Governor Jared Polis today signed two bipartisan bills into law to boost support for rural health care. < Back June 6, 2024 Gov. Signs Bipartisan Bills to Support Rural Health Care HUGO / DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bipartisan bills into law to boost support for rural health care. SB24-121 will create a new licensing process for critical access hospitals and SB24-055 will boost behavioral and mental health care services for farmers and ranchers. “Throughout my district Coloradans living in rural areas rely on critical access hospitals for life-saving care,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of SB24-121. “This important, bipartisan law saves critical access hospitals money and gives them more opportunities to obtain essential federal and state grant funding, ensuring rural communities continue to have access to the high-quality health care services they deserve.” “Critical access hospitals are a health care lifeline for our rural and frontier communities,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB24-121. “This law updates the licensing process for critical access hospitals by eliminating expensive, duplicative fees so they can continue to serve their communities and make our lives safer, healthier and happier.” SB24-121 , also sponsored by Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, and Representative Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, will create a new licensure process for critical access hospitals, primarily rural and remote hospitals. This new law will save critical access hospitals money, allow them to apply for federal and state grants more easily and will ensure critical access hospitals are not registered as general hospitals. “Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and their families are struggling to get the behavioral health care they urgently need, and the results have been disastrous,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, sponsor of SB24-055. “Everyone deserves to have behavioral health care created by and for their own communities. This new law will bolster our ongoing efforts to close the rural mental health gap, and ultimately help save lives across our state.” “Coloradans living in rural and mountain communities, like mine, deserve access to high-quality health care – including mental and behavioral health care,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of SB24-055. “We’re taking steps to expand mental health care support for our farmers and ranchers in their communities. Mental health matters in every corner of our state, and this new law will improve access, outreach and connection for our farmers and ranchers to receive the behavioral health care they need.” SB24-055 , also sponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle and Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, will improve access to behavioral health care in rural Colorado by creating a new Agricultural and Rural Community Behavioral Health program that would work to better connect farmers, ranchers, and their families to behavioral health care. The program will partner with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, health care providers, and directly with agriculture communities throughout Colorado to provide care and support. The new law also establishes a working group and centralizes existing grant programs within the Colorado Department of Agriculture to better address the root causes of behavioral health issues in rural and agricultural communities. Farmers, ranchers and those in the agriculture industry currently rank fourth in the state for the highest suicide rate. This bill aims to connect farmers and ranchers with tailored behavioral health care resources. Previous Next

Statement from House Leadership follows joint statement from Jewish lawmakers < Back June 2, 2025 McCluskie and Duran Issue Statement Following Hate Crime Charges in Boulder Attack Statement from House Leadership follows joint statement from Jewish lawmakers DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran issued the following statement after federal hate crime charges were filed in the Boulder terror attack on Jewish Coloradans: “Yesterday’s terror attack on Colorado’s Jewish community continues a terrifying rise in antisemitism and threats against Jews, both here and abroad. We stand in solidarity with Jewish Coloradans and Jews around the world who are increasingly living in fear that they will be attacked simply for being Jewish. We agree with our Jewish colleagues that this cannot become normalized. We must commit ourselves to doing more to combat antisemitism and violence against Jews. Now is the time for Coloradans to speak up and say with one clear voice that antisemitism is unacceptable and has no place in our communities." Earlier today, Jewish lawmakers issued a joint statement on the attack. In the statement, the lawmakers wrote, “As we mourn the victims of yesterday’s attack in Boulder, we ask our allies to speak out. Whether publicly or privately—and regardless of views on the conflict in the Middle East—we must confront hate forcefully, before it becomes normalized. The rising tide of antisemitic attacks doesn’t just threaten Jews. It threatens the very fabric of what makes America worth believing in. We should all be outraged to live in a country where this is happening—and determined to change it.” Below is the full statement from Senators Michaelsen Jenet, Weissman, and Ball, and Representatives Sirota, Woodrow, and Weinberg: We are outraged and heartbroken by the vicious attack at the Run for Their Lives walk in Boulder. Innocent people were severely injured for doing nothing more than raising awareness about the 58 remaining hostages held in Gaza by Hamas. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Boulder community. This attack should not be viewed in isolation. In April, a man broke into Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence and set it on fire while his family slept inside. In May, a Coloradan was arrested for trying to burn down the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, and two people were murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. It didn’t matter that one of the murder victims had devoted her life to peace through interfaith dialogue, just like it didn’t matter that the victims in Boulder were marching peacefully, calling for the release of hostages and an end to war. What they all had in common was that they were Jewish. We have a name for this: antisemitism. Colorado’s Jewish community is strong and deeply rooted in our state’s history. As members of that community, we know that the attack in Boulder could have happened to any of us—some of us have even participated in Run for Their Lives events in the past. We will continue to live proudly and openly because Colorado must be a place where every Jew feels safe, supported, and free. But we cannot fight antisemitism alone—to stand up to hate, we need Coloradans to stand with us. As we mourn the victims of yesterday’s attack in Boulder, we ask our allies to speak out. Whether publicly or privately—and regardless of views on the conflict in the Middle East—we must confront hate forcefully, before it becomes normalized. The rising tide of antisemitic attacks doesn’t just threaten Jews. It threatens the very fabric of what makes America worth believing in. We should all be outraged to live in a country where this is happening—and determined to change it. Previous Next

< Back Rep. Meghan Lukens: Delivering results for the Western Slope May 8, 2025 See more This story was originally published in the Vail Daily here . As the 2025 legislative session comes to a close, I am proud to report that we have made significant strides in addressing the needs of our Western Slope communities. From enhancing education to improving health care access, increasing affordability, and protecting our natural resources, your input has guided our work at the Capitol and focused on practical solutions that make a difference in Eagle, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties. Investments in education As chair of the House Education Committee, improving our education system remained my top priority. I sponsored HB25-1320 , the School Finance Act, which significantly increases funding for Colorado’s public schools. This investment will benefit our rural schools and ensure districts across the state can provide students with the necessary resources to succeed. The bill prioritizes sustainable funding for years to come, with a focus on supporting our most vulnerable students. I also sponsored HB25-1135 , which empowers school districts to establish policies on cell phone use during school hours. This law addresses a concern I’ve heard repeatedly from educators and parents across our district. By allowing local solutions to this challenge, we’re helping students focus on learning while supporting their mental health. Another education priority I championed was SB25-167 , which addresses housing costs for educators by offering accessible mortgages and down payments to help teachers live in the communities where they teach. This initiative aims to support approximately 2,500 educators, strengthening our local districts and improving student outcomes. Making Colorado more affordable As I travel throughout the Western Slope, affordability remains one of the most pressing concerns I hear from constituents. That’s why I am proud of the work we have done this session to ease financial burdens on Colorado families. We took action to eliminate hidden costs that impact your budget by passing HB25-1090 , which requires businesses to be transparent about pricing and eliminates deceptive “junk fees” that often surprise consumers at checkout. We also tackled price gouging during emergencies through HB25-1010 , which prevents businesses from exploiting disasters to inflate prices on essential items like groceries and diapers. For renters, we passed HB25-1004 to regulate how algorithms are used in setting rental prices, preventing coordinated increases among landlords. For everyone dealing with the frustration of unwanted subscriptions, SB25-145 now makes it simpler to cancel recurring charges. We also protected vital health care access in our state budget this year by preserving Medicaid coverage, dental services, and health programs for children. For families with young children, we maintained support for child care assistance and school meals , ensuring that no child goes hungry during the school day. Health and safety This session, we built upon our progress to protect your fundamental right to reproductive health care. Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 79, which enshrined the right to abortion care in the Colorado Constitution. We passed legislation to implement the ballot measure and remove the state’s prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care. We also passed legislation to strengthen our shield law and protect providers and out-of-state patients from hostile out-of-state investigations related to legally protected health care. Additionally, we passed legislation to ensure emergency access to abortion and miscarriage care by creating a state-level version of the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. Health care access remains crucial for our rural communities. During this session, I sponsored HB25-1222 , ensuring that rural independent pharmacies can use private couriers for prescriptions and receive fair reimbursement. The bill also defines “flex pharmacies” that can operate both in-person and remotely, bringing essential services closer to home for many rural residents. I also sponsored HB25-1223 , which initiates a comprehensive study of capital needs for rural and frontier hospitals throughout the state. This bipartisan effort will help us understand what our healthcare facilities need to meet current standards. I know how scary and challenging it is to drive on our mountain roads during the winter months. I sponsored SB25-069 , which authorizes the Colorado Department of Transportation to issue permits to qualified vendors who can help install or remove tire chains or other traction devices for both commercial drivers and passenger vehicles. These vendors will operate at designated highway locations, making winter travel safer and more efficient for everyone who travels our mountain roads. Moving forward together As we look ahead, I remain committed to bipartisan solutions that make Colorado more affordable, protect our natural resources, support quality education, and ensure health care access for all residents. It’s truly an honor to represent the people of Eagle, Routt, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties. I welcome your thoughts on our accomplishments and your priorities for the future. Don’t hesitate to contact me at meghan.lukens.house@coleg.gov with ideas, comments, or concerns. I invite you to join one of our upcoming town halls this summer to discuss these legislative achievements in person and share your thoughts on issues important to our communities. You can also join my newsletter for more regular updates by emailing me. Let’s keep in touch and continue making a difference in House District 26. Onward! Meghan Lukens of Steamboat Springs is the representative for Colorado’s House District 26, which encompasses Moffat, Rio Blanco, Eagle, and Routt counties. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2022 UITF BILL SAVES PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES MONEY, IMPROVES UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE DENVER, CO – The House FInance Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Marc Snyder to save people and businesses money and improve unemployment insurance in Colorado. “From reducing filing fees to start your own business to reducing property taxes on commercial and residential properties, we’re doing everything we can to save business and people money as they deal with rising costs from pandemic-induced inflation,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This legislation supports workers by improving the unemployment system and saves employers and employees money.” “Workers relied on the unemployment system during the pandemic to make ends meet and pay for everyday necessities as they worked to get back on their feet, and as a result, we avoided a full blown economic crisis,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This legislation will avoid significant cost increases on businesses and improve how we deliver benefits to workers. It also extends a successful change that allows workers to get back to work sooner with part time employment without being penalized by losing part of their benefits.” SB22-234 , which passed by a vote of 9-2, would infuse the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund (UITF) with pandemic relief funds while expanding eligibility and improving benefits to help support Colorado’s working families. SB22-234 invests $600 million to shore up the solvency of the UITF and protect against potential future economic downturns. This will save businesses money on premiums and surcharges and provide certainty to workers who depend on unemployment benefits to continue paying for essentials like food, rent, and transportation while they search for new work. By extending the suspension of the solvency surcharge, a fee placed on employers until the Unemployment Trust Fund reaches solvency, the bill saves businesses money while they continue recovering from the pandemic induced recession. The bill makes further improvements to ensure the unemployment system works better for Colorado families. It raises the benefit amount part-time workers can receive from 25 percent to 50 percent of the weekly benefit amount, in order to make it easier for workers who are laid off to find part-time employment while seeking a full-time job. It also creates a Benefit Recovery Fund to ensure that workers in Colorado who lack work authorization receive the benefits they already contribute to and their employers pay premiums into. The bill also eliminates the one-week waiting period to help workers access their benefits as quickly as possible once the Fund reaches a sustainable level, clarifies what constitutes an overpayment to ensure workers are not unnecessarily penalized for errors or miscalculations made by administrators or their employer explores the feasibility of a dependency allowance to better support primary caregivers as they return to work, and requires employers to inform all workers of their unemployment benefit eligibility upon separation. Previous Next

< Back January 6, 2023 Duran Statement on the Increase of Domestic Violence Deaths in Colorado DENVER, CO – Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement regarding the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board’s report which revealed an increase in domestic violence deaths in 2021. Statement from Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “The annual report from the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board has confirmed one of my worst fears – domestic violence deaths surged in 2021 and are now at an all-time high in Colorado. “This is frightening, and I am keeping those who have lost a friend or loved one to domestic violence very close to my heart. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and communities. For a time in my life, I was not safe in my own home. I know the feeling of displacement and the struggle of navigating your next move to keep you and your children safe. “Today, and every day, I am deeply committed to ensuring Colorado’s crime victims and survivors receive the support and services they deserve. While the rise of domestic violence deaths is troubling and we have a lot to work to do, we have been able to secure multi-year funding that will enhance services for victims of crime. This year, we will make improving public safety a top priority and continue our focus on providing the services that survivors need.” In Colorado, domestic violence deaths are at an all-time high since the state began tracking this information in 2016. Majority Leader Duran, a domestic violence survivor, has spent her career at the capitol advocating for survivors' rights and services. In 2022, Majority Leader Duran spearheaded SB22-183 which invested $48 million toward providing critical resources, programs and support to victims of crime, including domestic violence. She has also sponsored bills to protect survivors of domestic violence by strengthening enforcement of requirements that certain domestic violence abusers relinquish their firearms. If you need help in Colorado, call (800) 799-7233 to be connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or visit violencefreecolorado.org . Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to protect patients from surprise ambulance billing. < Back February 11, 2025 Legislation to Protect Patients from Surprise Ambulance Billing Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to protect patients from surprise ambulance billing. HB25-1088, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Kyle Brown, would shield Colorado patients by expanding existing consumer protections to public ambulance services. “No one should hesitate dialing 9-1-1 during an emergency because they’re concerned about cost,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont . “This bill aims to extend surprise billing protections to public ambulance service so Coloradans can receive the emergency services they need. Our bill would establish clear reimbursement rates and ensure that when patients require an ambulance, they aren’t later charged unreasonable and often unaffordable bill.” “The last thing on someone’s mind when calling an ambulance during an emergency should be cost – yet many patients still receive expensive, surprise bills from ambulance services,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This important legislation extends consumer protections to cover surprise billing from public ambulance services. Keeping our communities safe and healthy is a top priority, and this legislation makes sure Colorado patients won’t face surprise ambulance bills that they cannot afford.” HB25-1088 , passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This bill would protect patients from surprise, and typically expensive, ambulance billing. Colorado’s existing billing protections only include private ambulance services. HB25-1088 builds upon previous bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise ambulance billing by extending protections to public ambulance services. Additionally, this bill would put key federal Advisory Committee on Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing (GAPB) recommendations in place, such as: Prohibiting all ambulance agencies from balance billing patients for both emergency and non-emergency transports. Establishing reimbursement rates for ambulance services that are out of network. Requiring carriers to pay the rates adopted by governing political subdivisions, assuming those rates meet conditions designed to improve transparency and limit costs. Creating a public-facing website of rates adopted by political subdivisions. Ensuring ambulance agencies are paid directly after a transport. During an emergency, patients cannot choose who responds to their 9-1-1 call and more than 75-percent of ambulance agencies in Colorado are public departments, not covered by current law. The bill establishes clear reimbursement rates to ensure patient access and improves ambulance sustainability in all Colorado communities. Previous Next

Legislation would save Coloradans money on housing by encouraging housing near transit options and supporting local efforts < Back March 6, 2024 Committee Approves Legislation to Incentivize Housing Near Transit Legislation would save Coloradans money on housing by encouraging housing near transit options and supporting local efforts DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to save people money on housing by building more housing near public transit, cycling and walking corridors, places of employment, and other centers of community. It would also provide financial support to cities, counties, and municipalities that meet their housing goals. HB24-1313 passed by a vote of 7-3. “We can all agree that housing affordability is at crisis levels in our state, and we have to act now,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This legislation unlocks the door for more affordable housing near transit. Coloradans want and deserve shorter commutes and safe, walkable neighborhoods. This bill advances our climate and housing goals, and I’m grateful to the committee and all the stakeholders for helping us get this done.” “We all want a Colorado where our essential workers can afford their rent and families can buy a home, and this bill will help get us there,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Our bill reduces housing costs by removing burdensome barriers in order to encourage more housing near transit and job centers. It provides financial support to local governments that meet their housing goals. By building in a smart, strategic way, we can bring down the cost of living and prevent our loved ones and neighbors from being pushed out of our communities.” HB24-1313 would increase affordable housing options and help prevent Coloradans from being displaced from their communities by encouraging strategic housing development near transit and job centers. The bill empowers local governments to address Colorado’s housing needs and incentivizes them to build more housing by providing financial assistance to help meet their housing goals. It also aims to conserve our natural resources and improve our air quality to protect vulnerable communities from pollution-related health issues. The bill would establish Housing Opportunity Goals in areas close to transit services where qualifying cities and counties could build more housing. Subject jurisdictions would have the flexibility to decide where it makes sense to build more housing to ensure they are meeting the diverse needs of their communities. Jurisdictions could meet the Housing Opportunity Goals a number of different ways including increasing the maximum building height in multi-family and mixed-use zones, or allowing multi-family residences in commercial-only or single-family zones. Communities that meet their Housing Opportunity Goals would benefit from a new Affordable Housing Tax Credit and the Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Fund to support their efforts in increasing housing opportunities near public transit, employment centers, safe biking and walking corridors. HB24-1313 applies to cities only if they are in Metropolitan Planning Organizations, have a population over 4,000, and have more than 75 acres of Transit Areas. Of the approximately 30 jurisdictions that would qualify under this bill, most are along the I-25 corridor. A recent poll found that 95 percent of Coloradans say the cost of renting or buying a home is a problem, with 70 percent saying that local governments aren’t doing enough to address this issue. Nearly 70 percent of Colorado voters also support a state law, like HB24-1313, to require cities and counties to allow more housing to be built near public transit and businesses and shopping areas while providing financial assistance for these projects. Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO SAVE SENIORS MONEY ON HOUSING DENVER, CO – The House today passed HB22-1205, which will save seniors money on housing by creating a temporary new income tax credit. The bill passed 51-12 with half of all House Republicans opposing this relief for Colorado seniors. “This bill will save nearly 140,000 Colorado seniors money on housing by creating a new refundable income tax credit,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This credit will boost the incomes of seniors who rent their homes or haven’t owned them long enough to qualify for the senior homestead exemption. Rising housing costs and property values are hurting Colorado seniors, and this bill will bring much needed relief and save them money.” “With housing costs rising, Colorado seniors need relief, and that’s exactly what this bill provides through a new refundable tax credit,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This legislation will put money back into seniors’ pockets, save seniors money on housing, and help vulnerable Coloradans afford the rising cost of living in Colorado.” HB22-1205 will save Colorado seniors $100 million on their housing costs by creating a new refundable income tax credit. Seniors with incomes under $75,000 who have not claimed the senior homestead exemption will be eligible for the tax credit. The credit starts at $1,000 for taxpayers with incomes below $25,000 and phases out slowly by $10 for every $500 of income above $25,000. Because the credit is refundable, taxpayers will receive the benefit even if the credit exceeds their tax liability. According to the bill’s fiscal note prepared by nonpartisan staff, nearly 60,000 Coloradans will receive the full $1,000 credit, and up to 77,000 Coloradans will see tax relief under the bill. The chart below shows the tax credit amount as it phases out by income level. Previous Next

On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. < Back August 2, 2024 McCormick’s Laws to Increase Access to Veterinary Care Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. “We must take a responsible approach to address Colorado’s shortage in veterinary medicine that ensures the best care for our beloved pets and animals and our public health,” said Veterinarian and Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1047 and HB24-1048. “The two laws going into effect soon will expand access to veterinary care in a responsible, safe way by outlining best practices for telehealth for animals and for allowing the expansion of scope of practice for both Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Technician Specialists. Under our new law it’s clear – these highly trained, credentialed mid-level professionals are legally allowed to care for animals on Colorado veterinary teams.” HB24-1047 helps address Colorado’s veterinary storage by allowing veterinarians who have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to delegate certain tasks to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. This law allows a new designation of a veterinary technician specialist, and aims to elevate the veterinary technician profession as mid-level providers. One piece of the puzzle toward addressing the workforce shortage of veterinarians is to fully utilize the education, skill-set, and expertise of veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists in providing care to animals in our state. Additionally, to ensure Colorado’s animals are receiving high-quality care, HB24-1047 establishes a framework for supervision and delegation by veterinarians and requires continuing education for veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. “From dogs and cats to the livestock on our farms and ranches, the increasing shortage of veterinarians threatens the health and safety of our animals and the livelihood of many in our communities,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB24-1048. “With this new law going into effect, we’re increasing telehealth veterinary services to ensure rural Coloradans can receive quality and timely help for their livestock and household pets.” HB24-1048 establishes a framework to increase telehealth services while also ensuring that high standards of care and ethical practice are provided to both pets and agricultural animals in Colorado. The law allows a licensed veterinarian to provide veterinary services via telehealth after they have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, may refer a patient to a veterinary specialist who can provide services via telehealth. Previous Next

Legislation includes designated support for youth with complex behavioral health care needs, system accountability tools and improved access to services for non-english speakers < Back October 26, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Interim Committee Passes Bipartisan Bills to Support Children and Youth in Foster Care Legislation includes designated support for youth with complex behavioral health care needs, system accountability tools and improved access to services for non-english speakers DENVER, CO – Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee yesterday passed five bipartisan bills to support children and youth in foster care or at risk of out-of-home placement. “We need to improve access to care to ensure our children and youth with complex behavioral health needs are receiving the treatment they deserve,” said Chair of Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee, Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of Bill 5. “This bill would create a system of care, including training for residential child care providers, specifically designed to support children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. Our goal is to make sure our youth can get access to the care they need, when they need it, from high-quality professionals to improve their overall health care outcomes.” “Caring for your behavioral health is just as important as physical health - but behavioral health care needs are often complex, and caring for them can be difficult, especially for young people in foster care,” said Vice Chair of Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of Bill 5. “Our bill will require the state to expand and improve treatment options and services for those individuals, and will help more children and youth in foster care get the critical treatment they deserve,” Bill 5 , sponsored by Representatives Young and Brandi Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, Senator Fields and Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, outlines a new system of care designed for youth and children in foster care, or at risk of out-of-home placement with complex behavioral health needs. Specifically, Bill 5 would require state agencies to create a care plan that includes the implementation of a standardized assessment tool, intensive-care coordination, expanded supportive services and expanded access to alternatives to residential treatment. Bill 5 aims to make it easier for youth with complex behavioral health needs to receive the care they need, when they need it. In order to meet the needs of foster youth, the bill would create a training academy and help create a talent pipeline of high-quality residential child care providers. “When it comes to accessibility, Colorado needs to do a better job to support our children and families involved in dependency and neglect court cases,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 6. “This important piece of legislation will improve our state’s language standards, so that all families and guardians have the court-ordered information they need in a format they can readily understand. Certain accommodations, including language standards, are necessary to support Coloradans as they navigate our judicial and welfare system, and this bill will help in closing this widening gap.” “Neglect and abuse cases are already stressful and challenging for children and families, which is why we must do more to support these families and break down language barriers,” said Senator Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of Bill 6. “Bill 6’s accommodations are a no-brainer. Every Coloradan – regardless of their primary language – deserves access to translation services that will help them better navigate the family judicial system and care for children involved.” To improve accessibility for children, families and guardians involved in abuse and neglect legal cases, Bill 6 , sponsored by Representatives Joseph and Bradley, and Senators Michaelson Jenet and Kirkmeyer, would require the Colorado Department of Human Services to translate court-ordered documents, including treatment plans, into the primary language used by the family. The services would include language translation and interpretation services. “Domestic violence deaths are on the rise, we need to do everything in our power to protect survivors and their innocent children,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of Bill 7. “My son and I survived domestic violence, but others across our state are not as fortunate. This important bill works to add another layer of protection for children living in homes with domestic abuse by requiring mandatory reporters to report suspected and known DV situations. This bill, combined with other legislative efforts, will help keep our communities safer while supporting our survivors.” “It’s past time we take a close look at how we’re tracking instances of child abuse and domestic violence,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, sponsor of Bill 7. “Our new bill requires a comprehensive audit of the state’s current reporting and tracking tools to ensure we’re getting a complete picture of the problem at hand and so that we can better determine best practices going forward. This is a critical step we can take to ensure we’re doing everything we can to accurately track child abuse and, ultimately, keep our kids safe.” To support children in suspected domestic violence situations, Bill 7 would require mandatory reporters, including teachers, medical professionals, and law enforcement, to report any evidence of known or suspected domestic violence in a child's home including evidence from previous cases. Bill 7, sponsored by Majority Leader Duran and Representative Gabe Evans, R-Fort Lupton, and Senators Kolker and Kirkmeyer, also outlines the framework for the Colorado State Department of Human Services to develop and implement a screening process for counties to follow when responding to a hotline report, including questions regarding domestic violence and a disclaimer that calls are recorded. Additionally, the bill requires an audit on the current tools used to report and track child abuse to ensure best practices and increase child safety. The committee also passed two additional pieces of legislation, including Bill 1 and Bill 2 . Bill 1, sponsored by Senators Zenzigner and Kirkmeyer and Representatives Young and Pugliese, aims to improve measures for kinship foster care homes, including establishing a process for kinship foster care homes to become certified and securing assistance for providing a child’s basic care. Bill 2, sponsored by Senators Michaelson Jenet and Kirkmeyer and Majority Leader Duran and Representative Pugliese would lay down the groundwork toward creating a more streamlined and expansive system of care with focus on prevention so that behavioral health needs can be addressed earlier in the process. Previous Next

< Back Speaker McCluskie: Shoshone water rights offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Colorado's namesake river that we must secure Jan 25, 2024 See more Article originally posted in the Colorado Sun . At the narrowest point in Glenwood Canyon, where steep cliffs compress the Colorado River, the Union Pacific Railroad, and all four lanes of Interstate 70 into an area no more than 50 yards across, a small brown building houses the historic Shoshone Hydropower Plant. For more than a century, the turbines inside that building have spun Colorado River water into electricity for local communities. It may not look like much on the outside, but like so many places in our beautiful state, there is far more than meets the eye. Today, the Shoshone Hydropower Plant still produces energy for Colorado’s electric grid, but its true importance is on the river. The senior water rights tied to Shoshone’s power production hold the key to a more secure water future not only for the Western Slope, but for the entire state of Colorado. Shoshone’s benefits are unique because its water rights are nonconsumptive, which means the water used for hydropower production — more than 1,400 cubic feet per second — returns entirely to the river after a short trip through its turbines. Because of its nonconsumptive nature, communities large and small along the Colorado River benefit from the water security and water quality provided by Shoshone’s flows. These water rights provide certainty for farmers, ranchers and recreational outfitters upstream and downstream of Glenwood Canyon. And all Colorado River water users — from Greeley and Colorado Springs to Grand Junction — benefit from the Shoshone’s flows as a bedrock for the success of the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, which provides Endangered Species Act compliance and protections for over 1,250 water projects on both sides of the Continental Divide. In an increasingly arid West, where the Colorado River is stretched-thin, we believe that permanent protection of the Shoshone Water Rights presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve many of the values we hold dear as Coloradans — clean drinking water, productive agriculture, world-class recreation, a healthy environment and much more. With these benefits in mind, an unlikely coalition of western Colorado governments and water users — including Summit, Grand, Eagle, Garfield and Mesa counties — have been working for decades with the Colorado River District to forge a path toward preservation of Shoshone’s flows. Together with Denver Water, many of these entities recognized Shoshone’s importance, and memorialized the need to protect it, in the 2013 Colorado River Cooperative Agreement . And now, for the first time, Colorado River water users and the state of Colorado have an opportunity to finalize this long-standing goal. Just a few weeks ago, Xcel Energy, the owner and operator of the Shoshone hydropower plant, and the Colorado River District signed a purchase and sale agreement setting out a clear path to transfer ownership of the historic Shoshone water rights to the river district for $98.5 million. This historic agreement marks the start of a broad-based effort to partner with the state of Colorado to protect the Shoshone water rights. We strongly support the agreement reached between Xcel Energy and the Colorado River District, and we applaud the tireless efforts of Xcel, the river district and everyone else involved in getting to this historic point. In order to succeed, this effort will need the support and partnership of the state of Colorado through the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Gov. Jared Polis recently praised the deal, and next week the conservation board will decide whether to match the river district’s investment of $20 million and move forward toward permanent protection of Shoshone’s flows. This presents an opportunity for the people of Colorado to come together to achieve durable and permanent protections for the Colorado River. The $98.5 million agreement to acquire the Shoshone water rights is no small price tag, but the one-time investment to protect Colorado River flows in perpetuity will provide priceless benefits for generations of water users to come. The effort aligns with the Colorado Water Plan’s focus on healthy watersheds and vibrant communities, and we believe it is a true value — especially in view of the permanent protection that the funding will help to ensure. The state- and basin-wide importance of this effort cannot be overstated. If the power plant were to cease operation without permanent protection of the water right, the negative economic and environmental impacts to Western Colorado and to the state of Colorado would be immediate and profound. Colorado has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to permanently protect the most influential water right on our state’s namesake river. We cannot let this opportunity pass us by, because we all depend on a healthy Colorado River — whether we live on the Front Range or the West Slope. Our fortunes are tied. Our futures are linked. When the Colorado River thrives, we all thrive. Julie McCluskie is the speaker of the Colorado House and has served as a Representative since 2018 and was re-elected in 2022 to represent House District 13. She is the first woman Speaker elected from the Western Slope. Russ George is a fourth generation resident of the Rifle area. He represented northwestern Colorado counties in the Colorado House for four terms, serving as Speaker from 1999-2000. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation limiting medical debt from impacting patients’ credit reports or credit scores. It passed by a vote of 46-18. < Back February 28, 2023 House Passes Consumer Protections Against Medical Debt DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation limiting medical debt from impacting patients’ credit reports or credit scores. It passed by a vote of 46-18. “Over 700,000 Coloradans have medical debt that negatively impacts their credit scores, making it harder to access housing, employment and affordable interest rates,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora . “This bill protects consumers with medical debt so that it doesn’t prevent them from renting an apartment or applying for a job, small business loan, credit card, or a basic cell phone plan. This bill will protect Coloradans from having their entire life impacted by outstanding and often unexpected medical debt.” Often medical expenses come as a surprise to many patients, leaving people unable to plan for expensive bills. Currently, when someone can’t afford a medical expense, the bill is sent to collections, and that information is shared with consumer reporting agencies that generate consumer reports and credit scores that are often used by banks, landlords, employers, and insurance and utility companies. Medical debt lowers the consumer’s credit score, creating a barrier to accessing necessities like housing, utilities, and loans. Lower credit scores also increase interest rates on loans, taking more money out of Coloradans’ pockets. Medical debt affects people of all ages and incomes, but it disproportionately impacts those with a chronic illness or medical condition who relies on continual medical assistance to maintain their quality of life. HB23-1126 adds medical debt to the list of information that consumer reporting agencies are not allowed to include in a credit report, updates exemptions to expand consumer privacy protections, and requires collectors and collecting agencies to notify Coloradans that medical debt will no longer be included in credit reports. Previous Next