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< Back April 16, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Coloradans from Gender-Related, Bias-Motivated Crimes Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman to better protect Coloradans from gender-related, bias-motivated crimes. SB24-189 would add transgender identity to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. “The numbers do not lie; the LGBTQ+ community is encountering increased violence and hate crimes,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill modifies Colorado law to include transgender identity as a protected class and works to ensure perpetrators of bias-motivated crimes are held accountable by our criminal justice system. We know trans, nonbinary and gender-expansive people across the country are combating increased threats and violence, and I’m proud to live in a state that steps up to protect our LGBTQ+ neighbors.” SB24-189 , also sponsored by Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed by a vote of 9-1. The bill would improve protections for Coloradans by adding the definition of transgender identity to the protected classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. The bill also redefines "sexual orientation" as used in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes. This important legislation comes on the heels of recent data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which revealed the highest number of anti-LGBTQ+, anti-trans and gender non-conforming hate crimes ever reported. Additionally, the number of hate crimes based on gender identity increased by over 32 percent from 2021 to 2022. Previous Next

< 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

< Back May 6, 2024 House Passes Bill to Support Colorado Kids DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Junie Joseph that would require more inclusive reporting in the child welfare system. “We all want to ensure the health and wellness of Colorado children and youth, but we also must acknowledge how cultural differences and biases influence decisions made in the child welfare system,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The goal of this legislation is to help dismantle tropes associated with racial and cultural minorities within our child welfare system to increase positive outcomes for families and decrease bias. This is an important step in keeping families and kids safe and together while also breaking down impacts from racial differences.” “Our child welfare system is important in protecting Colorado youth and their families, but the lack of DEI training has had long-lasting impacts on families,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “By increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion training into our welfare system, we can ensure that cultural differences are taken into account so we can respond to family disruptions in an inclusive and effective way. This bill will help us create a child welfare system that works for all.” SB24-200 , which passed by a vote of 44-18 , would address equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) disparities in Colorado's child welfare system by requiring the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to make updates to reporting and training. Under the bill, CDHS would work with counties to update their annual reporting on EDI to: utilize state and national child welfare data, identify additional demographic data not currently collected, make recommendations based on data collection, and report on the state’s progress around data collection. Additionally, CDHS would be required to improve staff training on EDI, provide training recommendations for county staff, and evaluate local counties EDI policies and trainings in child welfare. Previous Next

< Back January 9, 2020 SPEAKER BECKER REACTS TO TRI-STATE CARBON EMISSIONS REDUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT DENVER, CO — Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) today issued the following statement reacting to an announcement from the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association outlining the retirement of all coal generation in Colorado and New Mexico: “I applaud Tri-State’s commitment to Colorado’s clean energy future and am impressed by the bold carbon emissions reduction target they set. Meeting our state’s targets requires immediate collective action, and I’m happy to see Tri-State take their role seriously. As our state transitions toward a clean, renewable energy future, we must always keep in mind that this change will bring difficult transitions for Colorado’s energy workers, their families and communities. A commitment to a clean energy future also requires a commitment to a fair and just transition for Colorado’s workers. Protecting and supporting workers and communities through these shifting economic tides remains a top priority for the legislature. I look forward to continuing to work with a broad array of stakeholders to find ways to support and protect working families affected by a changing energy economy. The Just Transition Office created by the legislature last year will work with impacted communities and worker representatives across the state on a plan to support those impacted by the transition away from coal.” Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2021 PRIVATE: STARTUP LOAN FUND PASSES BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND LABOR COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed HB21-1288, legislation sponsored by Representatives Bacon and Duran, that would create a startup loan fund to help entrepreneurs start their businesses and create jobs. “Entrepreneurs in every Colorado community are ready and eager to start a business, but accessing capital can be a significant barrier,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Black and Brown business owners and entrepreneurs have faced even higher walls to climb to access the financial resources needed to start a business. These challenges have been exacerbated by the pandemic and this bill will help ensure a long-term and diverse economy recovery.” “With so many business closing, there are tremendous gaps in goods in services that entrepreneurs are ready to fill; they just need access to loans and capital to get off the ground,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Colorado is ready for a comeback, and entrepreneurs are ready to get their businesses going. This bill will boost our economy and help launch small businesses that will create jobs and fill the needs created by pandemic-related business closures.” Business closures have impacted communities across our state, often in different ways, leaving gaps in services and the availability of basic goods. To help fill the need created by COVID-19 related business closures, HB21-1288 provides $30 million in ongoing lending capital to entrepreneurs who face barriers to accessing traditional sources of capital and entrepreneurs wishing to restart or reorganize after facing pandemic related financial challenges. People of color have historically faced barriers to accessing the capital necessary to start a new business and have also faced a higher rate of business closures. Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2022 TWO WILDFIRE PREVENTION BILLS PASS THE HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House passed two bills today to prevent wildfires. These bills aim to boost local fire department funding, prevent uncontrolled burns and build a safer Colorado. “In an instant, a controlled burn can take a turn and spark a devastating wildfire,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB22-1132. “This bill requires Coloradans to report their controlled burn plans to their local fire departments. During my career as a firefighter, we worked closely with community members and this bill will give local departments the knowledge they need to prevent uncontrolled burns in their communities and help prevent sweeping wildfires. “Wildfire season in Colorado is no longer just in the summer and our bill provides volunteer firefighters with updated equipment, access to behavioral health resources and other support they need,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB22-002 . “Many of our brave firefighters are volunteers, and it is incumbent on us to support them as they work so hard to protect us, particularly as wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity.” Notification and Services For Wildfire Mitigation: HB22-1132 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Richard Holtorf would require Coloradans to notify their local fire department or other governing authority before conducting a controlled burn. HB22-1132 passed by a vote of 56 to 6. Under the bill, after fire departments are alerted about the time, date and location of a burn, they will determine if firefighters need to be on standby at the burn site. This bill aims to prevent uncontrolled burns that could spark a devastating wildfire. Resources For Volunteer Firefighters: SB22-002 , sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter and Perry Will advanced in the House on a preliminary vote and would invest $1 million to better prepare local fire departments and their firefighters for wildfires. SB22-002 passed by a vote of 58 to 4. Specifically, this bill would make local volunteer fire departments eligible for reimbursement for wildland fire suppression activities, including equipment costs and volunteer firefighter recruitment, training and retention. Local fire departments will also be able to use funds from the Local Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Grant Program for the replacement or disposal of damaged or obsolete equipment. The bill also creates the Firefighter Behavioral Health Benefits Trust to provide behavioral health care services to firefighters and paid for by public employers. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2021 HOUSE ED PASSES BILLS TO ADDRESS LEARNING DISRUPTIONS, PREVENT BULLYING IN SCHOOLS DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today passed SB21-013 and HB21-1221, legislation that would address COVID-19 related learning disruptions and prevent bullying in schools. “Building back stronger means making sure that every child in our state gets through this school year and the next with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive,” said Denver Public Schools Director Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Every student in Colorado should have the opportunity to address their specific learning needs. I’m proud of the package of bills we’ve developed to address the disrupted learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” “Students have been through so much the last year; we have to do everything we can to ensure learning loss related to COVID-19 and the disruption of in-person learning is reversed,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “This bill will help school districts across the state access the best practices they’ll need to work with students and help them get where they need to be.” SB21-013, which is sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Meg Froelich, directs the Department of Education to identify and collect resources to help school districts address learning disruptions. It will include products, strategies, and services that have been demonstrated to identify and address learning disruption experienced as a result of disruptions to learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also directs local education providers to expand students’ access to online courses currently provided on the Colorado Digital Learning Solutions platform, and to communicate the availability of these learning recovery opportunities to students’ families. The bill passed 7-2. “Bullying harms one in five students, often leading to tragic outcomes that are avoidable,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “We can do more to prevent and stop bullying, and that’s what this bill would do. It asks school districts to adopt a model bullying prevention policy and ensures that policy is effective by including parent voices and addressing cyberbullying.” “The wellbeing of our students must be a top priority, which is why we are always looking at how we can better keep them safe and healthy both at school and at home,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “The bill we advanced today will do that by strengthening schools’ bullying policies and ensuring that educators have the tools and strategies they need to prevent both in-school and cyberbullying that can happen anywhere.” HB21-1221, which is sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Mary Young, would ensure important changes for when the Department of Education’s model bullying policy is updated next year, including making a crucial distinction between conflict and bullying which are often conflated. The bill would ensure parents of students who have been bullied are involved in developing the policy, and extend the policy to cyberbullying that occurs during online instruction. It requires districts to implement the model bullying policy and report bullying incidents. Approximately 15 percent of students in high school in Colorado experience bullying, and nationwide, 20 percent of middle and high schoolers experience bullying. Persistent bullying can lead to feelings of isolation, rejection, exclusion, and despair, and they can also lead to suicidal behavior. The committee also passed HB21-1273, which is sponsored by Representative Cutter and would require CDE to report on the total number of licensed school psychologists in Colorado who work in schools across the state. Yesterday the committee passed HB21-1259, another bill in the package to address COVID-19 related learning loss, which streamlines the application process and reporting requirements for school districts seeking to access stimulus funding to provide students with extended learning opportunities. Previous Next

< Back June 22, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Speaker McCluskie and President Fenberg Make Appointments to Colorado River Drought Task Force DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senate President Steve Fenberg today made legislative appointments to the Colorado River Drought Task Force. The appointments were made pursuant to SB23-295 , a new law which establishes a special task force to identify steps the state can take to protect the Colorado River and all who rely on its water. “The Colorado River speaks to the very spirit of our Colorado way of life, and I hope the work of this task force helps protect it for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The Colorado River Drought Task Force is a vital step forward toward finding innovative and bold solutions to combat drier, hotter climates that jeopardize our freshwater lifeline and all those who depend on it. The leaders I selected for the task force are committed to a collaborative process that brings every voice to the table and uplifts the needs of Coloradans from around the state. This is the first step in a thorough process to preserve Colorado’s water future.” “Coloradans depend on clean, reliable water to power our economy and our outdoor way of life, and protecting the Colorado River is a key step towards securing the future of our water supply,” said President Fenberg, D-Boulder. “This Task Force will address the challenges facing our water supply head-on, and will help put Colorado on a path to a sustainable water future by finding innovative solutions to safeguard Colorado’s water. I am excited to watch this team work together to protect our most precious resource and ensure clean, accessible water for all.” Speaker Julie McCluskie’s legislative appointments to the Colorado River Drought Task Force: Kathy Chandler-Henry, Eagle County Commissioner , to serve as a representative of a local government located within the boundaries of the Colorado River Water Conservation District that provides water for municipal purposes. Kathy Chandler-Henry, a Western Slope native, is Chair of the Eagle County Commissioners. In addition to her role as County Commissioner, she is President of the Colorado River Water Conservation District Board of Directors, Chair of the Ruedi Water and Power Authority as well as the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Water Quality and Quantity Committee (QQ). She previously served as President of the Eagle River Watershed Council Board of Directors. Mike Camblin, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association , to serve as a representative of a statewide agricultural organization that is the owner of water rights. Mike Camblin lives in Maybell Colorado where he and his family run Camblin Livestock, a 4th generation cattle ranch in northwest Colorado. He serves on the Board of Directors as a Northwestern Quarter Representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. Alexandra Davis, Aurora Water , to serve as a representative of a front range municipal water provider that diverts water from the Colorado River. Alex Davis is the Assistant General Manager of Water Supply and Demand at Aurora Water. She has experience in the public and NGO sector, working for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Department of Natural Resources as the Director of Colorado Interbasin Compact Committee, and in the Colorado Attorney General’s office. Daris Jutten, Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association , to serve as an agricultural producer that owns water rights within the boundaries of the Colorado River Water Conservation District. Daris Jutten is the Chair of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association Board of Directors and head of the Lazy K Bar Land and Cattle Co., a 5th generation ranching operation in Montrose and Ouray Counties. Aaron Citron, The Nature Conservancy , to serve as a representative of a statewide environmental nonprofit organization with expertise in water rights and Colorado River interstate governance. Aaron Citron is the Associate Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in Colorado. He leads the Conservancy’s state legislative and government relations efforts as well as the Colorado chapter’s engagement on Colorado River water issues. President Steve Fenberg’s legislative appointments to the Colorado River Drought Task Force: Melissa Youssef, City of Durango , to serve as the representative of a local government located within the boundaries of the southwestern water conservation district that provides water for municipal purposes. Youssef has served on the Durango City Council since 2017. Before she was elected, Youssef founded and served as a CEO of a successful Durango based company, as well as the City of Durango Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Trails 2000 board. Orla Bannan, Western Resource Advocates , to serve as the representative of a statewide environmental nonprofit organization with expertise in water rights and Colorado River Interstate Governance. Bannan is Western Resource Advocates’ Healthy Rivers Strategic Engagement Manager. She helps develop and advocate for policy programs that protect and improve western rivers and works to address water scarcity issues by partnering with regional water boards and emerging leaders in local communities. By December of 2023, after an extensive stakeholding process open to public comment, the task force must make policy recommendations to the General Assembly for demand reduction projects that proactively address the impact of droughts on the Colorado River and its tributaries and: Avoid disproportionate economic and environmental impacts to any one region of the state, Ensure that any program related to the acquisition of agricultural water rights is voluntary, temporary, and compensated, Assure meaningful collaboration among the Colorado River District, Southwestern Water Conservation District, and the State of Colorado in the design and implementation of drought security programs, and Evaluate sources of revenue for the acquisition of program water. A sub-task force consisting of representatives from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Department of Natural Resources would also be established to provide policy recommendations to the General Assembly to address tribal needs. These recommendations would consider the unique nature of tribal water rights and tribal water use. The goal of the Colorado River Drought Task Force is to convene experts and relevant stakeholders to provide effective solutions to the General Assembly so our state can protect the Colorado River and its tributaries. Previous Next

< Back January 22, 2024 House Committee Passes Bill to Expand Wildfire Prevention Awareness DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. HB24-1024 , sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Elizabeth Velasco, passed by a vote of 10-2. “When it comes to reducing wildfire risk, we need every Coloradan, whether they live in the foothills, forested areas or rural areas, to know how they can protect their homes and businesses,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “This legislation ensures communities receive information on effective wildfire mitigation strategies, such as reducing vegetation and fire fuels within 5 feet of our homes. Combating wildfires begins with good mitigation, and this bill also continues the Colorado State Forest Service’s efforts to educate Coloradans about these effective strategies.” “We’re taking steps to reduce destructive wildfires and protect our communities, businesses and homes,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Colorado’s rural and mountain communities like mine are some of the most at-risk for wildfire damage, and this legislation extends an education and outreach campaign to increase residential mitigation efforts. Reducing wildfire risk in our backyards begins with awareness, and this legislation shares important tactics to help Coloradans protect their homes in the wake of a wildfire.” HB24-1024 would require the Colorado State Forest Service to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. This bill was created through the Wildfire Matters Review Committee , which spearheaded legislation to improve wildfire mitigation, bolster the forestry workforce, and increase wildfire awareness. Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2024 Bills to Prevent Price Gouging on Rent After a Disaster, Reduce Evictions Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed two bills that would prevent excessive increases in rent in the wake of a disaster and reduce evictions by saving Colorado renters money on filing fees during eviction proceedings. “After the Marshall Fire, rents skyrocketed and priced people out of their community who just lost everything they owned,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB24-1259. “Our legislation will prevent excessive rent hikes after a declared disaster that generate profit from Coloradans’ suffering. This will protect Coloradans who have been displaced so they can rebuild their life after devastation.” "When a community suffers from a disaster, they shouldn't be faced with landlords seeking to profit off their devastation,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1259. “We’re extending Colorado’s consumer protection laws to prevent unscrupulous landlords from taking advantage of victims of disasters during their time of need." HB24-1259 , which passed by a vote of 6-4, would help protect Coloradans who have lost their home in a natural disaster from being taken advantage of by price gouging in rent. After a Governor- or Presidential-declared disaster, rent increases would be capped at the greater of 10% or the percentage rent increase in the previous year within the declared area for two years. The bill would make it a deceptive trade practice to price gouge when providing rental housing during this two-year period, allowing the Attorney General or a district attorney to pursue enforcement actions, including civil penalties, under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Affected tenants would also be able to pursue civil action for violations. “When someone is being evicted from their home, they may not have the money to cover court costs,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1099. “These fees can cost over $80, which can lead many facing eviction to abandon efforts to fight the filing in court. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to reduce default evictions and remove these fees as a barrier to someone trying to keep their home.” HB24-1099 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, would eliminate filing fees, including e-filing fees and service fees, for renters during an eviction proceeding, ensuring that renters aren’t priced out of advocating for themselves in the eviction process. HB24-1099 passed by a vote of 9-0. Currently, defendants in eviction proceedings are charged filing fees and certain individuals can submit a motion to waive these fees. This bill removes fees associated with eviction proceedings to cut the red tape for defendants to eviction filings. Previous Next

< Back June 24, 2021 POLIS SIGNS BILL TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES FROM TOXIC POLLUTION DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will protect communities from toxic pollution. “Everyone should have access to clean air and water, but toxic pollution threatens the health of too many Coloradans,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City. “Under the bill governor Polis signed today, we’ll collect more real-time data through fenceline monitoring in communities, and more people will know when facilities release air toxins. We’ll also better understand the cumulative health effects of toxic pollution on disproportionately impacted communities, often lower-income Coloradans or people of color.” HB21-1189 requires facilities to collect and publicly report real time air monitoring data and fund community-based monitoring programs to better understand the cumulative health impacts of air toxics emissions from multiple sources. Air toxics are pollutants that cause or may cause cancer or other serious health effects, such as adverse reproductive effects or birth defects, or adverse environmental and economical effects. Specifically, the law expands the type of facilities covered by air toxin pollution limits. Importantly, the law requires real-time “fenceline” monitoring and public reporting on the results of the monitoring. Facilities are required to notify the public when emissions breach thresholds for toxic levels or exposure. Covered facilities must take corrective action within 15 days of a violation. The law requires covered facilities to conduct outreach to communities near the facilities, in particular disproportionately impacted communities. Outreach must be conducted in the two most prevalent languages spoken in the communities. Disproportionately impacted communities often include low-income neighborhoods and residents who identify as Black, Indigenous, Latino, and people of color. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2019 GALINDO-SINGER BIPARTISAN BILL TO REAUTHORIZE COLORADO RESILIENCY OFFICE CLEARS COMMITTEE (Apr. 8) – The House Energy & Environment gave bipartisan approval to Rep. Rochelle Galindo and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s bill to reauthorize funding for the Colorado Resiliency Office. Over five years ago, Lyons, Evans, Greeley and other areas of Northern Colorado were hit hard by floods that damaged homes, destroyed two parks and left eight dead. Democrats have been working on disaster relief issues for the past several sessions. “We take care of each other in our community and after the floods hit, we stuck by each other and rebuilt,” said Rep. Galindo. “I’m glad my colleagues and I were able to pass this bipartisan bill today so we can work together to help communities effectively prepare for the next natural disaster or the next flood.” “Lyons and other areas in my House district continue to deal with the aftermath of the floods and I remain in awe of the resiliency of our community,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, whose district includes Longmont, Lyons and eastern Boulder County and was among the hardest hit areas in the state by the floods. “There are no Democratic or Republican natural disasters and I’m proud of the collaborative, bipartisan approach across the state to make this is reality. This bill will help make our state’s disaster response quicker and recovery more effective.” Rep. Singer is a co-prime sponsor of HB18-1394 which was signed into law last year. The bill created a policy group to help coordinate the state’s response in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and continued the Colorado Resiliency Office, which helps direct long-term rebuilding efforts and community recovery. In 2013, then-Speaker Mark Ferrandino and other lawmakers formed a bipartisan committee to address flood issues. Current State Treasurer and former Rep. Dave Young of Greeley served as co-chair of the committee. This Fall, Rep. Galindo succeeded Treasurer Young as a representative for HD-50 and parts of the district in Evans and Greeley were damaged by the floods. HB19-1292 passed the committee 8-2 with Republican Rep. Lois Landgraf joining Democrats in support. Previous Next