Search Results

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mandy Lindsay that would reduce evictions by saving Colorado renters money on filing fees during eviction proceedings. < Back April 17, 2024 Bill to Reduce Evictions Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mandy Lindsay that would reduce evictions by saving Colorado renters money on filing fees during eviction proceedings. HB24-1099 passed by a vote of 44 to 17. “Filing fees during eviction proceedings can add up, making it difficult for Colorado renters to make their case in court that they shouldn’t be evicted,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Costs associated with eviction court should not prevent someone from presenting their side of a case. By removing these fees, we can help avoid default judgments that displace renters, keeping more Coloradans safely housed.” HB24-1099 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, would eliminate filing fees, including e-filing fees and service fees, for renters during an eviction proceeding, ensuring that renters are not prevented from advocating for themselves in the eviction process. Currently, defendants in eviction proceedings are charged filing fees and certain individuals can submit a motion to waive these fees. This bill removes fees associated with eviction proceedings to cut the red tape for defendants responding to eviction filings. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2024 House Advances Budget to Support K-12 Schools, 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 – The House today advanced the FY 2024-2025 Long Appropriations Bill 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, importantly buys down the budget stabilization factor and addresses the most pressing needs of our communities,” said JBC Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “I’m proud that we are making higher education more affordable for middle-income students by capping tuition increases and ramping up financial aid support. 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. Together, we’re committed to helping more Coloradans have the opportunity they deserve to thrive.” “This is an exciting day for Colorado! We’re one step closer to meeting our commitment to our students with record levels of K-12 public school funding and increased support for early childhood education,” said JBC 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.” The state’s $40.6 billion budget is a 3.7-percent increase over last year’s budget. This budget, 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 which will 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 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 $6 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. 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 $4 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. 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 may affect our water supply. The goal is to defend Colorado’s water rights as well as conserve and preserve our water resources. ### Previous Next

New law makes reproductive health care more accessible and affordable for all < Back April 14, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care, Close Access Gaps New law makes reproductive health care more accessible and affordable for all DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, that improves access to reproductive health care, including abortion, and makes reproductive health care more equitable was signed into law today. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package of legislation, and works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion. “Every Coloradan deserves to be able to access the critical care they need, but for too many of our neighbors, barriers still exist that prevent them from accessing that care,” Moreno said. “This new law breaks down those barriers, especially for vulnerable communities, and helps ensure all our neighbors are able to get the life-saving care they need to thrive.” “Under this law, it will be easier for all Coloradans, regardless of zip code or income level, to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care services,” said Michaelson Jenet. “I was privileged enough to pay for my own abortion out-of-pocket, but accessing the life-saving care you need shouldn’t be financially out of reach for Coloradans. Unlike other states across the nation, Colorado is securing and expanding access to reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatments, not restricting it." “Investing in all aspects of sexual and reproductive health care is the right thing to do, both socially and economically,” said Cutter. “It is in our best interest as a society to help prevent unintended pregnancies, improve maternal health and prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections. I am thrilled to champion this new law that will help build a healthier Colorado for everyone." “Coloradans deserve access to the full range of reproductive health care, but systemic barriers rooted in racism and oppression can stand in the way,” said Garcia. “This law works to break down those accessibility barriers to receiving abortions, STI treatments and other forms of reproductive health care which are disproportionately placed on our most marginalized communities. Securing reproductive justice is vital for Coloradans to lead self-sufficient, prosperous lives and I’m beyond proud to bring us closer to achieving that goal.” SB23-189 limits surprise medical billing and removes patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code, and increasing additional family-planning related services. Finally, SB23-189 prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment. Previous Next

< Back April 16, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES EDUCATION BILLS TO HELP STUDENTS (Ap. 16) – The House approved a two bills that would increase the financial aid completion rate, help identify students with dyslexia, and help Colorado’s kids succeed in college. Rep. James Coleman sponsored a bill to help increase federal financial aid application completion rates. Colorado students missed out on as much as $50 million in financial aid last year due to students failing to complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. “We are letting our hard earned tax payer dollars go to other states because our students are not filling out their FAFSA forms,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver. “This bill will help Colorado get a huge return on our investment in our students, ensure more students have the tools they need to succeed and make our higher-ed institutions stronger.” Completing a FAFSA form increases the odds that Colorado’s high school students – particularly low income students and students of color – will attain a postsecondary degree, increasing their future earnings and success. Studies show that 90 percent of high school seniors who complete FAFSA attend college directly after high school. Boosting Colorado’s FAFSA completion rate will boost our state’s college and postsecondary institution enrollment rate. HB19-1187 passed by a final vote of 48-16. It now heads to the Senate. The House also gave final approval to a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that directs the commissioner of education to convene a working group to analyze state and national data and practices concerning identification and support of students with dyslexia and to recommend dyslexia screening tools and processes. “Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities affecting children. However, our public school system does not have a unified way of diagnosing dyslexia,” said Rep. Buckner. “This bill will implement an in-depth process to enact the most effective program for dyslexia students here in Colorado.” HB19-1134 was unanimously approved. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 BILL TO REDUCE YOUTH RECIDIVISM, PREVENT CRIME PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today on Third Reading and Final Passage that would improve public safety and prevent juvenile justice involvement. HB22-1003 passed by a vote of 41 to 22 and is part of the Colorado House Democrats’ first ten bills . “When it comes to public safety, we need to invest in communities first,” said Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “This bill will provide funding for support and intervention programs to prevent youth recidivism and build a safer Colorado for everyone. This is a modern approach to public safety that will help us build safer communities and prevent more youth from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place.” “We’re taking a multi-layered approach to public safety and that includes making smart investments to reduce recidivism,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This bill invests in collaborative, community-based programs that give youth the support and services they need. We’re meeting Colorado’s youth where they are, making investments to reduce crime and delinquency and moving Colorado forward.” HB22-1003 , sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program. The program would award two-year grants to local governments, American Indian Tribes, school districts, charter schools and nonprofit organizations to fund projects that prevent crime among youth. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a community-based response involving collaboration with multiple agencies to reduce crime. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2024 House Approves Bill to Identify Suspicious Purchases to Reduce Gun Violence Legislation would make it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns, helping to prevent gun violence DENVER, CO - The House today advanced gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Javier Mabrey to help law enforcement recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns. “Prior to the tragic Aurora movie theater shooting, the shooter had purchased over $11,000 worth of firearms, ammunition, and military gear in the weeks leading up to the shooting, ultimately killing 12 innocent Coloradans,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Credit card merchant codes are an effective tool already used by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and money laundering crimes, and our bill would expand this tool to help us stop gun violence before it impacts our communities. Our legislation is crucial in giving law enforcement a head start in preventing gun violence so we can save Colorado lives." “Credit cards have been used to finance many of the major mass shootings in recent years, and identifying suspicious weapon and ammunition stockpiling before a tragedy can take place will save lives," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "Firearms are uniquely exempted from having a merchant code. Almost every other product has one of these codes and this bill removes that exemption. This information could be provided to law enforcement, and it could have a life-saving impact in our communities.” SB24-066 would require payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard to provide a specific code, known as a merchant code, for businesses that primarily sell firearms and ammunition. Merchant codes would allow banks and credit card companies to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns – like a domestic extremist building up an arsenal – and report them to law enforcement. A report found this legislation could have prevented many mass shootings, including the Aurora movie theater shooting and the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The Aurora movie theater shooter used a MasterCard to buy $11,000 worth of weapons and military gear at multiple stores in the six weeks before the shooting. ### Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 FOUR BILLS TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OUTCOMES WIN COMMITTEE APPROVAL Legislation will invest nearly $190 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve access to behavioral health resources in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services and House Judiciary Committees gave approval to four bills to improve Coloradans’ access to behavioral health services. The legislation is based on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force and invests nearly $190 million in federal pandemic relief funds to build a healthier Colorado. “Together, we’re making a $72 million investment to expand our behavioral health workforce so we can address staffing shortages, get patients access to the care they need and build a healthier Colorado,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB22-181 . “To meet the behavioral health needs of Coloradans, we are devoting the resources necessary to recruit, train and support psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and other behavioral health care workers in every community in our state.” Behavioral Health Care Workforce: SB22-181 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tonya Van Beber passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 10 to 2. This bill would direct the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop and implement a workforce plan to invest $72 million to bolster, diversify and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce. “Accessing behavioral health care services in Colorado shouldn’t be a challenge, but often people seeking care have trouble navigating the system,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB22-177 . “Our bipartisan bill invests more than $12 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure so patients can receive quality care faster. The behavioral health care system should not be a barrier for Coloradans seeking services, and our bill makes accessing services easier.” Care Coordination Infrastructure: SB22-177 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield, passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 11 to 1. This bill appropriates $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The legislation requires the BHA to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available services, improving connections for individuals seeking care with the support they need. The bill also seeks to cut red tape for providers and navigators so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. “Accessing treatment, recovery and behavioral health care services can be more difficult for those experiencing homelessness,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-211 . “We are utilizing federal pandemic relief dollars to create a space where Coloradans experiencing homelessness can access all types of health care, including behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment as well as transitional housing This approach will help us meet our neighbors where they are and build stronger Colorado communities.” Repurpose The Ridge View Campus: SB22-211 , sponsored by Representatives Alex Valdez and Perry Will, passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 7 to 5. This bill would invest $45 million to repurpose an unused, state-owned facility into a recovery oriented community to help those experiencing homelessness access services for physical and mental health and substance use disorder treatment along with transitional housing. “Too many Coloradans struggling with substance use disorder and serious mental health issues are spending time behind bars when they should be receiving treatment,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-196. “Our bill invests millions to divert people with behavioral health needs from the criminal justice system and connect them to critical services which will reduce recidivism and make it easier for Coloradans to receive the treatment they need.” “Colorado’s behavioral health crisis is alarming and we need to invest in resources that get people the treatment, services and care they need,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, sponsor of SB22-196. “Our bill approaches behavioral health intervention by diverting Coloradans away from the criminal justice system toward treatment. Behind bars, Coloradans’ behavioral health can worsen–let’s get them the treatment they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place.” Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program: SB22-196 , sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Adrienne Benavidez, passed the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would invest $62 million to help communities prevent people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders from becoming involved with the criminal justice system and instead, redirect individuals into appropriate treatment. Previous Next

Two bills to support veterans passes committee < Back March 16, 2023 Bills to Save Veterans Money and Improve Veteran Services Passes Committee Two bills to support veterans passes committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed two bills that will improve access to veteran services and benefits. “This legislation removes unnecessary barriers to the property tax exemptions that veterans with a disability are owed,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB23-036 . “I know firsthand how difficult it can be to come home from war and have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to receive the benefits and services that were promised. Our bill streamlines the application process for veterans with a disability to more easily receive property tax exemptions that save them money on housing.” This bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, streamlines the property tax exemption application process for veterans with a disability. The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently created the Summary of Benefits letter, a question-and-answer form that gathers key details of a veteran’s personal information to determine service eligibility. Under SB23-036 , veterans will only need to send the Summary of Benefits letter to the Colorado Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (DMVA) instead of both the DMVA and their county government, expediting the process to receive property tax exemptions. Veterans who have received this exemption before January 2024 will not be required to reapply to continue receiving this benefit. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 9-0. “The Western Regional One Source is a vital resource to our veterans, military members and their families on the Western Slope,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, sponsor of SB23-154 . “In collaboration with community partners, they're providing a wide range of services from mental and behavioral health, to housing, transportation and more. I'm proud to support my fellow veterans by continuing the Western Region One Source making it easier for all Colorado veterans to access the services they need." SB23-154 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, is a bipartisan bill that continues the Western Region One Source, a one-stop center based in Grand Junction for veterans services. The center opened in 2019 to host various veterans services under one roof, making it easier for veterans in rural areas to be connected to resources like health benefits, employment opportunities, housing, transportation, and more. This bill extends the program to keep the center running until 2030. The bill unanimously passed by a vote of 9-0. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2022 BILL TO END TRANSCRIPT WITHHOLDING MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Naquetta Ricks to prohibit post-secondary institutions from withholding transcripts because a student owes a debt to the institution passed the House today on Second Reading. “With this bill, we’re working to dismantle a debt collection tool that disproportionately affects low-income students and students of color,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “When post-secondary institutions withhold transcripts because of unpaid parking tickets, library fines or some other fees, students have a harder time entering the workforce or transferring schools. Holding the credits a student earned for ransom prohibits talented graduates from enlisting in the military, enrolling in nursing courses or applying for their dream job. This legislation will prepare our students for success and ensure Colorado’s workforce is stronger and more talented than ever.” “Transcript withholding is an unnecessary barrier for graduates entering the workforce,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This bill would prohibit post-secondary institutions from withholding transcripts and diplomas from students with unpaid debts. Graduates have done the work and earned the credits, now let’s make it easier for them to prove it to future employers. Whether our students are applying for their first post-college job or enrolling in a new program, this bill prepares our students for success and moves Colorado forward.” HB22-1049 would protect students from transcript withholding when students owe an unpaid debt. It would also prohibit institutions from charging a higher fee or providing less favorable treatment in response to a transcript or diploma request because a student owes a debt. Debts protected by the bill range from unpaid fees to parking tickets, library fees and other minor costs students may not realize they owe. The bill also protects students with debt from tuition, financial aid funds, and room and board fees from having their transcript withheld when they apply for a job, credit transfer or financial aid. It also protects transcript withholding for those pursuing opportunities in the military and post-secondary institutions. Across the country, students owe approximately $15 million in unpaid balances, impacting over 6.6 million students. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILLS TO ADDRESS OPIOID CRISIS House Democrats have long been working on solutions to the opioid the opioid crisis (Apr. 29) – The House gave preliminary approval to a package of bills that are part of the House Democrats’ effort to combat the epidemic of opioid addiction. The House gave preliminary approval to Rep. Chris Kennedy and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s commonsense bill to examine alternatives to incarceration for individuals who need treatment for addiction instead of jail for drug-related offenses. The bill, a product of the opioid interim committee, also looks to provide behavioral & substance use treatment (MAT) to individuals who may already be incarcerated. “When we incarcerate people without providing treatment for their substance use disorders, we’re not actually addressing the real problem,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “By providing treatment, we increase the likelihood that people released from incarceration will be able to rebuild their lives and start contributing to society again.” “My sincere thanks to counselors, law enforcement and people across the state who came to support this bill. People are literally dying in jail because they are not getting the appropriate treatment for their substance use disorder,” said Rep. Singer, D-Boulder. “This bill provides a pathway that will help those struggling with addiction become productive members of society, not return as burdens to themselves, their families and taxpayers.” SB19-008 was approved on voice-vote and recorded vote will be taken at a later date. The House also passed SB19-227, sponsored by Rep. Chris Kennedy and Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. This bill authorizes schools to obtain a supply of opiate antagonists, specifies that a licensed or certified hospital may be used as a clean syringe exchange site, creates the opiate antagonist purchase fund and expands the household medication take-back program in the Department of Public Health and Environment. “While we work to reduce overprescription and increase access to treatment, we can also do more to prevent the spread of diseases and save the lives of those who have not yet sought treatment,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy. “Addiction is a public health crisis and we are stepping up and finding ways to save lives,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. “This bill will expand treatment and recovery options across the state.” SB19-227 was approved on voice-vote and recorded vote will be taken at a later date. The House Health and Insurance committee approved Rep. Bri Buentello’s bill to require certain health care providers who have prescriptive authority to complete substance use disorder training as part of their continuing education and prohibits a physician or physician assistant from accepting any direct or indirect benefits for prescribing a specific medication. “This is an important bill that will help us address the opioid crisis that is devastating parts of Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “ This bill will help Coloradans who are struggling with addiction get the treatment they need.” SB19-228 also requires a prescription for an opioid for outpatient use to bear a warning label; creates several grant programs to improve public awareness of the dangers of substance use disorders, improve youth treatment and pre-and-postnatal care for women. In addition, the bill introduces several other measures aimed at substance use disorders prevention. The bill was approved on a vote of 7-4. It now goes to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

House and Senate Democratic Leadership today released the following statements on Governor Jared Polis’ call for a special session on property tax: < Back August 15, 2024 Legislative Leadership Statements on Property Tax Special Session DENVER, CO – House and Senate Democratic Leadership today released the following statements on Governor Jared Polis’ call for a special session on property tax: Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon: “Our vision for Colorado is a place where everyone, from the youngest learner to working families and older Coloradans, can thrive and afford a good life. Initiatives 50 and 108 would do the opposite and risk our state’s future by defunding public schools, fire response, health care, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks and recreation centers. Coloradans elected us to govern responsibly and to listen to those on the frontlines of providing these critical services. I’m grateful for the bipartisan Property tax Commission’s feedback and the growing consensus among impacted stakeholders that we should pursue further property tax reductions with guarantees that will protect the Colorado we love and the future of our state.” Statement from President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder: “The reckless and irresponsible ballot measures we are contending with pose an existential threat to critical state and local services, and it is incumbent on us to act in Colorado’s best interests. After years of bipartisan work to address Colorado’s property tax and affordability challenges, we now face another opportunity to step up, govern responsibly, and ensure that additional property tax cuts are delivered in a way that does not jeopardize Colorado’s financial future. I’m appreciative of the hard work that has gone into negotiations around the future of our property tax framework and grateful for the thoughtful input from members of the Commission on Property Tax and local leaders from across the state.” Statement from House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “It is a grave risk to our state that wealthy special interests have proceeded with ballot measures that would devastate our economy, cut funding for schools, and risk financing for critical infrastructure projects like affordable housing. These measures seriously jeopardize the services Coloradans rely on, especially Coloradans struggling the most with our affordability crisis. I appreciate the thoughtful engagement of stakeholders and voices across the political spectrum who have weighed in on this proposal, and I’m proud to go back to work to help keep people in their homes, provide additional tax relief, and protect funding for our schools that we’ve fought so hard for.” Statement from Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver: “People across our state share a common goal: making Colorado an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. Over the past several years, we’ve worked with stakeholders inside and outside of the Capitol and on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that delivers needed property tax relief while ensuring essential government services are funded and available to their communities. In the face of dangerous ballot initiatives driven by special interests, we remain committed to doing what is best for the people of Colorado as well as their schools, fire departments, and local governments. We will work to ensure that any additional property tax cuts provide relief for Coloradans and are delivered in a responsible manner that doesn’t threaten the services they rely on.” On Monday, August 12th, the bipartisan Commission on Property Tax evaluated the devastating impacts of Initiatives 50 and 108 to state and local government budgets and critical services and discussed potential legislative alternatives to responsibly deliver property tax relief. Previous Next

< Back June 7, 2021 HOTELS, MOTELS, AND HOUSING SUPPORT House passes innovative proposal to convert underutilized motels and hotels into affordable housing units DENVER– The House today passed Representatives Gonzales Gutierrez and Woodrow’s bill to invest $30 million of federal funds into a grant program that will allow local governments to convert underutilized properties into shelters or affordable housing units. The bill passed by a vote of 42-22. “Colorado’s housing crisis demands action, and today we empowered local governments to take immediate steps to help keep people housed,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-242 and SB21-027. “Revitalizing hotels and motels to meet housing needs is an innovative and commonsense way to tackle one of Colorado’s most persistent issues.” “Working to help families keep a roof over their heads isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a matter of investing in Colorado’s economy and improving public health,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-242. “By converting underutilized hotels and motels, we’re leveraging existing assets to provide shelter and housing to some of Colorado’s most vulnerable residents.” SB21-242 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. Previous Next