< Back March 28, 2024 House Advances Budget to Support K-12 Schools, Hardworking Families 2024-25 state budget includes significant investments to fully fund K-12 education, boost funding for higher education, behavioral health care services, support for those with disabilities and Colorado’s state parks DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the FY 2024-2025 Long Appropriations Bill to invest in families, prepare our students for success, and build healthier communities across the state. “Our balanced budget provides historic K-12 public school funding of more than $525 million, importantly buys down the budget stabilization factor and addresses the most pressing needs of our communities,” said JBC Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “I’m proud that we are making higher education more affordable for middle-income students by capping tuition increases and ramping up financial aid support. This bipartisan budget will improve inpatient behavioral and mental health care outcomes and fund services and programs relied upon by community members with an intellectual or developmental disability. Together, we’re committed to helping more Coloradans have the opportunity they deserve to thrive.” “This is an exciting day for Colorado! We’re one step closer to meeting our commitment to our students with record levels of K-12 public school funding and increased support for early childhood education,” said JBC member Emily Sirota, D-Denver . "This budget fully funds special education for the first time, increases pay for health care and universal preschool providers, saves people money on housing, and bolsters critical services for people with disabilities. This budget puts families first and fosters a stronger state for everyone.” The state’s $40.6 billion budget is a 3.7-percent increase over last year’s budget. This budget, HB24-1430 , includes a total of $58.6 million to save people money on housing and boost education and workforce efforts. Preparing Students for Success Fully Funding Colorado’s K-12 Schools: After years of responsible budgeting and planning, this year’s Long Bill eliminates the Budget Stabilization Factor (BSF), which has restricted funding for Colorado's K-12 public education funding for more than a decade. As outlined in the 2024-25 Long Bill, the total funding for public schools will increase by more than $500 million, including an increase in per-pupil funding by $736 per student, bringing the total per-pupil amount to $11,406 - the largest in state history. Final action on per pupil funding, and total program funding will come later in the session through the annual School Finance Act . Fully Funding Special Education for the First Time: To make it easier for every learner to succeed, this budget increases special education funding for students with disabilities by 10.2-percent or $34.7 million. This brings the state’s total investment in special education funding for students with disabilities to $375.5 million. Supporting English Language Learners and New Arrival Students: This budget outlines an increase in funding of 10.6-percent or $3.3 million to help our students become proficient in the English language. Additionally, to help our school districts across the state support and meet the needs of the influx of new students, this budget includes an appropriation of $24.0 million from the State Education Fund to be distributed directly to schools as quickly as possible ( HB24-1389 ). Providing Mental Health Resources for Students: To help our learners succeed and access the mental and behavioral health services they need, this budget creates the School-Based Mental Health Support Program. This $2.5 million program will help our students enhance their social, emotional or behavioral well-being and support students going through adjustment periods ( HB24-1406 ). Supporting At-Risk Students: To create pathways for each and every student to succeed in school, this budget allocates $1.16 million more for at-risk students to better support those with a higher probability of not graduating K-12 schooling. Capping Tuition Hikes, Boosting Funding for Higher Education, Supporting College Students: This budget caps tuition hikes at 3-percent for in-state students and 4-percent for non-resident students. The budget also boosts funding by $114.3 million to help our higher education institutions streamline services and operational support. Additionally, this budget sets aside $26.6 million in the General Fund for aligned financial aid support and $1.67 million in funding to provide assistance to students experiencing homelessness during high school. Students can use this funding to assist with housing, tuition, fees and textbooks ( HB24-1403 ). Support for Early Childhood and Families Supporting Universal Preschool: Universal preschool (UPK) has saved families thousands of dollars and helped prepare our youngest learners for success. This year’s budget includes an increase of $65.5 million toward the UPK program, specifically for provider payments, quality improvement initiatives and improvements to the online application process. Increasing Funding for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program: To help our families find child care options in their budget, this legislation includes a $21.1 million increase toward the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program which connects low-income families to child care options. Boosting Pay for Early Childhood Professionals: This budget includes a 2-percent increase ($4.9 million) to community providers including early childhood mental health service providers, social workers, family resource centers staff and early childhood educators. New, In-Home Support for New Mothers: To provide all-around services to our state’s new mothers, this budget includes a $2.8 million increase to support a universal home visiting pilot program which will offer comprehensive in-home evaluations and supportive follow-up visits to new mothers and infants. Funding will support births at certain hospitals in ten counties including Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Eagle, Garfield, Jefferson, Pitkin, Summit, Weld, and Mesa counties. Streamlining the Child Lead Testing Program: Everyone deserves clean water to drink. To help combat and prevent childhood lead poisoning across the state, the budget invests $1.2 million for testing and outreach to alert families to specific hazards. Creating Healthier, Stronger Communities Boosting Pay for Health Care Providers: This budget outlines a 2-percent across the board community provider rate increase and $198 million for targeted provider rate increases following recommendations from the Medicaid Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee (MPRRAC). This applies to Medicaid providers, preschool and childcare providers, social services providers, independent living centers, local public health agencies, services in the Department of Corrections, and other private and nonprofit organizations that provide various services. Improving Colorado’s Competency Process: To help improve Colorado’s competency process, this budget allocates $68.2 million to maintain and increase existing resources for inpatient competency restoration services. This funding will be used to address staffing needs and provide additional support. Increasing Funding for Nutrition Assistance: The budget includes a $16.9 million investment to meet the increased demand for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), so Coloradans can access and purchase healthy foods. The budget invests a further $3M in food banks and local food pantries to reduce food insecurity ( HB24-1407 ). Maintaining Strong Public Health Infrastructure: To help us maintain the strong state public health operations Colorado developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget includes a $11 million investment in Local Public Health Agencies to help them continue to support our communities. The budget also includes a $5.6 million investment to maintain the strong state operations in the Division of Disease Control and Public Health to combat existing and new public health threats. Supporting People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD): To reduce the growing waitlist for services and ensure our neighbors with IDD can receive the support and services they need when they need it, this budget increases IDD support by $5.6 million. This funding will be directed toward an additional 129 treatment placements for residential Adult Comprehensive Services. Boosting Grant Resources for Coloradans with a Disability : To ensure our neighbors with a disability have the support they need, this budget outlines a $5.1 million increase to help fund grants operated by the Laura Hershey Disability Support Act which provides education, direct assistance, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Protecting Critical Health Care Services: Funding for Popular I Matter Program: The successful I Matter program provides free therapy sessions to our youth under 18-years and younger. The budget includes $6 million to keep this program going. Medicaid Support: To ensure that those who need Medicaid coverage can receive it, the budget includes $21.7 million to support and provide additional flexibility in eligibility determinations associated with the end of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirements during the federal public health emergency. Support for Children and Youth in the Foster Care System: $15.3 million to help our youth in the foster care system with complex behavioral health care needs get the treatment and services they need to succeed. Health Centers for Uninsured Coloradans: $13 million to support Federally Qualified Health Centers and other primary care providers where at least 50-percent of the patients served are uninsured or medically indigent. Develop the Office of the Children’s Behavioral Health Statewide System of Care: To create a continuum of care for our youth, this budget sets aside $2.1 million to create a new program within the Behavioral Health Administration to develop and implement a comprehensive children’s behavioral health care system. Increasing Veteran Support: To support those who’ve served our nation, the budget includes a $500,000 increase to the Veterans Assistance Grant Program which improves social, health and community services to Colorado’s veteran population. Boosting Support for New Americans: The budget includes more than $119,000 to expand the Office of New Americans which will help manage grants, coordinate with other entities, and identify opportunities for new migrant career pathway enhancements. Safer Communities Boosting Staffing for Public Defenders: To help Colorado’s public defenders meet the needs of our criminal justice system and reduce caseloads, this budget outlines $11.5 million and a 9-percent increase year-over-year to fund 50 new attorneys, 42 support staff, and 11 social workers. Combatting Auto Theft and Other Crime Prevention: To help keep our communities safer, the budget outlines a $8 million increase in funding toward grants to reduce and prevent auto theft. The budget also includes $1.1 million for state forensic resources vital to auto theft cases and $3 million for local crime prevention grants under the Multidisciplinary Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention program ( HB24-1421 ). Crime Victim Services Funding: Those involved in domestic violence situations or other life-altering crimes often need support. This budget invests $4 million in the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund to support victims of crime, their families and children ( HB24-1420 ). Improving Emergency Response: To help our first responders reach those in need, this budget includes a $1.2 million investment to prove the Colorado Team Awareness Kit (COTAK). This mobile app will allow first responders to track and map their locations and improve the coordination of emergency response. Enhancing Security at Non-Profits: Nonprofits, such as synagogues and mosques, are facing an increase in threats. This budget includes an increase of more than $906,000 to the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help them ramp up physical security at their buildings. Investments for Parks, Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation, Water Resources and Environment Strengthening Underfunded Parks & Wildlife Operations: To protect, maintain and make our state’s most awe-inspiring public parks more accessible this budget includes a $5.7 million investment to fund 45 new staff positions to strengthen several Division of Parks and Wildlife operations, including wildlife management, species conservation, fish hatchery operations, counter-poaching efforts, and the maintenance, management, and services necessary to serve the growing number of visitors to Colorado state parks. Spearheading Environmental Justice for Impacted Communities: To improve health outcomes for communities disproportionately impacted by pollution, the budget allocates $2.8 million in funding to create the Office of Health Equity and Environmental Justice. Protecting Water Rights & Resources: To protect our valuable freshwater resources, this bill includes more than $237,000 to monitor and address national or regional developments that may affect our water supply. The goal is to defend Colorado’s water rights as well as conserve and preserve our water resources. ### Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2022 COLORADO ELECTION SECURITY ACT MOVES FORWARD Republicans on the committee vote to oppose bipartisan, common-sense measures to protect Colorado elections from insider threats DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s elections by a vote of 7-4. “Colorado has the gold standard for elections and leads the way nationally when it comes to voter access and holding fair and secure elections,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “This common sense legislation would hold people accountable when they break the law and tamper with our election equipment and would bar anyone convicted of election crimes from serving as an election official. These bipartisan reforms will stop insider threats and defend our democracy from ‘Big Lie’ conspiracy theorists who have used their positions to jeopardize our election security.” “I am disappointed that my Republican colleagues opposed the bipartisan Colorado Election Security Act,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, chair of the House State, Civic, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. “By voting against this bill, Republican lawmakers are standing on the side of election deniers and extremists rather than supporting common sense protections against actions that jeopardize our elections and undermine our democracy.” SB22-153, the Colorado Election Security Act, will improve election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government. SB22-153 also prohibits election officials or candidates from physically tampering with voting equipment, and from having access to or being present in a room with voting equipment without being accompanied by one or more persons with authorized access. The Colorado Election Security Act further seeks to secure Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizes anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice. The bill also prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code. Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2023 Bill to Prevent Youth Crime Advances in the House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to increase the prosecution age of children to improve public safety and prevent future crimes and victims. “I’ve spent my professional career working closely with kids and their families to help them navigate the traumatic experiences that often lead to contact with our criminal justice system,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “I’ve seen unstable living environments, abuse, mental health struggles, poverty, and many other factors that impact childhood development. Research and data show that the strategies in this bill prevent crime and keep our children safe. If we want to improve public safety, we need to set kids up for success by connecting them to services that address their underlying needs to prevent future crimes from occurring.” “The decade I served as a law enforcement officer taught me that too many people who end up in a cycle of incarceration are first arrested at a very young age,” said Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud.” “We must start passing policy that prevents this cycle, and the victimization that stems from it, in the first place. There are hundreds of statutes on the books to charge someone after they commit a crime but not enough to protect our loved ones from being victimized in the first place. This bill makes our communities safer by getting young kids the evidence-based interventions they need that have been proven to reduce crime.” Current Colorado law permits kids as young as 10-years-old to be prosecuted for a crime and detained in the juvenile justice system, introducing them at a young age to what can become a long-term cycle of incarceration. HB23-1249 , also sponsored by Republican Representative Ryan Armagost, would prohibit kids from 10 to 12-years-old from being prosecuted or detained for crimes beginning in July 2024, with exceptions for the most serious crimes. Instead, these kids would be referred to local collaborative management programs to receive services like behavioral health treatment and other community-based programs to address the root causes that lead to criminal activity. This bill does not make any changes to victims services, and victims would still be notified of and able to provide input on the plan to rehabilitate the child. They may also be eligible to receive financial compensation. Starting September 1, 2023, every Colorado county would be required to establish collaborative management programs to provide services to 10 to 12-year-olds instead of detaining them in the criminal justice system. These individualized programs must review all referrals, create a plan for the child and family, and refer the child to relevant services accordingly. Victims have the right to be informed and provide input to the plan. In developing services to support the victims, the Department of Human Services shall consult with the Department of Public Safety and representatives from community based organizations. Additionally, a juvenile referred for an action that would be considered felony sexual assault or unlawful sexual conduct if committed by an adult must receive a sex offender evaluation. Previous Next

SB23-105 will further prevent wage discrimination in Colorado < Back June 6, 2023 SIGNED! Legislation to Strengthen Equal Pay for Equal Work Act Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law a bill that will strengthen Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. SB23-105 , sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, strengthens existing law by requiring the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to order compliance when an employer is found to be practicing wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive and the resources and staffing to back it up. “Nobody should be paid less than their peers for doing the same work - but for too many women in Colorado that is still the case,” Danielson said. “We fought to address this inequity through the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, and this measure will build on that success. SB 105 is a concrete step to address the wage gap between men and women, and I am excited to see this bill get signed into law.” “If men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same, but this isn’t the reality for all women living in Colorado,” said Gonzales-Gutierrez. “This law strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, further breaking down wage barriers and helping women succeed in their careers. Despite Colorado’s progress, we’re still fighting to achieve pay equity. This law plays a major role in closing the wage gap, ultimately uplifting women and supporting families.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act has made great strides toward ensuring that every Coloradan is paid equally for their labor,” Buckner said. “But unfortunately we are still seeing women earn less than men for doing the exact same job. It’s unacceptable. By requiring the state to investigate and take action when wage discrimination complaints are filed, we can better ensure that every Colorado worker receives the equal pay they’re entitled to.” “By strengthening Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, we’re doubling down on our commitment to closing the wage gap,” said Bacon. “Women are still earning less than men for doing the same job. This law combats wage discrimination and sets women on track to advocate for better, fairer wages. When women earn fair wages, communities are strengthened, families are supported, and our economy grows.” Additionally, SB23-105 increases the amount of back pay that can be recovered in confirmed instances of wage discrimination. The bill also requires employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings and career advancement avenues to further promote workplace fairness. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2022 VOTE WITHOUT FEAR ACT ADVANCES DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Representatives Tom Sullivan and Jennifer Bacon to prevent armed voter intimidation at polling locations advanced in the House today on Second Reading. “Armed intimidation at voting locations is a threat to our democracy,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “The Vote Without Fear Act is common-sense legislation to protect voters against armed intimidation when they cast their ballot. We’ve seen cases of firearms being used to intimidate voters in Colorado; this cannot continue. The Vote Without Fear Act will protect access to the ballot and ensure every Coloradan can exercise their right to vote safely, fairly and freely.” “The Vote Without Fear Act protects voters and election workers from armed intimidation at polling places,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Firearms being used to intimidate voters, especially voters of color and poll workers, is nothing new in this county, but we need to stop the threats towards those exercising their fundamental right to cast their vote. We’re serious about protecting our democracy, and that means prohibiting armed voter intimidation at polling places.” HB22-1086 which passed the House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee by a vote of 7-4, protects the right to vote by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling places. Incidents of armed voter intimidation are rising across the country, and there have been several well-publicized situations where armed individuals have attempted to dissuade people from voting. These incidents have not just been targeted at voters, but also have attempted to intimidate nonpartisan election officials from doing their jobs. The legislation advanced today would extend protections that already exist for settings such as government buildings and legislative hearings to polling places, as well. Last year in Littleton, two men, one of whom was armed, filmed people dropping off their ballots, leading some voters to feel unsafe. Similar laws to prohibit the open carry of firearms at polling places have been adopted in Michigan in an effort to protect voters from armed intimidation. Previous Next

On July 1, 2024, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile and Senator Dylan Roberts goes into effect to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. < Back June 27, 2024 Amabile, Roberts Suicide Prevention Bill Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO - On July 1, 2024, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile and Senator Dylan Roberts goes into effect to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. “Colorado is in a mental health crisis, and the growing frequency of suicide by sodium nitrite products indicates that these products are too easily accessible,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Some private online sellers are marketing concentrated sodium nitrite products as a way to complete suicide, profiting off of the mental health struggles of our loved ones and neighbors. This new law brings much-needed regulation to these products so we can keep it out of the hands of people most vulnerable to it and instead, focus on getting them help.” “Colorado tragically has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, with a particularly alarming high number of suicide deaths among Colorado’s youth,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Denver. “In recent years, we have seen a disturbing trend where people struggling with suicidal ideation and seeking help online are winding up in a web-based wasteland that offers advice on “how to” take one’s own life. This new law will restrict the availability of the extremely potent sodium nitrite chemical and appropriately highlight its lethality so that we can restrict this means of suicide and save lives.” Sodium nitrite “suicide kits” are easily accessible online and have been reported to be used by Colorado residents, especially youth, in recent years. Websites that sell these kits often have step-by-step instructions on how to use sodium nitrite to complete suicide. HB24-1081 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, and Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, prohibits the sale or transfer of products containing 10 percent or greater sodium nitrite to individuals. It can still be sold to businesses, though sellers will now be required to verify that businesses require the product before a transaction can be made, and records of sales or transfers must be kept for three years. Violators will see $10,000 in civil penalties for a first violation, with up to $1 million for a second violation. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2019 BILL TO ASK VOTERS TO RAISE TOBACCO TAX AND PUT FUNDING TOWARD EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE PASSES COMMITTEE Nicotine smoking costs the state $1.89 billion annually in health care costs (Apr. 26) – The House Finance committee approved Rep. Yadira Caraveo’s bill that would give voters the choice to raise taxes on tobacco products, including a new tax on liquid nicotine used for vaping. There is currently no tax on liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes. If approved by voters, the referred measure would raise more than $300 million, half of which would go toward early childhood education and half to health care. “Colorado values the health of all our children but sadly we rank first in the country for teen vaping. As a pediatrician, I understand the negative consequences nicotine has on brain development and the health of our young people,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “This measure will help decrease smoking and increase funding for early childhood education and health care.” Rep. Caraveo is the only medical doctor in the legislature. Numerous economic studies in peer-reviewed journals have documented that cigarette tax or price increases reduce both adult and underage smoking. In Colorado, 33 percent of students use tobacco products and 26 percent of high school students use e-cigarettes, which is twice the national average for teen vaping. One vaping cartridge contains the nicotine of a pack of cigarettes. Colorado’s current tobacco tax rate on cigarettes is one of the lowest rates in the country. The average state tobacco tax is $1.79 a pack. Colorado’s tax today is 84 cents a pack. HB19-1333 passed by a vote of 6-5. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

Legislation would limit insurer-required prior authorization, improve health care transparency and remove barriers to accessing care < Back February 21, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Health Care Access Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation to streamline access to health care. HB24-1149, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird, would modify requirements for prior authorization of certain procedures and prescription drugs so Coloradans can receive the care they need. “We need to remove unnecessary barriers to accessing health care, and this legislation eases prior authorization requirements so Coloradans can receive the care they need faster,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “We know prior authorization requirements can cause delays in care, and this bill would modify some requirements and alert prescribers about medication preferred by patients ahead of time. This bipartisan legislation would also improve health insurer transparency so patients have a better understanding of what certain health care insurers cover and what they do not.” HB24-1149 , also sponsored by Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, passed by a vote of 10-2. It would improve Colorado’s prior authorization requirements to streamline health care services, procedures and prescription drugs for patients. Due to health care insurer requirements surrounding prior authorization, 94-percent of physicians report care delays because of prior authorizations. This also leads to an overall increase in treatment abandonment by patients. This bill would help improve access to care by eliminating repeated prior authorizations for some patients, extending prior authorizations up to one year or the course of treatment and protecting patients from denials for approved care. To help improve consumer transparency, the bill also requires carriers, private utilization review organizations, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to: Publicly disclose information online about current prior authorization requirements including data on request determinations, exemptions, approvals, denials and prescription drug formularies Annually review and eliminate prior authorization requirements for services and drugs that are commonly approved Adopt a standard template to help patients understand their benefits Additionally, this bill would also streamline care by alerting prescribers about what preferred medications are covered, including the specific prior authorization criteria. The goal of HB24-1149 is to reduce barriers to accessing health care by reducing the prior authorization requirements, especially for patients seeking medication or treatment they have already been prescribed. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2019 DEMOCRATS DELIVER BIPARTISAN SOLUTIONS TO HELP LOWER COST OF HEALTH CARE Gov signs McCluskie, Roberts health care bills into law (May 17) – Gov. Polis signed bills sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, into law today in Silverthorne and Vail. House Democrats are committed to lowering the cost of health care for hardworking families and these bills help deliver on that promise. First up was the bipartisan HB19-1168, State Innovation Waiver Reinsurance Program law which will help reduce insurance premiums on the individual market by 15-30 percent by helping insurers with high-cost insurance claims, providing much-needed relief to hardworking Coloradans across the state–many of whom are paying up to a third of their income on monthly premiums. Coloradans on the individual market are struggling to keep up with the out-of-control costs of health care, particularly in rural areas of the state. By establishing a reinsurance program Colorado can stabilize the individual marketplace, increase health insurance participation and share the risks more broadly. Colorado, particularly on the Western Slope, has some of the highest health insurance costs in the country forcing families and individuals to forgo health insurance coverage and putting them at major risk of medical debt if emergencies arise. “We put a great deal of effort into building a reinsurance program that will work for Coloradans. I am thrilled to see it be signed into law so working people can start to save money on health care. Reinsurance is a proven concept that will work to lower the cost of health insurance premiums, especially on the Western Slope,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “This new law will have a meaningful reduction in health insurance rates on the individual market across the state. We don’t have any more time to waste. People are deciding between paying their mortgage and their health insurance right now.” Rep. McCluskie introduced the bipartisan bill in the House with Rep. Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction. Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Sen. Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, are the Senate sponsors. Gov. Polis then signed Rep. Dylan Roberts’ bipartisan HB19-1004. This new law will start developing a publicly supported health insurance option to help put affordable health insurance in reach for many hardworking families across our state. The public option will leverage the efficiencies of our current state infrastructure for greater savings, and will have a goal of becoming available for purchase by Coloradans as soon as the fall of 2020. “The cost of health insurance continues to rise to unaffordable levels, especially in rural Colorado. This new law is a smart approach that will bring competition to the marketplace to help lower the cost of health care,” said Rep. Roberts. “No one should be forced to sacrifice the security of health insurance for themselves and their family based on costs. Everyone deserves choice when they are buying insurance and that is what this law will bring. This bipartisan effort is a Colorado solution that was carefully crafted in a responsible way to create a new, affordable health insurance option in our state.” Earlier in the day, the Gov. signed SB19-004, a bill sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep. McCluskie. This new law focuses on healthcare cooperatives, which aim to lower healthcare costs by encouraging consumers to negotiate rates on a collective basis directly with providers and offer plans to individuals, businesses, and other groups that are more affordable than what currently exists on the market. The law will strengthen Colorado’s laws to allow coops to incorporate consumer protections like coverage for preexisting conditions, and will allow the State Insurance Commissioner to work with groups seeking to create co-ops so that they can get up and running as soon as possible. “The formation of health insurance co-ops across our state where Coloradans collectively negotiate rates directly with providers will help drive down the cost of health care,” said Rep. Roberts. “This new law will authorize the formation of these co-ops which could result in plans that are significantly cheaper than those available today.” “Without any action on the federal level to the health care crisis, Colorado communities are finding creative, innovative approaches to making health care more accessible,” Rep. McCluskie said when the bill passed the House this April. “This bipartisan bill will help provide solutions to the complicated health care challenges hardworking families face everyday.” Sen. Kerry Donovan and Sen. Rankin are the Senate co-prime sponsors of the law. Previous Next

< Back March 31, 2022 STATE BUDGET INVESTS IN K-12 EDUCATION, SAVES COLORADANS MONEY Budget increases per pupil funding by nearly $570 per student, improves air quality, increases public safety and expands health insurance for children and pregnant women DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the FY 2022-2023 Long Appropriations Bill, which will save Coloradans money and make transformational investments in K-12 education, higher education, and air quality improvements. “This budget moves Colorado forward with record investments in K-12 public schools that will direct significant resources to our classrooms and prepare our students for success,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “As pandemic-induced inflation burdens families across the state, we are going to save people and businesses money by reducing fees and addressing rising property taxes. I’m proud of this balanced budget, which boosts funding for public safety to prevent crime and increases air quality efforts to foster healthier communities.” “We’re boosting funding for public schools, air quality monitoring, and proven crime prevention strategies, which will make our communities safer and set up our students to thrive,” said JBC member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This budget will help close equity gaps to improve educational outcomes for Black and Brown students, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive. We’re delivering a responsible budget that will improve the health for children and pregnant women, save families money and move our state forward.” Preparing Students for Success Improving Public Schools: The budget increases funding for education by nearly $200 million, reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor to $321 million–the lowest it’s been since it was created. This record investment in K-12 education will increase funding for public schools and put more resources into classrooms. This responsible approach will direct record levels of support to public schools and ensure this increase is sustainable. Statewide, schools will receive on average $569 more per student next year, which is over $14,000 for a classroom of 25 students. Schools can use these additional resources to reduce classroom sizes, increase teacher pay, provide individualized support to help students learn, and ensure that students have what they need to thrive. Saving Students Money on Higher Education: This budget supports our institutions of higher education amidst rising costs and the challenges of the pandemic. As tuition rises across the country, the budget saves students money by investing state dollars to keep tuition down. With an investment of $129 million, we are boosting financial aid and tuition assistance to save Colorado students and families money on their degrees. Expanding Early Childhood Education: Universal preschool and expanded access to early childhood education will save parents thousands of dollars a year. The budget invests $6.5 million to fund the new department of early childhood to bring Colorado one step closer to offering universal preschool next year. Fort Lewis, Aims, Colorado Mountain College: The budget funds discounted tuition for Coloradans living near Fort Lewis, Aims and Colorado Mountain Colleges. The budget increases funding for these institutions by over $2.5 million. Saving Coloradans Money Reducing Fees: The budget sets aside $157 million to reduce fees for businesses, as well as licensing fees for frontline workers including nurses, mental health professionals and teachers. Boosting Rural Economies: The budget provides $10 million for economic development in rural communities by leveraging federal dollars. Providing Property Tax Relief: The budget includes funding to save Coloradans money on their property taxes. Democrats have made it a goal this session to save people money, and with property values rising, we’re looking at an effort to save people money on property taxes. Boosting Funding for Public Safety Improving Investigations: The budget boosts the capabilities of the Colorado Bureau of Investigations to support local law enforcement departments in solving and preventing crimes. The budget implements a multi-year effort to increase the department's funding to $15.3 million, including a nearly $6.8 million increase next year. This funding will go toward additional investigators, supervisors and forensic scientists to boost forensic labs, crime scene processing, and support to local law enforcement agencies. Funding for Public Safety Legislation: The budget puts aside funding for legislation that will prevent crime and reduce recidivism. The bipartisan bills direct resources to support local law enforcement initiatives to recruit, train and retain a high quality, diverse law enforcement workforce through strategies such as tuition support, workforce mobility, enhanced curriculum, training, and mental health services. The public safety package also includes resources to improve school safety, reduce recidivism, prevent bias-motivated crimes and expand effective strategies like co-responder models and violence interrupter programs. Protecting EMS and 9-1-1 Response Services: Counties in rural Colorado are at risk of losing EMS response services, while 9-1-1 operators across that state are feeling increased pressures and demands. This budget significantly increases funding by $7 million for EMS providers and increases staffing at 9-1-1 dispatchers to retain and recruit the staff they need to respond to community emergencies. A Healthier Colorado: Expanding Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: The budget increases funding for home and community based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by $58.5 million. Boosting Children's Health: The budget increases funding for the Child Health Plan by $29.8 million, including an increase of $7.9 million for children and pregnant women enrolled in the program. Increasing funding for Behavioral Health: In addition to the $450 million behavioral health package moving through the legislature as a result of the bipartisan interim ARPA task force, the budget invests $54 million in behavioral health community programs. This funding provides for mental health and substance use disorder care for eligible Medicaid clients. Improving Air Quality: The budget includes an increase of $43.4 million to improve Colorado’s air quality. Of this amount, $17.9 million will be used to increase air quality monitoring, establish an electric lawn equipment rebate program for public entities, and replace old monitoring equipment. Additional Highlights Ensuring a Responsible Budget Reserve: The budget sets aside a record reserve to protect Colorado from future changes to the budget forecast. This budget ensures responsible savings so Colorado will be protected from possible drastic changes to the economy. Saving responsibly to guard against future downturns and pre-paying for some key priorities protects the progress Colorado has made rebounding from COVID. Investing in Capital Construction: The budget makes impressive investments in updates, expansions, or additions to facilities at public buildings and colleges and universities across the state. This includes improvements to the National Western Center at CSU, the agricultural facilities at the State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, the health sciences building at Pueblo Community College, Brendt Hall and the FLC Health Sciences Center at Fort Lewis, the Bowman Building at Lamar Community College, and library renovations at Trinidad State College. Improving State Parks, Opening Sweetwater Lake: The budget boosts funding to support Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry and conservation, a key economic driver and job creator for the state and a core part of Coloradans’ quality of life. The budget includes a nearly $6 million increase for state park operations and wildlife conservation to open new trails, hire additional game wardens to assist park visitors and preserve Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. It also includes funding to help open the state’s newest park, Sweetwater Lake, in Western Colorado. Investing in Transportation and Infrastructure : The initial funding from last year’s transformational investment in Colorado’s transportation system to save people money on their vehicle repairs is starting to flow to projects. The budget directs nearly $50 million in funding generated through SB21-260 to get critical road maintenance projects under way to reduce traffic and improve Colorado’s competitiveness with neighboring states, as well as to make much-needed investments in multimodal and clean energy transportation options to modernize Colorado’s state’s transportation system. Previous Next

The Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee (COYAC) today approved legislation to reduce food waste in schools and promote environmental justice. < Back October 1, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee Advances Legislation to Reduce Food Waste and Promote Environmental Justice DENVER, CO – The Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee (COYAC) today approved legislation to reduce food waste in schools and promote environmental justice. Bill 5 , sponsored by Chair Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, Vice Chair Steph Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would encourage school districts and charter schools to adopt policies aimed at reducing food waste in school cafeterias such as composting and “share tables,” where whole food or beverage items that students choose not to consume may be redistributed to others. Food “share tables” are still required to follow all sanitation and health requirements and cannot be brought from home. Schools are encouraged to seek technical assistance and grant funding for these policies from the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise. “It is always a joy to partner with the bright, young members of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council and develop policies on the issues that matter most to them,” said Marchman, sponsor of Bills 4, 5 and 6. “This year, I am proud to sponsor legislation to improve health literacy for Colorado’s youth, reduce food waste in schools, and incorporate youth voices on the state’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board. I look forward to continuing to partner with COYAC members next session as we introduce these policies and work hard to see them become law.” “Colorado youth are engaging in the legislative process, and it has been an honor to work closely with them to develop policy that will have a deep impact on their daily lives and futures,” said Vigil, sponsor of Bills 4, 5 and 6. “Our youth are our future, and they deserve to have their concerns and input taken seriously. I’m proud to be their advocate at the Colorado Capitol by advancing legislation to reduce food waste in our schools, boost our focus on environmental issues, and provide students with relevant health information.” “Colorado’s young leaders have once again brought forward impressive policy proposals that are the result of meticulous research and extensive community discussions,” said Winter, sponsor of Bills 4 and 6. “ These students are leading the way in saving our planet, both in environmental and health justice. I’m honored to help shepherd legislation to better incorporate youth voices in decision-making about the state’s environmental justice work, as well as legislation to improve health literacy in schools.” Bill 6 , sponsored by Marchman, Winter, and Vigil, would require two youth members to be appointed to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to serve a two year term with one youth voting member and one youth non-voting member who are between 14-21 years old. Additionally, the bill would charge the Colorado Energy Office with compiling guidance and developing best practices for the adoption of clean energy in schools, including the use of solar panels, and understanding how much money schools can save. The committee also advanced Bill 4 , sponsored by Marchman, Winter, and Vigil, which would improve access to educational health literacy materials for school districts. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills Previous Next

< Back June 28, 2021 SIGNED! $75M FOR BROADBAND DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed legislation that will invest $75 million of federal stimulus funds to increase access to broadband in Colorado. “Broadband has never before been more important for commerce, education and daily life, but too many Coloradans don’t have high speed internet,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Today, we are making a historic investment to bring broadband to communities, businesses, schools and homes across Colorado. This funding will boost businesses, create jobs, grow our economy and connect more Coloradans to broadband.” HB21-1289 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Mark Baisley, R-Roxborough Park, codifies the Colorado Broadband Office to help coordinate the planning of broadband deployment throughout the state and creates different grant programs to support infrastructure development. It provides $75M to increase internet access across Colorado through the deployment of devices, and the development of middle and last mile infrastructure to support services that have become a necessity during the pandemic, like telehealth. The bill specifically includes $20M for broadband deployment by the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Tribes. Previous Next