Senator Dylan Roberts, Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Representative Karen McCormick, Chair of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement in response to a comment made by President Trump to purchase more Argentine beef.  < Back October 21, 2025 Roberts, McCormick Statement on Trump Administration’s Comments to Purchase More Argentine Beef DENVER, CO – Senator Dylan Roberts, Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Representative Karen McCormick, Chair of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement in response to a comment made by President Trump to purchase more Argentine beef. Senator Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative McCormick, D-Longmont: “President Trump’s so-called ‘America First’ policies and his reckless trade wars are hurting Colorado’s hardworking farmers’ and ranchers’ bottom line. Trump’s latest suggestion to purchase more Argentine beef will only cause chaos and confusion in the U.S. beef markets, undercut cattle producers and do nothing to lower the cost of beef. Flooding the market with Argentine beef will harm cattlemen and women in Colorado, who have worked tirelessly to produce high-quality beef for, in some cases, generations. “Colorado has a rich history of cattle production, and we will not stand idly by while the Trump Administration continues to prioritize trade wars over Colorado farmers and ranchers. We call on President Trump to put American farmers first and allow our domestic cattle industry and rural communities to thrive.” Over the weekend, President Trump suggested the U.S. should purchase more Argentine beef to lower costs for American consumers. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics , beef prices in the U.S. have hit record highs, partially due to smaller herds, disease and tariffs. Trump’s trade wars have also affected soybean farmers. China, which was one of the largest buyers of U.S. soybeans, imported no soybeans from American farmers in September due to the high tariffs and trade tensions. The Trump Administration’s economic policies continue to raise prices for consumers. As outlined in the September economic forecast by Legislative Council Staff, tariffs paid soared to a near-century high of 8.2 percent in Q2. According to the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, cattle production is Colorado’s number one agricultural commodity , with 2.7 million head of cattle being raised by families in every county of Colorado. In total, direct and indirect impacts from this loss in beef exports are estimated to result in a loss of 265 jobs and $80 million of economic output in Colorado. Previous Next

DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed two bills into law to increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters by the passage of Proposition 123 and improve local governments’ ability to hold short-term rentals to local rules and regulations. < Back June 5, 2023 SIGNED! New Laws to Improve Housing Affordability and Short-Term Rental Oversight DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed two bills into law to increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters by the passage of Proposition 123 and improve local governments’ ability to hold short-term rentals to local rules and regulations. “Communities throughout Colorado are facing a housing affordability crisis, and these new laws will offer local communities the tools they need to make it easier to call Colorado home,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1304 and HB23-1287 . “These laws provide towns and cities, especially those in our rural mountain towns the flexibility they need to implement the affordable housing programs voters created with Proposition 123. We’re also strengthening transparency and compliance with local regulations of short term rentals to help ease some of the impact these properties are having on those living in our rural resort communities year round. I’m proud to deliver legislation that will help alleviate the high cost of housing for Coloradans from the Front Range to the Western Slope.” “Coloradans were clear when they passed Prop 123 that they want more affordable housing options,” said Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1304. “With this bill, we’re making sure that Prop 123 will be implemented effectively, so that every Coloradan can afford to live in the communities where they work. I’m excited to see HB23-1304 signed into law, and look forward to seeing all the affordable housing options that’ll be created for hardworking people across our state.” HB23-1304 ensures the housing affordability programs created through Proposition 123, which voters approved in the 2022 election, can be implemented effectively across the state and have the greatest impact by getting dollars out the door as soon as possible. The law ensures that tribal governments can access Proposition 123 funds in addition to local governments. It also makes it possible for rural resort communities to access the historic funding of Proposition 123 to accommodate the high cost of living in these areas. Local governments across the state will also be able to partner with neighboring communities to reach their targeted growth rate of three percent. In 2022, voters approved Proposition 123, which created new housing affordability programs funded with surplus state income tax revenue. The proposition dedicated an estimated $300 million to help local governments purchase land for affordable homes, provide financing for low- and middle income multi-family housing and provide direct support to renters, supply debt financing for projects that qualify for housing tax credits, offer grants and loans for nonprofits to help people purchase homes, and fund programs for people experiencing homelessness. “Short-term rentals play an important role in rural resort economies by attracting visitors to our communities, but they have had unintended impacts on rental markets and housing costs in the high country and across the state,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB23-1287 . “This law will allow counties to partner with digital platforms that host units to remove a listing if the owners’ license is suspended or revoked, protecting owners, renters, and local communities from violations of local rules and regulations.” “Today’s bill signings signal our continued and multi-faceted commitment to making housing more affordable across Colorado,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, sponsor of HB23-1304 and HB23-1287. "HB23-1304 ensures that the historic funds for affordable housing programs from Proposition 123 are distributed equitably to all corners of the state and delivers increased flexibility for rural and mountain communities to ensure the goals of Prop 123 are met. With HB23-1287, we’re also strengthening protections for local residents in rural resort communities to help curb the unintended impacts of short-term rentals on our communities. I’m proud that these important pieces of legislation passed with bipartisan support and have now become law. And I am even more excited to continue our work to ensure every Colorado family has an affordable place to call home." A board of county commissioners already has the authority to regulate units that are rented or used for short-term stays. HB23-1287 clarifies the definition of a short-term rental and provides counties with the authority to work with digital platforms to accurately list compliant short-term rentals. HB23-1287 gives counties the ability to require an owner of a property, or the owner’s agent, to include a rental license or permit in any listing for a short-term rental unit on a digital platform. If a county has regulations on short-term rentals, the county will be able to require a digital platform to remove any rental listing if the owner of the listing: Has their local short-term rental license or permit suspended or revoked, Has received a notice violation, or a similar legal process, for not holding a valid local short-term rental license or permit, or Is not allowed to list their unit as a short-term rental due to county rules. Previous Next

< Back June 29, 2020 COLORADO SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS LARGE CAPACITY MAGAZINE BAN DENVER, CO – This morning, the Colorado Supreme Court ended a seven-year case by ruling that Colorado’s 2013 large capacity magazine ban is constitutional. The law passed in 2013 prohibits the sale and transfer of gun magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. House Majority Leader Alec Garnett and Representative Tom Sullivan released the following statements. “Today the Colorado Supreme Court upheld a commonsense law that protects public safety without infringing on Coloradans’ right to bear arms,” said House Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “I’m proud that the Supreme Court has determined that this reasonable law will stand, and glad to see the end of yet another frivolous legal attempt to unwind common sense gun violence prevention laws.” “I’m encouraged to see the Supreme Court uphold the 2013 large capacity magazine ban,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Gun violence has ravaged our state and our nation, and I came to the legislature to work to put an end to it. Large capacity magazines like the 100 round drum that was used on the night my son Alex was murdered can cause devastating carnage and have absolutely no place on our streets. I’ll keep working day in and day out to fight the epidemic of gun violence.” The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that HB13-1224 represents a “reasonable exercise of the police power that has neither the purpose nor effect of nullifying the right to bear arms in self-defense encompassed by article II, section 13 of the Colorado Constitution.” Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. < Back March 12, 2024 Titone’s Right to Repair Electronic Equipment Bill Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. HB24-1121, sponsored by Representative Brianna Titone and Steven Woodrow, would extend the current right to repair laws to certain electronic equipment, including cell phones, gaming systems, computers and televisions. “Cell phones are a part of our daily lives, we should have more choices on how to fix them when they break,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This bill would give consumers the tools they need to fix their broken electronics, saving them money and time on costly repairs. Right to repair laws, like this one, are important for empowering consumers and keeping e-waste out of our landfills. From tractors to mobility devices, I’m proud to carry another consumer-focused right to repair law through the legislature and save Coloradans money.” “Consumers should have the right to fix their stuff—computers and cell phones included,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This bill strengthens our state’s right to repair laws so that consumers can access the tools and tech they need. This bill saves Coloradans money while reducing waste and pollution.” HB24-1121 would require certain digital electronic equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. Specifically, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and others would need to provide software and physical tools to consumers and independent repair providers upon request so they can fix their broken electronics. HB24-1121 passed the House by a vote of 39 to 18. Under this bill, OEMs can charge a fee for physical tools but software tools must be made available free of charge for the consumer. This bill aims to save electronics consumers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. HB24-1121 also prohibits parts pairing, a technology used by manufacturers to program certain parts together which restricts the consumer's ability to independently repair their devices and allows OEMs to monopolize replacement parts. . Last year, Rep. Titone championed a first-in-the-nation law for the right to repair agricultural equipment. This law saves farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs. In 2022, Representatives Titone and Ortiz passed two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. These laws require wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts and software to consumers and eliminate the need for prior authorization to repair powered wheelchairs and other complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients. These laws provided the framework for HB24-1121. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 BIPARTISAN COMMUNITY SAFETY INVESTMENT ACT PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed two bipartisan bills that will improve public safety and prevent crime. “This legislation will address the rising crime we’re seeing in our communities and across the nation that has come as a result of the pandemic and the strain of the economic disruptions that followed,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This bill focuses on proven strategies such as co-responder models and violence interruption programs to prevent crime before it happens and reduce recidivism. It also provides significant resources to law enforcement to recruit, train and retain a high quality, diverse workforce that reflects the communities they serve.” SB22-145 , the Community Safety Investment Act, is sponsored by Representatives Alex Valdez and Perry Will. The bill will establish critical crime prevention programs and address workforce shortages in law enforcement. Research shows that crime prevention strategies that include collaboration between communities and local law enforcement are most effective. The bill will create three grant programs within the Department of Public Safety: The first grant program will provide $7.5 million over two years to community-based organizations and local law enforcement agencies to implement collaborative, data-driven intervention strategies such as co-responder programs, violence interrupter programs, early intervention teams, and restorative justice services in identified high-crime areas. The second grant program will provide law enforcement agencies with $3.75 million over two years to help recruit and retain staff, as well as improve training curriculums, including mental health training. The third grant program – the State’s Mission for Assistance in Recruitment and Training (SMART) policing grant – will provide $3.75 million over two years to help local law enforcement agencies recruit and train officers that better represent the communities they serve. The bill also establishes a front-end stakeholder crime prevention forum, and provides funding for oversight and administration within the Colorado Department of Public Safety which will administer the grant programs. It passed 8-3. “SB22-005 will help law enforcement departments recruit and retain qualified peace officers and will provide additional resources to help officers when they experience traumatic events,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “We’ve heard the tragic stories from officers who have witnessed horrific situations while serving their communities. It’s time we support them with the counseling services and peer support they need.” SB22-005 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Dan Woog, would direct $5 million to a program that helps law enforcement agencies retain and recruit qualified and trained POST-certified officers. The funding would expand access to behavioral health and counseling support for law enforcement officers to support peace officers and prevent peace officer suicide deaths. The bill passed 9-1. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2022 DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CAUCUS OF COLORADO STATEMENT ON DRAFT SCOTUS OPINION OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE DENVER, CO— The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado today released the following statement on the draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade and Casey: The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado is outraged and appalled at the Supreme Court of the United States which, according to a leaked draft opinion , is signaling that the court will overturn Roe v. Wade. While we wait for the official ruling, expected to come out in the next couple of months, abortion is still legal in this country. Clinics are open and operating, and everyone should make or keep the appointments they need. We passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act this year because we knew it was possible that Roe v. Wade could be overturned. This was the number one priority for our caucus because we strongly believe that all people deserve access to abortion care when they need it, on a timeline of their choosing, and in a community and an environment they trust and feel safe in. It is important to reassure every pregnant person and their family that their fundamental right to all abortion care and reproductive health care services are protected in Colorado. No matter what the Supreme Court does, Colorado will continue to lead in order to ensure all people in need of these services are safe, and that anyone who must travel to Colorado in order to get abortion care will be supported. The obstacles that many face to obtaining abortion care–violence, judgment, costs, needing to travel long distances for care, and politicians attempting to make decisions in private health and personal medical matters– don’t impact us all equally. Communities of color and marginalized populations do not have equal access to health care and abortion care because of racism and structural inequities. Bodily autonomy is a fundamental and essential right for all people. We are deeply committed to this fight. Our hearts are with all the people impacted by this pending decision and leaders in the reproductive health and justice community. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon and Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, today released the following statement on the agreement reached between Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and CommonSpirit Health to maintain in-network coverage for consumers: < Back May 24, 2024 McCluskie, Roberts Applaud Anthem CommonSpirit Agreement DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon and Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, today released the following statement on the agreement reached between Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and CommonSpirit Health to maintain in-network coverage for consumers: Coloradans in rural communities often have few options for health facilities, and many have to drive far distances to receive care. CommonSpirit hospitals and clinics are critical for patients in Northwest and Central Colorado, and in-network coverage for these providers is essential for people to access the care they need. I applaud the parties for reaching an agreement that will allow Anthem consumers to continue receiving care from CommonSpirit providers. I know many in our communities are relieved for this situation to be resolved so they can access their providers at facilities that are the most convenient or best suited for their care. On May 6, McCluskie and Senator Dylan Roberts issued a joint statement calling on the parties to reach an agreement. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO ENSURE REDISTRICTING PROCESS GOES SMOOTHLY ADVANCES Bill would adjust the procedures of Colorado’s Redistricting Commissions in the wake of COVID-19 related delays. DENVER, CO– The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s bipartisan bill to propose alternative procedures for Colorado’s bipartisan Redistricting Commissions given the delay in the Census data necessary to redraw Congressional and state legislative districts. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. “By passing Amendments Y and Z, our voters spoke with one clear voice to prevent gerrymandering in Colorado’s 2021 redistricting process,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “None of us could have predicted a global public health emergency would delay the Census’ delivery of population data, but today’s bill works to ensure our redistricting process continues in a timely way despite the challenges. I’m proud of the bipartisan work we have done to guarantee fair and balanced maps for Colorado.” Amendments Y and Z established a clear timeline for Colorado’s electoral redistricting efforts. These dates, mandated in the constitution, require the Commissions to use “necessary census data” to accurately draw electoral districts for the state. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a delay in the ability of the United States Census Bureau (Census Bureau) to deliver to the state the population and demographic data necessary to redraw election districts. This delay prevents both the independent redistricting commissions (both Congressional and legislative) from completing their work by the deadlines in the constitution. SB21-247 , an Executive Committee bill sponsored by Minority and Majority Leaders in both the House and Senate, is intended to give the Commission the flexibility it needs to draw fair electoral maps in the face of these delays. Only as it applies to the current redistricting cycle, the bill amends the definition of “necessary census data” to allow the preliminary plans to be developed using state apportionment data that was released on April 26, and other population and demographic data from federal or state sources that are approved by the commissions. The three staff plans to be drafted by nonpartisan staff, one of which will be submitted to the Supreme Court for approval, have to be drawn using final census data. The bill also requires a public hearing on maps being drawn with final census data once it is made available. This bill will serve as the basis for an interrogatory to be submitted to the Supreme Court this week regarding these alternative procedures for redistricting. Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2022 DEMS DEFEAT CONTROVERSIAL GOP CONSTITUTIONAL SHERIFFS BILL DENVER, CO – Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee today defeated clearly unconstitutional legislation sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Luck that would impede federal investigations and law enforcement actions by subjecting them to review and approval by local sheriffs before federal agencies can act. "This legislation is plainly unconstitutional, and it would undermine federal law enforcement,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill purports to allow county sheriffs to block federal law enforcement actions, such as investigations into serious crimes like human trafficking and drug trafficking, to the detriment of everyone in Colorado." HB22-1147 , which is unconstitutional according to analysis prepared by nonpartisan staff, would require federal law enforcement departments to seek approval and notify county sheriffs before engaging in a law enforcement operation within their regions or jurisdictions. This would impede and jeopardize critical federal law enforcement investigations. The legislation is inspired by the Constitutional Sheriff Movement, which argues that county sheriffs should have supremacy over federal law enforcement. They have been labeled an extremist group by the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL states that, “the central tenet of CSPOA [The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association], borrowed from the anti-government extremist sovereign citizen movement, is that the county sheriff is the ultimate authority in the county, able to halt enforcement of any federal or state law or measure they deem unconstitutional.” The bill was defeated by a vote of 8-3. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Mandy Lindsay that would streamline the licensing and permitting process for food truck operators. < Back April 28, 2025 House Approves Legislation to Boost Small Businesses DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Manny Rutinel and Mandy Lindsay that would streamline the licensing and permitting process for food truck operators. “Food trucks are a great option for entrepreneurs who want to get into the restaurant scene without high overhead costs,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Colorado was recently added to the Michelin Guide, driving up interest in local talent who want to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. This bill streamlines permitting on small businesses so they can focus on making delicious food, not filling out paperwork.” “This bill modernizes food truck permitting to help Colorado small businesses thrive,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “The food truck scene is popular throughout Colorado, but barriers like duplicative licenses and stringent restrictions make it difficult to run a successful business. With this legislation, we’re making it easier for Coloradans to operate their food truck businesses to boost local economies and small business owners while ensuring health standards are met for consumers.” HB25-1295 , which passed by a vote of 38-27, would establish reciprocity amongst the state and individual local governments for food truck licensing and permitting to cut red tape. Businesses would be required to hold a valid fire safety permit and food safety license, and local governments would retain their authority to enforce their laws, regulations, and codes. Many food trucks have been able to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant, including Mama Jo’s Biscuits and BBQ, Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs, Kiké’s Red Tacos and three-time James Beard Award nominee Yuan Wonton. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES BILLS TO BUILD A SAFER COLORADO Bills would invest in wildfire mitigation efforts and provide grants to enhance security at institutions facing increasing threats DENVER, CO – The House moved a trio of bills today to build a safer Colorado. Two bills, HB22-1012 and SB22-002, invest in wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts. HB22-1077 provides grant funding to ramp up security at faith-based institutions facing increasing threats, including synagogues and mosques. “Wildfires are happening at almost any time of the year, and this session, we are moving forward several pieces of legislation to prevent and reduce the risk of wildfires,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB22-1012 and SB22-002 . “The two bills we took action on today will support our volunteer firefighters who step up to protect our communities and will help our state better manage our forests to prevent fires and remove carbon, which is responsible for much of our changing climate.” “Our forests play an important role in reducing the risk of wildfire,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara, sponsor of HB22-1012 . “We’ve seen how fast wildfires can spread in forested areas and how quickly a small fire can grow to one of the largest we’ve ever seen. This bill will improve forest management practices to mitigate the risks of wildfire and help combat climate change.” “Antisemitic incidents reported in Colorado grew by 53 percent in 2021 and reached the highest level nationwide in more than a decade – we need to secure funding now to protect our communities from violence,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB22-1077 . “I am worried about the safety of my community and this bill provides grant funding so faith-based institutions can improve their security. I am proud to stand behind this legislation that will make Colorado communities safer by ramping up security measures at sacred spaces, including synagogues, churches, temples and mosques.” “With this bill, we’re prioritizing the safety and well-being of Colorado’s minority communities who continue to experience threats and acts of violence at their places of worship,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB22-1077 . “Coloradans deserve to feel safe in their houses of worship, community centers, schools and community spaces and this bill provides grant funding to boost security on hallowed ground. The time is now to provide places of worship in Aurora and around the state with the security resources they need to protect their communities.” Wildfire Mitigation and Recovery: HB22-1012 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Donald Valdez, passed by a vote of 45 to 19. This bill improves forest management to mitigate wildfire risks and increase the state’s carbon inventory – the capacity of plants and trees in the state to remove carbon from the air. The bill creates a framework to link forest management and wildfire mitigation goals with efforts to decarbonize the air through healthy forests. Resources For Volunteer Firefighters: SB22-002 , sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter and Perry Will advanced the House on a preliminary vote and would invest $1 million to better prepare local fire departments and their firefighters for wildfires. Specifically, this bill would make local volunteer fire departments eligible for reimbursement for wildland fire suppression activities, including equipment costs and volunteer firefighter recruitment, training and retention. Local fire departments will also be able to use funds from the Local Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Grant Program for the replacement or disposal of damaged or obsolete equipment. The bill also creates the Firefighter Behavioral Health Benefits Trust to provide behavioral health care services to firefighters and paid for by public employers. Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program : HB22-1077 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Iman Jodeh passed by a vote of 46 to 18. This bill would create the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program would offer grants to eligible entities to enhance the physical security of Colorado’s faith-based and charitable organizations. Currently, the federal government provides grants for this purpose through the Department of Homeland Security, however the increase in threats combined with not enough funding has led to unmet security needs for Colorado-based organizations. As drafted, the bill would provide $1.5 million for these grants with a maximum award of $50,000, allowing nearly 30 additional Colorado organizations to complete critical security upgrades for their facilities. Minority communities are facing a growing threat from violent extremists who are targeting sacred spaces such as mosques, temples and synagogues. In Colorado, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric and threats. In 2019, there was an attempted bombing at a synagogue in Pueblo and an individual was recently arrested after threatening congregants with a weapon outside of the Downtown Denver Islamic Center. Previous Next

< Back March 4, 2020 PASSED! REP. KIPP’S BILL TO EXPAND ACCESS TO HIGHER ED GETS HOUSE APPROVAL The House today passed Representative Cathy Kipp’s legislation to improve and expand the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) by a vote of 51-13. “COSI brings enormous value to our students and our communities through matched public and private funding,” said Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “Today we ensured that COSI will continue to help students, who need it most, all over the state to successfully attain higher degrees for years to come. When we support our students, we all benefit. So far we have helped 75,000 students, and we can’t wait to see how many more will succeed with the help of this program.” The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative seeks to address two primary challenges: the accessibility and affordability of higher education. It increases accessibility by funding programs that help prepare students for postsecondary education and which support them throughout their education. It increases affordability by providing tuition support for community scholarships so that tuition costs aren’t a barrier to attending a postsecondary institution. As of 2017 , $27.6 million in state funds has leveraged $28 million in local, private, philanthropic funds to support more than 75,000 Colorado students. Additionally, over 30 student support programs serve COSI students and more than 6,000 students received scholarship assistance. According to the program , 89 percent of students who receive COSI scholarships continue their education to the second and third years, which is 25 percent higher than their peers who have not received any support. Current statute limits COSI’s ability to adapt to best practices. SB20-006 , which is also sponsored by Representative Mark Baisley, R-Roxborough Park, would give the COSI Advisory Board the flexibility needed to support students and institutions so that every COSI scholar has the guidance and aid to persist and complete their education. The bill removes the 10 percent funding restriction for state agencies and nonprofits to provide student success support services so that more students can access these critical wraparound services. It also allows more government agencies to receive funding such as colleges in addition to community organizations and related foundations among other things. The bill passed the Senate on February 13 by a vote of 32-0. Previous Next