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< Back February 5, 2020 BILL TO ABOLISH COLUMBUS DAY MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO — Rep. Adrienne Benavidez’s bill to replace Columbus Day with another holiday was approved by the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today. As currently amended, the bill would abolish Columbus Day and replace it with a holiday celebrating Frances Xavier Cabrini on the first Monday in October in recognition of her service and dedication to the wellbeing of children and the Italian American community in Colorado and across the country. The bill passed 6-2. “The memory and legacy of Christopher Columbus are a painful reminder of injustice in the minds of indigenous people across our state,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez (D-Adams County). “Having a day set aside every year to celebrate the life of a rapist and known perpetrator of genocide is cruel and unacceptable. Coloradans deserve a holiday that celebrates someone who shares their values, and Frances Xavier Cabrini fits the bill perfectly.” “We cannot continue to present a revisionist and inaccurate version of history by celebrating Columbus and his ‘discovery’ of America,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy (D-Lakewood), who chairs the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. “Holidays in our state should celebrate individuals who contributed to the progress and wellbeing of our nation and its people — not genocidal colonialists. It is time to end the pain and suffering that this holiday causes and replace it with a holiday celebrating someone worthy of the honor.” As currently amended, HB20-1031 would establish Cabrini Day as a state holiday in place of Columbus Day in recognition of her humanitarian values and lifelong dedication to service, especially to the Italian American immigrant community, who faced untold discrimination and difficulty as they migrated to America. She worked tirelessly to support the Italian-American community in the United States, including through several projects in Colorado. In 1904, Cabrini established Denver’s Queen of Heaven Orphanage for girls. In 1910, she founded a summer camp for the orphanage’s residents in Golden, Colorado. Currently, a shrine stands in her honor in the original location of the summer camp in Golden. The shrine includes the “Stone House”, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills, sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran, to protect the health and safety of Colorado’s pets and wild horses. < Back May 22, 2025 SIGNED! Majority Leader Duran’s Bills to Support Pets and Protect Wild Horses DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills, sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran, to protect the health and safety of Colorado’s pets and wild horses. HB25-1180 prohibits anyone unlicensed from selling pets in public spaces with limited exceptions. HB25-1299 supports the care of animals during an unforeseen crisis or natural disaster. HB25-1207 , also sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey, ensures affordable housing developments have reasonable pet policies. HB25-1283 helps the state sustainably manage the wild horse population. “Pets offer unconditional love and companionship to so many Coloradans – I’m honored to sponsor these laws that will keep our pets safer and healthier,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HB25-1180, HB25-1299, HB25-1207 and HB25-1283. “These new laws fight back against unauthorized pet sales and boost funding for the state-run program that cares for animals and livestock during an emergency. Another important law I sponsored makes sure that no one, regardless of income or zip code, has to choose between their pet and stable housing. Lastly, we took concrete steps to sustainably and humanely manage the wild horse population for generations to come.” “Having a pet has numerous benefits, and no one should have to choose between their family and a stable place to live,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1207. “Denver has some of the highest rates of pet ownership, with at least one dog for every four people that live here. This new law requires affordable housing developments that receive state support to have reasonable pet policies that prevent owners from having to rehome their pet, breaking down barriers to safe housing and keeping families together.” HB25-1180 , also sponsored by Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, prohibits the sale or transfer of animals in any public spaces, such as parking lots, with limited exceptions. This law does not apply to livestock. HB25-1180 aims to regulate on illegitimate animal sales (such as illegitimate sellers selling puppies in parking lots) and ensure the health and safety of cats, dogs and other common household pets. HB25-1299 , also sponsored by Rep. Armagost, supports the care of animals and livestock during an emergency. This law boosts the Animal Protection Fund by creating a voluntary contribution on Colorado’s tax forms. This fund helps care for animals and livestock during a crisis, such as a natural disaster or wildfire. Beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1207 will prohibit housing developments that receive state dollars from denying tenants from owning up to two cats or dogs or prohibiting certain animals based on breed or weight restrictions. Under the law, affordable housing developments will not be eligible for funding from the Department of Local Affairs or tax credits from the Colorado Housing Finance Authority if they do not allow their tenants to own up to two cats or dogs. A recent study from Humane Colorado found that almost 40 percent of animals brought to animal shelters between 2022 and 2024 were due to restrictive pet policies in housing. HB25-1283 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, will help the state better manage the wild horse population. Specifically, this law establishes a new, diverse committee to aid the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) in population control, including exploring long-term solutions like a wild horse sanctuary, for wild horses. The bill also authorizes CDA to provide immunocontraception programs to manage populations. A 2023 law, also sponsored by Majroity Leader Duran established a working group that outlined recommendations for managing herds of wild horses while considering the viewpoints of various stakeholders, including public land managers, ranchers and animal advocates. This law extends the wild horse management program and permanently implements the working group’s recommendations by focusing on population control and supporting on-range stewardship to ensure the sustainability of wild horses. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Mike Weissman on a preliminary vote to improve court procedures and victim protections for domestic violence cases in municipal courts. < Back April 20, 2023 Improvements to Domestic Violence Cases, Access to Resources Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Mike Weissman on a preliminary vote to improve court procedures and victim protections for domestic violence cases in municipal courts. “As a survivor of domestic violence, I know how imperative it is to have comprehensive protections for victims while they seek accountability in court,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Our current law doesn’t hold county and municipal courts to the same standards for domestic violence cases and doesn’t require them to share case information between one another, letting past criminal activity fall through the cracks when considering the threat that an abuser poses to the victim and the community. By improving the way that municipal courts handle domestic violence cases, Coloradans will have equal protections and services under the law, no matter where they live.” “Municipal courts have jurisdiction over domestic violence cases in several large Front Range cities, but they aren’t required by law to have the same procedural requirements or Victims Rights Amendment protections as county courts do," said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “That means that over 1.5 million Coloradans aren't guaranteed the protections for domestic violence survivors that we’ve deemed necessary to keep victims safe and assist their recovery. This legislation would require municipal courts to provide the same victim protections and apply equivalent sentencing requirements as county courts to ensure that Coloradans receive equal treatment for domestic violence cases.” HB23-1222 would create new requirements for municipal courts for domestic violence cases. These requirements include that: Victims, victims’ families, and witnesses of a domestic violence violation will receive protections and rights under the “Victim Rights Act”, Sentencing, probation, and release on bond for a violation must be consistent with state law, Guidelines and standards are consistent with those adopted by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board, and The prosecuting attorney that originally meets with the victim should make an effort to stay on the case throughout the proceeding. If there is a domestic violence violation, municipal courts would be required to issue a protection order, report the violation to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and search the CBI and National Crime Information Center System databases to identify potential past domestic violence violations. The Department of Public Safety would report the total number of reports and inquiries submitted to the CBI, the Colorado Crime Information Center database, and the National Crime Information Center database during the annual SMART Act hearing so the General Assembly can determine if further action can be taken to improve how domestic violence cases are handled. The Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board (board) reported that there were 91 fatalities due to domestic violence in 2021, the highest the state has seen since the board was founded in 2017. By improving how municipal courts handle domestic violence cases and ensuring victims are afforded protections by the Victims Rights Act, Colorado can reduce and prevent domestic violence. Previous Next

< Back April 9, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILL TO INCLUDE BREAST EXAMS IN HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE (Apr. 9) — The House Health and Insurance committee passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that would require women’s preventative health, which is already mandated under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to include follow-up diagnostic procedures for women with increased risk factors for contracting breast cancer without any additional costs or co-pays by the patient. “We already know that early detection is key to both saving women’s lives and also lowering health insurance costs,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “We need to provide coverage for women on these exams so they no longer have to decide between the cost of their screening and the cost of their life. We are giving people the option to act instead of having to react.” HB19-1301 would require health insurance to cover any breast imaging performed after a breast cancer screening study comes back and requires additional testing within the same calendar year. This can be based on factors including a high lifetime risk or an individual’s healthcare provider indicating that further imaging is necessary. “When women are given the resources to detect early signs of breast cancer, this will in turn save lives of the patients and save health insurance companies money,” said Rep. Buckner. “Patients can take the proper steps to get healthy and avoid costly procedures to treat their cancer.” The 2010 ACA defined benefits for individually purchased health insurance. It included covering one breast exam screening per year, but did not extend to covering a breast exam if further analysis or tests are needed. The bill passed the committee unanimously and the bill now heads to House floor. Previous Next

If Prop HH passes, Coloradans will receive a $661 TABOR rebate for single filers or $1,322 for joint filers, an increase for everyone making under $100,000 < Back May 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Property Tax Reduction Package Will Include Flat TABOR Rebates If Prop HH passes, Coloradans will receive a $661 TABOR rebate for single filers or $1,322 for joint filers, an increase for everyone making under $100,000 DENVER, CO - The House Appropriations Committee today passed a legislative package to lower property taxes for homeowners and businesses and create a flat TABOR refund mechanism that will increase refunds for Coloradans making under $100,000, while simultaneously protecting funding for critical community services. The package is sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Mike Weissman and Senators Stephen Fenberg, Chris Hansen, and Nick Hinrichsen. “Everyone deserves to benefit from lower property taxes. If Prop HH passes, Coloradans will all receive the same TABOR refund, putting more money back into the pockets of everyone making under $100,000 while saving homeowners over $1,000 on average on their property taxes,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of SB23-303 and HB23-1311. “While Colorado has some of the lowest residential property tax rates in the country, increases in home values will deeply impact homeowners and renters alike. With Prop HH, we’re proposing over $1 billion in savings for homeowners over the next two years and making TABOR refunds more equitable so middle and lower income Coloradans will see a larger refund.” “We’ve worked hard to provide Coloradans immediate property tax relief through Prop HH that will save families across our state more than a billion dollar each year - but not everyone owns property, which is why we’re working to get them relief, too,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “This proposal will make TABOR refunds more equitable and directly benefit Coloradans by getting them bigger refunds when they’re needed most.” “Property taxes fund vital community services, from K-12 schools and fire departments to water districts and child welfare,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-303 and HB23-1311. “Our property tax proposal will reduce taxes on homeowners, with the bulk of the savings going to people who own homes valued under $600,000, seniors on fixed incomes and veterans. As part of this proposal, Coloradans will receive the same flat TABOR refund they did last year, offering help to Coloradans who don’t own a home and who are facing significant rent increases.” “TABOR refunds should be equitable,” Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, said. “Flat TABOR refunds will ensure that hardworking Coloradans from all walks of life are supported fairly. We’re taking care of property owners through Prop HH, and this proposal will help give folks more financial freedom to fill up their tank, put food on the table, buy school supplies, and pay their bills.” SB23-303 creates a long-term solution to prevent growing home values from raising property taxes, and creates limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. Coloradans will vote on this package in November, and if approved these measures will provide sustainable, long-term reductions to property tax rates while delivering immediate savings on property taxes this year. Combined with property tax reductions the legislature previously enacted via SB22-238 , this proposal will cut the average homeowner’s tax increase in half, saving $1,264 on average over the next two years. In total, this package would provide between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually in property tax reductions for homeowners and businesses in Colorado. Other property tax reductions and protections proposed in this plan include: Reducing the residential assessment rate from 7.15 percent to 6.7 percent in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences. Incrementally reducing the business property assessment rate from 29 percent to at least 26.9 percent by 2032. Reducing the taxable value of residences by $40,000 in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences in future years. Capping the growth in district property tax collections excluding school districts at inflation and allowing local governments to override the cap after giving notice to property owners. Protecting funding for public education and backfilling revenue to fire districts, water districts, ambulance and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to backfill them. Providing seniors who currently receive the Homestead Exemption a larger reduction of $140,000 and allowing them to continue to receive this reduction if they move. If Colorado voters adopt Prop HH, HB23-1311 would require the TABOR surplus for FY 2022-2023 to be refunded equally to qualifying taxpayers. Without this legislation, the FY 2022-2023 TABOR refund would be refunded by the six-tier sales tax refund mechanism, giving lower earners smaller refunds than higher earners. If voters do not approve of Prop HH in the November 2023 election, the six-tier mechanism will be applied to TABOR refunds; single filers that make under $50,000 per year would receive a TABOR refund of $454, while single filers that make over $270,000 would receive a TABOR refund of $1,434. Under HB23-1311, Colorado taxpayers could expect to receive a refund of $661 for single filers, and $1,322 for joint filers. This will return more money to everyone making under $100,000 than under the current six tier refund mechanism. Final refund amounts will be determined based on updated revenue statistics. Further, after accounting for the portion of refunds that will backfill property tax reductions, Coloradans who make less than $100,000 can expect to see an increase in their TABOR refund if Prop HH passes. This legislation creates a more equitable TABOR refund mechanism for FY 2022-2023 and supports hardworking Coloradans better afford everyday necessities. SB23-303 passed House Appropriations by a vote of 7 to 4. HB23-1311 passed House Appropriations by a vote of 6 to 4. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2022 WILDFIRE MITIGATION, BACKCOUNTRY SEARCH AND RESCUE, AND WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS BILLS PASS HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to direct funding to local governments for wildfire mitigation efforts, extend whistleblower protections and improve backcountry search and rescue operations. “I’m proud that we took action today to help local governments better mitigate the risks of wildfire by providing $10 million in state matching funds for these critical efforts,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “With climate change causing increasingly devastating wildfires, it’s paramount that we take aggressive action. This program will ensure state and local government are working together to address the threat of wildfire and better leverage state funding.” “Local governments are on the frontlines of our state’s efforts to prevent and mitigate the risk of wildfires, which is why we are dedicating $10 million to local governments to incentivize them to establish dedicated wildfire mitigation funding,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This legislation will direct additional and badly needed resources to local governments to protect properties and lives.” Wildfire Mitigation Incentives For Local Governments: HB22-1011 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder, passed by a vote of 48-16 and would leverage local and private funds through a matching grant program to provide resources to local governments for forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts. By incentivizing local governments to identify dedicated long-term funding for wildfire mitigation, the bill makes smart investments to maximize state resources and encourage sustainable local and state funding for wildfire mitigation efforts. “Each year, we are seeing more and more tragic avalanche deaths and backcountry rescues, and I stand in awe of the brave men and women who work in these dangerous situations to save people’s lives,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The legislation we passed today will improve backcountry search and rescue operations and help ensure that these critical programs have the resources they need.” Backcountry Search and Rescue: SB22-168 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Perry Will, passed by a vote of 57-8. The bill will improve backcountry search and rescue operations in Colorado by moving these responsibilities to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife within the Department of Natural Resources and boosting funding by $1 million to support search and rescue efforts. The bill also establishes a sustainable funding stream for search and rescue efforts and makes the dependent of a person who died or was permanently disabled while conducting rescue efforts eligible for free tuition at state higher education institutions. “The whistleblower protections we created during the pandemic have allowed workers to raise critical concerns without the fear of retaliation,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “No one should ever be afraid to stand up for their health and safety or the health and safety of their colleagues. Today, the House continued these important protections to ensure that workers are aware of their rights and can continue to speak out when they need to.” “The legislation we passed today will protect workers from retaliation when they raise concerns about workplace health and safety,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “No one should be fired or retaliated against because they raised the alarm about dangerous conditions or unfair practices. Workers need these protections, and I’m proud we’re making them permanent in Colorado.” Whistleblower Protections: In 2020, the legislature passed legislation establishing protections for whistleblowers during a public health emergency. SB22-097 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, passed by a vote of 41 to 24. It would make these protections permanent. The bill protects workers in the public and private sectors by ensuring that all workers have the same protections, including the ability to raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards to their employer, other workers, the public or government agencies. The legislation also protects workers from retaliation, discrimination, or adverse action, allows workers to wear personal protective equipment while at work without fear of discrimination, and requires employers to notify employees of their rights. When employees do raise concerns, various remedy options are included under the bill including filing a claim with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) or bringing an action in court. The legislation also gives CDLE the authority to enforce and investigate claims. Previous Next

Today, Colorado Springs Democrats Senators Marc Snyder and Tony Exum, Sr. and Representatives Amy Paschal and Regina English released a statement following President Trump’s decision to relocate Space Command from Colorado Springs to Alabama: < Back September 2, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Springs Democrats Statement on Trump’s Decision to Relocate Space Command from Colorado to Alabama COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Today, Colorado Springs Democrats Senators Marc Snyder and Tony Exum, Sr. and Representatives Amy Paschal and Regina English released a statement following President Trump’s decision to relocate Space Command from Colorado Springs to Alabama: “We are deeply disappointed by President Trump’s decision to move Space Command out of Colorado and to Alabama. Colorado Springs is not only the nation’s premier hub for aerospace and defense, but also the home of the U.S. Air Force Academy, making it the clear and logical choice for Space Command’s permanent headquarters. Space Command drives Southern Colorado’s economy, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs and innovation in aerospace, research, and technology. Relocating it will harm Colorado’s economy, disrupt our nation’s defense readiness, and undermine an industry where Colorado is a recognized national leader.” Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would save older Coloradans money on their property taxes by making the senior homestead property tax exemption portable between primary residences. SB24-111, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Mary Young, passed by a vote of 11-0. < Back April 18, 2024 Bill to Save Older Coloradans Money, Make Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption Portable Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation that would save older Coloradans money on their property taxes by making the senior homestead property tax exemption portable between primary residences. SB24-111, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Mary Young, passed by a vote of 11-0. “Seniors typically live on a fixed income, making them especially vulnerable to property tax increases as they also juggle other rising costs,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “The Senior Homestead Exemption is a useful tool to help Colorado seniors save money on property taxes, but current law only allows these property tax exemptions for long-term primary residences. Our legislation would make this property tax exemption portable so seniors can apply it to their new residence, so they can make housing choices that work best for their well-being and open up housing opportunities for new families looking for larger homes.” “Aging Coloradans should be able to move without risking their housing security and losing eligibility for senior property tax exemptions,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Downsizing or moving into a single-level home is often necessary for seniors to accommodate their changing needs. This important legislation would allow Colorado seniors to continue to benefit from senior property tax exemptions if they move, saving them money while allowing them to choose housing that best fits their needs.” SB24-111 would create a new subclass of property called "qualified-senior primary residence real property" for an individual that has previously qualified for a senior homestead exemption but has moved to a new home. For this new subclass of property—qualified-senior primary residence real property—the bill sets the assessed value of the property as the actual value minus 50 percent of the first $200,000 of that actual value, which is consistent with the relief provided under the current senior homestead exemption. This bill helps provide financial sustainability and housing security to seniors who no longer qualify for the senior homestead exemption because they moved residences. In a Colorado Coalition for the Homeless report, Colorado was ranked first for housing instability for older adults. Previous Next

< Back June 10, 2020 HOUSE PASSES SAFE2TELL ENHANCEMENTS DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB20-1113, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, and Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, which would make enhancements to the state’s Safe2Tell Program. The bill passed 55-8. “Our students and teachers are under a lot of pressure right now, and that’s only going to continue when schools return to in-person learning,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This bill improves critical resources that our students rely on and will better connect them with the help they need.” “The Safe2Tell program is a national model for helping students, and it saves lives,” said School Safety Committee Chair Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work of our School Safety Committee. This bill will ensure that when a student reaches out for help, that they are connected with the behavioral health resources they need.” Safe2Tell, developed in Colorado after the Columbine tragedy, provides students a confidential way to report and talk with someone about behavioral health issues and has become a national model. Other states have taken Colorado’s lead, adapting the now 20-year-old program for new technologies and best practices developed in recent years. The Safe2Tell enhancements would include aligning the Safe2Tell program and the crisis hotline more closely to ensure that individuals in crisis can rapidly access crisis counseling. It would also align the processes for all types of incoming tips and adjust the annual advertising campaign to most efficiently raise awareness about the program and reduce its misuse. Finally, it would enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent imminent physical harm. Previous Next

< Back December 10, 2020 HOOTON AND A. VALDEZ APPOINTED TO CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE DENVER, CO — Speaker-designate Alec Garnett today announced his appointment of Reps. Edie Hooton and Alex Valdez to the Capital Development Committee (CDC). Rep. Hooton will serve as the senior member on the Committee. “Rep. Edie Hooton is a committed lawmaker and consensus builder who I’m sure will take on the work of the CDC with her signature grace and dedication,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “She’ll be joined by returning CDC member Alex Valdez, whose tenacity and private sector experience have made him an invaluable asset to the committee. I’m so proud of these two members and look forward to watching them deliver for the people of Colorado.” “It’s an honor to take on this new and important role,” said Rep. Hooton, D-Boulder. “The CDC stewards some of Colorado’s most important investments for our institutions of higher education and our state agencies, and I’ll work hard to ensure they are responsibly managed and cared for.” “I’m excited to resume my work on the Capital Development Committee next session,” said Rep. Valdez, D-Denver. “A careful and thorough review of our capital projects will allow us to make solid recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee and build back a more just economy for all. Let’s get to work!” The Capital Development Committee (CDC) is a statutory committee responsible for reviewing funding requests for capital projects from all state agencies, and making prioritized recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee. Rep. Hooton will be serving her third term in the state legislature, where she has served as the Vice Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee and on the Transportation and Local Government Committee. She has also served as the Co-Caucus Chair for the House Majority Caucus. Rep. Hooton represents District 10, which includes parts of Boulder County. Rep. Alex Valdez is serving in his second term. In addition to serving on the CDC, Rep. Valdez has also served on the Energy & Environment and Transportation & Local Government committees. He represents House District 5, which includes parts of Denver. Previous Next

Congressional Republicans’ budget created a $1 billion deficit by allowing corporations to dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes owed to Colorado < Back August 21, 2025 Democrats Advance Bills to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Protect Funding for Core Services Congressional Republicans’ budget created a $1 billion deficit by allowing corporations to dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes owed to Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Appropriations Committee today passed two bills that would close a special interest corporate tax loophole for insurance companies and allow corporations to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after Republicans in Congress created a $1 billion hole in Colorado’s budget with massive corporate tax cuts. HB25B-1004 allows businesses to pre-pay taxes at a discount for future years when Colorado is anticipated to collect more revenue than the state’s spending limit under TABOR, and HB25B-1003 would repeal a special tax break for insurance companies. “Congressional Republicans passed a budget bill that created a billion-dollar revenue shortfall in Colorado in order to give tax breaks to the ultra-rich, and we’re doing everything we can to combat the destruction that the GOP budget will cause for hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB25B-1004. “This bill would allow companies to pre-pay future taxes to boost revenue now and save them money in the process. This is crucial to protect funding for core services that Coloradans depend on.” “Our legislation utilizes a proven, business-friendly method to offset the draconian GOP budget bill,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1004. “Colorado’s budget funds essential services that all Coloradans benefit from, like our K-12 public schools and transportation infrastructure, and the GOP budget blew a massive hole in it that we have to address now. It’s going to take an all-hands approach to safeguard our state from the impacts of Trump’s budget bill, and by allowing businesses to pay their future taxes now, they can save money and help us protect core services.” HB25B-1004 , which passed by a vote of 7-4, would allow a one-time auction of future tax credits, giving companies the opportunity to buy tax credits to pre-pay a portion of their future taxes at a small discount. This saves businesses money, allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now and offsetting the immediate impacts of the GOP budget bill. This does shift state revenue out of future years, but after 2025-2026 the state budget is forecasted to be limited by the TABOR cap, not the amount of revenue collected, so this won’t cut deeper into state services. Under the current law established in the 1950s, insurance companies with a headquarters or regional home office (RHO) in Colorado can pay a lower tax rate if at least 2.5-percent of their domestic workforce resides in Colorado. HB25B-1003 repeals this reduction. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “While the GOP sides with corporations, Colorado Democrats fight for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1003. “When Congressional Republicans passed Trump’s budget bill, they carved out massive tax breaks for the 1 percent and corporations by increasing costs for everyone else. Colorado Democrats are ending special interest tax breaks like this that aren’t effective, don’t create jobs, and are nothing more than corporate handouts that come at the expense of everyone else.” “The data shows this special interest corporate loophole doesn’t create jobs and is clearly unnecessary,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25B-1003. “While it was created to increase jobs, this corporate tax loophole has had the opposite outcome, and data shows that most insurance companies are receiving tax breaks while actually eliminating Colorado jobs. We’re eliminating this special interest tax break and putting hardworking Coloradans first.” A 2025 report from the Office of the State Auditor found that the tax credit is not achieving its goal of incentivizing job creation in Colorado’s insurance agency, yet it has impacted state revenue by $68 million to $105 million per year. Since the implementation of the workforce percentage requirement, the number of insurers and groups that qualify for the RHO rate reduction has not only decreased, but 15 of the 18 qualifying insurance groups reported a decrease in Colorado jobs while receiving a $17.5 million increase in credits. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. < Back April 8, 2025 Feret Bill to Reduce Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. “Our health care workers have dedicated their livelihood to keeping our communities healthy, and they deserve to feel safe in their workplace,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada. “Health care workers experience higher workplace violence rates than police officers, which is why I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to incentivize hospitals to create a safer work environment for health care workers. This will help retain Colorado’s health care workforce so Coloradans can continue to receive the life-saving health care they deserve.” SB25-166 would add a workplace violence performance metric to the state’s quality incentive program and empower the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to consult with stakeholders to address workplace violence. In consultation with stakeholders, HCPF would develop workplace violence performance metrics, explore funding opportunities, and provide legislative recommendations. The group would include Medicaid providers, hospital associations, rural hospital representatives, nurse representatives, and relevant state agencies. HCPF would be required to consult with the Department of Public Health and Environment and other stakeholders by September 1, 2025. The bill would also empower HCPF to assess hospitals’ adoption of a formal workplace violence policy. Health care and social service workers experience the highest rates of workplace violence-related injuries and are five times more likely to be injured on the job compared to other industries. Previous Next