Search Results

< Back April 17, 2023 House Committees Pass Bills to Mitigate Wildfires and Support Homeowners DENVER, CO – House Committees today passed three bills to support Coloradans seeking homeowners insurance in wildfire prone areas, mitigate wildfires and create job opportunities to improve forest health. “In Colorado, we’re taking tremendous steps to not only mitigate wildfires, but make it possible for homeowners in wildfire prone areas to purchase property insurance,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1288. “We need to be prepared for the next wildfire disaster and our legislation to create a FAIR insurance plan makes sure Coloradans can receive proper homeowners and commercial insurance that protects their livelihood.” “As wildfires become more frequent and destructive, we need to do everything we can to ensure homeowners are properly insured in the wake of a disaster,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1288 . “Our legislation creates a pathway for homeowners in wildfire prone areas to receive insurance that protects their property, livelihood and the place they call home. Without this legislation, many Coloradans will be left with no homeowners insurance and we’re stepping up to make sure Coloradans’ property is protected from the next wildfire disaster.” HB23-1288 , sponsored by Speaker McCluskie and Representative Amabile, passed the House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee by a vote of 8 to 1. This bill would create the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan Association, a nonprofit, unincorporated legal entity, to ensure Coloradans with homes and commercial properties located in wildfire zones can receive homeowners or commercial insurance. As destructive wildfires become more frequent in residential areas, many Coloradans struggle to find a private insurer that will cover their property at all. This bill would make sure Coloradans can find a carrier to insure their homes and commercial spaces as wildfires grow in frequency and destruction across Colorado. “We’re working to continuously improve Colorado’s wildfire response to protect our homes, businesses and neighborhoods,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB23-161 . “This legislation will allow Colorado to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter, reducing our state’s rapid response time to quickly combat and put out wildfires in difficult terrain and keep our communities safe.” SB23-161 , sponsored by Speaker McCluskie and Minority Leader Lynch, passed the House Finace Committee by a unanimous vote. This bill would allow the state 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. Firehawk helicopters are considered the most technologically advanced firefighting aircraft available and this bill would improve the state’s ability to respond to catastrophic wildfires. “Wildfires in Colorado are now a year-round threat and we need to ensure the state forest service has the workforce to keep us safe,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of SB23-005. “Colorado’s made important progress when it comes to wildfire mitigation, and we’re furthering our efforts to protect communities by boosting our state’s forest health workforce. This legislation streamlines workforce development and recruitment within the state forest service so we can continue to mitigate wildfires through excess brush removal and other tactics that help us maintain healthy, more resilient forests.” SB23-005 , sponsored by Representative Snyder and Minority Leader Lynch, passed the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resouces Committee unanimously. This bill would improve Colorado’s forestry workforce by directing the Colorado State Forest Service to develop educational materials on career opportunities in the industry for students in high school, and creates a workforce development program within the State Forest Service to increase internship opportunities within the timber, forest health, and wildfire mitigation sectors. The bill will also bolster the state’s wildfire mitigation capacity development fund to create and expand forestry programs specifically at Colorado Mountain College, as well as community colleges, technical colleges, area colleges, and public institutions of higher education in order to increase the state’s forestry workforce. SB23-005 would also work to increase the number of qualified educators at these institutions to deliver a wildland fire prevention and mitigation course or program. Previous Next

< Back February 20, 2020 FEDERAL FUNDS FOR WILDFIRE AND FLOOD MITIGATION COULD COME TO COLORADO UNDER HB20-1142 Legislation creates a state fund for local governments to help them secure federal resources for wildfire hazard mitigation DENVER, CO– The House Committee Energy and Environment today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter to make it easier for communities to secure federal funding for wildfire hazard mitigation projects. The bill passed 7-4. “From Colorado Springs and Salida to Jefferson County and Durango, wildfires have burned through communities across Colorado, destroying homes, critical infrastructure and livelihoods,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Nearly half of Coloradans live in areas at risk from wildfires, a threat that won’t go away unless we act. I’ve seen the heartbreaking toll on families who have lost everything while we continue to leave millions of federal dollars on the table that could help. This bill will allow our communities to take advantage of federal funding to reduce the risk of wildfires and floods, which have had catastrophic impacts on our friends, our neighbors and our state.” With limited state resources, Colorado communities are in desperate need of federal funding for wildfire hazard mitigation projects. These initiatives take a land and building code-based approach to reducing the hazards that cause wildfires to spread and increase their intensity. Nearly half of the state’s population lives in an area at-risk of wildfire, and that figure grew 45 percent from 2013-2018. The federal government has several grant programs that states can take advantage of to reduce wildfire hazards and risks, but they often require a local match. Recently, the City of Colorado Springs had to walk away from $2 million in federal funding because they couldn’t come find the small local match needed to accept the grant. Furthermore, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is creating a grant program known as the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) to provide resources for local governments to facilitate the development of hazard mitigation plans and support projects that improve building codes. Colorado needs to be positioned to take advantage of these newly available resources. HB20-1142 would create a cash fund to offer grants to local communities that they can leverage to take advantage of BRIC funding. The bill would allow the state to pull down federal funding for these critical projects. The funding for the cash fund would come from a very small .05 percent fee on premiums for some property and hazard insurance that would total approximately $3 per policy holder. The bill is supported by the Colorado Municipal League. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2023 Bill to Streamline Clean, Solar Energy Projects Passes House Bipartisan legislation will reduce barriers for residential solar projects and cut costs for consumers and local governments DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to make it faster, easier and less expensive for local governments to approve solar installation projects. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Matt Soper, helps local governments implement free automated permitting and inspection software by establishing a grant program to offer one-time financial assistance. “We’re making it easier and cheaper for local governments to approve solar projects, which is good for everyone,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville . “This bipartisan legislation streamlines clean energy projects by cutting red tape to save people and local governments time and money. Speeding up the permitting process for solar projects means more Coloradans can begin using clean and renewable power for their homes sooner, bringing us closer to achieving Colorado’s clean energy goals.” HB23-1234 , passed by a vote of 53 to 8 and would establish the Streamlined Solar Permitting and Inspection Grant Program to assist local governments with the start-up costs associated with implementing free automated permitting and inspection software. This program would offer one-time financial assistance to implement the software, helping local governments to review and approve residential solar projects faster. Automating the permit and inspection process will reduce costs for consumers and local governments and accelerate Colorado’s transition to clean energy. Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2021 SIGNED! BILLS TO END STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN CIVIL SEX ABUSE CASES & HIRE FORMER-INMATE WIDLAND FIREFIGHTERS DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law. SB21-073, sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Matt Soper, would end the statute of limitations on civil sex abuse cases. SB21-012, sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts, would allow the Department of Public Safety to hire formerly incarcerated individuals with wildland firefighting experience. “It’s been such a long road, but today, finally, we are ending the statute of limitations for civil sex abuse cases,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Victims deserve justice whenever they choose to seek it. Outdated laws won’t be able to stop them anymore. Courageous Coloradans from all walks of life came forward to share their painful stories, and together, we changed how victims can seek justice in our state.” SB21-073 would remove the current six year limitation on bringing a civil claim based on sexual misconduct. The bill applies to a cause of action that accrues on or after January 1, 2022, or a cause of action that accrued prior to that date but before the current six year statute of limitations expires. The legislation defines sexual misconduct in statute and removes restrictions that limited victims’ ability to file a civil action or recover damages. “Our communities are safer because of the dangerous work done each fire season by Colorado’s State Wildland Inmate Fire Team (SWIFT),” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This law will allow Colorado to hire experienced wildland firefighters so they can continue protecting our communities from ever more dangerous and destructive fires. It’s a win-win situation for Colorado; it creates jobs and helps us combat wildfires.” 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 June 14, 2021 ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE FOR RETAILERS, TOOLS TO HELP SMALL BIZ GROW SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed two bills into law that will allow retailers to retain the sales tax they collect and provide small businesses with the tools and funding they need to grow. “Colorado’s bars, restaurants, food trucks and retailers have gotten a boost this year from legislation that allows them to keep the sales tax they collect, and now that will continue through the summer,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn. “This law will help keep our recovery on track by supporting the small businesses that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic as they work to get back on their feet and grow.” HB21-1265 , sponsored by Reps. Kyle Mullica and Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, continues a successful sales tax assistance effort passed during the 2020 special session. It allows restaurants, bars, caterers and food service contractors (such as airline food service contractors and food concession contractors at sporting events) to deduct up to $70,000 in net taxable sales from their monthly state sales tax return for five different locations and retain the resulting sales tax revenue during the months of June, July and August 2021. “While it’s been a tough year, there are so many small businesses and entrepreneurs who are primed to grow and take the next step with their businesses,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This new program that the governor signed into law today will help provide small-and-medium-sized employers the tools, training and funding opportunities they need to jump ahead, create jobs and enter into the next phase of their business.” “There are so many businesses across Colorado that could grow, create jobs and help boost our economy with a little technical assistance, funding or support,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “With this new initiative, Colorado businesses that are ready to expand will have access to critical assistance and tools to help them thrive.” Sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Naquetta Ricks, SB21-241 creates the Small Business Accelerated Growth Program, which is designed to provide small businesses on the verge of major growth with the tools and funding they need to take their small businesses to the next level. The program will support businesses with 19 employees or fewer and provide them with technical, operational, marketing and financial assistance to ensure they can grow sustainably and continue to create jobs. Previous Next

Op-Eds Jan 5, 2025 Speaker McCluskie: Perspective: 2025 Legislative Preview Read More Source Sep 20, 2024 Rep. Weissman & Rep. Jodeh: If Trump brings his invective to Aurora, he should know we are proud to be the “The Ellis Island of the Plains” Read More Source Aug 27, 2024 Rep. McLachlan: Legislators work on tax relief, protecting funding during special session Read More Source Aug 25, 2024 Rep. Weissman: Here’s a plan to keep local property tax control local Read More Source Aug 20, 2024 Rep. deGruy Kennedy: Cause to celebrate state Rx affordability board milestone Read More Source Aug 20, 2024 Rep. deGruy Kennedy: After Colorado legislature’s latest special session is finished, we must restore local control over property taxes Read More Source Aug 20, 2024 Rep. Joseph: Rethink the Kids Online Safety Act to balance safety, freedom Read More Source Aug 7, 2024 Rep. Lukens: Increasing affordability across Colorado Read More Source Aug 1, 2024 Rep. McLachlan: 30 bills sponsored, signed in 2024 Read More Source Jun 17, 2024 Rep. McCormick: Ballot initiatives 144 and 145 will not help animals Read More Source Jun 12, 2024 Rep. McCormick: As a veterinarian and a lawmaker, please don’t let big businesses undermine Colorado pet care Read More Source Jun 12, 2024 Rep. Lukens: Breakthrough legislative session Read More Source Jun 6, 2024 Rep Joseph: Air Force proposal threatens Colorado’s workforce pipeline Read More Source May 29, 2024 Rep. Story: Colorado’s broadband funding can be a boon for jobs Read More Source May 28, 2024 Rep McLachlan: ‘When we take the “I” out of legislating, using “we” instead, we proved we can get a lot done’ Read More Source May 18, 2024 Speaker Julie McCluskie: A breakthrough session for the Western Slope Read More Source Mar 8, 2024 Majority Leader Duran: Coloradans need greater protection from evictions, and our legislation will help protect renters Read More Source Mar 1, 2024 Rep. McLachlan: ‘Long nights, in-depth debate, good legislation for Colorado’ Read More Source Feb 28, 2024 Reps. Jodeh & Woodrow: The state can and should encourage housing near transit with legislation this year Read More Source Feb 27, 2024 Rep. Lukens: Friend of the Family Farmer Read More Source 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 6

< Back November 30, 2020 Direct Aid for Small Businesses, Housing Assistance, Utility Relief, and Emergency Funding for Colorado’s Public Health Response Pass House Committees; Will See Floor Debate SOON DENVER, CO — House committees this afternoon passed four bills that would provide direct assistance to the Coloradans and small businesses that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. The legislation will next be considered on the floor for Second Reading. “Small businesses have faced some of the most challenging impacts of this crisis, struggling for survival while Washington fails to deliver the relief they desperately need,” said SB20B-001 sponsor Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We are doing everything we can to boost small businesses and help them through the winter months ahead until we have a vaccine and Congress passes additional relief. Cultural venues, artists and minority-owned businesses have been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic. This assistance will help the small businesses that have been hit hardest so that they don’t permanently shutter.” SB20B-001, sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, would send $57 million in direct aid, grants and annual fee waivers to struggling small businesses – prioritizing those operating in counties experiencing severe capacity restrictions. It will also create grant programs and allocate funds specifically for art and cultural organizations as well as minority owned businesses. Capacity limits have severely impacted small businesses across the state, especially bars, restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues. This bill will help these industries bridge the gap through difficult winter months ahead. The bill passed the House Finance and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “Thousands of Coloradans are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage and are facing agonizing decisions every day about which bills to pay and how to avoid being thrown out of their homes,” said SB2B-002 sponsor Rep. Tony Exum, Sr. D-Colorado Springs. “There is an astounding need for housing assistance to help Coloradans bridge the gap and avoid eviction or foreclosure. This assistance will directly help the Coloradans who have been hit hardest by this pandemic so they aren’t left behind as our state recovers.” “This assistance will help landlords, tenants, and homeowners who are facing the brunt of the pandemic get through the challenging months ahead,” said SB20B-002 sponsor Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This assistance will help Coloradans across the state avoid foreclosure and eviction and keep from falling farther behind. This critical relief will protect our recovery by preventing Coloradans from falling into homelessness and poverty.” SB20B-002, sponsored by Reps. Tony Exum, Sr. and Kerry Tipper, would provide $60 million for emergency housing assistance to landlords and households who are in financial need due to COVID-19. Of the funding, $1 million will support the Eviction Legal Assistance Fund, which will help Coloradans stay in their homes this winter by providing critical legal assistance for housing related needs. The impending expiration of federal assistance programs such as enhanced unemployment benefits, leaves millions of Coloradans vulnerable to eviction or foreclosure in the coming months. In fact, according to recent surveys, over 40 percent of Coloradans are living in a household that is behind on their rent or mortgage and at risk of foreclosure or eviction. Finally, the bill puts in place a provision that seeks to ensure tens of thousands of unemployed Coloradans can continue to have access to the federally funded State Extended Benefits Program through December 26. The bill passed the House Public Health and Human Services and Appropriations Committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “We are determined in this special session to help Coloradans make ends meet through the tough winter months ahead,” said SB20B-003 sponsor Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Helping Coloradans heat their homes and keep the lights on will go a long way towards supporting hardworking families across the state. The end of this pandemic is in sight, and this assistance will make an important difference for those who need it most.” SB20B-003, sponsored by Reps. Monica Duran and Lois Landgraf, would appropriate $5 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund in order to meet the 25 percent increase in applications that Energy Outreach Colorado has seen this year. As unemployment numbers remain high and federal resources have dried up, many Coloradans are at risk of losing their utilities – a dangerous outcome in the winter months. The bill passed the House State Veterans and Military Affairs and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “With promising vaccine trials shining a light on the end of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to ensure our public health systems are able to care for and protect Coloradans in the months ahead,” said SB20B-004 sponsor Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Ensuring these resources are available is an important investment in our medical professionals and the health and wellness of the people of Colorado.” SB20B-004, sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie, would allocate an additional $100 million to ensure the state can continue to protect public health while we await additional federal stimulus and reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. With many hospitals across Colorado reaching critical capacity in recent weeks, additional funds are needed to continue the state’s robust public health response. The bill passed the House Public Health Care and Human Services and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. Sales Tax Relief, Broadband Expansion for Students, Child Care Support, and Food Pantry Assistance Pass House Committees; Will See Floor Action in House TONIGHT DENVER, CO — House committees this afternoon passed four bills that would provide sales tax relief to businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, expand broadband capacity for students, preserve and increase access to safe child care options, and support food pantries. The legislation is expected on the floor for Second Reading this evening. HB20B-1004 , sponsored by Reps. Alex Valdez & Kevin Van Winkle, would allow restaurants, bars, and food trucks to retain state sales tax they collect from November 2020 through February 2021. This will provide bars and restaurants up to $2,000 per location and limited to five locations for up to $10,000in tax relief each month to help them make ends meet. The legislation passed the House Finance and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “ Colorado restaurants, bars and small businesses are struggling and need assistance now so our recovery can stay on track,” said HB20B- 1004 sponsor Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Only the federal government can deliver the kind relief our state needs most, but we are committed to using what limited state resources we have to boost our recovery and help as many hardworking families and small businesses as possible as we tackle the very challenging months ahead. This sales tax relief will provide immediate help to thousands of restaurants and bars that are facing capacity restrictions from COVID-19.” HB20B-1002 , sponsored by Reps. Cathy Kipp & Lois Landgraf would distribute $45 million to enable existing child care providers to keep their doors open and new providers to open and meet the needs of working parents, especially in child care deserts. Colorado’s economic recovery depends on its workforce having access to stable child care, but due to temporary closures and the increased costs of health and safety precautions for child care providers, many are on the brink of financial collapse. These grant programs are estimated to support 2,600 child care facilities, preserving child care for over 100,000 children and creating capacity for tens of thousands more. Moreover, research shows that for every dollar spent on early childhood programs, $2.25 is contributed to our state’s economy. The bill passed the House Public Health and Human Services and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the House floor this evening for Second Reading. “ Safe and affordable child care options are critical for working families who are juggling the stressful and difficult challenges of working while caring for young ones,” said HB20B-1002 sponsor Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “These grants will keep thousands of child care providers open and provide critical funding to make facilities safer during the pandemic. Retaining this workforce is critical to ensuring Coloradans don’t have to choose between going to work and keeping their kids safe.” HB20B-1001 , sponsored by Reps. Mary Young and Matt Soper would dedicate $20 million towards increasing our state’s broadband capacity – connecting more students to their teachers so that they can learn safely in the months ahead. Internet access is absolutely essential for students during this difficult time. But many families who are struggling with financial stability simply can’t afford to cover the cost, while numerous school districts lack the infrastructure to educate their students remotely. The bill passed the House State Veterans and Military Affairs and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor for Second Reading “At a time when Colorado families are learning, working, socializing, and generally living online from their homes, what could be more important than expanding broadband use in schools,” said HB20B-1001 sponsor Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Every Colorado student should have access to a quality education, and in 2020 that means having a reliable internet connection. While we work to determine what the future of our childrens’ education will look like, expanding broadband access to every school in our state is a necessity.” HB20B-1003 , sponsored by Reps. Lisa Cutter and Rod Bockenfeld would devote $3 million to replenishing essential community services that increase access to food for Colorado families facing food insecurity. 1 in 3 Coloradans are struggling with hunger as more and more families are being forced to choose between paying their bills and putting food on the table. Food banks, food pantries and their partners need additional assistance to meet the rising demands, especially as the December expiration for federal hunger relief looms. The legislation has passed the Public Health and Human Services and Appropriations Committee and will be debated on the floor for Second Reading tonight. “Across our state and our nation, hunger and food insecurity have only been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic,” said HB20B-1003 sponsor Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This direct support to food pantries builds on the work we did earlier in the year to bring us closer to a hunger-free Colorado. While we know there is a great deal of work left to be done, I’m proud that we are taking bold action to help hardworking families keep food on the table.” Previous Next