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< Back July 6, 2023 LGBTQ+ Caucus Statement on Recent US Supreme Court Decisions DENVER, CO– The Colorado Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus today released the following statement on recent decisions by the US supreme Court: We, the members of the Colorado General Assembly LGBTQ+ Caucus, stand strongly aligned with our brothers and sisters in the Black, Latino and Women’s Caucuses to express our outrage and dismay at the recent attacks against all of our communities leashed upon us by the US Supreme Court. We will not sit back and allow our country to sanction discrimination against its own people simply because of how they look, how they live or who they love. When Coloradans elected an overwhelming Democratic majority to the General Assembly in 2022–with the highest representation of LGBTQ people, women and people of color in our history, they sent a clear mandate to ensure our state will be one that stands as a beacon of freedom, equity, diversity and inclusion here in the Mountain West and across the country. We stand together not just to represent Colorado’s LGBTQ community, but to lead with our values, by shaping the legislation this Assembly puts forward and holding accountable those who seek to threaten and harm us and our neighbors. We will not allow an extremist minority to set progress back in our state or our nation. The recent decisions condoning anti-LGBTQ discrimination, cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking, while simultaneously crippling affirmative action and student debt relief, represent an unprecedented attack on our civil rights, racial and social justice and basic human decency: To prioritize one citizen’s right to make money in a particular way over another person’s right to live and love as they were created is not freedom–it is state-sanctioned discrimination. To interfere in the values set forth by our institutions of higher education, who understand that our nation is stronger with a diverse, educated workforce, is not equality–it is state-mandated aristocracy. To suggest that one person’s right to harass, bully, intimidate and threaten others is more important than another person’s right to feel safe in their own home, school or workplace, is not liberty–it is state-sanctioned abuse. To rule that providing assistance to those struggling under the burden of student debt is un-American, while forgiving billions of dollars of pandemic-era PPP loans and tens of thousands of dollars of mortgage interest relief each year to homeowners, is not promoting responsibility–it is state-sanctioned plutocracy. Here in Colorado we are proud to be a national leader in the movement to expand and strengthen civil liberties and protections for our LGBTQ community. Since our shameful decision on Amendment 2 over thirty years ago, we have made great strides to right a previous wrong and recognize we carry a special responsibility to create a safe and welcoming place for all people to grow, live and love as they choose. We know that within that diversity lies a profound strength–for our caucus, our communities and our state. This extremist court has opened the dangerous door for discrimination against any marginalized peoples and would seek to create second-class citizens who must take a back seat to religious views in the name of free speech, but we will not allow them to distract us from our mission to cultivate a state where education, family, opportunity, community and prosperity are accessible to all who seek it. As thousands of our neighbors from across the country flock to our state seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care, as Colorado stands strong against the tide of anti-LGBTQ legislation sweeping the country, and as we continue to right the wrongs of our own checkered history, the members of this LGBTQ caucus will stand together against this dangerous rise of Christian nationalism, call out hate and bias where we see it, and fight to defend the protections of liberty we have enshrined in our laws against all who would seek harm upon us and our community. This is who we are as a caucus, as a people and as a state. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2022 HOUSE PASSES TWO BILLS TO PROTECT WHEELCHAIR USERS DENVER, CO – Two bills to protect the rights of wheelchair users and improve adaptive features in rental vehicles today passed the House. “My wheelchair provides more than mobility, it’s a critical part of my health and safety,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “I’m proud we’ve passed two accessibility rights bills that affirm the rights of wheelchair users. These bills focus on transparency and accountability for providers so we have the right to repair our chairs in a timely manner and rent a car that’s accessible for us. The accessibility issues faced by the community that lives with a disability are real, challenging and place us and our families at risk. We’re taking the lead on breaking down accessibility barriers so we can create a safer, more equitable and healthier Colorado.” “We’re looking out for the rights of Coloradans who use wheelchairs,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Many wheelchair users, especially in rural Colorado, face long waits and unpredictability when it comes to repairs and routine maintenance on their mobility devices. Our bill would expand repair options beyond the manufacturing companies, saving Coloradans who use wheelchairs money and time. Mobility isn’t something to take for granted and wheelchair users in Colorado deserve the freedom to repair their mobility aids.” HB22-1031 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Brianna Titone, passed by a vote of 44 to 21. This bill would require powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts, software and tools to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners. Typically, wheelchair owners and users can only seek repair, modification and maintenance of their wheelchair from manufacturers. This market monopolization drives up costs for Coloradans and leaves them without their mobility device for longer. Under this bill, independent repair providers and owners would have the tools and manuals to perform regular maintenance, diagnostic or repair service themselves. This will save Coloradans money and allow them to get their mobility devices repaired sooner. HB22-1253 , also sponsored by Representative Ortiz, passed by a vote of 42 to 23. This bill would require rental car companies to provide leasers with an online option to secure a vehicle with adaptive equipment such as hand controls, pedal extenders, left foot accelerators and spinner knobs upon request. This bill would also protect disabled vehicle leasers by allowing the recovery of damages if rental car companies violate the adaptive equipment requirement in the bill. Previous Next

< Back March 4, 2020 AMBER ALERT NOTIFICATION READINESS BILL PASSES HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Donald Valdez’s bill to ensure Colorado’s AMBER Alert notification system stays up to date with the latest telecommunications technology. The bipartisan bill passed the House by a vote of 64-0. and has already passed the Senate unanimously. “I want to make sure that Colorado is as ready as it can be to stop tragedies from happening and protect our children and missing persons,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara. “Making sure our AMBER Alert systems are always up to date will help move us in the right direction.” SB20-079 requires the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to send AMBER Alerts using technological applications that promote the largest reach of community notifications. While Colorado’s current method of sending AMBER Alerts meets the criteria, this bill will ensure that Colorado’s AMBER Alert system keeps up with technological advances in the future to ensure the widespread receival of these critical alerts of missing children. Previous Next

< Back December 13, 2023 Speaker McCluskie Makes Committee Assignments DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today made committee appointments for the second regular session of the 74th General Assembly. These legislative appointments were necessitated in part by the resignations of Representatives Dickson, Michaelson Jenet and Gonzales-Gutierrez. “Committees are critical to the legislative process and where so much of our work gets done. With session just around the corner, these committee assignments lay the groundwork to continue doing the work Coloradans elected us to do,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Each lawmaker and the committees they serve on play an important role in crafting critical legislation that will uplift hardworking families, invest in public education, protect our water and air for future generations, and make Colorado a more affordable place to live and thrive.” The changes include a combined Health and Human Services committee, to take the place of the previously named Health and Insurance committee as well as the Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services committee. House Democrats Committee Assignments for the Second Regular Session of the 74th General Assembly: Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Representative Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Appropriations Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Emily Sirota, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Business Affairs and Labor Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Vice Chair, Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Education Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice Chair, Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Energy and Environment Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Vice Chair, Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Representative Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Vice Chair Representative Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Health and Human Services Committee (9-4) (This combined committee replaces the previously named Health and Insurance Committee and the Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee) Chair, Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Vice Chair, Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Tim Hernández, D-Denver Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Judiciary Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice Chair, Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville Representative Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Vice Chair, Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Representative Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Legislative Audit Committee Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Previous Next

< Back June 6, 2024 SIGNED! Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Competency Waitlist Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed into law legislation that will reduce Colorado’s competency waitlist and improve efficiency and effectiveness in the competency system. Last year, Colorado had 448 people who were deemed to be incompetent to proceed by a court and were waiting to receive competency restoration services before proceeding to trial, with an average wait time of 66 days. HB24-1355 , sponsored by Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, aims to reduce this competency waitlist through the creation of the Bridges Wraparound Care Program, which will refer eligible individuals with mental health struggles from the criminal justice system into wraparound care services. “The waitlist for competency services is so long that people who have not yet been found guilty of a crime are in jail longer than people who have been convicted,” said Mabrey. “This legislation will help address Colorado’s broken competency system so we can provide mental health services to people who need them. Not only will this better serve our most vulnerable, but it will also make our communities safer.” “Colorado’s exorbitantly long competency waitlist is a long-standing issue, and I’m proud that this year we’re advancing policy to start addressing the problem,” said Michaelson Jenet. “When individuals languish on the competency waitlist, they’re not receiving the treatment they need and their likelihood to reenter the criminal justice system greatly increases. The Bridges Wraparound Care Program offers folks a path forward that ensures their needs are being met while helping break the cycle of reoffense and reentry in our criminal justice system.” “People with mental health struggles are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, and they desperately need services,” said Amabile. “When a mental health disorder is left untreated, Coloradans are often sent to jail for a relatively low offense, limiting their ability to rehabilitate. Routing people to diversion programs instead of the competency system connects them to mental health services that can help prevent a crisis and reduce recidivism.” A defendant is deemed eligible for the Bridges Wraparound Care Program if a district attorney and defense counsel agree that there is reasonable cause to believe the defendant will be found incompetent and if the defendant does not pose a risk to public safety. Allowing eligible defendants to participate in the program will give them access to critical behavioral health services while helping reduce Colorado’s recidivism rates. Under HB24-1355, if a defendant in the Program complies with their individualized care plan for a specified amount of time, the court must dismiss the charges against the defendant. Previous Next

< Back July 1, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: NEW LAWS PASSED BY DEMOCRATS TO SAVE PEOPLE MONEY GO INTO EFFECT DENVER, CO – New laws passed by Democrats in the General Assembly to save people and businesses more than $150 million go into effect today. “With inflation and rising costs squeezing families across the state, we did everything we could to save Coloradans and businesses money this year,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “The legislation going into effect today will save Coloradans and businesses nearly $150 million. From cutting property taxes by $275 on average and creating free universal preschool, to sending every Coloradan an early rebate check of $750 and boosting the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, we’re putting hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars back into Coloradans’ pockets.” “Pandemic-induced inflation is putting folks in a pinch, which is why we fought to pass this slate of fee relief bills that will help save people money,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “From helping local restaurants hold onto thousands of dollars on their sales taxes, to slashing fees at the DMV, to reducing professional licenses for health care providers, we’re helping families and businesses deal with rising costs and putting money directly back into the pockets of hard-working Coloradans.” “The legislation going into effect today will save drivers money as gas prices rise across the globe and put money back into the pockets of health care professionals and small businesses,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Nurses and mental health professionals served on the frontlines during the pandemic, and small businesses have faced the brunt of the pandemic’s economic disruptions. I’m so proud of the legislation we passed to save families and businesses money and help Coloradans hold on to more of their hard earned money.” “We know that working Colorado families need all the help they can get right now, and we delivered with a package of new laws going into effect today that will reduce fees and help folks across the state save money,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “These measures will help alleviate the financial pressure families and businesses have felt over the last two years, giving them some breathing room and helping them make ends meet when they need it most.” Saving Restaurants and Small Businesses Money: HB22-1406 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Leslie Herod and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and James Coleman, will save restaurants $40 million by allowing them to retain the sales tax they collect and would otherwise remit to the state. HB22-1001 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tom Sullivan and Senators Brittany Pettersen and Chris Kolker, will save businesses over $8 million by making it nearly free to start your own business in Colorado. Putting Money Back Into Driver’s Pockets: HB22-1004 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Mary Young and Senators Chris Kolker and Rhonda Fields, will save drivers nearly $4 million in DMV fees, and HB22-1351 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Barbara McLachlan and Senators Brittany Pettersen and Nick Hinrichsen, will save drivers over $78 million by reducing the cost of registering a vehicle and delaying the road usage fee Saving Nurses and Mental Health Professionals Money on Their Professional Licenses: Nurses, who served bravely on the frontlines during the pandemic, will save $11.7 million this year when they go to renew their licenses because of HB22-1298 , legislation sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Sonya Jaquez Lewis. Mental health professionals will save $3.7 million when they go to renew their licenses from HB22-1299 , legislation sponsored by Representative Mary Young and Senators Chris Kolker and Rhonda Fields. Previous Next

< Back March 26, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO END CIVIL STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CLAIMS DENVER, CO– The House today gave preliminary approval to SB21-073, legislation sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Matt Soper, which would end the civil statute of limitations on claims of sexual misconduct and allow survivors of sexual assault to sue for damages regardless of when the abuse occurred. “Statutes of limitation do nothing to help victims, and today, we took a giant step forward to send statutes of limitations to the dustbins of history,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D- Commerce City. “Justice has no time limit, and now victims will no longer face one in order to seek it. This historic moment has been years in the making and would never have happened without the courageous and fierce advocacy of so many Coloradans who told their painful stories and continued this fight year after year.” SB21-073 would remove the current six year limitation on bringing a civil claim based on sexual misconduct. The bill applies to a cause of action that accrues on or after January 1, 2022, or a cause of action that accrued prior to that date but before the current six year statute of limitations expires. The legislation defines sexual misconduct in statute and eliminates restrictions on civil cases that limit victims to recovering only certain damages. The bill eliminates other restrictions that limit victims’ ability to file a civil action. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2022 BILLS TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS SIGNED INTO LAW The Gov also signed bills to facilitate equal pay and save parents money on child care DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will increase funding for public schools, make early childhood education more affordable and accessible and study pay equity in Colorado’s public sector. These bills are part of the FY21-22 Budget Supplemental Package. Years of hard work to save Coloradans money on child care is paying off. In 2020, the legislature put Proposition EE on the ballot, which voters overwhelmingly passed. Then in 2021, Democratic lawmakers created the Department of Early Childhood to implement universal Pre-K. Now, HB22-1197 , sponsored by Representatives Sirota and McCluskie will get the Department of Early Childhood up and running so it can launch universal Pre-K on the timeline voters expect. “We’re making significant progress toward launching universal Pre-K in Colorado,” said Rep. Emily Sirota D-Denver. “Universal Pre-K and expanded access to early childhood education will save parents money and prepare our youngest learners to thrive.” “Pandemic pressures have taken a toll on our students and schools which is why we’re working to provide more resources that support student learning,” said JBC Chair, Julie McCluskie D-Dillion. “This bill is a significant investment in our K-12 education system that will better serve students across the state. We also know that lifelong learning begins with comprehensive early childhood education – that’s why we are focused on investing in our future students. The brand new Department of Early Childhood is dedicated to their growth and development. We are committed to preparing our students for success from their earliest days and ensuring sustainable investments in their education.” HB22-1186 , sponsored by JBC Chair Julie McCluskie and JBC Member Leslie Herod, will buy down the Budget Stabilization Factor by $68 million and provide an additional $91 million to districts to support all of Colorado’s students/to help all of Colorado’s students flourish, no matter where their classroom is located. By holding total program funding steady amidst an increase in property tax revenues and an enrollment decline, the legislature will reduce the Budget Stabilization Factor. As the legislature moves to improve how at-risk students are counted, the bill would significantly increase funding to districts with higher numbers of at-risk students. “From the classroom to the workforce, we’re taking significant steps towards building a more equitable Colorado,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. D-Denver . “We’re focused on preparing our students for success by providing additional funding for school districts to serve at-risk students. We’re also making efforts to ensure state employees, regardless of race or socioeconomic class, are paid equally. These are concrete steps to close equity gaps and move Colorado forward.” In an effort to achieve pay parity, HB22-1196 , sponsored by Representative Herod and Majority Leader Esgar, directs the equity diversity and inclusion task force to conduct a study to assess the pay inequities specific to gender, race and other protected classes in state departments. The task forces will also provide recommendations on how to alleviate these pay gaps as well as provide a detailed summary of their findings to the general assembly and the governor and the executive director of Colorado workers for innovative and new solutions (WINS). “Today, we’re making big steps towards equal pay for equal work,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar D-Pueblo. “This study will shine a light on the pay inequities we already know exist and give us recommendations for alleviating those pay gaps at the state level. We’re serious about making Colorado a better place for everyone and that includes closing the wage gap for women, people of color and other underrepresented, underpaid state employees.” Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2024 Legislation to Increase Voting Access Advances in House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Kyle Brown on a preliminary vote to make it easier for eligible confined Coloradans to vote. “The right to vote is guaranteed by the constitution, yet eligible voters in our jails and detention centers have expressed that they often do not have the tools to exercise this right,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “We know that Coloradans who are Black, Indigenous and people of color are overrepresented in our criminal justice system, and when they are prevented from voting, their voices are not heard. This legislation helps address the gaps in voting access by creating clear guidelines for county clerks and sheriffs that will make it easier for Coloradans, regardless of their confinement status, to use their voice in our democratic process.” “Folks who are incarcerated have rights, and this bill seeks to make it easier for them to exercise their right to vote,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Low levels of voter turnout in our jails show that there are not enough resources or education about voting access in confined spaces. I’m proud to carry this legislation to ensure that eligible voters will have the opportunity to engage in our democratic process.” SB24-072 would require county clerks and county sheriffs to create and implement a plan to facilitate in-person voting for eligible voters in county jails and detention centers. Under current law, U.S. citizens over the age of 18 who are not currently serving time for a felony conviction are eligible to vote. While Colorado has a robust vote-by-mail program, voters in jails and detention centers face extreme barriers in accessing the ballot. In the 2020 general election, out of an estimated eligible population of 5,205 confined voters, only 557 individuals (6.97 percent) received a ballot. In the 2022 general election, there was an estimated eligible population of 4,876 confined voters, but only 231 individuals (4.73 percent) received ballots. SB24-072 would mandate at least one day of in-person voting at each facility, alleviating the pressure on these voters to navigate the complexities of voting eligibility, and helping ensure every eligible citizen is provided the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. Previous Next

< Back November 5, 2020 NEW HOUSE MAJORITY LEADERSHIP TEAM ELECTED Garnett elected to serve as Speaker, Esgar as Majority Leader DENVER, CO — Colorado House Democrats today elected Rep. Alec Garnett, D-Denver, to serve as Speaker of the Colorado House; Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, to serve as Majority Leader; Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, to serve as Assistant Majority Leader; Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Littleton, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to serve as Majority Caucus Co-Chairs, and Reps. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, to serve as Majority Caucus Co-Whips. With 41 members, the caucus will continue to hold the largest Democratic majority since 1965. Speaker-designee Garnett served as the House Majority Leader in the 72nd General Assembly in which Democrats passed historic and ambitious legislation to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, protect our environment and lower the cost of health care. He represents HD-02, which includes parts of Denver and is the youngest House district in the state. His election will be official when the House convenes for the first day of the 2021 legislative session in January. “In this election, Coloradans continued to place their trust in Democratic leadership, and it is a privilege to lead our state forward to help Colorado build back stronger,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “House Democrats are committed to forging an economic recovery where every Coloradan has a fair shot at success. We will put students and teachers first and protect the Colorado we love by preserving our clean air and water. With a diverse caucus that is 68 percent women, we will fight for all our communities, regardless of party, and advance justice for those who too often have seen it denied.” House Democrats elected Rep. Esgar to serve as Majority Leader. Rep. Esgar is the Chair of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and represents HD-46, which includes parts of Pueblo County. She led the JBC as it responsibly crafted a balanced state budget during the worst economic and public health crisis in a generation and has been a strong voice for Southern Colorado at the state capitol. She is a founding member and former chair of the Colorado LGBTQ legislative caucus. “We have a lot of hard work ahead, and I am humbled Coloradans have overwhelmingly chosen Democrats to continue leading in the House.” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and bring my Southern Colorado values to the leadership table and to continue fighting for our essential and hardworking state employees. I’m excited to get to work for families and for Coloradans across our state to lower the cost of health care, build an economy that works for all, and always prioritize our students and teachers.” Rounding out the leadership team are: Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, as Assistant Majority Leader: Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Littleton, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, as Caucus Co-Chairs: Representatives Monica Duran, D-Wheat-Ridge, and Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, as Caucus Co-Whips: Previous Next

< Back May 23, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! COLORADO CASHBACK PLAN TO PROVIDE EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF SB22-233 will provide relief to more than 3 million Coloradans DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation to expedite Coloradans’ tax refunds and provide relief as soon as possible. Under the Colorado Cashback plan, individual tax filers will receive early refund checks in September, currently estimated at $500 for individuals and $1,000 for joint filers, or even more. Final refund amounts will be determined based on updated revenue statistics. SB22-233 , sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Representative Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, speeds up the timeline for refund checks to help families afford basic necessities like gas and groceries. All full-time residents of Colorado who file their 2021 income tax returns by June 30th, 2022, or who received a tax filing extension and file their return by the extension date, will receive a check by September 30th. “Coloradans are feeling the pain of inflation because of the pandemic, and they need our help,” Hinrichsen said. “That’s why we’re taking action to provide immediate support to families and individuals in the form of direct relief to taxpayers. This relief will put money back into Coloradans’ wallets as soon as possible, making it easier for folks to afford everyday necessities like rent and groceries and helping families make ends meet during this challenging time.” “Our state’s economic recovery will mean we send even more money back to taxpayers in September to help them afford the rising cost of living and pay for necessities,” said Exum, Sr. “In September, Coloradans will receive their early tax refund check, putting more money back into people’s pockets when they need it the most.” “We worked hard this session to save Colorado families money, and this legislation will do even more to ease the pain we’re all feeling due to rising inflation,” Rodriguez said. “As we continue building back from the pandemic, this relief will help ease the financial burden folks across our state are struggling with when they need it most.” “From reducing property taxes to free universal preschool, we’ve worked hard this session to put more money back in people’s pockets and this law will expedite tax refunds to provide urgent relief,” said Daugherty. “Coloradans are struggling and this new law delivers relief in a meaningful way when people need it the most.” Colorado Democrats’ state stimulus plan, fair tax reform, and responsible governance combined has led to a robust economic recovery and a record state surplus that is being returned to taxpayers via this tax rebate, in addition to existing refund mechanisms, including the senior homestead exemption and a temporary reduction in the state income tax rate. The expedited tax relief provided by SB22-233 will add to the savings from the comprehensive tax reform legislation and property tax relief passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Polis last year that is already putting money back into Coloradans’ pockets. By repealing tax loopholes for large corporations and millionaires and reducing property tax assessment rates, Democrats have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in economic assistance and tax relief for hard working Coloradans, seniors, and small businesses. Previous Next

< Back October 12, 2021 TITONE: COLORADO LEADING THE WAY ON LGBTQ+ HEALTH CARE DENVER, CO — Representative Brianna Titone, one of the first transgender lawmakers elected in the country, today released the following statement after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved Colorado’s request to include comprehensive coverage for gender affirming health care in the state’s benchmark health insurance plans, making Colorado the first state in the country to do so. “Every person deserves access to the full range of health services they need, and I’m proud that Colorado is leading the way to cover comprehensive care for LGBTQ+ people in our state,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “For too long, too many transgender and nonbinary people have struggled to access the health care they need, despite having health insurance. These services are critical for the health and safety of LGBTQ+ communities and will provide more Coloradans with the agency they need to affirm their identities.” The plans approved today also include coverage for alternatives to opioid medications to help address substance use disorder, which was required through HB21-1276, legislation sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Leslie Herod. The plans also include coverage for an annual mental health wellness exam, which was established through HB21-1068, legislation sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Brianna Titone. Affordable Care Act insurance plans are offered through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s marketplace for individual and small group plans. Previous Next