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If Prop HH passes, Coloradans will receive a $661 TABOR rebate for single filers or $1,322 for joint filers, an increase for everyone making under $100,000 < Back May 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Property Tax Reduction Package Will Include Flat TABOR Rebates If Prop HH passes, Coloradans will receive a $661 TABOR rebate for single filers or $1,322 for joint filers, an increase for everyone making under $100,000 DENVER, CO - The House Appropriations Committee today passed a legislative package to lower property taxes for homeowners and businesses and create a flat TABOR refund mechanism that will increase refunds for Coloradans making under $100,000, while simultaneously protecting funding for critical community services. The package is sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Mike Weissman and Senators Stephen Fenberg, Chris Hansen, and Nick Hinrichsen. “Everyone deserves to benefit from lower property taxes. If Prop HH passes, Coloradans will all receive the same TABOR refund, putting more money back into the pockets of everyone making under $100,000 while saving homeowners over $1,000 on average on their property taxes,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of SB23-303 and HB23-1311. “While Colorado has some of the lowest residential property tax rates in the country, increases in home values will deeply impact homeowners and renters alike. With Prop HH, we’re proposing over $1 billion in savings for homeowners over the next two years and making TABOR refunds more equitable so middle and lower income Coloradans will see a larger refund.” “We’ve worked hard to provide Coloradans immediate property tax relief through Prop HH that will save families across our state more than a billion dollar each year - but not everyone owns property, which is why we’re working to get them relief, too,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “This proposal will make TABOR refunds more equitable and directly benefit Coloradans by getting them bigger refunds when they’re needed most.” “Property taxes fund vital community services, from K-12 schools and fire departments to water districts and child welfare,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-303 and HB23-1311. “Our property tax proposal will reduce taxes on homeowners, with the bulk of the savings going to people who own homes valued under $600,000, seniors on fixed incomes and veterans. As part of this proposal, Coloradans will receive the same flat TABOR refund they did last year, offering help to Coloradans who don’t own a home and who are facing significant rent increases.” “TABOR refunds should be equitable,” Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, said. “Flat TABOR refunds will ensure that hardworking Coloradans from all walks of life are supported fairly. We’re taking care of property owners through Prop HH, and this proposal will help give folks more financial freedom to fill up their tank, put food on the table, buy school supplies, and pay their bills.” SB23-303 creates a long-term solution to prevent growing home values from raising property taxes, and creates limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. 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. 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 better afford everyday necessities. SB23-303 passed House Appropriations by a vote of 7 to 4. HB23-1311 passed House Appropriations by a vote of 6 to 4. Previous Next

< Back Bob Marshall Bob Marshall was elected in the 2022 election to serve as the Colorado state representative from Highlands Ranch. He serves on both the Finance and Business Affairs & Labor committees. Born and raised in Colorado, Bob attended Georgetown University and then joined the Marine Corps. After six years on active duty, the Marine Corps sent Bob to Cornell Law School where he graduated with a J.D. and LL.M. in International Law. Following service overseas as a Senior Defense Counsel and SJA, Bob left the Corps to clerk for the Honorable Judge Siler on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and returned to Colorado to practice law. The Marine Corps mobilized Bob for duty in Iraq as a Police Transition Team leader and for service in Afghanistan. After Afghanistan, Bob served at Wounded Warrior Battalion, practicing disability law for service-members while earning a Tax LL.M. from the University of San Diego. He then began working for the tax litigation division of the IRS. When the COVID pandemic began, Bob returned to Colorado and became increasingly involved in the community, ultimately leading to his election as the first Democratic Representative from Douglas County since 1966. Bob’s wife of 29 years works at an Alzheimer’s facility while his daughter continues the multi-generational family tradition of military service as a nuclear submarine officer.

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< Back April 11, 2022 HOUSE PASSED BILL TO MAKE JUNETEENTH A COLORADO STATE HOLIDAY DENVER, CO – Earlier today, the House passed a bill on Third and Final Reading to make Juneteenth a Colorado state holiday. SB22-139, championed by Representative Leslie Herod and members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, commemorates the day when enslaved Black people were freed after Union Soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and the effect of the Emancipation Proclamation. “Juneteenth celebrations have existed in Colorado for generations, it’s time we make our celebration official with a state holiday,” said Chairwoman of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “I’m proud of our tremendous efforts that went into giving the Juneteenth holiday the statewide recognition it deserves. The historical legacy of Juneteenth educates Coloradans about the horrors of slavery and celebrates the perseverance of our Black ancestors, and I couldn’t be happier to champion this important legislation.” “Juneteenth is our country’s second Independence Day and I’m proud we’re making it an official state holiday,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs . “This important emancipation day has been celebrated by the Black community for years and reminds us all of our freedom. Juneteenth recognizes the atrocities of slavery, educates Coloradans on the past and uplifts the voices of the Black community.” The House passed SB22-139 by a vote of 61 to 2. This legislation would make Juneteenth an official state holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger and Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and declare the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people. Juneteenth is also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day. This significant day in history became the 11th federal holiday in June 2021 and is also known as the country’s second Independence Day. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. < Back April 3, 2025 Mauro’s Bipartisan Bill to Attract Businesses, Jobs to Colorado Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. “The Economic Development Rate allows utilities to offer competitive electric rates to large customers and can be a powerful tool to help drive business to Colorado and create more jobs, but the current qualification requirements severely limit eligible projects,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This bill expands eligible project size and reduces application review timelines to increase the number of projects that can benefit from these lower rates. By attracting more businesses to operate in Pueblo and other Colorado communities, we can create more good-paying jobs, lower electric rates for businesses, and generate more economic growth in our state.” HB25-1177 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, would make adjustments to the economic development rate (EDR) tariff by: Increasing the maximum project size without requiring approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from 20 megawatts to 40 megawatts, Expanding the maximum timeframe for rate eligibility from 10 years to 25 years, and Establishing 120-day deadlines for PUC action for projects larger than 40 megawatts to ensure timely review and approval. To be eligible for the EDR, businesses would have to undergo the societal economic benefit test, which takes into account the economic benefits that the EDR provides for the surrounding community, as well as an evaluation of the marginal cost to ensure other ratepayers in the utility’s territory aren’t negatively impacted. The legislature created the Economic Development Rate in 2018, allowing regulated electric utilities to offer lower rates for up to 10 years to commercial and industrial users who do business in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2022 REP. HEROD STATEMENT ON JUDGE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON’S SUPREME COURT CONFIRMATION DENVER, CO – Representative Leslie Herod D-Denver, chairwoman of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado today released the following statement on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman confirmed to the United States Supreme Court. “Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the United States Supreme Court is a joyful, historic moment. Judge Brown Jackson’s qualifications, experience and perspective have prepared her for the profound honor of serving on our highest court and I couldn’t be more proud that the United States Senate confirmed her appointment today. Whether it’s at the legislature or on the Supreme Court, representation matters. I stand in awe of Judge Brown Jackson’s ability to stare adversity in the face and rise above with grace to achieve this historic milestone. While today is an important day in Black history, it is also an important day in American history. Today, America confirmed our 116th Supreme Court Justice, and she is a Black woman.” Previous Next

< Back July 6, 2021 BILLS TO SUPPORT SENIORS, INCREASE ACCESS TO GERIATRIC PROVIDERS SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will support older Coloradans by creating a new grant program to expand access to critical services and increase the number of health care providers in Colorado who provide geriatric care. “The bill Governor Polis signed today will dedicate $15 million toward projects that promote the health, wellbeing and security of Colorado’s seniors,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This funding will help seniors access food, critical health care and transportation services. It will also be used to implement best practices for preventing falls and managing chronic diseases.” “Colorado has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the country, which is why we need to act now to increase the number of providers in our state that specialize in caring for seniors,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’m proud that we were able to pass legislation this session that will incentivize health care providers with geriatric training or experience to commit to caring for older adults in areas where there aren’t enough providers.” “Estimates show that we are going to face a significant shortage of health care providers who treat older Coloradans,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “With Governor Polis signing this bill today, we are going to encourage more medical providers who treat older adults to come to Colorado and help improve access to care for seniors.” SB21-290 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield, dedicates $15 million to support Colorado’s aging population by expanding housing assistance, increasing access to health services, subsidizing nutrition programs, and improving transportation opportunities to medical appointments. SB21-158 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone, D-Arvada and Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, changes the Colorado Health Service Corps Program, a loan repayment program, to include geriatric advanced practice providers. Under the bill, registered nurses and physician assistance with geriatric training or experience could participate in the loan repayment program on the condition they commit to providing geriatric care to older adults in health professional shortage areas. Colorado has an aging population. Colorado has the third fastest growing population over the age of 65, and Coloradans over age 65 are the fastest growing age group in the state. By 2050, the state demography office estimates that more than one in five Coloradans will be over age 65. Not only is there a national doctor shortage, but estimates also expect a significant shortage of providers who treat older patients. Previous Next

Colorado Democrats delivered results to support students, homeowners, renters and create safer communities. House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results . This session focused on gun violence prevention, protecting reproductive rights, record public school funding, improving air quality and reducing the cost of housing, health care and prescription drugs. DOWNLOAD ONE PAGERS PARA ESPAÑOL, PRIMA AQUÍ DOWNLOAD REPORT

< Back January 24, 2020 EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH BILL ADVANCES Legislation would increase the availability of mental health consultants DENVER, CO — Representatives Julie McCluskie and Emily Sirota’s bill to improve statewide mental health services for children through age eight today advanced from the House Committee on Public Health Care and Human Services. The legislation passed 8-4. HB 20-1006 would create a statewide voluntary program of early childhood mental health consultants to increase the number of qualified consultants and improve access to these critical services. Mental health consultants are mental health professionals with experience working with young children and their families in a diversity of early childhood settings. “It’s no secret that Coloradans, especially in rural areas, don’t always have access to the quality mental health care they need,” said Rep. McCluskie (D-Dillion). “We want to invest in the health of future generations by making early childhood mental health services more available and convenient for parents and expectant parents to access, and that’s what this bill would do.” “As a social worker I have seen firsthand the need for mental health care across Colorado,” said Rep. Sirota (D-Denver). “This bill would greatly improve services for children and their families, improving the health and wellbeing of young children across our state. As a mother of two young children, I understand the importance of these critical services.” The Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants bill would address the need for additional, trained mental health consultants focused on infants’ and young childrens’ mental health across the state. It would also create a standardized model for the program in consultation with key Colorado local community-based stakeholders and the National Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Under the bill, early childhood mental health specialists would be available for on-site consultations at preschool and elementary schools, in public health and health care settings and other culturally and regionally appropriate early childhood settings. The visits would include support and appropriate methods for caregivers to implement tested, practical mental health care strategies for long-term success. As a part of the program, the standardized model would include job qualifications and expectations of mental health consultants, expected outcomes of the program and appropriate ratios of consultants for the communities that they support. The program will support the ongoing professional development of mental health specialists in the state to increase access to these critical services. Professional development plans for consultants and a certification process will ensure that mental health consultants are appropriately trained as well as well versed in the expectations of the program. Previous Next

On July 1, 2024, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile and Senator Dylan Roberts goes into effect to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. < Back June 27, 2024 Amabile, Roberts Suicide Prevention Bill Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO - On July 1, 2024, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile and Senator Dylan Roberts goes into effect to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. “Colorado is in a mental health crisis, and the growing frequency of suicide by sodium nitrite products indicates that these products are too easily accessible,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Some private online sellers are marketing concentrated sodium nitrite products as a way to complete suicide, profiting off of the mental health struggles of our loved ones and neighbors. This new law brings much-needed regulation to these products so we can keep it out of the hands of people most vulnerable to it and instead, focus on getting them help.” “Colorado tragically has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, with a particularly alarming high number of suicide deaths among Colorado’s youth,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Denver. “In recent years, we have seen a disturbing trend where people struggling with suicidal ideation and seeking help online are winding up in a web-based wasteland that offers advice on “how to” take one’s own life. This new law will restrict the availability of the extremely potent sodium nitrite chemical and appropriately highlight its lethality so that we can restrict this means of suicide and save lives.” Sodium nitrite “suicide kits” are easily accessible online and have been reported to be used by Colorado residents, especially youth, in recent years. Websites that sell these kits often have step-by-step instructions on how to use sodium nitrite to complete suicide. HB24-1081 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, and Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, prohibits the sale or transfer of products containing 10 percent or greater sodium nitrite to individuals. It can still be sold to businesses, though sellers will now be required to verify that businesses require the product before a transaction can be made, and records of sales or transfers must be kept for three years. Violators will see $10,000 in civil penalties for a first violation, with up to $1 million for a second violation. Previous Next

< Back September 16, 2021 JOINT RELEASE: AURORA DELEGATION REACTS TO AG REPORT ON AURORA POLICE PRACTICES The Attorney General’s Office released the findings of a patterns and practices investigation into the Aurora Police Department launched following protests surrounding Elijah McClain’s death in 2019 DENVER, CO – Today, members of the Aurora delegation in the Colorado state legislature, including Senators Rhonda Fields and Janet Buckner as well as Representatives Dominique Jackson, Naquetta Ricks, Iman Jodeh, Mike Weissman and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, released the subsequent joint statement in response to Attorney General Phil Weiser’s patterns and practices investigative report released today, which found that the Aurora Police Department consistently breaks the law through racially-biased policing and excessive force: “Today’s report is a glaring picture of how the Aurora Police Department operates, and gives us a full understanding of the gaps that must be filled in order to protect vulnerable families from racist, violent and inhumane police practices within the Department. Thanks to our efforts in 2020 to pass a landmark police reform bill here in Colorado, instances of police violence, prejudice and bad behavior can no longer be swept under the rug. We will no longer tolerate bad actors going unchecked and this report, though disturbing, serves as a path toward dismantling systemic racism and bias within an institution that has lost the trust of our communities. We are incredibly grateful for Attorney General Weiser’s commitment to addressing this ongoing issue in our state and commend him for the work he and his team have put in to come to this conclusion. We remain committed to our collective goal of reforming the way we police in Colorado, advancing racial justice within our communities and working toward a system that is fair and just, one that truly values Black and Brown lives – and having the attorney general and Aurora enter a consent decree agreement is another step toward that goal.” Previous Next

Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, today released the following joint statement calling on CommonSpirit Health, which operates Mercy Hospital, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Colorado to reach an agreement that maintains in-network service consumers in Southwest Colorado: < Back May 3, 2024 McLachlan and Simpson Joint Statement on CommonSpirit Health and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Impasse DURANGO, CO - Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, today released the following joint statement calling on CommonSpirit Health, which operates Mercy Hospital, and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Colorado to reach an agreement that maintains in-network service consumers in Southwest Colorado: Coloradans in our communities must have access to hospital care and medical services within a reasonable distance from home, and this impasse puts critical care out of reach for consumers in Southwest Colorado. Coloradans in rural communities often have to travel hours for care, but forcing patients to drive to Colorado Springs or Grand Junction to receive treatment is not an appropriate alternative. It’s time for Anthem and CommonSpirit to put patients before profits and come to an agreement that continues in-network coverage for facilities such as Mercy Hospital in our communities. Previous Next