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< Back June 23, 2021 NEW LAWS SUPPORT COLORADO’S VETERANS Bills to create a veterans suicide prevention program, veterans mobile support unit, veterans hiring preference, and rename Lincoln park to honor our veterans signed into law DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed four bills to support veterans and make sure Colorado remains a great place to live for those who served our country. “One of my top priorities when coming to the legislature was to use my voice to ensure my brother and sister veterans are given the care and support they’ve earned,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB21-1065, SB21-129 and SB21-032 . “Today’s bill signing demonstrates the incredible progress we made this year, helping veterans find good jobs, preventing veteran suicides, and providing a lifeline for rural and homeless vets going through tough times. We have a world-premier, all-volunteer fighting force, and to keep it that way we need to be proactive about ensuring veterans can go on to thrive after their service.” “Colorado is home to more than 400,000 veterans, and this year we worked hard to ensure Colorado remains a great place for veterans to live,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1257. “Watching these four bills be signed today, I feel extremely proud of the legislative results we were able to deliver for veterans this session. While renaming a beautiful part of the Capitol grounds in honor of our veterans is only a small sign of our appreciation, it represents the legislature’s commitment to looking out for those who selflessly served our nation.” HB21-1065 allows a private employer to give a preference to a veteran or the spouse of a veteran when hiring a new employee as long as the veteran or spouse is qualified for the job. To address higher rates of unemployment among post-9/11 veterans, the employer’s policy must apply to veterans who have been discharged in the last 10 years. Establishing a veterans hiring preference policy would be optional for employers. The bill includes safeguards against discrimination by still allowing a job applicant who is in a protected class to file a discrimination claim. This ensures that the bill will encourage the hiring of veterans without having unintended discriminatory impacts against women and people of color. Furthermore, the bill would offer businesses creating the hiring preference educational tools to help them navigate anti-discrimination laws so they can implement the policy fairly. SB21-129 will create a veteran suicide prevention pilot program in the Department of Human Services to reduce the suicide rate and suicidal ideation among veterans. The program would provide free, confidential behavioral health treatment for up to 700 veterans and their families. Services would be provided through agreements with nonprofit organizations. SB21-032 will provide funding to establish a mobile veterans support unit to serve as a point of contact for veterans in rural areas and those veterans experiencing homelessness. The unit will distribute supplies, transport veterans who do not have access to transportation services, and work with the Office of Economic Development to offer business and job opportunities to veterans. The bill provides funding for a veteran-owned or veteran-focused organization to purchase a vehicle and operate the program. HB21-1257 , also sponsored by Rep. Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, honors Colorado’s veterans by changing the name of Lincoln park and Liberty park in the Capitol complex to “Lincoln veterans’ memorial park”, and provides a small amount of funding to facilitate the name change. Previous Next

Senator Dylan Roberts, Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Representative Karen McCormick, Chair of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement in response to a comment made by President Trump to purchase more Argentine beef.  < Back October 21, 2025 Roberts, McCormick Statement on Trump Administration’s Comments to Purchase More Argentine Beef DENVER, CO – Senator Dylan Roberts, Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Representative Karen McCormick, Chair of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement in response to a comment made by President Trump to purchase more Argentine beef. Senator Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative McCormick, D-Longmont: “President Trump’s so-called ‘America First’ policies and his reckless trade wars are hurting Colorado’s hardworking farmers’ and ranchers’ bottom line. Trump’s latest suggestion to purchase more Argentine beef will only cause chaos and confusion in the U.S. beef markets, undercut cattle producers and do nothing to lower the cost of beef. Flooding the market with Argentine beef will harm cattlemen and women in Colorado, who have worked tirelessly to produce high-quality beef for, in some cases, generations. “Colorado has a rich history of cattle production, and we will not stand idly by while the Trump Administration continues to prioritize trade wars over Colorado farmers and ranchers. We call on President Trump to put American farmers first and allow our domestic cattle industry and rural communities to thrive.” Over the weekend, President Trump suggested the U.S. should purchase more Argentine beef to lower costs for American consumers. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics , beef prices in the U.S. have hit record highs, partially due to smaller herds, disease and tariffs. Trump’s trade wars have also affected soybean farmers. China, which was one of the largest buyers of U.S. soybeans, imported no soybeans from American farmers in September due to the high tariffs and trade tensions. The Trump Administration’s economic policies continue to raise prices for consumers. As outlined in the September economic forecast by Legislative Council Staff, tariffs paid soared to a near-century high of 8.2 percent in Q2. According to the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, cattle production is Colorado’s number one agricultural commodity , with 2.7 million head of cattle being raised by families in every county of Colorado. In total, direct and indirect impacts from this loss in beef exports are estimated to result in a loss of 265 jobs and $80 million of economic output in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back May 18, 2021 LAWMAKERS, ADVOCATES SEEK TO CURB YOUTH ACCESS TO HIGH-POTENCY THC New legislation would advance research, address diversion, and educate consumers DENVER, CO – House and Senate sponsors of legislation to address youth access to high-potency cannabis products today joined Colorado parents, nurses, and students for a press conference ahead of the bill’s first legislative hearing. HB21-1317 is sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett; Representatives Yadira Caraveo, a physician, and Tim Geitner; and Senators Chris Hansen, Paul Lundeen and Kevin Priola. “For many years, I have been concerned about the impact of high-potency cannabis on the developing brain,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This bill will help us get the answers, and it will crack down on the loopholes that allow for easy diversion of high-potency cannabis to black and grey market where our youth are getting their hands on products that are intended for adults. We’ve heard from Colorado parents about the terrifying reactions their children have experienced. Additionally, because of the absence of federal studies, Colorado has a tremendous opportunity to be at the forefront of the research into high-potency concentrates.” “When I began seeing patients in clinic who were experiencing significant health issues after using high-potency products, I knew we had to take action,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, a pediatrician. “The absence of a robust federal research effort into the impact of high-potency THC on the developing brain means we still don’t have all the pieces. This bill will task the Colorado School of Public Health with reviewing research into high-potency products to identify gaps and future areas to study. The bill brings medical marjuiana recommendations for youth more in line with prescribing practices for pharmaceutical drugs to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and ensure that only our youth who truly need high-potency THC can purchase it.” “As a father of two middle school boys, I want to be able to watch them grow up without the fear of high concentrate products affecting their development,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “No one wants to see unintended negative consequences of high-potency THC concentrates, particularly when it comes to our teens and young adults. This bill is about implementing reasonable safety measures to preserve the health and development of our youth, while maintaining responsible, legal marijuana use and supporting world-class scientific research.” “It is time for our statutes to reflect what we know about the possible impacts of high potency marijuana, particularly on our youth, and to study and unlock a better understanding of some of the health issues that still confound us,” said Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument. “I look forward to listening to and considering all stakeholder input as this bill moves forward.” The bill would advance research into the impact of high potency marijuana on the developing brain, address diversion of cannabis concentrates purchased in the medical marijuana marketplace, and educate consumers about concentrates through safer packaging and public awareness campaigns. “This bill will make Colorado the first state to really dive in and research the impacts of high-potency marjiuana on the developing brain,” said Rep. Tim Geitner, R- Falcon. “What we’re seeing anecdotally is scary, and it shows how important it is for us to take action now to keep these products out of the hands of youth who shouldn’t have them. This bill will regulate medical cannabis to make it harder for Colorado teens to access high-potency marijiuana without impacting access for younger patients with medical needs.” Advances Research: The bill funds and advances critical research into the impact of high-potency cannabis concentrate products on the developing brain. It requires the Colorado School of Public Health to conduct a systematic review of the current scientific research into the physical and mental health effects of high-potency THC marijuana and concentrates and identify gaps for further research. Under the bill, a new scientific review council of doctors and experts will review the report and make recommendations to the General Assembly on appropriate evidence-based regulatory changes and the funding of additional necessary evidence-based research. “High-potency THC products are more readily available to our youth than ever before,” said Senator Kevin Priola, R-Adams County. “As the marijuana industry continues to innovate and advance, we need to make sure we understand the effects of these high-potency concentrate products on our still-developing teens. By monitoring and tracking the health impacts of high-potency THC products, we can ensure that Colorado remains a national role model in responsible cannabis legalization and use.” Addresses Diversion of High-Potency Products: The bill cracks down on “looping” and diversion by reducing the amount of medical concentrates someone can purchase in a day and requiring the Marijuana Enforcement Division’s seed-to-sale tracking database, METRC, to update at the point of sale, instead of at the end of each business day. Enhanced Doctor-Patient Relationship: The bill adjusts medical marijuana recommending practices by requiring doctors to specify a daily quantity authorization and to consider a patient’s mental health history when making a cannabis recommendation. For patients ages 18-20, the bill requires two physicians from different medical practices to diagnose the patient as having a debilitating or disabling medical condition after an in-person consultation, and the patient must attend a follow-up appointment every six months after the initial visit. Real-Time Medical Marijuana Purchase Reporting: Through a practice known as “looping,” consumers can purchase the daily limit at multiple dispensaries, circumventing the limits and increasing youth access to high-potency cannabis products. The bill would crack down on “looping” in the medical marketplace by requiring medical marijuana stores to immediately record transactions in the seed-to-sale inventory tracking system. This would allow the system to identify discrepancies with daily purchase limits, access and retrieve real-time sales data, and alert medical mariuana stores if a sale to a patient has exceeded their daily purchase limit for that business day. Reduced Daily Purchase Amounts: The bill would limit daily medical marijuana concentrate purchases to eight grams for patients 21 years and older and to two grams for patients between the age of 18 and 20. Patients who are homebound, for whom a physician has recommended a higher daily authorization, or for patients for whom going to a medical marijuana store on a daily basis presents significant physical or geographical hardship are exempt from these new limits. Consumer Education and Protection: The bill would better educate consumers about high-potency THC marijuana and concentrates by tasking the newly created Scientific Review Council with developing a public education campaign, requiring a pamphlet on the potential risks of overconsumption be included with every sale of concentrates, and by prohibiting advertisements targeted toward Colorado youth. The bill would require that each gram of non-liquid concentrates be separated into no less than ten equal-portioned amounts. 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< Back March 10, 2020 COMMITTEE VOTES: HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS MUST DISCLOSE CONVICTIONS OR DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT The House Committee on Health and Insurance today unanimously passed Representatives Yadira Caraveo and Brianna Titone’s bill to require specified health care providers to disclose when they are convicted or professionally disciplined for a sex offense after the effective date of this bill. “Patients deserve the right to be informed of their health care providers’ backgrounds– especially in allegations as serious as sexual misconduct,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thorton . “As a pediatrician, I know first hand how important it is to build strong patient-doctor relationships based on trust. These disclosures will ensure that patients have all of the information they need to make their own decisions.” “Patients need to have as much information as possible when deciding who they are trusting to take care of them,” said Rep. Titone, D-Arvada . “We as patients need to know if a health care provider who we trust to take care of us and our wellbeing, has taken advantage of that trust.” SB20-102 would require that, for sexual misconduct occurring after the effective date of this bill, certain health care providers would have to disclose to patients, in writing, sexual misconduct resulting in a conviction for a sex offense or a plea agreement. Providers would also have to disclose findings by a regulator that the provider engaged in sexual misconduct that was determined to be grounds for final agency action. Patients would then have to sign an agreement to receive care from the health care provider. If convicted of a sex offense or entering a plea agreement to a sex offense, health care providers must disclose the date of the conviction or acceptance of the plea agreement, the penalties that were imposed and the jurisdiction of the conviction or plea agreement. Similarly, if a health care provider was subject to a final agency action for sexual misconduct, the provider must disclose the offense that took place, the type of professional disciplinary action that resulted from the offense, the date that the disciplinary action was issued and the contact information of the regulator who imposed the disciplinary actions. The bill was unanimously passed by the Senate by a vote of 33-0 and by the House Committee on Health and Insurance 9-0. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO PREVENT SUICIDE DEATHS, IMPROVE 2-1-1 HOTLINE DENVER, CO– The House has passed two bills on Third Reading and final passage that would better connect Coloradans with critical behavioral health support. “For every person who dies by suicide, there are 280 people who seriously consider suicide but do not attempt it,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Suicide in general, and particularly teen suicide, has risen dramatically in Colorado over the last several years. Establishing the 988 suicide prevention network in Colorado will provide a lifeline for people having a mental health crisis. I’m thrilled that this critical bill is almost to the finish line.” SB21-154 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Matt Soper, would implement the 988 national suicide prevention lifeline network in Colorado. By calling this number, individuals will be provided with crisis outreach, stabilization, and acute care that aims to prevent suicide deaths. The bill aims to establish the new hotline by January 20222. The bill passed unanimously. The bill passed today by a vote of 53-10. “The 2-1-1 human services referral system connects Coloradans with critical resources such as housing assistance, vaccination information, and nutrition support, and now, it will refer Coloradans to behavioral health services, too,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Navigating the behavioral health system is sometimes the single most significant barrier to accessing care. By adding behavioral health services to the 2-1-1 hotline, we’re creating a new entry point for Coloradans to be connected to the mental health care and services they need.” “Colorado has a mental health crisis, and the pandemic has only made it more challenging for people to connect with behavioral health providers and access the care they need,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Soon, Coloradans will be able to dial 2-1-1 and be connected with critical mental health care services. This, in addition to the 2-1-1 system, will benefit a lot of Coloradans, and especially people who are unemployed or do not have health care.” SB21-239 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Mary Young, would improve the 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System. The bill appropriates $1 million to expand referral services authorized by the Colorado 2-1-1 collaborative to include referrals for behavioral health services and other resources in the state. By doing so, the 2-1-1 hotline will be able to connect more Coloradans with the mental health services they need. The bill additionally focuses on connecting Coloradans who are unemployed or who do not have health benefits to mental and behavioral health services. The bill passed Tuesday by a vote of 48-15. Previous Next

Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s funding freezes and employee layoffs at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and their drastic impact on farmers and ranchers in rural Colorado. < Back February 26, 2025 Rep. Stewart’s Statement Regarding USDA Funding Freeze Impacting Southern Colorado DENVER, CO – Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s funding freezes and employee layoffs at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and their drastic impact on farmers and ranchers in rural Colorado. Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango: “A sweeping funding freeze and employee layoffs at the USDA have jeopardized the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers in Southern Colorado. Freezing federally-supported USDA grant programs is bad for hardworking farmers and ranchers, hurts rural Colorado, and will raise food prices for everyone. "From conservation efforts to localized infrastructure projects, farmers and ranchers were promised funding to improve farming and ranch operations and strengthen our food supply – but this bait and switch could leave them on the hook for unexpected costs. “I urge the federal government to strongly reconsider the federal looming funding cuts at the USDA because rural Colorado’s economy, and the farmers and ranchers who feed us, rely upon it.” Representative Katie Stewart represents HD-59 in Southwest Colorado which includes Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan counties and parts of Montezuma County. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Lorena Garcia that would improve price transparency and allow Colorado families to request refunds on waitlist fees, application fees, and deposits if they don’t enroll their child in a child care center < Back March 11, 2025 Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Child Care Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Lorena Garcia that would improve price transparency and allow Colorado families to request refunds on waitlist fees, application fees, and deposits if they don’t enroll their child in a child care center. SB25-004 passed by a vote of 9-4. “Child care waitlist fees and deposits can cost families thousands of dollars, and if a family is not offered admission to a child care center, they should get their money back,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Parents and guardians want the best for their children, and sometimes that means paying waitlist fees for multiple child care centers. As a mom, I know how quickly these child care fees can add up, and the legislation we’re bringing today makes it easier for Colorado families to shop around without losing out on thousands of hard-earned dollars.” “Child care is necessary for parents who want to reenter the workforce, and they deserve transparency in the process of finding the child care center that best fits their needs,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “There are many reasons why parents would want to join multiple waitlists, and they deserve to know what the true costs they can expect when determining where to enroll their child. Colorado families already face many barriers to affordable child care, and improving price transparency and requiring waitlist and deposit refunds from child care centers that their child did not end up attending will reduce the cost of enrolling in child care for hardworking Colorado parents.” SB25-004 would require child care centers to provide a transparent fee schedule upon registration, when joining a waitlist, or at the request of a family. The bill would also require application fees, waitlist fees, or deposits to be refundable after six months if a child is not admitted and remains on the waitlist. A center may charge a deposit, but if admitted, the deposit must go towards the tuition of child care. Previous Next

< Back Rep. Shannon Bird: The Colorado Opportunity Caucus puts paychecks first Jan 14, 2025 See more This story was originally published in Colorado Politics here. In the face of unprecedented challenges and opportunities, it has become clear all hardworking Coloradans need champions who prioritize solutions over soundbites, collaboration over conflict and progress over partisanship. That is why we, as members of the Colorado state House and state Senate, are proud to announce the creation of the Colorado Opportunity Caucus. The mission of this caucus is simple yet profound: to focus on the issues that truly matter to Colorado families — the kitchen-table concerns that affect paychecks, livelihoods and futures. From housing affordability to high-quality jobs, better schools and strengthening our local economy, we are dedicated to pragmatic solutions that expand opportunity for all Coloradans. Together, we aim to foster a culture of leadership where problem-solving and consensus building create lasting progress for working families. For too long, political discourse has been dominated by extremes, leaving behind hardworking people who keep our state running. Divisive rhetoric and political theatrics have no place in the legislature when the stakes are this high. Families are struggling to afford housing, energy costs continue to rise, and our infrastructure — both physical and social — is overdue for an upgrade. These aren’t partisan problems; they’re Colorado problems. Solving them requires leaders willing to roll up their sleeves, listen to diverse perspectives and find common ground. The Colorado Opportunity Caucus is built on the belief collaboration isn’t a compromise — it’s a strength. Though members of this caucus may not always vote the same way on every issue, what unites us is our commitment to creating an environment where pragmatic leaders can tackle the key challenges head-on. This caucus will prioritize discussions that cut through gridlock and focus on results, not ideological purity: Expanding the middle class We are committed to promoting policies that foster upward mobility, advocate for homeownership and create high-quality jobs with fair wages and benefits. Upgrading core infrastructure From transportation to utilities, we will invest in the systems to keep our state moving and growing sustainably. Market-based housing solutions We will push for policies to increase housing supply, streamline regulations and make homeownership more attainable. Supporting business growth Entrepreneurs and small business owners are the backbone of our economy, and we’ll work to ensure they have the resources to thrive. Investing in education and health care Every Coloradan deserves access to high-quality schools and affordable health care. We will prioritize policies that strengthen these essential pillars. Promoting collaborative leadership We will stand against divisive politics and work to find practical solutions that benefit the people of Colorado. The caucus members advancing this work are: Chair, Rep. Shannon Bird (HD 29); Vice Chair, Sen. Lindsey Daugherty (SD 19); Sen. Dylan Roberts (SD 8); Sen. Marc Snyder (SD 12); Sen. Judy Amabile (SD 13); Sen. Kyle Mullica (SD 24); Rep. Cecelia Espenoza (HD 4); Rep. Sean Camacho (HD 6); Rep. Karen McCormick (HD 11); Rep. Meghan Lukens (HD 26); Rep. Rebekah Stewart (HD 30); Rep. Jacque Phillips (HD 31); Rep. William Lindstedt, (HD 33); Rep. Michael Carter (HD 36); Rep. Lesley Smith (HD 49). The Colorado Opportunity Caucus is more than a group — it’s a call to action. We are committed to bridging divides, embracing innovation and taking bold steps to address the needs of our communities. From protecting jobs to reducing energy costs, we will work tirelessly to ensure every Coloradan has the opportunity to succeed. This is not about moving to the left or to the right. It’s about moving forward. Colorado’s families deserve legislators who put people over politics. The Colorado Opportunity Caucus aims to be a home for progressively pragmatic and collaborative leaders who understand the best way to build a stronger state is by supporting the people who live and work here. We’re ready to get to work on the paycheck issues that matter most, and we invite others in the legislature to engage with us on these vital concerns. This is a critical moment for Colorado. Let’s seize it together. Shannon Bird represents Colorado’s 29th House District. Rep. Bird currently serves as vice chair of both the Joint Budget and Appropriations Committees. Lindsey Daugherty serves Colorado’s 19th Senate District. Sen. Daugherty serves on the Health & Human Services and Judiciary Committees. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2022 JOINT STATEMENT: RHEA SPONSORS CONDEMN DRAFT SCOTUS OPINION OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE DENVER, CO – Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, Representative Meg Froelich and Senator Julie Gonzales today released the following joint statement on the draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade: We are devastated, but not surprised. This Supreme Court decision, if issued as drafted, will imperil the lives of those seeking an abortion and threaten the health, safety, and reproductive freedom of millions of Americans. States across the country will continue to pass restrictive anti-abortion legislation or outright bans, making abortion nearly impossible for some and sending doctors to prison for providing abortion care. We are grateful for the Democratic lawmakers who joined with us to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act to protect the right to abortion care in Colorado, and who understand that politicians shouldn’t interfere with patients’ private medical decisions. Colorado will not go back to a time when patients were forced to seek out unsafe abortions, putting their health and lives at risk. We will continue fighting to keep abortion legal for all Coloradans and the countless individuals who will be forced to travel to our state for care, or carry unsafe pregnancies to term. Sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, the Reproductive Health Equity Act updates Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and establish a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. At least 519 laws to restrict abortion care have been introduced in 41 states so far this year according to the National Women’s Law Center . Colorado remains committed to ensuring abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible. Recently, House Democrats defeated three Republican-led bills that would have jeopardized that right, including: HB22-1079 , which would have placed an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal court rulings and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. In addition, it would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. HB22-1047 , which would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have subjected abortion providers to imprisonment. HB22-1075 , which would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It also would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 BUENTELLO-GARCIA BIPARTISAN BILL TO TACKLE OPIOID ADDICTION HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK Bipartisan to help increase child care options in the state also on the move (Apr. 27) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello and President Garcia’s that would expand a Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program that is currently only offered in Pueblo and Routt Counties. This expansion would add another ten counties across the state to the program. “Two years ago, the legislature created the pilot MAT program. We saw how well that program worked, so it’s time we expand this program to help those in Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “This bill will save lives and help Coloradans who are struggling with addiction get they treatment they need.” SB17-074 created a two year MAT expansion program through the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing to expand access to medication-assisted treatment to opioid-dependent patients. It also provided behavioral therapies in conjunction with medication as part of the provision. “Hundreds of Coloradans die every year at the hands of opioids and I am proud that this life-saving bill will soon be signed into law and helping Coloradans get the treatment they need,” said President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “We have seen tremendous results from this pilot program in Pueblo County and Routt County and this expansion will help even more Coloradans, particularly those in high-need areas of our state, who are battling drug abuse and addiction.” SB19-001 would expand the program to make it available to counties in Southern Colorado, including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Huerfano, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Sagauche, and two additional counties who demonstrate a need. It also increases the appropriation for the pilot program to $5 million for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 fiscal years. Finally, it extends the program for another two years. The House approved SB19-001 on a bipartisan vote of 54-7. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2021 HOUSE RESOLUTION SEEKS TO RESOLVE QUESTIONS ON REDISTRICTING DENVER, CO– The House today passed a resolution to send an interrogatory to the Colorado Supreme Court regarding changes to redistricting procedures made in SB21-247. “Colorado voters were clear in passing Amendments Y and Z that they want to see an independent redistricting process without partisan gerrymandering,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “ While no one could have predicted that a public health crisis would throw a wrench into our carefully crafted process, we have to do everything we can to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. That’s why we’re engaged in a bipartisan effort with the Colorado Supreme Court to guarantee fair and balanced maps are delivered on time and with full public participation and input.” Amendments Y and Z established a clear timeline for Colorado’s electoral redistricting efforts. These dates, mandated in the constitution, require the Commissions to use “necessary census data” to accurately draw electoral districts for the state. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a delay in the ability of the United States Census Bureau to deliver to the state the population and demographic data necessary to redraw election districts. This delay prevents both the independent redistricting commissions (both Congressional and legislative) from completing their work by the deadlines in the constitution. The resolution, HR21-XXXX, asks the Colorado Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of two provisions of SB21-247: 1) the use of preliminary, non-final census data for the drafting of preliminary plans, and 2) the provision of SB21-247 that directs the Court to apply a standard of substantial compliance with only the technical requirements of the redistricting process as created in Amendments Y and Z. Final passage of SB21-247 is dependent on the Court’s response on these matters. SB21-247 , an Executive Committee bill sponsored by Minority and Majority Leaders in both the House and Senate, is intended to give the Commission the flexibility it needs to draw fair electoral maps in the face of these delays. Only as it applies to the current redistricting cycle, the bill amends the definition of “necessary census data” to allow the preliminary plans to be developed using state apportionment data that was released on April 26, and other population and demographic data from federal or state sources that are approved by the commissions. The three staff plans to be drafted by nonpartisan staff, one of which will be submitted to the Supreme Court for approval, have to be drawn using final census data. The bill also requires a public hearing on maps being drawn with final census data once it is made available. It also establishes a substantial compliance standard for any legal challenge that may arise concerning compliance with the technical requirements of Amendments Y and Z—not the substantial requirements on the process, such as the criteria in which the districts have to be drawn. Previous Next

< Back Tammy Story Representative Tammy Story is Chair of the Capital Development Committee, member of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee and a member of the House Education Committee. She represents House District 25 which includes Evergreen, Conifer and parts of Jefferson County. In 2018, Tammy was elected to be the Colorado State Senator for District 16 and has continued her work at the capitol in the House. Her legislative priorities are education funding, student success and teacher pay. In addition to education, Rep. Story has championed multiple bills to mitigate wildfires, create healthier forests, improve natural gas pipeline safety and advocate for safe environmental policy.