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< Back March 25, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BIPARTISAN VALDEZ BILL ON CDOT (Mar. 25) – The House unanimously approved a bipartisan bill that would create a study to help determine what is the best method to pay Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) engineer contractors, through an hourly rate or through a fixed bid amount. “This bill is about transparency and accountability, and will create fairness and efficiency for CDOT,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara. “We need to make responsible investments in transportation and this is a good government bill.” The current practice is for CDOT outside engineers that are contracted with an hourly rate. SB19-076 would create a study to see if changing the payment method to a fixed bid amount would improve current concerns of cost efficiency of CDOT projects. SB19-076 was also sponsored by Rep. Janice Rice, R-Grand Junction. It passed unanimously through the House and now heads back to the Senate to vote on the bill with the amendments added in the House. Then it will head to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

HB25-1021 implements an income tax credit for employee-owned businesses < Back May 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Incentivize Employee-Owned Businesses Signed Into Law GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, to create tax incentives for employee-owned businesses was signed into law today. “Employee-owned businesses create a higher quality of life for workers, including higher wages, lower turnover, and better benefits and job security,” Bridges said. “Investing in employee ownership means investing in a more secure future for Colorado’s working families, and I’m proud to have championed this policy to encourage business owners to invest in their employees’ futures, too.” “Employee-owned businesses are good for Colorado and make it easier for your favorite locally-owned businesses to stay in your neighborhood,” said Rep. Lindstedt. “This law creates new tax credits specifically for employee-owned businesses, saving them money and encouraging other businesses to convert to an employee-owned business model.” Transitioning to an employee-owned model helps small businesses focus on investing in their employees and serving their communities. Cosponsored by Senator Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park, and Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, HB25-1021 creates several new tax deductions and credits for businesses with an employee ownership model. In addition to the new tax incentives, the legislation extends the existing Employee Ownership Tax Credit within the Office of Economic Development and International Trade through tax year 2031. The Employee Ownership Tax Credit , created by HB21-1311 , was previously equal to 50 percent of the conversion costs for a business that converts to a worker-owned cooperative, an employee stock ownership plan, or an employee ownership trust. HB25-1021 makes the tax credit equal to 75 percent of the conversion cost, up to $167,000. The income tax credit is fully refundable. Previous Next

< Back July 13, 2020 BILL TO IMPROVE COLORADO’S RECYCLING RATES SIGNED INTO LAW Governor signs Reps. Lisa Cutter and Jeni Arndt’s bill to improve Colorado’s low recycling rates DENVER, CO– During a virtual bill signing today, Governor Polis signed SB20-055 , Representative Jeni Arndt and Lisa Cutter’s bill to improve Colorado’s recycling rates by directing the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to begin creating the structure for a recycling market development center, providing property tax reimbursements to small businesses that recycle and laying the framework for a statewide education campaign to further inform Colorado residents about recycling. “Coloradans care deeply about protecting the environment,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Morrison. “Improving Colorado’s recycling rates is as good for the economy as it is good for the planet. Through tax breaks for businesses that recycle, educational campaigns and more, this new law will help boost our state’s low recycling rates and make sure we’re doing the most that we can do to protect our environment and the Colorado Way of Life we all know and love.” “This new law is a long time coming,” said Rep. Arndt, D-Fort Collins. “Colorado’s recycling rates have been a concern of ours for a very long time, and this bill takes several important steps towards improving them. I’m proud of the work we did on the Zero Waste Legislative Interim Committee and throughout this legislative session to protect our environment while supporting responsible business practices.” In 2018, Colorado generated 8.8 million tons of landfill, while the state’s recycling was 17.2 percent, well below the national average of 34 percent. Only half of Colorado counties have recycling available for residents and are collecting data to report recycling rates. SB20-055 was developed by the members of the Zero Waste Interim Committee. Previous Next

Colorado Democrats delivered results to reduce property taxes, support hardworking families and prevent evictions. With urgent property tax cuts, more rental assistance, and tax relief for working families, Colorado Democrats delivered results during the 2023 Extraordinary Session of the 74th General Assembly to make Colorado more affordable for all. DOWNLOAD IN ENGLISH & ESPAÑOL

< Back Sheila Lieder Representative Sheila Lieder is the Vice-Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and a member of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee. She represents House District 28, which includes parts of Littleton, Lakewood, and Morrison in Jefferson County. Elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, Rep Lieder's career reflects a strong commitment to fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all working families. At the Capitol, Rep. Lieder supports accessible and affordable healthcare, improving Colorado’s public schools, expanding workers’ rights, ensuring that seniors can afford their needs, and both veterans and active-duty service members. She also aims to prepare the next generation for success by creating pathways to good-paying jobs and opportunities for students entering the workforce. During her time as a state representative, Rep. Lieder has contributed to Colorado’s economic growth. She led efforts to create new job opportunities in the rapidly growing field of thermal technology, helping Colorado become a leader in this area. She has also expanded apprenticeship programs that connect Coloradans to in-demand careers. Recently, she has worked to ensure every public school has heating and air conditioning, addressing the impact of automation and Artificial intelligence on sectors like trucking, and increased protections for minor workers on the job. Rep. Lieder continues to bring the values of hard work, fairness, and community to the legislature. She advocates for policies that support working families and strengthen opportunities across Colorado.

< Back Alex Valdez Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee Representative Alex Valdez serves as the Chair of the House Energy & Environment Committee and represents House District 5, which includes Denver’s downtown urban core. Rep. Valdez is passionate about environmental issues and champions clean, renewable energy resources and technology under the gold dome. Born and raised in Denver, Rep. Valdez fights for equality and better air quality so all Coloradans enjoy better, cleaner air. He’s also spearheaded legislation to combat animal cruelty, foster small business growth in Colorado and pave the way for EV technology across the state.

< Back Jamie Jackson Jamie Jackson is a dedicated leader committed to equity, community empowerment, and effective governance. As COO of The Naloxone Project, she expands access to life-saving overdose prevention resources. With a background in nonprofit leadership and policy advocacy, Jamie previously served as COO of the Colorado Children's Campaign and has worked to advance social justice, healthcare equity, and community-driven solutions. She is Vice President of Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) and chairs the Criminal Justice Committee for the Aurora NAACP. Jamie is committed to policies that uplift working families, protect vulnerable communities, and expand access to equitable healthcare. She brings a people-centered approach to governance, ensuring that House District 41 residents have a strong voice at the Capitol. Rep. Jackson serves on the Transportation, Housing & Local Government and Energy & Environment committees.

Learn more about how to contact the Colorado House Majority team. Contact Chief of Staff Rebecca Kisner rebecca.kisner@coleg.gov Deputy Chief of Staff Jarrett Freedman jarrett.freeman@coleg.gov COMMUNICATIONS Media Relations Director Mallory Feeney mallory.feeney@coleg.gov C ommunications Advisor Kaitlin Begin kaitlin.begin@coleg.gov OPERATIONS Advisor to the Speaker Elizabeth Brawn elizabeth.brawn@coleg.gov Legislative Aide Program Manager Feliz Sanchez Garcia felizsanchez.garcia@coleg.gov Advisor to the Majority Leader Gina Kelble gina.kelble@coleg.gov POLICY Senior Budget Policy Analyst Carl Plant carl.plant@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Jaclyn Davison jaclyn.davison@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Daniel McDonald daniel.mcdonald@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Miranda Martinez-Mundo miranda.martinez-mundo@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Colton Arciniaga colton.arciniaga@coleg.gov Legislative Coordinator Lenlee Davis lenlee.davis@coleg.gov

Colorado Democrats delivered results to support students, homeowners, renters and improve our air quality. House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results . During the breakthrough 2024 Legislative Session, we focused on gun violence prevention, fully funding K-12 public schools, improving air quality and reducing the costs for families. DOWNLOAD ONE PAGERS PARA ESPAÑOL, PRIMA AQUÍ DOWNLOAD REPORT

Join our team! Being a legislative intern at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Legislative Intern House Majority Office Colorado House of Representatives Description: Being a Legislative Intern at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Colorado’s House Democrats have worked to turn many of popular proposals into law, moving forward on measures to lower the cost of health care, invest in education, build a fair economy, address climate change, tackle the opioid crisis, reform our criminal justice system, and help hard-working Coloradans get ahead. Legislative interns support legislative aides in keeping the essential day-to-day functions of a legislative office running smoothly. Interns are held to a high level of professional conduct, as they are expected to represent legislators at the Capitol, in their district, and in the broader community. Internships can be specialized or generic. Internships that would like to focus on learning a specialized skill can focus on three main capacities: Social Media Social Media Interns focus primarily on supporting the creation of social media content and other digital communications such as newsletters and website blog posts. Social media interns work directly with one member of the caucus and their legislative aide, but can get additional support from the Colorado House Majority Office. Policy Research Policy Research Interns focus primarily on supporting one member of the caucus with their legislative efforts by conducting thorough research, creating fact sheets based on elements of the proposed bill, preparing the legislator for bill hearings, meetings with constituents, stakeholders, and lobbyists, responding to constituent inquiries, etc. Operations Operations Interns support the overall function of one member of the caucus by providing additional capacity to their legislative aide w ith managing calendars, scheduling meetings, responding to constituent emails and phone inquiries, o rganizing in-person town halls and other events in the district. Q ualifications: Strong verbal and written communication skills Highly, highly organized; excellent time management and attention to detail Motivated self-starter who can provide high quality work without close day-to-day supervision A high level of confidentiality and discretion High degree of self-awareness, humility and openness to feedback Flexible and adaptable work style; ability to stay calm in a high stress environment Eagerness to develop leadership skills; commitment to progressive values and policies Preferred Qualifications: Copywriting and/or graphic design skills Experience with event planning and execution Experience and comfort using Google Suites (Docs, Sheets, Slides) Experience and comfort managing social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) Knowledge of Colorado government a plus Education: Interns are often students that are fulfilling class requirements or are looking for work experience to supplement their education. Depending on the legislative member’s needs, internships may be available to students that are enrolled in higher education programs and also high school programs. If you have questions about availability and qualifications for internships please contact colegislativeaide@gmail.com . Schedule and Compensation: Part-time, flexible. 8-40 hours a week, depending on the legislative member’s needs and the intern’s schedule. Interns are unpaid volunteers; however, student internship credit can be arranged with your school. It is the student’s responsibility to contact his or her advisor and obtain academic credit within the institution’s guidelines. How to Apply: To apply for this position, please complete this form which will ask you to upload a resume. Interns are not required to upload a cover letter, but may do so if they would like. Contact colegislativeaide@gmail.com with any questions. Colorado House Democrats are committed to hiring a diverse staff. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, membership in an employee organization, parental status, creed, ancestry, military service, or disability. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities to apply.

< Back Monica Duran Majority Leader Representative Monica Duran is House Majority Leader and represents House District 23,of Lakewood, Lakeside, Applewood, and Mountain View. Previously House Co-Whip, Majority Leader Duran fights to ensure that our most vulnerable do not slip through the cracks. As a survivor of domestic violence, she has championed legislation related to domestic violence, animal welfare, and supporting working families. She has led legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to reduce gun violence in our communities in addition to legislation to improve wages for home care workers, support survivors of crime and violence and protect children.

< Back Meghan Lukens Chair of the Education Committee Representative Meghan Lukens serves as the Chair for the Education Committee and a member of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Lukens represents House District 26, which spans Northwest Colorado and includes Routt, Eagle, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties. A former high school teacher, Rep. Lukens’ legislative efforts have been geared toward education funding, boosting teacher pay, supporting rural school districts and preparing our K-12 learners for a lifetime of success. In addition to her education legislation, Rep. Lukens also championed laws to preserve Colorado’s wildlife, waterways and natural areas for generations to come.