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< Back May 8, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK FOR ARTISTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS PASSES HOUSE Reps. Benavidez and Herod’s state stimulus bill to put funds towards supporting venues, artists, cultural organizations passed the House today DENVER, CO — The House today passed a bill to support Colorado’s creative arts industries, which were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 40-22. “The story of Colorado is told and maintained through the creative pursuits of our artists and the organizations that support them,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Today, in addition to creating jobs and giving this important economic sector a shot in the arm, we’re ensuring that our state’s cultural legacy lives on for generations to come.” “Music venues, cultural organizations, and other businesses in the creative arts industries were among the most severely impacted by COVID-19,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “As Coloradans start to safely attend gigs, gallery openings, and concerts again, we’re helping to build back stronger by investing in the jobs and livelihoods that are supported by this vibrant industry.” HB21-1285 provides $10M to support artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state. This includes funding for the performance based film incentive, cultural facilities and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2021 STATE AFFAIRS CELEBRATES WAR HEROES, FIGHTS HOUSING DISCRIMINATION DENVER, CO– The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today advanced two bills to grant free access to state parks to Purple Heart recipients and to remove a requirement to verify lawful presence in the United States for someone applying for state public housing assistance. HB21-1116 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Representative David Ortiz and Representative Richard Holtorf, would allow veterans displaying a Purple Heart special license plate to access any state park or recreation area free of charge. Any Purple Heart recipient who is a resident of Colorado could also obtain a free state parks pass from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office. The bill passed committee by a vote of 11-0. “Like me, so many of my brothers and sisters who served have found a permanent home in Colorado because of its stunning outdoor recreation opportunities and vibrant veterans community,” said Rep. David Ortiz (D-Littleton). “I’m proud that today we took the first step towards extending a small sign of gratitude for those who were wounded and received the Purple Heart, so that they may now enjoy our state parks free of charge. They have more than earned this small token, and we believe Purple Heart recipients could benefit enormously from the mental wellness effects that outdoor recreation provides. I consider all of Colorado’s veterans to be my extended family, and I intend to look after them and represent them with honor throughout my time in the legislature.” Current law requires that individuals show proof of lawful presence in the United States to receive state public housing assistance. HB21-1054 , sponsored by Representative Dominique Jackson, removes this requirement and allows more families to secure an affordable place to live. In 2016, undocumented immigrants comprised 5 percent of the Colorado workforce and paid an estimated $272.8 million in federal taxes and $156.5 million in state and local taxes in 2018. As housing costs continue to rise across the state, this bill will help stabilize our local economies by ensuring essential workers can afford to live in the communities where they work. The bill passed committee by a vote of 7-4. “With so many families struggling to keep a roof over their heads, it’s more important than ever that we extend affordable housing benefits to as many people as possible,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson (D-Aurora). “I refuse to allow immigration status to be what prevents a mother in Colorado from accessing the housing that will keep her family safe and stable. This bill removes a barrier that currently keeps taxpaying immigrant families from accessing housing, while also supporting our local economies, landlords, and employers by ensuring workers can find affordable places to live near their places of work.” The committee also passed HB21-1075 , Rep. Susan Lontine’s bill to replace the term “illegal alien” with the term “worker without authorization” in Colorado’s statutes, and adds a definition of the term “worker without authorization.” Previous Next

< Back March 1, 2022 $27 MILLION TO SUPPORT NURSING FACILITIES MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Julie McCluskie to provide an additional $27 million to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. “Skilled nursing facilities in Colorado and across the country are facing staffing challenges and funding shortfalls, which is why we are taking swift action to stabilize nursing facilities in Colorado,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We are going to distribute $27 million in state and federal funds to nursing facilities to keep them from closing so thousands of Coloradans aren’t forced out of where they live.” “The pandemic has taken an enormous toll on Colorado’s nursing facilities, and some are now at risk of closing because Medicaid reimbursement rates are so low and their costs have increased,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Nurses who care for Medicaid patients in skilled nursing facilities have been through so much the last two years and are vastly underpaid. We need to make sure we have the nursing workforce necessary to care for the patients with the greatest need, and this bill will help. We’re moving quickly to shore up our nursing facilities so that Coloradans won’t lose access to affordable skilled nursing options.” HB22-1247 , sponsored by Representatives Herod and McCluskie, passed by a vote of 12-1 and would direct additional payments to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers to help them address staffing shortages, provide quality care and support their short term solvency. State funding would be matched by federal dollars, bringing the total additional funding for nursing homes to $27 million. The bill also instructs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to seek additional opportunities to draw down federal funds. The legislation also requires the department to establish reporting and result tracking requirements. Nursing facilities across Colorado, especially those with Medicaid patients, have faced funding and staffing challenges, and some have struggled to stay open. At the same time, nurse staffing agencies and travel nursing agencies have been able to attract providers with higher wages than what facilities that care for Medicaid clients can pay, exacerbating the staffing challenges at nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. Previous Next

Legislation approves funding for the state to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter to better support wildfire fighting efforts across Colorado < Back May 12, 2023 Signed! Fenberg & McCluskie Bipartisan Bill to Invest in Essential Wildfire Fighting Aircraft Legislation approves funding for the state to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter to better support wildfire fighting efforts across Colorado CENTENNIAL, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie’s, D-Dillon, bipartisan bill to require the State Treasurer to finance the purchase of a Firehawk helicopter for wildfire fighting efforts. Cosponsored by House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, and Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB23-161 allows Colorado to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter, ensuring the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) has at least one Firehawk available for rapid response at all times. “We no longer have wildfire seasons, we have wildfire years, which is why we are proactively investing in advanced wildfire fighting equipment like the Firehawk to keep our communities safe,” said Fenberg. “Firehawk helicopters are state-of-the-art and built for longevity, making this a smart investment for Colorado’s future. This will help ensure we are able to aggressively respond to and mitigate wildfires with greater speed and increased capacity, and will help us better protect homes, people, and property against increasingly dangerous wildfires.” “When combatting a wildfire, every minute counts for our first responders and our communities,” said McCluskie. “We’re continually working to improve the state’s wildfire response time by investing in the latest technology to protect our homes, businesses and neighborhoods. By providing the funding to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter, we are helping ensure that our firefighters can combat and contain wildfires in difficult terrain and keep our communities safe.” In 2021, Fenberg and McCluskie championed legislation to purchase Colorado’s first Firehawk helicopter , which will join Colorado’s fleet of firefighting aircraft later this year. Firehawk helicopters are considered the most technologically advanced firefighting aircraft available. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES MULLICA BILL TO KEEP KIDS SAFE Colorado ranks last in kindergarten immunizations (Apr. 27) – The House gave final approval to Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan bill to address Colorado’s low vaccination rates. Higher vaccination rates decrease the risk of outbreaks of preventable contagious and deadly diseases. “We have an obligation to be proactive – not reactive. This is a public health crisis. Waiting for a tragedy to happen is not an option. This is about the safety of our students and experts have been consulted in crafting this important legislation. Colorado ranks last in the country for kindergarten immunizations. We need to do better.” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “I urge the Senate to take up and pass this bill.” Rep. Mullica is a trained trauma nurse by profession. What HB19-1312 does: · Creates a standardized exemption form and requires all exemptions be submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or the local public health agency. Non-medical exemptions must be submitted in person to the CDPHE or local health agency; subsequent renewals can be submitted in person or online. · Directs CDPHE to include immunization exemption information in its annual presentation to the General Assembly. · Directs CDPHE to develop educational materials for health agencies and schools addressing the medical benefits of immunizations. · Gives the Board of Health authority to determine school-required immunizations, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This bipartisan bill strengthens Colorado’s vaccination exemption process by incorporating strategies known to increase vaccination rates without removing personal or religious exemptions. During House debate on the bill earlier this week, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, the legislatures only doctor and the daughter of immigrant parents, refuted a statement from a House Republican alluding that the issue with low vaccination rates is not because parents are opting out of vaccinating their children, but rather that diseases are being spread by individuals who have immigrated to the United States. Colorado is seeing an increase in vaccine preventable diseases that are endangering public health. According to a recent report, Coloradans paid $55 million on childhood diseases that vaccinations could have prevented in 2017 alone. Medical experts testified at a House hearing earlier this month in support of this common-sense legislation. Public health and medical experts have raised serious concerns about Colorado’s low vaccination rate . Contagious disease outbreaks are happening around the country, most recently in Washington and New York states. According to the CDC, less than 89 percent of kindergarten-aged children in Colorado have received vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps and rubella. Colorado ranks last in country in this category. That’s below the national average of 94.3 percent and below the level of reaching “herd immunity,” the percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to avoid a widespread, public outbreak and protect those with compromised or vulnerable immune systems. Herd immunity is essential in protecting vulnerable people, including newborn babies, seniors and people living with ongoing medical issues. The Senate co-prime sponsors are Sen. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, and Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. The bill passed the House Health and Insurance committee hearing by a vote of 7-4 on April 15. HB19-1312 was approved on a final vote of 39-20. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 SPEAKER BECKER, SENS. COURT & PRIOLA UNVEIL BIPARTISAN BILLS TO BETTER FUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, TRANSPORTATION & HIGHER-ED (Mar. 20) – Speaker KC Becker, Sen. Kevin Priola and Sen. Lois Court introduced a bipartisan bill today to better fund public schools, higher education, and roads, bridges, and transit. Colorado has one of the best economies in the country but revenue limits restrict the state’s ability to benefit from economic growth during upturns and protect against downturns. As a result, Colorado’s investment in public schools consistently ranks at the bottom of the nation, and transportation is severely underfunded. “This effort is supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition. This is about good governance,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “The TABOR cap is an antiquated fiscal policy that has severely limited Colorado’s ability to invest in basic functions of government－from public schools to transportation and health care. It’s made our economy easier to bust when recessions hit and harder to boom when they end. This measure is not an answer to all of our fiscal problems, but it’s a critical first step in making sure our fiscal policy actually supports our way of life in Colorado.” Colorado’s TABOR amendment restricts the amount of revenue all levels of government (state, local and schools) can spend, preventing the state from benefiting from economic growth and making critical investments. The vast majority of local governments and school districts have already “debruced,” meaning, they’ve received voter approval to retain all or a portion of the revenue over the TABOR cap. Of the state’s 272 municipalities, 230 municipalities have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all or a portion of excess revenue collected. Of the state’s 64 counties, 51 counties have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all excess revenue. All but four of the 178 school districts in Colorado have obtained voter approval to retain and spend excess revenue. The state has not yet followed suit, having only temporarily suspended the TABOR limit because of budget constraints through the voter-approved Referendum C in 2005. In the last 27 years since the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) was voted into Colorado’s Constitution, our state population has increased 50 percent – more than 2.3 million additional people live in our state in 2019 than in 1992. For decades, Colorado has not been able to keep up with the demands of growth because of the outdated fiscal restraints imposed on the state by TABOR. “I’ve talked to many Coloradans in my community and they are concerned about transportation and education. They want us to solve problems and fix things,” said Sen. Priola, R-Brighton. “I’m a native Coloradan and this proposal follows TABOR to a T because it goes to the voters.” There is a $9 billion project backlog at the Colorado Department of Transportation. Investing in our state’s infrastructure and transportation system is critical for economic development in rural Colorado and across the state. “I am proud to work with Speaker Becker and Senator Priola to ask the voters, without changing the constitution, if they’re willing to allow us to keep the funds we’ve collected to provide the services they expect,” said Sen. Court, D-Denver. HB19-1257 refers a measure to the Fall 2019 statewide ballot asking voters to authorize the state to annually retain and spend all state revenues in excess of the TABOR cap, the constitutional limitation on state fiscal year spending. HB19-1258, the companion bill, is contingent on voters approving the referred measure. It splits up the revenue retained due to the measure to be spent 1⁄3 each on public schools; higher education; and roads, bridges and transit. “These bipartisan measures will help ensure rural Colorado can thrive, generate more economic development and provide critical services in our communities,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion, a co-prime sponsor of the measures. At a news conference earlier in the day, Speaker Becker read a statement from Gov. Jared Polis about the measures. “Governor Polis supports allowing the state to keep the tax revenue it already collects. This common sense policy does not alter the right of citizens to vote on taxes but allows Colorado to keep pace with a growing economy. The governor is engaging bi-partisan civic leaders across the state because he believes broad bipartisan support is essential to win in November.” The text of the bills can be found here and here. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens to improve access to housing for survivors of domestic violence. HB24-1431 passed by a vote of 54-8. < Back April 25, 2024 Bipartisan Lukens Bill to Improve Access to Safe Housing Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens to improve access to housing for survivors of domestic violence. HB24-1431 passed by a vote of 54-8. “Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness, especially for women and children, and it's critical that they have a safe place to call home when they leave their abuser,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This important bipartisan legislation would connect victims of domestic and sexual violence to stable housing, helping some of our most vulnerable Coloradans when they are at risk for further violence.” HB24-1431 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would create the Stable Housing for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence Program. The program would coordinate with community-based organizations to provide short-term assistance payments to survivors of abuse and interpersonal violence so they can secure safe housing. A 2023 study found that survivors who received housing support reported a decrease in physical, psychological, and economic abuse for themselves and their children. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to prevent and mitigate wildfire destruction in Colorado < Back February 7, 2025 House Passes Bill to Combat Wildfires DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to prevent and mitigate wildfire destruction in Colorado. HB25-1009, sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro and Junie Joesph, would encourage local governments to reduce dead vegetation that often fuels wildfires. “Taking steps now to mitigate the risk of destructive wildfires will keep our communities safer,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This bill encourages property owners to reduce dead vegetation around their property, which can often accelerate wildfires. Wildfire season in Colorado is now year-round, and property owners play and important role in limiting the risk of wildfire destruction.” “Our bill takes a proactive approach to combat destructive wildfires and keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “We know that wildfires can spread quickly and this bill empowers local communities to reduce dead vegetation that can act as an accelerator to wildfires. Keeping our communities safe is a top priority, and this legislation proactively mitigates wildfire risks to protect our businesses and homes.” HB25-1009 , passed the Hous e of 42-20 and wo uld give fire protection and metropolitan districts the tools to mitigate fire risks locally, improving community safety. Specifically, the bill would encourage local governments to create programs to help property owners reduce dead or dry vegetation around their property. Dead plant materials, such as leaves, grass, shrubs, dead leaves, and fallen pine needles, can accelerate wildfires. This bill aims to empower communities to reduce dry vegetation to keep neighborhoods, businesses and homes safer from destructive wildfires. On Thursday, February 6, the House passed another bill sponsored by Representative Mauro to keep Coloradans safe. HB25-1039 , also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, will extend legal immunity to property owners when first responders access their property during an emergency. HB25-1039 passed the House on Thursday by a vote of 64-0 and aims to protect property owners from civil liability during an emergency, only if it is unrelated to their negligence or misconduct. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILL TO MODERNIZE BEHAVIORAL COVERAGE LAWS More than one million Coloradans experience mental health or a substance use crisis each year (Apr. 5) – The House Public Health Care and Human Services committee passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter. and Rep. Tom Sullivan that will modernize behavioral health insurance coverage laws to align with federal law and close loopholes to increase access to mental health services for Coloradans. “Kids as young as nine and ten are attempting suicide. This issue isn’t going away until we address it,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “Over one million Coloradans deal with a mental health issue, and over half of them aren’t getting the help they need. Imagine what the world would be like if your friends and family dealing with these issues were able to get the help they need.” HB19-1269: Strengthens prevention and screening laws to shift the current system away from expensive late-stage treatment to early prevention Enforces and makes transparent existing state and federal parity laws and increases consumer protections Eliminates gaps and loopholes in current law to ensure no more Coloradans fall through the cracks “This is something I’ve been involved in for the last six years and I am glad to be a part of this legislation,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “We know that recently a student from Cherry Creek high school died by suicide. This is not something we can wait on, we need to take action now.” Currently, state and federal laws require insurance carriers to provide equal coverage for mental health and physical care. However, many families are being denied coverage or are paying out-of-pocket costs for weeks or months for mental health care services because of loopholes in current law. HB19-1269 was unanimously approved by the House Public Health Care and Human Services committee. It now heads to the Appropriations committee. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will protect Coloradans’ biological data, support military families by easing occupational credentialing, and increase penalties for cruelty to law enforcement animals. < Back April 17, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Protect Privacy, Support Military Families and Protect Law Enforcement Animals Signed into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will protect Coloradans’ biological data, support military families by easing occupational credentialing, and increase penalties for cruelty to law enforcement animals. As technology has advanced, there has been an increase in the volume and type of personal data being generated, collected, stored and analyzed, including neurotechnology. With neurotechnology, users cannot decide what specific neural information they are disclosing. HB24-1058 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Matt Soper and Senators Kevin Priola and Mark Baisley, expands the definition of “sensitive data” in the Colorado Privacy Act to include all biological data, including neural data. “This first-in-the-nation law will protect the privacy of Coloradans’ thoughts and biological data,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “The advancements underway in this field have tremendous potential to improve the quality of life, especially for people with disabilities, which is why we must provide a clear framework to protect Coloradans’ personal data from being used without their consent while still allowing these new technologies to develop.” “Neurotechnology is no longer confined to medical or research settings, it’s in devices we use every day,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson. “Outside of these settings, neurotechnologies can currently operate without regulation, data protection standards, or equivalent ethical constraints. While neurotechnology has made significant progress in recent years, it’s important we protect users so that their sensitive information isn’t being collected without their control.” HB24-1097 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Rick Taggart and Senators Rhonda Fields and Bob Gardner, allows dependents and Gold Star spouses of US Armed Forces members to participate in the Occupational Credential Portability Program. The Occupational Credential Portability Program was created by 2020 bipartisan legislation to streamline and centralize the credentialing of individuals licensed in another state. The law applies to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers. “This successful program has helped military families transition to new jobs when they move to Colorado, and with this bill being signed into law, dependents and Gold Star spouses will now be able to benefit, as well,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This legislation will make it easier for military families to keep their occupational licenses or credentials when they move to Colorado, so they can more easily continue their careers.” “Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, said. “Expanding the Occupational Credential Portability Program will help uplift members of military families by opening up new opportunities for them to quickly enter the workforce and thrive in Colorado. I’m proud to see this bill signed into law so that we can get military family members the support and resources they deserve.” HB24-1074 , sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Ryan Armagost and Senators Joann Ginal and Bob Gardner, clarifies that aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony, occurs when a person knowingly or recklessly kills or causes serious physical harm to a law enforcement animal. “Intentionally harming or killing a law enforcement animal is a deeply serious offense, and I’m pleased we have taken a common sense step to make it clear that it is unacceptable,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “It breaks my heart when a law enforcement animal is harmed or killed in the line of duty, and I believe this new law will better align the sentencing for this crime with the seriousness of the offense.” “Law enforcement animals are a critical part of the law enforcement team, and we must do more to protect them,” Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, said. “The injury or death of a law enforcement animal results in significant setbacks in crime detection or deterrence, and causes significant emotional distress for the officers who work alongside them. This new law expands the definition to include any animal used by law enforcement to protect the public, and increases penalties for harming them which will help protect the law enforcement animals that keep us safe.” Previous Next

The House Appropriations Committee today passed legislation to combat child hunger by taking advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and providing students with nutrition assistance during summer break. < Back November 19, 2023 Bill to Combat Child Hunger Votes Through House Committee DENVER, CO – The House Appropriations Committee today passed legislation to combat child hunger by taking advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and providing students with nutrition assistance during summer break. “No child in Colorado should go hungry, which is why we’re taking advantage of federal funding to feed more kids across our state,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Colorado is stepping up to ensure more than 300,000 students have healthy food during the summer months through expanded EBT benefits. Our students deserve access to healthy, nutritious food even when they’re not in school, and this legislation sets our state on a path forward to combating child hunger.” “One in nine Colorado kids face hunger, and it only gets worse during the summer months without school meals, stretching families already strapped budgets,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “The federal government recently expanded summer nutrition assistance funding, and we’re jumping on this opportunity in Colorado to feed more children during the summer months. This program is a proven method to reduce childhood hunger. Our legislation will feed more than 300,000 Colorado kids during the summer, making it easier for our students to receive the food they need to grow and learn.” SB23B-002 , which passed by a vote of 7-4 would allocate an estimated $35 million to expand EBT benefits, which would help families purchase groceries from SNAP retailers during the summer months when child hunger is most severe. Families with children eligible for the national free and reduced-price school meals program will receive $40 a month per eligible child for the summer benefit in 2024, to be adjusted for inflation in following years. The Summer EBT Program was established in December 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, with the program beginning in the summer of 2024. By taking action now, Colorado is a national leader on this issue. Ten other states indicated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that they intend to do so next year, which would postpone their program’s start until 2025. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 EXUM DELIVERING RESULTS FOR COLORADO SPRINGS Two Exum bills to protect firefighters and our most vulnerable headed to Gov’s Desk (May 2) – The House sent two bipartisan bills sponsored by Rep. Tony Exum to the Governor’s desk. “As a former battalion chief, we often used the material during training and this toxic material increased the health concerns of my fellow firefighters,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “When we used this material, it would frequently contaminate the drinking water of the surrounding communities. It’s past-time we do something to protect our courageous firefighters who fight for us and protect the health of people in our communities.” HB19-1279 was unanimously approved. The bill will protect firefighters from the dangerous impacts of the manmade Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFA) which they use on a daily basis. PFA substances are used to battle high-heat fires. The EPA has deemed this material toxic as it stays in the body for two to seven years upon exposure. HB19-1279 would prohibit the use of PFA during firefighting training exercises and includes a fine for compliance failure. The money collected from these fines would go to the Local Firefighters Safety and Disease Prevention Fund. Finally, it also created the Firefighters Foams and Personal Protection Equipment Act which prohibits the use of PFAs, requires companies to inform consumers if their equipment has been treated with this hazardous material, and requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) to conduct surveys to learn if any stations are using this material. Rep. Tony Exum’s bill to expand the benefits and eligibility for the Property, Tax, Rent, Heat Credit program (PTC Rebate) is also headed to the Governor’s desk. “This program helps keep some of Colorado’s most vulnerable families and individuals warm and secure in their own homes. This program can help keep people safe and potentially save a life when temperatures plummet,” Rep. Exum said. This program, within the Department of Revenue, provides property tax, rental, fuel and heat assistance to seniors over the age of 65, those with disabilities and surviving spouses over the age of 58. This bill expands these benefits and eligibility for the PTC rebate program. The bill passed the House last session but was blocked in the previously Republican-controlled Senate. HB19-1085 passed with a bipartisan vote of 43-20. The bill was approved in the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 29-6. Previous Next