Search Results

NEWSROOM PRESS RELEASES > OP-EDS > Speaker Delivers Opening Day Remarks January 8, 2025 House Speaker Julie McCluskie today delivered remarks to open the First Session of the 75th General Assembly. Speaker Delivers Opening Day Remarks JOINT RELEASE: Democratic Lawmakers Outline 2025 Legislative Priorities January 7, 2025 House and Senate Democratic leadership today outlined some of the shared legislative priorities ahead of the 2025 legislative session. The 75th General Assembly begins on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. JOINT RELEASE: Democratic Lawmakers Outline 2025 Legislative Priorities JOINT RELEASE: Colorado’s Economy Continues to Grow, Budget Constraints Remain December 19, 2024 Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December quarterly economic and revenue forecasts. JOINT RELEASE: Colorado’s Economy Continues to Grow, Budget Constraints Remain

Press Releases Jan 8, 2025 Speaker Delivers Opening Day Remarks House Speaker Julie McCluskie today delivered remarks to open the First Session of the 75th General Assembly. Read More Jan 7, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Democratic Lawmakers Outline 2025 Legislative Priorities House and Senate Democratic leadership today outlined some of the shared legislative priorities ahead of the 2025 legislative session. The 75th General Assembly begins on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Read More Dec 19, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Colorado’s Economy Continues to Grow, Budget Constraints Remain Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December quarterly economic and revenue forecasts. Read More Dec 9, 2024 Speaker McCluskie Appoints Rep. Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced she has appointed Representative Andy Boesenecker as Speaker Pro Tempore of the 75th General Assembly. Read More Dec 9, 2024 Speaker McCluskie Announces Committee Appointments House Speaker Julie McCluskie today made committee appointments for the 75th General Assembly, including the chairs and vice chairs for the ten House committees of reference. Read More Dec 6, 2024 Mabrey Receives the 2024 CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award Representative Javier Mabrey was recognized by the Council of State Governments as part of their annual 20 Under 40 Leadership Award recipient class. Read More Nov 20, 2024 Jail Standards Interim Committee Advances Three Bills The bipartisan Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Colorado Jail Standards today advanced three bills including legislation to expand grant opportunities to county jails, create guidelines for jails preparing to consolidate, and improve and modernize communications between those incarcerated and their attorney. Read More Nov 19, 2024 Representative Iman Jodeh and Representative-Elect Yara Zokaie Announce the Launch of the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus to Advocate for Middle Eastern, Southwest Asian, North African, South Asian, and Muslim American Communities Today, a new chapter in community advocacy and political representation begins with the launch of the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Colorado state representative Iman Jodeh, the first Muslim and first Palestinian American elected to the Colorado legislature, aims to elevate the voices of Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian (MENASA), and Muslim communities within Colorado and beyond. Read More Nov 11, 2024 Reps. Mauro and Martinez Statement Regarding Personal Property Vandalism Representatives Tisha Mauro and Matthew Martinez today released a joint statement after both their cars were vandalized on the evening of Tuesday, November 5. Read More Nov 5, 2024 Majority Leader Duran, Rep. Froelich Release Statements on Proposition KK Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich today released the following statement on the passage of Proposition KK. HB24-1349 referred a measure to that ballot that will place 6.5-percent excise tax on firearms to support Colorado Crime Victims Services, School Security Disbursement Program, and behavioral health crisis response system services: Read More Nov 5, 2024 Colorado Democrats Secure Overwhelming House Majority Coloradans voted tonight to continue Democratic leadership of the Colorado House. With ballots still being counted, results indicate that House Democrats will have an overwhelming majority with additional races still too close to call. Read More Oct 23, 2024 Rep. Lukens Presents STEM Grant to Walking Mountain Science Center Representative Meghan Lukens last week presented the Walking Mountain Science Center with a Colorado Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Pipeline Grant at Red Sandstone Elementary. Read More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 ... 172

COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS Colorado Democrats fighting for hardworking Coloradans at the Capitol and across our state LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS LATEST NEWS MEET YOUR COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS CAREERS House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results . During the breakthrough 2024 Legislative Session, we focused on gun violence prevention, fully funding K-12 public schools, improving air quality and reducing the cost of housing, health care and prescription drugs. 2024 LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS Latest News Speaker Delivers Opening Day Remarks January 8, 2025 House Speaker Julie McCluskie today delivered remarks to open the First Session of the 75th General Assembly. Read All JOINT RELEASE: Democratic Lawmakers Outline 2025 Legislative Priorities January 7, 2025 House and Senate Democratic leadership today outlined some of the shared legislative priorities ahead of the 2025 legislative session. The 75th General Assembly begins on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Read All JOINT RELEASE: Colorado’s Economy Continues to Grow, Budget Constraints Remain December 19, 2024 Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December quarterly economic and revenue forecasts. Read All Speaker McCluskie Appoints Rep. Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore December 9, 2024 House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced she has appointed Representative Andy Boesenecker as Speaker Pro Tempore of the 75th General Assembly. Read All Visit Our Newsroom Press Releases WE ARE COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS CONTACT US FIND MY REP SEARCH

< Back January 8, 2025 Speaker Delivers Opening Day Remarks DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today delivered remarks to open the First Session of the 75th General Assembly. Speaker’s Opening Day Remarks as Prepared for Delivery: Good morning! It is my great privilege to welcome you all to the opening day of the 75th General Assembly! A special welcome to our newly elected members, the fresh faced stars on the House stage. New members, please rise and give a wave! I would also like to welcome the former Speakers of the House: The honorables Alec Garnett, KC Becker, Crisanta Duran, Mark Ferrandino, Terrance Carroll, Frank McNulty, and Russ George. We are so grateful for your public service and leadership, both back then (and for some of you, way back then!) and now. I am pleased to recognize State Treasurer Dave Young! Thank you for your dedication and service to our state. And my deepest love and appreciation to my family - my husband Jamie, my children Ian and Cait, my parents Bob and Etta, Sister Susan, Brother and Sister in law David and Vicki, and their daughter Jaclynn. Members, let’s all thank our families who have been integral to our journeys in public service. I also want to thank our sensational team who work their magic behind the scenes - our clerks, sergeants, custodial staff. To our nonpartisan and partisan staff, including our legislative aides, thank you all so much for your dedication and commitment to the institution. This session is also the first for our new Chief Clerk, Vanessa Reilly! Please give her a warm welcome to this new role. There’s also a new President over in that lower chamber - if you see President Coleman today, make sure you give him a big High Five and a “Let’s Do This!” Now let us pause and give honor to our veterans - for everyone with us today, members and guests alike, please rise or give a wave if you are currently serving in the military or are a veteran of the US Armed forces. We are forever in your debt. Finally, I am proud of the experience and dedication of our majority and minority leadership teams. Will the leadership teams from both sides of the aisle please stand and be recognized. It is truly an honor to serve with all of you. And I am especially grateful to Majority Leader Duran. I know members appreciate your partnership & leadership. Happiest of Birthdays, Majority Leader, this must be the best and craziest birthday party ever. With campaigns in the rear view mirror, election 2024 behind us, our responsibility to govern is now front and center. Good governance calls us all to listen to one another, hear the stories of our constituents and work together to craft lasting policy that meets the demands of the moment. On policies big and small, I know Democrats and Republicans will work together, as we have so many times before. Just look at school finance formula reform, property tax cuts, higher education investments, workforce initiatives, and of course, uncertified potatoes. (While some say the idea for that policy was only half BAKED, eventually you all HASHED it out and it was a SMASHING success. ) With each new session, we have an opportunity to start fresh, and that includes how we manage debate. When relevant to the topic at hand, chairs will uphold members’ rights to free speech. At times, this will be uncomfortable for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. The right to free speech coexists alongside our obligation not to spread hatred. I know with the work that lies ahead, Colorado will lead the way. The national spotlight is on us. This is our moment to demonstrate what good, responsive governance and leadership looks like for our country. But folks, our work this year will not be easy. We will need to trim nearly $1 billion from our state budget in a way that ensures strong safety net services for the most vulnerable among us and protects our bipartisan investments in early childhood, schools, colleges and universities. As a result, there may be some unpopular decisions ahead - choices that put truly deserving efforts and priorities in competition with each other for funding. The Joint Budget Committee has a track record of working across party lines to deliver a balanced budget, and it is now more important than ever to continue in this tradition. My thanks to Representatives Bird, Sirota and Taggart in advance for your hard work and those enduring sleepless nights. Even though our budget situation is challenging, I know this body remains committed to investing in our public schools. We will not bring back the budget stabilization factor, and we will implement the new, equitable school finance formula on time that our kids deserve. Thank you Governor Polis for your strong commitment to public education investing in our children year over year . Like too many special education students in Colorado, Jeremiah, who is twelve, needed additional learning supports in school. Not every public school has the resources they need to adequately teach students with Down syndrome. But when his parents found a special education program designed for his abilities, Jeremiah excelled. His academic achievement improved, as did his self-esteem. He found his calling. If you haven’t heard of him yet, you soon will. His calling, it turns out, is acting, and he’s very good at it. Jeremiah is the star of the film “Color Book,” which tells the story of a single father raising his young son with Down syndrome. The power of Jeremiah’s personal story, and his magnificent portrayal of Mason, help shape our understanding of the challenges we see in gaining access to a high quality education and safety net services in our communities. Exciting news! He has been nominated for the NAACP’s outstanding youth performance in a motion picture award. I’m overjoyed that Jeremiah and his family are here with us today. Please give him a round of applause. My goal this session is to protect the progress we’ve made for students like Jeremiah, by increasing funding for special education, at-risk students, English language learners, and rural schools. The hard truth is that we will need to grapple with declining student enrollment. We will navigate this issue carefully while listening to our partners in public education. Our guiding principle must be to keep equity for our students at the heart of our decision making. We wouldn’t be Colorado without our beautiful mountains, brilliant forests, and clean air. Let’s take our water for example. Water is a part of our Western identity, essential to our nearly $50 billion agricultural economy, as well as Colorado’s iconic outdoor recreation and tourism industries. I took a five day ride down the Yampa River this past spring. What a thrill! And I learned one important lesson - that’s how to play defense against those roaring rapids. There’s a saying in the rafting business, “Be sure you Rig to Flip”. That means making sure everything stays secure when your raft guide flips the boat and you’re taken for a swim - it’s all about being ruthlessly prepared, so you protect the people and things you love most. This year, I expect we will continue to face threats to our water resources, and we may have to play defense. But, thanks to leaders from both parties, we have already taken significant steps to protect our state’s most precious resource - yes folks, we are prepared and we are “rigged to flip.” We should be particularly thankful to the many farmers and ranchers doing everything they can to reduce their water use, embrace innovative technologies and help lead us through this drought. Colorado Agriculture truly makes us proud. I also want to mention that soon, we will be creating a new bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Caucus that will put Western Voices at the table on the issues that impact the economies of our communities. We are equally committed to protecting Colorado’s pristine environment, reaching our climate goals and making energy costs more affordable. We’ve made important progress funding transit, front range and mountain rail, and eliminating dangerous pollution. We are so grateful for the work of Representatives Willford and Bacon and all the lawmakers who have prioritized improving our air quality. Like many of you, when I visit my district, the stories I hear most often at town halls, in the grocery store or at neighborhood gatherings continue to be about how hard it is to get ahead. That’s why, this session, we will redouble our efforts to make Colorado more affordable. Inflation is down. Unemployment is low. Home prices and rents are leveling off, and we are starting to see signs that our aggressive multi-year agenda to lower costs for families is bearing fruit. Reinsurance and the Colorado Option are saving Coloradans nearly half a billion dollars this year on health insurance premiums. We cut property taxes for businesses and homeowners, and we cut taxes for middle and lower-income families. Thanks to last year’s refundable tax credit initiative, the cost of tuition and fees at community colleges is now covered for the vast majority of students. Universal preschool, full day kindergarten, and investments in child care are saving families money. Because of our work, Coloradans trust elected officials to GET THINGS DONE. Other states are watching us - they are seeing what’s possible when governors and legislatures do big things together. For example, housing. We've cracked the land use code and invested hundreds of millions of dollars in affordable housing projects and ending homelessness. This year, we will: resolve the stalemate on construction defects reform, tackle algorithms that drive up rent, Ease red tape for religious institutions to build on their own land, incentivize modular home construction, and bring forward creative new approaches to driving down property insurance costs. Let’s foster an even stronger economy in this state by lowering costs for businesses and working families, and finding fair opportunity for all. Let’s do this by taking steps to eliminate wage theft, strengthen worker’s voices, and create low-cost pathways to college credentials, in the big blur between high school college career. And just as we did last year with the quantum technology industry, we will seize opportunities to support innovative economic development, like (capturing the attention of the) Sundance Film Festival and driving millions of tourism dollars into local communities and businesses. But folks, a less expensive Colorado is not our Colorado if we fail to protect our rights and freedoms. When the Dobbs decision came down and the threat to overturn Roe v. Wade was clear, we responded by protecting abortion access in statute. This past November, the voters went one step further and protected that right in our state’s constitution. Similarly, we heard the stories of concern from families in our state and referred a measure to the ballot safeguarding the freedom to marry. And again, voters overwhelmingly approved it. This is leadership. This is Colorado. We don’t know exactly what we will face from this new administration, but they have published their playbook and we are watching. We will be ready to do what is best for the people of this state because we’ve been here before. No matter where we come from, all Coloradans want the same things: to put a roof over our family’s heads, put food on the table, and pursue the American Dream. Throughout our nation’s history, immigrants have been used as a political scapegoat to divide us and distract us from real challenges. Immigrants are an integral part of Colorado’s diverse and thriving communities. Immigrants power our economy and make up 30 percent of our construction workforce, 12 percent of entrepreneurs, 11 percent of STEM workers, and eight percent of nurses in the state. Coloradans do not support mass deportations, separating families, or detaining parents at their children’s schools. In addition to the devastating human cost, mass deportations will cause significant labor shocks and drive up the cost of health care, food, and housing. Democrats and Republicans alike oppose deporting our friends and neighbors who have been here since childhood, built their lives here and are making our communities better places to live. My thanks to the many organizations supporting Colorado’s hard working immigrant families, like the Mountain Dreamers. Mountain Dreamers in Frisco, Colorado work to support immigrants and make the Colorado Dream a reality for more people in our High Country communities. I want to especially thank their team with us today - Peter, Javier, Yerania, and Miriam. Representative Velasco, who was born in Mexico and grew up in mobile home communities in the Vail Valley, and the Latino Caucus are leading our work on this issue, alongside the Aurora delegation, including Representative Ricks - the first African immigrant legislator - and we are so grateful to have their expertise and lived experience in the General Assembly. Colorado will remain a safe haven from attacks on reproductive rights, voting rights, workers’ rights, LGBTQ rights, personal liberty, and civil rights. It doesn’t seem all that long ago that Coloradans sent the first transgender lawmaker to the capitol. Now entering her final term, Representative Titone has served with grace and true leadership. I am thankful that Rep. Titone, along with Assistant Majority Leader Bacon, Representative Froelich, and Representative Garcia are ready to step up once again to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms. Colorado is primed to lead. Where there is despair, we will light the way and offer hope. We may face challenges from Washington, budget constraints, and distractions right and left, but I continue to find immense joy in doing the people’s work. I know you all do as well. So … Share YOUR story, listen to the STORIES of your colleagues and constituents, and let the stories move you, keep your word, be open with your colleagues, fight for what you believe in, be kind to all, and above all else, hold space for defying gravity. It is my privilege to open the People’s House and welcome you all to the 75th General Assembly. Previous Next

Meetings & Minutes Meeting minutes and notices prior to August 22, 2024 can be found in the archive. January 3, 2025 11:30 AM House Majority Health & Human Services Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes December 12, 2024 4:00 PM House Democrats Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 4:00 PM House Democrats Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes November 14, 2024 11:00 AM House Democrats Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes November 11, 2024 9:00 AM House Democrats Caucus Meeting - LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS (rules under meeting minutes button) Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes October 9, 2024 9:30 AM Discussion of Gun Violence Prevention Legislation Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes August 22, 2024 12:00 PM House Democrats Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes

< Back January 7, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Democratic Lawmakers Outline 2025 Legislative Priorities DENVER, CO – House and Senate Democratic leadership today outlined some of the shared legislative priorities ahead of the 2025 legislative session. The 75th General Assembly begins on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. “It’s clear Coloradans trust Democrats because we have governed responsibly and delivered results on the issues that matter most, like making our state more affordable, protecting your rights and freedoms and prioritizing working families,” said House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “From lowering the cost of housing and health insurance to investing in public education and supporting Colorado agriculture, we’re focused on making our state a more affordable, safer place to call home. As we enter another legislative session, I am excited for Democrats and Republicans to find common ground once again and move Colorado forward.” “As I step into the role of Senate President, I’m focused on making Colorado a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive – where anyone can work hard, afford basic necessities like a safe place to live and high-quality health care, and earn a good life,” said Senate President-designee James Coleman, D-Denver. “I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to deliver results for Coloradans. We’re prioritizing solutions to lower the cost of living, protect our freedoms including reproductive health care and voting rights, and ensure safe, thriving communities.” “I’m excited to get to work to lower costs for families, make our communities safer, and protect the Colorado Way of Life as the Trump Administration threatens to undermine our rights and freedoms,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “With a tight budget year ahead, we will be focused on protecting our most vulnerable and preserving the important investments we’ve made in health care, education and public safety. We will fight back against attacks on abortion rights, attempts to roll back protections that support our immigrant communities as well as clean water and air, eliminate health care coverage for Coloradans or repeal life-saving gun violence prevention legislation.” “Colorado Democrats are ready and excited to get back to work and tackle the issues that matter most to Coloradans,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “Coming hot off the heels of the November election, we’re prepared to deliver results that Coloradans expect: more affordable and safer communities, access to high-quality health care, and support for the middle class. Additionally, we stand ready to be responsible and reactive to federal decisions that could erode our freedoms and threaten the Colorado we know and love.” From investing in public schools , reducing gun violence and cutting taxes to reducing the cost of housing , behavioral health care , higher education and child care, Colorado Democrats have delivered on the issues that matter most to Coloradans and working families. Ahead of the 2025 legislative session, Democratic lawmakers are preparing to build upon their efforts to make Colorado more affordable and safer, and meet the challenges of the Trump administration head on to protect shared freedoms, values and the Colorado way of life. Previous Next

< Back Regina English State Representative Regina English is serving her first term as the Colorado State Legislator, representing House District 17 in South East Colorado Springs. She serves on the Business Affairs & Labor and Health & Human Services committees. During her first session in the legislature, Rep. English plans to focus on education, housing, mental health, criminal justice, public safety, and reproductive rights, to name a few critical issues vital to her and her community. As a current school board director within the Harrison School District Two, she plans to keep education at the forefront of her legislative mission to ensure all students receive the high-quality education they deserve. The mental health and well-being of the entire family unit will drive the thoughtful decisions she plans to make around ensuring all Coloradans have the opportunity to have a better quality of life through accountable and effective legislation and accountable allocation of state funding. Born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, she grew up and was taught the value of hard work by her father, an active union member and foreman, and her mother showed her the importance of consistency and commitment to achieve goals. Regina resides in Colorado Springs with her husband and is the proud mother of five adult children and ten grandchildren. Rep. English is currently on track to complete her doctorate in Organizational Leadership in March 2023.

< Back Sheila Lieder Representative Sheila Lieder is the Vice-Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and a member of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee. She represents House District 28 which includes parts of Littleton, Lakewood and Jefferson County. Rep. Lieder is an advocate for hardworking families, fair wages and safe working conditions. During the 2023 legislative session, she championed legislation to create new jobs through emerging thermal technology and prioritize apprenticeship programs in good paying, in-demand careers.

< Back Rebekah Stewart Representative-Elect Rebekah Stewart represents House District 30, which encompasses the eastern half of Lakewood and the city of Edgewater. She currently serves on the Lakewood City council and is chair of the city’s Budget and Audit Board. Rep-Elect Stewart serves as the Vice-Chair of the Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee and a member of the House Finance Committee. Rep-elect Stewart spent most of her career as a board-certified music therapist working with kids and adults in the disability community. On city council, she has continued to fight for folks falling through the cracks by championing mental health and housing affordability policy and most recently spearheading Lakewood’s successful debrucing campaign. She looks forward to continuing this important work at the state Capitol.

< Back Sean Camacho Rep.-elect Sean Camacho, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, has dedicated his life to public service. While on active duty, he served on multiple overseas deployments and continues to serve as an Air Force Reservist. He is also an attorney at a prominent international law firm in Denver, Colorado. Beyond his legal career, Rep.-elect Camacho is passionate about serving his community. He actively serves on numerous nonprofit boards, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact. Rep.-elect Camacho represents diverse communities in eastern and central Denver, including Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Congress Park, Hale, Montclair, Lowry, and Windsor Gardens.

< Back Steven Woodrow Steven L. Woodrow represents House District 6 located in east-central Denver--The Fightin’ 6th! A class action attorney by trade, Rep. Woodrow brings to the General Assembly his experience as a litigator and detailed understanding of law and policy, to examine an issue, understand where commonalities lie between parties, and execute a plan to bring a favorable resolution for his constituents and community. He is the Vice-Chair of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and a member of the Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee. Steven was raised outside of Detroit by his hardworking, widowed mother, a public school teacher, who taught him and his sister the importance of a strong work ethic, even in times of struggle. This allowed him to matriculate at the University of Michigan and the Chicago-Kent College of Law, successfully argue multiple landmark appeals, and to head his own consumer protection practice which he started in 2015. Representative Woodrow is a passionate advocate for social, racial, environmental, and economic justice for all Coloradans--believing that healthcare is a human right, every child deserves an excellent education, the American Dream should be accessible for all, and clean air, water, and soil essential. One is never surprised to see him standing strong with those who need help, regardless of age or status and fighting for what is right and true. His goal is to leave every situation and every interaction #BetterThanWeFoundIt .