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< Back May 29, 2019 GOV SIGNS MULLICA’S BIPARTISAN PACKAGE TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE (May 29) – Earlier today, Gov. Polis signed two bills that will improve safety at freestanding emergency room departments and increase health care access in rural schools across the state. “This bipartisan new law is about ensuring the safety of patients and that emergency departments in rural, urban and suburban communities offer the best services available,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. HB19-1010 will bring freestanding emergency departments under the same regulatory umbrella as traditional hospital emergency rooms to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients. This will ultimately improve the quality of care for patients and increase health care affordability. This new law will create a new license for Freestanding Emergency Departments (FSEDs) through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). It also requires FSEDs to medically screen every patient seeking care as well as prohibit them from delaying a medical examination in order to inquire about the patient’s ability to pay for the care or their insurance status. Rep. Mullica is an emergency room nurse by profession. The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Fountain. HB19-1010 passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 54-9 earlier this year. Gov. Polis also signed Rep. Mullica’s bill to hire more school nurses in schools across Colorado, especially schools in rural areas and in disadvantaged communities. “As a nurse, I see first hand how untrained school staff are administering medication to students with chronic illnesses. This can be dangerous for the staff and especially for the students,” said Rep. Mullica. “This bill would ensure Colorado’s kids have access to health care professionals in their schools. School nurses provide a range of health care services to our students while also handling medical emergencies during the school day.” HB19-1203 would provide grants to improve the ratio of school nurses to students while also prioritizing nurses in rural areas and lower-income communities. This bill also allows school nurses to partner with local public health agencies so that nurse practitioners can also serve in schools. Currently, there are 632 nurses that serve 910,000 school-aged students. That’s roughly one nurse for every 1,500 to 1,700 students. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO BAN JUVENILE JUSTICE FEES Herod bill to end cycles of poverty for families in the juvenile justice system gets preliminary House approval DENVER, CO– The House today advanced a bill to eliminate court fees for juveniles in the justice system. The bill passed the House on Second Reading. “There are thousands of kids in Colorado’s juvenile courts every year. And every year these youth are charged administrative fees that can sabotage their reform and set them up to fail,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Young people will still be held accountable for their crimes, and they’ll still be required to pay restitution to their victims, but the court system will no longer be perpetuating the poverty that often explains why kids get in trouble in the first place. It’s time to take away the obstacles standing in the way of our youth bouncing back and succeeding.” HB21-1315 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Matt Soper, eliminates certain fees levied on individuals and families in the juvenile justice system. The average fees per case total about $300 in Colorado, despite studies showing that about 40% of Americans would be unable to cover a $400 emergency. Further, it is estimated that the state of Colorado spends about 75% of juvenile fee revenue on collection, meaning only 25 cents out of every dollar paid by families ends up contributing to the courts. Previous Next

< Back April 10, 2020 REP. BUENTELLO APPOINTED TO GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON ECONOMIC STABILIZATION & GROWTH Lawmaker will serve on Telecom Infrastructure Committee DENVER, CO — House Democrats today announced that Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, has appointed Representative Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, to serve on the Telecom Infrastructure Committee, part of the governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth. “A lot of Coloradans are hurting right now. We need to use all the tools we have to help people, families and businesses get through this crisis,” said Rep. Bri Buentello. “Whether it’s helping us work from home or continue our children’s education, video conferencing has become essential to our lives. I’m excited to join private sector and community leaders to continue working on the issues that are important to Colorado families and small businesses.” The Governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth is looking at how COVID-19 is impacting all aspects of Colorado’s economy and will make recommendations to the governor on how to help families, businesses and communities through the crisis. In addition to making policy recommendations, the Council is focused on identifying existing relief programs and is actively connecting small businesses, nonprofits and independent contractors to these programs. The Council is looking at gaps in federal relief programs and potential ways to fill them. Read more about the other committees and the Council on their website . Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES BILL TO ALLOW HIRING OF FORMER INMATE FIREFIGHTERS DENVER, CO– The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed legislation that would allow former inmate wildland firefighters to join professional crews to help bolster Colorado’s wildfire response capabilities and foster opportunities for formerly incarcerated wildland firefighters. The bill passed unanimously. “Colorado’s State Wildland Inmate Fire Team (SWIFT) has performed life-saving work to protect our communities and halt devastating wildfires in my district and all across our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “With passage of this bill, Colorado can hire back former SWIFT crew members so they can continue protecting us from increasingly frequent wildfires. This bill is a win-win: helping people get jobs and protecting our communities. We owe it to the firefighters to open up this important post-incarceration career pathway and to invest in firefighting teams across our state.” HB21-012, sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, would allow the wildland fire management section in the Department of Public Safety to more easily hire former inmates with wildland firefighting experience. The bill also requires the department to develop materials to increase awareness of wildland firefighting career opportunities for Coloradans who have experience fighting fires through the inmate disaster relief program. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 REP. MCCLUSKIE’S BIPARTISAN REINSURANCE BILL TO HELP LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR COLORADANS PASSES COMMITTEE McCluskie joined by Gov. Polis, Republicans, county commissioners in support of bill (Feb. 27) – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, that will lower health care costs for Coloradans across the state passed in the Health and Insurance committee. Earlier in the day, Rep. McCluskie was joined by Gov. Polis, county commissioners and Coloradans struggling to keep up with the out-of-control costs of health care at a press conference in support of this legislation. Reinsurance is a proven approach to helping cut health care costs “I’m proud to partner with Democrats, Republicans, Governor Polis and Coloradans who are focused on driving down the cost of health care on the Western Slope and in every corner of our state,” said Rep. McCluskie. “ We must work together to protect our Colorado way of life and fix a broken healthcare system for the working people in our state.” Rising health care costs are driven in part by the underlying cost of care but are exacerbated by an insurance market that assigns the highest risks and highest costs to the individual market. This is particularly the case on the Western Slope and in rural Colorado, causing families and individuals to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their health insurance coverage. Rep. McCluskie introduced the bipartisan bill in the House with Rep. Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction. Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail and Senator Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale are the Senate sponsors. This bipartisan bill aims to reduce insurance premiums for individuals and families by January 2020 to provide much-needed relief to Coloradans, many of whom are paying up to a third of their income on monthly premiums. Our state, especially the Western slope, has some of the highest health insurance costs in the country. Gov. Polis joined the bipartisan group of lawmakers this afternoon in a press conference and offered his support. “This has been done in red states and blue states and that’s why it’s a proven method to bring down rates in the individual market,” Gov Polis said. Reinsurance can be considered insurance for Colorado’s health insurers. The bill will establish three tiers, from the highest cost areas of the state to the lowest cost areas, in order to pass savings on to Coloradans. The first tier, consisting of regions in the state with the highest costs, will experience the greatest reduction in premiums, by 30 to 35 percent. The second tier will experience reductions in premiums by 20 to 25 percent. Finally, the third tier, regions with the lowest costs, will experience reductions in premiums by 15 to 20 percent. The bill passed through committee with a vote of 8-2. It now goes to the Appropriations committee. Here’s how a reinsurance program works: The reinsurance program will pay a percentage of claims, also known as the coinsurance rate, once the claim reaches the minimum amount required in order to be eligible for reinsurance coverage. This minimum amount is called the attachment point. Claim costs that exceed a certain dollar amount, called the reinsurance cap, are not eligible for reinsurance coverage. By insuring this middle range of claims the bill will help reduce risk in the market and drive down healthcare costs. The initial premium savings for Coloradans comes from a reduction in the amount paid to hospitals and other providers, which leads to a reduction in the amount paid by health insurers. These savings are then passed along to people insured on the individual marketplace through reduced premiums. The state will request a section 1332 waiver from the federal government to implement and help fund the reinsurance program, like eight other states have done to implement similar programs. The text of HB19-1168 can be found here . Previous Next

< Back June 7, 2021 HOTELS, MOTELS, AND HOUSING SUPPORT House passes innovative proposal to convert underutilized motels and hotels into affordable housing units DENVER– The House today passed Representatives Gonzales Gutierrez and Woodrow’s bill to invest $30 million of federal funds into a grant program that will allow local governments to convert underutilized properties into shelters or affordable housing units. The bill passed by a vote of 42-22. “Colorado’s housing crisis demands action, and today we empowered local governments to take immediate steps to help keep people housed,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-242 and SB21-027. “Revitalizing hotels and motels to meet housing needs is an innovative and commonsense way to tackle one of Colorado’s most persistent issues.” “Working to help families keep a roof over their heads isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a matter of investing in Colorado’s economy and improving public health,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-242. “By converting underutilized hotels and motels, we’re leveraging existing assets to provide shelter and housing to some of Colorado’s most vulnerable residents.” SB21-242 provides $30 million in federal funding for grants and loans for local governments and nonprofits to purchase underutilized hotels, underutilized motels and other underutilized properties for the purpose of providing shelter or affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Grant recipients, local governments and nonprofits are encouraged to invest in hotels and motels that are women and minority-owned, as well as those that are ADA compliant. The legislation also provides direct assistance to workers who were unable to receive prior federal and state relief. Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2022 COLORADO ELECTION SECURITY ACT MOVES FORWARD Republicans on the committee vote to oppose bipartisan, common-sense measures to protect Colorado elections from insider threats DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s elections by a vote of 7-4. “Colorado has the gold standard for elections and leads the way nationally when it comes to voter access and holding fair and secure elections,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “This common sense legislation would hold people accountable when they break the law and tamper with our election equipment and would bar anyone convicted of election crimes from serving as an election official. These bipartisan reforms will stop insider threats and defend our democracy from ‘Big Lie’ conspiracy theorists who have used their positions to jeopardize our election security.” “I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues opposed the bipartisan Colorado Election Security Act,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, chair of the House State, Civic, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. “By voting against this bill, Republican lawmakers are standing on the side of election deniers and extremists rather than supporting common sense protections against actions that jeopardize our elections and undermine our democracy.” SB22-153, the Colorado Election Security Act, will improve election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government. SB22-153 also prohibits election officials or candidates from physically tampering with voting equipment, and from having access to or being present in a room with voting equipment without being accompanied by one or more persons with authorized access. The Colorado Election Security Act further seeks to secure Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizes anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice. The bill also prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code. Previous Next

Legislative Aide House Majority Office Colorado House of Representatives Description: Being a Legislative Aide at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Our 46 House Democrats turned many popular proposals into law: lowering the cost of health care, building a fair economy, addressing climate change, tackling the opioid crisis, reforming our criminal justice system, and helping hard-working Coloradans make ends meet, even during a pandemic. With a front row seat to action on a wide range of issues, a position as a legislative aide often opens the door for other exciting opportunities in politics, government, and public service. Legislative aides keep the essential day-to-day functions of a legislative office running smoothly. Primary responsibilities include managing the legislator’s calendar, scheduling meetings, responding to constituent emails and phone inquiries, maintaining databases of contacts, drafting and sending newsletters, supporting policy and constituent efforts with social media content, creating fact sheets, conducting research, organizing town halls and other events in the district, and preparing the legislator for bill hearings and meetin gs with constituents, stakeholders, and lobbyists. Aides are held to a high level of professional conduct, as they are expected to represent legislators at the Capitol, in their district, and in the broader community. Qualifications: Strong verbal and written communication skills Highly organized with ability to balance and track progress on multiple projects at once under tight deadlines; excellent time management and attention to detail Motivated self-starter who produces high quality work without daily supervision A high level of confidentiality and discretion High degree of self-awareness, humility, and openness to feedback Flexible and adaptable work style; ability to stay calm in a high stress environment Eagerness to develop leadership skills Commitment to progressive values and policies Preferred Qualifications: Copywriting and/or graphic design skills Experience with event planning and execution Experience and comfort using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) Experience and comfort managing social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter) Knowledge of Colorado government a plus Compensation: $24.57 per hour. Possible to work a maximum of 40 hours/week during session, depending on the legislator and their needs. Benefits include a PERA retirement account membership and an EcoPass. Health, life, and dental benefits will be available for one Senior Legislative Aide in each office. Start dates depend on the needs of each individual caucus member and the time of year. Most legislative aides work full-time (40 hours/week) during the legislative session, which usually begins in early January and ends in early May. Many legislators request that their aides also work full-time in the weeks leading up to the session in December and the weeks immediately following the session in the second half of May. During the legislative interim (mid-May through December) there is often a need for part-time legislative aides; hours vary by legislator, but are typically around 32 hours/week. How to Apply: When applications are open you can apply using this form . Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as openings become available, and will be filled with qualified applicants along the way. Contact colegislativeaide@gmail.com with any questions regarding the application or hiring process. Colorado House Democrats are committed to hiring a diverse staff. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, membership in an employee organization, parental status, creed, ancestry, military service, or disability. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities to apply.

< Back May 12, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK FUNDS WEATHERIZATION GRANTS Reps. Weissman and Hooton’s state stimulus bill to put funds towards the Weatherization Assistance Program DENVER, CO — The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed a bill to put $3 million of state stimulus funds toward the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which provides grants to help qualified Coloradans save money, increase comfort, and better their homes and environment through proven energy conservation solutions. 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 . “The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low income families across Colorado lower heating costs, become more efficient energy consumers, and increase safety in their homes,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “Hundreds of thousands of Colorado homes are currently eligible for this program, and these state stimulus funds will help us ensure that a few more low income families can reap the benefits.” “Today we voted to invest in a proven and badly needed program that is already helping thousands of Coloradans every year,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Ensuring that more low income families can access the support that the Weatherization Assistance Program provides will help lower costs, and ensure more homes are as energy efficient as possible. It’s win-win.” The Colorado Energy Office’s Weatherization Assistance Program offers free weatherization support for Colorado’s low-income residents. WAP works to maximize energy cost savings for each client by providing them with cost-effective energy efficiency services. The program’s services focus on the home as a system and include a variety of measures that improve the home’s energy efficiency. These cost-effective services reduce wasted energy and lower heating bill costs, while improving the overall comfort and safety of a home year-round, they include things like air sealing, furnace safety testing, LED light bulb retrofits, and more. SB21-231 provides $3 million in additional funding to supplement the program’s $20 million budget. Under its current budget, the program only serves about 2,000 homes per year, although about 500,000 Colorado households could qualify. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2021 MCLACHLAN BILL KICKS OFF COLORADO COMEBACK Proposal would save thousands of Colorado educators money in license fee renewals DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today unanimously advanced Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to extend the duration for professional educator licenses from five to seven years, to include current five-year licenses that are partially completed. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $700 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. It is the first bill from the package to be considered in the House. “By extending the license renewal period, we’re ensuring that nearly 40,000 educators across the state don’t have to worry about license fees while they have so much else on their plate,” said House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Colorado’s educators have been through the wringer this past year, and as a former teacher myself I know how far a few extra dollars can go during difficult times. Easing some of the many burdens on our educators is a simple way to help build back a stronger Colorado.” HB21-1104 would extend the renewal period for professional educator licenses from five to seven years, without lowering the standards or requirements for licensure. This includes teacher, special services educator, principal, and administrator licenses. The bill would apply to educators who are partially through their current five-year licensing cycle and ensure that those teachers who are approaching the end of the renewal cycle will not have to worry about renewing their license for another two years. Rep. McLachlan’s bill passed the committee by a vote of 9-0. Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2022 GOV. POLIS, STATE LEGISLATORS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS & CABINET MEMBERS DISCUSS TRANSFORMATIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LEGISLATION, VISIT INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC Polis Administration in partnership with state legislature continues to take bold steps to improve access to and delivery of quality behavioral health care services across Colorado DENVER — Today, Colorado Governor Jared Polis joined Rep. Serena Gonzales-Guiterrez, Senator Chris Kolker, Rep. Perry Will, Senator Faith Winter, Rep. Judy Amabile, cabinet members, and community leaders to discuss comprehensive legislation to elevate Colorado’s behavioral health system and address Colorado’s most pressing needs made possible by historic funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Governor Polis and the group then visited the Tepeyac Community Health Center in Denver and participated in a roundtable discussion about Colorado’s successful and continued integration of physical and behavioral health care to support efficient, streamlined health care services for Coloradans. “We are saving Coloradans money on behavioral health care and improving access to quality services to ensure every Coloradan can thrive,” said Governor Polis. “I was proud to visit the innovative Tepeyac Community Health Center and see firsthand the transformative impact of our investment in providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable care that Coloradans deserve.” A bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Gonzales-Gutierrez and Naquetta Ricks ( Community Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Gap Grants: HB22-1281 ) will ensure Coloradans across the state — including children, youth and families — have access to the behavioral health care they need. This bill will invest $90 million in grant funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of filling regional gaps across the continuum of care and transforming behavioral health outcomes for families, children and youth living in Colorado. The bill passed the House Public and Behavioral Health Committee unanimously earlier this week. “This year, we are making the single largest investment in our state’s history, nearly $450 million, to expand access to behavioral health care,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “The Tepeyac Community Health Center in Denver shows first hand how our transformational investments will allow more Coloradans to access the care they need to thrive. Our package of behavioral health legislation, crafted over the course of many months with experts across the state, will boost access to care, substance use disorder treatment, residential and outpatient services, and save Coloradans money on behavioral health care.” “As someone who has experienced mental health challenges myself, I know how difficult it can be to seek out treatment and get the care you need,” said Senator Chris Kolker (D-Centennial), member of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “I was lucky because I was able to get help, but too many Coloradans can’t say the same. I’m proud to be working to help more people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders get the care they need and deserve. We have a lot more work to do, but this package of transformational bills represents an important first step toward expanding access to critical care, ending the stigma around behavioral health, and saving more lives.” Senator Kolker is the sponsor of the bipartisan and Senate passed Behavioral Health Services for Children: SB22-147 which is also sponsored by Senator Jerry Sonnenberg and Representatives. Mary Young and Rod Pelton. The bill aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families. The bill directs $4.6 million for the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program, $5 million for the Behavioral Health Care Professional Matching Grant Program, and $1.5 million for the School-based Health Center Grant Program. Additional Behavioral Health Legislation moving through the legislature: Youth and Family Residential Care: HB22-1283 sponsored by Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Mary Bradfield and Senators Janet Buckner and Kevin Priola, will make it easier for families and youth to access residential and outpatient care in Colorado. This bill will invest $54M to support intensive youth and family residential and outpatient care, ensuring that children, youth, and families can access behavioral health treatment and services they need right here in Colorado. The bill passed the House Public and Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee unanimously. Adult Inpatient and Residential Care: HB22-1303 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Shane Sandridge and Senators Faith Winter and Jim Smallwood, invests $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options for individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occuring conditions or in need of civil commitment. The bill supports the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state. HB22-1303 passed the House Public and Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 9 to 1. Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1302 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola, invests $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. HB22-1302 passed the House Public and Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 10 to 1. Behavioral Health Care Workforce Development: SB22-181 , sponsored by Senators. Jeff Bridges and Cleave Simpson and Representatives. Lisa Cutterand Tonya Van Beber , directs the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to invest $72 million to bolster and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce, which will help more Coloradans access the critical care they need to thrive. Investments in Statewide Care Coordination Infrastructure: SB22-177 , sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Bob Rankin and Representatives. Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield , invests $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The bill also seeks to cut red tape associated with provider enrollment and credentialing for navigators and care coordination providers, so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. Behavioral Health Care for Colorado Native American Tribes: SB22-148 , which has passed the Senate and is sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan and Representative Barbara McLachlan , provides $5 million to Colorado land-based Tribes to support building or renovating a tribal behavioral health facility for inpatient services and transitional housing. The package of legislation is based on the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force recommendations to increase access to affordable care, bolster the behavioral health care workforce, expand residential care for youth and families, and increase support for pediatricians and school counseling programs. The Polis Administration continues to take bold steps to increase access to affordable, high-quality behavioral health care across Colorado, and to create an efficient behavioral health care system that Coloradans deserve. Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES $90 MILLION TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE, SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to expand access to mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. HB22-1281 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . “These federal funds offer us a once in a generation opportunity to expand access to mental health care and substance use disorder treatment,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “This legislation provides $90 million for local governments, nonprofits and community-based programs to fill critical gaps in behavioral health care in their communities. With this bill, Colorado’s children, youth and families will have better access to and save money on behavioral health care. I’m proud that a substantial portion of this funding will go directly toward expanding access to substance use disorder treatment across the state.” “Every community is different, has different circumstances and different needs when it comes to gaps in access to behavioral health care,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “The legislation we advanced today makes a $90 million transformational investment to make behavioral health care more accessible and affordable in our state. This bill encourages collaboration and supports local solutions. Importantly, this legislation ensures that funding reaches every corner of our state so that no community is left behind.” Community Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Gap Grants: HB22-1281 sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Naquetta Ricks, will ensure Coloradans across the state — including children, youth and families — have access to the behavioral health care they need. This bill will invest $90 million in grant funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of filling regional gaps across the continuum of care and transforming behavioral health outcomes for families, children and youth living in Colorado. A floor amendment that passed today sets aside at least $15 million of the total $90 million grant funding to prioritize substance use disorder treatment and services. Previous Next