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< Back April 11, 2023 Hospital Community-Benefit Bill Advances in House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to bolster community-based health care services across the state. “Large non-profit hospital systems must invest in community-based programs to qualify for tax exemptions, but broad guidelines often leave communities without the services they need,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “By strengthening accountability for how hospitals spend resources in the community and requiring them to incorporate more feedback, we can ensure these investments reduce costs for consumers, increase access to critical services and improve public health.” HB23-1243 centers hospitals’ community benefit spending around local under-privileged communities by incorporating community feedback into the community benefit implementation plan and restricting the amount of out-of-state spending that can be counted as “community benefit” spending. The bill would also require each reporting hospital to seek feedback from their community during its annual proposed community benefit implementation plan, submit a detailed report about any discussions or decisions at the annual meeting, make the report public, and execute a community benefit plan that addresses the needs of the community as discussed in the annual meeting to better understand the impact of the spending has on the health of Coloradans. Under the bill, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) would be required to hold stakeholder meetings to ensure low-income residents, people of color, people with disabilities, people with serious mental illness, and others experiencing disproportionate health outcomes are fairly represented in the hospital’s community benefit spending plan. HCPF would also create an annual report that summarizes the estimated federal and state tax exemptions of each reporting hospital, establish a minimum annual community investment requirement, and sets compliance requirements for hospitals. HCPF would be able to apply corrective action or fines for reporting hospitals that do not abide by the guidelines set by this bill. Additionally, the bill enhances existing public meeting requirements and ensures representation from the tribal council and Urban Indian Organization who have hospitals within their communities. Institutions of higher learning will also be represented to help bring meaningful input into discussions on spending. Previous Next

HB25-1239 will expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act < Back May 22, 2025 Governor Signs Legislation to Strengthen the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act HB25-1239 will expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed a new law to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. HB25-1239 , sponsored by Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and Representatives Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, and Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, will expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to protect vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities. “People with disabilities should have the same rights to seek damages after experiencing discrimination as any other protected group,” said Weissman. “This bill ensures that people with disabilities can be compensated for attorney fees, emotional distress, and other noneconomic harms if they experience discrimination or violation of their civil rights.” “Under threat from the Trump Administration, it’s more important now than ever that we strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws,” said Zokaie. “When someone is wronged, we have a duty to create a pathway to justice. With this new law, we’re upholding our shared values of fairness, dignity, and equality under Colorado law and better protecting Coloradans who experience discrimination.” “The cost of hiring an attorney prevents many Coloradans from pursuing justice after facing discrimination,” said Daugherty. “People with disabilities who are denied housing or turned away from public spaces deserve a clear path to hold wrongdoers accountable and access the support they need to move forward.” “This law addresses unreasonable deadlines, barriers to financial compensation and other gaps in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act to strengthen protections for Coloradans who experience discrimination,” said Boesenecker. “From housing discrimination to inaccessible building entrances, Coloradans with disabilities have faced barriers to access for far too long. This law provides crucial recourse to people with disabilities and other victims of discrimination to ensure they can receive the justice they deserve.” This law comes from a task force established by the legislature in 2023 to study the rights of Coloradans with disabilities and make recommendations. HB25-1239 is the largest expansion of CADA enforcement rights since CADA was passed nearly 70 years ago. This new law will allow victims of discrimination to receive monetary compensation for unfair housing practices, discrimination in places of public accommodation, or a violation of their civil rights under the CADA for all protected classes. Under the law, victims will be able to recover attorney’s fees and costs, and either recovery of actual monetary damages, non-economic damages of up to $50,000, or a statutory fine of $5,000 per violation per aggrieved party. Awards for damages for non-economic loss or injury will be limited to $50,000. A defendant will be entitled to a 50 percent reduction of the amount of the non-economic loss or injury if the defendant corrects the violation within 30 days of the complaint and did not knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly cause the violation. Previous Next

< Back March 1, 2022 $27 MILLION TO SUPPORT NURSING FACILITIES MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Julie McCluskie to provide an additional $27 million to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. “Skilled nursing facilities in Colorado and across the country are facing staffing challenges and funding shortfalls, which is why we are taking swift action to stabilize nursing facilities in Colorado,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We are going to distribute $27 million in state and federal funds to nursing facilities to keep them from closing so thousands of Coloradans aren’t forced out of where they live.” “The pandemic has taken an enormous toll on Colorado’s nursing facilities, and some are now at risk of closing because Medicaid reimbursement rates are so low and their costs have increased,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Nurses who care for Medicaid patients in skilled nursing facilities have been through so much the last two years and are vastly underpaid. We need to make sure we have the nursing workforce necessary to care for the patients with the greatest need, and this bill will help. We’re moving quickly to shore up our nursing facilities so that Coloradans won’t lose access to affordable skilled nursing options.” HB22-1247 , sponsored by Representatives Herod and McCluskie, passed by a vote of 12-1 and would direct additional payments to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers to help them address staffing shortages, provide quality care and support their short term solvency. State funding would be matched by federal dollars, bringing the total additional funding for nursing homes to $27 million. The bill also instructs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to seek additional opportunities to draw down federal funds. The legislation also requires the department to establish reporting and result tracking requirements. Nursing facilities across Colorado, especially those with Medicaid patients, have faced funding and staffing challenges, and some have struggled to stay open. At the same time, nurse staffing agencies and travel nursing agencies have been able to attract providers with higher wages than what facilities that care for Medicaid clients can pay, exacerbating the staffing challenges at nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. Previous Next

Colorado Democrats delivered results to reduce property taxes, support hardworking families and prevent evictions. With urgent property tax cuts, more rental assistance, and tax relief for working families, Colorado Democrats delivered results during the 2023 Extraordinary Session of the 74th General Assembly to make Colorado more affordable for all. DOWNLOAD IN ENGLISH & ESPAÑOL

< Back Sheila Lieder Representative Sheila Lieder is the Vice-Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and a member of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee. She represents House District 28, which includes parts of Littleton, Lakewood, and Morrison in Jefferson County. Elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, Rep Lieder's career reflects a strong commitment to fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all working families. At the Capitol, Rep. Lieder supports accessible and affordable healthcare, improving Colorado’s public schools, expanding workers’ rights, ensuring that seniors can afford their needs, and both veterans and active-duty service members. She also aims to prepare the next generation for success by creating pathways to good-paying jobs and opportunities for students entering the workforce. During her time as a state representative, Rep. Lieder has contributed to Colorado’s economic growth. She led efforts to create new job opportunities in the rapidly growing field of thermal technology, helping Colorado become a leader in this area. She has also expanded apprenticeship programs that connect Coloradans to in-demand careers. Recently, she has worked to ensure every public school has heating and air conditioning, addressing the impact of automation and Artificial intelligence on sectors like trucking, and increased protections for minor workers on the job. Rep. Lieder continues to bring the values of hard work, fairness, and community to the legislature. She advocates for policies that support working families and strengthen opportunities across Colorado.

< Back Alex Valdez Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee Representative Alex Valdez serves as the Chair of the House Energy & Environment Committee and represents House District 5, which includes Denver’s downtown urban core. Rep. Valdez is passionate about environmental issues and champions clean, renewable energy resources and technology under the gold dome. Born and raised in Denver, Rep. Valdez fights for equality and better air quality so all Coloradans enjoy better, cleaner air. He’s also spearheaded legislation to combat animal cruelty, foster small business growth in Colorado and pave the way for EV technology across the state.

< Back Jamie Jackson Jamie Jackson is a dedicated leader committed to equity, community empowerment, and effective governance. As COO of The Naloxone Project, she expands access to life-saving overdose prevention resources. With a background in nonprofit leadership and policy advocacy, Jamie previously served as COO of the Colorado Children's Campaign and has worked to advance social justice, healthcare equity, and community-driven solutions. She is Vice President of Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) and chairs the Criminal Justice Committee for the Aurora NAACP. Jamie is committed to policies that uplift working families, protect vulnerable communities, and expand access to equitable healthcare. She brings a people-centered approach to governance, ensuring that House District 41 residents have a strong voice at the Capitol. Rep. Jackson serves on the Transportation, Housing & Local Government and Energy & Environment committees.

Learn more about how to contact the Colorado House Majority team. Contact Chief of Staff Rebecca Kisner rebecca.kisner@coleg.gov Deputy Chief of Staff Jarrett Freedman jarrett.freeman@coleg.gov COMMUNICATIONS Media Relations Director Mallory Feeney mallory.feeney@coleg.gov C ommunications Advisor Kaitlin Begin kaitlin.begin@coleg.gov OPERATIONS Advisor to the Speaker Elizabeth Brawn elizabeth.brawn@coleg.gov Legislative Aide Program Manager Feliz Sanchez Garcia felizsanchez.garcia@coleg.gov Advisor to the Majority Leader Gina Kelble gina.kelble@coleg.gov POLICY Senior Budget Policy Analyst Carl Plant carl.plant@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Jaclyn Davison jaclyn.davison@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Daniel McDonald daniel.mcdonald@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Miranda Martinez-Mundo miranda.martinez-mundo@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Colton Arciniaga colton.arciniaga@coleg.gov Legislative Coordinator Lenlee Davis lenlee.davis@coleg.gov

Colorado Democrats delivered results to support students, homeowners, renters and improve our air quality. House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results . During the breakthrough 2024 Legislative Session, we focused on gun violence prevention, fully funding K-12 public schools, improving air quality and reducing the costs for families. DOWNLOAD ONE PAGERS PARA ESPAÑOL, PRIMA AQUÍ DOWNLOAD REPORT

Join our team! Being a legislative intern at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Legislative Intern House Majority Office Colorado House of Representatives Description: Being a Legislative Intern at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Colorado’s House Democrats have worked to turn many of popular proposals into law, moving forward on measures to lower the cost of health care, invest in education, build a fair economy, address climate change, tackle the opioid crisis, reform our criminal justice system, and help hard-working Coloradans get ahead. Legislative interns support legislative aides in keeping the essential day-to-day functions of a legislative office running smoothly. Interns are held to a high level of professional conduct, as they are expected to represent legislators at the Capitol, in their district, and in the broader community. Internships can be specialized or generic. Internships that would like to focus on learning a specialized skill can focus on three main capacities: Social Media Social Media Interns focus primarily on supporting the creation of social media content and other digital communications such as newsletters and website blog posts. Social media interns work directly with one member of the caucus and their legislative aide, but can get additional support from the Colorado House Majority Office. Policy Research Policy Research Interns focus primarily on supporting one member of the caucus with their legislative efforts by conducting thorough research, creating fact sheets based on elements of the proposed bill, preparing the legislator for bill hearings, meetings with constituents, stakeholders, and lobbyists, responding to constituent inquiries, etc. Operations Operations Interns support the overall function of one member of the caucus by providing additional capacity to their legislative aide w ith managing calendars, scheduling meetings, responding to constituent emails and phone inquiries, o rganizing in-person town halls and other events in the district. Q ualifications: Strong verbal and written communication skills Highly, highly organized; excellent time management and attention to detail Motivated self-starter who can provide high quality work without close day-to-day supervision A high level of confidentiality and discretion High degree of self-awareness, humility and openness to feedback Flexible and adaptable work style; ability to stay calm in a high stress environment Eagerness to develop leadership skills; commitment to progressive values and policies Preferred Qualifications: Copywriting and/or graphic design skills Experience with event planning and execution Experience and comfort using Google Suites (Docs, Sheets, Slides) Experience and comfort managing social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) Knowledge of Colorado government a plus Education: Interns are often students that are fulfilling class requirements or are looking for work experience to supplement their education. Depending on the legislative member’s needs, internships may be available to students that are enrolled in higher education programs and also high school programs. If you have questions about availability and qualifications for internships please contact colegislativeaide@gmail.com . Schedule and Compensation: Part-time, flexible. 8-40 hours a week, depending on the legislative member’s needs and the intern’s schedule. Interns are unpaid volunteers; however, student internship credit can be arranged with your school. It is the student’s responsibility to contact his or her advisor and obtain academic credit within the institution’s guidelines. How to Apply: To apply for this position, please complete this form which will ask you to upload a resume. Interns are not required to upload a cover letter, but may do so if they would like. Contact colegislativeaide@gmail.com with any questions. Colorado House Democrats are committed to hiring a diverse staff. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, membership in an employee organization, parental status, creed, ancestry, military service, or disability. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities to apply.

< Back Monica Duran Majority Leader Representative Monica Duran is House Majority Leader and represents House District 23,of Lakewood, Lakeside, Applewood, and Mountain View. Previously House Co-Whip, Majority Leader Duran fights to ensure that our most vulnerable do not slip through the cracks. As a survivor of domestic violence, she has championed legislation related to domestic violence, animal welfare, and supporting working families. She has led legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to reduce gun violence in our communities in addition to legislation to improve wages for home care workers, support survivors of crime and violence and protect children.

< Back Meghan Lukens Chair of the Education Committee Representative Meghan Lukens serves as the Chair for the Education Committee and a member of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Lukens represents House District 26, which spans Northwest Colorado and includes Routt, Eagle, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties. A former high school teacher, Rep. Lukens’ legislative efforts have been geared toward education funding, boosting teacher pay, supporting rural school districts and preparing our K-12 learners for a lifetime of success. In addition to her education legislation, Rep. Lukens also championed laws to preserve Colorado’s wildlife, waterways and natural areas for generations to come.