isn’t over. We must continue our efforts to protect access to abortion in Colorado and support the countless individuals who will have to travel to our state for an abortion or carry unsafe pregnancies to term.” Statement from Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood: “For decades, Republican politicians and secretive outside groups worked to put conservatives in power on the Supreme Court in order to overturn Roe v. Wade and ban abortion. With this decision, ultra right-wing politicians are now free to impose their own beliefs on everyone else, send abortion providers and patients to prison, and put bounties on anyone who helps them. In large parts of our country, women have become second-class citizens overnight and no longer have the right to determine their futures and make decisions that impact their livelihoods. People in these states will be forced to carry pregnancies to term, travel out of sate, or seek potentially unsafe abortions, a burden that will disproprtinately fall on women of color and lower-income Americans. This disgraceful decision imperils the lives of those seeking an abortion and threatens the health, economic security and freedom of millions of Americans.” The Reproductive Health Equity Act updates Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and codifies the fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. At least 519 laws to restrict abortion care have been introduced in 41 states so far this year according to the National Women’s Law Center . Colorado remains committed to ensuring abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible. Recently, House Democrats defeated three Republican-led bills that would have jeopardized that right, including: HB22-1079 , which would have placed an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal court rulings and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. In addition, it would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. HB22-1047 , which would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have subjected abortion providers to imprisonment. HB22-1075 , which would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It also would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 HOMELESSNESS PACKAGE ADVANCES Bills advanced today direct $155 million in federal funds to prevent and address homlessness across Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Transportation and Local Government Committee today passed two bills that are part of the governor’s and Legislative Democrats’ package of legislation to address and prevent homelessness. Local Grants Program : HB22-1377 , sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Tony Exum, directs $105 million in flexible grant funding to local governments and nonprofits that are pursuing innovative measures to address the needs of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Those initiatives may include wraparound supportive services, care coordination, emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and property conversion. “This legislation takes a huge step towards addressing our homelessness crisis,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “The bill directs $105 million in federal economic relief to local governments and nonprofits to expand capacity while providing critical wraparound services. We’re grateful for all of the community voices who’ve made housing a priority in the wake of the pandemic.” “One of my priorities has been to ensure that the resources we direct to address homelessness reach every community in our state because this is not just an issue that impacts Denver; it’s impacting every community in Colorado,” said Rep. Tony Exum, Sr, D-Colorado Springs. “The funding in HB22-1377 will be available to communities across our state to help them address and prevent homelessness through proven strategies that provide shelter and connect people with the services they need.” Denver-Metro Residential Campus: HB22-1378, sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Tom Sullivandirects $50 million to local governments and nonprofits in the Denver-Metro area to build or acquire and then facilitate a regional navigation campus to holistically respond to and prevent homelessness. This campus will integrate emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing with behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, medical care, case management, employment and skills training and more – all in one location. The bill passed the committee 8-5. “House Bill 1378 asks our Metro area local governments to step up in the midst of a homelessness crisis that has only worsened throughout the pandemic. It provides $50 million in federal economic relief funds to create a regional campus in our area to provide transitional housing, emergency shelter, medical care, skills training and so much more to meet people where they are and address and prevent homelessness,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “For too long, addressing homelessness has been a local issue, but it’s time for the state to step up and respond to the needs in our communities,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “These are our neighbors, our fellow Coloradans, who require a human solution to a human crisis, and that’s what this bill, in part, provides. This bill will provide the funds necessary for our local governments and nonprofits to set up the infrastructure to respond to those experiencing homelessness. Whether someone is suffering from a substance use disorder, has struggled to keep a stable job, or is at-risk of becoming homeless, it’s our hope and intention that this bill and the regional campus it funds, will help.” Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2022 HOUSE PASSED BILL TO MAKE JUNETEENTH A COLORADO STATE HOLIDAY DENVER, CO – Earlier today, the House passed a bill on Third and Final Reading to make Juneteenth a Colorado state holiday. SB22-139, championed by Representative Leslie Herod and members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, commemorates the day when enslaved Black people were freed after Union Soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and the effect of the Emancipation Proclamation. “Juneteenth celebrations have existed in Colorado for generations, it’s time we make our celebration official with a state holiday,” said Chairwoman of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “I’m proud of our tremendous efforts that went into giving the Juneteenth holiday the statewide recognition it deserves. The historical legacy of Juneteenth educates Coloradans about the horrors of slavery and celebrates the perseverance of our Black ancestors, and I couldn’t be happier to champion this important legislation.” “Juneteenth is our country’s second Independence Day and I’m proud we’re making it an official state holiday,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs . “This important emancipation day has been celebrated by the Black community for years and reminds us all of our freedom. Juneteenth recognizes the atrocities of slavery, educates Coloradans on the past and uplifts the voices of the Black community.” The House passed SB22-139 by a vote of 61 to 2. This legislation would make Juneteenth an official state holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger and Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and declare the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people. Juneteenth is also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day. This significant day in history became the 11th federal holiday in June 2021 and is also known as the country’s second Independence Day. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to regulate Colorado’s funeral homes and crematories. < Back April 17, 2024 Bill to Regulate Colorado’s Funeral Homes and Crematories Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to regulate Colorado’s funeral homes and crematories. HB24-1335 would extend and expand regulations of the Mortuary Science Code to ensure Colorado’s funeral homes and crematories are regularly inspected by a state agency. HB24-1335 passed by a vote of 57 to 3. “We need to ensure our state’s funeral homes and crematories are safe, well-maintained and following the law,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “This bipartisan legislation would expand and extend the Department of Regulatory Agencies’ ability to inspect funeral homes and crematories. Colorado has been at the center of many egregious instances of fabricated cremation records and the mishandling of bodies. We need to ensure our funeral homes and crematories are operating within the law – our public health and safety depends upon it and our loved ones deserve it.” HB24-1335 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, would require regular, state-operated inspection of funeral homes and crematories. This bill expands and continues certain portions of the Mortuary Science Code in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), which is scheduled to be repealed on July 1, 2024. The bill also makes the following changes to the program: Requires inspection of funeral homes and crematories on a routine basis, including after businesses have ceased operations Allows inspections to occur outside business hours Expands rulemaking authority for DORA Adds failure to respond to complaints as a grounds for discipline Authorizes DORA to suspend the registration for persons who do not comply with orders following a complaint or investigation This legislation would extend the regulation of portions of the Mortuary Science Code for five years, until September 1, 2029. In addition to HB24-1335, another bill moving through the legislature ( SB24-173 ) would require a license to work as a funeral director, a mortuary science practitioner, an embalmer, a cremationist, or a natural reductionist. In recent years, several funeral homes and operators in Colorado have been at the root of disturbing instances of mishandling human remains and bodies. These bills aim to add consistent regulation of Colorado’s funeral home industry to ensure public health and safety. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HYGIENE PRODUCTS PASSED HOUSE DENVER, CO – Legislation to eliminate the state tax on essential hygiene products including feminine hygiene products and diapers passed the House today on Third Reading by a vote of 50 to 13. HB22-1055, sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Leslie Herod, would create a tax exemption for all state sales and use taxes on feminine hygiene products and diapers. “We’re removing the tax on dignity and saving Coloradans money,” said Susan Lontine D-Denver . “By eliminating the sales tax hygiene products, including diapers and period products we’re making these products more affordable to everyone who uses them. These items are essential to many families in our state and making them more affordable just makes sense.” “Too many Coloradans are going without necessary hygiene products, and something needs to be done,” said Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Eliminating the sales and use tax on period products, diapers and incontinence products makes these products more accessible and saves Coloradans millions of dollars in the process. This bill also paves the way towards destigmatizing hygiene products, so everyone can feel comfortable and confident in their bodies.” HB22-1055 , would create a tax exemption for all state sales and use taxes on feminine hygiene products, diapers and incontinence products. If passed, specific hygiene products would join other tax exempt essentials like food and medicine. The current sales and use tax on essential products falls disproportionately on communities of color and older Coloradans with fixed incomes. Previous Next

< Back July 6, 2021 BILLS TO SUPPORT SENIORS, INCREASE ACCESS TO GERIATRIC PROVIDERS SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will support older Coloradans by creating a new grant program to expand access to critical services and increase the number of health care providers in Colorado who provide geriatric care. “The bill Governor Polis signed today will dedicate $15 million toward projects that promote the health, wellbeing and security of Colorado’s seniors,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This funding will help seniors access food, critical health care and transportation services. It will also be used to implement best practices for preventing falls and managing chronic diseases.” “Colorado has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the country, which is why we need to act now to increase the number of providers in our state that specialize in caring for seniors,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’m proud that we were able to pass legislation this session that will incentivize health care providers with geriatric training or experience to commit to caring for older adults in areas where there aren’t enough providers.” “Estimates show that we are going to face a significant shortage of health care providers who treat older Coloradans,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “With Governor Polis signing this bill today, we are going to encourage more medical providers who treat older adults to come to Colorado and help improve access to care for seniors.” SB21-290 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield, dedicates $15 million to support Colorado’s aging population by expanding housing assistance, increasing access to health services, subsidizing nutrition programs, and improving transportation opportunities to medical appointments. SB21-158 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone, D-Arvada and Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, changes the Colorado Health Service Corps Program, a loan repayment program, to include geriatric advanced practice providers. Under the bill, registered nurses and physician assistance with geriatric training or experience could participate in the loan repayment program on the condition they commit to providing geriatric care to older adults in health professional shortage areas. Colorado has an aging population. Colorado has the third fastest growing population over the age of 65, and Coloradans over age 65 are the fastest growing age group in the state. By 2050, the state demography office estimates that more than one in five Coloradans will be over age 65. Not only is there a national doctor shortage, but estimates also expect a significant shortage of providers who treat older patients. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation, sponsored by Representatives Bob Marshall and Eliza Hamrick, to create more flexibility for employees and employers to strengthen Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefits. HB26-1026 passed by a vote of 9-2. < Back February 9, 2026 Marshall, Hamrick Bill to Expand Retirement Options Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation, sponsored by Representatives Bob Marshall and Eliza Hamrick, to create more flexibility for employees and employers to strengthen Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefits. HB26-1026 passed by a vote of 9-2. “This bill would improve flexibility for retirement planning for employees and ensure they have access to investment tools that significantly contribute to their retirement funds,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. “This bill would expand retirement investment opportunities and allow Coloradans to buy credits for periods of unemployment on an actuarially sound basis, like caring for an aging or disabled loved one, so they don’t have to push back their retirement plan just because of a career gap. By expanding retirement planning and investment options, we’re giving Coloradans more power and control in their retirement goals.” “We’re expanding retirement pathways for public school employees, judicial staff and other hardworking Coloradans who work in the public sector,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Colorado Democrats believe that our economy should work so every Coloradan can thrive, which means ensuring public employees can retire with a stable, livable retirement pension. This legislation gives Colorado public employees more options with how and when they save for retirement.” Currently, PERA members can purchase service credit for up to five years of non-PERA-affiliated jobs to boost their retirement benefits, like higher benefit amounts or allowing them to retire earlier. HB26-1026 would expand this option to allow PERA members to purchase service credit for up to five years of unemployment under certain conditions, so PERA members can build up their retirement despite career gaps. The bill would also offer more investment opportunities by requiring PERA-affiliated employers to offer both tax-deferred and Roth voluntary contribution options for 401k and 457 plans and make these options available for all employees. Under HB26-1026, PERA-affiliated employers would also participate in and offer PERA’s deferred compensation plan to all employees, ensuring that all PERA members have access to both pre-tax and Roth voluntary contributions. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 NEW LAW TO PROTECT BEES FLIES THROUGH COMMITTEE The House Energy and Environment Committee today advanced a bill, sponsored by Representative Cathy Kipp, that will protect bees and other pollinators by regulating the use of certain types of pesticides. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Bees and other pollinators are incredibly important for our environment and the future health of our state and planet,” said Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “The nature that we enjoy all year round depends on our delicate ecosystems remaining in balance. By regulating the use of these pesticides, we can protect pollinators and our Colorado way of life.” HB20-1180 would protect bees and other pollinators throughout the state by requiring the commissioner of agriculture to regulate the use of neonicotinoid and sulfoximine pesticides. The exception to the regulation would be the use of these pesticides for indoor use as pest control, personal and pet care products as well as for commercial and other qualified applicators or limited uses. If in the future, the commissioner finds a similar product that is comparable to the effectiveness of neonicotinoid and sulfoximine pesticides, the commissioner may adopt rules to disallow the use of neonicotinoid and sulfoximine pesticides for personal, pest control or pet care use. On May 20, 2019, the EPA announced the cancellation of a dozen pesticides that are known to be harmful to bees. This included neonicotinoid pesticides. According to an article by Bloomberg Government , neonicotinoids attack the nervous system of insects. Neonic pesticides are also systemic, meaning they make an entire plant poisonous to pollinators. The European Union has banned the outdoor use of five neonicotinoid pesticides. According to Science Magazine , sulfoximine pesticides also act on nicotine receptors but avoid the pitfalls of neonicotinoid pesticides because they bypass some pesticide resistance in certain insects. A preliminary study conducted by Nature Research found that exposure to reduced “reproductive success” in bees, however, more data is needed to form a definitive conclusion. Previous Next

< Back May 6, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO INVEST IN COLORADO’S JUST TRANSITION ADVANCES Majority Leader Esgar’s bipartisan bill to support coal workers and communities passes committee DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today advanced Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s bill to invest millions into helping communities transition. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 10-3. “As market forces, consumer choices, and environmental policies move our economy toward renewable energy, we can’t leave workers and communities behind,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “As a representative of Pueblo, I know firsthand how much support will be needed to help my community transition into the clean energy economy of the future. The bold investment we’re making today lays the groundwork for a smoother and more equitable transition.” The Office of Just Transition was created by the legislature in 2019 to support coal workers, employers, and communities as they plan for the future closings of coal plants and mines upon which their communities depend. As market shifts, consumer choices and environmental policies move our state toward renewable energy, the Office and the Just Transition Action Plan were created to ensure a smooth adjustment for our coal transition communities . HB21-1290 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-Garfield County, would invest $15 million of state stimulus funds into the Office of Just Transition. Of that amount $8 million will go to the Just Transition Cash Fund and $7 million to the newly created Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program account within the fund. The bill requires the Office of Just Transition to use these funds to implement the Just Transition Action Plan and provide funding for existing programs that make targeted economic development investments in coal transition communities for business retention, creation, expansion and attraction; infrastructure investments; and strategies for attracting increased investment in these communities. In turn, the Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program’s share of the funding will be allocated to programs that directly assist coal transition workers, including apprenticeship programs, financial planning support, tuition reimbursements, job search assistance, on the job training, or other strategies to help workers transition to as prosperous a future as possible. Previous Next

< Back March 19, 2019 E-SCOOTERS ZOOM SAFELY UP THE ROAD TOWARD HOUSE FLOOR (Mar. 19) – Rep. Alex Valdez and Rep. James Coleman’s bill to more properly regulate electric scooters passed the House Transportation and Local Government Committee with bipartisan support. “It’s time for Colorado to consider these scooters as an effective mode of transportation,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “We need to include them in our larger strategy for better, more accessible transportation in our communities.” HB19-1221 will remove the current definition of electric scooters as toy vehicles and add them to the definition of motor vehicles. Through this, e-scooters can be used on roadways and will be regulated similarly to electric-assisted bicycles. “These scooters aren’t going away anytime soon, so it’s time we embrace them and help keep riders and pedestrians safe,” said Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver. According to a report from Denver Public Works, e-scooters have already traveled almost one million miles around Denver and could be headed to other communities in the future. Scooters also have the potential to reduce carbon pollution emissions. HB19-1221 passed by a bipartisan vote of 9-2. The bill now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

‘We all expect the ability to vote on LOCAL taxes related to funding OUR LOCAL government’ < Back Rep. Weissman: Here’s a plan to keep local property tax control local Aug 25, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Sentinel here . After years of increasing home values, no one loves property taxes, but they are how we fund our schools, counties, and “special districts” that fight fires, provide drinking water, maintain parks and libraries and more. As Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. put it over 100 years ago “Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.” In Colorado, property taxes are LOCAL taxes paid to LOCAL governments – not the state. So it’s fair to wonder why there’s been a lot of discussion recently about STATE ballot measures that would impact property taxes . Or why, for the second time in less than a year, Gov. Jared Polis summoned the STATE legislature to a special session about property taxes. The short answer is: Our State Constitution and laws have mixed up the state in property taxation for a long time. But given the reality that our state is an economically and politically diverse place, we shouldn’t necessarily keep doing what we’ve been doing. In fact, I think a lot of local government leaders and organizations that care about state and local government decisions in Colorado would rather we don’t. A number of them have said so loudly and clearly, as recently as this past Friday, at a meeting of the state’s Property Tax Commission . That is why, as the Legislature convenes this week, state Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and I will introduce a measure that, if passed by the requisite two-thirds of both the House and Senate, will allow voters statewide to consider whether they want to stop voting on each other’s property tax bills, while retaining the right to vote on their own. Wherever you live in Colorado, you pay property taxes to your school district and your county. You may also pay property taxes to one or more special districts, and possibly to a “metropolitan district” associated with the development of your residential community. We all expect the ability to vote on LOCAL taxes related to funding OUR LOCAL governments. Because of how property tax laws work right now, statewide property tax ballot measures do a lot more than this. But one size does not fit all. For example, when a voter in Douglas County (generally a conservative county) votes yes on a statewide measure to cut property taxes, that impacts local government funds in the San Luis Valley. However, Douglas County is an exurban, affluent, fast-growing area, and the San Luis Valley is a rural, agricultural area in which some counties are actually losing population. Or, consider a different statewide ballot measure, say to increase taxes on commercial property (like office buildings or warehouses). If a voter in Boulder County (generally a pretty liberal county) votes yes, that same yes vote contributes to increasing taxes in conservative areas, such as Mesa County, that probably have a lower tax philosophy. Again, this is in the context of LOCAL government and LOCAL taxes like property taxes (contrasted to income taxes, which we pay to fund state government, of which we’re all a part). Compared to other states, Colorado has a pretty live-and-let-live philosophy. We want to be able to walk our chosen path, and as long as others aren’t keeping us from doing that, most of us are OK if others walk their own chosen paths. In the parlance of government, this live-and-let-live approach is called “local control.” “Home rule” cities and towns (including Aurora) possess authority that would otherwise be a matter for state government. Our 64 counties all choose their own commissioners (or councilors, in Broomfield and Denver) and can, and do, choose to do things differently. Our 178 school districts across the state educate from fewer than 100 to over 80,000 students. Currently however, property tax law treads on local control by putting voters in the position of voting to cut, or potentially raise, local property taxes in parts of our state far from their own, even if they don’t want to be in that position. We can change this. The special legislative session this week will move quickly, and the dominant focus will be on legislation intended to avoid billions of dollars of cuts to schools and other critical services. I hope, in addition, the Legislature will seriously consider the need to truly keep LOCAL taxation LOCAL. If the Legislature does not act on this subject this week, it must do so in the near future, for the sake of stability of communities across Colorado. Democratic State Rep. Mike Weissman represents House District 36 in Aurora, Arapahoe and Adams counties. Previous Next