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The POWR Act protects workers from workplace harassment and discrimination < Back April 26, 2023 Bill to Combat Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Moves Forward The POWR Act protects workers from workplace harassment and discrimination DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to improve safety and equity in the workplace by implementing critical anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. The Protecting Opportunity & Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act, sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, combats workplace harassment and discrimination while prioritizing employees. “No one should face workplace harassment or discrimination at work, which is why we are revising Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws to protect our workers,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora . "In 2023, it's time that we say that people should not have to suffer workplace harassment that can go without a remedy as long as it's not "severe" or "pervasive" under a nearly 40-year old legal standard. The POWR Act holds wrongdoers accountable for workplace harassment and creates safer, more productive workplaces in the process. Every Coloradan deserves to earn a living in a workspace free of harassment or discrimination, and this legislation puts policies in place to do that.” “To protect Coloradans who have faced workplace harassment and discrimination, our laws need to be on their side,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The POWR Act provides some long overdue modifications to Colorado’s law that will improve accountability measures and create safer workspaces. We need to do everything we can to make it easier for Coloradans to earn a living and excel in their career. Our legislation gives power and protection to the worker, paving the way for Coloradans to thrive in their workplace.” POWR Act: SB23-172 would update the definition of harassment and specify that harassment does not need to be “severe or pervasive” to constitute a discriminatory or unfair practice. The bill also deters future harassment by modernizing language around non-disclosure agreements, expanding protections for people with disabilities, and adding marital status as a protected class. Eliminating the excessive “severe or pervasive'' hostile work environment requirements and replacing them with clear standards for “harass” and “harassment” considers the totality of the circumstances, and will allow survivors of discrimination and harassment to better pursue justice. The POWR Act also removes the language in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) that permits employers to discriminate against people with disabilities or refuse to accommodate them if “the disability has a significant impact on the job.” The bill also adds marital status as a protected class under these conditions. Additionally, the bill establishes an affirmative defense for an employer if the employer meets certain requirements, including establishing a harassment prevention program, taking prompt action in response to a complaint, and keeping records of any complaints. 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

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. < Back January 22, 2024 House Committee Passes Bill to Expand Wildfire Prevention Awareness DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. HB24-1024 , sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Elizabeth Velasco, passed by a vote of 10-2. “When it comes to reducing wildfire risk, we need every Coloradan, whether they live in the foothills, forested areas or rural areas, to know how they can protect their homes and businesses,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “This legislation ensures communities receive information on effective wildfire mitigation strategies, such as reducing vegetation and fire fuels within 5 feet of our homes. Combating wildfires begins with good mitigation, and this bill also continues the Colorado State Forest Service’s efforts to educate Coloradans about these effective strategies.” “We’re taking steps to reduce destructive wildfires and protect our communities, businesses and homes,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Colorado’s rural and mountain communities like mine are some of the most at-risk for wildfire damage, and this legislation extends an education and outreach campaign to increase residential mitigation efforts. Reducing wildfire risk in our backyards begins with awareness, and this legislation shares important tactics to help Coloradans protect their homes in the wake of a wildfire.” HB24-1024 would require the Colorado State Forest Service to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. This bill was created through the Wildfire Matters Review Committee , which spearheaded legislation to improve wildfire mitigation, bolster the forestry workforce, and increase wildfire awareness. Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 HOUSE OPENS DOORS TO COLORADO’S GREAT OUTDOORS DENVER, CO — The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Leslie Herod that would create the Outdoor Equity Grant Program to increase access and opportunity for underserved youth and their families to experience Colorado’s outdoor spaces and parks. The vote was 43-22. “Colorado’s great outdoors are some of the most incredible places on earth, but too many of our youth don’t get a chance to experience them or the incredible health and wellness benefits that come with exploring our parks, trails, rivers and mountain adventures,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “The Outdoor Equity Grant Program will connect underserved youth and their families to our great outdoors and break down the barriers that prevent so many Colorado youth from getting to play, learn from, and enjoy the spaces that make our state famous all around the world.” “I’m always working to break down barriers that can make it harder for Coloradans to access the places and services they need,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This is a great bill that will help more Black and Brown Coloradans and people with disabilities access the incredible outdoor spaces that Colorado is known for. Every young Coloradan should have the opportunity to enjoy and explore our parks, mountains, lakes, and all that Colorado has to offer in our great outdoors.” HB21-1318 creates a grant program to provide funding to organizations that reduce barriers to the Colorado outdoors for underserved youth and their families. Grants would be awarded to entities that create pathways for formal or informal conservation or offer environmental and Colorado outdoor-based educational opportunities. An equity board in the Division of Parks and Wildlife would oversee the grant program. The program would be funded through revenue from the Colorado lottery. Despite the availability and ease of access to some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces on earth, certain demographics of Colorado youth and their families face significant obstacles and challenges to accessing these spaces. Research shows that more time spent in nature is essential to health and wellbeing, and it improves physical and mental health, reduces stress, and enhances social skills. Previous Next

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

< Back October 24, 2019 BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO PROTECT BUSINESSES REMITTING SALES TAXES ADVANCES Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force extended until 2025; changes made to hold harmless provisions for users of tax remittance software made crucial in wake of Wayfair Supreme Court decision DENVER, CO– The Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force today advanced two bipartisan bills that would extend the task force until 2025 and continue to support the state’s compliance with the United States Supreme Court Wayfair ruling. “For 30 years, Colorado’s complex system of tax jurisdictions, home rule municipalities and TABOR have led to challenges for businesses trying to navigate different rates,” said Task Force Chair Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada). “The Wayfair decision made the situation more complex, and our task force has been working hard since 2017 to address these concerns. Last session we tasked the state with creating a GIS database and software system to make the tax remittance process easy for businesses. Today, we continued this work by advancing legislation to protect vendors from being liable for any errors made as a result of using the GIS database or third-party software applications that rely on the underlying GIS data.” With local jurisdictions imposing different tax rates, vendors face a challenge in determining the correct tax amount and in accurately remitting payments to the proper local tax jurisdiction. Large retailers and market facilitators, such as Amazon, must remit taxes based on the location of the purchaser. However, smaller businesses are currently allowed to remit taxes based on their business location until the state can create a simplified way for remitting taxes based on the purchaser’s location. Last session, lawmakers passed SB19-006, sponsored by Rep. Kraft-Tharp, which required the state to create a Geographic Information System (GIS) database and software to assist vendors in remitting sales and use taxes to local jurisdictions. The new system will help businesses navigate the patchwork of sales and use taxes across the state and accurately remit sales taxes. A bill that the task force advanced today would hold vendors harmless for errors made as a result using the new state GIS database or a third-party software that relies on the GIS database, once the state develops and releases the new database and software. Additionally, the Department of Revenue must ensure that the information provided in the state database is 95 percent accurate. The other bill lawmakers advanced today would extend the taskforce until July 2025 and eliminate the requirement for a Department of Regulatory Affairs sunset review process. The bill expands the scope of the task force’s work to include a review of legislation passed last session. Previous Next

< Back March 26, 2021 NATIONAL TEST SCORE BILL EASES BURDENS ON STUDENTS Bill would remove the requirement that a national assessment test score be used for admissions DENVER, CO– Representative Cathy Kipp and Tony Exum Sr.’s bill to remove the requirement that Colorado colleges and universities require national assessment test scores like the SAT and ACT as an eligibility criterion for admission passed the House on third reading today by a vote of 42-22. “This bill breaks down barriers for students and brings greater equity to our college admissions process,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “As institutions of higher education across the country do away with the national assessment test score requirement, this bill will allow Colorado’s own great colleges and universities to remain competitive in prospective student recruitment. This bill is a win-win for both students and schools.” “ACT and SAT tests often represent an additional barrier for already disadvantaged students seeking access to higher education,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs . “This bill gives colleges and universities in Colorado the option to do away with standardized test scores as an admissions requirement, allowing them to strengthen, diversify, and enrich their student bodies. There’s plenty in a student’s college application besides a test score to gauge achievement and the potential for success, and I’m glad we’re allowing more students the opportunity to shine.” HB21-1067 stipulates that the governing boards of state institutions of higher education are no longer required to use a national assessment test score as an eligibility criterion for admission. Schools still may choose to use the scores if they so desire, and if a student chooses to submit their test score when it’s not required, the institution must consider it. Under this bill, each institution would report annually on the demographic breakdown of their incoming freshman class to better understand how this policy impacts its diversity. Previous Next

< Back March 21, 2019 HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVES BIRD-TITONE BILL TO BOOST AFFORDABLE HOUSING (Mar. 21) – The House Finance committee approved Rep. Shannon Bird and Rep. Brianna Titone’s bill today to boost the supply of affordable housing in the state by expanding the Affordable Housing Tax Credit, which helps leverage private funding for affordable housing projects across the state. “We’ve seen that this is a proven and effective method to helping people access affordable housing and grow the middle class,” said Rep. Bird, D-Westminster. “There is so much extra demand for these grants across the state, so we definitely see a need to expand this tax credit to accommodate the high demand.” The Affordable Housing Tax Credit supports key affordable housing needs such as workforce housing, homeless housing, and senior housing across Colorado and is one of the state’s most effective tools for increasing affordable housing available across the state. Colorado’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit raises private sector equity needed to support the development and preservation of affordable rental housing. It currently is authorized to allocate only $5 million; HB 19-1228 would increase the available tax credits to $10 million in 2020-24.. “We need to help ease the housing crunch. This bill will help seniors and hardworking people across our state,” said Rep. Titone, D-Arvada. “Access to affordable housing can help grow the middle class and our economy which will give back to Colorado in a lot of different ways.” Between 2015-2018, the program supported 4,796 affordable rental units. The development of these homes is estimated to have generated over $1.9 billion in economic impact in Colorado. HB19-1228 passed by a bipartisan vote of 7-3 and now heads to the Appropriations Committee. The Finance committee also approved Rep. Bird’s bill that specifies bonding requirements that apply to certain public/private partnership contracts for construction on publicly owned property. SB19-138 unanimously passed out of committee and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will improve wildfire mitigation. HB24-1006 will make it easier for rural communities to locate and apply for state and federal wildfire prevention grants. HB24-1024 will expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. < Back May 20, 2024 Bills to Improve Wildfire Mitigation in Rural Communities, Continue Wildfire Prevention Awareness Signed Into Law NEW CASTLE, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will improve wildfire mitigation. HB24-1006 will make it easier for rural communities to locate and apply for state and federal wildfire prevention grants. HB24-1024 will expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. “Rural communities like mine are often most at risk for wildfire-related damage and displacement,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB24-1006 and HB24-1024 . “HB24-1006 will connect rural communities to state and federal wildfire mitigation grants and assist with the application process so they can prevent wildfire devastation and keep their homes and businesses safe. I’m also proud that HB24-1024 is now law, extending the Colorado State Forest Service wildfire outreach campaign so we can continue efforts that will make our communities more wildfire-resilient.” “We must use every tool available to protect our communities and prepare for the increased number and intensity of wildfires,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB24-1006 and HB24-1024. “These new laws will help get these tools and valuable information into communities under threat of wildfire, including those in under-resourced rural communities.” “Rural communities often have fewer resources to mitigate destructive wildfires, which can leave communities in disarray,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of HB24-1006. “This law makes it easier for our rural communities to find and apply for state and federal wildfire mitigation grants. From wildfire prevention tactics to increased emergency response efforts, there are many wildfire mitigation efforts that can keep our communities safe and better prepared.” HB24-1006 will he lp rural communities find and apply for state and federal wildfire mitigation grants. Specifically, this law establishes a rural grant navigator program within the Colorado State Forest Service to aid rural communities in locating and applying for wildfire mitigation grants. Grants can help communities obtain the resources they need to combat wildfires through prevention tactics, response efforts, and risk management. HB24-1024 requires the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. “Many Colorado communities are in wildfire-prone areas, but the Marshall Fire tragedy taught us that we must be prepared for the worst as wildfires can quickly spread into our neighborhoods,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer, sponsor of HB24-1024. “This new law will expand on the great work that the Colorado State Forest Service has done to educate Coloradans on wildfire risk and mitigation strategies so we can continue to protect our communities from wildfires.” This legislation builds on a 2022 law , also sponsored by Representative Story, that directed CSFS to create a working group and implement an enhanced wildfire awareness month outreach campaign for 2023 and 2024. Previous Next

The 2023 School Finance Act invests a record $665 million more toward K-12 public education, commits to buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor in the 2024-25 school year < Back May 1, 2023 House Passes Record School Funding Bill The 2023 School Finance Act invests a record $665 million more toward K-12 public education, commits to buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor in the 2024-25 school year DENVER, CO – The House today passed the 2023 School Finance Act, increasing per pupil funding by $1,018. This record investment toward K-12 public schools also reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by $180 million, mapping out a course to eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor by the 2024-2025 school year. “Increasing funding for our schools is one of the smartest investments we can make because it sets our students on the path to success,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “The 2023 School Finance Act reaffirms our commitment to our schools through a record-breaking investment of $665 million more, resulting in $10,614 per pupil. Every school district has different needs, which is why this legislation invests $30 million toward rural schools to help them recruit educators and support the enrichment courses that make education in Colorado well-rounded.” “We’re committed to supporting our teachers and students and this year’s School Finance Act includes the largest buydown ever of Colorado's debt to our K-12 public schools,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “Investing in our schools better prepares Colorado's next generation of leaders, and this legislation increases per pupil funding by nearly $1,100 and puts our state on a sustainable path to fully fund K-12 public schools in the next two years. Colorado needs a strong education system, and this bill invests in our schools so they can continue to prepare our students to thrive.” 2023 School Finance Act : SB23-287 passed the House by a vote of 52 to 10 and invests a record-breaking $665 million more in total program funding and raises the statewide average of per pupil funding by $1,018, equating up to $10,614 per pupil. It reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by $180 million, while committing lawmakers to fully eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor for the 2024-2025 school year. With this funding, school districts can reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide individualized support to help students succeed. Additional allocations include: $30 million specifically for large and small rural schools $10 million toward special education preschool support $1 million for gifted and talented universal screening for students $500,000 to support English language learning students and the translation of Individualized Education Programs program documents within special education $300,000 to reimburse schools for expenses related to replacing an American Indian mascot The bill will also create a task force charged with examining Colorado's public school financing system and making recommendations to improve the school finance formula to make it more equitable and student-centered. An additional study will explore what it takes to adequately provide a free and uniform public education for students in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HOUSING, SUPPORT MOBILE HOMEOWNERS SB22-160 would invest $35 million to help mobile homeowners purchase the land they live on FORT COLLINS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed SB22-160 , legislation to support mobile home owners and save people money on housing. Championed by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, as well as Representatives Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, SB22-160 will invest $35 million into and create the Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Loan and Grant Program Fund, which will provide financing to eligible mobile home homeowners so they can purchase the land their homes sit on and convert it into a resident-owned community. “Mobile home parks are Colorado’s closest thing to ‘naturally-occurring’ affordable housing,” said Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “But just like the rest of us, mobile home park residents are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing housing costs. This new law will allow Coloradans to invest in their own communities, own their own homes, and drive down the cost of housing across the state.” “Every Coloradan deserves a safe, comfortable place to call home, which is why we worked hard this session to ensure that mobile homes stay affordable across our state,” said Hinrichsen. “This new law will provide critical protections for mobile homeowners by making sure mobile home residents have the tools and help they need to buy the land their homes sit on.” “Today, we’re putting mobile homeowners above corporate profits,” Boesenecker said. “Our law invests critical resources to keep mobile home parks affordable by empowering mobile homeowners to purchase and manage the land their homes sit on. I’m incredibly proud to see this law through the finish line because resident owned communities are the key to affordable, resilient mobile homes.” “With this law, we’re making sure mobile homeowners have the tools to organize and combat displacement and exorbitant lot rent increases,” said Lindsay. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to prioritize mobile homeowners so they can invest in their own communities. Our $35 million investment will go toward creating critical protections for mobile park residents to keep their homes affordable.” The new law further establishes a mechanism for nonprofits to receive grant funding to provide technical assistance to homeowners and help them build the capacity, resources, and know-how to organize and purchase their mobile home park. SB22-160 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force . Previous Next

< Back March 31, 2022 STATE BUDGET INVESTS IN K-12 EDUCATION, SAVES COLORADANS MONEY Budget increases per pupil funding by nearly $570 per student, improves air quality, increases public safety and expands health insurance for children and pregnant women DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the FY 2022-2023 Long Appropriations Bill, which will save Coloradans money and make transformational investments in K-12 education, higher education, and air quality improvements. “This budget moves Colorado forward with record investments in K-12 public schools that will direct significant resources to our classrooms and prepare our students for success,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “As pandemic-induced inflation burdens families across the state, we are going to save people and businesses money by reducing fees and addressing rising property taxes. I’m proud of this balanced budget, which boosts funding for public safety to prevent crime and increases air quality efforts to foster healthier communities.” “We’re boosting funding for public schools, air quality monitoring, and proven crime prevention strategies, which will make our communities safer and set up our students to thrive,” said JBC member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This budget will help close equity gaps to improve educational outcomes for Black and Brown students, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive. We’re delivering a responsible budget that will improve the health for children and pregnant women, save families money and move our state forward.” Preparing Students for Success Improving Public Schools: The budget increases funding for education by nearly $200 million, reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor to $321 million–the lowest it’s been since it was created. This record investment in K-12 education will increase funding for public schools and put more resources into classrooms. This responsible approach will direct record levels of support to public schools and ensure this increase is sustainable. Statewide, schools will receive on average $569 more per student next year, which is over $14,000 for a classroom of 25 students. Schools can use these additional resources to reduce classroom sizes, increase teacher pay, provide individualized support to help students learn, and ensure that students have what they need to thrive. Saving Students Money on Higher Education: This budget supports our institutions of higher education amidst rising costs and the challenges of the pandemic. As tuition rises across the country, the budget saves students money by investing state dollars to keep tuition down. With an investment of $129 million, we are boosting financial aid and tuition assistance to save Colorado students and families money on their degrees. Expanding Early Childhood Education: Universal preschool and expanded access to early childhood education will save parents thousands of dollars a year. The budget invests $6.5 million to fund the new department of early childhood to bring Colorado one step closer to offering universal preschool next year. Fort Lewis, Aims, Colorado Mountain College: The budget funds discounted tuition for Coloradans living near Fort Lewis, Aims and Colorado Mountain Colleges. The budget increases funding for these institutions by over $2.5 million. Saving Coloradans Money Reducing Fees: The budget sets aside $157 million to reduce fees for businesses, as well as licensing fees for frontline workers including nurses, mental health professionals and teachers. Boosting Rural Economies: The budget provides $10 million for economic development in rural communities by leveraging federal dollars. Providing Property Tax Relief: The budget includes funding to save Coloradans money on their property taxes. Democrats have made it a goal this session to save people money, and with property values rising, we’re looking at an effort to save people money on property taxes. Boosting Funding for Public Safety Improving Investigations: The budget boosts the capabilities of the Colorado Bureau of Investigations to support local law enforcement departments in solving and preventing crimes. The budget implements a multi-year effort to increase the department's funding to $15.3 million, including a nearly $6.8 million increase next year. This funding will go toward additional investigators, supervisors and forensic scientists to boost forensic labs, crime scene processing, and support to local law enforcement agencies. Funding for Public Safety Legislation: The budget puts aside funding for legislation that will prevent crime and reduce recidivism. The bipartisan bills direct resources to support local law enforcement initiatives to recruit, train and retain a high quality, diverse law enforcement workforce through strategies such as tuition support, workforce mobility, enhanced curriculum, training, and mental health services. The public safety package also includes resources to improve school safety, reduce recidivism, prevent bias-motivated crimes and expand effective strategies like co-responder models and violence interrupter programs. Protecting EMS and 9-1-1 Response Services: Counties in rural Colorado are at risk of losing EMS response services, while 9-1-1 operators across that state are feeling increased pressures and demands. This budget significantly increases funding by $7 million for EMS providers and increases staffing at 9-1-1 dispatchers to retain and recruit the staff they need to respond to community emergencies. A Healthier Colorado: Expanding Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: The budget increases funding for home and community based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by $58.5 million. Boosting Children's Health: The budget increases funding for the Child Health Plan by $29.8 million, including an increase of $7.9 million for children and pregnant women enrolled in the program. Increasing funding for Behavioral Health: In addition to the $450 million behavioral health package moving through the legislature as a result of the bipartisan interim ARPA task force, the budget invests $54 million in behavioral health community programs. This funding provides for mental health and substance use disorder care for eligible Medicaid clients. Improving Air Quality: The budget includes an increase of $43.4 million to improve Colorado’s air quality. Of this amount, $17.9 million will be used to increase air quality monitoring, establish an electric lawn equipment rebate program for public entities, and replace old monitoring equipment. Additional Highlights Ensuring a Responsible Budget Reserve: The budget sets aside a record reserve to protect Colorado from future changes to the budget forecast. This budget ensures responsible savings so Colorado will be protected from possible drastic changes to the economy. Saving responsibly to guard against future downturns and pre-paying for some key priorities protects the progress Colorado has made rebounding from COVID. Investing in Capital Construction: The budget makes impressive investments in updates, expansions, or additions to facilities at public buildings and colleges and universities across the state. This includes improvements to the National Western Center at CSU, the agricultural facilities at the State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, the health sciences building at Pueblo Community College, Brendt Hall and the FLC Health Sciences Center at Fort Lewis, the Bowman Building at Lamar Community College, and library renovations at Trinidad State College. Improving State Parks, Opening Sweetwater Lake: The budget boosts funding to support Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry and conservation, a key economic driver and job creator for the state and a core part of Coloradans’ quality of life. The budget includes a nearly $6 million increase for state park operations and wildlife conservation to open new trails, hire additional game wardens to assist park visitors and preserve Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. It also includes funding to help open the state’s newest park, Sweetwater Lake, in Western Colorado. Investing in Transportation and Infrastructure : The initial funding from last year’s transformational investment in Colorado’s transportation system to save people money on their vehicle repairs is starting to flow to projects. The budget directs nearly $50 million in funding generated through SB21-260 to get critical road maintenance projects under way to reduce traffic and improve Colorado’s competitiveness with neighboring states, as well as to make much-needed investments in multimodal and clean energy transportation options to modernize Colorado’s state’s transportation system. Previous Next