< Back January 27, 2020 LANDOWNER ASSISTANCE FOR WILDFIRE MITIGATION ADVANCES Bipartisan interim committee legislation would expand tax deduction for mitigation efforts and raise awareness of mitigation resources available to landowners DENVER, CO– HB 20-1004 , bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, today passed the House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture by a vote of 11-0. The bill would help landowners in wildfire hazard areas protect their homes, by increasing outreach efforts between local experts and residents living in these areas. “We’ve heard from communities and residents that they often don’t know about all the resources available to them to protect their homes and other property from wildfires,” said Rep. Cutter (D-Jefferson County). “This bill would provide information on best practices and resources on wildfire mitigation available for landowners, as well as a tax credit for performing such mitigation on their properties.” Colorado currently offers landowners wildfire mitigation resources, but many residents in high hazard areas are unaware of the available resources and best practices. This bill would create a grant program to conduct outreach to landowners to spread information about the resources available to them and the best practices for wildfire mitigation. Local governments, special districts, tribal agencies, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits would be eligible for the grant funding. Currently, property owners can claim a tax deduction for 50 percent of the cost of wildfire mitigation measures up to $2,500. HB20-1004 would create a tax credit of 25 percent of the cost of wildfire mitigation efforts up to $2,500. For example, if a property owner spends $2,500 on mitigation efforts, they would receive $625 off their taxes. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie today attended a Resort Housing Affordability Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement event hosted by Housing Colorado in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and the Office for Economic Development and International Trade. < Back August 2, 2024 McCluskie Attends High Country Housing Affordability Event FRISCO, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie today attended a Resort Housing Affordability Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement event hosted by Housing Colorado in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and the Office for Economic Development and International Trade. “Everyone in the high country should be able to live, work and learn in the places they love, but the cost of living in our communities is way too high,” said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m proud of our focus to make housing, health care and child care more affordable. This event showcased our ongoing efforts to save people money on housing, build more homes in the high country, reduce the cost of renting, and create affordable pathways for homeowners to purchase their first home.” The event was designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to addressing housing challenges across the state. Speaker McCluskie sponsored the bipartisan property tax package that will permanently reduce property taxes for families and small businesses. McCluskie has also sponsored legislation to allow resort communities to access Prop 123 affordable housing funding and responsibly encourage more housing to reduce the cost of living in resort communities. She authored successful laws to boost child care affordability , and referred a measure to voters to establish Colorado’s free universal preschool program. Previous Next

< Back May 24, 2021 AG COMMITTEE ADVANCES RURAL COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS UNANIMOUSLY The Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today advanced three State Stimulus proposals to support rural economies and small businesses, and invest in critical water projects. DENVER, CO– The House Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today approved two bipartisan bills that are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bills are focused on bolstering rural economies and restoring some of the damage that wildfires have caused to our watersheds. Both passed unanimously. “The Rural Jump Start program has a proven track record of success creating jobs and supporting small businesses in economically distressed areas and coal transition communities across rural Colorado,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB21-229. “The funds we directed toward the Program today will make our rural economies and local communities stronger by boosting businesses that are starting up or need funds to grow.” SB21-229 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, invests $3 million in the Rural Jump Start Grant Program, which helps economically distressed communities – particularly communities that will be affected by the market transition away from coal to more renewable energy sources – attract new businesses and jobs. Of the grants available, new businesses can receive up to $20,000 for establishing operations in rural jump-start zones and up to $2,500 for each new job they create. While businesses establishing operations in coal transition communities (as identified in the Office of Just Transition Action Plan ) can receive up to $40,000 as well as up to $5,000 for each new job they create. The bills passed by a vote of 11-0. “Last year’s fire season was among the most destructive in the history of Colorado, and it took an unspeakable toll not only on homes and communities, but also on our forests and watersheds,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB21-240. “Through a robust investment in the Watershed Restoration and Flood Mitigation Grant Program, this bill helps us mitigate some of the worst effects of droughts and wildfire seasons so we can be better prepared for what’s to come.” SB21-240 , also sponsored by Ag Committee Vice Chair Marc Catlin, transfers $20 million to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for the Watershed Restoration and Flood Mitigation Grant Program to help watersheds recover from the impacts of wildfire. The bill also sets aside funds to conduct a statewide watershed analysis that investigates the susceptibility of life, safety, infrastructure, and water supplies to wildfire impacts. The bills passed by a vote of 11-0. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee yesterday passed legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes in the future. < Back May 2, 2023 House Committee Passes Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Bills, Improve Transparency DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee yesterday passed legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes in the future. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Matthew Martinez, would increase transparency and accountability of utility companies before the Public Utilities Commission. “After convening with policy experts, consumer advocates, and utility companies to uncover what is leading to rising utility rates, we’re moving a solution forward that will save families money on their utility bills,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill works to create a fairer utility rate setting process so Colordans are not stuck with unexpected, high utility bills. Ratepayers’ interests should be prioritized, and this legislation would improve utility accountability and transparency to keep Coloradans’ concerns and wallets top of mind.” “The Joint Select Committee has been hard at work identifying real solutions to tackle high utility bills that have been impacting hardworking families all winter,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Our legislation will create a pathway toward long-term, cost-saving solutions that will increase rate transparency and save Coloradans money. This legislation also works to protect ratepayers from having to cover the costs of lobbying, advertising and other expenses that utilities pass on to consumers.” SB23-291 , which passed the House Finance Committee by a vote of 6 to 4, presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. It rebalances the kind of expenses paid by utility shareholders versus ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel costs, and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where costly infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. The bill would limit utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which would be more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It would also create a cost-sharing mechanism to incentivize utilities to save their customers money on fuel costs, and allow the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden price shocks. Additionally, the bill would require utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and watchdogs make sure proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ ability to charge consumers for expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. Previous Next

< Back April 16, 2019 MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN BILL ON FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN PASSES FINAL HOUSE TEST Bipartisan vote of 53-11 (Apr. 16) – A bipartisan bill by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Rep Jim Wilson, R-Salida, to fund full-day kindergarten for Colorado’s youngest learners was approved by the House today. The state budget proposes funding full-day kindergarten in a responsible, sustainable manner. “We have the tools to set our kids up for success－the kids who live in every corner of our state,” said Rep. McLachlan, chair of the House Education committee. “As a former teacher, I can definitively say that early childhood education is a necessity to set our kids up for the future. Full-day Kindergarten is an investment that will reap profound benefits for the hardworking families of our state for many years to come.” Many young students lack access to full-day kindergarten, despite research showing they will benefit significantly from this learning experience. While a large number of Colorado schools have increased access to full day kindergarten over time despite inadequate funding, there are still 14,000 children without access to this important educational resource. Those who lack access often face some of the steepest obstacles to affording the tuition that is charged in many districts or live in communities that cannot afford to cut resources from other parts of the K-12 budget to offer a free full-day experience. Increased state funding would help open doors to a research-proven strategy to improve children’s academic and life success. An added benefit of funding full-day kindergarten is the complementary freeing up of more than 5,000 Early Childhood At-Risk Enhancement (ECARE) slots in the Colorado Preschool Program for young learners. HB19-1262 was approved on a bipartisan vote of 53-11 and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back April 6, 2022 REP. HEROD STATEMENT ON PASSING OF FORMER STATE SEN. GLORIA TANNER DENVER, CO – Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver, the chair of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, today released the following statement on the passing of former State Senator Gloria Tanner, the first Black woman elected to the Colorado Senate: “Senator Tanner was a trailblazer whose determination and commitment to Colorado improved the lives of all people in our state, and I join Coloradans in mourning her passing. Gloria’s tireless devotion to serving our community uplifted the lives of so many Coloradans and families. Gloria was a mentor to us all. As the founder of Colorado Black Women for Political Action and the co-creator of the National Organization of Back Elected Legislators, she fostered an entire generation of leaders who will continue her legacy and make their mark on our state and nation– just as she would have wished. Topday, we celebrate her life and legacy as she ascends to join our ancestors.” Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 HOUSE PASSES $27 MILLION TO SUPPORT NURSING FACILITIES DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Julie McCluskie to provide an additional $27 million to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. The vote was 59-4. “Some skilled nursing facilities are at risk of closing because they don’t have enough staff or revenue to cover their expenses,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We’re taking swift action to stabilize nursing facilities in Colorado by distributing $27 million in state and federal funds. This assistance will keep thousands of Coloradans from being forced out of where they live. “Colorado’s skilled nursing facilities need assistance, and we’re delivering with $27 million in state and federal funds to help them stay open and attract the workforce they need,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie. “This funding will be directed at the facilities with the greatest need to shore up their finances so Coloradans won’t lose access to affordable skilled nursing options.” HB22-1247 would direct additional payments to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers to help them address staffing shortages, provide quality care and support their short term solvency. Our state investment of $17 million will draw additional $10 million in federal dollars, bringing the total additional funding for nursing homes to $27 million. The bill also instructs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to seek additional opportunities to draw down federal funds. The legislation also requires the department to establish reporting and result tracking requirements. Nursing facilities across Colorado, especially those with Medicaid patients, have faced funding and staffing challenges, and some have struggled to stay open. At the same time, nurse staffing agencies and travel nursing agencies have been able to attract providers with higher wages than what facilities that care for Medicaid clients can pay, exacerbating the staffing challenges at nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. Previous Next

< Back July 1, 2021 GARNETT, CARAVEO CONDEMN SCOTUS DECISION TO UPHOLD DISCRIMINATORY VOTING LAWS DENVER, CO — House Speaker Alec Garnett and Representative Yadira Caraveo, the sponsor of a new law to expand access to multilingual ballots as well as legislation to enhance our gold standard elections system in Colorado, today released the following statements condemning the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold two discriminatory Arizona laws that restrict access to voting. “Voting should be easy, accessible and secure, and in Colorado, we’ve set the gold standard for administering secure elections that expand turnout and participation,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “I am beyond disappointed that the conservative majority on the Supreme Court has sanctioned discriminatory voting laws that specifically aim to disenfranchise people of color. Without federal action to protect voting rights, we will see continued efforts in states across the country to restrict access to the ballot, so Congress must urgently act to pass voting rights legislation that ensures every eligible American can cast their vote. While a blow to voting rights nationwide, the Court’s decision today will not stop Colorado from continuing to set the gold standard for elections, and I urge other states around the country to follow our lead.” “Today, the conservative majority on the Supreme Court handed down a decision that will allow states to make it harder for their citizens to exercise their right to vote and which will have a disproportionate impact on people of color,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “Across the country, and here in Colorado, Republican state lawmakers have tried to make it harder to vote. Each time in Colorado, we have defeated these efforts because they would undermine our democracy and roll back the progress we’ve made. Colorado House Democrats will continue to defend the rights of voters and improve the security and accessibility of our elections, and we call on Congress to take action to address this critical threat to our democracy.” The case, brought by the Democratic National Committee against Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, challenged two Arizona voting provisions and tested what remains of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965. The first is what’s known as an out-of-precinct policy that requires an entire ballot to be thrown out if the ballot was cast in the wrong precinct. The second is a state law enacted by the Arizona legislature in 2016 which makes it a felony offense punishable by up to two years in prison for most people to collect and deliver another person’s completed ballot. The DNC argued that both policies violate Section 2 of the VRA because they result in racial discrimination and have a disproportionate impact on minority voters. Opponents of the Arizona laws argue they are discriminatory in part because the state has a history of switching polling places more frequently in minority neighborhoods and that minority voters are more likely to need assistance with their ballots. The decision further undermines the Voting Rights Act of 1965, limiting the ability of the landmark federal law to combat voting restrictions that have disproportionate impacts on communities of color. During the 2021 legislative session, Democrats passed two bills that will improve elections in Colorado. SB21-250 , an omnibus elections package sponsored by Representatives Yadira Caraveo and Susan Lontine, will make it easier to register to vote and improve access to drop boxes and Voter Service and Polling Centers. Democrats also passed HB21-1011 , also sponsored by Representative Caraveo, which will give all voters access to a hotline that would provide over-the-phone ballot translation in the top languages in which the census was offered. In addition, it would require that in counties where a minority language is spoken by either 2,000 eligible voters or 2.5% of those eligible, the county must print ballots in that language, either on paper or electronically. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2022 SIGNED! BILLS TO HELP SAVE COLORADO FAMILIES MONEY ON CHILD CARE BECOME LAW DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will help Colorado families save money on child care. SB22-213 , sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Representatives Alex Valdez, D-Denver and Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, will boost Colorado’s economy and make it easier for families to access child care by increasing provider capacity across the state and better developing and training the early childhood professional workforce to provide high quality care to our youngest Coloradans “The pandemic exposed glaring gaps in our state’s child care system, and it’s hurting Colorado’s families and our economy,” Fields said. “Increasing our state’s child care capacity and helping more folks train for jobs in the child care field will allow us to provide critical support for working families across Colorado who have been doing their best to make sure their children have a safe place to learn and grow during the workday.” “By boosting funding for child care providers, we’ll create more child care options for parents, save families money and help people get back to work,” Valdez said. “Not only will this help parents, but it will help Colorado’s employers as well as they deal with workforce shortages and rising costs. This law is great news for families with young children, child care providers and small businesses across Colorado.” “Child care is one of the largest costs families have to deal with, and many of us juggle between multiple providers to find reliable care for our kids,” Tipper said. “Too many families cannot go back to work because they simply can’t afford child care or cannot find a provider to care for their children. This new law will boost our state’s child care capacity and builds on our work to make child care more affordable and available for families across our state.” The law directs $50 million in federal economic relief funds to boost child care capacity, including providing $16 million in grant funding to open a new child care center or expand capacity at an existing licensed childcare facility. It also invests $10 million to support the employer-based child care facility grant program, which will help business owners and other employers provide convenient, high-quality child care on-site while parents are at work. SB22-213 also adds $15 million to a successful workforce recruitment and retention grant program, and provides $7.5 million to support and train license-exempt informal caregivers working with young children in their communities. Polis also signed HB22-1010 , a bipartisan bill championed by Senators Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and Tonya Van Beber, R-Weld County, which creates the early childhood educator tax credit to help save early childhood educators money and encourage new providers to enter the field. “Colorado currently does not have enough early childhood educators, which limits options for parents and makes it more expensive to provide care to our youngest learners,” Sirota said. “This law will save educators money and create an incentive to enter the early childhood education profession. By attracting more educators and working to retain the teachers we already have, this law will lower the cost of early childhood care and help parents get back to work.” “Early childhood educators are among the lowest paid professionals in every state, including Colorado,” said Buckner. “As the demand for quality early childhood educators rapidly increases, we must do all we can to ensure it is a viable, attractive career path for Coloradans, and this new law will do just that.” Boosting pay for the child care workforce and making the profession more sustainable will expand child care options in Colorado and ultimately lower the cost of child care. Child care providers are facing significant workforce challenges as workers leave the field for higher paying, less stressful jobs. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2021 JOINT RELEASE: TITONE, ESGAR, LGBTQ CAUCUS CONDEMN BOEBERT’S TRANSPHOBIC FLOOR REMARKS DENVER, CO– The Colorado Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, Representative Brianna Titone, and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar today released the following statements in response to Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s insidious and unacceptable transphobic speech on the House Floor yesterday. Speaking against the Equality Act, Boebert once again spewed hateful rhetoric against the transgender community, especially trans kids. Statement from Colorado Legislative LGBTQ Caucus: “We, the Colorado Democrats LGBTQ Caucus, strongly condemn the hateful and dangerous words of Congresswoman Boebert. Her words hurt people, propagate dangerous tropes, and cause mental distress to those she berates. When leaders like Congresswoman Boebert use their position of power to fuel tropes about trans people, a group facing discrimination, violence, and poverty all over the globe, they exemplify why we need The Equality Act now. “In her speech, Congresswoman Boebert incorrectly stated that this bill is willing to lay down the rights of millions of Americans, especially women. The truth is that the Equality Act protects and restores the rights of millions of Americans, especially womxn and children. We, the Colorado Democrats LGBTQ Caucus, stand with the Equality Act, because Trans Lives Matter, BIPOC Trans Lives Matter, and trans children deserve to live safe, healthy lives free of fear and hatred.” Statement from Representative Brianna Titone, D-Avada, the Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus and the Second Transgender Woman Ever Elected to a Statehouse: “Colorado has come such a long way from when we were deemed the ‘Hate State’ in 1992. Congresswoman Boebert’s words seek to bring us back. Coloradans deserve to be shown respect and dignity from Congressional leaders, but she has instead attacked children and endangered the lives of trans kids in Colorado and in every community in our country. Congress must pass the Equality Act, and everyone who claims to stand with the LGBTQ community should condemn the congresswoman’s dangerous remarks.” Statement from House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, founding chair of the Colorado Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. “Trans kids have enough to worry about without having a Congresswoman bullying them on national television. The role of an elected official should be to proudly and honorably represent the people of their district, and that’s why I’ve worked my entire career to protect all of our children. Instead, yesterday, Lauren Boebert used her perch to attack, undermine, and dehumanize countless of LGBTQ Coloradans in her district. She took acute aim at trans children, who already face tragically high rates of suicidal ideation and attempts. Lauren Boebert should be ashamed of herself, and as one of her constituents, I know her district certainly is.” Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senator Dylan Roberts today presented to the Frisco Town Council and highlighted recent legislation to make Colorado more affordable. < Back July 23, 2024 McCluskie Highlights Affordability Measures at Frisco Town Meeting FRISCO, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senator Dylan Roberts today presented to the Frisco Town Council and highlighted recent legislation to make Colorado more affordable. “Everyone in the high country should be able to live, work and learn in the places they love, but the cost of living in our communities is way too high,” said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We have focused on making housing, health care and child care more affordable. I’m proud that the successful reinsurance program I helped create has saved Coloradans over $2 billion on health insurance, and this year, we delivered bipartisan property tax relief that will lower taxes for families and small businesses.” Speaker McCluskie sponsored the bipartisan property package that will permanently reduce property taxes for families and small businesses. She also sponsored the legislation to create the successful reinsurance program, which is saving people money on health insurance and has had a drastic impact on lowering costs in the high country. McCluskie has also sponsored legislation to responsibly encourage more housing to reduce the cost of living in resort communities, authored successful laws to boost child care affordability , and referred a measure to voters to establish Colorado’s free universal preschool program. She also sponsored the new public school finance formula, which will result in a projected 12 percent increase for Summit County schools, over the next six years. Previous Next

The House today passed two bills aimed at building strong career pathways for students and Colorado’s health care workforce. < Back April 25, 2024 House Passes Bills to Create New, Strong Pathways for Students and Physician Assistants DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills aimed at building strong career pathways for students and Colorado’s health care workforce. HB24-1364, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, would streamline career pathways for high school graduates. SB24-018 sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile would make it easier for licensed physician assistants to begin practicing in Colorado. “With this bill, we’re one step closer to strengthening career pathways that will make it easier for Coloradans to secure good-paying jobs in communities they love,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We’re improving access to existing programs that offer college credits, industry credentials, or quality work-based learning experiences. Together, we’re investing in our workforce, boosting local economies, and making it easier for our learners to find and succeed in a career that will help them not just get by, but thrive in a well-paying job.” “To meet Colorado’s workforce and education demands, we need to make it easier for our learners to plan and succeed for their next career steps,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “This bill makes a data system that will make it easier for Colorado learners, school districts and higher education to connect to college credit, apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs.Our bill invests in learners by connecting them to careers that have significant growth and earning potential.” HB24-1364 passed the House by a vote of 51 to 11 and would implement recommendations from the 1215 Task Force to help meet workforce demands and foster career pathways for Coloradans. HB24-1364 would create a detailed study to uncover the cost benefits of streamlining the administration and financing of postsecondary workforce readiness programs to state and local education providers. This bill would also lay the foundation of a data system to measure the impact and outcomes of education and workforce programs. The data collected by this program would be more accessible to learners, families, and other decision-makers when it comes to choosing a career pathway. “This bill brings us one step closer to recruiting more health care professionals to contribute to a safer, healthier state for everyone,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This legislation creates an interstate compact to make it easier for licensed physician assistants to practice in Colorado. By easing the state-to-state licensure process, physician assistants’ practicing in other states within the compact can begin providing critical health care to Coloradans sooner.” SB24-018 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, passed the House by a vote of 60 to 2. This bill creates the "Physician Assistant Licensure Compact", which creates an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed physician assistants in member states can obtain and easily transfer a license from another member state. This legislation aims to reduce barriers for physician assistants by easing the state-to-state licensure process and increasing health care access in Colorado, particularly for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state. Colorado lawmakers have championed nine mobility compact laws over the years, not including this year’s mobility compact legislation highlighted in HB24-1002 , HB24-1096 , HB24-1111 , SB24-010 and SB24-125 . Previous Next