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Latest press releases and op-eds from Colorado House Democrats. NEWSROOM PRESS RELEASES > OP-EDS > JOINT RELEASE: Water & Ag Interim Committee Advances Bipartisan Bills to Boost Colorado Farmers and Ranchers October 29, 2025 The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation to save small farmers and ranchers money and prevent out-of-state producers from falsely advertising products with Colorado branding. JOINT RELEASE: Water & Ag Interim Committee Advances Bipartisan Bills to Boost Colorado Farmers and Ranchers Paschal Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in CO Springs, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage October 28, 2025 Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans Paschal Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in CO Springs, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Stewart Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in SW Colorado, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage October 28, 2025 Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans Stewart Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in SW Colorado, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage

Press Releases Oct 29, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Water & Ag Interim Committee Advances Bipartisan Bills to Boost Colorado Farmers and Ranchers The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation to save small farmers and ranchers money and prevent out-of-state producers from falsely advertising products with Colorado branding. Read More Oct 28, 2025 Paschal Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in CO Springs, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans Read More Oct 28, 2025 Stewart Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in SW Colorado, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans Read More Oct 28, 2025 Mauro Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in Pueblo, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans Read More Oct 28, 2025 GOP Congress Causes Health Premiums to Double, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans Read More Oct 24, 2025 General Assembly Democrats Condemn Rising Antisemitism Democrats in the General Assembly today condemned the recent rise in antisemitism in Colorado and across the country. Read More Oct 21, 2025 Transportation Interim Committee Advances Two Bills The Transportation Legislation Review Committee today advanced legislation to update fleet vehicles to zero- or low-emission vehicles and ease the car buying and selling process by allowing digital titles to be used. Read More Oct 21, 2025 Roberts, McCormick Statement on Trump Administration’s Comments to Purchase More Argentine Beef Senator Dylan Roberts, Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Representative Karen McCormick, Chair of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement in response to a comment made by President Trump to purchase more Argentine beef. Read More Oct 16, 2025 Reps. Lukens, Paschal Applaud Nearly $7 Million in Grants to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Costs The Colorado Energy Office yesterday announced the recipients of the third round of the Colorado Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering (GETCO). Over $7.3 million was awarded to support thermal energy network projects, including $6.8 million for Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs and Vail. Read More Oct 13, 2025 Rep. Stewart Statement on Flooding Disaster in Southwest Colorado Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement regarding the flooding disaster that impacted hundreds of Coloradans in Southwest Colorado over the weekend. Read More Oct 13, 2025 Jefferson County Lawmakers Statement on Lookout Mountain Swastika Lawmakers from Jefferson County today released the following joint statement: Read More Oct 7, 2025 Titone, Michaelson Jenet Release Statements on SCOTUS Conversion Therapy Hearing Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Representative Brianna Titone today released the following statements as the United States Supreme Court begins hearing oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar. 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 ... 201

43 House Democrats fighting for hardworking Coloradans at the Capitol and across our state by saving you money, building a healthier Colorado and preparing our students for success. 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 During the productive 2025 Legislative Session, we passed legislation to save people money, improve public safety and protect the Colorado way of life in the face of threats from the Trump Administration and significant budget constraints. 2025 LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS Latest News JOINT RELEASE: Water & Ag Interim Committee Advances Bipartisan Bills to Boost Colorado Farmers and Ranchers October 29, 2025 The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation to save small farmers and ranchers money and prevent out-of-state producers from falsely advertising products with Colorado branding. Read All Paschal Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in CO Springs, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage October 28, 2025 Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans Read All Stewart Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in SW Colorado, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage October 28, 2025 Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans Read All Mauro Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in Pueblo, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage October 28, 2025 Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans Read All Visit Our Newsroom Press Releases WE ARE COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS CONTACT US FIND MY REP SEARCH

The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation to save small farmers and ranchers money and prevent out-of-state producers from falsely advertising products with Colorado branding. < Back October 29, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Water & Ag Interim Committee Advances Bipartisan Bills to Boost Colorado Farmers and Ranchers DENVER, CO – The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation to save small farmers and ranchers money and prevent out-of-state producers from falsely advertising products with Colorado branding. Bill 1 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, and Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, would save Colorado farmers and ranchers money on their property taxes. It would broaden the definition of "ranch" and “farm” in statute so that small and family-owned ranches and farms can benefit from existing property tax exemptions. “After over a year of work to get the language just right, I'm excited we're moving this bill forward to make sure our laws work for farmers and ranchers of all sizes,” said Roberts. “Small and family-owned operations are the heart of Colorado’s agricultural communities and too many of them struggle with high property tax costs. With this legislation, we are finding every opportunity to put money back in their pockets and keep their farming and ranching operations going.” “For generations, family farms and smaller ranches in my district have shaped Colorado’s ag economy, supported rural communities and fed Coloradans,” said McCluskie. “This bill cuts property taxes for local farmers and ranchers by including smaller operations that use their land for grazing in existing property tax exemptions. As the Trump Administration threatens to flood our markets with Argentinian beef and undercut Colorado ranchers, this bill steps in to save our farmers and ranchers money.” “Family farms and ranches are the backbone of Colorado’s rural economy,” said McCormick. “While the Trump Administration continues to choose trade wars over Colorado farmers and undercut our ranchers, we’re stepping up to put more money back in their pockets. This bill prioritizes local farmers and ranchers by cutting property taxes for smaller operations that use their land for grazing.” This bill would modify the definitions used to classify land as agricultural for property tax purposes. It would specify that a farm is primarily used to produce agricultural products, while a ranch is primarily used for grazing livestock through pasture-based operations. Agricultural land is generally valued lower than other property classifications. Bill 4 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista and Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Senators Roberts and Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, would protect the integrity of the “Colorado Proud” label and support local producers by cracking down on false advertising of products originating outside of Colorado. “When shoppers purchase Palisade peaches or San Luis Valley potatoes, they expect to receive products actually grown and produced in those regions of our state,” said Martinez. “To protect the integrity of Colorado-grown products and foods, this cracks down on mislabeling and false advertising of Colorado products. Colorado’s farmers, ranchers and small businesses work hard to produce the famous, high-quality products and foods that we’re known for around the world. This bill upholds the integrity of the iconic Colorado foods we all love.” “Colorado is known for its delicious produce, high-quality meat, and creative products made by our small businesses and artists,” said Roberts. “Consumers want to purchase made-in-Colorado products and should be able to trust the Colorado Proud label. This bill is about supporting Colorado farmers, ranchers, and businesses who make the real deal, right here at home.” Bill 4 would prohibit identifying an agricultural product as being produced in Colorado when selling, marketing, advertising, or distributing the product unless the product is grown in the state. It would also prohibit using the Colorado Proud designation or logo unless authorized by the Department of Agriculture. A violation of these prohibitions would constitute a deceptive trade practice. The committee also advanced House Joint Resolution 2 , sponsored by Representative Martinez and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to recognize the importance of farmers’ markets to Colorado communities, small businesses, and agriculture and encourage the Colorado Department of Agriculture to continue to support and promote farmers’ markets. “Farmers’ markets are hubs of activity that create community and provide opportunities for Coloradans to support farmers, ranchers, and small businesses,” said Marchman. “I’m proud to sponsor this resolution to recognize the importance of farmers’ markets to our communities’ health, wellbeing, and economic prosperity and encourage the Colorado Department of Agriculture to continue to support them.” All three bills will now be considered by the Legislative Council. If approved, they will be introduced during the 2026 legislative session and advance through the regular legislative process. Previous Next

Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans < Back October 28, 2025 Paschal Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in CO Springs, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans DENVER, CO – Representative Amy Paschal today released the following statement after the Division of Insurance announced that 2026 health care premium rates will increase by 101-percent due to Congress’s failure to continue the enhanced premium tax credits. “Despite having months to act, Republicans in Congress have failed to continue the enhanced premium tax credits, adding thousands of dollars to Coloradans’ health insurance costs next year,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “Earlier this year, I helped pass a law that will alleviate some of the rate increases and keep tens of thousands of Coloradans insured, but the reality is that premiums are still expected to double, and 75,000 will lose coverage without these tax credits. While we were able to reduce costs for families by over 16.5 percent, Congress must take action to prevent these still unfathomable price hikes for Coloradans in El Paso County and across the state.” Statewide health care rates for individuals who purchase their own insurance are expected to increase by 101-percent due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the tax credits. Open enrollment begins this Saturday, and Coloradans who want coverage in 2026 must choose their plan before December 15. Democrats have repeatedly urged Congress to extend the tax credits, which help make health care more affordable for around 225,000 Coloradans. In August, Rep. Paschal signed onto a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were intentionally omitted from the GOP’s H.R. 1. The expiration of these tax credits on December 31 will lead to fewer people having health insurance and higher health insurance costs for everyone, including small businesses and Coloradans with employer-sponsored health insurance. If Congress extended the enhanced premium tax credits, the average premium increase would be 16-percent, instead of 101-percent, and some Coloradans would see no increase. Colorado Democrats have significantly lowered health care costs with the state’s reinsurance program, which has saved consumers over $2 billion, and Colorado Option health care plan, which offered the lowest or second lowest cost plan in El Paso County. A recent study by Brown University found that the Colorado Option reduced monthly premiums by $101, even for non-Colorado Option plans. In El Paso County, a family of four saved nearly $4,000 by choosing the Colorado Option plan in 2025. Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s Megabill and Congress’s failure to extend the ePTCs. Colorado Democrats passed a law that will invest in Colorado’s reinsurance program and blunt some of the most severe cost increases from the expiring tax credits. This law reduces the statewide average premium increase from 174-percent to 101-percent, saving Coloradans $220 million on health care next year and preventing 28,000 Coloradans from being kicked off their health coverage. The law also stabilizes Colorado’s reinsurance program, resulting in over 16.5-percent in premium savings in the Colorado Springs metro area. In El Paso and Teller counties, the average 40-year-old individual saved over $5,100 from the Reinsurance Program in 2025, and a family of four saved over $19,000 from 2020 through 2025 due to the Reinsurance Program. Previous Next

Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans < Back October 28, 2025 Stewart Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in SW Colorado, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans DENVER, CO – Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement after the Division of Insurance announced that 2026 health care premium rates will increase by at least 101-percent in Colorado due to Congress’s failure to continue the enhanced premium tax credits. “Congress’s refusal to continue cost-saving health care tax credits is hiking health care premiums in Southwest Colorado and other rural communities that already struggle with access to care,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “Because of our action in the special session, these premiums are over 37 percent lower than they otherwise would be on the Western Slope and nearly 30,000 Coloradans across the state will be able to keep their health care coverage. Despite our best efforts, inaction by Republicans in Congress will still increase Southwestern Coloradans’ health care costs by thousands of dollars and threaten to put rural health care providers out of business.” Statewide health care rates for individuals who purchase their own insurance are expected to increase by 101-percent due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the tax credits. Open enrollment begins this Saturday, and Coloradans who want coverage in 2026 must choose their plan before December 15. If Congressional Republicans don’t act now, a family that lives in southwest Colorado, on the Western Slope, in the San Luis Valley or on the Eastern Plains, will see their health insurance premiums increase by $16,000-$21,000. Democrats have repeatedly urged Congress to extend the tax credits, which help make health care more affordable for around 225,000 Coloradans. In August, Rep. Stewart signed onto a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were intentionally omitted from the GOP’s H.R. 1. The expiration of these tax credits on December 31 will lead to fewer people having health insurance and higher health insurance costs for everyone, including small businesses and Coloradans with employer-sponsored health insurance. If Congress extended the enhanced premium tax credits, the average premium increase would be 16-percent, instead of 101-percent, and some Coloradans would see no increase. Colorado Democrats have significantly lowered health care costs with the state’s reinsurance program, which has saved consumers over $2 billion, and Colorado Option health care plan, which offered the lowest or second lowest cost plan in every county on the Western Slope in 2025. A recent study by Brown University found that the Colorado Option reduced monthly premiums by $101, even for non-Colorado Option plans. On the Western Slope, a Colorado family of four who chose the Colorado Option plan in 2025 saved over $9,600. Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s Megabill and Congress’s failure to extend the ePTCs. Colorado Democrats passed a law that will invest in Colorado’s reinsurance program and blunt some of the most severe cost increases from the expiring tax credits. This law reduces the statewide average premium increase from 174-percent to 101-percent, saving Coloradans $220 million on health care next year and preventing 28,000 Coloradans from being kicked off their health coverage. By stabilizing Colorado’s reinsurance program, premiums are 37-percent less on the Western Slope. On the Western Slope, the average 40 year old individual saved nearly $15,000 from the reinsurance program, and since 2020, a family of four has saved nearly $56,000 from the Reinsurance Program. Previous Next

Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans < Back October 28, 2025 Mauro Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in Pueblo, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans DENVER, CO – Representative Tisha Mauro today released the following statement after the Division of Insurance announced that 2026 health care premium rates will increase by 101-percent due to Congress’s failure to continue the enhanced premium tax credits. “With the GOP Congress failing to extend critical tax credits, health care rates are expected to increase significantly in Pueblo, which will have devastating consequences for Coloradans who can’t afford to pay an extra $1,000 a month for health care,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “While only Congress can fix this problem entirely, Colorado Democrats took action and passed a law to blunt some of the sharpest cost increases. Because of our action, premiums in Pueblo are nearly 13 percent lower than they would otherwise be. Still, Pueblo deserves better, which is why Congressional Republicans must act now so Coloradans don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for health care next year.” Statewide health care rates for individuals who purchase their own insurance are expected to increase by 101-percent due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the tax credits. Open enrollment begins this Saturday, and Coloradans who want coverage in 2026 must choose their plan before December 15. Democrats have repeatedly urged Congress to extend the tax credits, which help make health care more affordable for around 225,000 Coloradans. In August, Rep. Mauro signed onto a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were intentionally omitted from the GOP’s H.R. 1. The expiration of these tax credits on December 31 will lead to fewer people having health insurance and higher health insurance costs for everyone, including small businesses and Coloradans with employer-sponsored health insurance. If Congress extended the enhanced premium tax credits, the average premium increase would be 16-percent, instead of 101-percent, and some Coloradans would see no increase. Colorado Democrats have significantly lowered health care costs with the state’s reinsurance program, which has saved consumers over $2 billion, and Colorado Option health care plan, which offered the lowest or second lowest cost plan in Pueblo in 2025. A recent study by Brown University found that the Colorado Option reduced monthly premiums by $101, even for non-Colorado Option plans. The average family of four in Pueblo that chose the Colorado Option plan save d nearly $4,500 in 2025. Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s Megabill and Congress’s failure to extend the ePTCs. Colorado Democrats passed a law that will invest in Colorado’s reinsurance program and blunt some of the most severe cost increases from the expiring tax credits. This law reduces the statewide average premium increase from 174-percent to 101-percent, saving Coloradans $220 million on health care next year and preventing 28,000 Coloradans from being kicked off their health coverage. The law reduced premiums by over 13-percent in the Pueblo metro area. In 2025 in Pueblo County, the reinsurance program saved the average 40 year old individual over $6,600 and a family of four has saved nearly $25,000 from 2020 through 2025 due to the Reinsurance Program. Previous Next

Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans < Back October 28, 2025 GOP Congress Causes Health Premiums to Double, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans DENVER, CO – Representative Kyle Brown and Senator Kyle Mullica, chairs of the House and Senate Health & Human Services committees, today released the following statements after the Division of Insurance announced that 2026 health care premium rates will increase by 101-percent due to Congress’s failure to continue the enhanced premium tax credits. “Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend the enhanced premium tax credits is doubling health insurance costs for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, Chair of the House Health & Human Services Committee. “Costs are rising for everyone, and 75,000 Coloradans will lose their health care coverage because Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd, Jeff Crank and Lauren Boebert failed to act. Our legislation during the special session is helping to blunt these rate hikes and prevent tens of thousands of Coloradans from losing their health care, but Congress must act now to extend the tax credits or hardworking families will pay thousands of dollars more for health care next year.” “Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits means everyday Coloradans will pay the price,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, Chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. “Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans will soon be forced to spend more of their paycheck on essential health care, with thousands expected to lose their coverage altogether. Earlier this year, Colorado lawmakers acted swiftly to shield families from the worst of the unaffordable premium increases, but it is not enough to cover the Division of Insurance’s projected 101 percent rate increase. I renew my call for Congress to act now to prevent these massive price increases and protect coverage for Coloradans.” Statewide health care rates for individuals who purchase their own insurance are expected to increase by 101-percent due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the tax credits. Open enrollment begins this Saturday, and Coloradans who want coverage in 2026 must choose their plan before December 15. If Congressional Republicans don’t act now, a family of four in the Denver metro area with an annual income of around $128,000 will see their health insurance premiums increase by approximately $14,000. If that family lives on the Western Slope, in southwest Colorado, in the San Luis Valley or on the Eastern Plains, their premium bill will increase by $16,000-$21,000. Democrats have repeatedly urged Congress to extend the tax credits, which help make health care more affordable for around 225,000 Coloradans. The expiration of these tax credits on December 31 will lead to fewer people having health insurance and higher health insurance costs for everyone, including small businesses and Coloradans with employer-sponsored health insurance. If Congress extended the enhanced premium tax credits, the average premium increase would be 16-percent, instead of 101-percent, and some Coloradans would see no increase. In August, General Assembly Democrats sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were intentionally omitted from the GOP’s H.R. 1. Colorado Democrats have significantly lowered health care costs with the state’s reinsurance program, which has saved consumers over $2 billion, and Colorado Option health care plan, which offers the lowest or second lowest cost plan in 90-percent of Colorado counties. A recent study by Brown University found that the Colorado Option reduced monthly premiums by $101, even for non-Colorado Option plans. Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s Megabill and Congress’s failure to extend the ePTCs. Colorado Democrats passed a law that will invest in Colorado’s reinsurance program and blunt some of the most severe cost increases from the expiring tax credits. This law reduces the statewide average premium increase from 174-percent to 101-percent, saving Coloradans $220 million on health care next year and preventing 28,000 Coloradans from being kicked off their health coverage. The law also stabilizes Colorado’s reinsurance program, resulting in over 21-percent in premium savings, with reductions up to nearly 40-percent on the Western Slope. Previous Next

Democrats in the General Assembly today condemned the recent rise in antisemitism in Colorado and across the country. < Back October 24, 2025 General Assembly Democrats Condemn Rising Antisemitism DENVER, CO - Democrats in the General Assembly today condemned the recent rise in antisemitism in Colorado and across the country. In an open letter, the General Assembly Democrats wrote: We are deeply concerned by the rising prevalence of antisemitism and hatred toward Jews in Colorado and nationally. From the streets of Boulder and the side of a mountain in Jefferson County to private group texts and AI chatbots, attacks on Jews are becoming far too common. We condemn this increase in antisemitism, and we must all do more to stop it. These incidents are all part of a disturbing trend that cannot be brushed off or ignored. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to unequivocally condemn this rise in antisemitism. We are proud that Colorado was recently recognized by the Anti-Defamation League for being a policy leader in combating antisemitism. We must continue this work, and we are committed to doing more to protect all communities in our state. We stand united against hate. The full text of the letter is below: To Our Communities: We are deeply concerned by the rising prevalence of antisemitism and hatred toward Jews in Colorado and nationally. From the streets of Boulder and the side of a mountain in Jefferson County to private group texts and AI chatbots, attacks on Jews are becoming far too common. We condemn this increase in antisemitism, and we must all do more to stop it. Earlier this year, an assailant murdered a woman and injured fifteen people in an anti-Jewish firebombing attack in Boulder during a march calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas. This month, a giant swastika was displayed on the side of a mountain along I-70 for thousands of people to see. Since January alone, there have been several acts of antisemitic vandalism where people either drew or displayed swastikas in public spaces, including in Denver, Jefferson County and Elizabeth. In July, the Anti-Defamation League flagged a social media account to the FBI due to concerns about comments that mimicked neo-Nazi extremist groups. Two months later, the teenager behind those posts opened fire at Evergreen High School and injured two of his classmates before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In a private Young Republicans group chat, elected officials made racist comments and sent antisemitic messages that included pro-Hitler statements and “jokes” about putting opponents in gas chambers. Instead of speaking out against this, Vice President JD Vance downplayed it. A Colorado Libertarian Party leader and candidate for Secretary of State baselessly accused Israel of assassinating Charlie Kirk and President Kennedy and created an antisemitic website and social media account. One of President Trump’s nominees sent several racist texts and bragged that, “I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time.” These incidents are all part of a disturbing trend that cannot be brushed off or ignored. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to unequivocally condemn this rise in antisemitism. We are proud that Colorado was recently recognized by the Anti-Defamation League for being a policy leader in combating antisemitism. We must continue this work, and we are committed to doing more to protect all communities in our state. We stand united against hate. Sincerely, Representative Emily Sirota Representative Steven Woodrow Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet Senator Matt Ball Senator Mike Weissman Speaker Julie McCluskie President James Coleman House Majority Leader Monica Duran Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter Senator Judy Amabile Senator Jeff Bridges Senator Jessie Danielson Senator Lindsey Daugherty Senator Tony Exum, Sr. Senator Julie Gonzales Senator Nick Hinrichsen Senator Cathy Kipp Senator Chris Kolker Senator Iman Jodeh Senator Janice Marchman Senator Kyle Mullica Senator Dylan Roberts Senator Marc Snyder Senator Tom Sullivan Senator Katie Wallace Senator Faith Winter Representative Shannon Bird Representative Kyle Brown Representative Sean Camacho Representative Michael Carter Representative Chad Clifford Representative Cecelia Espenoza Representative Lisa Feret Representative Meg Froelich Representative Lorena Garcia Representative Lindsay Gilchrist Representative Eliza Hamrick Representative Jamie Jackson Representative Junie Joseph Representative Sheila Lieder Representative Mandy Lindsay Representative William Lindstedt Representative Meghan Lukens Representative Javier Mabrey Representative Bob Marshall Representative Matthew Martinez Representative Tisha Mauro Representative Karen McCormick Representative Amy Paschal Representative Jacque Phillips Representative Manny Rutinel Representative Gretchen Rydin Representative Lesley Smith Representative Katie Stewart Representative Rebekah Stewart Representative Tammy Story Representative Brianna Titone Representative Elizabeth Velasco Representative Jenny Willford Representative Yara Zokaie Previous Next

< Back Elizabeth Velasco Majority Whip Representative Elizabeth Velasco represents House District 57 in western Colorado. She is the first Latina to represent this rural-resort part of the state. As a new American, she proudly joined the Colorado House of Representatives for the 2023 session. Rep. Velasco has worked in language access for over 10 years. She is a small business owner, running an interpreting and translation agency. She is a wildland firefighter and public information officer and worked in the services industry. She also worked in education as a paraprofessional and later on as an adjunct professor with Colorado Mountain College. Ongoing challenges faced by working families and lack of action from previous representatives in her community led her to run for office. Rep. Velasco intends to expand the electorate, deeply engage constituents in creating policy solutions, and prioritize community resiliency, water quality and access, protecting our natural resources in rural Colorado, and support for working families. She is the Co-Whip, serves as the Vice-Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee, Chair of the Wildfire Matters Interim Committee, and Co-Chair of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus. Rep. Velasco also serves on the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources and Appropriations committees.

Meet Your House Democrats We are the Colorado House Democrats. With a historically large and diverse majority, we represent communities from the Front Range and the San Luis Valley to rural towns in the high country and Southwest Colorado. Our members are teachers, veterinarians, business owners, law enforcement officers, veterans, engineers, lawyers, advocates, and more. Our top priority is to make Colorado more affordable and protect our hard-fought rights and freedoms. We love Colorado and believe in public education, clean air and water, access to parks and a safe and just society. From our littlest learners to working families and eldest Coloradans, we think everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive. We’ve governed responsibly through challenging times and delivered results that move Colorado forward. These landmark laws prevent gun violence, support small businesses, address climate change and lower the cost of health care, child care and housing. We bolstered renters’ rights to reduce evictions, provided two years of free college and boosted the incomes of hardworking families with new tax credits. Colorado House Democrats reflect the diversity of our communities and are the right people to lead our state, protect our Colorado Way of Life, and uphold our promises to future generations. Julie McCluskie Speaker of the House Learn More Matthew Martinez Majority Whip Learn More Shannon Bird Chair of JBC Learn More Bob Marshall Learn More Eliza Hamrick Learn More Javier Mabrey Chair of Judiciary Learn More Monica Duran Majority Leader Learn More Elizabeth Velasco Majority Whip Learn More Emily Sirota JBC Member Learn More Brianna Titone Learn More Gretchen Rydin Learn More Jennifer Bacon Assistant Majority Leader Learn More Mandy Lindsay Majority Caucus Co-Chair Learn More Alex Valdez Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee Learn More Cecelia Espenoza Learn More Jacque Phillips Learn More Andrew Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore Learn More Junie Joseph Majority Caucus Co-Chair Learn More Amy Paschal Learn More Chad Clifford Learn More Jamie Jackson Learn More 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3

< Back January 14, 2021 HOUSE GIVES INITIAL APPROVAL TO TIME-SENSITIVE BILLS DENVER, CO — The House today gave initial approval to legislation that would modify the COVID-19 relief program for small businesses, extend limitations on debt collection actions, and recreate the Occupational Therapy Practice Act. Final passage of the legislation in the House is expected tomorrow morning. SB21-001: Modify COVID-19 Relief Programs For Small Business. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Shane Sandridge, R-El Paso County, makes minor tweaks to the COVID-19 small and minority business relief program that was established in last year’s special session. The legislation will help small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, especially minority owned businesses, receive timely relief through the program. SB21-002: Extending Limitations on Debt Collection Actions. This bill, sponsored by Representative Herod, would extend the debt collection protections enacted last session through June 1of this year. Without action, these critical protections for consumers who are facing tremendous hardship due to COVID-19 will expire in two weeks with our nation still in the midst of a public health and economic crisis. SB21-003: Recreate Occupational Therapy Practice Act. This bill, sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz, D-Littleton, and Colin Larson, R-Ken Caryl recreates the Occupational Therapy Practice Act to allow continuity in occupational therapy regulations to ensure that these professionals have the tools and guidance they need to be successful and serve the community. Previous Next