Search Results

< Back March 8, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: Senate, House Unveil First Slate of Bills to Address Colorado’s Behavioral Health Crisis Legislation includes $168 million to increase access to care for youth, address inequities and improve behavioral health outcomes, & increase school-based resources for kids Denver, CO – Yesterday, the Senate and House introduced a slate of legislation aimed at addressing Colorado’s behavioral health crisis using a portion of the $450 million in federal pandemic relief funds secured in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The bills were developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . The legislation will increase access to behavioral health care for children and youth, help implement innovative community based-programs to address inequities and improve behavioral health outcomes, and increase access to behavioral health resources in schools. “We set off the year with an ambitious goal of addressing Colorado’s behavioral health crisis and helping folks get the care they need, and this first package of bills is our first step in achieving that goal,” said Sen. Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood), Chair of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “With these bills, we are well on our way to providing greater support for our kids and families, as we continue to work toward creating a behavioral health system that is accessible and equitable for all.” HB22-1281 : Funding for Community Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Gap Grants, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Bob Rankin & Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez: In an effort to ensure Coloradans across the state—including children, youth and families—have access to the behavioral health care they need, this bill will invest $90 million in grant funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of meeting regional gaps and transforming behavioral health outcomes across the state. “Every community in our state is facing unique challenges when it comes to behavioral health care access, which is why we’ve designed a grant program that will respond to the specific gaps in each of our communities to increase access to care,” said Behavioral Health Care Transformational Task Force Vice Chair Serena Gonzales- Gutierrez (D-Denver). “This legislation will provide resources directly to our communities to support locally-tailored solutions across the entire continuum of care. It will also ensure that there is a care access point for youth and family-oriented care closer to their communities.” “Accessing behavioral health care in our state can be complex and difficult, making it challenging for Coloradans to get the care they need to maintain their health and well-being,” said Sen. Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “We recognize that different parts of the state have different needs when it comes to addressing mental health and substance use disorders, which is why we’re making a critical investment to address these inequities as we continue working toward building a healthier Colorado for all.” HB22-1283 : Youth and Family Residential Behavioral Health Care, sponsored by Senators Janet Buckner and Kevin Priola & Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Mary Bradfield: Colorado does not have adequate capacity to serve children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. As a result, too many children are sent out-of-state to access treatment, far away from their families and support network. This bill will invest $54 million to support intensive youth and family residential and outpatient care, ensuring that children, youth, and families can access behavioral health treatment and services they need right here in Colorado. “Kids all across Colorado deserve access to quality behavioral health care, but our current system isn’t getting them the care they need,” said Sen. Janet Buckner, (D-Aurora). “I am proud to champion this important legislation that will improve access to behavioral health care for youth in Colorado, and help make sure that every family in our state is able to receive the vital care they need to thrive.” “Colorado youth and families need places to turn for residential and outpatient behavioral health care to get the care they need, but these options are limited and are often hard to access in Colorado,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City). “My family had to seek out of state education options for our child, and it was hard to have him so far away. Families should be able to access the services they need in Colorado. The legislation we’re advancing will build and fund a youth residential treatment facility at Fort Logan with up to 16 beds and provide operational support for additional 30 beds across the state.” SB22-147 : School and Pediatric Behavioral Health Care Integrations, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker and Jerry Sonnenberg & Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton: Over the last decade, youth suicide has increased an astonishing 51 percent, as youth behavioral health has reached a crisis level. The bill will expand behavioral health investments for Colorado youth by $11 million, allowing pediatricians to better identify and treat behavioral health conditions and providing school-based supports for kids and their families. “Far too many kids in Colorado are struggling with their mental health,” said Sen. Chris Kolker (D-Centennial). “We must act urgently to address this crisis and provide critical support to our state’s young people where and when they need it most. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, expand access to care, and save lives." “We are going to direct over $11 million to expand access to behavioral health resources in schools to help prepare our students for success and provide them the resources they need to thrive,” said Rep. Mary Young (D-Greeley), who has spent decades working in behavioral health in Colorado schools. “This legislation will expand school-based health centers across the state, invest in having more mental health professionals in our schools, and significantly boost our capacity to offer critical mental health services to Colorado youth.” Another bill, HB22-1243 , puts an additional $2 million in ARPA funding toward the behavioral health care professional matching grant program and extends the popular I Matter program beyond its scheduled repeal in June 2022, paving the way to serve youth with free counseling sessions for another two years. HB22-1243 will be heard in the House Education Committee on Thursday, March 10. Previous Next

< Back November 12, 2020 MULLICA ACCEPTS HEALTH EQUITY HERO AWARD–SELECTS SENIOR HUB AND RALSTON HOUSE TO RECEIVE CONTRIBUTION Recognizing Mullica’s work caring for patients in the Cook County Jail, Dentaquest will provide a $5,000 contribution to The Senior Hub and Ralston House of Northglenn in his name DENVER, CO — Representative Kyle Mullica today received the Dataquest Health Equity Hero Award, a national award that recognizes individuals for working to expand access to health care, especially in underserved communities. Rep. Mullica, an ER nurse, was honored for his work in the Cook County Jail, where he cared for patients during a critical COVID-19 outbreak in April and May. “I am honored to select Ralston House and Senior Hub to receive these contributions,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “These charities are doing essential work to protect and support at-risk seniors and youth. So many Coloradans rely on Ralston House and Senior Hub for access to health care, critical services, nutritional meals and so much more. I could not be more grateful for their dedication to serving our community.” “Ralston House is honored to be chosen by Representative Mullica as a recipient of this donation,” said Ralston House Executive Director Don Moseley. “Ralston House provides forensic interviews, medical examinations, and victim advocacy for children who are suspected of being sexually or physically abused or have witnessed a violent crime. This donation will go directly to funding these services in a year where the impact of COVID 19 has limited the fundraising efforts of Ralston House and other nonprofits. We are grateful to Representative Mullica for his donation and for the work he did to earn this award.” According to their website: the DentaQuest Health Equity Hero awards program celebrates and promotes individuals who are going above and beyond to expand access to equitable oral care and health care — especially in underserved communities. These community leaders are inspiring collective action on behalf of our neighbors with the greatest needs and the fewest resources. In addition to celebrating and promoting the contributions of the 2020 Health Equity Heroes, DentaQuest provides a $5,000 charitable contribution in the name of each hero to a nonprofit committed to promoting health equity. Rep. Mullica was selected because: “[As a] husband, father and ER nurse, [he] left home and family after the Colorado General Assembly suspended its session to work in the Cooke County Jail in Chicago during one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the city. Mullica spent five weeks at the jail, working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week." The Senior Hub is a nonprofit agency that provides services and support to assist aging adults to remain in their homes, as long as possible. The agency serves older adults in Arapahoe and Adams county through a variety of programs and initiatives including Meals on Wheels, home care services, adult day services, and a food pantry. Ralston House is a not-for-profit agency that provides a friendly and safe place for child and teen survivors of abuse to tell their stories and begin the healing process. Founded in 1990, Ralston House receives referrals from law enforcement, social services and the district attorney’s office, and works in conjunction with these entities to provide specialized forensic interviews and medical examinations. Previous Next

New legislation to prevent and mitigate wildfire destruction in Colorado goes into effect on August 6, 2025. HB25-1009, sponsored by Representatives Tisha Mauro and Junie Joseph and Senators Lisa Cutter and Nick Hinrichsen, will encourage local governments to reduce dead vegetation that can fuel destructive wildfires. < Back July 25, 2025 Law to Combat Wildfire Goes Into Effect into effect on August 6, 2025. HB25-1009, sponsored by Representatives Tisha Mauro and Junie Joseph and Senators Lisa Cutter and Nick Hinrichsen, will encourage local governments to reduce dead vegetation that can fuel destructive wildfires. “Taking steps now to mitigate the risk of destructive wildfires will keep our homes and businesses safer,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This new law encourages home owners to reduce dead vegetation around their property, which can often accelerate wildfires. Wildfire season in Colorado is now year-round, and property owners play an important role in limiting the risk of wildfire destruction.” “Climate change is driving more frequent and intense wildfires, so we must use all the tools at our disposal to protect our communities,” Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “Mitigation is an important tactic, and this law will empower property owners and their local governments to remove dead vegetation that often serve as fuel for wildfires.” “Our law takes a proactive approach to combat destructive wildfires and keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “We know that wildfires can spread quickly, and this law empowers local communities to reduce dead vegetation that can act as an accelerator to wildfires. Keeping our communities safe is a top priority, and this legislation proactively mitigates wildfire risks to protect our neighbors.” “With this new law taking effect, we’re adding another tool to our wildfire prevention and mitigation toolbox,” said Senate Majority Whip Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “HB25-1009 empowers local governments to take proactive steps to protect homes, families, and neighborhoods – helping build safer, more resilient communities in the face of growing wildfire threats.” Beginning on August 6, fire protection and metropolitan districts will have more tools to mitigate fire risks locally and improve community safety. Specifically, the law encourages local governments to create programs that assist property owners in reducing dead vegetation around their property. Dead plant materials, such as leaves, grass, shrubs, dead leaves, and fallen pine needles, can accelerate wildfires. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill to support Colorado’s workforce. < Back February 28, 2023 House Passes Bill to Boost Workforce, Prioritize Apprenticeships DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill to support Colorado’s workforce. SB23-051, sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Meghan Lukens, solidifies the role of Colorado’s Office of Future Work which oversees a statewide apprenticeship program, helps communities transition into emerging industries and creates talent pipelines for careers of the future. “Through apprenticeships, Coloradans receive hands-on experience that will help propel them into good paying careers,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton . “This bill codifies the Office of Future Work so Coloradans can take advantage of training and apprenticeship programs that are geared toward new career opportunities. We’re working to build an equitable talent pipeline that gives Coloradans the tools they need to be successful in our state’s workforce for years to come.” “When it comes to learning on the job, many Coloradans jump into apprenticeship programs to gain real-world experience,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Adapting to our ever-changing economy is important and our bill makes it easier for Coloradans to learn, train and prepare for careers of the future. Through state run apprenticeship programs, Coloradans entering the workforce will have a leg up when it comes to finding a good paying job that may not revolve around a traditional higher education pathway.” SB23-051 , which passed by a vote of 48 to 16, codifies the current duties of the Office of the Future of Work (OFW), which serves as a central point of contact for efforts to respond to the changing nature of work, and helps ensure Coloradans are equipped with the necessary education, training, skills and tools to fully participate in the labor force. Additionally, the bill aligns state statute with federal requirements, allowing Colorado's State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) to seek federal authorization from the Department of Labor to register and oversee state run apprenticeship programs. The bill comes two years after HB21-1007 , which established the SAA and also sponsored by Representative Ortiz, and four years after the OFW was established via executive order. Previous Next

< Back March 12, 2022 HOUSE DEMS ADVANCE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT Legislation will protect and uphold the right to an abortion in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the Reproductive Health Equity Act on a preliminary vote. “We’re protecting abortion rights in Colorado, and we’re not backing down,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Extreme GOP ideologies, some of which were previewed in the debate tonight, would put the government in control of personal medical decisions. This bill protects our right to safe reproductive care for generations to come. While there is more work to be done, I am extremely proud of my colleagues who spoke in favor of this bill with personal, powerful stories.” "Reproductive health care is vital health care," said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo . "Politicians, neighbors or complete strangers have no business controlling personal medical decisions – that should be between patients and their doctors. While our rights are under attack across the country, with the advancement of the Reproductive Health Equity Act, we’re closer to solidifying access to abortion and fundamental reproductive health care rights into Colorado law.” HB22-1279 , sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, would update Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights. The bill establishes a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. The proposed law comes as states across the country propose and enact new bans and restrictions on abortion access. The legislation is supported by: Cobalt, COLOR, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, the Anti-Defamation League of the Mountain States, the ACLU of Colorado, ONE Colorado, New Era Colorado, Catholics for Choice and dozens of other organizations. In Texas, Republicans passed legislation banning abortion after six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant. Additionally, the Texas Supreme Court today made it virtually impossible for abortion advocates to fight the bill by halting their use of federal courts. Republican lawmakers in Missouri have proposed legislation that would allow private lawsuits against individuals who help women obtain an abortion out of state. Another bill introduced in the Missouri House would make it illegal for pregnant people to abort ectopic pregnancies, pregnancies that happen outside of the uterus and which can be deadly for the pregnant person if left untreated. Democrats have already defeated three GOP anti-choice bills so far this session. HB22-1079 , sponsored by Representative Williams, was an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal courts and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. It would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. HB22-1047 , sponsored by Representative Neville, would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have imprisoned providers who perform an abortion. HB22-1075 , sponsored by Representative Luck, would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

< Back November 4, 2019 BIPARTISAN PROPOSALS ADVANCED TO EXPAND ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION DENVER, CO — The Making Higher Education Attainable Interim Study Committee today advanced three bills that would make it easier for Coloradans to access and pay for higher education. “Recent research from the Colorado Department of Higher Education shows that earning a college or post-high school degree leads to longer life expectancy, better health and higher incomes, but the cost to attend these institutions has been rising quickly, while Colorado continues to rank near the bottom of state spending on higher education,” said Committee Vice-Chair Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango). “I’m excited that our committee advanced three critical bills that will make it easier for all Coloradans to access higher education and get the degree that’s right for them.” “Colorado, and especially Fort Collins, has exceptional institutions of higher education, but it is becoming increasingly more difficult for students to pay for or attend our world-class colleges and universities,” said committee member Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins). “The bills we passed today will make higher education more attainable for Coloradans. I look forward to furthering our important work to support Colorado’s students pursuing a postsecondary degree or credential and to continuing the fight to reduce the cost of these degrees for our students.” According to the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Colorado ranks 47th nationally for state appropriations on higher education. The report also showed that from 2008 to 2018, tuition at public two-year institutions in the state rose by 52 percent and tuition at four-year public institutions rose by 68 percent. Nearly half of all young adults in Colorado hold student loans, and student debt has been increasing faster than the national average according to a report from the Student Borrower Protection Center. 1. Modifications to Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative: The first bill would make modifications and improvements to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI). Since 2014, COSI has provided a strong network of student support and scholarship programs to reduce the financial burden on eligible students and increase higher education program and certification completion rates. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to help students successfully integrate into the workforce. The bill makes a number of changes to the scholarship program that will increase the availability of wrap-around services to scholarship recipients and increase the participation of other postsecondary education providers to make the program more efficient and expand the pool of Coloradans it can serve. Sponsors : Representative Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) and Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) 2. Providing College Credit for Work Experience: The second bill would require the Commission on Higher Education to adopt and implement a plan to award college credit to eligible Coloradans for previous work experience. The plan will prioritize the fastest growing industries as identified by the Department of Labor and Employment’s Talent Pipeline Report, and will ultimately require institutions of higher education, including area technical colleges, to accept and transfer academic credit for approved work-related experiences. This bill recognizes that many Coloradans acquire valuable experience before deciding to pursue a postsecondary degree or credential, and rewards them for that experience so that they are more likely to complete their degree and reenter the workforce. Sponsors: Representative Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) and Senators Tammy Story (D-Evergreen) and Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) 3. Improving the Student Success Innovation Pilot Program: The third bill approved by the committee would create a pilot program within the Department of Higher Education to incentivize collaboration among institutions of higher education within Colorado to increase student completion rates and overall success. Under the bill, participating institutions would convene and study common barriers to student success and devise a program that addresses those barriers. The bill includes robust reporting requirements that outline student outcomes and cost, and other key indicators of success. This bill recognizes that many students pursuing a postsecondary degree face unique barriers and require innovative solutions to ensure their success. Sponsors: Representative Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) and Senator Tammy Story (D-Evergreen) Previous Next

Law would stand up health care programs at higher education institutions in Greeley, Fort Collins, Denver and Trinidad < Back May 1, 2024 Polis Signs Bill to Create Northern Colorado Medical School and Boost Health Care Training DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed legislation today to help create a new medical college at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), and other construction and renovation projects at various higher education institutions across the state to better support both health care and veterinary care education. HB24-1231, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty and Senator Kyle Mullica will help address health care workforce shortages in Colorado. “This critical law will help create a new college of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado, which will serve as a strong economic driver for Greeley and the surrounding communities and meet the physician workforce needs of our rural and underserved neighborhoods,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We’ve taken historic steps to increase access to health care Coloradans can afford and this law builds on those efforts to save people money on health care and address our workforce shortages. From CSU Fort Collins and MSU Denver to Trinidad State College, this law supports new higher education health care projects and programs that will serve generations to come.” “Right now, Colorado faces a significant health care provider shortage causing lapses in care, longer wait times, and limited critical-care services in both rural and urban communities,” Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, said. “As the only working nurse at the Colorado State Capitol, I know how critical it is to build the health care workforce our state needs. I’m proud to have championed this new law that will invest in four institutions committed to addressing the state's health care challenges, and I look forward to continuing my work to ensure every Coloradan has access to the care they need to thrive.” “Across the state, Colorado is experiencing a shortage of critical health care and veterinary providers, which is why we are standing up new medical and veterinary programs to train the next generation of professionals in these fields,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada . “With this law, Colorado will be better positioned to train and educate future osteopathic doctors, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, nurses, and other critical allied health care providers. I’m proud of our work to lower barriers for Coloradans who want to enter these professions and better serve our communities.” HB24-1231 , also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, will stand up four projects related to health sciences education programs for medical professions. Specifically, the law will fund the: · Construction of a new College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) · Construction of the Health Institute Tower at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) · Construction of the Veterinary Health Education Complex at Colorado State University (CSU) · Renovation of the Valley Campus Main Building at Trinidad State College This law will jumpstart a second-of-its-kind medical program at UNC, which will streamline 150 new osteopathic doctors into the workforce each year and help address primary health care needs of Coloradans. The UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine is expected to generate $1.4 billion over the next 20 years in economic impact, with an estimated $500 million to remain in Weld County. The law will also provide funding to help higher education institutions train more nurses, veterinarians and other mid-level health care and veterinary care professionals. Colorado is facing a significant health care provider shortage that is causing lapses in care, longer wait times, and limited critical-care services in both rural and urban communities. HB24-1231 is the state’s largest higher education investment aimed at bolstering the state’s health care workforce so Coloradans can receive the health care they need, when they need it. Previous Next

< Back March 4, 2021 NEW CMAS BILL WILL REDUCE TESTING LOAD FOR STUDENTS, ENSURE ACCESS TO MEASURES OF LEARNING THIS YEAR Legislation introduced today would propose to administer one test per student in grades 3-8 this year, with the goal of complying with federal requirements for statewide measures of learning DENVER, CO — Representative Emily Sirota and House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan today introduced legislation to significantly reduce the standardized testing load for students, parents and teachers this year. HB21-1161 requires the Colorado Department of Education to seek a federal waiver to more than halve the amount of time students will be expected to spend in testing while still seeking to comply with federal guidelines that require the compilation of statewide education data and ensuring parents have access to information on their children’s learning. The data received will also ensure that policymakers have valuable information to support students and schools moving forward. “From cancelled school days to switching between in-person and virtual learning, students have faced some of the greatest challenges of their lives this past year,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This approach would make a substantial and meaningful difference for kids, parents and teachers by easing the testing burden while still complying with federal guidance to have statewide data. I’m grateful for everyone in the education community who came together to ensure that we can focus on the educational, social and emotional needs of our students.” “Parents and educators from across Colorado have raised concerns to us that going forward with our testing system without changes would stress our students,” said House Education Chair Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “With the bill we introduced today, Colorado students, parents and teachers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that we’ll still have the data we need while allowing teachers and school districts to reinvest time that would have been spent testing this year into helping students catch up on learning loss from this turbulent past year of the pandemic.” HB21-1161 requires the administration of the English Language Arts exam in grades three, five, and seven, while students in grades four, six, and eight will take the Math exam. Parents will also have the option to opt their child in to taking whichever exam they did not automatically receive. The legislation also requires the Colorado Department of Education to request a waiver to suspend science exams normally administered in grades 5, 8, and 11, and social studies exams administered in grades 4 and 7. The bill also implements consensus recommendations from a departmental task force last year, including suspending the link between tests, accountability, and educator evaluation. The bill would direct the Colorado Department of Education to seek a waiver from the federal Department of Education to implement these policies as soon as practicable. The bill, which will replace HB21-1125, will be heard in the House Education Committee on Friday. Previous Next

< Back June 16, 2022 SPEAKER GARNETT ANNOUNCES REBECCA KISNER AS CHIEF OF STAFF DENVER, CO – Speaker of the House Alec Garnett today announced Rebecca Kisner as the next Chief of Staff for the Colorado House Democrats. Kisner has worked for the Colorado House Democrats since 2019, most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff where she steered a monumental bill package that invested more than $2.5 billion in federal relief money to improve behavioral health outcomes, increase affordable housing and promote economic recovery across Colorado. “Rebecca’s dedication, policy experience, strong relationships and institutional knowledge make her well-suited to serve as Chief of Staff for our caucus,” said Speaker Alec Garnett . “When Colorado received once-in-a-generation pandemic relief funding, Rebecca stepped up to lead the charge on a transformational bill package that will save people money and make Colorado a better place to live. I know I speak for our entire caucus when I say I’m thrilled to have her serve as our next Chief of Staff.” “The Colorado House Democrats are known for bold policy ideas that make meaningful change in our communities and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together the last three years,” said Rebecca Kisner, Chief of Staff . “Our members and our team worked diligently during the 2022 legislative session to respond to the most pressing needs facing our state, including improving access to behavioral health care and making Colorado a better place to live. I’m honored the caucus has put its trust in me to serve in this new capacity as we continue working for the people of Colorado.” As Deputy Chief of Staff, Kisner shepherded a 32-bill package that invested more than $2.5 billion of Colorado’s allocation of federal relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The legislation included multi-faceted efforts to improve behavioral health care access, make housing more affordable, promote economic recovery and increase student success. Kisner’s career has bridged direct service, policy and advocacy on a range of political issues. A social worker by training, she joined the House Majority staff in 2019 as the Outreach Director where she laid a strong foundation for constituent engagement and supported more than 50 legislative aides in their professional development. In 2020, Kisner became a Policy Analyst focusing on education, criminal justice and election access. She was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff in December. Kisner succeeds Kelly Watkins, who spent ten years as a dedicated public servant for the Colorado House Majority with the last five as Chief of Staff. Earlier this month, Watkins joined the Biden-Harris Administration as Chief of Staff for the Environmental Protection Agency in Region 8, serving Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, North and South Dakota, and 28 Tribal Nations, working with former Speaker of the House and current EPA Region 8 Administrator KC Becker. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK BILL ADDRESSES COVID LEARNING LOSS Bipartisan bill to invest in high-impact tutoring to close the COVID education gap DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today advanced Representative Kerry Tipper’s bipartisan bill to invest $5 million into tutoring programs intended to address COVID-related learning loss across the state. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $700 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed committee unanimously. “Over the past year, Colorado’s educators went above and beyond to continue our students’ education despite an unprecedented public health emergency,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “Despite their heroic efforts, COVID-related learning loss has taken a toll on students in every corner of the state. Today we made a robust investment in high-impact tutoring, a proven educational tool to ensure Colorado’s students can quickly close the COVID learning gap and continue to thrive.” HB21-1234 would create and fund the Colorado High Impact Tutoring Program. Data consistently demonstrates that high-impact tutoring, when administered during the school day to groups of four of fewer students by the same qualified tutor at least three times per week, is one of the most effective interventions to raise student achievement. This program would be administered under the Colorado Department of Education and would provide grants to local education providers for high impact tutoring programs designed to address COVID-related learning loss. The bill outlines the process and requirements for applying for funding, and establishes that rural education providers and schools serving low-income or underserved students must be among the criteria taken into consideration in awarding grants. ### Previous Next

< Back Lukens: Local Ideas Become 2024 Legisation Jan 25, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Steamboat Pilot & Today . On Jan. 10, we started our 120-day session at the Colorado State Capitol. Alongside my colleagues from both sides of the aisle and as a member of the Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee and Education Committee, I anticipate an exciting session as I bring forth initiatives that will revitalize the Western Slope that we call home. Economic prosperity I am pleased to announce that my priority bill to create jobs in rural Colorado — Reauthorization of Rural Jump-Start Program — was the first bill introduced in the entirety of the Colorado House of Representatives during the 2024 Legislative Session. While traveling throughout Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Eagle counties over the past year, I have heard from many constituents about the need to support our workforce. For us on the Western Slope, small businesses are vital to the economy of our towns, which is why I am passionate about passing the Rural Jump-Start Program to provide financial incentives to our small businesses. Another priority in the next 120 days is boosting and strengthening our workforce. To continue to increase industry and education collaboration and support the needs of employees, I am introducing a bill to continue investing into the Opportunity Now Program and establish a refundable tax credit. By solidifying the state’s investments into our local communities, we can sow the seeds of transformational change and help families regain their economic footing after the tumultuous last few years. Education and mental health In huge education-related news, the Governor’s budget request officially eliminates the Budget Stabilization Factor, which is a significant win for our students and educators. I look forward to the budget process during which school funding will be a priority. In my experience as a high school teacher and a lawmaker, I’ve noticed that students and teachers lack the resources to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. One of my favorite accomplishments in the past year was earning the Mental Health Legislator of the Year by Mental Health Colorado, and I’m proud to continue prioritizing mental health in schools through a few new bills. Teaching is not an easy job. The last thing our educators need is to feel unsafe in their own classrooms. Another piece of legislation I’m working on would create an Advisory Committee that focuses on reviewing and recommending safety improvements so that our kids and teachers can feel safe and welcome in their schools. Previous Next

< Back May 18, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: BILLS TO EXPAND ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT SIGNED INTO LAW Legislation–part of the legislature’s behavioral health package–invests $125 million in pandemic relief funds to expand access to services and save Coloradans money on health care DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will increase access to behavioral health care. HB22-1281 creates a $90 million grant program to fund critical services, and HB22-1302 extends resources to providers to help them offer both primary and mental health care. Community Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Gap Grants: HB22-1281 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Naquetta Ricks and Senators Faith Winter and Bob Rankin, will ensure Coloradans across the state — including children, youth and families — have access to the behavioral health care they need. “Colorado’s behavioral health crisis is being felt in every part of our state, but each community’s needs are different,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “The legislation the governor signed today will invest $90 million in federal funds to expand access to care by providing resources to nonprofits and providers to meet the needs in their communities. The bill also dedicates at least $15 million of this funding to go towards substance use disorder treatment providers to increase our state’s capacity to provide the care people need.” “Accessing behavioral health care in our state can be complex and difficult, making it challenging for Coloradans to get the care they need to maintain their health and well-being,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “We recognize that different parts of the state have different needs when it comes to addressing mental health and substance use disorders, which is why this critical investment will address these inequities as we continue working toward building a healthier Colorado for all.” “The legislation Governor Polis signed today will provide communities with resources to fill critical gaps in care so that more Coloradans can access the services they need to thrive,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This legislation will increase access to care in communities all across the state and save people money on behavioral health care. Under the legislation, nonprofits and providers can seek funding to treat more patients and offer additional services that aren’t available in their communities.” The law invests $90 million in federal funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of filling regional gaps across the entire spectrum of behavioral health services and transforming behavioral health outcomes for families, children and youth living in Colorado. The law sets aside at least $15 million of the total $90 million grant funding to prioritize substance use disorder treatment and services. Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1302 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola, invests $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. “One of the easier ways we can increase access to behavioral health care and save Coloradans money is by bringing together primary care and mental health care under the same facility or practice,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “I’m proud the governor signed my legislation to invest $35 million in federal funds to help providers integrate physical and behavioral health care. This will especially help in rural areas where people have to drive long distances to get care. The advancement of alternative payment models in House Bill 1325, which the governor also signed today, will help sustain these investments over the long run.” “Anyone who has tried to access behavioral health care in Colorado knows how hard it is to navigate the system as it is today,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “That’s why we’re working to streamline how we deliver care and meet people where they are before a crisis occurs. This new law will ensure that primary care physicians are better equipped to connect patients with the appropriate behavioral health services they need.” The law will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. Previous Next