< Back March 12, 2019 HOUSE PASSES REP. VALDEZ’S BILL TO ADDRESS ANIMAL CRUELTY (Mar 12) – The House passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, that seeks to provide more mental health treatment for people convicted of animal cruelty and also bar people convicted of certain kinds of animal cruelty from possession of a pet animal for a period of time while they receive treatment. “The goals of this bill are to remove animals from abusive situations and to identify behaviors that could lead to worse crimes,” said Rep. Valdez. “We should help offenders get the treatment they need so they can re-emerge as productive members of society.” Through HB19-1092, the judge can order the animal cruelty offender to complete a mental health treatment program. “There is absolutely a correlation between crimes against animals and violent crimes such as mass shootings or domestic terrorism,” said Rep. Valdez. A 2014 study of mass school shootings found that 43 percent of shooters had a history of animal abuse. This bill aims to find the underlying causes of the acts of animal cruelty and treat those issues. The bill passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 55-7. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back May 21, 2021 ED COMMITTEE MOVES TO PROVIDE IN-STATE TUITION TO MORE AMERICAN INDIAN STUDENTS AND BAN DISCRIMINATORY MASCOTS DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today advanced two bills sponsored by Rep. Adrienne Benavidez to support American Indian students in Colorado. The first, which is also sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett, would provide in-state tuition to American Indian students who are members of tribes with historical ties to Colorado, while the second, also sponsored by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, would ban American Indian mascots in Colorado public schools. “We have a long way to go on our path toward doing right by the members of the American Indian tribes that have historically called Colorado home,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County . “But by finally banning the use of discriminatory American Indian caricatures as mascots and giving more indigenous students the opportunity to go to college in Colorado, we’re taking two bold steps forward. Indigenous Coloradans have contributed immensely to our state throughout our history, and today we’re giving a little back to ensure they can continue to contribute in the future.” “Colorado’s colleges and universities are wonderful spaces for learning and growth, and the diversity of their student bodies improve them even more so,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “By ensuring that American Indian students whose tribes have ancestral ties to the land in our state can study here, we’re not only giving back to these tribes from whom so much has been taken, but we’re also enriching the makeup of our institutions of higher learning.” SB21-029 , sponsored by Speaker Garnett and Rep. Benavidez, would require that institutions of higher education adopt policies to charge in-state tuition to Native American students whose tribes have historical ties to Colorado. According to the Colorado Commission on Indian Affairs and History Colorado, 48 federally recognized American Indian tribes have historical ties to Colorado. The bill passed by a vote of 7-0. “American Indian mascots create unwelcome and hostile environments for American Indian students, taking a toll on their mental health and academic success,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “As the proud representative of countless members of the Southern Ute tribe, I feel an immense responsibility to ensure indigenous students don’t feel caricatured, ridiculed or discriminated against by the mascots that should make them feel pride in their schools. I’m pleased that we’re one step closer to doing away with them.” SB21-116 , sponsored by Reps. Benavidez and McLachlan, prohibits the use of American Indian mascots in any public school or institution of higher education and establishes a fine for schools that do not comply by June 1, 2022. If any funds are recouped from these fines, they would be deposited in the State Education Fund. The bill passed by a vote of 5-3. This bill follows up on the work of the 2016 Governor’s Commission to Study American Indian Representations in Public Schools which was asked to “facilitate discussion around the use of American Indian imagery and names used by institutions of public education and develop recommendations for the Governor and General Assembly regarding the use of such imagery and names.” The Commission’s number one recommendation was “the elimination of American Indian mascots, imagery, and names, particularly those that are clearly derogatory and offensive, and strongly recommends that communities review their depictions in facilitated public forums.” SB21-116 puts this recommendation into action. Previous Next

< Back October 24, 2019 WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE ADVANCES LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE WATER MANAGEMENT Committee approves bills to spur innovation in water management, broaden stakeholder engagement and crack down on water speculation DENVER, CO– The Water Resources Review Committee today advanced four bills to improve water management. If approved by the legislature next session, the bills would encourage innovation in water management, include additional stakeholder feedback in the Upper Basin States’ Drought Contingency Plan and study how the state can better enforce anti-water speculation statutes. “From outdoor recreation to agriculture, our state’s water resources are critical for almost every aspect of our economy and daily life,” said Water Resources Review Committee Vice Chair Rep. Dylan Roberts (D-Avon). “We have an incredible opportunity to pilot and deploy new technologies that could revolutionize and improve how we manage and conserve Colorado’s most essential natural resource, our water. The bills we passed today will guarantee communities across the state have a voice in discussions about water management and will ensure that we are using all the tools we have available to protect our water from out-of-state special interests and manage our water appropriately.” 1) The committee approved legislation to spur the deployment of new technologies that could improve water management. Innovative technologies, such as blockchain, telemetry, improved sensors and advanced aerial observation platforms can enhance monitoring, management, conservation and trading of water resources. The bill asks the University of Colorado-Boulder and Colorado Water Institute at Colorado State University to conduct feasibility studies to pilot deployments of the new technologies. While not limited to specific technologies, the study will investigate: Sensors to monitor surface and groundwater use Direct or remote sensors to monitor water quality Cellular and satellite telemetry systems allowing remote access to sensor data Aerial observation platforms, including high-altitude balloons and unmanned aerial vehicles Satellite-based remote sensing and water resource forecasting technologies Blockchain-based documentation, communication and authentication of data regarding water use, trading and conservation Colorado has become a national leader in developing innovative uses for blockchain and has become a hub for startup technology firms. Last session, the General Assembly passed a law to study how blockchain can be used in agriculture and also clarified the regulatory environment for digital tokens and cryptocurrencies, which are based on blockchain. 2) The committee also advanced legislation that would require the Colorado Water Conservation Board to broaden stakeholder engagement by using established procedures for public comment when adopting a final or significantly amended water resources demand management program. This year, the states of the upper Colorado River Basin, including Colorado, adopted the Colorado Upper Basin States’ Drought Contingency Plan, which necessitated the development of water demand management programs. Last session, the General Assembly passed SB19-212 , which appropriated $1.7 million from the General Fund to the Department of Natural Resources for the Colorado Water Conservation Board to develop a water demand management program. 3) Legislation to study ways to improve the state’s anti-water speculation statutes also moved forward. Current Colorado law prohibits speculation in water rights, but lawmakers have heard concerns from Western Slope communities and from residents in other parts of the state that financial interests are purchasing water rights with the intention of holding them for a period of time and then selling the water for profit when the price increases. The bill requires the Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources to convene a working group during the 2020 interim to explore ways to strengthen water anti-speculation laws. 4) The committee also approved a bill to increase the number of state water well inspectors. The bill also requires the state board of examiners of water well construction and pump installation contractors to create new rules to identify and prioritize the inspection of high-risk water wells. Previous Next

< Back August 11, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: AURORA LAWMAKERS PRAISE AG INVESTIGATION INTO APD DENVER, CO – Lawmakers representing Aurora today released the following joint statement after Attorney General Phil Weiser announced an ongoing patterns and practices review of the Aurora Police Department, as authorized under Section 13 of SB20-217: “Today’s announcement that the Attorney General’s Office has an ongoing patterns and practices investigation into the Aurora Police Department after several high-profile cases involving community members of color, represents a monumental shift in the future of policing in Colorado. “The inclusion of pattern and practice investigative authority was one of the most crucial provisions in SB20-217, the police accountability bill we passed earlier this year. Rather than focusing only on individual issues, this review will examine the behavior of the police department as a whole, potentially going back several years. To achieve full accountability and to eliminate structural and systemic problems in an organization, it is necessary to look broadly and deeply, and this is exactly what we expect this investigation to do. “We also fully support the reforms that Chief Vanessa Wilson is seeking to make, and we will work to ensure that the department cooperates with the Attorney General’s investigation. Aurora is hurting, and we believe that this investigation and the cultural changes we hope it will bring can heal the deep wounds that divide our beloved community.” The Aurora delegation includes Reps. Janet Buckner, Dominique Jackson, Mike Weissman, Jovan Melton, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet; and Sens. Nancy Todd, Rhonda Fields, and Jeff Bridges. In recent days, the lawmakers have worked with the Attorney General’s office to explore possible grounds for a patterns and practices investigation based on the department’s extensive record of unchecked, systemic racism. Section 13 of SB20-217 makes it unlawful in Colorado for any government authority, including law enforcement departments, to “engage in a pattern or practice of conduct by peace officers… that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution of the United States or the State of Colorado.” The provision grants the Attorney General the authority, when there is reasonable cause, to file a civil action to eliminate the pattern or practice. Previous Next

House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senator Dylan Roberts, Representatives Elizabeth Velasco, Katie Stewart and Meghan Lukens today share their legislative priorities on the first day of the Second Regular Session of the 75th General Assembly. < Back January 14, 2026 Western Slope Democrats Kick Off Legislative Session DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senator Dylan Roberts, Representatives Elizabeth Velasco, Katie Stewart and Meghan Lukens today share their legislative priorities on the first day of the Second Regular Session of the 75th General Assembly. “We’re excited to begin another session with Democrats and Republicans from the Western Slope working together on the issues that matter most for our rural and mountain communities,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Affordable housing is top of mind for many, and this year, we’re building upon our efforts to spur the creation of more housing that Coloradans can afford. We’re focused on bringing down costs, equipping workers with the skills and tools they need for good-paying jobs and protecting our public lands.” “I’m looking forward to another session of working for our rural and mountain communities. That will mean moving legislation forward that lowers the cost of living, protects our water, and supports our Western Slope economies and working families,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “I’m excited to be the sponsor of Senate Bill One, a bipartisan effort to cut red-tape to allow communities to access more housing construction funding, and another bill that will lower costs for small agriculture producers.” “While we’ve made important progress to save you money on everyday necessities such as rent and groceries, hardworking families are still feeling the squeeze,” said Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “This session, we will double down on our affordability efforts to save you money where it matters the most, including health care and child care.” “Coloradans expect us to get the job done, and we’ll work across the aisle to find solutions and be a strong voice for rural Colorado,” said Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “I’m looking forward to representing our communities this year and growing our rural economies so that everyone has a fair shot and an opportunity to thrive. I’ll work to bring down costs, create jobs and protect our public lands.” “We’ve invested more than ever before in Colorado’s public K-12 schools, and the new school finance formula drives more dollars directly to our rural school districts,” said Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This session, we will protect the critical investments we’ve made in K-12 education and higher education, prioritize outdoor recreation and make our state more affordable for all.” Previous Next

< Back July 1, 2021 GOV SIGNS BILLS TO PROTECT AND BETTER SERVE COLORADANS WITH DISABILITIES DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will ensure that state resources are in compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and revamp training to improve first responder interactions with people with disabilities. “Every Coloradan should be able to access state services and information online, but not all state websites and services are accessible to people with disabilities,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Denver. “During the pandemic, some Coloradans weren’t able to get critical information or had to wait longer to access it because state websites didn’t meet accessibility standards. The bill Governor Polis signed today will bring Colorado’s state government inline with federal standards to ensure everyone can use and access state services online.” HB21-1110 , sponsored by Representative David Ortiz, requires that all rules promulgated by Colorado departments are at least as strong as the Americans with Disabilities Act. The law tasks state agencies with developing an accessibility plan that enables an individual with a disability to access digital content with the same privacy and ease of use as individuals without disabilities. “Today, Colorado is taking an important step forward to ensure that first responders have the training and tools necessary to guarantee safe and appropriate outcomes while interacting with people with disabilities,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Denver. “This new law will bring people together and give voice to people in the disability community to better inform law enforcement, prevent tragedies and protect people with disabilities, who we know are disproportionately more likely to be the victims of crimes and have unique needs and considerations for preserving their wellbeing.” HB21-1122 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Colin Larson, establishes a twelve-person commission tasked with performing a detailed study of existing training for peace officers on interactions with persons with disabilities and provide a report to the POST Board by February 28, 2022. The bill requires the resulting curriculum be implemented for basic training and the annual in-service training by July 1, 2022. Once the curriculum is implemented, the commission must monitor the training process, assess any challenges and the effectiveness of the training to present and suggest to the POST Board. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to bolster basic access at places of public accommodations for people with disabilities. < Back April 10, 2023 Ortiz’s Bill to Improve Basic Access for People with Disabilities Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to bolster basic access at places of public accommodations for people with disabilities. “Coloradans living with a disability should be able to visit and enjoy the restaurants, museums and retail stores in their community without having to worry about whether they'll be able to navigate the space,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This legislation empowers Coloradans living with a disability by allowing them to pursue legal action if a public accommodation space is not accessible. I’m committed to making our public places more accessible and accommodating so they can be enjoyed by everyone.” HB23-1032 ensures that individuals with a disability have legal recourse if they are discriminated against by any place of public accommodation. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act National Network , places of public accommodation include restaurants, theaters, doctors' offices, pharmacies, hotels, retail stores, museums, libraries, amusement parks, private schools and day care centers. HB23-1032 aims to improve accessibility for all Coloradans. Previous Next

< Back May 18, 2021 HOUSE BOOSTS LOW-INCOME UTILITY ASSISTANCE & SNAP ENROLLMENT DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to significantly boost low-income utility bill payment assistance across Colorado. “Too many Coloradans don’t have enough resources right now to make ends meet and are at risk of falling further behind as our economy recovers,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Our direct assistance programs are badly underfunded and rely on a volatile funding mechanism that isn’t meeting the needs of our communities. This bill will help Colorado build back stronger and forge a more inclusive recovery by boosting direct utility bill payment assistance to low income Coloradans.” HB21-1105 creates a sustainable funding source and expands eligibility for low-income assistance programs. The existing funding mechanism for low-income utility assistance is volatile and is not keeping up with the need in Colorado communities for direct assistance. Dozens of counties receive less than 50 percent of their requested energy assistance funds. While exempting low-income customers, the bill directs utilities to collect a $1 fee on electricity customers and a $1 fee on gas customers, which will be used to finance direct utility bill payment assistance and weatherization retrofits to low-income households. The bill also creates a mechanism for cross enrollment with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to maximize the number of eligible Colorado recipients. It also allows water utilities to collect a charge to finance direct water utility assistance for low-income customers. Even before the pandemic hit, one in four Colorado households struggled to pay monthly utility bills. In the last year, Energy Outreach Colorado, which has received federal and state stimulus funding through recent legislation, paid $13 million in bills for 25,000 households, indicating the need for a sustainable funding source. Among the tens of thousands the energy assistance nonprofit serves are seniors, Coloradans with disabilities, and essential frontline workers. Previous Next

< Back May 18, 2024 Gov. Polis Signs Two Bills to Support Students into Law COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two pieces of legislation to support Colorado students. SB24-164 will improve transparency surrounding higher education costs and reduce barriers to completing higher education degrees or certificate programs. HB24-1076 will create the Purple Star School Program to recognize K-12 public schools that provide support to military students and their families. “Throughout my time as an educator and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, it became clear that bolstering the ways students can transfer hard-earned credits is essential to improving student outcomes,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB24-164. “This new law is a pivotal step towards creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado. By prioritizing the needs of students, we can pave the way for greater educational outcomes and economic mobility for students and families.” “Creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado means we put students first,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB24-164. “This law will make it easier for students pursuing higher education in Colorado to understand the cost of their degree or certificate. It will also ensure that students transferring from a community college to a four year institution receive credits they deserve for the classes they’ve successfully completed.” SB24-164 is also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, and House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs. This law will make it easier to transfer college credits, improve transparency in higher education reporting, and ensure rights for students enrolled in postsecondary institutions. Transparency requirements include: Transparency of the cost of postsecondary education; Seamless transfer of general education and transfer pathway courses; Transparency regarding if credits are accepted or rejected from an institution; and The ability to appeal an institution’s decision not to accept transfer credits. A major challenge transfer students face is the transferability of postsecondary credits. On average, transfer students lose a full semester of credits, which translates to time and money lost. There are current methods that exist within Colorado’s higher education framework to ease transitions between higher education institutions such as transferable lower division courses, common course numbering, and guaranteed transfer pathways. SB24-164 will build on this framework by bolstering student rights and easing the transfer of course credits. “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 legislation will help students that are part of military families during the transition process so they can 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 sponsor this law 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 the representative for a community with a long tradition of military service, the bill getting signed into law today 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. The Purple Star School Program has been adopted by 42 other states and is proven to help military-connected students combat the academic and socio-emotional challenges they often face due to frequent relocation, transferring schools, parental deployment and changing environments. 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. Previous Next

< Back March 27, 2019 BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR TIPPER-CARAVEO BILL TO CREATE 2020 CENSUS GRANT PROGRAM 2020 Census is at risk of being inaccurate (Mar. 26) – The State, Veterans, & Military Affairs House committee passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, and Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, that would create a committee to disperse funds around the state that would ensure a complete count of all Coloradans across the state. The 2020 Census is underfunded and behind schedule. “Experts agree that the census is in jeopardy compared to ten years ago,” said Rep. Tipper. “This is a critical issue that will impact every level of government. Even a one percent undercount on the census would result in the state losing out on over $630 million across a decade in federal money.This is a health equity issue and will have a disparate impact on rural communities.” Valid Census data is tied to billions of dollars federal funding allocations for Colorado. For example, the state received over $93 million in federal funding for Head Start programs and nearly $34 million in Community Development Block Grants in 2016 because of census data. HB19-1239 creates an appointed bipartisan and diverse committee, administered by the Dept. of Local Affairs, to award grants to nonprofits and local governments to ensure a complete count across all of Colorado for the 2020 Census. “The census determines so much for our state. We are in competition with other states for federal dollars. It is in our best interest to compete for the federal pie. This bill will help get us there. This is about counting people,” said Rep. Caraveo. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 7-2. Rep. Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, joined Democrats in supporting HB19-1239. The bill now goes to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after Republicans Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd cast the deciding votes to pass the GOP megabill, which will kick Coloradans off their health insurance, increase costs and jeopardize services for the most vulnerable people. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law < Back July 3, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: House GOP Passes Megabill to Slash Medicaid & SNAP, Kick Coloradans Off their Health Care DENVER, CO – Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after Republicans Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd cast the deciding votes to pass the GOP megabill, which will kick Coloradans off their health insurance, increase costs and jeopardize services for the most vulnerable people. The bill now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. “Congressional Republicans’ megabill benefits billionaires on the backs of hardworking Coloradans and Americans,” said President James Coleman, D-Denver. “Millions of Coloradans rely on Medicaid and Medicare, and the drastic cuts to these programs passed in the bill will have devastating impacts from the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains. The legislature will have to respond to these cuts and attempt to blunt the harm, but the budget hole caused by Washington’s recklessness will make it extremely difficult to fund our priorities, from health care to K-12 education and beyond.” “The GOP megabill is dangerous and reckless and will have a ripple effect on the health and success of Coloradans for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The billion-dollar impact on our state budget will force the legislature to consider pausing the important progress we’ve made on priorities like education funding, tax credits for working families and efforts to reduce health care premiums. Businesses, rural hospitals, STEM research, food pantries and many others will lose the support that they rely on to serve our communities. This is a disastrous outcome for our state, and it will impact people in every corner of Colorado.” “The GOP megabill bill prioritizes the interests of the wealthiest Americans and powerful corporations over working families,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “While we’re fighting to lower costs for Coloradans, Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd are kicking people off their health care, slashing food assistance for children and families, cutting clean energy tax credits and jobs, and increasing the cost of student loans. The bill reflects a consistent pattern: advancing the agenda of billionaires and other special interests at the expense of consumer protections and public wellbeing." “The GOP Megabill has far-reaching impacts on Colorado and it goes against everything that we stand for as Democrats,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “From hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable Coloradans losing access to health care to draconian cuts to food assistance programs and tax credits for seniors and working families, the destruction caused by the GOP Megabill will be felt by everyone. Rural hospitals and health care providers could close under this budget, and rural Coloradans will lose health care coverage while Republicans in the state legislature continue to turn a blind eye to what’s happening in Washington. Years of work to make Colorado more affordable and support the low- and middle-class, families, people of color, seniors, veterans and other Coloradans will be at risk now that the GOP has passed this regressive tax policy that favors the ultra-wealthy.” “Here in Colorado, we know what it’s like to make difficult decisions to balance our state budget,” said JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Every year, the Joint Budget Committee works across the aisle to do so carefully, thoughtfully, and with the best interests of Colorado families in mind. Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd just cast the deciding votes on a budget that will hurt Coloradans. This bill slashes Medicaid, hurting families today and shifting costs to people with insurance. We will all pay more for health insurance because of this bill. Finally, this bill will almost certainly force us into a special session to make deep cuts to Colorado’s already tight budget, and those cuts rest entirely at the feet of Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd, and Donald Trump.” “The GOP’s cruel megabill will have devastating impacts on our state, and we will do our best to shield Coloradans from as much pain as we can,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “In addition to slashing Medicaid and food assistance, this bill will create a massive hole in our budget and force cuts to other critical programs Coloradans rely on. By passing this bill, Gabe Evans and his GOP colleagues are increasing costs on middle class families and closing the doors of opportunity for hardworking people across our state.” “Republicans in Congress are hellbent on making it harder for everyday Coloradans to stay on Medicaid,” said JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Millions of Coloradans rely on Medicaid and Medicare, and the drastic cuts to these programs in the newly-passed GOP megabill will have devastating impacts from the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains. This further compounds our state’s budgetary challenges and will force the Joint Budget Committee to make impossible decisions about the future of Medicaid funding in Colorado and our ability to provide core services to hardworking families.” "The GOP megabill will drive up energy costs, force rural health clinics to shut their doors, and drive up the cost of health insurance for everyone,” said JBC Member Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. "In a tight budget year, we worked diligently to protect the services Coloradans rely on, but Congressional Republicans are jeopardizing everything from food assistance to health care. Colorado’s state budget simply cannot absorb the $1 billion in Medicaid cuts, revenue reductions and other cost increases, which will put health care, food assistance and services for our most vulnerable at risk. The GOP’s priorities are clear – give massive tax breaks to billionaires at the expense of hungry kids and families.” The most recent nonpartisan CBO analysis estimates that the GOP megabill will kick nearly 12 million Americans off their health care. It places a tax on energy, drives up utility costs, cuts food assistance and will force deep cuts to Medicaid and services for Colorado’s most vulnerable people, including veterans and many lower income families. Colorado Democrats—alongside health care providers, conservationists, and community leaders—have repeatedly asserted that this bill would be devastating to the American people and urged Congress not to pass it. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting estimated that the GOP megabill will decrease state revenues by as much as $500 million and increase costs to the state by around $500 million. Even without passage of the GOP megabill or an economic downturn, nonpartisan economic forecasters estimate the state will face a nearly $700 million deficit and that revenues could drop below the TABOR cap in each of the three years in the forecast window. Under these conditions, the state will not be able to replace the loss of federal funding under the GOP megabill and will be forced to consider difficult trade offs and cuts to core services. Previous Next

< Back May 21, 2021 E&E INVESTS IN COLORADO’S CLEAN ENERGY COMEBACK The Energy and Environment Committee today advanced Representative Alex Valdez and Tracey Bernett’s bipartisan bill to put $40 million toward financing clean energy projects DENVER, CO– The House Energy and Environment Committee today advanced a bill to invest in clean energy projects through the Colorado Energy Office. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 10-3. “As Colorado’s economy becomes cleaner and greener, we’re working to ensure that innovative clean energy projects can access the private capital entities looking to fund them,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Clean energy is a booming industry, and as we work to build back a stronger Colorado it makes sense to use proven models to encourage investment in a cleaner future for our state.” “Transitioning to clean energy in Colorado is good for the environment, good for future generations and good for our economy,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont. “As we help Colorado bounce back from the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic, we have an opportunity to invest in the industries of the future, and that’s exactly what we’re doing today. Our bill will help more clean energy projects get off the ground, save residents and businesses money through energy efficiency and also help to meet our state greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.” SB21-230 invests $40 million in clean energy finance initiatives through the Colorado Energy Office. The majority of the funds will go to the Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), which uses the “ green bank ” model already in operation in over a dozen states to finance clean energy projects and bridge the gaps between businesses and private capital providers. By leveraging limited public funds, the CCEF can draw over $120 million of total investment and create over 2,000 in Colorado communities most impacted by climate change. The remaining funds will be allocated to proven programs within the Colorado Energy Office that support clean energy retrofits, energy-efficient new construction, clean energy lending and funding for the installation of EV charging stations at facilities across the state. Previous Next