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Initiative 144 and 145 will reduce pet care in Colorado < Back Rep. McCormick: As a veterinarian and a lawmaker, please don’t let big businesses undermine Colorado pet care Jun 12, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Denver Post here . Initiative 144 and 145 will reduce pet care in Colorado Forty years ago I swore a lifelong oath when starting my career as a veterinarian. Part of that oath affirms that I will use my scientific knowledge and skill to benefit society through the protection of animal health and welfare. It is with that oath, and my lifetime of service to animals and people that I must now sound the alarm to all Coloradans. There are two ballot initiatives being circulated collecting signatures for the fall ballot. These initiatives are being driven by big corporate interests from outside of Colorado. They are Initiative 144 and 145 and are being misleadingly sold to voters as a way to “increase access to veterinary care.” The General Assembly worked very hard this spring in a bipartisan, collaborative way, to develop a robust approach to how best to utilize tele-technologies like video calls in veterinary care. That bill was signed into law by the governor earlier this year, and it passed the House of Representatives unanimously. It is widely supported by veterinarians, veterinary technicians, farmers and ranchers, shelters and humane societies and animal caretakers. The bill strengthens and clarifies that veterinary telemedicine should supplement and not replace in-person care. We absolutely should use telehealth more and this law will make sure it is done right to protect pets. Initiative 144 also has to do with Veterinary Telehealth, but is a danger to pets. 144 would dismantle that well-structured law the governor just signed and eliminate the need for a doctor to ever see your animal in person. The ballot question essentially eliminates the most important tools your veterinarian has to get to the bottom of what is going on — their hands, eyes, ears, and nose. 144 would not benefit people or their animals and would create real safety concerns. It would only help corporate entities focused on profits, allowing them to push medicine to animal owners via online platforms. Animals would be the ones suffering in this situation as they would not be getting accurate care. The second ballot initiative, 145, also funded by outside corporate interests, will allow creation of a new animal health position called a veterinary professional associate or VPA. TA VPA is not licensed to practice medicine, has not gone through an accredited veterinary education program, has not passed a national exam, will not have sufficient liability protections, would not be able to prescribe medicines due to federal law, and will be under-trained through primarily an online master’s program. These VPAs would then be allowed to actually practice veterinary medicine on your pets, including surgery, diagnose diseases, interpret lab test results and prescribe a treatment plan, all without a license. Corporate interests want VPAs to practice medicine without the consumer protection safeguards that exist for licensed veterinarians. If this sounds crazy to you then you can understand my grave concern for the animals of our state for whom we are responsible. Skilled veterinary technicians are already more qualified than this contemplated VPA. They have comprehensive training, take a national exam and are regulated by the state. We passed another strong bipartisan bill to elevate and extend the skills of veterinary technicians with House Bill 1047. There has been over $633,000 granted to Colorado State University by Petsmart Charities to develop a veterinary mid-level position master’s degree. This degree program is not looking to be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) who is responsible for accreditation of every single College of Veterinary Medicine in the country, including CSU’s, and for every school that graduates Veterinary technicians. In order for this master’s degree to work for Petsmart, who partners with Mars,Inc./ Banfield vet clinics, would need ballot initiative 145 to get on the ballot and pass. There has been over $255,000 contributed toward the effort to get these Initiatives on the ballot by the Issue Committee called ‘All Pets Deserve Care’ registered with the Secretary of State. This entity received its largest single donation of $250,000 from Denver Dumb Friends League. The details into DDFL’s financials to know where the $250,000 came from is not publicly available. Mars, Inc. who owns Banfield and VCA veterinary hospitals across the nation have funded studies in the past that have fed a narrative that the U.S. needs to create a new veterinary position in order to keep up with the demand for veterinary care. These studies have been disputed by many reputable veterinary economists since. But the narrative has taken off and is fueling this push to create a new veterinary worker who in reality won’t be prepared to help animals. We need more veterinarians and more veterinary technicians. Let’s focus on solving that problem. Karen McCormick is a state representative for House District 11. Previous Next

< Back Rep. Joseph: Rethink the Kids Online Safety Act to balance safety, freedom Aug 20, 2024 See more This story was originally published in Colorado Politics here . As our children and teenagers become increasingly intertwined with social media and online platforms, ensuring their safety has become a pressing issue. The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which recently passed the Senate and now awaits action in the House, reflects a unified concern for the well-being of our youth. This cross-party collaboration is a hopeful sign we are collectively invested in protecting our children and promoting their rights. However, as with any legislation, it is crucial to examine both its potential benefits and its possible downsides. KOSA aims to impose a "duty of care" on social media companies to regulate content deemed “harmful to minors.” At first glance, this seems like a prudent step toward safeguarding young users. Yet, the implementation of such regulations could have unintended consequences that might undermine the very protections the bill seeks to enforce. For marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and individuals seeking reproductive health information, online platforms are not just sources of social interaction but essential lifelines. Research shows more than 70% of LGBTQ+ individuals find online communities are pivotal in shaping their understanding of their identities. This digital connection is particularly crucial for transgender youth, who benefit from supportive online networks, contributing to lower rates of attempted suicide among those with access to these spaces. Similarly, the online realm has become a critical source of information and support for those seeking reproductive health care, especially in the wake of the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. Social media platforms provide vital resources and community support for navigating reproductive health, which can be overshadowed by harassment and legal challenges in other forums. However, KOSA's broad mandate to regulate content could lead to overzealous moderation by social media companies. Much like the SESTA/FOSTA legislation from the previous administration, there is a risk platforms may excessively censor content to avoid legal repercussions, potentially erasing valuable resources and support networks for marginalized communities. This overreach could silence crucial conversations and support systems, leaving these communities vulnerable. Moreover, there are concerns KOSA could be weaponized for political or ideological agendas. Some sponsors of the bill, like Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), and affiliated groups have expressed intentions to use KOSA to suppress specific types of content, such as information related to transgender issues. This opens the door for extremist figures, like certain state attorneys general, to exploit the legislation against those they target, further entrenching the suppression of constitutionally protected speech. In Colorado, we have made strides in safeguarding the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. However, many other states have moved in the opposite direction, highlighting the need for vigilance. The bipartisan nature of KOSA brings a glimmer of hope, reflecting a shared commitment across party lines to protect our children. It is a testament to our collective desire to ensure the safety and well-being of the next generation. As a legislator, this bipartisan effort reassures me there is a common goal to safeguard our youth, and I believe we can find a balanced approach. I urge policymakers to consider amendments to KOSA or explore alternative measures that effectively protect young users while preserving the essential freedoms and support systems that many rely on. By working together, we can ensure our online spaces remain both safe and inclusive for all. Colorado state Rep. Junie Joseph is a child welfare and family law attorney. Previous Next

The House today passed HB24B-1001, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, that will reduce property taxes while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, fire response, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. < Back August 28, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Responsibly Reduce Property Taxes and Protect Colorado’s Future Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed HB24B-1001, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, that will reduce property taxes while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, fire response, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. “We are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, and with this bill we’re delivering additional property tax relief in a responsible way while protecting funding for our schools, parks, libraries and community institutions,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Two initiatives from wealthy special interests on the November ballot would de-fund schools, lengthen emergency response times, and strip health care away from our most vulnerable Coloradans. Stopping these measures with small changes to the bipartisan property tax package from last session is a win for Colorado, our schools and local governments.” Democrats have stepped up to avoid steep property tax hikes and are leading a multi-year effort to deliver meaningful relief while protecting critical funding for schools and local services. In May, the General Assembly passed SB24-233 by a vote 92-8 to responsibly reduce statewide local taxes by more than $1 billion, prevent future spikes in property taxes, and protect critical services that Coloradans rely on. HB24B-1001 makes minor adjustments to SB24-233 in order to avoid devastating ballot measures from wealthy special interests. Irresponsible ballot measures would reduce revenue for public schools, fire departments, health care, libraries, water infrastructure, and public outdoor recreation by nearly $3 billion. If passed, they would risk the major strides Colorado Democrats have made to boost public education funding and eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor and would lead to draconian cuts to fire response and public safety. HB24B-1001 reduces property taxes in a responsible way while protecting funding for crucial institutions, especially Colorado’s K-12 public schools. Using SB24-233 as the baseline, the bipartisan bill reduces assessment rates and lowers the revenue caps, but includes significant new flexibility for schools districts and local governments by allowing them to retain revenue above the growth cap if in the prior assessment cycle, they did not reach the cap. The House also adopted an amendment to direct the Property Tax Commission to evaluate the property tax changes made in SB24-233 and HB24B-1001 and report on how Colorado’s tax code does or does not deliver relief to the people who need it the most. Residential Assessment Rates (RARs) Depending on the growth in assessed valuation (AV) between property tax years 2024 and 2025, there are two options for adjustments to RARs: *RARs and value exemptions apply to and stack with the Senior Homestead Exemption. Nonresidential and Personal Property Assessment Rates Nonresidential assessment rates and exemptions are for both schools and local governments. Oil, gas and producing mines remain excluded from this classification. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation in recent years to reduce the cost of housing, health care, and child care. In the 2024 legislative session, Colorado Democrats passed new laws that will provide two years of free college , reduce evictions , and boost the incomes of hardworking families with new tax credits. Previous Next

< Back February 12, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES HANSEN BILL TO HELP CONSUMERS & ENERGY COMMUNITIES Bill could help lower energy bills and ensure Colorado leads on climate action (Feb. 11) – The House Energy and Environment committee gave approval to Rep. Chris Hansen and Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo’s bill to help lower the cost of energy bills and transition toward renewable energy today. As a result of market forces, Colorado workers and communities are being negatively affected by the closure of aging power plants. “We have a moral imperative to act on climate and ensure our state transitions to renewable energy sources in a responsible manner. This bill will help lower energy costs for consumers, invest in low-cost renewable energy, and provide direct assistance to communities impacted by the retirement of a fading power plant,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. The Colorado Energy Impact Assistance Act would offer job training and financial support to communities impacted by the decommissioning of power plants. “Coloradans are currently on the hook for the outstanding debt on aging power plants. This legislation would allow the state to refinance that debt at a much lower interest rate by authorizing ratepayer-backed bonds. The bill will help hardworking families save money on their energy bills and ensure a soft landing for when an aging power plant inevitably shuts down because of market forces,” Rep. Hansen added. The bill would have no impact on the state budget. As utilities retire facilities, workers and communities where the plants are located can face economic challenges, and this bill creates a means of mitigating those challenges. HB19-1037 creates the opportunity for Colorado to take advantage of low-cost ratepayer-backed bonds. Bonds can be used if an electric-generating facility is being closed. From a portion of bond proceeds, the bill also creates and funds the Colorado Energy Impact Assistance Authority, which acts to mitigate impacts of plant closures on affected Colorado workers and communities. Twenty-one other states have laws in place allowing ratepayer-backed bonds to be used but this would be the first time in U.S. history that savings from the bonds would help workers and communities transition and cost tax-payers zero dollars in the process. HB19-1037 was approved by a vote of 7-4. The bill now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. < Back December 31, 2025 Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Continuation of Committee Video Streaming DENVER, CO – The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. “By greenlighting the video streaming of committee hearings, we’re opening up more opportunities for Coloradans to engage in the legislative process,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “A recent report found that the committee video streaming pilot project was accessed over 15,000 times between 35 committee hearings this interim. Coloradans are already using this option to tune in to our state government. I am excited the legislature has expanded video livestreaming and will continue to stream committee hearings in the 2026 legislative session and beyond.” Speaker McCluskie has repeatedly advocated for video streaming of legislative committee hearings and proposed the pilot program that began in June 2025. The pilot program ran from July 30 to November 5 in five committee rooms, including the Old State Library, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, House Committee Room 0112, Senate Committee Room 357 and Committee Room A in the Legislative Services Building. According to a report by the Legislative Council Staff, viewers accessed livestreamed video a total of 15,251 times, with nearly 60-percent of the views related to or occurring during August’s special session. Viewers accessed the live streams for the 10 committees of reference that met during the special session 4,500 times. The live stream was accessed more than 2,500 times for the July 30 Executive Committee, where state economists and departments presented on the impacts of HR. 1. The LCS report says the informal feedback has been “very positive” and that viewers “were especially happy to be able to see slide presentations live.” Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2019 REP. CARAVEO’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS SPOT CHILD ABUSE PASSES COMMITTEE (Feb. 27) – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton that creates a program to help coordinate a medical response to suspected child abuse passed in the House Public Health and Human Services committee today. “This has been an important bill to work on because as a pediatrician, I ran for office to improve the resources for the children I see everyday and this bill will do just that,” said Rep. Caraveo. “Our state has limited resources when it comes to evaluating a suspected case of child abuse and neglect. We need this program because every child that may have experienced physical or sexual abuse deserves access to high-quality medical care and treatment to ensure the best outcome.” HB19-1133 would create the Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Network (CARENetwork) within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This network would develop and maintain a standardized and coordinated medical response to a child suspected of abuse or neglect with a network of designated health care and behavioral health providers. In 2017, over 35,000 child welfare cases were referred for investigation in Colorado. Currently, there are only six board-certified specialists in the field of child abuse pediatrics in Colorado–five in Denver and one in Colorado Springs. This leaves the other 62 counties without providers willing or able to conduct medical exams for suspected physical and sexual abuse or neglect on children. HB19-1133 passed committee with a vote of 11-0. It now goes to the Appropriations committee. Previous Next

< Back Tisha Mauro Representative Tisha Mauro is the Vice-Chair for the Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee and a member of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee. Representative Mauro represents House District 46 which spans the majority of Pueblo County, including Avondale, Beulah, Colorado City and Rye. Rep. Mauro’s focus is on legislation that conserves and protects Colorado’s water, land and air. As a chile farmer herself, she’s an advocate for the workers, small business owners, farmers, and ranchers who keep local economies running. In the last three legislative sessions, Rep. Mauro has championed legislation to expand and improve EV charging stations across the state, increase railroad safety for railroad workers and local communities, prevent and respond to wildfires, and incentivize economic development and investment in Southern Colorado.

The House today passed legislation that would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved juveniles and their families. HB25-1294, sponsored by Representatives Jamie Jackson and Junie Joseph, passed by a vote of 41-23. < Back March 31, 2025 House Passes Bill to Eliminate Court Fees for Youth, Reduce Recidivism DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved juveniles and their families. HB25-1294, sponsored by Representatives Jamie Jackson and Junie Joseph, passed by a vote of 41-23. “People of color and low-income communities are disproportionately more likely to be involved in the justice system, and excessive fees make it increasingly difficult for them to break cycles of incarceration,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “Eliminating administrative fees helps make Colorado’s juvenile justice system more equitable so we can set up Colorado youth for success.” “This legislation helps reduce youth recidivism and financial burdens on Colorado families,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Our bill builds off a bipartisan law to eliminate certain court fees that can be debilitating for justice-involved youth and their families. This is one step we can take to create a more equitable justice system and make our communities safer for all.” The Colorado General Assembly passed a 2021 law to ban certain court fees and fines for juveniles who are in the juvenile justice system and their families. It also removed outstanding juvenile fee debt. The law is set to be repealed on June 30, 2025. HB25-1294 makes this law permanent to save Colorado youth and their families money on court fees. The bill would continue to eliminate fees, surcharges, and costs such as late penalty fees, prosecution costs and fees related to community service. Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES MCLACHLAN-ROBERTS BILL TO MAKE CLEAN WATER A PRIORITY (Feb. 4) — A bill sponsored by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango and Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon that looks to help prevent water pollution from future hardrock mining operations in Colorado passed the Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee today. “Mining is central to Colorado’s history and always has been. For a long time, it has shaped our economy, our water rights system, and our communities,” said Rep. Roberts. “However, our state’s clean water must be a high priority. This bill ensures that protecting our state’s precious water resources from high risks of pollution is a top priority for future hardrock mining permits.” Mining operations have polluted more than 1,600 miles of Colorado rivers and streams, and our state is one of just seven that allow “self-bonding,” which allows mines to operate with insufficient recoverable assets, leaving taxpayers vulnerable to potential cleanup costs. “When there are mining accidents, taxpayers foot the bill and also suffer the consequences of the damage to the environment,” said Rep. McLachlan, whose district was impacted by the 2015 Gold King Mine spill. “We can’t change the past, but we can certainly help to ensure it doesn’t happen again in the future.” HB19-1113 would ensure that when new mining permits are issued, sufficient bonds are in place to ensure cleanup and better protect public health and the environment. The bill would end self-bonding for hardrock mines in Colorado and would explicitly include water quality protection in the calculation for the amount of bonding required. It would also require mining license applicants to set an end date for the cleanup of their operation, so that they could no longer simply expect to do water treatment into perpetuity. Numerous small business owners, rafting outfitters, farmers, local elected officials and others from across western Colorado testified in support of the bill. The bill passed the committee 7-4 and now heads to House floor. Previous Next