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< Back June 3, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE RESTAURANTS MONEY, FOSTER VIBRANT COMMUNITIES, AND BOOST NONPROFITS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will save restaurants $40 million by allowing them to retain the sales tax they collect; invest $20 million in the Community Revitalization Grant Program, and direct $35 million in pandemic relief funds to small, community-based nonprofits in Colorado. HB22-1406 was sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Dylan Roberts and Senators James Coleman and Nick Hinrichsen. The law will save nearly 9,000 restaurants and retailers nearly $40 million this summer by allowing them to deduct up to $70,000 from their net taxable sales, saving businesses about $2,000 in sales tax collections in July, August and September of this year. “This session, we took bold action to save Coloradans and businesses money, and that’s what these new laws will do,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “The legislation Governor Polis signed today addresses the pressing needs in our communities by boosting the businesses, nonprofits and community groups that are the heart of our culture and our communities. This will create jobs, expand access to essential and affordable services that Coloradans need, increase affordable housing options and help build vibrant communities.” “Today is a great day for Colorado restaurants and small businesses – the cornerstones of all Colorado communities. Our bill that got signed today will allow each restaurant to save up to $70,000 this summer that they can use to address rising costs, hire or retain employees or expand their business,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “With all that restaurants went through during the pandemic and now with what they face with pandemic-induced inflation, workforce shortages and supply chain challenges, this support is so valuable. This tax relief will allow restaurants to keep more of the money they make and offset some of the cost increases they are experiencing.” HB22-1409 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Brianna Titone and Senators James Coleman and Dennis Hisey, directs an additional $20 million to the Community Revitalization Grant Program, which the legislature created last year as part of Democrats’ Colorado Comeback State Stimulus plan . This will fund projects in creative districts, historic districts, main streets or neighborhood commercial centers to create workforce housing, commercial spaces, and child care centers to support the state’s economic recovery. Projects that have already received funding from the grant program can be found here . “The Community Revitalization Grant Program has created jobs, boosted local economies and funded critical projects that build vibrant, livable and healthy communities,” said Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’m proud that the legislature is investing an additional $20 million to fund additional projects in communities all across Colorado. From Trinidad and Naturita to the Denver metro area, cities and towns in all parts of our state have seen residents and businesses thrive from the initiatives funded through this grant program.” HB22-1356 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Edie Hooton and Senators Julie Gonzales and Bob Rankin, will provide $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to nonprofit social service organizations that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. “Colorado’s nonprofits serve our state’s residents and provide essential services that people need, but often cannot afford,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “When the pandemic hit, these organizations did everything they could amid new pressures to meet the demand for services in their communities. Even as the pandemic has subsided, the need for Colorado’s nonprofits has remained. This new law directs $35 million in federal economic relief funds to help Colorado's’ nonprofits expand and deliver the services people need to get back to work, care for themselves or their families and thrive.” Nonprofit organizations continue to fill critical gaps, but face significant challenges as they respond to longstanding community needs that were only exacerbated by the pandemic. Financial constraints often limit these organizations’ ability to serve additional Coloradans and those constraints are more challenging under recent economic conditions. The grants are designed to support small community-based nonprofits that largely serve individuals who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and experienced significant financial pressures. Eligible entities will be able to apply for grants as large as $100,000 to expand program capacity, foster professional development for employees or engage in strategic planning to grow their organization and maximize the use of funds. Previous Next

SB23-303 will refer a measure to the voters to save taxpayers more than $1 billion on their property taxes < Back May 24, 2023 SIGNED! Landmark Plan to Provide Urgent Property Tax Relief SB23-303 will refer a measure to the voters to save taxpayers more than $1 billion on their property taxes DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed landmark legislation that will refer a measure to the voters to provide historic property tax relief for homeowners and businesses while ensuring funding for schools and other local governments is protected. SB23-303 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Reps. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, creates a long-term solution to prevent growing home values from raising property taxes, and implements limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. "Coloradans are about to get hit with painful property tax spikes, which is why we're taking action now to meet the moment and provide real relief for Colorado families," Fenberg said. "This transformative proposal delivers long-term reductions in property tax rates while providing immediate savings on this year’s property taxes, so we can better support our schools and our communities and build a Colorado everyone can afford to love." “Rising home values are leading to dramatic increases in property taxes that many Coloradans simply can’t afford,” said deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Prop HH will reduce property taxes for all homeowners and increase funding for rental support programs while protecting funding for schools, libraries, child welfare offices, water and fire districts, and the services Coloradans rely on. Seniors will see a larger homestead exemption and be able to downsize or sell their home without facing a higher tax bill.” “The cost of housing in Colorado is incredibly high, and if we don't act, Coloradans will suffer record increases on their property taxes. This would be especially difficult for working families, and would hit folks on fixed incomes incredibly hard," said Hansen. "That's why we’re working to provide immediate property tax relief that will save families across our state millions of dollars and keep people in their homes. This proposal will also give voters an opportunity to protect sustainable funding for our schools and local services like hospitals and firefighters while addressing the urgent property tax situation. I'm proud to champion this legislation that will provide immediate relief and protect the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive." “This property tax reduction package will lower housing costs, help seniors on fixed incomes, and put more money back into the pockets of middle and lower-income Coloradans,” said Weissman. “Prop HH is a sustainable, long-term solution to protect Coloradans from rising property taxes while ensuring funding for our public schools and local government services. It’s exciting for our state that voters will soon see a measure on the ballot to keep Colorado property taxes predictable while still funding public services that people expect from their communities.” Coloradans will vote on the package in November, and if approved the proposal will create a flat TABOR refund mechanism that will increase refunds for Coloradans making under $100,000 a year while providing major long-term reductions to property tax rates and delivering immediate savings on property taxes this year. Combined with property tax reductions the legislature previously enacted via SB22-238 , this proposal will cut the average homeowner’s tax increase in half, saving $1,264 on average over the next two years. In total, this package would provide between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually in property tax relief for homeowners and businesses in Colorado. Other property tax relief and protections proposed in this plan include: Reducing the residential assessment rate from 7.15 percent to 6.7 percent in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences. Incrementally reducing the business property assessment rate from 29 percent to at least 26.9 percent by 2032. Reducing the taxable value of residences by $50,000 in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences (not second homes or investment properties) in future years. Capping the growth in district property tax collections excluding school districts at inflation and allowing local governments to override the cap after giving notice to property owners. Protecting funding for public education and backfilling revenue to fire districts, water districts, ambulance, and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to backfill. Providing seniors who currently receive the Homestead Exemption a larger reduction of $140,000 and allowing them to continue to receive this reduction if they move. 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

< Back January 29, 2020 REP. YOUNG’S CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BILL ADVANCES Legislation would give more parents resources to support their children with severe developmental and intellectual disabilities DENVER, CO — Legislation sponsored by Representative Mary Young to expand eligibility for a program to support children or youth with severe intellectual disabilities today advanced the House Public Health and Human Services Committee. The legislation passed 13-0. “Parents should never be faced with the prospect of having to give up their child with severe intellectual disabilities to the state in order to ensure that child gets the best possible care for their condition,” said Rep. Young, (D-Greeley). “As a former school psychologist and special education teacher, I know first-hand how difficult it can be for parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to find their kids the help they need. I’m grateful and pleased that we have taken this important step forward today.” HB20-1012 expands eligibility and improves the scope of an existing program for children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Current law only allows for a county department of human or social services to submit applications to the program on behalf of a child or youth. Rep. Young’s bill extends this option to the parent or guardian of the child or youth, meaning that for the first time children who have not been surrendered to the Department of Human Services will be able to access the program’s benefits. The bill also asks the Department of Human Services to promulgate rules related to the expansion of the program. These rules include planning for services for children and youth who become 18 years of age while in the program; access to behavioral health services; waitlist management; process for a child or youth who is at risk for out-of-home placement; and program evaluation. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. < Back February 20, 2024 Bill to Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. “Colorado Democrats are working to save Coloradans money on housing and address Colorado’s housing crisis not only by building more housing but also by maintaining affordable housing units that already exist and have benefitted from public investment,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Many Coloradans are struggling to keep up with rising housing costs, and losing affordable housing in the rental market only makes it more difficult for hardworking people to find a place to live. This bill is an important tool for local governments so they can preserve housing Coloradans can afford in our communities while ensuring sellers receive fair compensation for the sale of their property.” “With rental rates increasing much faster than income, the right of first refusal is crucial in protecting housing options that work for every Coloradan’s budget,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Our bill gives local governments the opportunity to buy affordable housing properties before private companies and hedge funds grab them, so we can prevent corporate greed from pricing Coloradans out of their communities and displacing our neighbors.” HB24-1175 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, would give local governments a right of first offer and a right of first refusal to preserve long-term affordable housing opportunities. The right of first offer gives local governments the right to make an offer to purchase a qualifying multi-family rental property before the property is listed for sale to other parties. In urban counties, a property qualifies under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with more than five and less than 100 units. In rural or rural resort counties, a property qualifies under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing property and has more than three and fewer than 100 units. Certain transactions of qualifying properties are exempt, and the right of first offer terminates on December 31, 2029. The right of first refusal gives local governments the right to purchase a multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property that is existing affordable housing if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. Previous Next

< Back June 9, 2021 JACKSON CELEBRATES PASSAGE OF MONUMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION DENVER, CO– Rep. Dominique Jackson released the following statement after the passage of HB 21-1266. The bill re-passed in the House by a vote of 37-27. “Colorado leads the nation on many environmental efforts, but to continue our leadership role we need to get serious about meeting our climate goals and we must ensure that disproportionately impacted communities have a seat at the table,” said Representative Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “This bill gives communities that seat at the table and takes real, tangible steps to reduce carbon pollution. There can be no environmental justice in Colorado without significantly improving our air quality, and I’m so proud that we took this bold step forward.” Previous Next

Representative Bob Marshall yesterday attended the annual South Metro Water Symposium at the Parker Water Headquarters. < Back July 24, 2024 Marshall Attends South Metro Water Symposium PARKER, CO – Representative Bob Marshall yesterday attended the annual South Metro Water Symposium at the Parker Water Headquarters. This event gathered regional water authorities to discuss the past, future and present issues facing water supply in the South Metro area of Denver. “Yesterday's symposium was incredibly informative and offered great insight into Colorado’s water future, specifically in Douglas County and Southeast Arapahoe County,” said Rep. Bob Marshall. D-Highlands Ranch. “Securing sustainable water for Colorado and future generations requires us to be diligent, work together across the aisle and craft solutions that will allow us to maintain our lifestyles and livelihoods.” The event featured keynote speaker Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, a presentation from South Metro Water Supply Authority , Castle Rock Water , and the Platte Valley Water Partnership . Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2021 BILL TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS WITH HEALTH INSURANCE PASSES COMMITTEE Legislation would allow small businesses that are growing to retain their small group health plans after exceeding the 100 employee cap for these plans DENVER, CO– The House Health and Insurance Committee today unanimously passed SB21-090, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Edie Hooton, which would allow small businesses that exceed the 100 employee cap on small group plans to retain their health insurance plans. “Because of a glitch in our small business health insurance laws, some employers have to switch health insurance plans simply when they hire one more person,” said bill sponsor Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “We should be making it easier for employers to hire, and that’s what this bill would do by allowing businesses to stay on their health insurance plans when they hire a few more people when they would otherwise be forced to purchase a new plan.” Under SB21-090 , small businesses participating in small group insurance plans may renew these plans even if they exceed the 100 employee cap on small business plans. This would allow a growing small business to hire new employees without risking the health insurance of all their employees. Previous Next

< Back April 25, 2022 HOUSES PASSES BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY AT THE PUMP DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on gasoline by lowering vehicle registration costs and the anticipated statewide road usage fee. HB22-1351 invests one-time dollars to provide Coloradans relief now and keep transportation projects on pace. The bill passed 38-25, with all House Republicans voting against lowering vehicle registration fees. “In the last few months, gas prices have been driven up by national and global influences, so at a state level, we have a responsibility to adapt and do whatever we can to save Coloradans money at the pump,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “A lot has changed with global events, supply chain challenges and the war In Ukraine driving up the cost of gas. This bill will help Coloradans keep some money in their pockets when they register their cars and fill up their tanks all while keeping our state on track to fix our roads and create jobs.” “Coloradans are feeling the impacts of pandemic-induced inflation and supply chain challenges that are driving up the cost of gas, so we are providing immediate relief by lowering the cost of registering your vehicle and saving you money when you fill up at the pump,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill will provide relief to Coloradans when they need it most while keeping critical infrastructure projects on schedule.” HB22-1351 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Barbara McLachlan will save Coloradans money by lowering vehicle registration costs and the anticipated road usage fees, a two-cent per gallon gasoline fee slated to go into effect in July. This bill invests one-time recovery funds to save Coloradans nearly $80 million on transportation costs. Specifically, this bill will save Coloradans $45 million at the gas pump and nearly $34 million in vehicle registration costs. This bill considers the effects that global factors, including pandemic recovery and the war in Ukraine, have had on the rising cost of gasoline. An amendment adopted by the committee extends the break on road usage fees by an additional three months, allowing the next General Assembly to look at economic conditions at that point in time to determine if a further suspension is necessary. Previous Next

SB25-154 will expand opportunities to address Colorado’s teacher shortage < Back May 9, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Legislation to Expand Access to Educator Pathways DENVER, CO – Today, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, to address Colorado’s teacher shortage by expanding access to educator pathways was signed into law. “As a former school board member and district volunteer, I know that students and educators, especially in rural communities, are hurting as a result of a shortage of teachers,” said Kipp. “This law will give aspiring educators more opportunities to pursue a career in teaching, helping students and teachers alike succeed in Colorado schools.” “Colorado’s teacher shortage is affecting every district, and we’re working to reduce barriers to entering a career in education,” said Hamrick. “This new law will create more pathways for educators to pursue an endorsement in areas facing more severe shortages, such as special education and early childhood education. Everyone remembers their favorite teacher, and this law works to bring more passionate and dedicated teachers to our classrooms.” Also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, SB25-154 will amend and clarify assessment requirements for currently licensed educators to obtain endorsements in early childhood special education, elementary education, and special education. This law will also allow candidates to demonstrate their qualifications in multiple ways. Additionally, SB25-154 will permit currently licensed teachers to teach subjects that may face even steeper shortages, like special education, without extensive barriers. To expand opportunities for low-income students to pursue a career in education, the bill will also require state universities to offer certain courses at a community college tuition rate. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to preserve Colorado’s fresh water. < Back April 20, 2023 Water Conservation Legislation Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to preserve Colorado’s fresh water. HB23-1242 would require oil and gas operators to reduce, reuse and recycle water in their drilling operations. “Fresh water in Colorado is limited, and we’re working toward solutions that preserve this precious resource across our state,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins . “This legislation creates tools to increase the recycling and reuse of produced water in oil and gas operations. As we continue to combat the worst drought conditions of our lifetime, it’s vital for us to use every method at our disposal to preserve our water.” “Freshwater is precious, and we’re taking necessary steps to conserve it in Colorado,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “This legislation improves transparency and reporting in oil and gas operations that will help transition from using fresh water to recycled water. Clear actions outlined in this bill will save billions of gallons of water in Colorado and are essential to address these long term drought conditions that impact our day to day lives.” HB23-1242 directs the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) in the Department of Natural Resources to adopt rules requiring operators to reduce, reuse, and recycle water used in oil and gas operations, and ensures operators regularly report the volume and source of the water used to the COGCC. Colorado and the entire west are facing the worst drought conditions in 1,200 years . Last year, oil and gas operations used nearly 24 million gallons of freshwater per well. Requiring oil and gas operators to use recycled water in lieu of using fresh water will save billions of gallons of fresh water for farmers and Colorado communities. HB23-1242 also establishes new transparency and reporting requirements for all water used, recycled, and disposed of by oil and gas operators. This reporting will enhance the Commission's and public’s understanding of how water is managed and disposed of in oil and gas operations. The bill also creates the Colorado Produced Water Consortium in the Department of Natural Resources to make recommendations for the recycling and reuse of significant water in oil and gas operations in line with the COGCC’s mission. Previous Next

HB24-1175 gives local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale < Back May 30, 2024 New Law Will Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford HB24-1175 gives local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale BROOMFIELD, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to give local governments the right of first refusal to purchase existing subsidized housing and preserve Colorado’s limited affordable housing stock. “With rising rents pricing Coloradans out of their communities, local governments need additional tools to help them preserve existing affordable housing options that work for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Our new law will allow local governments to purchase and preserve affordable housing properties that were made possible by the investment of public dollars. With this legislation, we can maintain and expand affordable housing options in our communities and ease Colorado’s housing crisis.” “Whether it’s Broomfield or Berthoud, housing is a top concern for Coloradans,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield. “This year, we’re tackling Colorado’s housing crisis from all angles. By giving local governments an additional tool to preserve affordable housing stock, Coloradans will be better positioned to find housing options that fit their budget.” “Our law is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to combat housing instability and displacement,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We need a multi-faceted approach to address our affordable housing shortage, which is why we passed legislation to create new tools for local governments that keep existing affordable housing properties in the rental market.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis and we must do everything we can to help renters and homeowners,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “By giving local governments the chance to make the first offer and create new affordable housing stock, we can ensure more Coloradans – especially lower income families – have an affordable place they can call home.” Many affordable housing buildings are sold and converted to higher priced market-rate units once the affordability restrictions expire. The right of first refusal gives local governments the right to purchase an existing affordable multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with at least five units if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. Under HB24-1175 , owners would be required to notify local governments two years before affordability restrictions expire to allow time for governments to plan in case that property hits the market. For non-subsidized multifamily properties, the law gives local governments the right of first offer before the property is listed for sale. This applies to buildings more than 30 years old with 15 to 100 units. If interested, the local government must respond within seven days and may request additional information, with the seller having five days to comply and the local government another 14 days to make an offer. Accepted offers would lead to a 30-day negotiation period and a 60-day closing period. Previous Next