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< Back June 22, 2021 DELIVERED! BILL TO EXTEND TO-GO ALCOHOL SIGNED DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed Representative Dylan Roberts’ bipartisan bill to extend the period of time during which restaurants and bars can offer takeout and delivery of alcoholic beverages. “Many of our state’s restaurants and bars relied on the extra revenue from to-go and delivery alcohol to keep their doors open and employees working,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, sponsor of HB21-1027 and Chair of the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee . “This COVID-era rule worked well and we know that the recovery for restaurants will take longer than temporary rules so making this innovation legal for years to come was a legislative priority and we got it done. Today we delivered a win for this critical, job-creating industry that has been through so much in the past year. Not only will this new law allow bars and restaurants to sell alcohol to-go for many more years to come, but it will give towns the option to create communal consumption areas that will boost local economies and help Colorado forge a lasting recovery.” Under a current law also sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, certain liquor licensees like bars, restaurants, and brewpubs may sell alcohol as part of takeout and delivery orders through July 1, 2021. HB21-1027 , which is also sponsored by Representative Colin Larson, allows these establishments to continue using this critical tool for an additional four years and also allows them to apply for a license to establish a communal consumption area, extending a tool many communities have already embraced to remain afloat throughout the pandemic. Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE SHORTAGE BECOMES LAW SB22-003 will create better pathways for students to enter the medical field, save students thousands in tuition and fees DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that would create better pathways for students to enter the medical field and help address the health care workforce shortage throughout Colorado. SB22-003 , sponsored by Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora) and Senate President Pro Tem Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) as well as Representatives Kyle Mullica (D-Federal Heights) and Tony Exum (D-Colorado Springs), would allow community colleges to offer full bachelor’s degrees to a greater range of nursing students to address the state’s health care provider shortage and connect students with in-demand jobs. “We are facing a critical shortage of qualified, well-trained healthcare professionals, and the pandemic has only made things worse,” said Buckner. “This bill will help more students pursue their dream and land a good-paying job in nursing while giving Colorado hospitals a larger and better-trained pool of employees to hire from. By expanding these opportunities for students, we will strengthen our workforce and improve health care outcomes for all Coloradans. ” “This law will boost Colorado’s health care workforce and build a healthier Colorado in the process,” said Mullica. “Getting more nurses from the classroom to the operating room will help ease some of the stress our health care workers have been facing. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to streamline the process for Coloradans to earn their BSN so we can get more talented, qualified nurses in the field.” “Both rural and urban areas have felt the effects of our state’s shortage of nurses in hospitals,” said Donovan. “This bill will be a step towards providing hospitals with the staffing they need while saving people money on their education.” “Boosting our health care workforce is a top priority and this law paves the way,” said Exum. “Community colleges have always been leaders in preparing Colorado’s students for success and now they’ll be able to prepare the next generation of nurses with a BSN program. This is a great step towards addressing Colorado’s health care workforce shortage head on by saving Coloradans money on earning their nursing degree and getting more qualified nurses in hospitals.” SB22-003 would allow more students to enroll in BSN nursing programs, which will enable employers to grow internal talent who are familiar with their workplace’s culture and needs and allow students to earn a bachelor’s in nursing at a faster pace than in a traditional program, saving thousands in tuition and fees and addressing the nursing shortage head-on. Improving access to BSN nursing programs will also increase diversity in the state’s nursing pool, and decrease equity gaps in the delivery of health care across Colorado. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2020 THE LEGISLATURE, BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS UNITE FOR COLORADO HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS Denver, CO. Friday, March 20, 2020 – House Majority Leader Alec Garnett and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, Project C.U.R.E., Colorado Concern and the Denver Broncos announced on Friday that they will host a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) drive to support Colorado healthcare providers at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, March 22nd, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Donations can be dropped off in Lot J on the north side of the stadium. Items will be collected using proper social distancing. Directions can be found here . As medical professionals respond to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) public health crisis, PPE supplies are in critical shortage. The requested supplies will help protect healthcare providers so that they can care for patients in need. Items will be given to Project C.U.R.E. for distribution among Colorado healthcare providers. These supplies are in critical shortage: Sterile and non-sterile gloves – unopened boxes, latex free preferred Hand sanitizer – unopened containers Bleach bottles or sprays – unopened containers Bleach wipes – unopened containers Isopropyl alcohol – unopened bottles Eye protection and goggles – unused in box or wrapper Clear face shields – These look like welders mask but are translucent, unused only Masks – tie, ear loop – unopened boxes only (no cloth masks) Respirator masks – N95, N99, P100 – all sizes in unopened boxes. Extra filters are also needed for these devices. PAPR respirators – 3M or MaxAir – unused. Hoods, filters, batteries, chargers, tubes to go with these units are also needed. Disposable gowns – unused isolation gowns Shoe covers – unopened boxes Biohazard bags – unused “Coloradans have been stepping up left and right to help our state get through this crisis,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Today we’re asking them to step up once again by donating any personal protective equipment they can spare. We will ensure that these critically needed supplies make their way to our hospitals, who are on the front lines of the fight against the spread of COVID-19.” “Our health providers are working overtime to fight COVID—19, but they need help,” said Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock. That’s why I’m asking for all hands on deck to help them by providing protective gear to the cause. We all need to work together to tackle COVID—19.” “Our healthcare professionals and hospitals need our support now more than ever As they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are taking the unprecedented step of reaching out to the community to ask anyone who may have these necessary supplies to get them to our collection point. The need cannot be overstated,” said Mike Kopp, CEO of Colorado Concern, “some hospitals have between three and six days of inventory on hand and will be resorting to using bandanas to protect employees. It is time to step up and give back. Colorado businesses are in a unique position to help and we are proud to be working alongside the legislature and our colleagues at Project C.U.R.E. and the Denver Broncos to support this drive.” “Project C.U.R.E. is a proud member of this community and we’re heart broken by the effects of the coronavirus,” said Dr. Douglas Jackson, CEO of Project C.U.R.E. “The work we do is critical to millions of people and health systems around the world. To the extent that we’re able, we will mobilize our resources to equip medical professionals, first responders here in Colorado and other C.U.R.E. communities against the devastating COVID-19. We will be here for our community and those in need.” Previous Next

Data challenges add to uncertainty driven by erratic federal policies < Back December 19, 2025 Colorado Budget Squeezed by Federal Tariffs and H.R.1, Economy Facing Headwinds DENVER, CO – Today, Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee released statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the December quarterly economic forecasts. “Today’s forecasts highlight the damage caused by Trump’s chaotic economic policies that have raised prices for Coloradans,” said JBC Chair Emily Sirota, D-Denver . “Consumer growth is being driven by the top 20-percent earners, while low income earners struggle to make ends meet and dig into their savings. While our legislative efforts have successfully reduced housing costs in Colorado, cuts to federal clean energy tax credits and rising tariffs are leading to higher bills. This will be a very challenging budget year, made even more difficult by the federal GOP budget and decisions in Washington. We will protect funding for our schools and core services and seek responsible solutions to address the shortfall.” “We pulled a rabbit out of the hat with last year’s budget, cutting a billion dollars with minimal impact on the people of Colorado,” said JBC Vice Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “This year, we're all out of rabbits. Despite a growing economy, we'll have to cut another billion dollars from Colorado's budget because of TABOR's rationing cap, a financial relic of the 90s. We have a resilient state that can weather Washington's shutdowns and tariffs, but TABOR means cuts people will feel in their communities, clinics, and classrooms." “Working people are facing headwinds from Trump’s tariffs and Congress’s failure to extend health care tax credits,” said JBC Member Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Our efforts during the special session set Colorado on the right trajectory, but only Congress can stop skyrocketing health care premiums. This forecast also reaffirms that Medicaid costs are rising unsustainably and far faster than the state’s revenue caps under TABOR, and H.R 1 will only make it worse. With session around the corner, we know that painful budget decisions are ahead. Colorado Democrats have governed responsibly through difficult economic times before, and I know the JBC will meet the moment once again and responsibly balance our budget.” “Every year we face difficult decisions about what we can and cannot fund – and these decisions keep getting harder,” said JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder . “Restraints caused by TABOR coupled with the chaos from the Trump Administration’s tariffs and reckless budget bill have squeezed our state budget even more than we initially anticipated, and Coloradans are feeling it. Faced with yet another budget deficit this year, we will do everything we can to protect essential funding for education, health care, and public safety.” The 43-day federal government shutdown in October and November disrupted the economic and inflation data collection, making some data unavailable or less reliable than normal. The data challenges combined with potential federal policy changes has led to uncertainty in the forecasts. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $16.9 billion in FY 2025-2026 – a $304 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the September revenue forecast. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.0 billion for FY 2025-2026 – an $87 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the September revenue forecast. By the LCS forecast, Colorado’s revenue is now below the TABOR cap by $465 million for FY2025-2026. For the upcoming year (FY 2026-27), LCS forecasts General Fund revenue growing to $18.3 billion, above the TABOR cap by $501 million. Democrats’ housing policies have led to rent prices stabilizing in key markets. According to OSPB, an influx of multifamily apartment units in late 2024 led to decreased rent prices. In Colorado, inflation ticked down below the national average at 2.2 percent in the Denver area, compared to 2.7 percent nationally. Unemployment also decreased below the national average of 4.6 percent to 4.1 percent in Colorado. While the economy is expanding, it is showing signs of slowing and recession risk remains high at 50 percent. Wage growth for low-income workers is lagging, real U.S. household savings are declining, and consumers are relying more on credit card debt. Economic policies spearheaded by the Trump Administration, including tariffs, continue to raise prices for consumers. Tariffs are expected to slow economic activity by weakening consumer demand and limiting business development, which will result in lower spending, falling business profits, and slower wage growth. Medicaid costs, driven by increasing caseload, health care costs, and Colorado’s aging population, continue to rise faster than what Colorado’s budget is allowed to grow by under TABOR. Medicaid is the fastest-growing part of the state budget, and the latest forecast indicates an increase of $631 million in the next year if no action is taken to reduce costs. Legislation passed during August’s special session helped blunt some of the rising health care costs caused by H.R. 1. However, if Congress does not extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies by the end of the year, upwards of 75,000 Coloradans could lose their health insurance. Due to the corporate tax cuts in H.R.1, the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC), which boosts the incomes of hardworking families, will be fully turned off for Tax Year 2026, but LCS anticipates it will partially return in Tax Year 2027. Previous Next

Senate Bill 66 makes it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns < Back May 1, 2024 Joint Release: SIGNED! Bill to Establish Merchant Codes for Firearms, Combat Gun Violence Senate Bill 66 makes it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed legislation to combat gun violence by establishing a new code to categorize gun sales and help law enforcement recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns. Sponsored by Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, SB24-066 requires payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard to provide a specific code, known as a merchant code, for businesses that sell firearms and ammunition. Merchant codes allow banks and credit card companies to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns – like a domestic extremist building up an arsenal – and report them to law enforcement. “In the weeks before my son Alex was killed in the Aurora Theater shooting, his killer purchased multiple firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition - and nobody batted an eye,” Sullivan said. “Credit cards have been repeatedly used to finance mass shootings, and merchant codes would have allowed the credit card companies to recognize his alarming pattern of behavior and refer it to law enforcement. This law will give us more tools to protect people, and make it easier to stop illegal firearms-related activity like straw purchases before disaster strikes.” “Prior to the tragic Aurora movie theater shooting, the shooter had purchased over $11,000 worth of firearms, ammunition, and military gear in the weeks leading up to the shooting, ultimately killing 12 innocent Coloradans,” Froelich said. “Credit card merchant codes are an effective tool already used by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and money laundering crimes, and our law will expand this tool to help us stop gun violence before it impacts our communities. Our new law is crucial in giving law enforcement a head start in preventing gun violence so we can save Colorado lives." “Credit cards have been used to finance many of the major mass shootings in recent years, and identifying suspicious weapon and ammunition stockpiling before a tragedy can take place will save lives," Mabrey said. "Almost every other product has a merchant code and this law creates a specific one for firearms. This information could be provided to law enforcement, and it could have a life-saving impact in our communities.” A report found that this policy could have prevented many mass shootings, including the Aurora movie theater shooting and the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The Aurora movie theater shooter used a MasterCard to buy $11,000 worth of weapons and military gear at multiple stores in the six weeks before the shooting. Previous Next

Today, Governor Polis signed into law landmark legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes. < Back May 11, 2023 Signed! Landmark Legislation to Improve Accountability & Transparency for Utilities, Save People Money on Energy Bills Becomes Law BOULDER, CO – Today, Governor Polis signed into law landmark legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes. SB23-291, sponsored by Democratic members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. The bill rebalances the kind of expenses paid by utility shareholders versus ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel purchasing, and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where costly infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. SB23-291 limits utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which are more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It also creates a cost-sharing mechanism to incentivize utilities to save their customers money on fuel costs, and allows the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden sharp increases. “Colorado families were hit hard this winter by unexpected and severe price shocks, which is why we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to investigate the causes and find solutions,” Joint Select Committee Chair Fenberg said. “The legislation signed by Governor Polis today improves transparency and holds utilities more accountable to the ratepayers they serve while better aligning utility companies’ and Coloradans’ interests and expectations about their energy service. I’m excited to see many months of work result in policy that will help save Coloradans money on their energy bills and make much needed improvements to the way utilities are regulated in Colorado.” “Coloradans are counting on us to address rising and erratic utility costs, and we’re proud to move forward with this solution,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair deGruy Kennedy. “This important law sets in motion both short and long-term, cost-saving solutions that increase transparency and accountability to protect Coloradans from rate spikes that leave them choosing between heating their home and putting food on the table while utilities rake in record profits. It also rebalances the relationship between ratepayers and utility companies so Coloradans aren’t subsidizing lobbying, advertising and other expenses that utilities pass on to consumers.” “The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates was hard at work this session searching for answers and working to save people money on their energy bills,” said Cutter. “One thing quickly became clear, Coloradans are bearing the brunt of volatile rate increases while utility companies are empowered to set their own rules. This important legislation will help level the playing field at the PUC and create fairer processes in utility rate setting that will impact Coloradans today and for generations to come.” “With this law, Colorado’s ratepayers are now front and center as we implement new ways to improve utility company transparency and accountability,” said Martinez. “For months, we’ve listened to consumer advocates, policy experts, utility companies and everyday Coloradans as we worked to find solutions to high, unpredictable utility bills that left many families struggling to heat their homes. I am proud to say this important law provides cost-saving solutions and protects Colordans from future drastic price hikes.” Additionally, the bill requires utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and consumer advocates evaluate whether proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ ability to charge their consumers for expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. Convened in response to recent spikes in energy prices by Senate President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates worked to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. < Back April 5, 2024 House Advances Bill to Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. “With rising rents pricing Coloradans out of their communities, local governments need additional tools to help them preserve existing affordable housing options that work for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Our bill would allow local governments to purchase and preserve affordable housing properties that they have invested public dollars into. With this legislation, we can preserve and expand affordable housing options in our communities and ease Colorado’s housing crisis.” “Our bill is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to combat housing instability and displacement,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We need a multi-faceted approach to address our affordable housing shortage, which is why we’re carrying this legislation to create new tools for local governments that keep existing affordable housing properties in the rental market.” HB24-1175 would give local governments a right of first offer and a right of first refusal to preserve long-term affordable housing opportunities. The right of first offer gives local governments the right to make an offer to purchase a qualifying property before the property is listed for sale to other parties. A property qualifies for the right of first offer under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with more than 15 and less than 100 units. Certain transactions of qualifying properties are exempt, and the right of first offer terminates on December 31, 2029. The right of first refusal would give local governments the right to purchase a multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property that is existing affordable housing if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. The House also advanced SB24-094 , sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Meg Froelich, that would update existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. SB24-094 would make modifications to existing warranty of habitability laws, including renter protections against retaliation, requiring necessary repairs to be completed in seven days for serious conditions, and clarifying the process for arranging alternative lodging pending the completion of a necessary repair. Previous Next

Two bills aimed at supporting students in military families and ensuring surviving spouses of state employees will receive lifetime death benefits if their spouse is killed on the job will go into effect on August 7. < Back July 30, 2024 New Laws to Support Military, First Responder Families Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - Two bills aimed at supporting students in military families and ensuring surviving spouses of state employees will receive lifetime death benefits if their spouse is killed on the job will go into effect on August 7. “Children of military families are especially vulnerable to the changes that come with moving schools, making new friends and joining extracurricular activities mid-season,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of HB24-1076. “This new law will help students that are part of military families during the transition process, allowing them to focus on learning, growing and socializing within a program that fosters support.” “Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076. “This new law will help uplift kids in military families by making sure they get the support they need to thrive at school. I’m proud to have sponsored this legislation that will help military family members get connected to the support and resources they deserve.” “This important law uplifts our military families which strengthens communities, supports our workforce and recognizes the day-to-day sacrifices made by those who serve our nation and their families,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076. “As a representative for a community with a long tradition of military service, this bill will help ease the school transition for kids in military families, making it easier to call our great state home.” HB24-1076 , also sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, establishes the Purple Star School Program to designate and recognize K-12 public schools that show a strong commitment to military-connected students and their families. To qualify for the Purple Star designation, schools must: Designate a staff member as a Military Liaison, Maintain a website with resources for military-connected students and families, Maintain student-led transition programs, and Offer professional development opportunities relating to military-connected students. “When the surviving spouses of firefighters, Colorado State Patrol officers, and other first responders remarry, they lose the death benefits they are entitled to,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB24-1139. “Death benefits for spouses are crucial in supporting widows and widowers during these times of need. This law ensures that surviving spouses will continue to see death benefits, even if they remarry, to help them heal from the trauma of losing their spouse while allowing them to move forward with their life.” “Having served for over 35 years as a firefighter, I know the difficulties spouses of lost employees go through in the wake of their passing – and death benefits are critical for them during their times of need,” said Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1139. “The current remarriage penalty forces a surviving spouse to relive the trauma of their loss and prevents them from moving forward with their lives. With this law, widows can choose to remarry without sacrificing financial security.” HB24-1139 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, and Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, ensures lifetime workers’ death benefits for surviving spouses of state employees with high-risk jobs, even if they remarry. Prior to this law, a surviving spouse could be eligible to receive workers’ compensation death benefits for the rest of their life, but if they remarry, they forfeit the right to these benefits. The new law defines a job with high-risk classification as State Troopers, Colorado Bureau of Investigations officers, corrections officers, community parole officers, state firefighters, port of entry officers, parks and wildlife officers, and Colorado Department of Transportation safety and maintenance workers. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 NEW LAW TO PROTECT BEES FLIES THROUGH COMMITTEE The House Energy and Environment Committee today advanced a bill, sponsored by Representative Cathy Kipp, that will protect bees and other pollinators by regulating the use of certain types of pesticides. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Bees and other pollinators are incredibly important for our environment and the future health of our state and planet,” said Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “The nature that we enjoy all year round depends on our delicate ecosystems remaining in balance. By regulating the use of these pesticides, we can protect pollinators and our Colorado way of life.” HB20-1180 would protect bees and other pollinators throughout the state by requiring the commissioner of agriculture to regulate the use of neonicotinoid and sulfoximine pesticides. The exception to the regulation would be the use of these pesticides for indoor use as pest control, personal and pet care products as well as for commercial and other qualified applicators or limited uses. If in the future, the commissioner finds a similar product that is comparable to the effectiveness of neonicotinoid and sulfoximine pesticides, the commissioner may adopt rules to disallow the use of neonicotinoid and sulfoximine pesticides for personal, pest control or pet care use. On May 20, 2019, the EPA announced the cancellation of a dozen pesticides that are known to be harmful to bees. This included neonicotinoid pesticides. According to an article by Bloomberg Government , neonicotinoids attack the nervous system of insects. Neonic pesticides are also systemic, meaning they make an entire plant poisonous to pollinators. The European Union has banned the outdoor use of five neonicotinoid pesticides. According to Science Magazine , sulfoximine pesticides also act on nicotine receptors but avoid the pitfalls of neonicotinoid pesticides because they bypass some pesticide resistance in certain insects. A preliminary study conducted by Nature Research found that exposure to reduced “reproductive success” in bees, however, more data is needed to form a definitive conclusion. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement on GOP efforts to block gun violence prevention legislation: < Back March 26, 2023 Leadership Statement on GOP Efforts to Block Gun Violence Prevention Bills DENVER, CO - Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement on GOP efforts to block gun violence prevention legislation: “Coloradans are demanding action, not delay tactics. An overwhelming majority of Colorado voters elected us to govern responsibly because we made clear commitments to prevent gun violence, make housing more affordable, protect access to abortion and reproductive care, invest in our students, and mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change - and we must deliver. “We take seriously the importance of our democratic process and of authentically engaging with the minority party on bills. At the end of the day, the smallest minority in 60 years does not have the right to stop votes on legislation that the vast majority of Coloradans desperately want to see passed. “The rules of the institution exist to respect the will of the voters. To allow unprecedented obstruction at this scale from a small group of minority party members puts our democracy at risk, and we will not allow that. Too much is at stake.” Previous Next

< Back May 22, 2019 GOV SIGNS ROBERTS BILL TO REDUCE INSULIN PRICES Price of insulin has increased 555 percent over the last 14 years (May 22) – Governor Polis signed Rep. Dylan Roberts’ bill to reduce the price of life-saving insulin for people with diabetes in Colorado. “For Coloradans living with Type 1 Diabetes, insulin is essential to their survival – it is the same as oxygen. The skyrocketing cost of insulin is outrageous and it is literally putting people’s lives at risk,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon . “With this new law, Coloradans will no longer be forced to choose between this life-saving and life-sustaining drug and their other expenses.” One-in-four type-1 diabetics report rationing their insulin due to the high cost of the drug. HB19-1216 caps the total co-pay that patients will pay for insulin to $100 per one-month supply, regardless of how much insulin is being dispensed. This is down from an average out-of-pocket costs of $600-900 per month, which Coloradans currently face. “This law is a significant step in trying to solve the much larger problem of prescription drug pricing and will make a significant difference for Coloradans living with diabetes and their families,” continued Rep. Roberts. Rep. Roberts has been an outspoken advocate for Coloradans living with diabetes since arriving at the state capitol. Over 420,000 Coloradans have diabetes and an additional 20,000 Coloradans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser was also in attendance at the bill signing. In addition to the co-pay cap, the law also directs the Colorado Attorney General’s office investigate business practices, organization, pricing, and data of pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, insurance carriers, and any other entity that influences insulin costs and create a report that explores possible legislative solutions. The report will be submitted to the governor, the commissioner of insurance, and the judiciary committees of the House and Senate in 2020. The annual medical cost related to diabetes in Colorado is almost $4 billion. Almost 18 percent of that cost, roughly $700 million, is for prescription insulin to treat diabetes. The cost of insulin rose by 45 percent between 2014 and 2017 and by over 700 percent over the last twenty years while the actual product of insulin has not changed in any significant way since 1996. Gov.Polis also signed Rep. Roberts’ bill that expands the types of locations that have automated external defibrillators. HB19-1183 encourages any person that owns, operates, or manages a public place to place functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in sufficient quantities to ensure reasonable availability for use during perceived sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2019 HOUSE VOTES TO IMPROVE APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY Every House Republican votes against bill to help consumers and businesses save money, conserve energy & water (Apr. 4) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, that would set up-to-date energy and water efficiency standards for commercial and residential products that are not already regulated under the federal government. “Hardworking Coloradans are already saving about $500 per year from federal appliance standards. This bill will help them save more,” said Rep. Froelich. “While product options and performances have increased, there are still ways that we can save people money and better conserve our state’s precious water while reducing pollution emissions.” HB19-1231 would set in place energy and water efficiency standards for 15 commercial and residential products for which there are no existing federal standards, saving Coloradan families their hard-earned income while ensuring the overall quality of the products they purchase. “Commonsense energy efficiency standards will put more money in the pockets of Coloradans in Fort Collins,” said Rep. Kipp. “ This is about saving energy, saving water, and saving money. This bill contains proven, cost-effective methods to help consumers save.” Setting energy efficiency standards is one of the most effective ways to cut carbon pollution emissions. While some appliances have been voluntarily produced using the Energy Star and WaterSense labelling programs, setting appliance standards at the state level will remove the poorest-performing products from the market. The bill passed the House floor with a vote of 40-23. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next