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< Back April 22, 2022 BILL TO INVEST IN STUDENT AND WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS ADVANCES HOUSE Legislation would distribute nearly $91 million in federal pandemic relief funds to align postsecondary credential programs with today’s jobs DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today on a preliminary vote to prepare Colorado students for success. This bill invests nearly $91 million of federal pandemic relief funds to build innovative workforce talent pipelines. “Together, we are investing $91 million in federal funds to build innovative career pathways into high demand industries with good paying jobs,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Through the help of local partners, labor organizations and industry leaders, postsecondary institutions can expand and develop programs to create workforce talent pipelines in every corner of the state.” HB22-1350 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Janice Rich, would establish a grant program with $91 million in federal funds to foster regional talent development initiatives to fill good jobs in growing industries. The competitive grant program will leverage local, federal and private dollars to better align postsecondary credential programs to today’s jobs. The program will take a regional approach to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions. These partnerships will build new pathways into high-skilled and high-demand industries, especially in industries with staffing shortages. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HOUSING, SUPPORT MOBILE HOMEOWNERS SB22-160 would invest $35 million to help mobile homeowners purchase the land they live on FORT COLLINS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed SB22-160 , legislation to support mobile home owners and save people money on housing. Championed by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, as well as Representatives Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, SB22-160 will invest $35 million into and create the Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Loan and Grant Program Fund, which will provide financing to eligible mobile home homeowners so they can purchase the land their homes sit on and convert it into a resident-owned community. “Mobile home parks are Colorado’s closest thing to ‘naturally-occurring’ affordable housing,” said Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “But just like the rest of us, mobile home park residents are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing housing costs. This new law will allow Coloradans to invest in their own communities, own their own homes, and drive down the cost of housing across the state.” “Every Coloradan deserves a safe, comfortable place to call home, which is why we worked hard this session to ensure that mobile homes stay affordable across our state,” said Hinrichsen. “This new law will provide critical protections for mobile homeowners by making sure mobile home residents have the tools and help they need to buy the land their homes sit on.” “Today, we’re putting mobile homeowners above corporate profits,” Boesenecker said. “Our law invests critical resources to keep mobile home parks affordable by empowering mobile homeowners to purchase and manage the land their homes sit on. I’m incredibly proud to see this law through the finish line because resident owned communities are the key to affordable, resilient mobile homes.” “With this law, we’re making sure mobile homeowners have the tools to organize and combat displacement and exorbitant lot rent increases,” said Lindsay. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to prioritize mobile homeowners so they can invest in their own communities. Our $35 million investment will go toward creating critical protections for mobile park residents to keep their homes affordable.” The new law further establishes a mechanism for nonprofits to receive grant funding to provide technical assistance to homeowners and help them build the capacity, resources, and know-how to organize and purchase their mobile home park. SB22-160 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force . Previous Next

New law protects visitation rights for incarcerated Coloradans < Back June 4, 2025 Right to Visitation, Family Connection Becomes Law New law protects visitation rights for incarcerated Coloradans DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to ensure that Coloradans who are incarcerated have visitation rights with their family and loved ones . “This law is about treating incarcerated Coloradans as humans and making their re-entry into their communities more successful to reduce recidivism and improve safety across our state,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs. “From alleviating stress to fostering hope, human connection has proven to provide many benefits for incarcerated Coloradans and our communities. This law ensures that incarceration does not prevent Coloradans from accessing their support systems during some of the most traumatic times in their life.” “Families are where we find strength, healing, and support,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “But for too many families, the criminal justice system creates barriers that fracture these bonds. Regular visits, phone calls, and moments of connection empower families to support their loved ones’ journey toward rehabilitation. This new law helps to make our justice system a tool for repair and recovery, not a weapon of division.” “Visitation is rehabilitation, and revoking visitation privileges should never be a tool to force justice-involved Coloradans to work or as a form of punishment,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “America abolished slavery in the 1800s, yet incarcerated Coloradans are being forced into labor just to be able to have a conversation with their friends and family. This law ensures that Coloradans, regardless of whether or not they are incarcerated, have the right to access their loved ones.” “Ensuring that people who are incarcerated have the right to connect with their loved ones makes all Coloradans safer,” said Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “It reduces recidivism, supports rehabilitation, and eases the transition back into our communities after incarceration. Currently, people can lose family visitation rights – including contact with their children – as a form of punishment. Protecting the right to family connection leads to better outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across Colorado.” HB25-1013 protects visitation rights for incarcerated Coloradans to ensure they can stay connected with their family, friends, and loved ones and be set up for success after they serve time and re-enter the community. Visitation includes in-person visits, family time visits, phone calls, and video calls. A study found that visitation in prison results in a 26 percent decrease in post-release criminal activity as well as a 28 percent reduction in new convictions overall. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2019 GOV SIGNS BILL TO OFFER COLORADANS ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION SERVICES (Jun 3) – This weekend, Gov. Polis signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan and Rep. Matt Gray in Centennial that creates a workforce diploma pilot program. “This new law that the Governor just signed creates a workforce diploma pilot program to encourage achievement and attainment of high school diplomas or industry training certificates,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Coloradans should have the educational opportunities they need, no matter how old they are and regardless of whether they received a high school diploma.” HB19-1236 creates a workforce diploma pilot program in the Colorado Department of Education. The program awards performance payments to qualified providers that offer alternative education services and demonstrate their students’ successful completion of educational milestones, such as earning high school diplomas, course credits, or industry-recognized training certificates. This will help many Coloradans attain education and training that helps them get on a pathway to economic self-sufficiency so they can take care of themselves and their families. Previous Next

< Back July 6, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! RURAL ECONOMIES IN COLORADO GET A JUMP-START Denver, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bipartisan bill to expand on the successful Rural Jump-Start program that helps boost economic development in rural Colorado. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Janice Rich as well as Senators Kerry Donovan and Ray Scott. “I am thrilled to see this bill signed into law today because our economy needs help so that Coloradans can get back to work,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “From Routt County to Mesa County, the Rural Jump-Start Program has been the reason why dozens of businesses were able to open their doors and hire employees in rural Colorado. This law expands this program to more parts of the state and will allow even more small businesses to open and hire employees. As we move to safely reopen, we are glad to have this tool in place to help with the long term economic health of rural Colorado.” “I am incredibly proud to have sponsored this bill and to watch it become law today,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “For the last 5 years the Rural Jump-Start Program has been helping new businesses open in rural Colorado and boost their local economies in the process. Now with the serious economic pains we are experiencing from COVID-19, it is crucial that we expand this program’s success to other small rural communities across the state. Recovery won’t happen overnight, but with the ingenuity of small business start-ups, I am hopeful that Colorado will have the tools in place to begin an economic recovery.” The Rural Jump-Start program encourages businesses to create and maintain jobs in economically distressed rural areas by providing tax incentives both to the businesses themselves and to their employees. HB20-1003 includes key modifications to the Rural Jump-Start program to ensure more rural communities, businesses and their employees can benefit in economically distressed areas of rural Colorado. Importantly, it also extends the program for five years and allows economic development organizations to form Rural Jump-Start Zone programs to authorize new businesses to participate. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023. The bill passed the House by a vote of 39-20. < Back November 18, 2023 House Passes Bill to Put $185M Back into the Pockets of Hardworking Coloradans DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023. The bill passed the House by a vote of 39-20. “The Earned Income Tax Credit helps hardworking families that are the most at-risk for housing insecurity and poverty due to the rising cost of living in Colorado,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Boosting this credit will put more money back into the pockets of the people who need it most right now, who are disproportionately people of color, women, and people with a disability. Our legislation will bolster the economic security of the Coloradans feeling the brunt of our affordability crisis and make it easier for all Coloradans to call our state home.” “This bill will boost the incomes of over 400,000 hardworking Colorado families, making it easier for them to afford rent, groceries, childcare, and other costs,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Getting $185 million out to hardworking Coloradans will help grow our economy, support local business owners and enable more Coloradans to afford to live in Colorado.” HB23B-1002 would expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for tax year 2023 to one of the highest state matches in the country. With the current state EITC at 25 percent, the average tax credit is $521 . By increasing the EITC, families could see hundreds of additional dollars back in their wallets next year. The bill builds on legislation passed by Colorado Democrats in recent years to make Colorado more affordable for working-class families. The General Assembly passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which more than doubled the state's EITC and funded the Child Tax Credit for the first time in Colorado, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. Additionally, Colorado Democrats passed HB23-1112 last session to increase the Colorado EITC from 25 percent to 38 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024. The bill’s demographic note showed that EITC recipients were more likely to be women, people of color, and people living with disabilities. Previous Next

< Back November 1, 2021 JBC CHAIR MCCLUSKIE, JBC MEMBER HEROD STATEMENTS ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET REQUEST FOR FY 2022-2023 DENVER, CO – JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie and JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod today released the following statements on Governor Jared Polis’ budget request for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. “The governor’s budget request makes smart investments in critical priorities to continue Colorado’s recovery while fulfilling our future budget obligations,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, “I appreciate the governor’s dedication to saving money for future buying down of the Budget Stabilization Factor, and I share his commitment to crafting a budget that reflects the diverse priorities of communities all across our state. I look forward to reviewing the details of the governor’s request and to working with my colleagues on the Joint Budget Committee to craft a balanced budget that powers the Colorado Comeback and boosts our state’s economic recovery.” “The governor’s budget proposal suggests responsible one-time investments in Colorado’s immediate needs while allocating funds for critical state services in the long term,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “I’m proud to see that the governor and the General Assembly remain aligned in our intent to invest in an equitable recovery for Colorado. I look forward to working together to craft a budget that prioritizes the full recovery of those who are on the front lines of responding to this pandemic and those who haven’t been able to get back on their feet as quickly as other Coloradans.” Previous Next

On January 1, 2024, laws to cap the cost of epinephrine auto injectors at $60 for a 2-pack, protect patients during intimate exams and improve eating disorder treatment go into effect. < Back December 18, 2023 Laws to Save Patients Money on Health Care, Protect Coloradans Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On January 1, 2024, laws to cap the cost of epinephrine auto injectors at $60 for a 2-pack, protect patients during intimate exams and improve eating disorder treatment go into effect. “No one should ever have to choose between paying their bills and being able to afford their life-saving medication, which is why we passed a law that limits corporate price-gouging and makes EpiPens more accessible for all,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1002. “Currently, EpiPens can be as expensive as $700 for a 2-pack, even though it only costs the manufacturer $8 to produce. On January 1, our new Colorado law will limit the out-of-pocket price of an EpiPen 2-pack to $60, ensuring that Coloradans can afford and access their life-saving medication.” “Colorado families like the ones I represent on the Western Slope have been getting charged an arm and a leg for the EpiPens they rely on to save their lives in emergency situations, and it’s unacceptable,” Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, said. “Nobody should have to choose between paying the bills and affording their prescription drugs. This new law going into effect will lower costs and make life-saving EpiPens much more affordable for working folks.” “With the current price of an EpiPen 2-pack, hardworking Coloradans have to work over one additional week just to ensure they have medication that can save their life during an emergency,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1002. “Symptoms from food allergies can set in quickly, and price should never be a factor for people like myself that rely on emergency medication to keep them safe and alive. I’m proud that our new law will remove cost barriers that prevent many lower-income people and people of color from accessing the medication they need.” Epinephrine auto-injectors are commonly referred to by the trademark name “EpiPen”, which was acquired by one company in 2007. Since then, prices have increased over 660% to $690 for a 2-pack. Because Epi-pens expire a year after purchase, Coloradans have been forced to spend hundreds of dollars annually for medication that can save them from potentially lethal reactions. HB23-1002 creates the Epi-Pen Affordability Program, where uninsured Coloradans with a prescription can apply online through the Colorado Division of Insurance to obtain low-cost epinephrine auto-injectors. Under this bill, manufacturers would be required to provide access to the program on their websites. The bill also requires insurance carriers that provide coverage for epinephrine auto-injectors to cap the out-of-pocket cost to $60 for a 2-pack. HB23-1077 requires health care professionals, students, medical residents and trainees to obtain informed consent prior to a patient being sedated or unconscious before performing intimate examinations, unless in emergency situations. In addition to consent, health care professionals would only be able to perform intimate examinations if it is pertinent to the planned procedure. “This law is common sense - providers should have to get consent from patients to conduct invasive pelvic exams,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB23-1077. “Too many patients have woken up after a surgery to learn a non-consensual pelvic, prostate, rectal, or breast exam was performed on them, leaving them surprised and traumatized. With this law taking effect, Coloradans can have peace of mind that they won’t undergo exams that they did not consent to.” “Patients deserve dignity,” Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, said. “Previously, health care professionals jeopardized that by performing unauthorized intimate exams on patients. By requiring health care professionals to obtain consent from their patients before intimate exams are conducted, we’re ensuring patients are able to maintain control over their bodies, and maintain their dignity.” “Many people, like myself, were shocked to hear that it was legal in Colorado to perform intimate exams on a patient while they are sedated for medical training purposes,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB23-1077. “These non-consensual exams were a violation of a patients safety and trust in the health care system, and can force patients to revisit some of their worst traumas and cause unintended, long-lasting impacts. This law protects Colorado patients by requiring consent before any intimate exams are performed, giving them the ability to opt out at any point.” “Creating patient consent protections for intimate exams is simply the right thing to do,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “This important new law will ensure patients who have been put under anesthesia or who are unconscious during medical procedures aren’t unknowing or unwilling recipients of intimate exams.” Across the country, medical students and residents are performing unauthorized intimate exams , including pelvic exams for educational purposes, on patients under medical sedation for unrelated surgeries. Patients are not able to consent to these procedures and can experience extreme physical and behavioral trauma responses after learning about the performed exam. This law would create a clear process for obtaining patient consent and non-compliant medical and health care professionals would be subject to disciplinary action by their regulators or the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for not following that process. SB23-176 provides health care protections for those suffering from a diagnosed eating disorder. The law prohibits health insurance plans from using body mass index or any other weight standard when determining the medically necessary and appropriate level of care for a patient. It also prohibits retail establishments from selling over-the-counter diet pills to those under the age of 18-years-old without prescriptions. “Only 1 in 3 people who have an eating disorder will receive the treatment they need to have a healthy relationship with their bodies,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of SB23-176. “This law prohibits health insurance companies from denying eating disorder treatments based on outdated standards, like body mass index and ideal body weight. We’re eliminating harmful approaches so we can ensure the health and safety of Coloradans.” “This is a crisis with our youth. Hospitalizations for eating disorders among adolescents has increased by 100 percent since the onset of COVID. Women and LGBTQ+ youth are at particular risk of contracting an eating disorder because of the unrealistic expectations of appearance imposed on them by our society,” Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “We must address outdated and harmful approaches to treating eating disorders and provide care that is respectful to each individual and on par with the latest research.” Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses. According to Mental Health Colorado , one in ten Coloradans live with an eating disorder, showing that the need for action is clear. Previous Next

< Back February 9, 2022 GARNETT AND ESGAR CONGRATULATE NEW SENATE LEADERSHIP DENVER, CO — Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, today released the following statements congratulating the new Senate leadership: Senate President Stephen Fenberg, D-Boulder; Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City; and Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, who was elected the new Senate Majority JBC Member. “Congratulations, Senate President Fenberg, Majority Leader Moreno, and Sen. Zenzinger! I’m excited to continue our work together this session to prepare our students for success, improve public safety, and save Coloradans money,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “The Senate leadership team has a proven track record of getting things done. With Coloradans feeling the acute pressures of the pandemic, we have a bold plan to move our state forward and save Coloradans money.” “I’m ready to get to work with Senators Fenberg, Moreno and Zenzinger to move Colorado forward and save people money,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Having served with Senators Moreno and Zenzinger on the Joint Budget Committee as they helped lead Colorado through the pandemic, I know their strong leadership will be a big asset to the Senate and our state. This team knows how to deliver results for Colorado that will save people money and boost working families across the state!” Previous Next

House Democratic lawmakers today highlighted the success of the first meeting of the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee. < Back July 9, 2024 Lukens, Bacon Highlight First Meeting of the Cell Phone Connectivity Committee CORRECTION The Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee was created through an interim committee request letter (2024-04), rather than HB24-1265 as previously stated. DENVER, CO - House Democratic lawmakers today highlighted the success of the first meeting of the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee . Created through HB24-1265, this bipartisan interim committee aims to study cell phone connectivity issues in rural and historically underserved communities of color in Colorado. Chair Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “Whether it’s for work, school, meeting virtually with your doctor, searching for directions, or contacting emergency services — quality cell phone connectivity is vital. However, many of our neighbors living in rural and mountainous communities are stuck with unreliable cell services. Gaps in cell phone connectivity means Coloradans can find themselves on their own in a dangerous, emergency situation. “Our first meeting allowed us to dive deeper into the cell phone connectivity issues encountered by many in our state. These gaps were widely exposed during the pandemic, and our goal this interim is to better understand how we can improve connectivity for those living in and visiting Colorado’s mountainous communities.” Committee Member, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver: “No matter your zip code, everyone deserves peace of mind and a strong sense of security that cell phones provide. “However, marginalized communities in urban and rural areas feel as if they experience a lack of reliable cell phone coverage. It has been increasingly difficult for many in these communities to rely on cell phones in emergency situations or everyday life. “We convened this Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee to uncover the gaps in cell phone coverage across our state. Today’s first meeting set us on a path forward to understanding the connectivity issues as we work towards framing up future legislation.” Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILLS TO ADDRESS OPIOID CRISIS More than one million Coloradans experience mental health or a substance use crisis each year (Apr. 26) – The House approved two bills today that expand services to people recovering from opioid addiction. HB19-1287 passed on second reading. The bill is a product of the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee. “There are real barriers for people who are seeking treatment and want to be in recovery. This bill will give them the tools to overcome these barriers,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “ Many individuals encounter barriers when trying to access treatment to overcome their addiction. This bill puts a system in place that is ready to help people, a system to help them navigate treatment and recovery options and a system that works for everyone involved.” HB19-1287 directs the Department of Human Services to implement a web-based tracking system to track available treatment capacity at behavioral health facilities and at programs for medication-assisted treatment and medical detoxification for substance use disorders. This bill also directs the Department of Human Services to implement a care navigation system to assist individuals to obtain access to treatment for substance use disorders, including medical detoxification and residential and inpatient treatment Lastly, the bill creates a grant program for substance use disorder treatment in underserved communities to provide services in rural and frontier communities, prioritizing areas of the state that are unserved or underserved. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 57-6. The House also passed HB19-1009 sponsored by Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. “This bill is focused on people who are going through substance use recovery and they are at the end of that spectrum,” said Rep. Kennedy. “Through this, we are trying to reintegrate them back into the community and this gets rids of the barriers they face, such as access to housing.” This bill improves support for individuals recovering from substance use disorders by expanding housing assistance for people transitioning out of treatment, increasing oversight of recovery residences to ensure high quality care, and investing in recovery services for people who have sought care and treatment. “The majority of people with a substance use disorder are currently in recovery today. Supporting recovery is the right thing to do, costing the state far less in the long run,” said Rep. Singer. “This will play a huge role in ending the opioid crisis.” HB19-1009 passed by a voice-vote. A final vote will be given at a later date. Previous Next

< Back March 21, 2022 BILL TO BOOST FUNDING TO PREPARE AT-RISK STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House passed legislation today that would create a new method for identifying and serving at-risk students. HB22-1202 which passed by a vote of 48 to 17, would more accurately count at-risk students and direct additional resources to school districts that serve at-risk students. “We’re taking a modern, data-based approach to identify at-risk students so schools can better serve them,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This bill creates a new holistic method for pinpointing at-risk students that goes beyond those eligible for free and reduced-price lunches to include data from Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus program. It also considers important neighborhood socioeconomic factors that can affect academic success including unhoused status, an incarcerated parent and English as a Second Language. Gathering this information is vital for getting school districts that serve at-risk students the funding they need." “We’re setting every Colorado student up for success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion “Better serving Colorado’s at-risk students requires a multi-faceted approach and that includes considering more than just a few factors that might hinder academic success. This bill creates a new definition in the formula so Colorado can more accurately identify at-risk students and subsequently provide their school districts with more funding to meet their needs.” HB22-1202 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Leslie Herod, would create a new method in the school finance formula to identify students who are at risk of below-average academic outcomes due to socioeconomic disadvantage or poverty. The new formula aims to better pinpoint at-risk students by considering multiple socioeconomic factors that affect them, including eligibility for free lunches, unhoused status and a neighborhood index status. Based on the new formula, school districts would be eligible for more state funding beginning in the 2023-24 school year to better prepare their at-risk students. A recent statewide poll revealed that 83% of respondents consider it important to provide resources and support to students who are falling behind so teachers can make sure every student has an opportunity to get back on track. Previous Next