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< Back June 22, 2020 GOV. SIGNS SIX COVID RELIEF BILLS INTO LAW Denver, CO– Today, six bills passed by the General Assembly in response to the global pandemic were signed into law by the Governor. The Governor also signed the bipartisan budget or “long bill” into law this morning. “Coloradans are hurting, and I’m truly proud that we were able to pass crucial legislation to address those needs in a matter of weeks,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder . “These bills will go a long way towards helping Coloradans keep the lights on, keep food on the table, and stay in their homes during these unprecedented times. The House found important solutions that address this crisis head-on, and I’m thrilled that the Governor signed them into law today.” “Despite the unprecedented nature of this session, the legislature came together to support our state and deliver bipartisan results for the people of Colorado,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “Coloradans are struggling to keep their heads above water, and the signing of these bills into law will help soften the blow that this global pandemic has dealt. The hardships of the pandemic are by no means over, but this legislation will support Colorado’s hardworking individuals and small businesses as we kick off our recovery.” Coronavirus Relief Funds for Housing Assistance HB20-1410 — Reps. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Tony Exum, Sr. This bill provides $20 million in direct rental and mortgage assistance to Coloradans experiencing a financial need during these turbulent times, including $350,000 for legal aid for renters at risk of eviction. Coronavirus Relief Funds for Utility Assistance HB20-1412 — Reps. Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter The bill allocates $4.8 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which helps Coloradans who are at risk of having their service shut off catch up on their utility payments.\ Coronavirus Relief Funds for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs HB20-1411 — Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Tracy Kraft-Tharp This bill dedicates $15 million to critical mental health programs and substance abuse treatment. 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System HB20-1197 — Reps. Marc Snyder and Janice Rich This bill provides an additional $500,000 to extend 2-1-1 information hotline to provide human services referrals related to the pandemic, including information on COVID test sites, emergency assistance, housing support, and information related to worker protections and health care discrimination through the end of 2020. Food Pantry Assistance HB20-1422 — Reps. Daneya Esgar and Lisa Cutter This bill provides $500,000 in funding for food banks to purchase more food and make it available across the state, and to create new market opportunities for Colorado’s agricultural producers. CARES Subfund HB20-1417 — Speaker KC Becker This bill establishes that the $70 million the governor allocated to the General Fund from the CARES Act will be set aside in an account called the CARESare Subfund and reiterates that the funds can only be used for CARES Act approved expenditures. Previous Next

< Back August 11, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: AURORA LAWMAKERS PRAISE AG INVESTIGATION INTO APD DENVER, CO – Lawmakers representing Aurora today released the following joint statement after Attorney General Phil Weiser announced an ongoing patterns and practices review of the Aurora Police Department, as authorized under Section 13 of SB20-217: “Today’s announcement that the Attorney General’s Office has an ongoing patterns and practices investigation into the Aurora Police Department after several high-profile cases involving community members of color, represents a monumental shift in the future of policing in Colorado. “The inclusion of pattern and practice investigative authority was one of the most crucial provisions in SB20-217, the police accountability bill we passed earlier this year. Rather than focusing only on individual issues, this review will examine the behavior of the police department as a whole, potentially going back several years. To achieve full accountability and to eliminate structural and systemic problems in an organization, it is necessary to look broadly and deeply, and this is exactly what we expect this investigation to do. “We also fully support the reforms that Chief Vanessa Wilson is seeking to make, and we will work to ensure that the department cooperates with the Attorney General’s investigation. Aurora is hurting, and we believe that this investigation and the cultural changes we hope it will bring can heal the deep wounds that divide our beloved community.” The Aurora delegation includes Reps. Janet Buckner, Dominique Jackson, Mike Weissman, Jovan Melton, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet; and Sens. Nancy Todd, Rhonda Fields, and Jeff Bridges. In recent days, the lawmakers have worked with the Attorney General’s office to explore possible grounds for a patterns and practices investigation based on the department’s extensive record of unchecked, systemic racism. Section 13 of SB20-217 makes it unlawful in Colorado for any government authority, including law enforcement departments, to “engage in a pattern or practice of conduct by peace officers… that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution of the United States or the State of Colorado.” The provision grants the Attorney General the authority, when there is reasonable cause, to file a civil action to eliminate the pattern or practice. Previous Next

Today Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sent a letter urging the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado State Patrol, and others to address the abnormally high number of crashes occurring on US Highway 40. < Back January 23, 2025 Roberts and Lukens Urge Swift Action to Improve Safety on Highway 40 DENVER, CO – Today Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sent a letter urging the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado State Patrol, and others to address the abnormally high number of crashes occurring on US Highway 40. In the last year Highway 40, which connects Steamboat Springs, Milner, Hayden, and Craig, faced numerous accidents resulting in significant delays, injuries, and six fatalities. Roberts and Lukens, the legislators representing the corridor, strongly support pursuing increased enforcement and funding that can lead to improvements on Highway 40. Extra attention to this corridor can and will save lives. “The safety of drivers and passengers that commute along Highway 40 could not be more important and we must do more to make that stretch of road safer,” said Roberts. “Representative Lukens and I are committed to working collaboratively with the state to ensure necessary improvements are made for the wellbeing of everyone on the road. Addressing these issues quickly requires the investment and support of all those involved, including CDOT, CSP, the Northwest Transportation Planning Organization, Routt County and other local government partners, and more. Today we are offering our support to ongoing efforts and urge increased attention and focus so that the road can be made safer as soon as possible.” "My deepest sympathies go out to the families who have lost loved ones and to everyone who has been impacted by accidents on Highway 40. The safety situation on Highway 40 demands our immediate attention," said Lukens. "We must expedite short-term and long-term critical improvements like the Safe Crossings Project and the construction of more passing lanes. I remain committed to working alongside Senator Roberts, local elected officials, CDOT, CSP, and the Northwest Transportation Planning Organization to protect the lives of everyone who travels this essential corridor." The full letter is below: Dear Director Lew, Colonel Packard, the Transportation Commission of Colorado, and the Northwest Planning Organization: As the legislators representing Routt and Moffat Counties, including US Highway 40, which connects the communities of Steamboat Springs, Milner, Hayden, and Craig, we write with an urgent request to direct all available resources and efforts to improve the safety of Highway 40 for our constituents. As you know, this stretch of state highway has seen an abnormally high amount of crashes resulting in fatalities and injuries which have taken a toll on the communities in heartache and hours of delays on an important commuter corridor. In 2024 alone, there were six fatalities as a result of crashes on this stretch of highway, and numerous other accidents that resulted in injuries and hours of delays for thousands of drivers. While no traffic corridor can ever be accident-free, the tragedy we are seeing on Highway 40 is abnormally high and should be addressed by the State of Colorado and local officials immediately. We are grateful that everyone involved, including you and your employees, know this situation is dire and needs to be addressed - and we are optimistic about all the efforts currently underway to address the problem. We write this letter at the urging of our constituents and to offer support and encouragement for what is being done. For example, we offer our continued support for these existing efforts: Constructing more passing lanes throughout the US40 corridor. We know this takes some time and we add our support to CDOT to construct these as soon as possible. Further, we encourage the Northwest Transportation Planning Organization to specifically prioritize as much funding as possible for these new passing lanes as a proven way to reduce crashes and fatalities. Increased law enforcement along the road in order to enforce speeding, traction, passing, and other already-existing laws that are in place to keep travelers safe. Lessening the number of cars on the road through projects like Mountain Passenger Rail and the possibility of more frequent bus service through the creation of a Regional Transit Authority in the region. The Safe Crossings Project at Steamboat II & Heritage Park. We commend the local efforts by Routt County, and engaged citizens to conduct a study of safe crossing options that is currently under review by CDOT. We wholeheartedly support any and all grant funding being pursued to make this safe crossing a reality as soon as possible and encourage CDOT to continue its similar support for funding. Ongoing rockfall mitigation work through the corridor. City of Steamboat Springs and Routt County’s efforts to extend the Yampa River Core Trail west. We were pleased to see the approval of funding by the transportation commission to study avalanche mitigation and safety needs on Berthoud pass. We agree that this is needed and a good way to begin planning more significant safety upgrades to the Pass following resurfacing work last year. We would ask that the Commission consider expanding the scope of this study, before it is initiated, to include safety and hazard mitigation needs elsewhere on US40 from Denver through to Steamboat Springs and Craig. Further, we strongly encourage both CDOT and CSP to expend every possible resource to continue, expedite, and bolster these existing efforts with increased urgency. Whether it is relocating Troopers to the corridor to increase speeding enforcement, employing remote and autonomous speeding controls, expediting construction timelines, pursuing new federal grant opportunities, or anything else, any extra attention to this corridor could save lives - it is worth it. The state legislature in recent years has changed laws regarding vehicle traction, reducing distracted driving, directed historic funding to CDOT, and more. Should there be anything in addition that would be helpful in these efforts that would involve legislation, we stand by ready to assist in that way. Please be in touch with us should this be the case. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the safety of our constituents and to the people of Colorado. We stand ready to support your work however possible and appreciate your attention to this dire matter impacting our constituents. Sincerely, Dylan Roberts, Senate District 8 Meghan Lukens, House District 26 CC: Governor Jared Polis Moffat County Commissioners Routt County Commissioners City of Craig Town of Hayden City of Steamboat Springs Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to support and maintain Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) program. < Back April 21, 2023 House Advances Support for Universal PreK DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to support and maintain Colorado’s Universal Preschool (UPK) program. HB23-1290, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Emily Sirota, would refer a measure to the ballot to allow the state to direct all the revenue collected under a sales tax on tobacco and other tobacco products to support Colorado’s early childhood learners instead of refunding nearly $24 million to the tobacco industry. “The support for voter-approved universal preschool has been overwhelming because it will save families money, help parents get back to work, and boost learning opportunities for our youngest Coloradans,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Supporting young learners sets them up for a lifetime of success, and funding universal preschool is one of the smartest investments we can make. The revenue collected from the tax on nicotine products has come in higher than originally predicted, and we want to confirm voters’ commitment to using these funds to provide preschool to all children in the state. That’s precisely what this legislation accomplishes.” “Universal preschool will be here in the fall, and the funds collected from the voter-approved Proposition EE made it possible for the state to begin to provide free, early childhood education to our youngest learners,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Colorado voters widely support free universal preschool, and our legislation reaffirms that commitment by asking them if the state may keep revenue collected from the special tax on nicotine and direct it toward UPK, rather than returning it to the tobacco industry. Studies show that preschool and early childhood education prepare kids for a lifetime of educational success.” HB23-1290 helps Colorado rise to the challenge of providing early education to every child in Colorado the year before they are eligible for kindergarten. The demand for universal preschool is high: more than 29,000 families and over 1,800 early care and education providers have already signed up to participate in the first year of Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program. Specifically, this bill would refer a measure to the ballot that asks voters to approve of the state keeping the excess revenue collected on tobacco and other tobacco products to fund universal preschool in Colorado. In 2020 Colorado voters approved Proposition EE, which created new excise taxes on cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine products to fund Colorado’s priorities - nicotine cessation programs, affordable housing, rural K-12 public schools, and Universal Pre-K. The new tax rates are designed to phase in over the next few fiscal years through 2027. When originally approved by voters with overwhelming support, it was estimated that this measure would raise $186.5 million in new tax revenue in the first year (FY 2021-22). However, actual revenues from the new tobacco taxes exceeded that predicted amount by $22 million. If passed, voters will see a measure on their 2024 ballots confirming the original intent of the voter-approved Proposition EE and clarifying that voters want the state to retain the full amount of nicotine sales tax revenue to put toward universal preschool. Previous Next

< Back November 13, 2022 Reps. Bird and Sirota Appointed to JBC DENVER, CO – House Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie today appointed Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota to the Joint Budget Committee. “It’s certainly bittersweet for me to leave the budget committee, but with these two lawmakers stepping up, I know it’s in great hands,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m proud of the results we’ve delivered in recent years–more funding for schools to increase teacher pay and reduce class sizes, increased resources to improve public safety, and some of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Representatives Bird and Sirota will bring incredible talent, vision and leadership to the JBC. I know they will listen and work closely with each member to advance the diverse interests of every community in every corner of our state.” “I’m thrilled that Representatives Sirota and Bird will be joining the JBC,” said Majority Leader-elect Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “We have one of the largest and most diverse caucuses in the history of our state, and I know that with these appointments, our wide range of voices and views will be well represented on the JBC and in our budget. With people of color making up more than half of our leadership team, I’m excited to see our inclusive values will be a consistent focus of our state budget. Reps. Sirota and Bird will be instrumental in helping us invest in key priorities while increasing funding for schools and critical services. I’m confident both of our new JBC members advance our values and move Colorado forward.” “It’s a privilege to join the Joint Budget Committee and continue our work to make Colorado more affordable, invest in our schools, create jobs, support small businesses and build an economy that works for everyone in our state,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “While Colorado leads the nation in job growth, fiscal constraints mean we must be smart about where we direct our resources. We have an opportunity to address historical inequities that disproportionately impact communities or color, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues to craft an equitable budget that reflects the priorities of our constituents and the diversity of our caucus and prepares our state for the bright future we have ahead.” “I’m honored to serve on the Joint Budget Committee, and I’m excited to get to work crafting a budget that protects and expands critical services in every community in our state, especially those that have been underserved,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “I’ll prioritize investments that uplift the communities historically left behind–often communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by the challenges we must address like climate change, education funding and income inequality. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass a budget that addresses the most pressing needs in our state, helps every community thrive and moves Colorado forward.” Rep. Bird, first elected in 2018, represents House District 29 in Adams County, which includes much of Westminster. Rep. Bird is currently the Chair of the House Finance Committee, a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee, and the Pension Commission and Pension Review Subcommittee. She has passed legislation to support small businesses and boost Colorado’s economy, including creating the Small Business Recovery Loan Program in 2020. She attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she earned a B.A. in Economics. She later graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver, earning both an MBA and an MS in Finance. Representative Bird completed her education by earning a J.D. at the University of Denver College of Law. Rep. Sirota, first elected in 2018, represents House District 9 in the Colorado Legislature, and is Vice-Chair of the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee and she serves on the Energy & Environment Committee. Before her election to the Colorado House of Representatives, Emily helped run an early learning center in Denver. As a Representative for House District 9, Emily has championed worker's rights, campaign finance reform, a healthy and vibrant public education system, environmental justice, progressive tax policy and fundamental reforms to our pillars of democracy. She received her B.A. in Political Science at Indiana University and received her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Previous Next

Legislation removes protections for firearm industry that prevent gun violence survivors from pursuing accountability in civil court < Back April 28, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Allow Victims of Gun Violence to Seek Justice Becomes Law Legislation removes protections for firearm industry that prevent gun violence survivors from pursuing accountability in civil court DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed common sense gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, to create new avenues for victims of gun violence to pursue justice. “Colorado used to be home to one of the most punitive laws against gun violence survivors in the country, laws that shielded them from accountability and needed to be changed,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “This new law will level the playing field by removing those extra protections and allowing legitimate lawsuits to move forward, ensuring the gun industry is no longer given special treatment and improving gun violence survivors’ ability to seek the justice they deserve.” “Colorado’s laws gave the firearm industry extreme and unjust legal protections that have prevented gun violence victims from seeking accountability,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “By removing these excessive legal protections that aren’t afforded to the vast majority of other industries, we’re ensuring that Coloradans can hold bad actors accountable. I’m proud that Colorado law will now allow victims of gun violence to seek the justice they deserve.” “Previously, Colorado gun sellers and manufacturers were provided legal protections far beyond those for most other businesses in the state and that prevented victims of gun violence from seeking justice,” Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, said. “Removing Colorado’s overly broad gun industry immunity law will provide another avenue for survivors to pursue justice if they are harmed by irresponsible business practices.” “This law ends excessive immunity protections for the firearms industry and creates new avenues for gun violence victims to seek justice through the courts," said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. "I'm hoping the ability to hold the firearms industry accountable when they break Colorado law will encourage them to be more active partners with us in the fight to end gun violence in our communities." Right now, gun sellers and manufacturers enjoy broad protections under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act from most types of civil lawsuits. Colorado law goes even further by including a punitive provision that forces victims of gun violence who sue the gun industry to pay the company’s legal fees in dismissed cases. SB23-168 removes Colorado’s overly-broad immunity protections for gun sellers and manufacturers and allows legitimate lawsuits against the gun industry to move forward. After their daughter was killed in the Aurora movie theater shooting, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips sued four online retailers that irresponsibly sold magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and body armor to the murderer. Under Colorado’s immunity law, they were forced to pay around $200,000 in legal fees to bulk ammunition sellers. They ended up selling their house and declared bankruptcy. SB23-168 is named the “Jessi Redfield Ghawi’s Act for Gun Violence Victims’ Access to Justice and Firearms Industry Accountability” in honor of Sandy and Lonnie Phillips’ daughter. Removing Colorado’s gun industry shielded liability will allow survivors, like the Phillips and countless others, to seek appropriate justice and fair remedies via civil actions and will give survivors the opportunity to hold gun sellers and manufacturers accountable for their actions. Previous Next

< Back Manny Rutinel Representative Rutinel is an environmental attorney, entrepreneur, first-generation American, and the proud son of a single mother. He represents House District 32, which includes the great people of Commerce City, Welby, and other unincorporated areas of Adams County. Rep. Rutinel's priorities are environmental justice, affordability, and civil rights. Rep. Rutinel received his J.D. from Yale Law School. After law school, he was an Attorney for Earthjustice, fighting to hold corporate polluters accountable. Before law school, Rep. Rutinel was an economist for the US Army Corps of Engineers, where he also served as a First Responder in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He holds an M.S. in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Florida. He serves as a member of the House Energy & Environment Committee.

< Back May 31, 2019 HISTORIC MOMENT: GOV SIGNS LAWS BANNING ‘CONVERSION THERAPY’ & TO ALLOW COLORADANS TO BE THEIR AUTHENTIC SELVES Colorado becomes the 18th state to ban dangerous practice of ‘conversion therapy’ on young people (May 31) – Gov. Polis signed two historic bipartisan bills led by House Democrats Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet to ban the dangerous and discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy’ and to allow Coloradans to update their identity documents to reflect their authentic selves. The first law signed was sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, banning the harmful and widely discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy’ on young people. The law protects our LGBTQ youth in Colorado from a dangerous and discredited practice that is aimed at changing their sexual orientation or gender identity. “This is a historic moment and this law is about allowing Coloradans to be their authentic selves. Today, we’re putting an end to a practice that makes these young people much more likely to have depression or attempt suicide,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “I’m proud of the work that went into this new law and to everyone who joined this effort.” “We’re sending a strong message to Colorado’s LGBTQ youth and standing up for their rights to be their authentic selves. This ‘therapy’ has been proven to be dangerous and harmful. ” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, co-chair of the LGBTQ caucus. “I’m thankful to every Coloradan who worked tirelessly to finally get this bill signed into law.” HB19-1129 includes disciplinary actions for any licensees with their licensing board if conversion therapy is practiced on young person. The bill is aimed at state-licensed medical and mental health practitioners who falsely claim that being gay, bisexual or transgender is a mental illness. The American Psychological Association found that the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy on young people makes them three times more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, six times more likely to fall into depression, and eight times more likely to attempt suicide. This is the fifth time this bill is being introduced at the legislature and Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s second time bringing it forward. The law makes Colorado the 18th state to ban conversion therapy on minors. The Governor thensigned on the west steps of the state capitol a bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, that will allow transgender Coloradans to change the gender on their birth certificate and other official identification documents without undergoing surgery or appearing in front of a judge, also known as “Jude’s Law.” “This new law is about personal freedom. Not having updated ID documents interferes with the ability of transgender Coloradans to live their lives openly and honestly and to be their authentic selves,” said Rep. Esgar, co-chair of the LGBTQ caucus. The bill was also changed to the title Jude’s law, named after Jude, a transgender student who has testified in support of this bill every year for the last five years. This bill was amended and will now be known as “Jude’s Law.” Jude and her mother were on the House Floor when the amendment to change the name of the bill was passed on a bipartisan vote of 46-17. “We named this bill after Jude because she showed strength and courage to come year after year to the capitol to testify in support of this legislation since she was nine years old. My colleagues and I have watched her grow up in front of our eyes. She has been simply asking this legislature to give her the ability to live her most genuine life. Today we’re making that a reality,” Rep. Esgar concluded. Current law requires transgender Coloradans to undergo surgery and then appear in front of a judge to prove the surgical procedure before they can update the gender on their birth certificate. They are then given an amended version of their birth certificate which can sometimes force a transgender person to out themselves when asked why their birth certificate is amended. This law will grant them an entirely new birth certificate, without going through cumbersome and expensive hurdles like surgery or appearing in front of a judge, to have their documents match their gender identity. HB19-1039 will allow transgender Coloradans to change the gender designation their birth certificate to male, female or X, to correspond with their gender identity. The X gender marker does not stand for intersex, it means that the individual does not identify as male nor female. Current law also requires a person to file legal notice in a newspaper three times and include their current name and proposed new name before they can change it; this law removes that requirement. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILLS TO ADDRESS OPIOID CRISIS House Democrats have long been working on solutions to the opioid the opioid crisis (Apr. 29) – The House gave preliminary approval to a package of bills that are part of the House Democrats’ effort to combat the epidemic of opioid addiction. The House gave preliminary approval to Rep. Chris Kennedy and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s commonsense bill to examine alternatives to incarceration for individuals who need treatment for addiction instead of jail for drug-related offenses. The bill, a product of the opioid interim committee, also looks to provide behavioral & substance use treatment (MAT) to individuals who may already be incarcerated. “When we incarcerate people without providing treatment for their substance use disorders, we’re not actually addressing the real problem,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “By providing treatment, we increase the likelihood that people released from incarceration will be able to rebuild their lives and start contributing to society again.” “My sincere thanks to counselors, law enforcement and people across the state who came to support this bill. People are literally dying in jail because they are not getting the appropriate treatment for their substance use disorder,” said Rep. Singer, D-Boulder. “This bill provides a pathway that will help those struggling with addiction become productive members of society, not return as burdens to themselves, their families and taxpayers.” SB19-008 was approved on voice-vote and recorded vote will be taken at a later date. The House also passed SB19-227, sponsored by Rep. Chris Kennedy and Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. This bill authorizes schools to obtain a supply of opiate antagonists, specifies that a licensed or certified hospital may be used as a clean syringe exchange site, creates the opiate antagonist purchase fund and expands the household medication take-back program in the Department of Public Health and Environment. “While we work to reduce overprescription and increase access to treatment, we can also do more to prevent the spread of diseases and save the lives of those who have not yet sought treatment,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy. “Addiction is a public health crisis and we are stepping up and finding ways to save lives,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. “This bill will expand treatment and recovery options across the state.” SB19-227 was approved on voice-vote and recorded vote will be taken at a later date. The House Health and Insurance committee approved Rep. Bri Buentello’s bill to require certain health care providers who have prescriptive authority to complete substance use disorder training as part of their continuing education and prohibits a physician or physician assistant from accepting any direct or indirect benefits for prescribing a specific medication. “This is an important bill that will help us address the opioid crisis that is devastating parts of Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “ This bill will help Coloradans who are struggling with addiction get the treatment they need.” SB19-228 also requires a prescription for an opioid for outpatient use to bear a warning label; creates several grant programs to improve public awareness of the dangers of substance use disorders, improve youth treatment and pre-and-postnatal care for women. In addition, the bill introduces several other measures aimed at substance use disorders prevention. The bill was approved on a vote of 7-4. It now goes to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE CLEARS BIPARTISAN BILLS TO IMPROVE YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, ACCESS TO FOOD Legislation directs more than $27 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve outcomes for Colorado youth through behavioral health programs and healthy food access DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee passed three bipartisan bills to improve outcomes for Colorado’s youth and most vulnerable residents. These bills invest more than $27 million in federal pandemic relief funds to expand behavioral health programs for children and improve youth access to healthy food. “Our neighbors have not been immune to the rising cost of groceries, which is why we are investing federal funds to make it easier for Coloradans in the most vulnerable communities to access healthy, nutritious foods,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1380. “The Community Food Access Program is the right move for better connecting low-income Coloradans with the services they need while supporting small businesses in the process.” Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton, would direct $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals. This bill invests $8 million to create the Community Food Access Program to support small food retailers and small farmers to ensure underserved communities have access to healthy, fresh foods through a consortium and grant program. The program supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, and one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen Colorado’s food value chain. The bill also directs $2 million in federal relief funds to efficiently identify SNAP recipients who are also eligible for utility bill assistance, $3 million for a universal high-quality work management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit programs; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food retails stores increasing the access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients. HB22-1380 passed committee by a unanimous vote. “We are tackling Colorado’s youth behavioral health crisis from multiple angles,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB22-147. “During my career as a school psychologist, I experienced firsthand the behavioral health improvement possible when students and their families had access to the right services. This substantial investment of federal relief funds will expand youth access to critical behavioral health care.” Behavioral Health Care Services for Youth and Families: SB22-147 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families by utilizing $11.1 million of federal relief funds distributed through three programs. $4.6 million will support the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program (CoPPCAP) which provides support and assistance to primary care providers and pediatricians to help identify and treat children with behavioral health needs. $5 million will go toward increasing the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students, while $1.5 million will expand school-based health centers in Colorado. SB22-147 passed committee by a vote of 10-0. “Stressful and traumatic conditions can have negative, long-term impacts on the behavioral health of our youngest kids,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1369. “We’re using federal relief dollars to invest in our youth’s behavioral health through the creation of early intervention and home-based prevention programs tailored towards children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma.” Children’s Mental Health Programs: HB22-1369 , sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Rod Pelton, would invest $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children six years old and younger experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences. HB22-1369 passed committee by a vote of 10-0. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2021 AVANZA PROPUESTA PARA EXPANDIR EL ACCESO AL VOTO La propuesta legislativa crearía una línea de ayuda para traducir las boletas electorales y requeriría que ciertos condados impriman boletas en idiomas aparte del inglés DENVER, CO– El Comité de Asuntos Cívicos, Militares, del Estado y de los Veteranos en la Cámara de Representantes hoy aprobó HB21-1011, una propuesta legislativa para expandir el acceso al voto y mejorar la participación electoral al expandir el acceso a las boletas electorales multilingües. La propuesta avanzó con un voto de 6 a 3. “Existen decenas de millares de personas en Colorado que tiene el derecho de votar, pero que efectivamente se les niega el acceso porque no hablan muy bien inglés y viven en alguno de los condados en donde los materiales electorales solo se proporcionan en Inglés,” dijo la Representante Yadira Caraveo (D-Thornton). “Yo estoy comprometida a asegurar que nuestro gran sistema electoral sea aún más accesible para todos, y esta propuesta nos acerca a poder garantizar que así sea.” HB21-1011 le daría a todos los votantes acceso a una línea de ayuda que proporcionaría traducción de boletas electorales en los idiomas principales del Censo. Además, requeriría que los condados en donde un idioma minoritario sea hablado por al menos 2,000 votantes elegibles o el 2.5% de los votantes elegibles impriman boletas electorales en ese idioma, ya sea en copias físicas o electrónicamente. Previous Next