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< Back May 21, 2021 BILL TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN TEACHERS PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Julie McCluskie to create critical new teacher training, recruitment, and retention programs. The bill passed 7-1. “Teachers are used to doing two things at once, and that’s what we’re doing here in Denver as we work to help students get back on track while also addressing one of the most significant long-term challenges in education: our educator shortage,” s aid House Education Chair Rep. Barabara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill helps Colorado build back stronger from the pandemic by investing in two new initiatives that will train and recruit more teachers, create teaching jobs, and prepare Colorado schools for the future. Importantly, it will also provide mental health support to educators, which will help districts retain more teachers.” “Schools across Colorado are struggling to find teachers to hire and to retain the teaching force they already have,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The programs we’re creating will encourage new teachers into the profession, pay for critical training and certification programs, and make it easier for high-school students and graduates to earn postsecondary credentials to become educators. We have a lot of hard work ahead to bring more people into the teaching profession, but this bill is a big step forward to address Colorado’s teacher shortage.” SB21-185 would reduce the teacher shortage in Colorado by helping districts retain and recruit new teachers. The bill directs the department of education to publicize teacher preparation programs and facilitate entry into the teaching profession. Specifically, the bill creates the Educator Recruitment and Retention (ERR) program in CDE to provide support to local education providers to recruit, select, train, and retain highly qualified educators across the state. Eligible ERR participants may receive up to $10,000 for the tuition cost of participating in an educator preparation program. Furthermore, the bill allows a public or charter school to hire a teacher who holds an adjunct instructor authorization to teach in all content areas. The bill restores two grant programs that were cut last year due to the pandemic: the Quality Teacher Recruitment Program and the Educator Loan Forgiveness Program. In addition, the bill creates the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation program (TREP), which would aim to increase the number of students entering the teaching profession and create a more diverse educator workforce to reflect the diversity of the state. A TREP participant may concurrently enroll in postsecondary courses in the two year directly following the year in which the participant was enrolled in grade 12. Finally, the bill charges the University of Colorado with establishing and operating an educator well-being mental health program to provide support services for educators. Previous Next

< Back May 30, 2019 ONE STEP CLOSER TOWARD ENSURING PAID FAMILY LEAVE: GOV SIGNS FAMLI BILL INTO LAW (May 30) – Today, Gov. Polis signed Rep. Matt Gray and Rep. Monica Duran’s bill, SB19-188 Family Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI), that will ensure a seamless implementation of the best possible FAMLI policy for Coloradans. “There is consensus across all political spectrums that paid leave should be a reality,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Denver. “This new law is the biggest next step we can take and look forward to taking bigger ones in the future that will help make life better for the majority of workers in our state who don’t have access to paid leave.” “After I escaped domestic violence to keep my son safe, I lost a job and a home. I made a promise to myself that if I was ever in position to make a difference and be a voice for others, I would,” said Rep. Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This law will help offer safe leave. Whether you’re a server, a nurse, a fast food worker, or a lawyer, you should have access to paid leave. The plan creates an outline and execution schedule that lays the groundwork for the implementation of a strong, robust paid family leave policy for Colorado workers and businesses by 2024. Over 90 percent of Coloradans don’t have access to leave to care for a sick loved-one or a newborn. The implementation plan is comprised of a number of analyses that will ensure the program is administered efficiently, effectively, and fiscally responsible, including: A family and medical leave implementation task force, which will be appointed by July 1, 2019 . A report prepared for the taskforce with results from a third-party study and recommendations from experts in the field by October 1, 2019 . An independent actuarial analysis completed by December 1, 2019 . The implementation plan also requires an analysis of the feasibility of contracting with a third party to administer parts of the program as an alternative to administration by the state. The plan does not change the timeline for when Coloradans can start receiving benefits from the program. These analyses will assist in the preparation of legislation in the 2020 legislative session establishing paid family leave in Colorado. Following the establishment of the program, education and outreach will begin on January 1, 2022, the funding stream will be established on January 1, 2023 and benefits will be provided beginning on January 1, 2024. The bill does require that the General Assembly grant permission for implementation of the program by legislation. Eighty eight percent of Coloradans do not have access to paid family leave, and even unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act is inaccessible for 64 percent of working people. That means most Coloradans do not have time off to recover from a serious illness, to care for a sick family member or to welcome the birth of a child. They are often forced to choose between their jobs or taking care of sick loved one. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Junie Joseph that would require more inclusive reporting in the child welfare system. < Back May 6, 2024 House Passes Bill to Support Colorado Kids DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Junie Joseph that would require more inclusive reporting in the child welfare system. “We all want to ensure the health and wellness of Colorado children and youth, but we also must acknowledge how cultural differences and biases influence decisions made in the child welfare system,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The goal of this legislation is to help dismantle tropes associated with racial and cultural minorities within our child welfare system to increase positive outcomes for families and decrease bias. This is an important step in keeping families and kids safe and together while also breaking down impacts from racial differences.” “Our child welfare system is important in protecting Colorado youth and their families, but the lack of DEI training has had long-lasting impacts on families,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “By increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion training into our welfare system, we can ensure that cultural differences are taken into account so we can respond to family disruptions in an inclusive and effective way. This bill will help us create a child welfare system that works for all.” SB24-200 , which passed by a vote of 44-18 , would address equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) disparities in Colorado's child welfare system by requiring the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to make updates to reporting and training. Under the bill, CDHS would work with counties to update their annual reporting on EDI to: utilize state and national child welfare data, identify additional demographic data not currently collected, make recommendations based on data collection, and report on the state’s progress around data collection. Additionally, CDHS would be required to improve staff training on EDI, provide training recommendations for county staff, and evaluate local counties EDI policies and trainings in child welfare. Previous Next

New funds would go to crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services < Back April 21, 2024 Bill to Bolster Crime Victim Support, Behavioral Health Programs Passes House New funds would go to crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich to refer a measure to the ballot that would fund the Colorado Crime Victims Services, School Security Disbursement Program, and behavioral health crisis response system services by creating an excise tax on the firearm industry. HB24-1349 passed by a vote of 44-18. “When I was a young single mother, victim support services played a significant role in helping me navigate the judicial system so I could safely escape my abuser,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “With funding for victim services significantly reducing in the coming years, Colorado victims will lose access to essential resources that will help keep them safe and healthy. Our legislation would allow Colorado voters to decide if we should create an excise tax on firearms so we can continue to fund victim services. I would not be where I am today without these services, and by creating this excise tax, we can ensure that other survivors will have the resources they need to put their lives back together.” “Survivors of domestic abuse face the challenges of navigating the legal system to seek justice, beginning the healing process, and obtaining safe housing and financial security,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Unfortunately the safety net services for survivors are desperately underfunded and facing drastic cuts in federal funding. Firearms play a significant role in these crimes. So we’re giving Colorado voters to create a small tax on firearm purchases that will boost funding for life-saving victim services.” If approved by voters in the November 2024 election, HB24-1349 would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors beginning April 1, 2025. As amended, this bill would generate approximately $54 million annually. If approved by Colorado voters, the funds would be allocated in the following manner: $35 million to the Colorado Crime Victims Services fund for crime victim services grants, $10 million to the School Security Disbursement Program cash fund for grant programs like School Access for Emergency Response Grant Program, School Security Disbursement Grant Program and Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program, $5 million to the Behavioral Health Administration to provide crisis resolution services to youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis, $5 million for mental health services for veterans, and Any remaining funds to the Crime Victim Services fund for additional grants to support crime victims and survivors. Small businesses with less than $20,000 in annual retail sales and retail sales to peace officers, law enforcement agencies, and active duty military members are exempt from this bill. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee yesterday passed two bills. HB25-1159 would support children and SB25-010 would modernize health care communications.  < Back February 12, 2025 Committee Passes Bills to Support Children, Modernize Health Care Communications DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee yesterday passed two bills. HB25-1159 would support children and SB25-010 would modernize health care communications. “There is a need to update Colorado’s child support guidelines to better align them with the economic realities of raising a child in 2025,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB25-1159. “Based on recommendations by the Colorado Child Support Commission, our bill modernizes some of the requirements for child support, including monthly income eligibility. Our goal is to ensure Colorado’s child support formulas are equitable, fair and meet the needs of children in our state.” “No child should go hungry or lack the support they need just because their family situation has changed,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB25-1159 . “I’ve met parents doing everything they can to provide for their kids, but the outdated child support guidelines make it harder for them to make ends meet. This bill updates income eligibility and simplifies the process, ensuring that children have the stability and resources they need to grow and succeed—no matter what challenges their families face. We’re making sure Colorado’s child support system is fairer, more effective, and truly centered on the well-being of our kids.” HB25-1159 , passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This bill ai ms to update and clarify Colorado's child support guidelines. HB25-1159 implements recommendations by the Colorado Child Support Commission , specifically to the monthly income eligibility and medical needs of children. Under the bill, new guidelines would be set to adjust the amount of child support divorced or separated parents are required to pay based on their income. The bill would also define certain medical determinations and guidelines for children with ongoing medical needs. Some examples include physical therapy, behavioral health treatment or orthodontics. The goal of the bill is to update the child support guidelines to reflect today’s economic realities and ensure children receive the financial support they need. “Many consumers prefer electronic communications from banks and utility companies, why not make it more widespread for health insurance communications,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB25-010. “This bill provides Coloradans with real-time health insurance information online while keeping their sensitive data safe and protected. This bill would cut down on health care administrative costs, reduce waste and improve access for consumers.” SB25-010 passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would allow consumers to opt in to receive and respond to electronic communications from health insurance providers. Additionally, the bill would allow employers providing insurance coverage to opt their employees in to receive electronic communications, in which case employees would be given an opportunity to opt out. Under the bill, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals that do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 PERA REPAYMENT PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bipartisan bill to fulfill the state’s obligation to the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA). HB22-1029, sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Shane Sandridge, passed the House by a vote of 58 to 7 and would make up for the suspended 2020 $225 million payment toward PERA. “When the pandemic hit, significant budget cuts forced the state to skip a PERA payment and we owe it to our public employees to repay the debt,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “Colorado teachers, state troopers and public workers pay their fair share into PERA and our bipartisan bill ensures the state makes good on its obligation to continue paying down PERA’s unfunded liability. This bill safeguards the future of PERA, protects retirement benefits for thousands of dedicated public employees and preserves our state credit rating.” PERA Repayment : HB22-1029 , would ensure the State of Colorado fulfills its obligation to annually contribute to PERA until the unfunded liability is eliminated. The legislature suspended its annual payment of $225 million to PERA following the significant drop in projected state revenue as a result of the pandemic induced recession. The economy has since rebounded and this bill would make up for the suspended payment. Under this amended bill, the State of Colorado will contribute $380 million, $225 million will go towards the 2020 payment obligation and $155 million will go towards future payments. As part of comprehensive pension reforms from SB18-200, the State of Colorado made an one time payment of $225 to PERA in July 2021 and is on track to make another one time payment in just a few months. This bill would restore the skipped payment to PERA in 2020 and maintain the state’s investment obligations. PERA provides retirement and additional benefits to more 600,000 public employees including state government employees, state troopers, and public school teachers, in Colorado. Colorado’s continued investment toward paying down PERA’s unfunded liability is critical to maintaining a healthy credit rating which determines the cost of borrowing across all state agencies. Previous Next

Representative Tammy Story today highlighted the success of the Capital Development Committee (CDC) as it begins charting state investments for the new fiscal year. < Back July 16, 2024 Rep. Story Highlights Capital Development Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representative Tammy Story today highlighted the success of the Capital Development Committee (CDC) as it begins charting state investments for the new fiscal year. This joint legislative committee reviews funding requests for capital projects from all state agencies. Vice Chair Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer: “From higher education and youth services within the Department of Corrections to behavioral health facilities and state parks, the Capital Development Committee works to effectively support the capital construction needs of the state so services are delivered more effectively to communities. As a member of this committee since 2019, I know that when we support our neighbors, invest in education and prioritize accessible health care and behavioral health — Coloradans thrive. “On the higher education front, this committee has championed support for Colorado's public universities and colleges in all areas of the state: in the Four Corners area, the San Luis Valley, the Front Range, the western slope and the eastern plains, and everywhere in between. In recent years , the CDC has also invested in various improvements to better serve our at-risk, highest-need youth at the Mount View and Lookout Mountain youth services centers. “Our meeting today allowed us to tour current projects underway in the Capitol complex. Next month, we will tour the southwest quadrant to dive deeper and work towards an effective plan that will form the basis of our recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee.” Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2021 JUDICIARY SETS LIMITS ON USE OF KETAMINE DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today approved Representatives Leslie Herod and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to define the appropriate use of ketamine in law enforcement interactions. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Elijah McClain should still be alive today, and he’s not the only one whose life has been taken by the misuse of ketamine at a scene with law enforcement,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “We can’t allow the prehospital use of these drugs to go unchecked, and I’m glad we were able to come to a solution that works for Colorado. I am so grateful for the brave testimony of Elijah McKnight and others who shared their stories today. Passing this bill will help keep people safe and ensure that people are treated humanely by law enforcement. It’s the right thing to do.” “As a physician, I know that ketamine can have devastating, even deadly, consequences if used incorrectly,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “We shouldn’t be using these drugs lightly, especially outside of a hospital setting where a patient’s weight, medical history, and other relevant factors are unknown. The bill we advanced today will make law enforcement interactions safer and hopefully prevent tragedies like the ones we heard about in committee today.” HB21-1251 limits the use of ketamine to subdue an individual in pre-hospital settings. The federal government has scheduled ketamine as a controlled substance due to its associated risk factors, and emergency medical service providers, here referred to as ‘paramedics’ must seek waivers to administer ketamine since the drug is outside of their standard scope of practice. In one study , nearly a third of patients who received ketamine in a pre-hospital setting were eventually intubated, 16 times the rate of intubation when administered in an emergency department. Another study found that intubation was undertaken for 63% of patients who received ketamine in pre-hospital settings. The bill prohibits law enforcement from directing a paramedic to chemically incapacitate someone by administering ketamine except in limited circumstances. A paramedic must weigh an individual to ensure accurate dosage and if that’s not possible, at least two people present at the scene must agree with their weight estimation. The paramedic must be trained in the administration of ketamine and must attempt to obtain verbal authorization from a medical director before administering it. Lastly, there must be equipment on site to immediately monitor the vital signs and provide urgent transport. Among other changes, the bill requires a law enforcement officer to intervene and report to the POST board if they see another officer using ketamine on someone, which under the bill would constitute excessive use of force and could lead to permanent revocation of an officer’s POST certification if the incident results in death. Absent a justifiable medical emergency, a paramedic would be prohibited from using ketamine to sedate someone to aid in their arrest or restraint for alleged or suspected criminal conduct. Previous Next

< Back August 31, 2020 $20M IN SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE DENVER, CO– Lawmakers, joined by OEDIT Director Betsey Markey and officials from the Energize Colorado Gap Fund, today formally launched the $20 million small business assistance grant program created by SB20-222 . Small businesses may be eligible for a grant of up to $15,000. The Energize Colorado Gap Fund, which is operating the program, will also offer loans of up to $20,000, increasing the assistance available through the program to $25 million to date. “Boosting Colorado small businesses is essential for our state’s economic recovery and will help hardworking families make ends meet while strengthening our communities,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, House sponsor of the legislation. “Economic assistance has kept thousands of Colorado businesses open, but too many haven’t been able to access this critical lifeline and need just a little help to stay afloat. That’s why we set aside $20 million to help business owners who have been left behind. I encourage any small business owner who may need assistance to reach out to the Energize Colorado Gap Fund.” “Small businesses’ survival is fundamental to our own. Not only do they represent community pillars, but they stand central to the American dream as well,” said Sen. Faith Winer, D-Westminster. “Something has happened in this country where large corporations are deemed too big to fail while the aspirations of everyday Americans are left to wither in the cold. We need to throw a life raft to those who need it most and work to preserve the great commercial diversity we have in our state. I would encourage any small business who is struggling right now to reach out to Energize Colorado for help applying. The process is fast and accessible– requiring only 15-20 minutes for most businesses to complete! “Colorado’s small businesses are the heart of our state’s economy,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “So much of our hardworking, creative, entrepreneurial spirit is thanks to these unique local shop owners and service providers. But sadly, many have been hit hard by the pandemic and are in desperate need of relief. That’s why I am so proud to be a part of launching the new Energize Colorado Gap Fund program. Now, struggling small businesses can get critical support when they need it most – protecting the prolific beauty of our state’s rugged ingenuity. Go to energizecolorado.com to apply and we will continue working for the strong Colorado comeback.” “We are grateful to Colorado’s General Assembly for allocating $20M of CARES Act funding directly to Colorado’s distressed small businesses,” said OEDIT Executive Director Betsy Markey . “These funds provide essential support to help our small businesses during their time of need that enables them to maintain operations and allow our small businesses to join our continued economic recovery.” After resuming the legislative session in May, the General Assembly passed SB20-222, which set aside $20 million in federal CARES Act funding to establish a grant program to boost small businesses with 25 or fewer employees. All sole proprietors, businesses and nonprofits with 25 or fewer employees are eligible and welcome to apply to the Energize Colorado Gap Fund. Preference will be given to businesses located in rural areas; veteran, women or minority-owned businesses; and those that have not been successful in pursuing and/or receiving funds from other federal, state and local assistance programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program. Applicants must be able to show the economic hardship their business is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Energize Colorado has a mentorship program for small businesses that are interested in applying for the Gap Fund. The Mentorship Program is available to help small businesses ready the documentation and other materials they will need to successfully apply. Mentors may be reached by phone, email and online chat from the Gap Fund website . Previous Next

Bills would study the impacts of systemic racism on Black Coloradans < Back May 3, 2024 Bill to Uncover and Define Systemic Racial Inequities in Colorado Advances Bills would study the impacts of systemic racism on Black Coloradans DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to advance a study examining racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. “Systemic racism has impacted Black Coloradans in every facet of our lives, leading to negative impacts like poorer health outcomes and less likelihood of accumulating generational wealth,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “While one bill can’t make up for the impacts that Black Coloradans have endured, this legislation would help us identify the impacts that racial inequalities have had on our Black community so we can take action in an intentional and effective way.” “Racial equity studies can be a useful tool to address racial inequity by compiling data of the long-term impacts that systematic racism has had on Black communities,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Our legislation would direct History Colorado to look further into how racial inequalities have impacted the success of Black Coloradans so we can develop meaningful policy that will make a real difference for our future.” SB24-053 would create the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission to determine and make recommendations surrounding the lasting effects of systemic racism in Colorado’s practices, systems, and policies. SB24-053 would establish a commission to direct History Colorado to conduct historical research across areas like economic mobility, housing, K-12 education, health care and the criminal justice system. Racial equity studies, like the one outlined in this bill, can be used as tools to qualify and quantify past discrimination and recommend certain corrective measures. The study would also include an economic impact analysis of the racial discrimination determined by the study. Under this bill, History Colorado would submit the study to the commission and any recommendations within two-and-a-half years. The work of the commission and the study will rely on receiving adequate gifts, grants, and donations to fund it. Previous Next

Bill would increase financial penalties for businesses that violate the law, incentivize reporting and improve transparency < Back February 15, 2024 Legislation to Increase Penalties for Child Labor Violations Clears Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation to ramp up financial penalties for businesses that violate child labor laws. “While we’ve made important progress to update Colorado’s child labor laws, we must ensure violators are held accountable and our youth are protected,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “Right now, businesses face small or non-existence fines for child labor violations that could be putting our youth at risk. This bill would significantly increase financial penalties to hold bad actors accountable. Our legislation would also protect those who speak out about child labor violations from retaliation and ramp up statewide transparency efforts.” “Our child labor laws are designed to protect our youth from unsafe working conditions and unfair treatment; we need to ensure the laws are working as intended,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This bill encourages violation reporting, improves transparency around enforcement measures, increases penalties, and helps keep our youth safe. This legislation is important not only to protect against retaliation, but to hold bad actors accountable.” HB24-1095 , which passed committee by a vote of 8-3, would update the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 and strengthen the penalty structure. Under current law, first-time child labor law violators face no fines or fines of only a few hundred dollars. This bill would raise total employer liability to $750 for first-time offenses and $10,000 for willful or repeated offenses. HB24-1095 would also remove legal disincentives that keep victims of child labor violations from reporting and protect child workers from employer retaliation. Additionally, this bill would also ramp up employer transparency by requiring the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to publish child labor violations or determinations. CDLE must issue a written notice to an employer with a description of penalties and damages owed if the act is violated. Under this bill, all fine revenue will be deposited into the Wage Theft Enforcement Fund, which distributes payments owed to Colorado employees who have filed claims of wage theft. Representative Lieder has championed important bills to strengthen worker protections and labor laws in Colorado. This includes HB23-1196 , which amended language in the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 to expand the legal action that a child, or a parent of a child, can take to hold a company accountable for breaking the law. Previous Next

< Back November 19, 2021 AURORA DELEGATION STATEMENT ON SHOOTING AT HINKLEY HIGH SCHOOL DENVER, CO – Members of the Aurora delegation in the Colorado state legislature, including Senators Rhonda Fields and Janet Buckner as well as Representatives Mike Weissman, Dominique Jackson, Naquetta Ricks, Iman Jodeh, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, today released the following joint statement on the shooting at Hinkley High School in Aurora: “We are devastated. Three times this week, young people have been shot in their own communities and around their own schools. As we await further details from today’s act of violence at Hinkley High School, our hearts are with the victims, their families, and all the students in Aurora schools. Our community is in pain and our kids are scared. “Too many of our children have experienced gun violence. Too many parents have had to pick up their kids early, and too many teachers have had to put their classrooms into lockdown. We cannot become numb to this tragic reality. So far in 2021, there have been at least 138 incidents of gunfire on school grounds across the country. We need to treat gun violence like the epidemic it is.” Previous Next