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< Back April 27, 2021 COLORADO OPTION TO LOWER PREMIUMS, INCREASE ACCESS TO CARE Republicans refuse to support plan to reduce premiums by 18 percent and create new health insurance option for consumers DENVER, CO– The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed HB21-1232 , the Colorado Health Insurance Option by a vote of 8-5. Sponsors of the bill reached a deal yesterday on amendments that have brought various industry partners to a neutral position on the legislation. The bill would significantly lower premiums on the individual and small group markets and create a new option for consumers to save Coloradans money and increase access to health care. “Relief is on the way for Coloradans who are paying way too much for their health care,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “The agreement we reached with some of the largest parts of the health care industry does exactly what Coloradans need and what we set out to do–create a new health insurance option for consumers and save them money. We brought everyone to the table to put Coloradans first and deliver results. Small businesses and people across our state have told legislators time and time again that they need an affordable health care option, and soon they will have it.” “Race disparities in health outcomes are directly related to the fact that communities of color face higher uninsured rates and as a result have less access to the care they need,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Too many people in Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities go without essential health care or skip prescriptions because they can’t afford them, they don’t have insurance or their insurance doesn’t cover it. The time to act is now. This bill will give uninsured Coloradans and those suffering from unaffordable premiums a new, lower cost insurance plan that covers the care they need.” Before the pandemic, 20 percent of Coloradans struggled to afford the cost of health care or went without care because they couldn’t afford it. One in six Colorado counties has only one health insurance carrier on the individual market. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in the state’s health system and exacerbated existing inequities that have only made it harder for Coloradans to access affordable care. HB21-1232 will bring more affordable health insurance options to Coloradans in the individual and small group market. This proposal provides the health care industry an opportunity to work collaboratively to reduce their premiums, and allows them to innovate and figure out how to do that. Health insurance carriers would be required to bring premiums down by 18 percent over three years. The bill requires health insurance carriers to offer a standardized health plan, meaning Colorado consumers will have a new insurance option that covers the services they need at a lower cost. The standardized plan must address historical health inequities, and it will lower out-of-pocket costs for consumers. The plan would be offered in both the small group and individual markets, increasing access and affordability for small businesses who choose to offer a health benefit. The proposal ensures industry participation and accountability by creating Colorado’s first Insurance Consumer Ombudsman and public hearing process to ensure affordability and access targets are met. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English into law to prevent physical violence in a child care or public school setting. < Back April 20, 2023 Signed! English Bill to Improve Safety and Well-Being of Colorado Kids DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English into law to prevent physical violence in a child care or public school setting. “It’s a surprise to many that Colorado law does not already protect children from being physically disciplined by educators or school personnel,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs . “Corporal punishment can negatively impact physical and mental health, lead to poor educational outcomes, and cause an increase in violence and trauma in our children. Governor Polis signed my bill into law, so parents can have peace of mind that the safety and mental health of their children in schools are at the forefront of our mission in Colorado and that children will not be subjected to corporal punishment, but a high-quality education they deserve.” HB23-1191 would prohibit an employee or volunteer in a public school, state-licensed child care center, family child care home, or a specialized group facility from using corporal punishment on a child under their care. With this bill, corporal punishment would include willfully causing the infliction of physical pain on a child. The bill passed the House by a vote of 48-16. Previous Next

Two bipartisan bills to manage and mitigate impacts of gray wolf reintroduction pass committee < Back April 25, 2023 McCluskie, Lukens Bipartisan Wolf Mitigation Bills Pass in House Committee Two bipartisan bills to manage and mitigate impacts of gray wolf reintroduction pass committee DENVER, CO - The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed two bipartisan bills sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Meghan Lukens to mitigate the impacts of Wolf reintroduction and support Western Slope ranchers. “Voters approved Proposition 114 with the commitment to compensate livestock owners who lose livestock or working animals to wolves,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB23-255. “This bipartisan bill will help us fulfill that promise to compensate ranchers and farmers who suffer damages from gray wolf reintroduction. I’m working hard to pass this bill because our communities are looking to state lawmakers to ensure the reintroduction of wolves succeeds in meeting the will of voters, but does not hurt our local economies or damage livestock or working animals.” SB23-255 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, passed by a vote of 12 to 1. It would ensure Colorado Parks and Wildlife has adequate resources to mitigate wolf conflict and fairly compensate livestock owners for their losses. Under the bill, the “Wolf Compensation Fund” would be created within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to compensate livestock owners who suffer the loss or injury of their animals from wolf predation. The bill strengthens a core commitment of Proposition 114 by ensuring money is available for livestock owners to be compensated for any losses. “Our bill is part of a bipartisan Western Slope effort to respond to the reintroduction of gray wolves and the impacts of this policy on our communities,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of SB2-256 . “This bill gives us options for how we manage the reintroduction of wolves, specifically the 10(j) rule of the Endangered Species Act, to prevent harmful outcomes for ranchers and the Western Slope way of life. I’m proud to bring this legislation to help provide solutions for our rural communities.” SB23-256 is a bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, that would ensure that prior to the reintroduction of wolves, a 10J Rule has been granted to Colorado from the U.S. Department of Interior. When the gray wolf was listed as an endangered species in February 2022, proper management tools for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Colorado livestock owners were restricted. A 10J Rule would allow the state to manage wolves in cooperation with the USFWS as an “experimental population” with more flexibility than typically afforded to listed species. It would permit ranchers and property owners to utilize lethal action as a method of last resort if their livestock or working animals are in immediate danger. CPW is already in the process of requesting a 10J Rule from the federal government with hopes of its approval by December 2023. This bill works to ensure there are proper tools and resources available to manage gray wolves before their reintroduction. SB23-256 passed by a vote of 11 to 2. SB23-255 and SB23-256 are accompanied by HB23-1265 in a bipartisan package of bills to reduce the negative impacts of wolf interaction for farms, ranches, and communities. Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE COLORADANS EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF SB22-233 will provide relief to more than 3 million Coloradans DENVER, CO – Democrats in the legislature yesterday introduced legislation to provide working Coloradans with expedited tax refunds. Under the proposed Colorado Cashback plan, individual tax filers will receive a flat amount of $400, and joint filers will receive $800, pushing refunds up to provide relief to Coloradans as soon as possible. SB22-233 , sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Representative Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, speeds up the timeline for refund checks to help families afford basic necessities like gas and groceries. All full-time residents of Colorado who filed their 2021 income tax returns by May 31st, 2022 will receive a check under the bill as currently drafted. “Coloradans are feeling the pain of inflation, and they need our help,” Hinrichsen said . “That’s why we’re taking action to provide immediate support to families and individuals in the form of direct relief to taxpayers. This relief will put money directly back into Coloradans’ wallets, making it easier for folks to afford everyday necessities like rent and groceries and helping families make ends meet during this challenging time. ” “With Coloradans facing rising costs from pandemic-induced inflation, supply chain challenges and global unrest, pushing for earlier refund checks will provide relief to Coloradans who are hurting now,” said Exum . “We’re accelerating the timeline so Coloradans can receive their $400 or $800 refund checks when they need it the most, putting money back into people’s pockets to help families pay for rent, groceries and other essentials.” “We’ve worked hard this session to save working Colorado families money, and this legislation will do even more to ease the pain we’re all feeling due to rising inflation,” Rodriguez said . “As we continue building back from the pandemic, this relief will help ease the financial burden folks across our state are struggling with when they need it most.” “With everyday essentials costing more, we’re providing Coloradans with financial relief now,” said Daugherty. “Colorado taxpayers will get $400 refund checks this September, which will add some much needed breathing room to their budgets. We know Coloradans are feeling the pinch at the pump and the grocery store, so we’re fast tracking refunds to put money back in people’s pockets as soon as possible.” Colorado Democrats’ state stimulus plan, fair tax reform, and responsible governance combined has led to a robust economic recovery and a record state surplus that is being returned to taxpayers via this tax rebate, in addition to existing refund mechanisms including the senior homestead exemption and a temporary reduction in the rate of the income tax. The expedited tax relief provided by SB22-233 will add to the savings from the comprehensive tax reform legislation and property tax relief passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Polis last year that is already putting money back into Coloradans’ pockets. By repealing tax loopholes for large corporations and millionaires and reducing property tax assessment rates, Democrats have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in economic assistance and tax relief for hard working Coloradans, seniors, and small businesses. Previous Next

The House today on a preliminary vote advanced legislation to prevent and mitigate natural gas pipeline leaks and keep Coloradans safe. < Back March 12, 2025 House Advances Pipeline Leak Detection Bill DENVER, CO – The House today on a preliminary vote advanced legislation to prevent and mitigate natural gas pipeline leaks and keep Coloradans safe. “We need to do more to keep our communities and environment safe from dangerous pipeline leaks,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “The Pipeline Safety Program must work as intended, demonstrating that public safety is the highest priority. This includes standardizing the rules and regulations for the use of advanced leak detection technology, which when deployed is effective and efficient in detecting and locating leaks throughout the pipeline system across Colorado. Keeping communities safe from pipeline leaks is a top priority for me. This legislation mandates required rulemaking in statute since 2021 will be completed before the end of this year.” “Damaged, leaking pipelines pose a risk to public health and can pollute our environment," said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. “This bill ensures Colorado has robust pipeline safety standards so that leaks are quickly detected and fixed. Improving pipeline safety is the right move for our communities, and this bill requires the state to adopt important rules on pipeline leak detection.” HB25-1280 would require the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to adopt rules on natural gas pipeline advanced leak detection by November 1, 2025. This bill builds off of previous legislation ( SB21-108 ) which required the Pipeline Safety Program to address various gas pipeline safety-related issues, including the use of advanced leak detection technology. The goal of HB25-1280 is to ensure the PUC adopts rules regarding the use of advanced leak detection technology to keep communities safe and protect the environment. Previous Next

< Back March 1, 2019 COMMITTEE CLEARS MICHAELSON JENET YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION AND SUICIDE PREVENTION BILL Suicide is the leading cause of death in Colorado for young people between the ages of 10 & 24 (Mar. 1) — A bill sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet to help address youth suicide was approved by the House Public Health Care & Human Services Committee. “We are not going to stop youth suicide with one bill or idea – it’s going to take many bills to stop youth suicide here in Colorado. We need to create a foundation to build upon and this bill does that,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “An epidemic is unfolding before our eyes and studies tell us that suicide continues to increase, but we are failing to adequately invest in solutions. This bill will get our young people the professional help they need and save lives.” Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s son survived a suicide attempt at age 9. The potentially life-saving bill will reduce the age at which a young person can seek confidential psychotherapy services from a licensed mental health professional without the consent of his or her parent or guardian, from 15 to 12. The bill also requires the department of education, in consultation with the Office of Suicide Prevention, the Youth Advisory Council, and the Suicide Prevention Commission, to create and maintain a mental health education literacy resource bank. The resource bank is available to the public free of charge. HB19-1120 passed on a vote of 7-4 and now goes to the Appropriations Committee. Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, is a co-prime sponsor of the bill. Help is available. If you are struggling, please text TALK to 38255 or call 844-493-8255 Previous Next

Trump tariffs and budget bill lead to higher costs, inflation and economic turbulence < Back June 18, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Trump Policies Increase Economic and Consumer Uncertainty DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the June quarterly economic forecasts. “This forecast paints a picture of uncertainty, even as Colorado’s economy remains strong,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “In Colorado, teacher pay is on the rise and inflation is still below the national average. I am deeply concerned that Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration are pursuing policies like tariffs and Medicaid cuts that will increase costs on families, hurt consumers and small businesses, and raise prices for everyone on everything from food and basic necessities to health care.” “The chaos and uncertainty caused by Washington looms large over today’s economic forecast,” said JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “From unpredictable tariffs raising prices to the decimation of the federal workforce, these actions are elevating our risk of recession and they threaten to have a disastrous impact on Colorado’s economy. Despite this uncertainty, the forecast also shows the resilience of Colorado businesses and workers who continue to show up and move our economy forward. We’re no stranger to tough budgets. We will continue to make thoughtful and strategic decisions to minimize harm while investing in Colorado's future.” “This forecast shows that policies coming from Washington Republicans are harming consumers, increasing costs, and hurting our economy,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “In a tight budget year, we protected the key services and programs Coloradans and their families rely on, but Colorado can simply not absorb the proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. The economic forecasts, which have some good news when it comes to housing costs and Colorado's new tax credits for working families, also show that what’s happening in Washington will have a direct impact on our economy, our budget, and the safety net services Coloradans rely on.” “Today’s forecast shows that Colorado has tough budget decisions ahead, made worse by a federal administration whose erratic economic policies continue to do real harm to our country and state,” said JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “With no regard to the damage that they’ve already caused, Congressional Republicans continue to push the budget reconciliation bill forward to make devastating funding cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs and further throw the economy into chaos. Despite these challenges, we remain focused on bringing down costs for Colorado families and providing high-quality health care and education, and we will be ready to navigate the impacts of damaging federal policies to the best of our ability.” Despite economic uncertainty caused by federal policy changes, Colorado’s economy remains strong. Until the recent tariffs, inflation had been slowing nationally, and Colorado’s inflation is still lower than the national average. This is largely driven by slower rent increases. New tariff policies on imported goods from Canada, Mexico, China, and other major trading partners have caused business volatility and will likely raise prices, including tariffs on Canadian oil that will increase gas prices. Tariff policies are also hurting consumer confidence. In May, consumer inflation expectations were the highest they have been in 44 years. The trade war is also negatively impacting one of Colorado’s top exports, beef. Federal policies may slow job growth and lift unemployment rates. Mass federal layoffs are having ripple effects through Colorado’s leisure, hospitality and tourism industries and are increasing unemployment rates. The OSPB forecast estimates that two new tax credits – the Earned Income Tax Credit and Family Affordability Tax Credit – will be fully implemented in the 2025 tax year, meaning low-and-middle income families will be able to keep more of their money. Nearly all of the downside risks to the LCS forecast are due to policy decisions in Washington, which have caused slower hiring and caution among consumers and businesses. According to LCS, “Consumers and businesses are struggling to navigate the impact of current and potential federal policy shifts on prices, investment, markets, and monetary policy. Further strain on international relationships, backlash from international travelers, students, and other consumers, and retaliatory trade policy present additional downside risks. Along with trade policy, the Trump administration has made rapid changes regarding federal employment, contracts, and spending, indicating willingness to unwind various industry supports previously in place. In addition, proposed tax legislation currently making its way through Congress has raised bond market concerns about U.S. debt levels, placing upward pressure on interest rates and contributing to financial market turmoil. Consumers remain sensitive to price levels and sentiment has recently plummeted, signaling elevated uncertainty for the future.” With lower-than-expected General Fund revenue, Colorado is at risk of falling below the Referendum C cap (TABOR cap). The LCS forecast estimates that the highest risk is in FY 2025-26 where revenue above the cap is only 0.4 percent above the cap. Under the LCS forecast, revenues above the TABOR cap are expected to be $142.2 million in FY 2024-2025, $83.3 million in FY 2025-2026 and $535.5 million in FY 2026-2027. Under the OSPB forecast, revenues above the TABOR cap are expected to be $224 million in FY 2024-2025, $289 million in FY 2025-2026 and $536.4 million in FY 2026-2027. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.57 billion in FY 2025-2026, adding to an opening balance of $2.35 billion in reserves, for a 3.2 percent reduction in total funds available from 2024-2025. They forecast revenue growing by 4.0 percent to $18.27 billion in FY in 2026-2027. As costs and caseloads increase faster than the TABOR cap, LCS estimates the state will face a budget shortfall of $698 million in FY 2026-27. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.1 billion for FY 2024-2025 and $17.8 billion for FY 2025-2026 – a $114 million decrease for FY 2024-2025 and a $178 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the March revenue forecast. Previous Next

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

< Back October 14, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Foster New Careers in Wildfire Mitigation, Reform Judiciary to be Introduced Next Session DENVER, CO – The Legislative Council of the Colorado General Assembly today approved several interim committee bills to be introduced in the upcoming 2023 legislative session, including bills to create new career pathways for fire mitigation work and reform the state’s judicial discipline process. “We’ve passed a number of new laws to significantly expand wildfire mitigation, prevention and response efforts in Colorado, and I’m excited for this work to continue next session,” said Wildfire Matters Review Committee Member Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County “The bill approved today will boost our wildfire mitigation workforce and make it easier for Coloradans who want to work in wildfire mitigation to build their careers and enter this critical field. Advancing this legislation will also help employers find the workers they need and increase the availability of wildfire mitigation options for homeowners.” “Wildfires are now a part of Colorado's challenges. We need to be as prepared as possible when an emergency strikes, which is why we made a historic investment in wildfire mitigation this year to better equip our communities to handle future disasters," said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County . “Now, with this legislation, we will be able to create a robust wildfire mitigation workforce to help protect Colorado communities from the growing threat of wildfires." The committee unanimously approved Bill A from the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, which will foster internships and other career opportunities for workers who want to enter the wildfire mitigation field. The bill will be sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will as well as Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis. It directs the state forest service to develop educational materials for students, authorizes the expansion and creation of forestry programs at Colorado community colleges, and directs the state board for community colleges to recruit wildland fire prevention and mitigation educators for the new forestry programs. Last session, Colorado Democrats passed several new laws to fund wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts including HB22-1011 which created a $10 million matching grant program to help local governments develop and fund sustainable forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts. Democrats also created a new income tax credit for wildfire mitigation, improved wildfire insurance coverage , provided $35 million to help communities recover and rebuild following disaster emergencies, and invested $15 million to prevent and better prepare for wildfires. The Legislative Council also unanimously approved Bills A and B from the Legislative Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline. Both bills will be sponsored by Representaitves Mike Weissman and Mike Lynch as well as Senators Julie Gonzales and Bob Gardner. Bill A is a concurrent resolution that refers a constitutional amendment to voters that would create an independent judicial discipline adjudicative board. It also sets standards for judicial review of a discipline case. It would vastly increase transparency by allowing judicial discipline matters to be made public once formal proceedings commence against a judge or justice, and the new independent adjudicative board would act as a “court” for formal judicial discipline proceedings and determine appropriate sanctions. It also creates a clear, alternative appellate process for instances in which Supreme Court justices are implicated in disciplinary proceedings. Bill B would put these new changes into effect and enhance reporting by the Commission on Judicial Discipline to the legislature and the public. It would allow confidential and anonymous judicial discipline complaints and require the commission to update complainants throughout the process. These provisions will increase the information available to the public about judicial discipline matters. “Coloradans should be able to trust that our judges are being held to the highest ethical standards and that the judicial discipline process is effective, transparent and responsive to complaints,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, chair of the House Judiciary Committee and Chair of the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline. “This Constitutional Amendment will create a new, transparent and accountable process to ensure that complaints against judges in Colorado are investigated and adjudicated through processes free from undue influence by the judicial branch of government in which they work.” "Public confidence in our judicial system is foundational to a functioning democracy and to safe communities, and for our system to work Colorado judges must be held to the highest standards of accountability," said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. "The courts belong to all of us, and these measures will improve integrity and bolster confidence that judges will act with the public good and the rule of law as their highest goals, and help ensure our judicial system remains honest, fair, ethical, and just." Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2020 REP. MCLACHLAN’S COLLEGE CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE BILL PASSES Bipartisan legislation would allow college students to obtain academic credit for work experience DENVER, CO — The House today passed Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to make it easier to obtain academic credit for work-related experiences across all state institutions. The vote was 62-3. “As we take the necessary steps to get our state back to work responsibly, it is critical that we do everything we can to make it easier for Colorado’s students to compete in a 21st century economy,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango). “As a former teacher, I know that some of the most important education a student can receive happens outside of the classroom. This bill would allow students who have had formative educational experiences in the workplace to get the academic credits they need to complete their degrees in a more affordable and expedited way.” HB20-1002, which advanced from the Making Higher Education Attainable Interim Committee, and was approved by the House Education Committee earlier this year, would require the Commission on Higher Education to create a model to award academic credit for work-related experiences. The credits would be acceptable and transferable across all state institutions, improving access and affordability for non-traditional students. The bill also includes a provision that will require state institutions to develop a mechanism through which students can test out of any undergraduate class through an individual assessment or other testing means. Previous Next

< Back December 31, 2021 BOULDER DELEGATION STATEMENT ON FIRES IN BOULDER COUNTY DENVER, CO — Representatives Matt Gray, D-Broomfield; Judy Amabile, D-Boulder; Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville; Edie Hooton, D-Boulder; and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, tonight released the following statement on the fires in Boulder County: “We are devastated to see the destruction from the fires in Boulder County, and we are heartbroken over the losses so many of our neighbors are experiencing tonight. We are truly grateful for the first responders bravely working to save homes and communities, and our prayers are with them and everyone trying to evacuate tonight. Please be safe, listen to instructions from Boulder OEM, and keep first responders and everyone in the path of these fires in your thoughts tonight.” Previous Next

< Back July 2, 2021 LANDMARK ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION SIGNED DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed HB21-1266, Representatives Dominique Jackson and Mike Weissman’s bill to promote environmental justice in Colorado and help our state meet our emissions reduction goals. “Environmental Justice means making sure that our solutions to tackling climate change acknowledge and address the systemic disparities of years of pollution and the impacts of climate change,” said Representative Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “This new law takes concrete steps to help us improve air quality and meet our emissions reductions goals while giving disproportionately impacted communities a seat at the table where these decisions are being made. With these new steps, Colorado will set an example for the nation on how best to address pollution and climate change in a holistic and just way.” “Today marks an important step toward guaranteeing true environmental justice in Colorado,” said Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Communities of color, low income Coloradans and other groups uniquely affected by pollution and the effects of climate change deserve to have their voices heard and their needs met as we work toward cleaner air and a greener state. I’m enormously proud of and grateful for the tireless advocacy and hard work that was required to make this new law a reality.” HB21-1266 supports communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution by creating the Environmental Justice Advisory Board and Ombudsperson within the Department of Public Health and Environment. The law eliminates the “polluter pay loophole” that exempts greenhouse gas emissions from pollution fees, and directs the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to update permitting requirements for sources that affect disproportionately impacted communities, and requires electric utilities to file clean energy plans with the Public Utilities Commission. Utilities with significant emissions are required to reduce emissions at least 80% by 2030, the oil and gas sector is required to reduce emissions by 36% by 2025 and 60% by 2030 and the industrial and manufacturing sectors are required to reduce emissions by at least 20% by 2030. The law also codifies outreach best practices to impacted communities and requires the development of a comprehensive, statewide environmental justice plan. Previous Next