Not only would Building Performance Standards reduce greenhouse gases, they will protect renters from extreme cold and heat < Back Kipp, Valdez, Willford Opinion: Energy upgrades to apartment buildings will help Colorado hit its climate target Aug 16, 2023 See more This story was published in the Colorado Sun on Aug 16, 2023. This week, Colorado air quality regulators can take a major step forward in slashing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from our state’s largest buildings while fighting high energy costs. Today the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission is scheduled to hold hearings and could cast a key vote on a policy called Building Performance Standards. Approving the proposed policy will help solve a major climate problem in Colorado — large buildings like apartments and offices account for 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions statewide. In 2021, our colleagues in the Colorado General Assembly passed a law setting greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets for large buildings statewide. The Building Performance Standards will do exactly that — achieving a 7% cut by 2026 and 20% by 2030. However, benefits of the policy would extend way beyond climate. It would improve health, comfort, safety, energy efficiency, and livability for tenants of apartment buildings statewide. It’s a chance to keep Coloradans healthy and safe, while saving them money on energy bills and advancing climate action. Commissioners must vote to approve the Building Performance Standards. This is an opportunity Colorado can’t afford to miss. Apartment tenants across Colorado are painfully aware of how difficult it is to keep their homes comfortable on the coldest winter nights and hottest summer afternoons. Inefficient units mean needing to use more energy, resulting in higher bills. As soaring fossil fuel prices sent energy costs skyrocketing in the past 18 months, many Coloradans paid three times as much for heating as they did the year before. This compounds our affordable housing crisis; renters in many Colorado cities have experienced double-digit rent hikes in recent years. We must act urgently. Climate change is causing extreme heat to occur more frequently in Colorado . In 2022, the number of deaths and hospitalizations for heat-related illnesses statewide grew by 66% and 58%, respectively, compared with the annual average for the decade prior. Residents over 65 years old were most likely to be stricken, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment . Energy efficiency and electrification upgrades in apartment units help protect residents’ health and safety from extreme heat , but they can be life-saving if a power outage were to occur during a heat wave or a cold snap. New research has found that making these upgrades to apartment buildings in cities with seasonal patterns similar to Denver can allow residents to shelter in place safely for longer periods of time during such an emergency, and reduce deaths in both extreme heat and cold. The Building Performance Standards is a major step in the right direction. It will upgrade buildings, from inefficient fossil-fuel appliances to highly efficient electric solutions, like heat pumps, which both heat and cool, and heat pump water heaters. Studies have found that these kinds of upgrades, in apartment units, result in 22% lower energy use, on average, and about $272 in annual savings on electric bills. If approved, the policy will gradually take effect over coming years, as building owners submit data and launch their improvements. It will implement upgrades to about 1,000 apartment buildings statewide. The state has tried for years to lower the costs of such upgrades through incentive programs, but upgrades have moved at a glacial pace. State requirements are necessary for Colorado to pick up the pace. This Building Performance Standards policy will also help address energy inequity and advance environmental justice. Low-income residents and communities of color experience higher air pollution burdens, often living near major highways, industrial facilities, or power plants. Studies have found that superior ventilation and better insulation will reduce air pollutant infiltration from outside or from neighboring units and common spaces by 3 to 11 times. This is also a huge benefit when wildfire smoke blankets Colorado. For low-income households, dilapidated housing conditions like poor insulation or broken or old heating and air conditioning are among the main reasons for being unable to pay a bill, receiving a disconnection notice, or having service shut off. In Colorado, 71% of low-income households use fossil fuels for heating, so have been more exposed to recent price volatility. Statewide, utility disconnections have skyrocketed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. These households and communities of color are also more likely to lack air conditioning at home. A recent survey of diverse Denver neighborhoods determined that almost one quarter of residents whose annual incomes were below $35,000 lack access to cooling. There’s never been a better time for Colorado to adopt a building performance standard. The recent federal climate law provides up to $200,000 per apartment building for energy efficiency upgrades, and point-of-sale rebates on electric appliances like heat pumps. Incentives from utilities, governments, and more make the upgrades even cheaper. Building Performance Standards will protect every Coloradan, cutting climate pollution and cleaning up the air we breathe. Inefficient buildings burn much more fuel, meaning more nitrogen dioxide pollution and a worsening air quality crisis in Front Range communities. The state estimates that for every $1 spent on upgrades, we get $3 back in benefits, like lower energy bills or lowered health care costs, from cleaner air. We shouldn’t wait any longer. The Air Quality Control Commission should vote yes this week. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS ADVANCE Budget integrity, workforce development, support for unhoused individuals, state park investments, food bank funding, and economic relief all move forward DENVER, CO– The House today advanced several Colorado Comeback bills that will create jobs and help Colorado recover stronger by investing in workforce development initiatives, improving our state parks, expanding nutrition assistance, and ensuring Colorado’s budget is positioned to support the future growth of the state. SB21-027 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Kerry Tipper, would help new and recent parents care for their children by ensuring that diaper essentials are available to all low-income families in Colorado. The bill provides $4 million for this purpose and asks the Colorado Department of Human Services to contract with nonprofit organizations to administer diaper distribution centers. Despite the high cost of diapers and estimates that show about 1 in 3 U.S. families report needing more diapers, diapers cannot be purchased through public assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Woman, Infants, and Children program (WIC). The bill was amended to include $5 million in food pantry assistance that will be financed with federal ARPA funds. SB21-242 , sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Serena Gonzales Gutierrez, provides $30 million in federal funding for grants and loans for local governments and nonprofits to purchase underutilized hotels, underutilized motels and other underutilized properties for the purpose of providing shelter or affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Grant recipients, local governments and nonprofits are encouraged to invest in hotels and motels that are women and minority-owned, as well as those that are ADA compliant. The legislation also provides direct assistance to workers who were unable to receive prior federal and state relief. “Communities across Colorado are struggling to help people who are unhoused to find affordable places to live so they can get back on their feet,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “There are a lot of properties that could easily be converted into stable housing options. The bill we advanced today will channel $30 million in federal resources to provide shelter for Coloradans who need it, and it will provide direct assistance to workers who have been unable to receive pandemic relief in order to help more people avoid homelessness.” HB21-1330 , sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie and Naquetta Ricks, uses federal funds to provide a $50 million boost to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The funding will increase access to robust pathways for workers to obtain news skills, earn higher wages and be prepared for the in-demand careers of the future. The bill seeks to rebuild and revitalize the state’s workforce by supporting students to complete their postsecondary credentials. The funding boost will be used to reverse the significant decline in enrollment in public higher education institutions, high rates of job loss and continuing unemployment, and the overall disruption to the workforce caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides $1.5 million in grant funding to school districts to increase the number of students who complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid applications before graduating high school. “As a refugee, I know firsthand that Colorado holds tremendous opportunities for people who work hard to build successful careers and thrive,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “For too many Coloradans, however, the American Dream is becoming harder to achieve, and the pandemic has only set them back. The bill we advanced today will direct $50 million in federal funds to help workers and students complete degree and skills certificate programs so they can learn critical skills, find and fill good jobs, and bounce back stronger.” HB21-1326 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Perry Will, would invest $25 million in federal funds to improve Colorado state parks. The bill provides: $750,000 to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to support backcountry avalanche safety programs; $3.5 million to the Division of Parks and Wildlife to implement its statewide wildlife action plan and the conservation of native species; $2.25 million to the search and rescue fund for use by the Department of Local Affairs in consultation with the division to support backcountry search and rescue efforts; $1 million to the outdoor equity fund for use by the division to implement the outdoor equity grant program; $17.5 million for state park staffing and maintenance and infrastructure and development projects. SB21-288 , sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar and Representative Alex Valdez, creates the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2021 Cash Fund to hold the funding the state is receiving from the federal act. It also details how the fund will operate. “The legislature is listening to our communities and charting a responsible course to spend federal stimulus funds in a way that ensures the voices of diverse stakeholders across Colorado are included,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “ This bill ensures we spend these resources consistent with what our communities expressed during the statewide listening tour. Colorado is going to set an example for how to put federal resources to use to make transformational changes that help our state recover faster and build back stronger.” SB21-289 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Shannon Bird, creates the Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund, which will hold $1 billion of the federal funds to fortify the state budget and maintain fiscal integrity as Colorado bounces back. The funds will be deployed in future budget years to support critical priorities, such as K-12 education, housing, seniors, state parks and agriculture programs. The funds essentially buy down future obligations now to bolster the long-term health of Colorado’s state budget. “One of the most responsible ways we can use federal stimulus funds is to buy down future budget items now–that way as our state grows, we’ll be able to protect funding for K-12 education, housing, seniors, state parks and critical government services,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “The $1 billion we’re saving now will help Colorado build back stronger over the long-run and ensure we have the resources we need to sustain our recovery.” SB21-291 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Kevin Van Winkle, creates the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund to respond to the economic impacts of the pandemic. It allocates $848 million for economic stimulus and relief initiatives that will be recommended through a robust interim committee process involving a diverse set of stakeholders from across the state. Additionally, it directs $40 million to the Strategic Fund in the Office of Economic Development and International Trade in order to incentivise companies to create jobs in Colorado and small businesses to relocate to rural Colorado. “While we are thankful for the significant federal relief that has come to Colorado, we know that many businesses are still struggling to get back to where they were before COVID-19,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This important bill will allow us to take the next six to eight months to see where there are gaps in the existing relief and tailor policies that will help as many businesses and workers as possible.” SB21-243 , sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie, directs $21 million in federal funds toward the state’s emergency public health response. Previous Next

< Back September 19, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: Hansen, Cutter Honored as Inaugural “Champions of a Free Press” DENVER, CO – The Colorado Press Association (CPA) recently honored Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, with its inaugural “Champion of a Free Press” award for their work to ensure local news remains a vital part of Colorado’s information and economic ecosystem and that the public has access to the information it needs for civic and daily life. Hansen was honored for collaborating with the CPA on legislation that would have updated components of the Colorado Open Records Act. “Colorado’s open record laws are key to keeping the public informed - but they could be evesn better and need to be modernized,” Hansen said . “I am proud to have partnered with the Colorado Press Association on the important work of making public information more accessible, and I look forward to continuing our fight to make it even easier for Coloradans to stay informed about what all of the branches of government are up to on their behalf.” Cutter was recognized for her work on HB22-1121 , which aimed to increase support for local media by requiring all state departments to spend at least 50 percent of the money they spend on advertising to Colorado residents in a fiscal year on advertising through local newspapers. “Local news is a critical part of a high functioning society,” said Cutter . “I’m proud to be recognized for my work to support local media, which helps keep Coloradans informed, holds elected officials accountable and strengthens our democracy. I will continue to explore ways to support local news in Colorado.” About CPA Founded in 1878, the Colorado Press Association is the champion for Colorado print and online media. CPA is the non-profit trade association representing journalists, investigative reporters and truth seekers throughout the state. Previous Next

Legislation removes protections for firearm industry that prevent gun violence survivors from pursuing accountability in civil court < Back April 28, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Allow Victims of Gun Violence to Seek Justice Becomes Law Legislation removes protections for firearm industry that prevent gun violence survivors from pursuing accountability in civil court DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed common sense gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, to create new avenues for victims of gun violence to pursue justice. “Colorado used to be home to one of the most punitive laws against gun violence survivors in the country, laws that shielded them from accountability and needed to be changed,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “This new law will level the playing field by removing those extra protections and allowing legitimate lawsuits to move forward, ensuring the gun industry is no longer given special treatment and improving gun violence survivors’ ability to seek the justice they deserve.” “Colorado’s laws gave the firearm industry extreme and unjust legal protections that have prevented gun violence victims from seeking accountability,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “By removing these excessive legal protections that aren’t afforded to the vast majority of other industries, we’re ensuring that Coloradans can hold bad actors accountable. I’m proud that Colorado law will now allow victims of gun violence to seek the justice they deserve.” “Previously, Colorado gun sellers and manufacturers were provided legal protections far beyond those for most other businesses in the state and that prevented victims of gun violence from seeking justice,” Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, said. “Removing Colorado’s overly broad gun industry immunity law will provide another avenue for survivors to pursue justice if they are harmed by irresponsible business practices.” “This law ends excessive immunity protections for the firearms industry and creates new avenues for gun violence victims to seek justice through the courts," said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. "I'm hoping the ability to hold the firearms industry accountable when they break Colorado law will encourage them to be more active partners with us in the fight to end gun violence in our communities." Right now, gun sellers and manufacturers enjoy broad protections under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act from most types of civil lawsuits. Colorado law goes even further by including a punitive provision that forces victims of gun violence who sue the gun industry to pay the company’s legal fees in dismissed cases. SB23-168 removes Colorado’s overly-broad immunity protections for gun sellers and manufacturers and allows legitimate lawsuits against the gun industry to move forward. After their daughter was killed in the Aurora movie theater shooting, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips sued four online retailers that irresponsibly sold magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and body armor to the murderer. Under Colorado’s immunity law, they were forced to pay around $200,000 in legal fees to bulk ammunition sellers. They ended up selling their house and declared bankruptcy. SB23-168 is named the “Jessi Redfield Ghawi’s Act for Gun Violence Victims’ Access to Justice and Firearms Industry Accountability” in honor of Sandy and Lonnie Phillips’ daughter. Removing Colorado’s gun industry shielded liability will allow survivors, like the Phillips and countless others, to seek appropriate justice and fair remedies via civil actions and will give survivors the opportunity to hold gun sellers and manufacturers accountable for their actions. Previous Next

< Back May 21, 2021 BILL TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN TEACHERS PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Julie McCluskie to create critical new teacher training, recruitment, and retention programs. The bill passed 7-1. “Teachers are used to doing two things at once, and that’s what we’re doing here in Denver as we work to help students get back on track while also addressing one of the most significant long-term challenges in education: our educator shortage,” s aid House Education Chair Rep. Barabara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill helps Colorado build back stronger from the pandemic by investing in two new initiatives that will train and recruit more teachers, create teaching jobs, and prepare Colorado schools for the future. Importantly, it will also provide mental health support to educators, which will help districts retain more teachers.” “Schools across Colorado are struggling to find teachers to hire and to retain the teaching force they already have,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The programs we’re creating will encourage new teachers into the profession, pay for critical training and certification programs, and make it easier for high-school students and graduates to earn postsecondary credentials to become educators. We have a lot of hard work ahead to bring more people into the teaching profession, but this bill is a big step forward to address Colorado’s teacher shortage.” SB21-185 would reduce the teacher shortage in Colorado by helping districts retain and recruit new teachers. The bill directs the department of education to publicize teacher preparation programs and facilitate entry into the teaching profession. Specifically, the bill creates the Educator Recruitment and Retention (ERR) program in CDE to provide support to local education providers to recruit, select, train, and retain highly qualified educators across the state. Eligible ERR participants may receive up to $10,000 for the tuition cost of participating in an educator preparation program. Furthermore, the bill allows a public or charter school to hire a teacher who holds an adjunct instructor authorization to teach in all content areas. The bill restores two grant programs that were cut last year due to the pandemic: the Quality Teacher Recruitment Program and the Educator Loan Forgiveness Program. In addition, the bill creates the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation program (TREP), which would aim to increase the number of students entering the teaching profession and create a more diverse educator workforce to reflect the diversity of the state. A TREP participant may concurrently enroll in postsecondary courses in the two year directly following the year in which the participant was enrolled in grade 12. Finally, the bill charges the University of Colorado with establishing and operating an educator well-being mental health program to provide support services for educators. Previous Next

2024-25 state budget includes significant investments to fully fund K-12 education, boost funding for higher education, behavioral health care services, support for those with disabilities and Colorado’s state parks < Back April 29, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Gov. Polis Signs Budget to Support K-12 Schools and Hardworking Families 2024-25 state budget includes significant investments to fully fund K-12 education, boost funding for higher education, behavioral health care services, support for those with disabilities and Colorado’s state parks DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed the FY 2024-2025 Long Appropriations Bill into law to invest in families, prepare our students for success, and build healthier communities across the state. “Our balanced budget provides historic K-12 public school funding of more than $525 million, buys down the budget stabilization factor and addresses the most pressing needs of our communities,” said Joint Budget Committee Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “I’m proud that we are making higher education more affordable for students by capping tuition increases and ramping up financial aid support. Additionally, this bipartisan budget will improve inpatient behavioral and mental health care outcomes and fund services and programs relied upon by community members with an intellectual or developmental disability. With this law, we’re setting our state on a path forward where more Coloradans have the opportunity to not only get by, but thrive.” “Of all the budgets that I have proudly helped to craft over the years, this one will stand out in my memory years from now,” said Joint Budget Committee Vice Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “I am pleased to see that we have reached this milestone in the process. Every budget-making process has its challenges, and this one certainly has been no exception. But the hard work has been worthwhile: we eliminated the budget stabilization factor that we inflicted upon our schools a decade ago; and now K-12 is fully funded. What a joy to make that statement.” “I’m excited to see this budget, which reflects our priority to support families and communities, signed into law. We are meeting our commitment to our students with record levels of K-12 public school funding and increased support for early childhood education,” said Joint Budget Committee member Emily Sirota, D-Denver . "This budget fully funds special education for the first time, increases pay for health care and universal preschool providers, saves people money on housing, and bolsters critical services for people with disabilities. This budget puts families first and fosters a stronger state for everyone.” “This year’s bipartisan budget is a reflection of our Colorado values of opportunity and responsibility,” Joint Budget Committee member Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, said. “The investments included in this budget will address our workforce shortages, expand access to behavioral health resources, support public schools, and make our communities safer. With this balanced budget, we’re delivering the support hardworking Coloradans need right now, while setting our state up for success in the years to come.” The state’s $40.6 billion budget is a 3.7 percent increase over last year’s budget. Signed into law today, HB24-1430 , includes a total of $58.6 million to save people money on housing and boost education and workforce efforts. Preparing Students for Success Fully Funding Colorado’s K-12 Schools: After years of responsible budgeting and planning, this year’s Long Bill eliminates the Budget Stabilization Factor (BSF), which has restricted funding for Colorado's K-12 public education funding for more than a decade. As outlined in the 2024-25 Long Bill, the total funding for public schools will increase by more than $500 million, including an increase in per-pupil funding by $736 per student, bringing the total per-pupil amount to $11,406 – the largest in state history. Final action on per pupil funding, and total program funding will come later in the session through the annual School Finance Act . Fully Funding Special Education for the First Time: To make it easier for every learner to succeed, this budget increases special education funding for students with disabilities by 10.2-percent or $34.7 million. This brings the state’s total investment in special education funding for students with disabilities to $375.5 million. Supporting English Language Learners and New Arrival Students: This budget outlines an increase in funding of 10.6-percent or $3.3 million to help our students become proficient in the English language. Additionally, to help our school districts across the state support and meet the needs of the influx of new students, this budget includes an appropriation of $24.0 million from the State Education Fund to be distributed directly to schools as quickly as possible ( HB24-1389 ). Providing Mental Health Resources for Students: To help our learners succeed and access the mental and behavioral health services they need, this budget creates the School-Based Mental Health Support Program. This $2.5 million program will help our students enhance their social, emotional or behavioral well-being and support students going through adjustment periods ( HB24-1406 ). Supporting At-Risk Students: To create pathways for each and every student to succeed in school, this budget allocates $1.16 million more for at-risk students to better support those with a higher probability of not graduating K-12 schooling. Capping Tuition Hikes, Boosting Funding for Higher Education, Supporting College Students: This budget caps tuition hikes at 3-percent for in-state students and 4-percent for non-resident students. The budget also boosts funding by $114.3 million to help our higher education institutions streamline services and operational support. Additionally, this budget sets aside $26.6 million in the General Fund for aligned financial aid support and $1.67 million in funding to provide assistance to students experiencing homelessness during high school. Students can use this funding to assist with housing, tuition, fees and textbooks ( HB24-1403 ). Support for Early Childhood and Families Supporting Universal Preschool: Universal preschool (UPK) has saved families thousands of dollars and helped prepare our youngest learners for success. This year’s budget includes an increase of $65.5 million toward the UPK program, specifically for provider payments, quality improvement initiatives and improvements to the online application process. Increasing Funding for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program: To help our families find child care options in their budget, this legislation includes a $21.1 million increase toward the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program which connects low-income families to child care options. Boosting Pay for Early Childhood Professionals: This budget includes a 2-percent increase ($4.9 million) to community providers including early childhood mental health service providers, social workers, family resource centers staff and early childhood educators. New, In-Home Support for New Mothers: To provide all-around services to our state’s new mothers, this budget includes a $2.8 million increase to support a universal home visiting pilot program to offer comprehensive in-home evaluations and supportive follow-up visits to new mothers and infants. Funding will support births at certain hospitals in ten counties including Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Eagle, Garfield, Jefferson, Pitkin, Summit, Weld, and Mesa counties. Streamlining the Child Lead Testing Program: Everyone deserves clean water to drink. To help combat and prevent childhood lead poisoning across the state, the budget invests $1.2 million for testing and outreach to alert families to specific hazards. Creating Healthier, Stronger Communities Boosting Pay for Health Care Providers: This budget outlines a 2-percent across the board community provider rate increase and $198 million for targeted provider rate increases following recommendations from the Medicaid Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee (MPRRAC). This applies to Medicaid providers, preschool and childcare providers, social services providers, independent living centers, local public health agencies, services in the Department of Corrections, and other private and nonprofit organizations that provide various services. Improving Colorado’s Competency Process: To help improve Colorado’s competency process, this budget allocates $68.2 million to maintain and increase existing resources for inpatient competency restoration services. This funding will be used to address staffing needs and provide additional support. Increasing Funding for Nutrition Assistance: The budget includes a $16.9 million investment to meet the increased demand for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), so Coloradans can access and purchase healthy foods. The budget invests a further $3M in food banks and local food pantries to reduce food insecurity ( HB24-1407 ). Maintaining Strong Public Health Infrastructure: To help us maintain the strong state public health operations Colorado developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget includes a $11 million investment in Local Public Health Agencies to help them continue to support our communities. The budget also includes a $5.6 million investment to maintain the strong state operations in the Division of Disease Control and Public Health to combat existing and new public health threats. Supporting People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD): To reduce the growing waitlist for services and ensure our neighbors with IDD can receive the support and services they need when they need it, this budget increases IDD support by $5.6 million. This funding will be directed toward an additional 129 treatment placements for residential Adult Comprehensive Services. Boosting Grant Resources for Coloradans with a Disability : To ensure our neighbors with a disability have the support they need, this budget outlines a $5.1 million increase to help fund grants operated by the Laura Hershey Disability Support Act which provides education, direct assistance, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Protecting Critical Health Care & Community Services: Funding for Popular I Matter Program: The successful I Matter program provides free therapy sessions to our youth under 18-years and younger. The budget includes $5 million to keep this program going. Medicaid Support: To ensure that those who need Medicaid coverage can receive it, the budget includes $21.7 million to support and provide additional flexibility in eligibility determinations associated with the end of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirements during the federal public health emergency. Support for Children and Youth in the Foster Care System: $15.3 million to help our youth in the foster care system with complex behavioral health care needs get the treatment and services they need to succeed. Health Centers for Uninsured Coloradans: $13 million to support Federally Qualified Health Centers and other primary care providers where at least 50-percent of the patients served are uninsured or medically indigent. Develop the Office of the Children’s Behavioral Health Statewide System of Care: To create a continuum of care for our youth, this budget sets aside $2.1 million to create a new program within the Behavioral Health Administration to develop and implement a comprehensive children’s behavioral health care system. Support for Senior Centers: The budget protects vital services for seniors by providing $2 million in supplemental funding for local senior centers across the state. Increasing Veteran Support: To support those who’ve served our nation, the budget includes a $500,000 increase to the Veterans Assistance Grant Program which improves social, health and community services to Colorado’s veteran population. Boosting Support for New Americans: The budget includes more than $119,000 to expand the Office of New Americans which will help manage grants, coordinate with other entities, and identify opportunities for new migrant career pathway enhancements. Safer Communities Boosting Staffing for Public Defenders: To help Colorado’s public defenders meet the needs of our criminal justice system and reduce caseloads, this budget outlines $11.5 million and a 9-percent increase year-over-year to fund 50 new attorneys, 42 support staff, and 11 social workers. Combatting Auto Theft and Other Crime Prevention: To help keep our communities safer, the budget outlines a $8 million increase in funding toward grants to reduce and prevent auto theft. The budget also includes $1.1 million for state forensic resources vital to auto theft cases and $3 million for local crime prevention grants under the Multidisciplinary Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention program ( HB24-1421 ). Crime Victim Services Funding: Those involved in domestic violence situations or other life-altering crimes often need support. This budget invests $6 million in the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund to support victims of crime, their families and children ( HB24-1420 ). Improving Emergency Response: To help our first responders reach those in need, this budget includes a $1.2 million investment to prove the Colorado Team Awareness Kit (COTAK). This mobile app will allow first responders to track and map their locations and improve the coordination of emergency response. Enhancing Security at Non-Profits: Nonprofits, such as synagogues and mosques, are facing an increase in threats. This budget includes an increase of more than $906,000 to the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help them ramp up physical security at their buildings. Boosting Funding for the Office of School Safety: The budget provides an additional $2 million for grants to help K-12 schools implement programs and infrastructure improvements to keep students safe. Investments for Parks, Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation, Water Resources and Environment Strengthening Underfunded Parks & Wildlife Operations: To protect, maintain and make our state’s most awe-inspiring public parks more accessible this budget includes a $5.7 million investment to fund 45 new staff positions to strengthen several Division of Parks and Wildlife operations, including wildlife management, species conservation, fish hatchery operations, counter-poaching efforts, and the maintenance, management, and services necessary to serve the growing number of visitors to Colorado state parks. Spearheading Environmental Justice for Impacted Communities: To improve health outcomes for communities disproportionately impacted by pollution, the budget allocates $2.8 million in funding to create the Office of Health Equity and Environmental Justice. Protecting Water Rights & Resources: To protect our valuable freshwater resources, this bill includes more than $237,000 to monitor and address national or regional developments that affect our water supply. The goal is to defend Colorado’s water rights as well as conserve and preserve our water resources. Previous Next

< Back June 9, 2020 MCLACHLAN AND BUENTELLO’S RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT IMPROVEMENTS BILL PASSES THE HOUSE! DENVER, CO– The House today voted to pass Representative Barbara McLachlan and Representative Bri Buentello’s bill to strengthen the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Grant program. The REDI program provides grants that strengthen and diversify rural economies and create new jobs. The vote was 49-14. “My district and other rural communities across Colorado need a lifeline, and that’s exactly what this program provides,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Given the unique economic challenges presented by COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to ensure that rural communities aren’t left out. Today we’re prioritizing rural economies by providing needed support to hardworking Coloradans and small businesses.” ‘“The REDI program has a proven track record of providing direct support for economic development in rural communities,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “As a rural legislator, I know the impact that this investment has on the lives and economies of hardworking people in places like my Southern Colorado district. This bill is a big win for rural Colorado, and I’m proud to have played a part.” SB20-002 would codify and strengthen a successful existing program, REDI, in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), to be administered in collaboration with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). The bill will ensure that the program continues to work and that certain improvements are made in order to ensure that rural economies are more successfully bolstered. In addition to formalizing the program in statute, SB20-002 would require that DOLA adopt rules for application procedures and timelines, criteria for a matching funds requirement, and performance and reporting requirements related to REDI. The bill would also require that DOLA report on the use of the REDI funds. Previous Next

New laws to improve educational outcomes go into effect August 12, 2026. SB26-126 addresses Colorado’s teacher shortage by easing licensure requirements for qualified out-of-state teachers, and HB26-1028 creates opportunities for students who speak more than one language. < Back July 28, 2026 Laws to Address Teacher Shortage, Recognize Multilingual Students Go into Effect DENVER, CO – New laws to improve educational outcomes go into effect August 12, 2026. SB26-126 addresses Colorado’s teacher shortage by easing licensure requirements for qualified out-of-state teachers, and HB26-1028 creates opportunities for students who speak more than one language. SB26-126 , sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland and Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, will ease requirements and expedite license applications for teachers from states participating in the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. “Talented educators shouldn’t face excessive barriers to entry when Colorado is already facing a teacher shortage,” said Marchman. “This new law streamlines access to a teaching career in Colorado for educators who are already experienced in a trusted state.” “This new law makes it easier for experienced, out-of-state teachers to earn a Colorado license to fill workforce gaps and better serve Colorado students,” said Lukens. “As a Western Slope educator, I know how difficult it can be for rural communities to find teachers for crucial positions. With this law going into effect next month, we’re reducing barriers to help Colorado schools fill vacancies faster.” Cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representative Dusty Johnson, R-Fort Morgan, the law requires Colorado to enter into reciprocal agreements for teacher licensure with states participating in the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which currently includes 13 states other than Colorado, and expedite licensure applications from teachers moving from those states. Under previous law, teachers with at least three years of successful, evaluated teaching experience within the previous seven years were eligible for provisional licensure. This law removes the requirement that the experience must be within the previous seven years. HB26-1028 , sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, expands access to language proficiency designations to improve educational outcomes for high school students who speak, listen, and understand more than one language. “Colorado high schoolers who speak more than one language should be able to benefit from this invaluable skill,” said Cutter. “This law creates new opportunities for multilingual students by creating an official designation and increasing access to language proficiency testing, opening doors for higher education, employment, fellowships, and other opportunities they deserve.” “When our schools are tailored to students, we equip students with the resources and tools they need to not only get by, but thrive,” said Velasco. “Our law, which goes into effect next month, makes it easier for high school students to earn a bilingualism endorsement. In Colorado, we celebrate the diversity and cultural richness that make our state great. By improving the language proficiency designations, we can make it easier for multilingual students to showcase their skills.” “There are thousands of multilingual students in Colorado’s public schools, and they deserve recognition,” said García. “Our law establishes a new bilingualism endorsement for multilingual high school students. This designation showcases their talents to future employers, universities and trade schools, which better prepares them for life after high school.” Effective August 12, the law creates a diploma endorsement for bilingualism, which requires students to speak and understand another language in addition to English. The bill also expands access to the State Seal of Biliteracy, which requires students to showcase their language skills more rigorously through writing exams and reading comprehension. Colorado's public schools educate over 114,000 multilingual students. This law will help students display their language skills and set them on a strong pathway for future careers. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO IMPROVE SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS OF VIOLENT CRIME DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed SB22-057, sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman, which would improve brain injury screenings for survivors of violent crimes in Colorado. “For those with a brain injury as a result of a violent crime, the effects can be long-lasting and life-altering,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill will help us more fully uncover and understand the impacts of brain injury on survivors of crimes, so we can better support their needs. It is our responsibility to make sure the road to recovery for crime survivors is paved with proper resources and treatment and this bill will give us the knowledge needed to get the job done.” SB22-057 , which passed committee unanimously, creates a task force to improve brain injury screenings for survivors and bring awareness to the consequential, life-altering effects of a brain injury. Brain injuries are associated with changes in emotions and behaviors that can lead to behavioral health conditions such as depression. Survivors of brain injuries may also have reduced ability to advocate for themselves and seek treatment due to the nature of their injury. This bill aims to support survivors of violent crime by studying the long-lasting effects a brain injury has on a person’s mood and behaviors. This bill would also improve support and resources for Coloradans with brain injuries. A study conducted by the University of Denver found nearly all survivors of intimate partner violence reported being struck in the head, and four out of five reported alterations in consciousness as a result. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILLS TO HELP COMMUNITIES PREVENT WILDFIRES EVERGREEN, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law that will help Colorado communities prevent, respond to and prepare for future disastrous wildfires. SB22-002 , sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal and Tammy Story as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, will invest $1 million to better prepare local fire departments and their firefighters for wildfires. “Over the past few years wildfire season has evolved into a year-round threat,” said Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “We must take steps to defend our homes and our communities from these climate-induced mega fires, and these laws will give more Coloradans the resources and knowledge they need to proactively defend themselves, their property, and their communities from future blazes.” “The threat of destructive wildfires in Colorado is only growing due to climate change and extreme weather conditions, which means we need to be more prepared than ever,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “The four bills signed by Governor Polis are preventative measures to prepare our local fire departments, improve Colorado’s mitigation efforts and invest in our communities’ safety. As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity, we’re taking action now to combat destruction, save lives and build a healthier state for all.” The law will make local volunteer fire departments eligible for reimbursement for wildland fire suppression activities, including equipment costs and volunteer firefighter recruitment, training and retention. Local fire departments will also be able to use grant funds to replace or dispose of damaged or obsolete equipment. The law also provides behavioral health care services to firefighters, paid for by public employers. SB22-007 , sponsored by Senators Pete Lee and Tammy Story as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder, will expand an outreach campaign to raise awareness and motivate more than half of the state’s population to better prepare for extreme wildfires. The law will help folks living in fire-prone areas take steps to mitigate the risks of catastrophic wildfires and improve wildfire danger awareness. “The Marshall Fire highlighted just how dangerous the threat of deadly wildfires has become,” said Senator Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs. “These laws will give millions of Coloradans the education and motivation they need to keep themselves and their property safe while also equipping local governments with the tools they need to support wildfire mitigation efforts and protect our forests from future damage.” “Wildfires are encroaching on our homes, businesses and livelihoods–we need to mitigate the destruction and support communities,” said Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “I’m proud to stand behind two bills signed into law today by Governor Polis that will give Coloradans the tools to proactively defend their property from wildfire destruction and provide resources to local governments to fight wildfires. Improved mitigation is one of the best methods to combat catastrophic wildfires and our laws work at the local level to protect communities.” SB22-007 will direct the Colorado State Forest Service to implement a wildfire mitigation public awareness campaign for 2023 and 2024 aimed at folks that live in the Wildland-Urban Interface, areas where structures and developments meet with wildland vegetation. The Governor also signed HB22-1012 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Donald Valdez as well as Senators Pete Lee and Joann Ginal, which will improve forest management to mitigate wildfire risks and increase the state’s carbon inventory – the capacity of plants and trees in the state to remove carbon from the air. “The regular threat of wildfires has become scary and stressful, and serves as a constant reminder of the impact of global warming in our world,” said Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins. “While we continue ramping up our wildfire mitigation efforts to keep Coloradans safe, we need to ensure that we are conserving our natural resources as well. This law will help improve forest management so we can better protect our forests from future destruction.” The new law creates a framework to link forest management and wildfire mitigation goals with efforts to decarbonize the air through healthy forests. Finally, the Governor signed HB22-1011 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder as well as Senators Pete Lee and Tammy Story. This law will leverage local and private funds through a matching grant program to provide resources to local governments for forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts. By incentivizing local governments to identify dedicated long-term funding for wildfire mitigation, the law makes smart investments to maximize state resources and encourage sustainable local and state funding for wildfire mitigation efforts. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to allow the sale of temperature-controlled homemade foods in Colorado. < Back April 30, 2026 Tamale Act Passes House DENVER, CO — The House today passed legislation to allow the sale of temperature-controlled homemade foods in Colorado. The Tamale Act passed by a vote of 46-17. “Growing up, I watched my abuela and mom sell delicious food to make ends meet, and this bill is an entrepreneur’s dream realized,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “The Tamale Act makes it possible for Coloradans to sell safe, temperature-controlled foods, like tamales and burritos, with fewer barriers. We know that many immigrant families are looking for new, creative ways to earn money while navigating the Trump Administration's harsh policies, and our bill will open doors. The Tamale Act is a win for home chefs, and I know it will make all the difference to people like my abuela.” The Tamale Act ( HB26-1033 ) would allow for the sale of homemade foods in Colorado that require refrigeration and foods that include meat or meat products. To keep Coloradans safe, homemade food sellers must complete a food safety course that includes proper food handling, including time and temperature control. Food sellers must maintain proof of the course completion. The course can be completed in-person or online. Additionally, food sellers may not transport the food more than once or transport it longer than two hours. The Tamale Act is also sponsored by Representative Ryan Gonzales, R-Greeley. In 2012, Colorado passed the Cottage Food Act. This law allowed for the sale of some homemade food items, including coffee beans and pickles, but not temperature-controlled items or meat and dairy products. This bill expands the Cottage Food Act so home food sellers can sell products that include staple ingredients, such as butter, milk and meat. The Institute for Justice analyzed data from seven states with some of the broadest homemade food laws and found no significant instances of foodborne illness traced back to homemade foods. In the report, IJ stated these results should not be surprising considering “many of these cottage food businesses are run by only one or two people, with their name, reputation, and livelihood on the line.” Previous Next

The House today advanced a commonsense gun violence prevention bill in a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law. < Back March 25, 2023 Houses Advances Bill to Expand ‘Red Flag’ Law DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a commonsense gun violence prevention bill in a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law. “ We’re expanding Colorado’s ‘red flag’ law to allow district attorneys, mental health professionals and educators to file a petition to remove a firearm from someone who is a danger to themself or others,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This law is a successful tool that has saved lives, but Coloradans need to know how to use it and have better access to the red flag process. This legislation will increase awareness of the law and create additional avenues for qualified individuals to seek a court action to remove a firearm from a dangerous person, which will save lives, reduce gun violence, and help keep our communities safe.” “Colorado’s ‘red flag’ law is working; from 2020 to 2022, law enforcement, close family members, and housemates filed 380 red flag petitions, saving countless lives and avoiding tragedies,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “It’s clear that professionals who understand the legal system are more successful at filing red flag petitions. That’s why this bill creates an education campaign to help people understand how to file a petition. We know we can save more lives and improve public safety by expanding our red flag law, and that’s exactly what this bill does.” Originally passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Polis in 2019, the Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act is a tool used to temporarily remove firearms from a person who a judge determines is a threat to themselves or others. Currently, a petition for removal can only be filed by a family member or a law enforcement officer. SB23-170 will expand the list of individuals eligible to file an ERPO to include district attorneys and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators. According to the Associated Press , Colorado has one of the lowest use rates of its ‘red flag’ law. Colorado issued only 3.3 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents through 2021, ranking the sixth lowest among 19 states that have red flag laws. In comparison, Florida issues 33.6 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents. Researchers have found that for every 10 to 20 protection orders, one suicide might be averted. With SB23-170 expanding eligible individuals that can file a petition for removal, more lives can be saved by gun violence. Nearly 360 red flag petitions were filed from 2020 to 2022. Previous Next