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< Back March 22, 2023 Two Bills Advance to Boost Colorado’s Workforce, Save People Money on Degree Programs HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory DENVER, CO – Two bills to help Coloradans get connected to in-demand careers and boost Colorado’s workforce passed committee today. HB23-1246, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would break down financial barriers for aspiring professionals to enter new, high-demand careers through a zero-cost credentials program. SB23-146, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Regina English, would update the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for apprenticeships. “Zero-cost credentials save Coloradans money, help critical industries meet workforce demands and offer Coloradans the training and education they need to succeed,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB22-1246. “Whether you’re an aspiring early childhood educator, nurse or firefighter, our bill breaks down financial barriers to entering these and many other in-demand fields so Coloradans can get a jumpstart on the career of their dreams. New, free pathways help us build strong talent pipelines and connect Coloradans to careers that allow them to live and serve in their communities.” Zero-Cost Credentials for Aspiring Professionals: HB23-1246 passed the House Education Committee unanimously. This bill would invest $45 million over the span of two years and pave the way for aspiring professionals in high-demand fields to receive free training toward associate degrees and industry certificates in eligible industries. Eligible industries would include elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management, short-term nursing programs, and construction trades. For programs that are already zero cost to students, such as Registered Apprenticeship Programs, funding will be provided to cover the costs associated with the training, like instructor time and instructional materials. The funding to assist Registered Apprenticeship Programs in HB23-1246 is projected to train more than 3,000 students in the construction trades. HB23-1246 builds off our success in the Care Forward Colorado Program to cover the costs associated with reskilling and upskilling, such as tuition, books, and additional instructional training, and expands the number of eligible career fields to include six foundational areas of the workforce. Since its launch in 2022, the Care Forward Colorado Program has successfully trained approximately 1,500 students as certified nursing assistants, emergency services professionals and other high-demand health care careers. “In Colorado, there are many high-demand industries looking for qualified workers,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB23-146. “This legislation works to improve the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so we can help our critical industries meet their hiring demands and get Coloradans connected to a career they can be proud of. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experiences in the field, and our bill makes finding a path to a new career easier.” “Many of Colorado’s critical industries are facing workforce shortages, and we're doing everything we can to streamline qualified individuals into open careers,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of SB23-146. “We’re taking steps to not only improve Colorado’s workforce shortage but also ease the transition for Coloradans seeking new, in-demand careers. Our bill modernizes the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so Coloradans can spend less time searching for the career of their dreams and more time in the field.” Updating the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory: SB23-146 passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to collect and make publicly available more useful information on apprenticeship programs, including each program's registration information and credentials that a worker may earn or become eligible for through the apprenticeship. The Colorado Apprenticeship Directory provides a comprehensive, searchable list of registered apprenticeship program sponsors that operate in Colorado. This bill aims to update the online directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for registered apprenticeship opportunities in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back May 28, 2020 DEMOCRATS VOTE TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR ENERGY CONSUMERS DENVER, CO — The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed Representative Daneya Esgar’s bill to increase and improve protections for energy consumers, with specific protections for Coloradans who have an increased electricity use due to a medical condition. The bill was approved by a vote of 7-3. “As so many Coloradans struggle to deal with the economic devastation of COVID19, it’s more important than ever to ensure we have strong and efficient consumer protections,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This bill stands up for low-income Coloradans who may face being disconnected due to lack of payment and provides protections for those who are eligible for energy assistance due to medical conditions. As we take steps to responsibly get our state back to work and back on track, I’ll continue to make sure consumer protections and health and safety are among my top priorities.” SB20-030 imposes various requirements on public utilities and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) related to information reporting, billing, and customer interactions. Specifically, the bill would require utilities under the PUC’s authority to report data related to customers who receive the medical exemption from tiered electricity rates, including information related to efforts the utilities have undertaken to enroll qualified individuals into the medical exemption program. SB20-030 also nearly doubles the level of income that the PUC may use to means test the medical exemption, allowing more Coloradans with medical needs to take advantage of the program. Among several other protections, SB20-030 includes a provision that directs the PUC to standardize practices for electric and gas utilities to use when disconnecting service due to nonpayment. This process must include providing the consumer with information regarding energy-assistance programs, prohibiting disconnection during extreme weather periods, allowing customers the opportunity to have their service reconnected on the same day, among other protections. Finally, SB20-030 puts in place guardrails to ensure that the PUC does not approve rate change mechanisms that disproportionately impact low-income residential communities, deeming these changes to be contrary to the public interest. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2022 MORE COLORADANS TO SAVE MONEY ON HOUSING WITH HB22-1051 DENVER, CO – The House Transportation and Local Government Committee today passed legislation to make housing more affordable and save Coloradans money on housing. “We’re working hard this session to save Coloradans money everywhere we can, and that’s what this bill will do by increasing access to affordable housing,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Every Coloradan should be able to afford a place to live. This bill will help bring down the cost of housing so that more Colorado families can have a secure future.” HB22-1051 , which passed by a vote of 10-2, is sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Hugh McKean. It would extend the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Colorado Affordable Tax Credit program until 2034 and increase annual funding for the program from $10 million to $15 million. The tax credit program helps leverage private funds to support the development and preservation of affordable rental housing. According to CHFA , the tax credit program has directly supported the development of 8,294 affordable rental units and allowed CHFA to support 28,267 total units using state and federal funds. The development of these units is estimated to generate over $3.6 billion in economic activity for the state and support almost 24,000 jobs. The program is an important source of workforce housing and supports affordable housing in communities in all regions of the state. The tax credits generate over $1 billion in private sector equity investment in Colorado that otherwise would not have occurred. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2023 Overdose Prevention Bill Moves Forward HB23-1167 would expand Good Samaritan immunity to those acting in good faith to save someone from an overdose DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill on a preliminary vote today that would help prevent fatal overdoses by restoring the Good Samaritan immunity to those taking action to save someone from a fatal overdose. “We have heard countless stories of people who were too scared to call law enforcement to report an overdose, even when doing so might have saved a life,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “We’re sponsoring this bill to lift the veil of fear and make clear that the only thing Coloradans should be worrying about is how they can save the life of the person overdosing. This bill strikes the right balance by allowing law enforcement to continue to crack down on serious drug dealers while having compassion for people struggling with their own addiction.” “Coloradans are dying from preventable drug overdoses, we need to do everything in our power to ensure people will call emergency services to save lives,” said Rep. Said Sharbini, D-Brighton . “When someone is experiencing an overdose, the number one priority should be getting them the medical attention needed to save their life. This bill is rooted in harm reduction and makes our existing Good Samaritan law work as intended.” HB23-1167 would expand the bipartisan, 2012 Good Samaritan law by restoring immunity for all drug possession charges and expanding immunity to people sharing small amounts of drugs among friends if they call 911, stay on the scene, and fully cooperate with law enforcement to try to save a life. This bill is rooted in harm reduction. Right now, Coloradans are refraining from contacting emergency services when someone is overdosing because they are worried about facing criminal charges if they shared or purchased the controlled substance with the person who is overdosing. In addition, HB23-1167 grants affirmative defense to the prosecution for an individual at the scene responsible for manufacturing or selling the deadly substances. Across Colorado, five people die each day from preventable overdoses. This bill would encourage Coloradans on the scene to do everything in their power to help someone experiencing an overdose without letting serious drug dealers off the hook. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2023 Legislation to Fight Climate Change, Reduce Emissions Advances in House DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to propel Colorado’s clean energy transition forward and better combat climate change. SB23-016, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Emily Siorta, would establish interim greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets and incentivize investments in electrification. “Every Coloradan deserves clean air and a livable climate, which is why we are passing this bold legislation to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This legislation creates interim targets to help Colorado reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and incentivize the use of clean alternatives in our homes and businesses. This bill puts Colorado on a strong path toward meeting our climate goals and creating a healthier state for all of us.” “This bill will help us mitigate the effects of climate change and improve our air by encouraging electrification and supercharging our transition to a clean energy economy,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Coloradans are counting on us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions statewide and bring our state closer to reaching our climate goals. This legislation establishes critical emission reduction goals that will work to protect our families and children for years to come.” SB23-016 would update the state’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science by adding interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of 100% emissions reduction by 2050. To help reach these targets, the bill would require the Public Utilities Commission and local governments to consider and prioritize upgrades and additions to the state’s electric transmission infrastructure system, and conduct a study on transmission capacity to pave the way for electrification across the state. Local permitting for projects to renovate, rebuild, or recondition transmission lines would be expedited, and the construction would be subject to the state’s labor standards. To further expedite electrification, the bill would incentivize the retirement of a major local ozone contributor: gas-powered lawn equipment. SB23-016 creates an income tax credit worth 30% of the purchase price of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snowblowers and encourages climate-aware financial investing by requiring large insurance companies to complete a climate risk disclosure survey annually. Finally, the bill would expand the definitions of “pollution control equipment” and “clean heat resource” to include currently underutilized wastewater thermal energy, and enable Colorado to lead in carbon sequestration by allowing the state to apply to the Environmental Protection Agency for Class VI injection well primacy. Previous Next

< Back June 26, 2020 BILLS TO SUPPORT FOOD PANTRIES AND AT-RISK YOUTH SIGNED INTO LAW Denver, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law to facilitate donations to food pantries, expand access to critical housing services for at-risk youth and permanently allow remote notary services. SB20-090 , sponsored by Representatives Daneya Esgar and Brianna Titone, helps at-risk Colorado youth by allowing youth over the age of 15 to consent to receive shelter or other services from a licensed homeless youth shelter. SB20-106 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Brianna Titone, allows food pantries to expand their sources for goods by allowing food donations from correctional facilities and agricultural producers. “With our state facing devastating budget cuts, we should do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable Coloradans during this pandemic,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The bills signed today will help ensure that at-risk Colorado youth have a roof to sleep under and can access the services they need, and will expand options for food pantries to help them meet the needs of our communities.” “Too many at-risk youth who end up homeless in our state don’t have access to shelter or services,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This new law will mean more of our youth have the housing and support they need to stay safe.” “With over half a million Coloradans seeking health insurance and unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is clearly a serious need in our communities for food support, and our food pantries are stepping up to help,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We’re making it easier for our food pantries to get food donations so they can help Coloradans through this crisis.” As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to necessitate the limitation of public interactions, SB20-096 , sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Terri Carver, facilitates the process for individuals who need to have documents notarized. Rather than requiring an individual to show up in person, the bill allows for remote notarization via video as an option, and includes guardrails to protect consumer privacy. “The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over, which means it’s still important to social distance and reduce unnecessary interactions,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Notarization is an important service that people rely on, and this bill will make it easier and safer for Coloradans to have their documents notarized.” The governor also signed SB20-042 , sponsored by Representative Jonathan Singer, which extends the Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning the Treatment of Persons with Mental Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems and broadens its focus to include behavioral health and thus treatment for substance use disorders. “I’m proud of the important work this committee has done to improve mental health services in our criminal and juvenile justice system,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. “It’s clear there’s more work to do, and I am grateful that the legislature and community partners will continue to work together and reduce our recidivism rate by expanding access to critical behavioral health services.” Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2023 Signed! Legislation to Reduce Insurance Premiums, Costs of Prescription Drugs AURORA, CO - Today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law two pieces of legislation to reduce insurance premiums and the cost of prescription drugs. HB23-1224 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Reps. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, lowers insurance premiums and makes it easier for consumers to shop for high value standardized health plans that work for them and their families. The bill strengthens the Department of Insurance’s (DOI) ability to hold carriers accountable for the premium rate reduction requirements on Colorado Option Standardized Plans by granting the DOI the authority to: Limit factors such as as excessive profit and administrative expenses; Structure the public hearing process efficiently while ensuring all parties have the opportunity to participate; Help consumers easily find and compare plans that could lower their out-of-pocket costs. “Too many Coloradans are forced to choose between preventative health care services and paying the bills,” Jodeh said. “By reducing premium rates for Colorado Option plans and strengthening cost-saving requirements over Pharmacy Benefit Managers, our new laws will protect Colorado patients, pharmacies, and businesses from unfair practices while saving them money on health care.” “Every Coloradan, no matter where they live, deserves to have access to the life-saving health care they need,” said Roberts. “Colorado has led the way in lowering costs of health care by creating the Colorado Option. This bill builds on the first year of success of that plan and makes changes that will ensure that next year and in the years to come, even more Coloradans, particularly in the rural communities like those I represent, will be able to access more affordable and higher quality insurance options.” “The Colorado Option has been very successful, creating $14 million in savings for Colorado patients on health care plans, in its first year in the market,” Brown said. “With this new law, we’re making improvements to the Colorado Option to save Coloradans even more money on health care. I’m proud of the work that we’ve done to cut down on health care costs and pass savings down to Colorado consumers.” The second bill, HB23-1227 , ensures that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) follow through on critical cost savings reforms that the legislature has passed in recent years to save consumers money. Sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Perry Will, R-New Castle, and Reps. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, and Jodeh, the bill provides the DOI with more direct oversight over PBMs by requiring them to register and specifying that the DOI has the ability to enforce those reforms. “As a pharmacist I know firsthand how critical it is for Coloradans to be able to afford their prescription drugs, but too many of our families are still getting squeezed by high costs of medication,” said Jaquez Lewis. “HB1227 is part of a multi-year effort to keep Colorado prescription drug prices affordable. I’m thrilled to see this critical bill to save families even more money on life-saving medications signed into law.” “Addressing the cost of prescription drugs is a critical part of creating an equitable and accessible health care system,” said Ortiz. “This new law will give us the tools to hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers to the cost-saving measures that Colorado Democrats have passed to improve access to affordable, quality health care for all.” The bipartisan bill grants the Insurance Commissioner the power to investigate and impose penalties on PBMs for failing to comply with consumer protections such as charging pharmacies fees to adjudicate claims, clawing back money from pharmacies inappropriately, and discriminating against independent pharmacies versus PBM-affiliated pharmacies. Previous Next

< Back April 10, 2023 Ortiz’s Bill to Improve Basic Access for People with Disabilities Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to bolster basic access at places of public accommodations for people with disabilities. “Coloradans living with a disability should be able to visit and enjoy the restaurants, museums and retail stores in their community without having to worry about whether they'll be able to navigate the space,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This legislation empowers Coloradans living with a disability by allowing them to pursue legal action if a public accommodation space is not accessible. I’m committed to making our public places more accessible and accommodating so they can be enjoyed by everyone.” HB23-1032 ensures that individuals with a disability have legal recourse if they are discriminated against by any place of public accommodation. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act National Network , places of public accommodation include restaurants, theaters, doctors' offices, pharmacies, hotels, retail stores, museums, libraries, amusement parks, private schools and day care centers. HB23-1032 aims to improve accessibility for all Coloradans. Previous Next

< Back February 21, 2020 BUENTELLO BLOCKBUSTER: HOUSE APPROVES FOUR BILLS TO IMPROVE SPECIAL ED, SUPPORT VETERANS AND RURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DENVER, CO — The House today took overwhelmingly bipartisan votes to pass two bills sponsored by Representative Bri Buentello that would give educators the tools they need to serve special education students and allow disabled veterans to more easily access State Parks free of charge. “Passing these bills today represents one of my proudest accomplishments in the state legislature so far,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “These simple proposals will make an important and lasting impact on veterans, servicemembers, and their families — not to mention special ed students and Colorado’s educators. Teachers, police officers, veterans, and military families are communities that are near and dear to my heart, and I’m glad we were able to deliver big wins for them today.” HB20-1128 , which is sponsored by Representatives Buentello and James Wilson, R- Salida, would require that educators (teachers, principals, administrators, etc.) complete ten hours of special education related professional developments before renewing their licenses. The bill would also require educator preparation programs to include coursework on inclusive teaching practices relating to the education of students with disabilities, individualised education programs, behavioral concerns, and effective special education classroom practices. It was passed by a vote of 51-8. Currently, Colorado veterans who display a disabled license plate receive free access to Colorado’s state parks or recreation areas. Veterans who cannot, or do not, drive are unable to take advantage of free state park access. Under SB20-069 , disabled veterans will be able to enjoy free access to Colorado’s state parks without having to first acquire a license plate. It was passed unanimously on third reading by a vote of 60-0. The House also gave preliminary approval to two of Rep. Buentello’s other bills to make it easier for veterans, servicemembers, and their families to receive in-state tuition at Colorado community colleges, and to provide scholarships for rural law enforcement agencies to pay for the cost of sending potential officers to training academies. HB20-1275 , which passed on second reading, allows an active or honorably discharged member of the United States armed forces or one of their dependents to be eligible for in-state tuition status at a community college regardless of whether the person satisfies Colorado domicile or residency status. HB20-1229 , also passed on second reading, would establish a scholarship fund for rural and small communities to assist in paying for the cost of potential police officers to attend an approved basic law enforcement training academy. The cost of basic training that satisfies the peace officers’ standards and training (P.O.S.T.) requirements can cost thousands of dollars , which is especially prohibitive to potential candidates in rural areas where funds can be scarce. Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: LAWMAKERS UNVEIL BILLS TO BOOST ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE DENVER, CO – Lawmakers in the House will introduce two more bills today that will boost access to behavioral health care by expanding the state’s inpatient and residential treatment capacity and better integrating physical and behavioral health care. “Colorado doesn’t have the inpatient and residential treatment capacity we need, which is why we’re investing $65 million to build additional beds and expand critical services across the state,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “The addition of 16 beds at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state will transform care and provide the services that people with serious mental illness and substance use disorders need to get better. This transformational investment will expand treatment capacity in Colorado to increase access to behavioral health care.” “Right now, Colorado is struggling to provide the capacity needed to care for our state’s most vulnerable, leaving folks with serious behavioral health needs without the critical treatment they need,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster . “This bill will help us boost bed capacity for inpatient and residential care so individuals with serious mental health and substance use challenges can access the care and treatment they need and deserve, helping us accomplish our overall goal of building a healthier Colorado for all.” Adult Inpatient and Residential Care: Sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile and Senators Faith Winter and Jim Smallwood, this bill invests $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options. Currently, Colorado does not have enough residential treatment beds to treat individuals with serious mental health needs or substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occuring conditions or in need of civil commitment. The bill will support the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state. These beds will be available for adults with urgent behavioral health needs that require long-term services and supports, and will be available as long as necessary for stabilization. They will provide integrated care to flexibly serve all populations, including individuals involved in the criminal justice system and those awaiting competency restoration services. Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: Sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will, and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola, this bill would invest $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. The funding could be used to better streamline and co-locate behavioral and physical health care services in outpatient, pediatric and primary care settings. “Integrating physical and behavioral health care will make a huge difference in the lives of Coloradans,” said Sen. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “We will be able to reach more people who are in need of help, including those seeking substance use disorder screening and treatment. I am a proud champion of this legislation to make it easier for Coloradans to get the care they need.” “Better integrating primary and behavioral health will increase access to the care Coloradans need and build healthier communities through better outcomes,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Coloradans will be able to access both physical and behavioral health care more easily and at the same location, facing fewer barriers to critical care. Not only will this bill make it easier for Coloradans to make behavioral health care a regular part of their lives, it will make that care less expensive and save people money.” Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES EXUM’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT HEALTH OF FIREFIGHTERS AND COLORADANS (Apr. 11) – The House Energy and Environment committee approved Rep. Tony Exum’s bipartisan bill to protect firefighters from the dangerous impacts of the manmade Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFA) which they use on a daily basis. “As a former battalion chief, I saw not only how often we used this material during training but also the health damage it caused to our firefighters,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “When we used this material, it would frequently contaminate our drinking water. It’s past-time we do something to protect our courageous firefighters and protect the health of people in our communities.” PFA substances are used to battle high-heat fires. The EPA has deemed this material toxic as it stays in the body for two to seven years upon exposure. HB19-1279 would prohibit the use of PFA during firefighting training exercises and includes a fine for compliance failure. The money collected from these fines would go to the Local Firefighters Safety and Disease Prevention Fund. Finally, it also created the Firefighters Foams and Personal Protection Equipment Act which prohibits the use of PFAs, requires companies to inform consumers if their equipment has been treated with this hazardous material, and requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) to conduct surveys to learn if any stations are using this material. HB19-1279 passed with a bipartisan vote of 8-2 and now heads to the House Appropriations Committee. Previous Next

< Back March 4, 2019 ROBERTS’ BIPARTISAN PUBLIC HEALTH CARE OPTION RECEIVES HOUSE APPROVAL Coloradans shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying for their health care or their mortgage (Mar. 4) – The House approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, to create a new affordable and competitive health care option in the state of Colorado that will be available to families and individuals when purchasing health insurance. “The cost of health insurance especially on the Western Slope but all across Colorado continue to skyrocket. This bill is a reasoned, smart approach to try to bring competition to the marketplace to bring down the cost of health care,” said Rep. Roberts. “ This bipartisan bill is a uniquely Colorado solution to the growing health care problems in our state. Too many hardworking individuals and families, especially in rural Colorado, are paying too much for health insurance.” Currently, there are 14 counties in our state with only one option on the individual market and many counties are left with a small number of options for health insurance. This bill will increase competition in the market. The bipartisan HB19-1004 represents significant progress towards developing a publicly supported health insurance option on the market that leverages the efficiencies of our current state infrastructure. This public option will help put affordable health insurance in reach for many hardworking families across our state. “People are deciding whether to pay out-of-control health insurance costs each month or forgo coverage for themselves and their kids,” Roberts said. “Providing families and individuals an affordable option will make a meaningful difference in their lives and ensure they stay in our rural communities. This bill was carefully crafted in a responsible way to create a new, affordable health insurance option in Colorado.” Eagle County has some of the highest health care premiums in the entire country. The bill directs experts at the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Division of Insurance to create a proposal for implementing a public option that leverages already-existing state infrastructure. That proposal must be presented to the Joint Budget Committee, House Public Health and Human Services Committee; House Health and Insurance Committee, Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Joint committees during SMART Act hearings later this year. When exploring the creation of a public option, the departments must consider affordability to the consumer, administrative and financial consideration for the state, ease of implementation and impacts to the market as a whole. The bill was approved by a bipartisan vote of 46-18. It now heads to the Senate. The Proposal For Affordable Health Coverage Option bill is part of a larger package of bills that House Democrats have introduced this year to help lower the cost of health care. The House also approved HB19-1131, sponsored by Rep. Sonya Jaquez-Lewis, D-Longmont, to help with prescription drug cost transparency by a vote of 40-23. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next