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< Back May 20, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO INVEST IN BROADBAND EXPANSION The House passed Representative Chris Kennedy’s bipartisan bill to invest $75 million to increase broadband internet access across the state on Third Reading DENVER, CO– The House passed a bill to help close the digital divide and fund broadband development throughout the state. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 49-13. “Access to dependable broadband isn’t a luxury, it’s an absolute necessity,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “But for far too many Coloradans, getting online and connected to work, telehealth, school, and other crucial needs is an uphill battle. Today we voted to make a robust investment in developing reliable broadband across the state, helping workers, students, and families build back stronger.” HB21-1289 , also sponsored by Rep. Mark Baisley, R-Roxborough Park, codifies the Colorado Broadband Office and creates different grant programs to support broadband infrastructure development. It provides $75M to increase internet access across Colorado through the deployment of devices, and the development of middle and last mile infrastructure to support services that have become a necessity during the pandemic, like telehealth. The bill specifically includes $20M for broadband deployment by the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Tribes. Previous Next

< Back January 27, 2020 LANDOWNER ASSISTANCE FOR WILDFIRE MITIGATION ADVANCES Bipartisan interim committee legislation would expand tax deduction for mitigation efforts and raise awareness of mitigation resources available to landowners DENVER, CO– HB 20-1004 , bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, today passed the House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture by a vote of 11-0. The bill would help landowners in wildfire hazard areas protect their homes, by increasing outreach efforts between local experts and residents living in these areas. “We’ve heard from communities and residents that they often don’t know about all the resources available to them to protect their homes and other property from wildfires,” said Rep. Cutter (D-Jefferson County). “This bill would provide information on best practices and resources on wildfire mitigation available for landowners, as well as a tax credit for performing such mitigation on their properties.” Colorado currently offers landowners wildfire mitigation resources, but many residents in high hazard areas are unaware of the available resources and best practices. This bill would create a grant program to conduct outreach to landowners to spread information about the resources available to them and the best practices for wildfire mitigation. Local governments, special districts, tribal agencies, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits would be eligible for the grant funding. Currently, property owners can claim a tax deduction for 50 percent of the cost of wildfire mitigation measures up to $2,500. HB20-1004 would create a tax credit of 25 percent of the cost of wildfire mitigation efforts up to $2,500. For example, if a property owner spends $2,500 on mitigation efforts, they would receive $625 off their taxes. Previous Next

The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation to streamline the construction of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for homeowners and renters and support the development of clean, thermal energy technology. < Back March 29, 2023 House Committee Passes EV Charging, Thermal Energy Bills to Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation to streamline the construction of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for homeowners and renters and support the development of clean, thermal energy technology. These bills are part of a broader legislative package to save Coloradans’ and business money on energy costs and improve air quality. “We’re taking steps to create good-paying jobs in clean energy technologies, like geothermal,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1252. “Thermal energy technology is already being used across Colorado to save people and businesses money by harnessing the heat beneath our feet. This legislation would make it easier to develop, expand and deploy this technology so more businesses and hardworking families can save money on their energy bills while creating good paying jobs and helping us improve our air quality on the front range.” “Colorado needs an approach to not only meet our climate goals, but to create a clean energy landscape that encourages the adoption of innovative technologies,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, Chair of the House Energy & Environment Committee and sponsor of HB23-1252, D-Fort Collins. “Our legislation works to expand avenues for thermal energy technologies in homes and businesses across the state, saving Coloradans’ money and cutting back on fossil fuel reliance. The clean energy transition is good for business, creates new job opportunities and sets Colorado up as a leader in the clean energy space.” Including Thermal Energy As A Clean Heat Resource : HB23-1252 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would continue Colorado’s work to reduce emissions from gas utilities by providing a pathway for wider adoption of thermal energy as a clean heat resource. This bill aims to assist in the transition away from expensive fuel commodities like natural gas and lower utility costs for Coloradans. Thermal energy systems heat and cool buildings by circulating non-combustible fluids through a pipe network. Defining thermal energy as a clean heat resource allows the state to expand its usage, create new job opportunities, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and save Coloradans money on their utility bills. Colorado already employs this technology across the state, including at the National Western Complex, Colorado State University and the Colorado State Capitol. “Electric vehicles are an important tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions as we work toward meeting Colorado’s renewable energy goals,” said Rep.Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB23-1233. “Many Coloradans are interested in owning an EV, however it can be tough to secure charging locations whether at their home or in their community. This bill helps to remove barriers to EV ownership by setting up the infrastructure to integrate charging ports in more homes, including multi-family residences.” “As more electric vehicles take to our roads, it’s critical we invest in EV-specific infrastructure,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1233. “We’re committed to reaching Colorado’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040, and this legislation sets in motion a plan to expand EV charging, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and save Coloradans’ money in the long term. Our legislation works to meet EV charging demands, making it possible for more Coloradans to own an EV because it will be easier to charge their vehicle across the state and in their community.” EV Charging and Parking Requirements: HB23-1233 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would remove barriers to EV ownership by ensuring Coloradans have access to EV charging, especially renters or those living in multifamily housing. Specifically, HB23-1233 would expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new construction to accommodate new and current EV owners. The bill would update electric code requirements, remove parking restrictions for EVs, and provide property tax relief to Coloradans for EV charging stations. Previous Next

HB23-1311 is part of legislative package to reduce property taxes and would send $661 TABOR rebates for single filers or $1,322 for joint filers if Prop HH is approved by voters in November < Back May 7, 2023 Flat TABOR Rebates Pass House HB23-1311 is part of legislative package to reduce property taxes and would send $661 TABOR rebates for single filers or $1,322 for joint filers if Prop HH is approved by voters in November DENVER, CO - The House today passed one part of a legislative package to reduce property taxes and create a flat TABOR refund mechanism that will increase refunds for Coloradans making under $100,000. “A flat TABOR rebate fairly supports Coloradans making under $100,000, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking families,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “With voter approval, Colorado’s TABOR refund will provide our middle and lower income neighbors their fair share. With their TABOR refunds in hand, our neighbors can finally afford that repair they’ve been putting off, pay lingering bills, and support local businesses. Simply put, a more equitable refund makes our whole state economically stronger.” “Colorado’s economic growth is strong, yet rising property taxes have left many families and seniors in a bind,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Under this bill, Coloradans will receive a flat TABOR refund, which helps all Coloradans participate in and benefit from our state’s booming economy. This comprehensive property tax proposal works to support our renters and property owners alike, while protecting critical community services like water districts, fire districts, libraries and K-12 education that we all rely on.” HB23-1311 is contingent upon the passage of SB23-303 . This legislative package lowers property taxes for homeowners and businesses, increases TABOR refunds for those making under $100,000 and protects funding for critical community services. HB23-1311 passed the House by a vote of 44 to 17. If Colorado voters adopt Prop HH, HB23-1311 would require the TABOR surplus for FY 2022-2023 to be refunded equally to qualifying taxpayers. Without this legislation, the FY 2022-2023 TABOR refund would be refunded by the six-tier sales tax refund mechanism, giving lower earners smaller refunds than higher earners. If voters do not approve of Prop HH in the November 2023 election, the six-tier mechanism will be applied to TABOR refunds; single filers that make under $50,000 per year would receive a TABOR refund of $454, while single filers that make over $270,000 would receive a TABOR refund of $1,434. Under HB23-1311, Colorado taxpayers could expect to receive a refund of $661 for single filers, and $1,322 for joint filers. This will return more money to everyone making under $100,000 than under the current six tier refund mechanism. Final refund amounts will be determined based on updated revenue statistics. Further, after accounting for the portion of refunds that will backfill property tax reductions, Coloradans who make less than $100,000 can expect to see an increase in their TABOR refund if Prop HH passes. This legislation creates a more equitable TABOR refund mechanism for FY 2022-2023 and supports hardworking Coloradans to better afford everyday necessities. SB23-303 creates a long-term solution to prevent rapidly growing home values from causing sharp rises in property taxes, and creates limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. If passed, Coloradans will vote on this package in November, and if approved these measures will provide sustainable, long-term reductions to property tax rates while delivering immediate savings on property taxes this year. Combined with property tax reductions the legislature previously enacted via SB22-238 , this proposal will cut the average homeowner’s tax increase in half, saving $1,264 on average over the next two years. In total, this package would provide between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually in property tax reductions for homeowners and businesses in Colorado. Other property tax reductions and protections proposed in this plan include: Reducing the residential assessment rate from 7.15 percent to 6.7 percent in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences. Incrementally reducing the business property assessment rate from 29 percent to at least 26.9 percent by 2032. Reducing the taxable value of residences by $40,000 in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences in future years. Capping the growth in district property tax collections excluding school districts at inflation and allowing local governments to override the cap after giving notice to property owners. Protecting funding for public education and backfilling revenue to fire districts, water districts, ambulance and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to backfill them. Providing seniors who currently receive the Homestead Exemption a larger reduction of $140,000 and allowing them to continue to receive this reduction if they move Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2024 House Leadership Statement on Member Leaving Firearm in Capitol Restroom DENVER, CO– House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, today released the following statement after Representative Don Wilson left his firearm unattended in a public restroom in the State Capitol. Statement from Speaker McCluskie: The consequences of leaving a firearm unattended in a public space could be very serious, and the incident this week created a dangerous situation. This should not have happened and cannot happen again, and this is why our caucus is pursuing legislation to prohibit carrying firearms in the Capitol. I hope Rep. Wilson appreciates the severity of his mistake and the safety concern this has created for us in the Capitol. Statement from Majority Leader Duran: As a responsible firearm owner, it’s frustrating and disappointing to continually see colleagues make mistakes with their guns. Everyone who carries a firearm must do so with the utmost care at all times, which is why it is so important to me that people receive proper training and observe it and that we strengthen the requirements for a concealed carry permit. I’ve expressed my deepest concerns to Rep. Wilson and Minority Leadership. It’s my expectation that he follows through with his commitment not to carry his firearm at the Capitol. Previous Next

< Back August 23, 2025 Democrats Pass Bills to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Protect Funding for Core Services The House today passed two bills that would close a special interest corporate tax loophole for insurance companies and allow corporations to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after Republicans in Congress created a $1 billion hole in Colorado’s budget with massive corporate tax cuts. HB25B-1004 allows businesses to pre-pay taxes at a discount for future years when Colorado is anticipated to collect more revenue than the state’s spending limit under TABOR, and HB25B-1003 would repeal a special tax break for insurance companies. “The billion-dollar revenue shortfall we’re facing from Congressional Republicans’ corporate tax breaks would require cuts to health care, public education, transportation and other essential services, which is why we’re taking action with this special session to protect Coloradans and core services," said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB25B-1004. “By allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes, we can boost revenue now to fund these services. We’re using all the tools in our toolbelt to address the crisis caused by Trump and Congressional Republicans when they passed a budget bill that hands out corporate tax giveaways at the expense of hardworking Coloradans.” “Unlike Republicans in Congress, Colorado Democrats are demonstrating that we prioritize the needs of our constituents, not the ultra-wealthy,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1004. “Our legislation would allow businesses to pay their future taxes now, at a discounted price, to save them some money while protecting funding for services that all Coloradans rely on. This bill is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to blunt the destructive impacts of Trump’s tax bill.” HB25B-1004 , which passed by a vote of 41-20, would create a one-time auction of future tax credits, giving companies the opportunity to buy tax credits to pre-pay a portion of their future taxes at a small discount. This saves businesses money, allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now and offsetting the immediate impacts of the GOP budget bill. Beginning next fiscal year,the state budget is forecasted to be limited by the TABOR cap, not the amount of revenue collected, so this won’t cut deeper into state services. Under the current law established in the 1950s, insurance companies with a headquarters or regional home office (RHO) in Colorado can pay a lower tax rate if at least 2.5-percent of their domestic workforce resides in Colorado. HB25B-1003 repeals this subsidy. The bill passed by a vote of 41-21. “Under Trump’s budget, corporations that are boasting record profits will see special tax breaks while everyday Coloradans are kicked off their health care and kids lose food and nutrition support,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1003. “Colorado Democrats don’t believe in subsidizing corporations while hardworking people lose access to life-saving health care. This bill would end a special insurance industry tax break and protect funding for schools, roads and health care.” “Trump’s budget will increase prices for health care, energy and everyday necessities while slashing taxes for major corporations,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25B-1003. Our bill would end the special tax rate for insurance companies and protect the services that matter most to hardworking Coloradans, like health care and public education. While this special tax rate was meant to create jobs, nonpartisan audits show that insurance companies continue to cut jobs and clearly do not need this loophole.” A 2025 report from the Office of the State Auditor found that the tax credit is not achieving its goal of incentivizing job creation in Colorado’s insurance agency, yet it has cost the state $68 million to $105 million per year. Since the implementation of the workforce percentage requirement, the number of insurers and groups that qualify for the RHO rate reduction has not only decreased, but 15 of the 18 qualifying insurance groups reported a decrease in Colorado jobs while receiving a $17.5 million increase in credits. Previous Next

On July 1, 2025, legislation goes into effect to improve concealed carry permit training to encourage responsible gun ownership, reduce gun violence and keep Coloradans safe. < Back June 25, 2025 Law to Improve Concealed Carry Training Takes Effect DENVER, CO – On July 1, 2025, legislation goes into effect to improve concealed carry permit training to encourage responsible gun ownership, reduce gun violence and keep Coloradans safe. “The data is clear - live-fire gun training can save lives,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "States that have eliminated their live-fire training requirements to receive a concealed carry permit saw a 32 percent increase in gun assaults. With this lifesaving law going into effect, we’re ensuring that Coloradans with concealed carry permits are properly trained and educated on current laws, like Colorado's safe storage requirements, before they bring their firearm into their communities.” “Responsible gun ownership takes work,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Creating minimum training requirements for safe handling of firearms, shooting fundamentals and more ensures we’re treating concealed carry permits with the seriousness they deserve. I’m proud to see this law go into effect to advance gun safety and help prevent gun violence.” “When I received my concealed carry permit years ago, I was surprised to learn that Colorado law did not require live-fire training, a necessary skill to have before carrying a gun in public spaces," said Sen. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This law creates a minimum requirement for concealed carry permit holders, including in-person live-fire training with a certified firearms instructor, to ensure that concealed carry permits are issued with appropriate training. Many dedicated and qualified firearm instructors already exceed these minimum requirements, and this law will close that gap to ensure that everyone with a concealed carry permit has the proper training and qualifications.” HB24-1174 , sponsored by House Majority Leader Duran and Senators Snyder and Mullica, aims to reduce gun violence by improving concealed carry permit training requirements. On August 7, 2024, portions of the law went into effect to set guidelines for handgun training, instructor qualifications and judicial review for the denial, suspension or revocation of instructor verification. This includes requiring handgun training classes to contain at least eight hours of instruction, including a live-fire exercise and a written exam with a minimum passing score. The law makes it a deceptive trade practice for a person to claim to be a verified firearms safety instructor unless they have been verified by a county sheriff. Under the law, handgun training classes must be held in-person and include training on the safe handling of firearms and ammunition, safe storage of firearms and child safety, safe firearms shooting fundamentals, federal and state firearm laws, state laws related to the use of deadly force for self-defense, interacting with law enforcement who are responding to emergencies, and techniques for conflict resolution and judgmental use of lethal force. Beginning July 1, 2025, portions of HB24-1174 go into effect that prohibit a person from being issued a permit if they have been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within five years of submitting a concealed carry permit application. Updates to the concealed carry permit renewal process also go into effect to ensure that current permit holders also meet the new training requirements under Colorado law. HB24-1174 protects law enforcement officers and agencies, medical staff and firearm instructors from liability for damages related to the issuance or denial of a permit. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2022 BILL TO ENHANCE COLORADO'S AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE WINS COMMITTEE APPROVAL DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Livestock & Water Committee today passed legislation to better inform agricultural workers and employers of their rights to improved working conditions and other educational resources. HB22-1308 would create a multilingual online portal for workers to access critical labor resources and provide grants to employers for workplace improvements. “We’re taking the necessary steps to build a safer, healthier Colorado through improving agricultural workplaces and resources for employees,” said Rep. Karen McCormick (D-Longmont). “This bill is designed to build a stronger workplace relationship between employers and employees by centralizing critical workplace information, including mental health resources and updated labor regulations. Agriculture is a critical industry for Colorado and our goal is to streamline the outreach process so employers and employees can work together to build safer workplaces for everyone.” HB22-1308 passed committee unanimously and would create an online resource portal for agricultural employees to access workplace resources, technical assistance and education. Examples of workplace resources include mental health resources, injury prevention, unemployment assistance and training. Employees would also be able to report workplace misconduct and abuse including discrimination, harassment and labor law violations. The second portion of this bill would create a grant program for workplace improvements, changes or modifications to infrastructure or programming. Employers could use grants for in-person training, workforce housing improvements and building structures for sun protection, among other improvements. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK BILL ADDRESSES COVID LEARNING LOSS Bipartisan bill to invest in high-impact tutoring to close the COVID education gap DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today advanced Representative Kerry Tipper’s bipartisan bill to invest $5 million into tutoring programs intended to address COVID-related learning loss across the state. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $700 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed committee unanimously. “Over the past year, Colorado’s educators went above and beyond to continue our students’ education despite an unprecedented public health emergency,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “Despite their heroic efforts, COVID-related learning loss has taken a toll on students in every corner of the state. Today we made a robust investment in high-impact tutoring, a proven educational tool to ensure Colorado’s students can quickly close the COVID learning gap and continue to thrive.” HB21-1234 would create and fund the Colorado High Impact Tutoring Program. Data consistently demonstrates that high-impact tutoring, when administered during the school day to groups of four of fewer students by the same qualified tutor at least three times per week, is one of the most effective interventions to raise student achievement. This program would be administered under the Colorado Department of Education and would provide grants to local education providers for high impact tutoring programs designed to address COVID-related learning loss. The bill outlines the process and requirements for applying for funding, and establishes that rural education providers and schools serving low-income or underserved students must be among the criteria taken into consideration in awarding grants. ### Previous Next

< Back February 7, 2020 ENHANCEMENTS TO SAFE2TELL PASS HOUSE COMMITTEE The House Committee on Education today passed HB20-1005 , bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Kevin Van Winkle, by a vote of 13-0. The bill would enhance Colorado’s Safe2Tell program. “The Safe2Tell program saves lives and is a critical resource for Colorado youth,” said School Safety Committee Chair Rep. Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City). “This bill would ensure that when a student reaches out for help, that the person who answers the line is equipped to address either the student’s mental or physical health concerns. I’m proud of the legislation we’ve drafted to improve school safety, and I’m pleased to see these bills begin to move forward.” Safe2Tell, developed in Colorado after the Columbine tragedy, provides students a confidential way to report and talk with someone about behavioral health issues and has become a national model. Other states have taken Colorado’s lead, adapting the now 20-year-old program for new technologies and best practices developed in recent years. The Safe2Tell enhancements would include aligning the Safe2Tell program and the crisis hotline more closely to ensure that individuals in crisis can rapidly access crisis counseling. It would also align the processes for all types of incoming tips and adjust the annual advertising campaign to most efficiently raise awareness about the program and reduce its misuse. Finally, it would enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent imminent physical harm. Today, the Senate Committee on Education also passed SB20-001, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields and Representatives Emily Sirota and Van Winkle, which would expand access to behavioral health training for educators so that more students can get the behavioral health care they need. Previous Next

< Back June 29, 2020 FISHERS PEAK PARK ONE STEP CLOSER TO OPENING New laws signed today fund critical water and wildlife conservation projects PUEBLO, CO– Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation sponsored by Representative Daneya Esgar to create and fund the new Fishers Peak State Park and to make improvements to parks all across the state to accommodate more visitors. The governor also signed legislation sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts to fund Colorado Water Conservation Board projects and support endangered or threatened species conservation programs. “Colorado has some of the best state parks in the country, and soon we’ll add one more, the beautiful Fishers Peak in Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our state parks contribute significantly to our communities, and Fishers peak will draw visitors from across the region, boosting our small businesses and Southern Colorado’s economy. Parks like Fishers Peak create the outdoor recreation options that Coloradans love and our state is known for.” SB20-003 , sponsored by Representative Esgar, provides $6 million in funding to the state’s parks to open Fishers peak and to make improvements at parks throughout the state to accommodate additional visitors and upgrade park facilities and infrastructure. “I’m proud of this bipartisan effort to fund the critical water projects that Colorado communities need and rely on, and to protect the wildlife and endangered species that live in our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “By investing in our water infrastructure and conservation, we are ensuring that our state is prepared for the future. These important projects are going to put people to work, revitalize environmental habitats, and protect our Colorado way of life.” HB20-1403 , sponsored by Representative Roberts and Marc Catlin, provides funding for Colorado Water Conservation Board projects. These projects support and implement the Colorado Water Plan and are essential for the state’s water supply and the economic activity that relies on it. SB20-201 , which is also sponsored by Representatives Roberts and Catlin, provides funding for programs at the Department of Natural Resources that protect endangered and threatened species and wildlife in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife lists dozens of endangered or threatened species, including the American Bald Eagle and Lynx. Previous Next

Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans < Back October 28, 2025 Stewart Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in SW Colorado, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans DENVER, CO – Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement after the Division of Insurance announced that 2026 health care premium rates will increase by at least 101-percent in Colorado due to Congress’s failure to continue the enhanced premium tax credits. “Congress’s refusal to continue cost-saving health care tax credits is hiking health care premiums in Southwest Colorado and other rural communities that already struggle with access to care,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “Because of our action in the special session, these premiums are over 37 percent lower than they otherwise would be on the Western Slope and nearly 30,000 Coloradans across the state will be able to keep their health care coverage. Despite our best efforts, inaction by Republicans in Congress will still increase Southwestern Coloradans’ health care costs by thousands of dollars and threaten to put rural health care providers out of business.” Statewide health care rates for individuals who purchase their own insurance are expected to increase by 101-percent due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the tax credits. Open enrollment begins this Saturday, and Coloradans who want coverage in 2026 must choose their plan before December 15. If Congressional Republicans don’t act now, a family that lives in southwest Colorado, on the Western Slope, in the San Luis Valley or on the Eastern Plains, will see their health insurance premiums increase by $16,000-$21,000. Democrats have repeatedly urged Congress to extend the tax credits, which help make health care more affordable for around 225,000 Coloradans. In August, Rep. Stewart signed onto a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were intentionally omitted from the GOP’s H.R. 1. The expiration of these tax credits on December 31 will lead to fewer people having health insurance and higher health insurance costs for everyone, including small businesses and Coloradans with employer-sponsored health insurance. If Congress extended the enhanced premium tax credits, the average premium increase would be 16-percent, instead of 101-percent, and some Coloradans would see no increase. Colorado Democrats have significantly lowered health care costs with the state’s reinsurance program, which has saved consumers over $2 billion, and Colorado Option health care plan, which offered the lowest or second lowest cost plan in every county on the Western Slope in 2025. A recent study by Brown University found that the Colorado Option reduced monthly premiums by $101, even for non-Colorado Option plans. On the Western Slope, a Colorado family of four who chose the Colorado Option plan in 2025 saved over $9,600. Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s Megabill and Congress’s failure to extend the ePTCs. Colorado Democrats passed a law that will invest in Colorado’s reinsurance program and blunt some of the most severe cost increases from the expiring tax credits. This law reduces the statewide average premium increase from 174-percent to 101-percent, saving Coloradans $220 million on health care next year and preventing 28,000 Coloradans from being kicked off their health coverage. By stabilizing Colorado’s reinsurance program, premiums are 37-percent less on the Western Slope. On the Western Slope, the average 40 year old individual saved nearly $15,000 from the reinsurance program, and since 2020, a family of four has saved nearly $56,000 from the Reinsurance Program. Previous Next