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Legislation from Roberts and Esgar directs $15 million to create jobs and help communities transitioning from coal-based economies
DENVER, CO – The House Transportation and Local Government Committee today passed legislation to create jobs, support workers, and boost communities transitioning from coal-based economies. The bill passed 12-1.
“The Office of Just Transition has widespread bipartisan support because of the critical work it is doing to boost workers and communities that are transitioning away from coal-based economies,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This year, we are going to direct significant state funding to these critical efforts to ensure that no one is left behind. This funding will go directly to workers and will help build vibrant and resilient economies in parts of our state that are struggling as our nation moves away from coal.”
“Communities in my district and across the state are doing their best to transition their workforce and economies, but they cannot do it alone and they deserve resources from the state to make their transition plans a reality,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts D-Avon. “I am so proud to represent towns in Northwest Colorado like Hayden and Oak Creek who will be able to use the funding to provide workers job retraining and placement services and invest in projects that will create jobs and diversify their economy. This is the large investment in rural Colorado that our transitioning communities deserve, and I am thrilled this bill is moving forward with strong bipartisan support.”
HB22-1394, sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Dylan Roberts, would fund the Office of Just Transition, which is working to boost communities and workers transitioning from coal-based economies. The bill supports coal workers to help them provide for themselves and their families, and access innovative education and training opportunities. It also distributes grants to communities to help them create vibrant, resilient and sustainable local economies. $5 million will go to support economic development and assistance to local businesses, and $10 million will go directly to workers and their families.