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< Back April 9, 2019 FROELICH’S BILL TO INCREASE NATIONAL GUARD TUITION BENEFITS AT CSU-GLOBAL PASSES UNANIMOUSLY Since 2018, CSU-Global has graduated over 18,000 students (Apr. 9) – Rep. Meg Froelich’s bipartisan bill to allow Colorado State University’s Global Campus to offer students who are National Guard Members tuition benefits unanimously passed in the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs committee. Currently, CSU-Global students cannot seek financial aid or receive tuition benefits through the National Guard’s state statute as an institution for which the National Guard members can utilize their tuition benefits. “CSU-Global is a really good fit for National Guard members because CSU-Global is designed to serve non-traditional students. Many of our National Guard members travel outside of the country to keep us all secured and safe,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “Giving our troops the ability to utilize their tuition benefits at CSU-Global will allow them to serve while also working to complete their higher education.” Nearly 40 percent of CSU-Global students are Colorado residents who reside in 63 out of the 64 counties in the state. Roughly 15 percent of those students are military affiliated. “I have a CSU-Global campus in my district and I want to help those students be successful on their path to higher education while they continue serving our great state,” Rep. Froelich added. SB19-194 unanimously passed in the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs committee and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back March 28, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Prohibit Deceptive Practices at Anti-Abortion Centers, Protect Patients SB23-190 would prohibit deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers, including the so-called “medication abortion reversal” DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to protect those seeking reproductive health care by prohibiting the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers (AACs). Part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package, SB23-190 cracks down on AACs, also known as crisis pregnancy centers, posing as comprehensive reproductive health care clinics to mislead patients seeking abortion care. “Patients seeking reproductive health care are often misled or outright lied to by anti-abortion clinics – our bill puts an end to those deceptive practices,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Every patient deserves access to real, accurate medical information so they can make informed decisions about their own reproductive health care. AACs purposely blur the line between health care and misinformation, making it difficult for patients to know if the care they’re receiving is based on fact and science or fueled by the anti-abortion movement. Our bill cracks down on these misleading practices to ensure Coloradans are able to make informed decisions about their own care.” “In Colorado, we’ve made important progress in protecting reproductive health care,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “Abortion is legal, but legality doesn’t mean accessibility and anti-abortion centers impede access to care, especially for our most marginalized communities. Our legislation helps make sure patients receive accurate, honest information about what is being offered at anti-abortion centers and what is not. Taking these steps to protect patients from the misinformation that some AACs spread will help Coloradans' make informed medical decisions about their reproductive health care.” Prohibiting Deceptive Practices at Anti-Abortion Centers: SB23-190 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 5. This bill would make it a deceptive trade practice to share information or advertise providing abortion care, emergency contraceptives or for referrals of either of these services when the service is not actually provided. This bill also clarifies it is unprofessional for a health care professional to provide or administer a “medication abortion reversal”. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describes “medication abortion reversal” as “unproven and unethical,” and explains that “claims regarding abortion ‘reversal’ treatment are not based on science and do not meet clinical standards'' of care. Earlier this legislative session, Colorado Democrats on the House Health and Insurance Committee defeated HB23-1150 which would have required physicians and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to spread and maintain information about the so-called “medication abortion reversal”. In Colorado, AACs outnumber abortion-providing clinics 51 to 20 and Custer, Fremont, Las Animas, Otero and Rio Blanco counties have AACs but no state or federally funded birth-control options. AACs particularly target locations that may lack a comprehensive clinic, often posting Spanish-language billboards in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations and offering free services, such as ultrasounds and counseling, to low-income communities. Anti-abortion centers are the on-the-ground presence of the national anti-abortion movement, posing as comprehensive reproductive health care clinics to intercept patients seeking abortion care, provide false information, and prevent people from seeking abortions. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 HOUSE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BILL TO HELP LOWER COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Bill renamed after Senator Dr. Irene Aguilar (May 2) – The House gave final approval today to Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis’ bill to reduce the price consumers pay for prescription medications. The bill, SB19-005, will allow the wholesale importation of prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for resale to Colorado pharmacies. The House amended the bill to rename it after former state Senator Irene Aguilar, D-Denver. “As a pharmacist, I know there are many Coloradans who are having to choose between feeding their families or the life-saving drugs they depend on,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “We’ve seen drug price increases of nearly 500 percent that are drowning patients. The ability to import prescription drugs from Canada will help lower the cost of health care for hardworking families.” Rep. Jaquez Lewis is a licensed pharmacist. As amended in the House Health and Insurance committee, SB19-005 creates the “Colorado Wholesale Importation of Prescription Drugs Act” where the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will apply for a waiver under federal law to contract with a vendor. The vendor will design and implement a program to import prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for sale to Colorado pharmacies. The program design must ensure both drug safety and cost savings for Colorado consumers. SB19-005 passed on a bipartisan vote of 41-22. It now goes back to the Senate for approval of amendments. Previous Next

< Back July 8, 2020 COLLEGE CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, CRITICAL SCHOOL SAFETY & MENTAL HEALTH BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW New laws boost higher education attainment, improve school safety and support Colorado teachers and students Arvada, CO– Today at Red Rocks Community College in Arvada, Governor Jared Polis signed seven bills into law to boost higher education attainment, improve school safety and increase access to behavioral health services for students. “The new laws signed today are about making it easier for Coloradans to start and complete a higher education degree,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “We’re giving non-traditional students a leg up and are expanding adult education grants to help Coloradans learn the skills they need to provide academic support to those they care for. We’re also doing away with the unnecessary and often harmful requirement that high schools list standardized test scores on students’ transcripts.” HB20-1002 , sponsored by Reps. Barbara McLachlan and Mark Baisley, requires a plan to award academic credit for work-related experiences that will be transferable and accepted at all state institutions by 2022, improving affordability for non-traditional students. SB20-009, sponsored by Reps. McLachlan and Marc Catlin, increases the number of eligible adult education providers as well as expands the goals of the state’s adult education program to create a two-generation approach to adult and childhood literacy, ultimately increasing educational and employment opportunities for both the adults in the program and their children. SB20-175 , sponsored by Reps. Brianna Titone and McLachlan, prohibits students’ national standardized test score from being included on high school transcripts, which has been required in Colorado. Standardized tests have proven to be a poor measure of a student’s success, and requiring their inclusion on transcripts disadvantages lower-income students who may not have access to expensive test preparation materials and services. HB20-1113 , sponsored by Reps. Titone and Kevin Van Winkle, improves the state’s Safe2Tell program. The new changes align the Safe2Tell program and the crisis hotline more closely to help individuals in crisis rapidly access crisis counseling. It adjusts the annual advertising campaign to improve awareness about the program and reduce its misuse, and it enhances Safe2Tell’s ability to prevent imminent physical harm. “I’m proud of the way we were able to come together in a bipartisan way and put Colorado students first,” said Rep. Titone, D-Arvada. “By getting rid of the unproven, stressful and discriminatory requirement to include standardized test scores on high school transcripts, an idea brought to me by a constituent, more students will have a fair opportunity to succeed after they graduate. These laws will provide educators the tools they need to help our students and will improve the Safe2Tell program so that it better serves our youth, keeps them safe and saves lives.” “The pandemic has changed students’ lives in so many ways; it’s clear we need to keep mental health at the forefront of our response to this public health crisis,” said School Safety Committee Chair Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We made important progress this year, improving the Safe2Tell program, expanding behavioral health training for educators, and allocating significant federal resources for behavioral health services in schools.” HB20-1312, sponsored by Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Titone, includes behavioral health training and awareness of laws and practices relating to educating students with disabilities in the professional development requirements to obtain a teacher’s license. HB20-1407 , sponsored by Reps. Cathy Kipp and Baisley, allows publicly funded colleges and universities the option to waive standardized testing as a requirement for admission for high school students graduating in 2021 in response to the pandemic. The governor also signed SB20-183 , sponsored by Reps. Baisley and Titone, which allows the statewide internet portal authority (SIPA) to serve institutions of higher education, the state department of education, and other state agencies. SIPA provides technology services and products. Previous Next

< Back March 10, 2021 MAJOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILLS ADVANCE Legislation would create the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, expand access to peer support and transition services, and require equal access to foster care services for LGBTQ youth DENVER, CO– The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today passed five bills to increase access to behavioral health and critical peer support and transition services. The committee also passed legislation to ensure LGBTQ youth have access to the full range of out-of-home placement services and programs. HB21-1097 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, passed unanimously and would create the Behavioral Health Administration to ensure that every Coloradan experiencing behavioral health needs has access to timely, high-quality services in their communities that they can afford. It tasks the Department of Human Services with creating a plan for a single state entity that would be responsible for administering and overseeing behavioral health programs in Colorado. “Our landmark legislation will create the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration to help every person in our state have access to affordable mental health and substance abuse services in their communities,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley . “With this bill, we’re taking a major step forward to reform our behavioral health system and tackle the challenges that have prevented too many Coloradans from accessing critical mental health care.” HB21-1072 , sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich, would require an out-of-home placement provider to ensure fair and equal access to all available programs, benefits, and services offered by the provider. In addition, out-of-home placement must be provided in a way that is culturally responsive to the complex social identity of the youth. LGBTQ youth have faced barriers to access critical out-of-home placement services, with some denying services to LGBTQ youth. All Republicans on the committee voted to deny LGBTQ youth equal access to these critical services. “No young person in Colorado should ever be rejected from foster services because of who they are or who they love,” said Rep. Froelich, D- Englewood. “This bill would end discrimination foster youth programs and ensure that at-risk youth receive services that are appropriate and responsible to their identity.” HB21-1021 , sponsored by Representative Yadira Caraveo, passed unanimously and would improve access to peer-support professionals by authorizing HCPF to reimburse recovery support services organizations for peer support services submitted under the state’s Medicaid program. Peer support specialists are people with lived experiences who help others experiencing similar situations improve their conditions, typically in connection to substance abuse or trauma. Peer support services provide treatment outside of a clinical setting to help people experiencing a mental health condition. “Peer support specialists draw on their own life experiences to help people struggling with substance abuse or a mental health condition, often stemming from traumatic experience,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton, a physician. “I’m excited to see this bill move forward so that more Coloradans, especially veterans struggling with a behavioral health condition or Coloradans living with sexual trauma, can access the care they need.” HB21-1130 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Mary Bradfield, passed unanimously and would allow more individuals to access the community transition specialist program and expand the type of facility that can access the program’s services. These types of programs help people with behavioral health conditions transition from a treatment setting to a community living setting. “I’ve made access to behavioral health services one of my top priorities, and I am so happy to see all of these bills move forward today,” said Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee Chair Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “Today, we took a big step forward to expand access to critical services that help Coloradans transition from treatment to community living. We also started down the long road of finally creating the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, which will reform how mental health care is delivered in our state to improve access and affordability at a time when more Coloradans need this care.” HB21-1123 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Colin Larson, passed unanimously and would allow the disclosure of certain CAPS Checks (Colorado’s Adult Protective Services data system) in order to check for substantiated cases of adult mistreatment. Previous Next

< Back December 16, 2020 ER NURSE REP KYLE MULLICA RECEIVES COVID VACCINE DENVER, CO — This morning, House Democratic Caucus Co-Whip Rep. Kyle Mullica received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver. As an emergency room nurse, Rep. Mullica is a frontline health care provider with direct contact with COVID-19 patients and is among the first people in Colorado to receive the vaccine. “Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine today means I’ll be able to continue and expand my work in the ER,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “It also means that the end of this pandemic is finally within reach. The vaccine is not only safe and effective, it is the cornerstone of our plan to beat this pandemic once and for all. I’m grateful to all of my fellow frontline health care workers who have been on the front lines in hospitals across the country. It’s been a long year battling this virus, but the end is in sight.” Last session, Rep. Mullica was the sponsor of SB20-163, a bill signed into law earlier this year that aims to boost Colorado’s low immunization rates by streamlining our vaccine exemption process. In his role as an ER nurse, Rep. Mullica worked in the Cook County Jail in Illinois, where he cared for patients during a critical COVID-19 outbreak in April and May. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO HELP COLORADO STUDENTS Bill to expand financial assistance for ASSET students (Mar. 25) – The House approved a bill to expand state financial aid resources for ASSET students. HB19-1196, sponsored by Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, would provide Advancing Students for a Strong Tomorrow (ASSET) students the abilities to receive state financial aid. “Increasing the eligibility for state financial aid will help Colorado’s rural institutions that lack financial resources to supplement state financial aid for ASSET students,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez. “Improving access to higher education by increasing financial assistance will erase our state’s equity gaps and serve as an investment in Colorado’s future.” Currently, ASSET students are eligible for the College Opportunity Fund and institutional aid, but they are not eligible for state aid, including scholarships awarded by the state. The ASSET bill passed the legislature in 2013 with bipartisan support and makes the in-state tuition rate at state colleges and universities in Colorado available to all students, regardless of immigration status, who graduate from high school in Colorado after attending for at least three years. HB19-1196 passed by a vote of 41-24. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back May 11, 2023 Signed! Landmark Legislation to Improve Accountability & Transparency for Utilities, Save People Money on Energy Bills Becomes Law BOULDER, CO – Today, Governor Polis signed into law landmark legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes. SB23-291, sponsored by Democratic members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. The bill rebalances the kind of expenses paid by utility shareholders versus ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel purchasing, and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where costly infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. SB23-291 limits utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which are more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It also creates a cost-sharing mechanism to incentivize utilities to save their customers money on fuel costs, and allows the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden sharp increases. “Colorado families were hit hard this winter by unexpected and severe price shocks, which is why we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to investigate the causes and find solutions,” Joint Select Committee Chair Fenberg said. “The legislation signed by Governor Polis today improves transparency and holds utilities more accountable to the ratepayers they serve while better aligning utility companies’ and Coloradans’ interests and expectations about their energy service. I’m excited to see many months of work result in policy that will help save Coloradans money on their energy bills and make much needed improvements to the way utilities are regulated in Colorado.” “Coloradans are counting on us to address rising and erratic utility costs, and we’re proud to move forward with this solution,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair deGruy Kennedy. “This important law sets in motion both short and long-term, cost-saving solutions that increase transparency and accountability to protect Coloradans from rate spikes that leave them choosing between heating their home and putting food on the table while utilities rake in record profits. It also rebalances the relationship between ratepayers and utility companies so Coloradans aren’t subsidizing lobbying, advertising and other expenses that utilities pass on to consumers.” “The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates was hard at work this session searching for answers and working to save people money on their energy bills,” said Cutter. “One thing quickly became clear, Coloradans are bearing the brunt of volatile rate increases while utility companies are empowered to set their own rules. This important legislation will help level the playing field at the PUC and create fairer processes in utility rate setting that will impact Coloradans today and for generations to come.” “With this law, Colorado’s ratepayers are now front and center as we implement new ways to improve utility company transparency and accountability,” said Martinez. “For months, we’ve listened to consumer advocates, policy experts, utility companies and everyday Coloradans as we worked to find solutions to high, unpredictable utility bills that left many families struggling to heat their homes. I am proud to say this important law provides cost-saving solutions and protects Colordans from future drastic price hikes.” Additionally, the bill requires utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and consumer advocates evaluate whether proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ ability to charge their consumers for expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. Convened in response to recent spikes in energy prices by Senate President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates worked to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. Previous Next

< Back April 16, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES SET OF BILLS TO ENSURE FOOD SECURITY (Apr. 16) – The House approved a set of bills to ensure Colorado’s children have more security and safety in the food they eat. HB19-1171 sponsored by Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would expand school meal programs. Colorado currently pays a forty-cent copay on reduced price lunches for K-8 students through the School Lunch Protection Program. The bill would expand copay coverage through high school. “Too many young students in our state often face food insecurities, which affects their learning abilities. Fourteen percent of high school youth report going without lunch,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “This bill will break down barriers, end stigma and put our students on paths to success. We must ensure teens and students are provided every opportunity to learn and grow.” This legislation will remove the stigma and lunch shaming young students face at school when they are unable to afford meals. When students skip meals it affects their academic performance. Rep. Michaelson Jenet is the co-prime sponsor of a new law SB18-013 that expanded the school meal program to grades 6-8. HB19-1171 passed with a final vote of 45-19. It now heads to the Senate. Another bill, HB19-1132, sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, establishes a grant program in the department of education (CDE) to encourage providers that are entitled to federal money for lunches for students to purchase food products from Colorado growers, producers, and processors. “Giving incentives to our Colorado schools to use food grown in our state not only benefits the schools, but also supports our local farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Buentello. The bill was approved by a bipartisan vote of 53-11 and now heads to the Senate. Finally, the House also approved HB19-1202, sponsored by Rep. Rochelle Galindo, D-Greeley, and Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. The bill advances recommendations that strengthen healthy food access for all Coloradans through Colorado agriculture and local food systems and economies. “Hardworking Coloradans and our most vulnerable should be able to access healthy foods no matter their zip-code,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “Leveraging the purchasing power of our school districts and health care systems will create more marketing connections with producers to strengthen our food system.” HB19-1202 will combine the existing Food System Advisory Council with the Farm to School Task Force and places the reconstituted Colorado Food System Advisory Council within Colorado State University. Through this, the university can also look at increasing and strengthening WIC and SNAP retailers as it relates to the access to and provision of healthy foods. “We need to find a way to increase access to healthy food while also investing in our local, regional, and state economies,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill will help increase access to fresh, healthy food for our most vulnerable communities and find sustainable markets for Colorado farmers.” HB19-1202 passed on a final, bipartisan vote of 42-22 and now goes to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2021 HOUSE ED PUTS $10M INTO SCHOOL FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Colin Larson that would put $10 million into the BEST grant program to fund air quality improvement projects in public and charter schools. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus package that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. “Every Colorado student should have a safe and constructive learning environment, but too many schools lack air conditioning or proper ventilation systems,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “As we rebuild from the pandemic, we have to invest in our classrooms to ensure that our students have clean, healthy air in their classrooms and can focus on learning. We have a lot of work to do to address learning disruptions from COVID-19, and we can’t let outdated school buildings with poor air circulation stand in the way.” SB21-202 would allocate $10 million for Building Excellent Schools Today grants to fund much-needed public school air quality improvement projects to improve air quality in as many public and charter school facilities as possible. Kids learn better in environments that are safe, clean, and healthy. Unfortunately, over the years, Colorado’s deferred maintenance of school facilities has grown, particularly in rural areas. These construction and capital projects will create good jobs, make long-term improvements to Colorado schools’ infrastructures, and provide safer, more constructive learning environments for students. Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2020 BECKER APPOINTS DEMS TO ECONOMIC STABILIZATION COUNCIL House Democrats to serve on four key committees Denver, CO– House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, today announced House Democrats’ appointments to the Governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth. House Democrats will serve on four of the eight sub-committees. Rep. Shannon Bird, vice-chair of the House Finance Committee, will join the Financial Services Committee. Rep. James Coleman, vice-chair of the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee, will join the Local, Rural, Women & Minority Led Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs and Nonprofits-Entrepreneurs Committee. Rep. Dylan Roberts, chair of the House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture, will join the Tourism Committee. Rep. Dominique Jackson, chair of the House Committee on Energy and Environment, will join the Energy Committee. “House Democrats are working around the clock to help constituents during this public health crisis,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “We’re organizing PPE drives, connecting constituents with critical state and federal resources and hosting virtual town halls with public officials. Helping our state right now is a team effort, and I know our members will bring valuable experiences and resources to the governor’s council.” The Governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth is looking at how COVID-19 is impacting all aspects of Colorado’s economy and will make recommendations to the governor on how to help families, businesses and communities through the crisis. Other committees include Infrastructure, Workforce and Education, Arts and Culture and Outdoor Recreation. Members of the legislature from both chambers and both parties have been appointed to the committees. Read more about the Council on their website . Previous Next

< Back June 4, 2024 SIGNED! Bill to Save Employee-Owned Businesses Money DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will create a refundable state income tax credit to support employee-owned businesses. HB24-1157 will also make the Employee Ownership Office a permanent resource for small businesses as they transition into employee-owned businesses. “Employee-owned business models allow locally-owned businesses to stay within their communities; however, the costs and resources that are needed during transition can create barriers for employees seeking to purchase the business,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “This legislation creates a permanent resource and lessens the financial burden of transitioning to employee-owned. . We’re continuing the work we’ve done in recent years to make Colorado a national leader in providing support to employee-owned business owners so they can thrive in their communities.” “Employee-owned business models are not only beneficial for retiring business owners, but they also reward hard-working employees for their dedication to the company, promote higher wages, and keep businesses rooted in their communities,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs . “By offering tax credits to new employee-owned businesses, we can incentivize more businesses to stay local and ensure that working people keep more of the value of their own labor." HB24-1157 will make the Employee Ownership Office, temporarily created by Governor Polis in an executive order , a permanent office to continue supporting small business owners who are transitioning to an employee-owned business model. The new law also creates a refundable state income tax credit for costs that come with running a new employee-owned business. The tax credit is available for tax years 2025 through 2033 and businesses are eligible if they have been partially or wholly owned by employees for fewer than seven years. This tax credit covers 50 percent of qualifying costs, granting up to $50,000 a year in savings. In 2021, Colorado Democrats created a first-in-the-nation refundable income tax credit that incentivizes a move towards employee-owned business models. It provides support to business owners who are looking to move on from their ownership by passing their business onto their employees, allowing communities to retain homegrown economic opportunities while giving hard-working Coloradans new entrepreneurship roles. Rep. Lindstedt also passed a law in the 2023 legislative session that expands the Employee Ownership Tax Credit by including partially employee-owned businesses, allowing new methods that businesses are using to transfer equity to employees, and strengthening incentives for eligible businesses that are transitioning to employee ownership with existing resources. Previous Next