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< Back May 19, 2021 BILL TO REQUIRE MONITORING OF TOXIC AIR POLLUTION ADVANCES ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Previous Next

< Back March 28, 2022 BILL TO PRESERVE VOTER REGISTRATION OPTIONS FOR COLORADANS DISPLACED BY MARSHALL FIRE ADVANCES DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation that would allow Coloradans impacted by the Marshall Fire to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed. “In the wake of the devastating Marshall Fire that displaced thousands of Coloradans, we’re making sure their voting rights are preserved now and when they return home,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “Our bill updates the law so Coloradans affected by the Marshall Fire, or any other natural disaster, have the flexibility to vote at their home address and have a voice in their communities. This is just one of the many ways we’re supporting Boulder County residents through the recovery process.” “Coloradans displaced by the Marshall Fire shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to cast their ballot,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield . “We’re taking the necessary steps to update Colorado law so voters displaced by natural disasters can vote in their home community, regardless of their temporary living situation. Colorado’s gold standard election system is free, secure and easy to use — let’s keep it that way for registered voters displaced by the Marshall Fire.” SB22-152 , would allow registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or unfit to live in. To receive their ballot, voters can update their voter registration with the Colorado Secretary of State using an alternative mailing address and leave their residential address untouched. This bill would also solidify a standard practice commonly used by county clerks following natural disasters. SB22-152 passed committee unanimously and would extend voter protections to Colorado voters displaced from natural disasters including floods, fires and tornadoes. More than 900 homes were destroyed in Louisville and Superior during the Marshall Fire in December 2021, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Coloradans. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation that would help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. HB25-1182, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Kyle Brown, passed by a vote of 8-4. < Back March 13, 2025 Bill to Reduce Property Insurance Costs Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation that would help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. HB25-1182, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Kyle Brown, passed by a vote of 8-4. “Wildfires pose a huge threat to the health and safety of Colorado communities,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The legislation I’m sponsoring today requires insurers to provide information to policyholders about their properties’ potential wildfire risks, the science-based models they use to determine these factors, and how this impacts their insurance pricing. This ensures that property owners understand what actions they can take to protect their property in ways that also reduce their insurance costs, saving Coloradans money on property insurance and creating more fire-resilient communities.” “Property owners and communities who take action against wildfire threats deserve insurance policy transparency and pathways to reduce their insurance costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “My community was devastated by the Marshall Fire, and many property owners have implemented fire mitigation strategies to protect homes, businesses, and public spaces from future fires. This is a necessary bill that improves access to affordable insurance while providing property owners with a clear appeals process to give Coloradans the proper tools to improve their risk scores directly with insurers to save them money.” HB25-1182 would require an insurer to provide a written notice to each policyholder at the time of application, renewal, or nonrenewal. The notice would include plain-language explanations of the wildfire risk score or other classifications, a range of possible scores a property could be assigned, and the impact each mitigation action could have on a risk score or classification. Policyholders and applicants can appeal their wildfire risk model score, wildfire risk classification, or applicable mitigation discount if they believe it is inaccurate and can provide evidence of the mitigation efforts that should be considered. The insurer would notify the policyholder or applicant in writing of the right to appeal and acknowledge receipt of the appeal within 10 calendar days. They would be required to respond to the appeal with a reconsideration and decision within 30 calendar days. If an appeal is denied, the Commissioner can request a copy of the appeal and the insurer’s response. HB25-1182 would require insurers that consider parcel level and community wide mitigation efforts in their models to ensure that risk scores reflect actual resilience. An insurer that uses these models would be required to ensure property-specific mitigation actions and community-level mitigation activities or designations are accounted for in underwriting and pricing. If an insurer doesn’t incorporate these actions into their models, they shall provide discounts to policyholders who demonstrate these property or community-level mitigation actions. Previous Next

< Back June 21, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: COLORADO GAINS JOBS, STRONG ECONOMY MEANS MORE MONEY WILL BE RETURNED TO COLORADANS THROUGH CASHBACK PLAN JBC Dems prioritize saving people money, making Colorado more affordable DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the June economic forecasts. “Today’s forecast shows that our economy is making a bold recovery with unemployment rates falling to pre-pandemic levels, nearly all sectors thriving, and Colorado’s employment gains outpacing the nation,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m proud of the fiscally responsible decisions we made to power the Colorado comeback and position our state to compete. We know that even with our strong recovery, families are struggling with high gas prices and the rising cost of living. Our Colorado Cashback Plan will send every Coloradan a refund check in September to help with everyday necessities, which thanks to our economic growth, will now be at least $750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint filers. From cutting property taxes to creating free universal preschool, we passed dozens of laws this year to help Coloradans and small businesses hold on to more of their hard-earned money.” “Thanks to smart, responsible budgeting, Colorado’s economic recovery is leading the way, which is good news for families that are dealing with surging prices,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Even better, Democrats have worked hard to ensure Colorado remains on a sound fiscal path, and today’s forecast means families will get even more money back – at least $750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint filers – when they receive their taxpayer relief checks this fall. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to invest in our communities, support Colorado’s economy, and move our state forward.” “Despite a geopolitical crisis, supply chain challenges and pandemic-induced inflation leading to higher prices across the globe, Colorado is gaining jobs and beginning to close the gaps in our recovery that disproportionately impact people of color and lower-income communities,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Our recovery has led to a strong budget surplus that we used to save people money on gas, groceries, property taxes, fees, hygiene products, car registrations, sales taxes, child care and so much more. By investing in vibrant communities, increasing access to behavioral health, boosting small businesses, and making housing more affordable, we worked to address the most pressing needs in our communities and protect the Colorado way of life.” “Today’s data makes clear that Colorado’s economy continues to outpace other states when it comes to economic recovery and growth,” said JBC Member Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We crafted a budget that delivers for Colorado families by making investments in K-12 education, reducing fees for businesses and professionals to save people money, and investing in health care for children and pregnant women, and it’s paying off for our families and our communities.” The unemployment rate continued to fall in Colorado to 3.5 percent in May, led mostly by gains in the food and accommodations sectors. The state exceeds pre-pandemic jobs by 35,000 and continues to outpace the rest of the country. Inflationary pressures, however, will impact near term budget priorities and state departments. Geopolitical disruption and monetary policy decisions at the federal level in response to inflation were also presented as risks to the forecast. Extraordinary state and federal action to help Coloradans weather the disruption of the pandemic ensured a stronger and faster recovery than previous recessions. During the 2022 legislative session, Democrats passed the Colorado Cashback Plan to send rebate checks to Coloradans in September to help people with rising costs. Under the new law, the state will refund approximately 85 percent of FY 2021-2022 surplus TABOR revenue through the Colorado Cashback Plan in checks of equal amounts for single filers and double that amount for joint filers. Due to Colorado’s strong recovery, the forecasts now estimate that the checks will be $750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint filers. The Legislative Council staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.43 billion in FY 2021-2022 and $17.42 billion in FY 2022-2023 – a $1.37 billion increase for FY 2021-2022 and a $1.05 billion increase for FY 2022-2023 as compared with the earlier March revenue forecast. The forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.40 billion for FY 2023-2034. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.2 billion for FY 2021-22, which OSPB revised upward by $1 billion relative to its March estimate. For FY 2022-23, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $16.6 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $91.1 million relative to its March estimate. For FY 2023-2024, OSPB estimates that General Fund revenue will be $17.3 billion. Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2019 BIPARTISAN PROPOSAL TO BETTER FUND SCHOOLS, TRANSPORTATION & HIGHER-ED GAINS INITIAL APPROVAL The proposal would go to the 2019 ballot (Apr. 12) – The House approved a bipartisan proposal by Speaker KC Becker and Rep. Julie McCluskie to better fund public schools, higher education and transportation. Colorado has one of the best economies in the country but the arbitrary TABOR cap severely restricts the state budget, preventing the investment of revenue already generated from growth in the economy. The cap also limits Colorado’s ability to invest in basic functions of government. As a result, Colorado’s investment in public schools, higher education, and transportation and infrastructure consistently rank at the bottom of the nation. “Colorado’s state budget should be able to grow with the economy so we can make important investments in our future,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “It’s commonsense to simply ask voters whether the state can keep and spend the money collects in taxes and that’s what we’re proposing. We are not investing enough in K-12, higher-ed and transportation. This bipartisan proposal won’t solve all our problems but it will help protect our way of life.” “This is not going to solve our state’s funding crisis but these are funds that can have a real impact on education, transportation and higher-ed funding,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This is about doing what’s right for our rural, urban and suburban communities.” Witness after witness testified in support of the bills at an April 1st House Finance committee hearing. Colorado’s TABOR amendment restricts the amount of revenue all levels of government (state, local and schools) can retain, preventing the state from benefiting from economic growth and making critical investments. All but four of the 178 school districts in Colorado have obtained voter approval to retain and spend excess revenue. Of the state’s 272 municipalities, 230 municipalities have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all or a portion of excess revenue collected. Of the state’s 64 counties, 51 counties have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all excess revenue. The state has not yet followed suit, having only temporarily suspended the TABOR limit because of budget constraints through the voter-approved Referendum C in 2005. In the last 27 years since the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) was voted into Colorado’s Constitution, our state population has increased 50 percent – more than 2.3 million additional people live in our state in 2019 than in 1992. For decades, Colorado has not been able to keep up with the demands of growth because of the outdated fiscal restraints imposed on the state by TABOR. There is a $9 billion project backlog at the Colorado Department of Transportation. Investing in our state’s infrastructure and transportation system is critical for economic development, especially in rural Colorado. HB19-1257 refers a measure to the Fall 2019 statewide ballot asking voters to authorize the state to annually retain and spend all state revenues in excess of the TABOR cap. HB19-1258, a companion bill, contingent on voters approving the referred measure. It splits up the revenue retained due to the measure to be spent 1⁄3 each on public schools; higher education; and roads, bridges and transit. This effort is supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition. Click here to see the current list of supporters. At a news conference when the bill was introduced in March, Speaker Becker read a statement from Gov. Jared Polis about the measures: “Governor Polis supports allowing the state to keep the tax revenue it already collects. This common sense policy does not alter the right of citizens to vote on taxes but allows Colorado to keep pace with a growing economy. The governor is engaging bipartisan civic leaders across the state because he believes broad bipartisan support is essential to win in November.” HB19-1257 and HB19-1258 were approved on voice-vote and a recorded vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

SB25-008 would make it easier for Colorado residents who are survivors of crime or natural disasters, low-income or older to obtain government IDs < Back April 22, 2025 Bill to Streamline Colorado’s Necessary Document Program Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to streamline access to necessary identification documents for vulnerable and low-income Coloradans. SB25-008 passed committee by a vote of 9-4. “Without identification documents like driver’s licenses and birth certificates, it’s nearly impossible for Coloradans to open a bank account, secure housing or access health care,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill removes barriers to obtaining IDs to help our most vulnerable community members, including low-income earners, unhoused Coloradans, and survivors of domestic violence or natural disasters. This program provides equitable access to legal documents, and this bill streamlines the program to help Coloradans get back on their feet.” Colorado’s existing Necessary Document Program requires Colorado residents who are victims of domestic violence, impacted by a natural disaster, low-income, disabled, experiencing homelessness, or elderly to pay the fees to acquire necessary documents like birth certificates and driver’s licenses. SB25-008 would update the program to allow eligible individuals to acquire these documents for free directly at the point of service. Eligible individuals still have to prove their full legal name, date of birth, identity, and lawful presence in the United States. SB25-008 would streamline administrative barriers to the Necessary Document Program without changing documentation requirements. Administrative challenges tend to delay vouchers. Additionally, vouchers are time-limited to 30 days after they are distributed to the client, which means they are often not able to be utilized before they expire. This bill would break down some of the complicated program structure that makes it more difficult for Coloradans to receive vouchers and expand the number of locations where individuals can obtain necessary documents. Previous Next

The Governor today signed two bills into law to restore access to Medicaid services for Planned Parenthood patients and to give voters the opportunity to fund food assistance for Colorado students and families.  < Back August 26, 2025 SIGNED! Legislation to Restore Access to Medicaid Services for over 10,000 Planned Parenthood Patients, Protect Food Assistance for Colorado Kids & Families DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed two bills into law to restore access to Medicaid services for Planned Parenthood patients and to give voters the opportunity to fund food assistance for Colorado students and families. SB25B-002 , sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, authorizes state funding for Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health care providers removed from the federal Medicaid program by H.R.1. This action will restore access to health care services for more than 10,000 patients in Colorado. “Republicans in Congress want you to believe their budget puts working-class Americans first, but the exact opposite is true – this budget is the largest cut to Medicaid in American history,” Bridges said. “Thousands of Coloradans on Medicaid who rely on Planned Parenthood had to scramble to find different providers or went without care altogether after H.R.1 passed. This legislation will restore access to that care and peace of mind to patients across our state.” “Health care shouldn't be political,” Bacon said. “The federal GOP budget bill targeted Planned Parenthood, threatening access to low-cost family planning and preventive care for all Coloradans in all corners of our state. All Coloradans, whether or not they are a Medicaid recipient, deserve access to reproductive health care. This new law is an effort to fight back against the largest cut to Medicaid in the history of our country and protect thousands of Coloradans from losing this essential health care coverage and access to the provider of their choice.” “Time and time again, and most recently, last November, Colorado voters have overwhelmingly said they will support and defend their right to reproductive health care,” Daugherty said. “Amidst a hostile national landscape, this legislation is yet another step we must take to protect Coloradans’ right to safe, accessible and affordable reproductive health care.” “Despite Coloradans’ overwhelming support of reproductive freedom, Congressional Republicans continue to attack access to life-saving health care,” Willford said. “When Trump’s budget was signed into law, it forced Planned Parenthood to immediately cancel every appointment for Medicaid recipients. While corporations enjoy their new tax breaks, Coloradans on Medicaid risk losing access to STI testing, cancer screenings and abortion care. I’m proud to stand up for Coloradans with this new law that will restore access to life-saving care.” SB25B-002 authorizes the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to use state funds to pay claims to organizations like Planned Parenthood, who were barred from federal Medicaid funding by Congressional Republicans’ H.R. 1, for certain services including cancer screenings, birth control consultations, and STI testing. In the event that federal action renders these entities eligible for reimbursements again, the law would no longer be in effect. H.R. 1 immediately removed Planned Parenthood from the federal Medicaid program, forcing Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains providers to cancel thousands of appointments . Weeks later, a Temporary Restraining Order reversed this federal prohibition, though the issue is still working its way through the courts. SB25B-003 , sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, and Representatives Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, and Katie Stewart, D-Durango, modifies Proposition MM, which the Legislature referred to the November 2025 ballot, to give Colorado voters the opportunity to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in addition to the Healthy School Meals for All program. “No child in Colorado should go hungry because they can’t afford a nutritious meal – at school or at home,” said Michaelson Jenet. “By adjusting Proposition MM to include SNAP, Colorado voters will have the opportunity this November to help keep this life-saving program afloat, while fully funding Healthy School Meals for All Colorado students.” “Every Coloradan should be outraged that Trump and Congressional Republicans’ budget offers significant tax breaks to mega corporations while jeopardizing food security for children and families,” Garcia said. “SNAP and Healthy School Meals for All are life-saving programs, and there will be crushing consequences if they are not fully funded. I am disappointed in our GOP federal delegation for voting for H.R.1, but this law gives Coloradans the opportunity to combat some of the cuts to food assistance programs and prevent children from going hungry.” “SB25B-003 builds on the will of the voters to ensure that no child in our state goes hungry, while also supporting our local economies,” said Wallace. “The Healthy School Meals for All program improves educational outcomes, supports farmers and ranchers, and reduces strain on families' budgets. With the additions in this new law, we can also help 300,000 Colorado households afford groceries each month. Ultimately, this legislation empowers Colorado voters to continue our state’s now proud tradition of ensuring none of Colorado’s children go hungry.” “It breaks my heart that over 600,000 Coloradans, especially children, will be impacted by the SNAP cuts under Trump’s budget bill,” Stewart said. “Families struggling with food insecurity should never have to worry about when their next meal will be, which is why Colorado Democrats helped create the Healthy School Meals for All program and have continuously invested in programs like SNAP and EBT. Our law adds SNAP to Proposition MM, giving Colorado voters the opportunity to continue programs that keep vulnerable Coloradans fed.” In June, Governor Polis signed HB25-1274 which referred two ballot measures, Propositions LL and MM, to Colorado voters to determine whether or not to continue funding the Healthy School Meals for All program, which offers free, nutritious school meals to all public school students. In July, Congressional Republicans made unprecedented cuts to SNAP with the passage of H.R. 1, slashing millions from the program that helps families put food on the table. Now, more than 300,000 low-income Colorado families – including children, older adults, and people with disabilities – are at risk of going hungry. By adjusting Proposition MM to include SNAP, voters will have the opportunity this November to fully fund the successful Healthy School Meals for All program and help fund SNAP. If Proposition MM passes, it could raise up to $95 million per year by limiting state income tax deductions for households earning over $300,000. These new revenues would first ensure that the Healthy School Meals program is fully funded, and then any remaining funds could support SNAP. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to evaluate a comprehensive system that could connect Coloradans with a serious mental illness with behavioral health care resources that lead to long-term recovery. The bill passed by a vote of 59-5. < Back April 13, 2023 House Passes Amabile Bill to Boost Access to Mental Health Resources DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to evaluate a comprehensive system that could connect Coloradans with a serious mental illness with behavioral health care resources that lead to long-term recovery. The bill passed by a vote of 59-5. “Many Coloradans with a serious mental illness end up in our hospitals, jails or without a place to live because they lack access to services that keep them housed, healthy, and employed,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “We’ve invested over $400 million in the last couple of years to increase access to mental health care and substance use treatment. This bill continues to move us forward by working to establish a comprehensive system to treat mental illnesses, prevent cycling in and out of jails, hospitals, and homelessness, and allow all Coloradans the chance to build a better life for themselves.” HB23-1153 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, would conduct a study to determine the state’s ability to establish a system that connects Coloradans with serious mental illness with necessary behavioral health care and housing support services. The study would consider statewide data regarding the number of unhoused people living with a serious mental illness, current capacity for inpatient psychiatric units, financial barriers that prevent Coloradans from seeking treatment, behavioral health care workforce shortages, and other factors. Previous Next

Congressional Republicans’ budget created a $1 billion deficit by allowing corporations to dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes owed to Colorado < Back August 21, 2025 Democrats Advance Bills to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Protect Funding for Core Services Congressional Republicans’ budget created a $1 billion deficit by allowing corporations to dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes owed to Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Appropriations Committee today passed two bills that would close a special interest corporate tax loophole for insurance companies and allow corporations to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after Republicans in Congress created a $1 billion hole in Colorado’s budget with massive corporate tax cuts. HB25B-1004 allows businesses to pre-pay taxes at a discount for future years when Colorado is anticipated to collect more revenue than the state’s spending limit under TABOR, and HB25B-1003 would repeal a special tax break for insurance companies. “Congressional Republicans passed a budget bill that created a billion-dollar revenue shortfall in Colorado in order to give tax breaks to the ultra-rich, and we’re doing everything we can to combat the destruction that the GOP budget will cause for hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB25B-1004. “This bill would allow companies to pre-pay future taxes to boost revenue now and save them money in the process. This is crucial to protect funding for core services that Coloradans depend on.” “Our legislation utilizes a proven, business-friendly method to offset the draconian GOP budget bill,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1004. “Colorado’s budget funds essential services that all Coloradans benefit from, like our K-12 public schools and transportation infrastructure, and the GOP budget blew a massive hole in it that we have to address now. It’s going to take an all-hands approach to safeguard our state from the impacts of Trump’s budget bill, and by allowing businesses to pay their future taxes now, they can save money and help us protect core services.” HB25B-1004 , which passed by a vote of 7-4, would allow a one-time auction of future tax credits, giving companies the opportunity to buy tax credits to pre-pay a portion of their future taxes at a small discount. This saves businesses money, allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now and offsetting the immediate impacts of the GOP budget bill. This does shift state revenue out of future years, but after 2025-2026 the state budget is forecasted to be limited by the TABOR cap, not the amount of revenue collected, so this won’t cut deeper into state services. Under the current law established in the 1950s, insurance companies with a headquarters or regional home office (RHO) in Colorado can pay a lower tax rate if at least 2.5-percent of their domestic workforce resides in Colorado. HB25B-1003 repeals this reduction. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “While the GOP sides with corporations, Colorado Democrats fight for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1003. “When Congressional Republicans passed Trump’s budget bill, they carved out massive tax breaks for the 1 percent and corporations by increasing costs for everyone else. Colorado Democrats are ending special interest tax breaks like this that aren’t effective, don’t create jobs, and are nothing more than corporate handouts that come at the expense of everyone else.” “The data shows this special interest corporate loophole doesn’t create jobs and is clearly unnecessary,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25B-1003. “While it was created to increase jobs, this corporate tax loophole has had the opposite outcome, and data shows that most insurance companies are receiving tax breaks while actually eliminating Colorado jobs. We’re eliminating this special interest tax break and putting hardworking Coloradans first.” A 2025 report from the Office of the State Auditor found that the tax credit is not achieving its goal of incentivizing job creation in Colorado’s insurance agency, yet it has impacted state revenue by $68 million to $105 million per year. Since the implementation of the workforce percentage requirement, the number of insurers and groups that qualify for the RHO rate reduction has not only decreased, but 15 of the 18 qualifying insurance groups reported a decrease in Colorado jobs while receiving a $17.5 million increase in credits. Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation outlines the fourth and final round of funding for the Opportunity Now grant program < Back March 20, 2024 Bill to Support Jobs, Meet Workforce Demands in Construction and Building Trades Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to extend funding to the Opportunity Now Colorado grant program. HB24-1365 would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. “Opportunity Now grants have fostered transformative changes for Colorado’s workforce, encouraged job growth and supported rural and mountain communities like mine in Northwestern Colorado,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This bipartisan bill outlines the final round of funding for the grant program and has an important focus on the construction and building trades. We’re working hard to meet our workforce needs and that begins with helping Coloradans secure good-paying jobs in growing industries.” HB24-1365 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed committee unanimously. This bill supports the fourth and final round of the successful Opportunity Now Colorado grants. The goal of this bill is to connect more Coloradans with in-demand, high-wage careers, specifically in the construction, infrastructure and building trades. This bill also creates the Regional Talent Summit Grant Program to help Coloradans get connected to these in-demand careers in their communities and establishes a workforce shortage tax credit to help with facility and equipment improvements needed to train workers in new, emerging fields by leveraging federal investments outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act and others. Opportunity Now is a grant program that has awarded $27 million to 46 grantees representing 145 businesses and 78 education partners in 38 different industries. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today unanimously advanced legislation to increase student access to mental health services in schools. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. < Back April 6, 2023 Bill to Expand Access to Mental Health Support in Schools Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Education Committee today unanimously advanced legislation to increase student access to mental health services in schools. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. “ S uicide is the leading cause of death for 10 to 18-years-olds in Colorado,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We need to do everything we can to remove unnecessary barriers for Colorado students so they can access the resources they need. With this bill, schools will have greater flexibility to hire mental health professionals so we can provide essential, life-saving services to our kids.” “As a school psychologist, I know how difficult it can be to provide comprehensive mental health services to every student that needs them,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We’re making it easier for schools to hire qualified, licensed mental health professionals to improve students’ access to the mental health support person they need.” Current Colorado law requires a mental health professional to be licensed by the Department of Education in order to work in a school, making it more difficult for schools to hire enough licensed professionals to address students’ mental health needs. SB23-004 allows school districts to employ mental health professionals who hold a Colorado license and have experience working with children and adolescents, but don’t have a special service provider license through the Department of Education, to be school-based therapists. This bill streamlines the hiring process and increases access to mental health resources in schools for Colorado children and youth. The COVID-19 pandemic increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression among youth. About 40% of Colorado middle and high school students reported feeling depressed in 2020 per the Health Kids Colorado Survey . Additionally, a 2022 study found that Colorado Children’s Hospital saw a 103% increase of patients visiting emergency departments for behavioral health concerns compared to data from 2019. This bill is crucial in reducing and preventing mental health issues for Colorado youth before they reach crisis levels. Previous Next

< Back February 8, 2019 REP. LISA CUTTER’S MEDIA LITERACY BILL CLEARS COMMITTEE Bill will help invest in the next generation of Coloradans (Feb. 7) – The House Education Committee approved a bill sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County that creates a media literacy advisory committee within the Department of Education. It’s important for Colorado students become more educated about the media and the role it plays in our society “Our kids are immersed in media with an increasing degree of intensity and frequency. A healthy society is dependent on people being educated and informed, so it’s critical that we help them develop the tools to make sense of the information they are taking in,” said Rep. Cutter. “The goal of this bill is to ultimately provide educators with the tools necessary to help our youth better understand the world around them and be equipped to navigate it more effectively.” This effort will help enrich Colorado’s students and their overall learning experience. The bill creates a media literacy advisory committee within the state Department of Education that is responsible for studying media literacy, including best practices and available resources, and then reporting back with recommendations for the House and Senate Education Committees. Cutter hopes to sponsor legislation in the future using these recommendations to implement media literacy studies in elementary and secondary education. The Associated Press and Colorado Press Association testified in support of this bill, among others. A recent academic study shows that 82 percent of middle school students could not distinguish the difference between real news stories and advertisements. HB19-1110 passed on a bipartisan vote of 8-5 and now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next