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< Back May 3, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILL TO PREPARE AT-RISK STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed legislation into law today that will create a new method for identifying and serving at-risk students. HB22-1202, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Julie McCluskie and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and James Coleman, will more accurately count at-risk students and direct additional resources to school districts that serve at-risk students. “Modernizing the way we identify at-risk students will direct proper funding toward schools and prepare all Colorado students for success,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Under this law, the state will create a new well-rounded method for pinpointing at-risk students that goes beyond those eligible for free and reduced-price lunches to include data from Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus program. But every child lives a different home life, so the data collection will also consider important socioeconomic factors that can affect academic success such as parent incarceration, unhoused status and English as a Second Language. This law will get school districts the funding they need to meet the needs of their at-risk students so their students can grow, thrive and achieve.” “As we introduce more precise factors into the school funding formula, we can increase the likelihood that our resources will be used in the most equitable manner, to the greatest degree of success,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada . “The at-risk measure is one of those factors in need of greater precision and definition; and thanks to HB22-1202, we will eventually be able to support the children who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in a true at-risk condition.” “I am proud Colorado is taking steps to identify, serve and support each and every student,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie D-Dillion “Research has shown to better serve at-risk students, we need to look at the bigger picture and consider more than just a couple of socioeconomic factors that might hinder academic success–and this law does just that. This law creates a new definition in the formula so Colorado can more accurately identify at-risk students and provide their school districts with more funding to meet their needs.” “We know that, right now, we don’t do enough to support our at-risk students, and that needs to change,” said Sen. James Coleman, D-Denver . “More accurately identifying our at-risk students will allow us to do a better job allocating the critical resources school districts need to serve them. This bill will help us better prepare all of Colorado’s students for success.” HB22-1202 will create a new method in the school finance formula to identify students who are at risk of below-average academic outcomes due to socio-economic disadvantages or poverty. The new formula aims to better pinpoint at-risk students by considering multiple socio-economic factors that affect them. Based on the new formula, school districts would be eligible for more state funding beginning in the 2023-24 school year to better prepare their at-risk students. A recent statewide poll revealed that 83% of respondents consider it important to provide resources and support to students who are falling behind so teachers can make sure every student has an opportunity to get back on track. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2021 HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP WELCOMES POLITICAL WORKERS GUILD ANNOUNCEMENT DENVER, CO– Speaker Alec Garnett and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar today released the following statement following the announcement that Colorado Democratic legislative aides and campaign workers launched the Political Workers Guild, affiliated with CWA Local 37074. “Our aides have tough jobs and do crucial work to keep our Capitol running smoothly so our state government can deliver for the people of Colorado,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, (D-Denver). “I welcome their announcement today; making sure our aides feel fulfilled and cared for in their jobs is good for the General Assembly and good for our state.” “I am a fierce supporter of every Coloradans’ right to collectively bargain and fight for better pay and benefits,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, (D-Pueblo). “I stand in solidarity with our hardworking aides and am proud of them for making their voices heard through the power of a union.” Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to ensure Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. < Back May 1, 2023 House Passes Equal Pay for Equal Work DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to ensure Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. SB23-105, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez, would strengthen the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, bringing Colorado closer to closing the wage gap. “If men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same for it, plain and simple,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “In Colorado, despite our progress, we’re still fighting to achieve pay equity and close the wage gap that inevitability hurts women and families. This legislation strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act by further breaking down wage barriers and helping women succeed in their careers.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is already law, yet women in Colorado are still earning less than men for doing the same job,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “We’re committed to helping communities hit hardest by the pandemic build back stronger, and that begins with equal pay for equal work. The wage gaps between Black women and white men are resounding, and our legislation takes steps to combat wage discrimination and ensure all women are paid fairly. The bill will foster an environment for women to advocate for better, fairer wages.” SB23-105 , passed the House by a vote of 41 to 21 and would strengthen Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. Specifically, this bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to promulgate rules to further prevent wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive accompanied with the resources and staffing to back it up. This bill would also require CDLE to investigate complaints or other leads concerning wage inequality, and to address the situation if the complaint is found to be valid as well as requiring employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings. SB23-105 would also extend the maximum period for which a person pursuing a wage discrimination complaint may receive back pay to six years, doubling what is currently allowed under state law. Previous Next

Legislation will create more opportunities for Colorado voters to participate in vacancy elections < Back May 12, 2025 SIGNED! Bipartisan Legislative Vacancy Reform Bill Legislation will create more opportunities for Colorado voters to participate in vacancy elections DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to reform Colorado’s vacancy process, which is used to replace a senator or representative if they leave office before their term ends. “In a bipartisan way, we’re modernizing Colorado’s vacancy committee process to boost voter participation while filling vacancies efficiently,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We heard the concerns surrounding our current vacancy process, and our law limits the amount of time someone can serve before facing an election and subjects vacancy candidates to campaign finance laws. Lawmakers resign for many reasons, and this law is the right balance between creating more opportunities for voters to weigh in and ensuring communities aren’t without representation during the legislative session.” "Increasing strains on legislators leading to more frequent resignations have illustrated the need and opportunity to modernize the vacancy process for the Colorado General Assembly," said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. "This policy represents a bipartisan way forward that is consistent with Colorado constitutional requirements, allows more input from voters, and does not excessively burden county clerks responsible for conducting elections. Critically, it will also capture raising and spending of campaign funds by candidates who seek vacancy appointments and run in vacancy elections so that voters can understand what influences may be operating in vacancy situations." HB25-1315 is cosponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs and Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County. This law will increase transparency in the vacancy committee process and broaden voter participation when a legislative vacancy occurs. Under current law, vacancies in the General Assembly are filled by vacancy committee selection until the next general election. Colorado’s approach offers voters more opportunities to participate in the vacancy process than many other states, where governors or small commissions make the appointments. The legislative session begins no later than the second Wednesday of January and wraps up 120 days later. HB25-1315 will affect vacancies in the General Assembly in the following ways: If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an even-year, the new vacancy committee process will take place, and then the selected candidate would run in the normally scheduled general election that November. If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an even-year, the vacancy would be filled first by the new vacancy committee process, and then there would be a new vacancy election in the following odd-year November election. If the seat was already on cycle for that even-year, the general election held in November of that year would continue as normal. If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would fill the seat until a new vacancy election can occur in November of that year. If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would take place and fill the seat until the next general election in the even-year. In any scenario, lawmakers would only be able to serve one year before having to run in an election. To run for the vacancy, candidates could qualify by collecting signatures from 30 percent of the vacancy committee members or at least 200 same-party voters in their district. This process aims to improve ballot access for candidates. Unaffiliated voters and voters of the same party would be allowed to participate in the vacancy election. Vacancy candidates running in both the new vacancy committee process and the subsequent vacancy elections in November will be subject to campaign contribution limits and disclosure laws. Currently, candidates participating in the vacancy process are not subject to campaign finance laws. Under the law, the number of precinct organizers serving on the vacancy committee would double and automatically include any county commissioners who are members of the same political party and reside within the district. If a precinct committee person is appointed to fill an open position on the selection committee, they cannot participate in the process until 91 days after their appointment. Previous Next

< Back February 26, 2019 DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE LOCAL WAGE OPTION LEGISLATION Growth in worker wages spurs consumer spending & a healthier economy (Feb. 25) – Today, Rep. Rochelle Galindo, D-Greeley, and Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, were joined by county commissioners, workers and business owners to unveil new legislation to provide local governments the option to raise the minimum wage within their jurisdictions. The Senate sponsors of the bill are Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City and Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “We are giving the power to set the local minimum wage to our municipalities and counties,” said Rep. Galindo. “Our state is so diverse and what works for Denver is not necessarily going to work for Greeley or Trinidad. The Local Wage Option is a tool that can help Colorado’s workers and communities thrive.” HB19-1210 would allow local governments to adjust their minimum wage to more effectively address the local cost of living, rather than have to adhere to a statewide standard in a state where local real estate markets and health care costs vary dramatically. “This really is a simple concept. Colorado is a very diverse state with a lot of diverse local economies and one size does not fit all,” said Rep. Melton. “It’s important that we address that state dynamic by giving more of a say to our local communities to determine what best fits their needs, and what best helps their communities and their families.” The bill would allow counties and cities to increase the minimum wage in their localities beyond the state minimum wage, currently at $11.10 an hour. “Colorado has a rich history of local control, and this legislation carries that tradition forward,” said Kevin Bommer, Deputy Director of the Colorado Municipal League, which has endorsed the bill. “Municipal leaders will have the ability to determine, along with businesses and citizens in the community, whether or not to increase their local minimum wage.” Research shows that wage growth spurs consumer spending and a healthier economy and that concerns of potential negative impacts to businesses or jobs are not borne out in the data on this issue. The bill was introduced today in the House. The bill text can be found here. It will now await a hearing in the Transportation & Local Government committee. Previous Next

< Back March 7, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES PAIR OF BIPARTISAN DURAN BILLS Wheat Ridge Rep. settling in well at state capitol (Mar 6) – The House Business Affairs and Labor committee approved a bill today sponsored by Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, that requires most plumbers to meet continuing education requirements before their license can be renewed by the state. This will improve overall workplace safety and the quality of Colorado’s plumbers work. “This important bill would ensure public safety, provide licensing for skilled workers, and ensure Coloradans are being served by a stellar professional workforce,” said Rep. Duran. “This is about giving hardworking families and individuals peace of mind when it comes to who is servicing their homes and helping workers at the same time.” HB19-1086 puts in place reasonable continuing education requirements for most plumbers across the state of Colorado while also providing for timely and sufficient reviews of workplaces to ensure safety and quality of work. Plumbers are one of the last professionally licensed skilled tradespersons in Colorado without a continuing education requirement, which means many plumbers may not have ever upgraded their skills to meet the needs of new technologies and new types of systems such as gray water and reclaimed water. Herb Atchison, Mayor of the city of Westminster, came to testify in support of HB19-1086. The bill passed out of committee with a vote of 7-4 and now heads to the House floor. Rep. Duran also sponsored the Remote Notaries bill which passed the House Finance committee by a bipartisan vote of 6-5 and now heads to the Appropriations committee. HB19-1167 will move the state toward embracing emerging remote notary technologies, expanding access to the services for people across the state. The bill will also help protect Coloradans’ nonpublic personal information when they use remote notary services by implementing data privacy protections, filling a gap in current law. Previous Next

< Back January 24, 2020 GRANT PROGRAM FOR HOMELESS YOUTH SERVICES ADVANCES Bipartisan bill would, for the first time, provide state support to homeless youth services providers HB20-1122 , sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooten and Colin Larson, today passed the House Committee on Public Health and Human Services. The bill passed 13-0. “With nearly 10,000 vulnerable homeless youth across our state, it’s time for Colorado to put some skin in the game and finally fund the programs that we know will help,” said Rep. Edie Hooton (D-Boulder). “Our youth deserve access to the critical services, such as supportive housing and emergency shelters that we know can make a real dent in reducing the number of youth experiencing homelessness.” Youth experiencing homelessness may face health and safety risks, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and exposure to drugs and alcohol. During the 2017-2018 school year, 23,089 students in Colorado experienced homelessness at some point, according to the Colorado Department of Education. Currently, Colorado’s five nonprofit homeless youth services providers are funded mostly through private donations and federal grant funding. They do not receive funding from the state to provide critical services, such as community outreach, drop-in centers, emergency shelters, and transitional living programs. The bill would create the Services for Youth Experiencing or At Risk of Experiencing Homelessness Grant Program in the Division of Housing under the Department of Local Affairs. The maximum grant would be $125,000 per organization, and the grants would be available to the five nonprofit youth services providers currently operating in the state and would be funded from the Division of Housing’s Housing Development Grant Fund. The grants would fund programs that provide direct services to youth experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. It specifies the services the organizations may provide, including street outreach, criteria for emergency shelters, and supportive housing and transitional living programs. The bill is supported by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Spark Community Foundation, Urban Peak, The Place, One Colorado, Attention Homes, Shiloh Home, Karis Inc. and Volunteers of America. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2019 BILLS TO IMPROVE RENTERS RIGHTS & HELP COLORADO’S MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE SIGNED INTO LAW Colorado ranks poorly when it comes to rights of renters (May 20) – Today, Gov. Jared Polis signed two bills to improve the rights of renters in Colorado and expands the benefits and eligibility for the Property, Tax, Rent, Heat Credit program (PTC Rebate). “I believe that having a safe and affordable place to live is a cornerstone to self-sufficiency,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, during the House floor debate. “This is real life. When Coloradans are paying market rents, they deserve to live in a safe and habitable place. This is a very fair, and very necessary bill.” HB19-1170 is a commonsense bill that would improve renters’ rights if their home becomes uninhabitable or otherwise unfit for human habitation. Under this bill, tenants can notify the landlords of uninhabitable conditions through written notice including through electronic means. The landlord will then have 24 to 72 hours to begin to address the complaint. If the issues persists, the tenant has a right to withhold an estimate cost of the repairs from their rent payment and they have the right to break a lease if the uninhabitable condition persists. “If you are paying rent you have the right to expect a home that is safe and healthy to live in, with remedies available if it isn’t,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “With a rent market as challengin g as ours is right now, we need to ensure these protections for residents now more than ever.” In addition, the Governor also signed another bill, HB19-1118, sponsored by Rep. Jackson to allow sufficient time for tenants to remedy a lease violation before getting evicted. Under HB19-1118, tenants will now receive 10 days to pay their rent or address a minor lease issue before an eviction is filed against them, up from three days. The Governor also signed HB19-1085, sponsored by Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This program helps keep some of Colorado’s seniors, disabled and most vulnerable families and individuals warm and secure in their own homes. I am proud to see this program come to fruition so we can help keep people safe and potentially save a life when temperatures plummet,” Rep. Exum said. This program, within the Department of Revenue, provides property tax, rental, fuel and heat assistance to seniors over the age of 65, those with disabilities and surviving spouses over the age of 58. This bill expands these benefits and eligibility for the PTC rebate program. The bill passed the House last session but was blocked in the previously Republican controlled Senate. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2020 STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS WINS PRELIMINARY HOUSE APPROVAL Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs & Services Act would allow state employees to join together to bargain for better pay and terms of employment DENVER, CO — The Colorado House today gave preliminary approval to the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act. HB20-1153 , sponsored by Representative Daneya Esgar and cosponsored by the entire House Democratic Caucus, would allow state employees to collectively bargain on matters of pay, benefits, and terms of employment. “This bill would enshrine in our laws the Colorado value of empowering workers to fight for a better life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo, the prime sponsor of HB20-1153. “Across Colorado, our dedicated state employees serve our veterans, keep our prisons safe, plow our roads in winter storms and protect our air and water, but their pay and benefits haven’t kept pace. It’s time to rewrite the rules so that our state workers can innovate on the job to improve state services and negotiate for fair wages and working conditions.” The legislation would allow state employees to collectively bargain on pay and benefit issues. It would foster new partnerships between frontline workers and the state that will lead to innovation and better state services. Furthermore, by helping to fill the nearly 1 in 5 vacant state positions, the bill will ensure that Colorado has the experienced and talented workforce needed to serve state residents. This legislation is critical to retaining and recruiting the state workforce Coloradans need and deserve. Stagnant wages have led to increased turnover and state employees working multiple jobs, which negatively impacts the delivery of state services. The bill would not permit state employees to strike, which is similar to collective bargaining laws for state employees in the states that have them. Under the bill, the state is required to participate in good faith in the formalized partnership process. All determinations regarding wage and benefit issues reached through the partnership process must be included in the governor’s budget and be approved by the Joint Budget Committee and General Assembly, a transparent process in which the public can engage. Membership in the union would be completely voluntary, but it’s clear that state employees overwhelmingly support union membership in WINS. For more than a decade, WINS has represented state employees who have been united in their desire to be part of an organization that fights to improve their lives. Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2021 HOUSE PASSES SIX COLORADO COMEBACK STATE STIMULUS BILLS Legislation will create jobs, help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger DENVER, CO– The House today passed six Colorado Comeback state stimulus proposals to boost Colorado’s events industry, invest in workers, provide free mental health sessions for Colorado students, and make historic investments in the Colorado Water Plan. The bills are part of the state stimulus package that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. HB21-1253 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Meg Froelich, would invest $5 million in grants to local governments for job-creating projects in the renewable energy sector. The grants would be distributed by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and are intended to be allocated by August 15, 2021. The bill passed by a vote of 40-23. “Renewable energy projects create jobs, sustain communities, and position Colorado for a cleaner future,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “HB21-1253 will boost economies across our state by enabling renewable energy infrastructure projects where they’re needed most. We have a tremendous opportunity to build the clean energy infrastructure that will power Colorado into the future.” The lack of qualified talent in Colorado has been one of the primary barriers to business growth. HB21-1264 , sponsored by Representatives Sullivan and Young, would invest $25 million to provide Coloradans with reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling opportunities that lead to industry-recognized credentials and employment opportunities in growing industries that are looking to hire. The money would go to the Colorado Workforce Development Council, which will work with local workforce boards to distribute funds across the state to local workforce centers and nonprofit entities. The funds will allow these entities to serve up 6,000 Coloradans through the completion of training programs. The bill passed by a vote of X-X. “Building back stronger means making sure that Colorado workers are ready and prepared to fill jobs in the fastest growing industries so we can boost our economy and get people back to work,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This bill fuels the job and skills training infrastructure we need to be competitive, create jobs, and increase wages for hardworking people.” HB21-1262 , sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Mike Lynch, supports Colorado’s agriculture industry by providing $3.5 million to the Colorado Stock Show–a staple to the state’s agricultural industry and Denver’s economy–as well as $3.5 million for the State Fair, and $2 million to agricultural events organizations across the state. The bill passed by a vote of 55-8. “The National Western Stock Show brings nearly $100 million in economic activity to Denver while agriculture events and programs help create jobs all across Colorado,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “These events strengthen our western culture and are a big part of who we are as Coloradans. I’m proud the legislature is standing up to support Colorado agriculture, the Stock Show, and local events that are vitally important to our communities.” HB21-1263 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Matt Soper, would create the Meeting & Events Incentive Program within the Office of Economic Development & International Trade’s (OEDIT) Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). The program would provide rebates to incentivize planners to host events in Colorado, bolstering the tourism economy and industry, and supporting thousands of small businesses across the State. The bill appropriates $10 million for the program. The bill passed by a vote of 48-15. Eligible events must generate at least 25 overnight stays. The bill stipulates that the Tourism Office must support events equitably and proportionally across the state and prioritize events with potential to generate local business earnings and tax revenues. Eligible events would receive up to a 10% rebate of the hard costs of the event and a 25% rebate of the COVID-19 related costs. Finally, a small portion of the funds may be used to provide up-front support to attract large events that impact multiple counties and have potential to generate significant economic impact. “Events fill rooms in hotels, tables in restaurants, and shoppers in stores, and that’s exactly what communities across Colorado need right now,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Big events, conferences, festivals and more had to cancel their bookings in our state during the last year and those in the business of events took a hard hit. This bill will provide a direct and impactful incentive for people and organizations to choose Colorado for their events and that investment will benefit businesses all across our state in a big way.” HB21-1258 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Kevin Van Winkle, would create a temporary youth mental health services program in the Office of Behavioral Health within the Department of Human Services to facilitate access to mental health services for identified needs, including those that may have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program would provide any young person age 18 and under with an online mental health screening and would then reimburse providers for up to three mental health sessions. This support is intended to prepare children for the return to in-person learning and a review of stress management tools, and to make a plan for ongoing treatment when necessary. We estimate that this program can support up to 25,537 children . The bill passed by a vote of 48-15. HB21-1260 , sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett and Representative Marc Catlin, would provide $20 million to the state water conservation board to implement the state water plan. The funds will be divided between the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund, which may be used for water plan grants, and the Water Supply Reserve Fund, which provides grants and loans to address water supply issues. The bill passed by a vote of 63-0. Previous Next

We’ve reached the crisis point for the Colorado River and the future of the American Southwest. We need creative solutions for living with a River that contains less water, yet has more demands for its limited supplies. < Back Speaker McCluskie: Taking Action Now to Secure Colorado’s Water Future Jul 10, 2023 See more This op-ed was published in print in the Denver Post in July 2023. We’ve reached the crisis point for the Colorado River and the future of the American Southwest. We need creative solutions for living with a River that contains less water, yet has more demands for its limited supplies. We’ve reached the crisis point for the Colorado River and the future of the American Southwest. We need creative solutions for living with a River that contains less water, yet has more demands for its limited supplies. As a resident of the High Country, I know we’ve had exceptional snowfall this year alongside a rainy spring, but one wet year will not solve a decades-long drought that is devastating the West. I represent the headwaters of the Colorado River, the source of water for more than 40 million people including 30 tribal nations – a resource essential to sustaining Colorado’s agricultural and Indigenous cultural heritage. Our entire state relies on the water that flows from here westward, or eastward through diversion tunnels to the Front Range. As the impacts of historic drought compound with increased demands, Colorado leaders have a critical role to play. Our rivers and streams are running at dangerously low levels, threatening everything from drinking water supplies, wildlife and agriculture to tourism and outdoor recreation. To facilitate a unified approach toward establishing drought resiliency, my colleagues Senator Dylan Roberts, Senator Perry Will, Representative Marc Catlin and I created the Colorado River Drought Task Force to protect Colorado’s water future. I recently made appointments to the task force, whose work will begin shortly. By the end of this year, the task force must provide recommendations for state legislation that will be considered in 2024 to address drought through voluntary and compensated reductions in water demands. I will be blunt: we need bold, inclusive solutions developed through careful collaboration of all those who rely on Colorado River water. The job of our appointees will not be easy, but we’re determined to see this through because our future depends on it. In the past 30 years, climate-driven drought has reduced Colorado River flows by 20%, with an estimated additional 30% reduction by 2050. Out-of-state interests are looking to profit by buying up water rights, growing communities are increasing demands on the river, and each of the Colorado River Basin states are gearing up to fight for as much of its water as they can. Just as the threats to our water are varied, so are the uses and demands on our supply. The Western Slope is home to generational farmers and ranchers who need water to provide food for the country. The state's agriculture industry contributes over $47 billion to our economy and employs about 195,000 people. While healthy rivers support healthy farms, they also support tribal cultural practices, and a vibrant outdoor recreation economy. Our rivers and streams support fishing, kayaking, and rafting, while reservoirs support snowmaking, swimming, and other watercraft sports. According to the organization Business for Water Stewardship, Colorado’s river recreation industry accounts for nearly $19 billion in annual economic output and creates 131,000 jobs. To protect Colorado’s water users, we must lead, otherwise we will find ourselves being led. The Colorado River Drought Task Force brings together state agencies, farmers, ranchers, water providers, water conservation districts, Tribal nations, environmentalists and others to make clear recommendations to protect Colorado’s water. The Colorado River touches everyone’s lives, it’s the fabric that weaves together the entire state, and is why the task force must listen, reflect and uplift the voices of our diverse state during the forthcoming public meetings. I expect nothing short of robust, sustainable solutions crafted by the task force helping all sectors of our economy prepare for the increasingly dire consequences of a hotter, drier future. Recommendations from this task force will allow Colorado to become more resilient to the demands of the River and help us adapt to preserve our Colorado way of life. As the first female Speaker from the Western Slope, protecting Colorado's stable water supply is always top of mind. It is now up to each of the members of this task force to be solution-oriented, emphatic, and creative. Future generations require nothing less, and I look forward to seeing recommendations later this year. Speaker Julie McCluskie represents House District 13 which includes Chaffee, Grand, Jackson, Lake, Park, and Summit counties. She is the first woman Speaker elected from the Western Slope. Previous Next

The House today passed Representative Ruby Dickson’s bill on a preliminary vote to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition. < Back April 21, 2023 Dickson Bill to Reduce Carbon Pollution Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Ruby Dickson’s bill on a preliminary vote to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition. HB23-1210 is part of a broader package unveiled by Colorado Democrats to meet our state’s climate goals. “We need innovation and entrepreneurship to reach our climate goals, and this bill is a great step toward combating climate change and boosting our state’s economy," said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial . “This legislation helps us develop a strategic plan surrounding the emerging technologies for carbon capture, removal, utilization, and storage. We are strategically positioning Colorado to be a national leader in carbon management, attracting new companies and innovative solutions to save consumers money and reduce carbon emissions and pollution.” HB23-1210 would direct the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. Using public input, the roadmap will also identify early investment opportunities to minimize community risks associated with projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. Previous Next