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The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Rebekah Stewart to improve accessibility in new and renovated buildings and facilities for Coloradans with disabilities. HB25-1030 passed by a vote of 41-22. < Back February 5, 2025 House Passes Bill to Boost Building Accessibility for Coloradans with Disabilities DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Rebekah Stewart to improve accessibility in new and renovated buildings and facilities for Coloradans with disabilities. HB25-1030 passed by a vote of 41-22. “Coloradans with disabilities rely on certain accessibility features in going about their daily lives, and it’s important that new and renovated buildings such as schools and health facilities meet or exceed the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “With this bill passing the House today, we’re standing by our commitment to Colorado’s disability community by improving accessibility requirements in building codes throughout our state and supporting basic access to public buildings.” “The Americans with Disabilities Act has been law for over 30 years, yet gaps in enforcing those accessibility requirements continue to act as a barrier to Coloradans with disabilities,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. ”As a former local government official, I know this bill will benefit our communities by creating a guideline for local governments to follow when it comes to accessibility updates, mitigating lawsuits and making our communities more accessible for all.” Beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1030 would require local governments that adopt or amend a building code to ensure that they meet or exceed the accessibility standards set by the International Code Council and existing laws. The State Housing Board would also be required to meet or exceed these standards when it comes to substantial updates to uniform construction and maintenance standards for hotels, motels, and multiple dwellings in jurisdictions with no local building code. The Division of Fire Prevention and Control would be responsible for ensuring that building codes for public schools and health facilities meet accessibility standards. Colorado Democrats have championed many laws in recent years to break down accessibility barriers for Coloradans living with disabilities, including creating the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office to implement a statewide strategy to promote successful economic, social, and community integration. Previous Next

Safety Net Providers on The Frontlines of Serving Communities in Denver and Across Colorado Are Nearing Financial Crisis < Back February 4, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: State Lawmakers, Lt. Governor Primavera & Colorado Health Care Workers & Providers to Discuss Comprehensive Plans to Protect Safety-Net Providers, Save People Money on Health Care DENVER — Today, as community health centers and other vital providers struggle to stay open amid tightening budgets, jeopardizing care for many Coloradans, Lt. Governor Primavera partnered with Representative Kyle Brown, Colorado health care workers, and providers to discuss a forthcoming piece of legislation to address the growing cost challenges faced by safety net health care providers while reducing health care costs for state employees and small businesses. “We’ve made progress in lowering the cost of health care and insurance for hardworking families but the reality is Coloradans are still paying too much. More work is needed, especially to support our low-cost, high-quality community health clinics,” said Lt. Governor and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, Dianne Primavera. “This new proposal is a common-sense solution that prioritizes affordability and access while ensuring our safety net providers can continue delivering care to those who need it most.” Coloradans with commercial insurance pay nearly three times what Medicare reimburses hospitals for the same care. Safety net providers include primary care and family clinics that provide critical health care to communities across Colorado – like seniors, hardworking families, and rural Coloradans. “We’ve made important progress to save Coloradans money on health care, and by tackling this issue, we can continue to drive down prices and reduce costs for Coloradans,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “New legislation I am sponsoring will support our local safety net providers, which often serve our more vulnerable community members, and save small businesses money on health care coverage. We’re making it easier for Coloradans to receive the high-quality health care they need, when they need it, while improving the financial health of our safety net and critical access providers.” “We’ve worked hard here in Colorado to bring down the cost of health care so that no matter how much you make or where you live, you can get affordable, quality care,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “With this legislation, we’re taking an innovative and proven approach to fund our safety net providers across the state, who are often the only medical providers in their regions. At the same time, our bill will cut insurance premiums paid by small businesses and their employees. By capping hospital payments at an amount below what private insurance can negotiate, but still above what those hospitals need to cover their costs, we can protect our budget while putting those savings directly into the pockets of Coloradans.” “While our multi-year efforts have saved Coloradans money on health care, cost continues to be a barrier to access care in Colorado” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This legislation supports Colorado’s safety net providers, such as community clinics, that provide essential health care to our most vulnerable community members. This bill will drive down costs to the state, save small businesses money, and boost health care access for our neighbors.” “This bill is an innovative way to reduce health care costs for all Coloradans – from our cities to our rural communities,” said Senator Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “The same medical test or procedure should cost roughly the same thing no matter where you get it or what type of insurance you have, but under current law, health care corporations and hospitals can charge different amounts to different people. This bill is a step toward prioritizing affordable, accessible care for all.” The new bill, which will be introduced in the coming days following additional stakeholder conversations, will support safety net providers and reduce costs for small businesses by: Establishing reimbursement maximums for in-network (165% of Medicare) and out-of-network (150% of Medicare) on prices paid to certain hospitals through the state employee health plan and the small group market. Establishing a floor for primary care and behavioral health services (135% of Medicare) through the state employee health plan and small group market. A feasibility study is required to explore the option for local governments and school districts to participate in a similar reimbursement limit. The new bill will be introduced in the House. It will support safety net providers by redirecting funds to critical community health centers and providers that serve Coloradans where and when they need care. State employees and small business owners will save money on health care premiums and out-of-pocket costs without compromising care quality. This bill will also protect the state budget as tens of millions of dollars are expected to be diverted to the health care safety net and to help state employees with minimal impact on hospital margins. Similar policies in states like Oregon and Montana have proven effective, saving state employees money while relieving budget pressures. Colorado is poised to join these states in leading the charge for equitable and sustainable health care reform. Previous Next

DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to combat child hunger by taking advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and providing students with nutrition assistance during summer break. SB23B-002 passed by a vote of 44-16. < Back November 20, 2023 House Passes Bill to Combat Child Hunger, Support Working Families DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to combat child hunger by taking advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and providing students with nutrition assistance during summer break. SB23B-002 passed by a vote of 44-16. “For many children in Colorado, school is the only place they receive consistent meals which means they often face hunger during the summer months,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This legislation takes full advantage of an expansion of a federal program to keep our kids fed year-round. No kid should go hungry, and we’re working together to combat child hunger and make purchasing nutritious, healthy food more affordable for families.” “Having access to food is not a reality for all kids living in Colorado, in fact one in nine kids face hunger,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “Child hunger gets worse during the summer months, and our important legislation utilizes federal funding to help hard working families put food on the table. Many families see their grocery bill skyrocket during the summer, and by leveraging federal funds we can combat child hunger so every kid has the chance to be their best.” SB23B-002 would allocate an estimated $35 million to expand EBT benefits, which would help families purchase groceries from SNAP retailers during the summer months when child hunger is most severe. Families with children eligible for the national free and reduced-price school meals program will receive $40 a month per eligible child for the summer benefit in 2024, to be adjusted for inflation in following years. The Summer EBT Program was established in December 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, with the program beginning in the summer of 2024. By taking action now, Colorado is a national leader on this issue. Ten other states indicated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that they intend to do so next year, which would postpone their program’s start until 2025. Previous Next

The Colorado Children’s Campaign and the Colorado Community College System this week lauded Speaker Julie McCluskie with their legislator of the year awards. < Back September 11, 2024 McCluskie Earns Legislator of the Year Awards from Community Colleges and Children’s Campaign DILLON, CO – The Colorado Children’s Campaign and the Colorado Community College System this week lauded Speaker Julie McCluskie with their legislator of the year awards. “From our youngest learners to Coloradans completing degrees in higher education, everyone in our state should have an opportunity to learn, thrive and pursue their dreams,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m so proud of our historic legislation to increase funding for K-12 public schools and direct more resources to rural schools, at-risk students, and special education. In recent years, we’ve made tremendous strides to bring down the cost of a community college degree and connect aspiring students with affordable pathways to good jobs in growing industries. I deeply appreciate the work of Colorado’s higher education institutions, education advocates and lawmakers from both parties who worked together to deliver these breakthrough results for Colorado.” This year, speaker McCluskie sponsored and the legislature passed a new school finance formula , which significantly increases funding for rural schools and districts that serve more at-risk and special education students. The prior formula, which had not been significantly changed in nearly 30 years, did not prioritize student needs or rural schools. Under the new formula, a greater emphasis is now placed on the student characteristics in each district. Speaker McCluskie has been a champion of legislation to create new, affordable pathways to complete higher education degrees and programs in rural Colorado that set up students to thrive. She sponsored legislation to create the Opportunity Now Grant program, which funds collaborative efforts with higher education, businesses, trade associations and unions to create new training and degree programs in growing industries with workforce shortages. Speaker McCluskie sponsored SB24-164 , which makes it easier to transfer college credits, improve transparency in higher education reporting, and ensure rights for students enrolled in postsecondary institutions. Previous Next

< Back May 28, 2019 GOV SIGNS BILL TO ENSURE CULTURALLY COMPETENT HISTORY IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS (May 28) – Gov Polis signed a bill by Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, and Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, to ensure the inclusion of the history of American-Indians, Latinos, African-Americans and Asian-Americans in social studies courses in Colorado’s classrooms. “Our diversity is what makes our country and our state strong but for too long, individuals and communities that have moved or immigrated here and those that have been here for many centuries communities have been excluded from our teaching of history,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “With an increase in division among some of our communities, it will be beneficial for all children and youth to learn about each other’s background and to be able to see themselves in the history books.” HB19-1192 was signed at the Corky Gonzales Library in Denver. Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez is the granddaughter of Chicano leader Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales. Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, is the Senate co-prime sponsor. All three bill sponsors are Latinx women in their first year at the state legislature. “Teaching inclusive curriculum boosts test scores and student engagement,” said Rep. Buentello when the bill passed the House. “I’m proud to sponsor this bill to ensure that the history taught in our state is truly inclusive and tells our country’s full story.” This bill would establish a 16-member commission to provide recommendations to the Department of Education so that those standards and programs accurately reflect the history, culture, social contributions and civil government of the United States and Colorado, including the contributions and influence of American Indians, Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans. Parents, teachers, administrators and school board members testified in support of the bill at the House Education committee hearing this year. ### Previous Next

House Democrats worked in a bipartisan way to deliver property tax relief while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, fire response, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. House Democrats worked in a bipartisan way to deliver property tax relief while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, fire response, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET

Op-Eds Mar 27, 2025 Rep. Meghan Lukens: Strengthening rural health care Read More Source Feb 25, 2025 Rep. Meghan Lukens: Supporting students and schools in our communities Read More Source Jan 17, 2025 Rep. Meghan Lukens: Getting to work for the Western Slope Read More Source Jan 14, 2025 Rep. Shannon Bird: The Colorado Opportunity Caucus puts paychecks first Read More Source Jan 5, 2025 Speaker McCluskie: Perspective: 2025 Legislative Preview Read More Source Sep 20, 2024 Rep. Weissman & Rep. Jodeh: If Trump brings his invective to Aurora, he should know we are proud to be the “The Ellis Island of the Plains” Read More Source Aug 27, 2024 Rep. McLachlan: Legislators work on tax relief, protecting funding during special session Read More Source Aug 25, 2024 Rep. Weissman: Here’s a plan to keep local property tax control local Read More Source Aug 20, 2024 Rep. deGruy Kennedy: Cause to celebrate state Rx affordability board milestone Read More Source Aug 20, 2024 Rep. deGruy Kennedy: After Colorado legislature’s latest special session is finished, we must restore local control over property taxes Read More Source Aug 20, 2024 Rep. Joseph: Rethink the Kids Online Safety Act to balance safety, freedom Read More Source Aug 7, 2024 Rep. Lukens: Increasing affordability across Colorado Read More Source Aug 1, 2024 Rep. McLachlan: 30 bills sponsored, signed in 2024 Read More Source Jun 17, 2024 Rep. McCormick: Ballot initiatives 144 and 145 will not help animals Read More Source Jun 12, 2024 Rep. McCormick: As a veterinarian and a lawmaker, please don’t let big businesses undermine Colorado pet care Read More Source Jun 12, 2024 Rep. Lukens: Breakthrough legislative session Read More Source Jun 6, 2024 Rep Joseph: Air Force proposal threatens Colorado’s workforce pipeline Read More Source May 29, 2024 Rep. Story: Colorado’s broadband funding can be a boon for jobs Read More Source May 28, 2024 Rep McLachlan: ‘When we take the “I” out of legislating, using “we” instead, we proved we can get a lot done’ Read More Source May 18, 2024 Speaker Julie McCluskie: A breakthrough session for the Western Slope Read More Source 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ... 7

Meet Your House Democrats We are the Colorado House Democrats. With a historically large and diverse majority, we represent communities from the Front Range and the San Luis Valley to rural towns in the high country and Southwest Colorado. Our members are teachers, veterinarians, business owners, law enforcement officers, veterans, engineers, lawyers, advocates, and more. Our top priority is to make Colorado more affordable and protect our hard-fought rights and freedoms. We love Colorado and believe in public education, clean air and water, access to parks and a safe and just society. From our littlest learners to working families and eldest Coloradans, we think everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive. We’ve governed responsibly through challenging times and delivered results that move Colorado forward. These landmark laws prevent gun violence, support small businesses, address climate change and lower the cost of health care, child care and housing. We bolstered renters’ rights to reduce evictions, provided two years of free college and boosted the incomes of hardworking families with new tax credits. Colorado House Democrats reflect the diversity of our communities and are the right people to lead our state, protect our Colorado Way of Life, and uphold our promises to future generations. Julie McCluskie Speaker of the House Learn More Matthew Martinez Majority Whip Learn More Shannon Bird Chair of JBC Learn More Bob Marshall Learn More Eliza Hamrick Learn More Javier Mabrey Chair of Judiciary Learn More Monica Duran Majority Leader Learn More Elizabeth Velasco Majority Whip Learn More Emily Sirota JBC Member Learn More Brianna Titone Learn More Gretchen Rydin Learn More Jennifer Bacon Assistant Majority Leader Learn More Mandy Lindsay Majority Caucus Co-Chair Learn More Alex Valdez Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee Learn More Cecelia Espenoza Learn More Jacque Phillips Learn More Andrew Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore Learn More Junie Joseph Majority Caucus Co-Chair Learn More Amy Paschal Learn More Chad Clifford Learn More Jamie Jackson Learn More 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3

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