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< Back March 9, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS PACKAGE House passes three bills to enhance the Safe2Tell program, allow behavioral analysts in public schools and excuse absences for behavioral health issues DENVER, CO– The House today passed a package of bills, sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich, Dafna Michaelson Jenet, and Lisa Cutter, to improve the state of behavioral health in public schools and support students with behavioral health issues. All three bills passed with broad bipartisan support. HB20-1005 , sponsored by Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet would make enhancements to Colorado’s Safe2Tell program , including aligning the Safe2Tell program and the crisis hotline more closely to ensure that individuals in crisis can rapidly access crisis counseling. This bipartisan legislation also sponsored by Rep. Kevin Van Winkle came out of the School Safety Interim Committee. The bill was passed by a vote of 60-4. “Improving our Safe2Tell program will ensure that it can continue to save lives and provide a critical resource for our youth,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Making the changes necessary to address our youth behavioral health epidemic is like solving a complex puzzle. The bills we passed today to enhance Safe2Tell and ensure that public schools allow excused behavioral health absences to reduce stigma are important pieces of the puzzle, and I’m glad we were able to advance these common sense policies today.” HB20-1058 , sponsored by Rep. Froelich, would require local school boards and other education service providers to adopt a policy that will allow behavior health analysts to provide medically necessary services to students in public schools by July, 2021. The bill was passed by a vote of 64-0. “This bill is the culmination of a great deal of passionate advocacy from concerned parents across the state,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “We took an important step forward today and cleared a path towards improving educational and behavioral health outcomes for all of Colorado’s students.” SB20-014 , Sponsored by Reps. Michaelson Jenet and Cutter, would require schools to excuse absences for behavioral health concerns in their attendance policies. This bill came out of the School Safety Interim Committee and passed the Senate and House Education Committee unanimously. The bill was passed by a vote of 64-0.. “It’s time to end the stigma around behavioral health and tackle our state’s mental health crisis head-on.” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Allowing behavioral health absences will begin to normalize the practice of caring for one’s mental health among our youth and hopefully make a real impact on our soaring rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.” Previous Next

< Back January 14, 2019 HOUSE DEMOCRATS REACT TO MARTINEZ V. COGCC RULING (Jan. 14) – This morning, the Colorado Supreme Court released their ruling on Martinez v. Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC). The Supreme Court reversed a Court of Appeals decision that the COGCC must condition oil and gas operations on ensuring protection of health, safety, and environment. Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder and Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, chair of the Energy & Environment Committee, released the following statements: “Communities in every corner of our state want to know that their health and safety are being prioritized when it comes to oil and gas operations. This ruling puts the decision back into the hands of lawmakers to take action and we are committed to addressing this concern this legislative session,” said Speaker KC Becker. House Democrats have passed bills in recent years to address the health and safety concerns around oil and gas operations in Colorado. Most of these bills died in the formerly Republican-controlled Senate. “I am frustrated with this ruling, and I share the concerns of my constituents who are worried about protecting our air and water. At the legislature, we will continue working together to protect the health and safety of all Coloradans when it comes to oil and gas operations,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson. The ruling can be found here . Previous Next

< Back August 6, 2024 Rep. Marshall Joins Tax Panel at National Conference of State Lawmakers LOUISVILLE, KY– Representative Bob Marshall spoke to a group of around 50 legislative and other tax experts from across the nation as a panel member at the Tax Task Force with the National Conference of State Legislators this weekend. During the presentation and panel discussion he highlighted efforts to simplify and improve Colorado’s property tax system and reduce property taxes on homeowners. “With rising property values leading to higher tax bills, we’ve taken bipartisan action to reduce property taxes on small businesses and homeowners,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. “I was proud to sponsor and vote for bipartisan bills that improve our property tax collection system and exemptions for veterans with a disability. Our long-term property tax package brought together school districts, local governments, and fire districts to reduce property taxes in a responsible way that protects our schools and fosters a strong economy for everyone in our state.” The NCSL session explored “the ‘three-legged stool’ concept of a balanced state revenue system, focusing on income, sales, and property taxes” and how to achieve “a balanced approach that provides tax relief, promotes economic development, and maintains fiscal stability.” As a recognized tax expert with a LL.M. in Tax Law and having served with the Internal Revenue Service’s Large Business & International Tax Litigation division, Rep. Marshall’s comments and thoughts were well received by both the audience of tax experts and his fellow panelists who were the Chairs of their respective Finance Committees in the State Legislatures of Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas. A member of Colorado’s House Finance Committee, Rep. Marshall voted for the bipartisan property tax legislation, which provides a permanent property tax solution to reduce rates on homeowners and small businesses while protecting school funding. It also prevents future property tax spikes by capping property tax revenue. Rep. Marshall also sponsored legislation to cap property tax growth and improve the property tax exemption for disabled veterans. Previous Next

< Back June 1, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO FINANCE CLEAN ENERGY PROJECTS AND WEATHERIZATION SERVICES DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation to create jobs and help Colorado build back stronger by financing clean energy projects and weatherization services. These bills are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus, a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. “Renewable energy projects create jobs and help Colorado meet our climate goals,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “By making smart investments that stimulate our economy and get people back to work, Colorado is going to advance new energy projects and clean energy retrofits across the state and build back stronger.” “Colorado is going to lead the way on renewable energy projects that create jobs and protect our environment,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont. “This innovative approach leverages state funding to draw down significant capital that will finance critical new clean energy and energy efficiency projects that will stimulate our economy and save consumers money.” SB21-230 , sponsored by Representatives Valdez and Burnett, passed by a vote of 42-21. The bill invests $40 million in clean energy finance initiatives through the Colorado Energy Office. The majority of the funds will go to the Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), which uses the “green bank” model already in operation in over a dozen states to finance clean energy projects and bridge the gaps between businesses and private capital providers. By leveraging limited public funds, the CCEF can draw over $120 million of total investment and create over 2,000 in Colorado communities most impacted by climate change. The remaining funds will be allocated to proven programs within the Colorado Energy Office that support clean energy retrofits, energy-efficient new construction, clean energy lending and funding for the installation of EV charging stations at facilities across the state. “Home weatherization saves property owners money on their utility bills, lowers energy use, increases comfort, and creates good jobs for workers in this critical industry,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “This program will help thousands of Coloradans improve the energy efficiency of their homes through cost-effective services that also improve home values.” “New weatherization technologies, such as furnace safety testing or air sealing, help consumers save on their energy bills and reduce energy consumption,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Boosting resources for the Weatherization Assistance Program will create jobs, reduce emissions that harm our environment, and help lower-income Coloradans make important home improvements that will lower their energy bills and also help protect our environment.” The Colorado Energy Office’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers free weatherization support for Colorado’s low-income residents. WAP works to maximize energy cost savings for each client by providing them with cost-effective energy efficiency services. The program’s services focus on the home as a system and include a variety of measures that improve the home’s energy efficiency. These cost-effective services reduce wasted energy and lower heating bill costs, while improving the overall comfort and safety of a home year-round, they include things like air sealing, furnace safety testing, LED light bulb retrofits, and more. SB21-231 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Edie Hooton, passed by a vote of 43-20. The bill provides $3 million in additional funding to supplement the program’s $20 million budget. Under its current budget, the program only serves about 2,000 homes per year, although about 500,000 Colorado households could qualify. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to strengthen our workforce and reduce recidivism by ensuring Coloradans who have served their time can re-enter our workforce, acquire professional credentials, support their families and succeed in their careers. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. < Back February 16, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Boost Colorado’s Workforce DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to strengthen our workforce and reduce recidivism by ensuring Coloradans who have served their time can re-enter our workforce, acquire professional credentials, support their families and succeed in their careers. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. “Colorado’s laws prevent people from qualifying for jobs based on past criminal history, disproportionately impacting Black Coloradans and people of color from succeeding in good-paying careers,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “We can’t expect people to break out of cycles of crime if we don’t address the roadblocks that hinder their ability to successfully reenter society. Our bill creates a process for previously incarcerated Coloradans to qualify for jobs so they have a fair shot of building a life for themselves.” “Colorado is facing a workforce shortage in crucial sectors like health care and education, and our current laws prevent people with records from building careers in these industries,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bill will build on our previous legislation by streamlining and strengthening processes for regulators and previously incarcerated applicants so we can fill job vacancies in key areas. With this legislation, we can help reduce recidivism and boost the workforce across the state by making it easier for qualified Coloradans to access these jobs.” HB24-1004 establishes a uniform process for considering criminal records in occupational registration, certification, and licensure applications. The bill includes a wide range of careers from the construction and banking industries to IT. The bill prohibits regulators from automatically refusing to grant or renew a license based on an applicant’s criminal record unless the applicant’s conviction is directly related to a specific element that is still relevant at the time of an individual’s application. If an applicant has a relevant conviction for a crime, the regulator may only consider the applicant’s conviction for a three-year period beginning on the date of conviction or end of incarceration, whichever is later, unless the individual has been subsequently convicted of any other criminal offense during the three-year time frame. Reps. Bacon and Bird passed a 2022 law to ensure that when pursuing a credential, applicants were only denied based on their criminal history if that history would hinder their ability to do their job safely and competently. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today to protect Coloradans from wildfires. < Back February 12, 2024 Legislation to Keep Coloradans Safe During Wildfire Evacuations Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today to protect Coloradans from wildfires. HB24-1033, sponsored by Representatives Marc Snyder and Elizabeth Velasco, would encourage locally created emergency evacuation plans for Coloradans with pets during wildfires or other emergencies. “Wildfires can creep into communities quickly, and this legislation outlines an evacuation plan to keep everyone safe,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This bill encourages local communities to create emergency plans for Coloradans with pets so that they have evacuation options when disasters strike. Encouraging emergency preparedness will keep our communities safer during wildfires and other natural disasters.” “Rural and mountain communities like mine are often at-risk of destructive wildfires that uproot families, businesses and entire neighborhoods,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “To better protect our community members during a wildfire, this legislation would create emergency plans for Coloradans with pets, including transportation and other logistics. For many Coloradans, their pets are valued members of the family and this legislation creates a plan to keep everyone safe during wildfire evacuations. From expanded mitigation efforts to emergency planning, it’s important Coloradans are prepared for wildfire emergencies because the safety of our communities depends on it.” HB24-1033 , passed committee by a vote of 12 to 1. This bill would encourage local emergency management agencies to address the needs of Coloradans with animals during wildfires or other emergencies. This would include provisions for the evacuation, shelter, and transport of these individuals and their pets, including service animals. Beginning January 2025, local governments would also be strongly encouraged to make information for animal emergency preparedness available. This bill was created during the interim by the Wildfire Matters Review Committee and is designed to keep communities and Coloradans safer in the wake of destructive wildfires. Previous Next

The House yesterday introduced legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Representative Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts that will increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters with the passage of Proposition 123 in the 2022 election. < Back April 21, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Bill to Improve Housing Affordability Introduced DENVER, CO – The House yesterday introduced legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Representative Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts that will increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters with the passage of Proposition 123 in the 2022 election. “We’re working hard to help Coloradans across the state find a place to live that they can afford,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The goal of this legislation is to effectively deliver on voters’ intent, while increasing flexibility for rural resort communities and addressing any potential administrative challenges with implementing the new initiatives. Every Coloradan deserves to live in the communities they work in, and this bill will help us build a Colorado for all by creating additional housing options that are affordable for hardworking people in all corners of our state.” "Folks who live in rural communities like the ones I represent know firsthand just how hard it is to find a home they can afford," said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. "This bill will ensure that the funds are distributed equitably to all corners of the state and deliver increased flexibility for rural and mountain communities to ensure the goals of Prop 123 are met so that more of our neighbors can afford to live in the communities where they work. I'm excited to see this important legislation move forward with bipartisan support, and to help ensure that every Colorado family has a safe and affordable place to call home." HB23-1304 will ensure the housing affordability programs created through Proposition 123, which voters approved in the 2022 election, can be implemented effectively across the state and have the greatest impact by getting dollars out the door as soon as possible. The bill ensures that tribal governments can access Proposition 123 funds in addition to local governments. It also makes it possible for rural resort communities to access the historic funding of Proposition 123 to accommodate the high cost of living in these areas. These communities will also be able to partner with neighboring local governments to reach their targeted growth rate of three percent. In 2022, voters approved Proposition 123, which created new housing affordability programs funded with surplus state income tax revenue. The proposition dedicated an estimated $300 million to help local governments purchase land for affordable homes, provide financing for low- and middle income multi-family housing and provide direct support to renters, supply debt financing for projects that qualify for housing tax credits, offer grants and loans for nonprofits to help people purchase homes, and fund programs for people experiencing homelessness. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2023 House Advances Legislation to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care SB23-189 works to make reproductive health care more accessible and affordable DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to make reproductive health care, including abortion and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI), more equitable and accessible. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package and works to increase insurance coverage and close accessibility gaps for reproductive health care. “No one should have to put off life-saving, reproductive health care because they can’t afford it,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “We’re one step closer to securing expanded access to reproductive health care by reducing surprise billing and filling gaps in insurance coverage. I was able to pay for my own abortion, but not everyone can access or afford the care they need. Our bill makes it easier for Coloradans, regardless of zip code or income level, to access the full range of reproductive health care services.” “Accessing the health care you need shouldn’t rely upon how much money you have or if you can find a provider in your community,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “Our legislation works to break down accessibility barriers to receiving reproductive health care, which are disproportionately placed on our most marginalized communities. Coloradans deserve access to the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatments. We are committed to securing reproductive justice for all and breaking down the systematic barriers that keep our neighbors from accessing care.” Increasing Access To Reproductive Health Care : SB23-189 would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, STI and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans, specifically for minors, by modernizing a 1971 law currently in place and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. Additionally, this bill expands family-planning related services and treatment for routine visits. Through the Family Planning Access Collaborative created in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the department would work to examine issues related to access to family planning services, gaps in coverage, and confidentiality of services. SB23-189 additiontally prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by including coverage for the treatment and prevention of HIV by health benefit plans. ### Previous Next

< Back September 2, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: WINTER, CUTTER & BERNETT HONORED FOR WORK TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE AT STATE CAPITOL GOLDEN, CO – Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, and Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville, were recently awarded the 2022 CRES Courage Award by the Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) for their efforts to combat climate change. “We are in the midst of a growing climate emergency, and the time to act is now,” said Winter. “The past several legislative sessions, I have worked hard to ensure we meet our climate goals, and I’m pleased to be recognized for those efforts. With these new policies, we are taking important steps toward building a healthier and more sustainable future for us all.” Winter was awarded for her efforts championing SB22-180 , which created the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program to provide free transit rides during ozone season to encourage transit ridership, ultimately reduce air pollution, and further Colorado’s climate goals. Winter was also recognized for her work on HB21-1266 , which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance environmental justice in disadvantaged communities, and set Colorado on a pathway toward meeting its climate targets. “Due to a lack of access to convenient, affordable curbside recycling services, Colorado only recycles about 15 percent of its waste,” said Cutter. “We all need to do our part to protect our environment, which is why I worked hard this legislative session to make it easier for Coloradans to recycle. Through these new laws, we can help conserve energy, reduce air and water pollution, reduce greenhouse gasses, and preserve our natural resources.” Cutter was honored for her work on HB22-1355 , which makes recycling free for most consumers, improving access to reliable, no-cost curbside recycling for Coloradans across the state. She was also recognized for HB22-1159 , which aims to improve access to end markets – businesses that use recycled material to make new products. “I’ve spent my time at the Capitol advocating for energy efficiency, transitioning to a sustainable future and creating a healthier Colorado for all,” said Bernett. “Under these new laws, Colorado will build right the first time, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor air quality and create more efficient homes and buildings for the future, all while saving Coloradans money in the process. We’ve taken action to address pollution on the Front Range and improve the resiliency and reliability of Colorado’s electric grid, especially in rural areas vulnerable to grid disruption due to natural disasters.” Bernett was recognized for her work on HB22-1362 , which updates Colorado’s building codes to improve energy efficiency, save Coloradans money, and reduce harmful indoor and outdoor air pollution. Additionally, she was awarded for her efforts on HB22-1249 , which will jumpstart the development of a grid resilience and reliability roadmap to improve grid resilience and reliability, as well as better serve the electricity needs of customers. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed HB24-1129 into law to create new protections for delivery drivers that will support hardworking people and build an economy that works for all Coloradans. < Back June 5, 2024 ICYMI: JOINT RELEASE: New Protections for Delivery Drivers Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed HB24-1129 into law to create new protections for delivery drivers that will support hardworking people and build an economy that works for all Coloradans. “Delivery apps have made big promises to Coloradans, including flexibility for workers and more choices for consumers. But too often hidden algorithms interfere with the worker autonomy that drivers in this industry so highly value,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “From misleading incentives to faulty tip information, big tech can use deceptive practices to pressure drivers to take low-paying offers, rather than paying what they're worth. This new law will improve transparency and fairness in Colorado law to provide drivers with the information they need and deserve to make free and informed decisions about their work.” “For delivery drivers working for companies like UberEats or GrubHub, details about fares and earnings are shrouded in mystery,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “This creates uncertainty about their take home wages and can make it difficult to budget for their family. This important law increases protections for delivery drivers and holds DNCs accountable to fair wages and employment practices, just like every other industry.” "App-based employment should not be excluded from the important protections that the labor movement has fought for to ensure the health and safety of Colorado workers," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "Over 60 percent of Denver delivery app drivers rely on gig work for their main source of income. This law will provide wage transparency to workers, ensure that they receive all tips paid by consumers, establish a fair reactivation process and improve safety on the job.” “This year, we made major strides to guarantee delivery drivers transparency around their wages and work,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson. “Providing clear information about how much a company is making and how much a driver is taking home creates a better understanding of delivery processes for drivers and consumers alike. I’m proud to champion this law and Senate Bill 75, both of which ensure all app-based drivers receive the essential details about their work that they deserve.” HB24-1129 , sponsored by Representatives Vigil and Mabrey, and Senators Hinrichsen and Priola, aims to improve wage and task transparency by requiring specific information to be shared with gig workers of delivery network companies (DNCs), providing workers with the ability to make more informed decisions about which tasks to accept. It also requires a DNC to develop and maintain an account deactivation policy that clearly establishes procedures for deactivating a driver from the platform, allows a driver to request a reconsideration, and ensures a driver is not penalized for failing to respond to a delivery task offer. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES GROW AND REVITALIZE COLORADO’S MAIN STREETS & DOWNTOWNS House funds economic gardening and community revitalization projects DENVER, CO– The House today passed two bills to fund grant programs that invest in community revitalization and small business success. These bills are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of “Building Colorado Back stronger means using the economic downturn caused by COVID 19 as an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen our local economies,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-252. “The grant program funded by this bill will help communities turn run-down buildings on main street into standout local treasures, creating jobs and boosting economies along the way.” “The Community Revitalization Grant Program is designed to help Colorado’s small towns return their once lustrous main streets to their former glory,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB21-252. “These revitalization projects will not only stimulate economies, create jobs and promote tourism, they’ll also bring back the sheen and pride to many of Colorado’s small towns.” SB21-252 would create the Community Revitalization Grant Program within the Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and Department of Local Affairs and provide it with $72 million in Colorado Comeback State Stimulus Funding, in addition to allowing gifts, grants, and donations to be contributed into the fund. The Program’s grants would help revitalize our main streets and downtowns by providing funding for creative construction and revitalization projects that combine commercial spaces with community spaces. The bill passed by a vote of 41-23. “Colorado’s small business owners are resilient and determined to succeed, and by setting up this program we’re helping to give them the tools and funding they need to continue growing and thrive,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB21-241 . “Every dollar we invest in small businesses is a dollar spent on job creation and economic stimulus for our state.” “Small businesses are the fuel that will power the Colorado Comeback,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB21-241 . “By helping small businesses get to the next level, our economic gardening proposal will create good jobs and contribute to the sustainable growth of our economy. It’s time to invest in small business success.” 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, marketing, and financial assistance to ensure they can grow sustainably and continue to create jobs. The bill passed by a vote of 41-23. Previous Next

< Back May 13, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES COLORADO’S HEALTH CARE SERVICES RESERVE CORPS DENVER, CO– The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Mullica and Yadira Caraveo to create the Colorado Health Care Services Reserve Corps. “In addition to the strain and stress of the pandemic, the last year revealed gaps in our health care workforce that we have to address going forward,” said ER Nurse Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglen. “As thousands of health workers faced the daily challenges of battling this pandemic, many providers struggled to find ways to help. By creating Colorado’s Health Care Services Reserve Corps, we can build back stronger and ensure our health care workforce is prepared to meet the next crisis.” “Pediatricians like myself are trained to intubate young children and treat respiratory illnesses; we do it all the time, but I’m not trained in adult or emergency medicine,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thorntton, a physician. “Early in the pandemic, when emergency rooms were filling up with older patients, I didn’t have the training to jump in and help. Colorado’s health care providers are ready to serve when a crisis hits, and with the right training and resources, they would be more than willing to step up and fill any gaps that emerge. Whether it’s a natural disaster or another pandemic, Colorado’s Health Care Reserve Corps will bolster our response to the next health crisis.” Rising temperatures, harmful air quality, and more intense wildfires are making health emergencies that require a medical response more common. Thousands of nurses are retiring each year, and there is projected to be a national physician shortage of over 120,000 doctors by 2032 while Colorado has nearly 120 designated health professional shortage areas. HB21-1005 would create a state-level task force made up of experts in licensing, medical professionals, hospital administrators, and cross training facilitators to layout plans to create the Colorado Health Care Service Reserve Corps. The task force will determine the membership of the Reserve Corps, create training practices and recommend benefits that could attract members to the corps. The task force may also make recommendations for legislation necessary to successfully establish the Reserve Corps. Previous Next