LEGISLATION WILL HELP PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM COMMITTING GUN VIOLENCE, SAVE LIVES IN COLORADO < Back April 28, 2023 SIGNED! BILL TO RAISE MINIMUM AGE TO PURCHASE A FIREARM TO 21 BECOMES LAW LEGISLATION WILL HELP PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM COMMITTING GUN VIOLENCE, SAVE LIVES IN COLORADO DENVER, CO – Legislation that would raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21 was signed into law today.Under current federal law individuals must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun, but only 18 years old to purchase long guns. SB23-169 , sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and House Minority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, would raise the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21 with limited exceptions. “Gun deaths in Colorado climb higher every year, and a disproportionate number of them are committed by younger Coloradans,” Mullica said. “As an ER nurse I’ve seen firsthand the devastating ways gun violence impacts our communities, which is why I am proud to champion this new law that will reduce gun violence and save lives all across our state.” “Gun violence is traumatic for anyone to experience, let alone for a child or young adult,” Duran said. “As a survivor of domestic violence and gun intimidation at a young age, I know firsthand how critical it is to prevent our youth from being put in a life or death situation because a firearm was too easily accessible. By increasing the minimum age to purchase a gun, we can prevent suicides and gun violence and keep our Colorado kids and communities safer.” “Young people aged 12-24 make up one-fifth of the population, but commit just under half of all gun murders,” Danielson said. “There is an urgent need to do more to prevent gun violence in Colorado, and I am proud to champion this legislation that does just that. Raising the age to purchase a firearm will keep more deadly weapons away from our youth, reduce youth suicide rates, and make our communities safer.” “Having been a teacher for over 30 years, so many of my students have grown up fearing the constant threat of gun violence – sadly, they are known as the lockdown generation,” Hamrick said. “From countless active shooter events to losing peers to suicide, Colorado youth are forced to grapple with gun violence from a very young age. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to implement this commonsense gun violence prevention policy into Colorado law to keep firearms away from our youth and our children, making our schools and communities safer.” According to Everytown for Gun Safety , firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased a staggering 61 percent in the last decade. Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: GA DEMS CALL OUT RISE OF HATRED DURING PANDEMIC, URGE ACTION House and Senate Democrats release public community letter on increase in anti-Semitic, hateful, and bigoted language; urge Coloradans not to be bystanders DENVER, CO– General Assembly Democrats today released a public community letter on the increase in anti-Semitic, bigoted and racist language during the spread of COVID-19. “We are seeing an unacceptable rise in hate speech in our communities in the wake of this outbreak, and as Colorado’s representatives, it is our obligation to speak up and show that this type of language has no place in our state,” said Jewish Caucus Chair Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We are calling on Coloradans to join us in condemning bigotry and anti-Semitism and to work together in our communities to confront this danger.” The letter, which was organized by the Jewish Caucus, asks Coloradans to report hate crimes and embody the values we share: understanding, compassion, empathy, patience, charity and grace. It is endorsed by the leaders of the Jewish, Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ legislative caucuses of the General Assembly. Coloradans can add their name to the letter here , and the full list of signatories and a Spanish translation of the letter can be found here . The full text of the letter is below: Dear Coloradans, We write to you as concerned citizens, advocates and as your neighbors. We are Colorado House and Senate Democrats and leaders of the Jewish, Black, Latino and LGBTQ Legislative Caucuses. We endorse this letter because we are deeply concerned by the increase in bigotry and racism we are seeing and because we are compelled to speak up. We must come together as Coloradans, united to make sure that hate has no home in our state. To see the full list of signatories, please visit this website . The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak its havoc across the globe and to date, the crisis has cost us 42,514 American lives — 500 in Colorado alone. As we continue to take the necessary steps to slow the spread of this virus and keep our communities safe, we the undersigned, pause for a moment to emphasize our shared commitment to ensuring that our communities and our state persevere through this crisis together, without turning on each other, and without resorting to hatred, bigotry or divisiveness. Our response to this pandemic requires that we follow CDC guidelines, listen to public health experts and practice proper social distancing. As we do so, it is imperative that we do not allow another sickness—racial and religious intolerance—to spread unchecked. In these unprecedented times, combating one pernicious disease is difficult enough. Though physically separated, we remain united and resolute: COVID-19 is no excuse for bigotry of any kind. We understand that this period of uncertainty has brought confusion and frustration to Coloradans of all backgrounds and identities. The virus has forced governments, including our state government, to make difficult decisions and take emergency action to save lives. We realize that this isn’t easy for anyone. We are endlessly thankful for the heroes who have stepped up to the challenge and made enormous sacrifices to support their fellow Coloradans. From our medical professionals, grocery store clerks and bus drivers, to all the folks staying at home, we have seen countless examples of Coloradans stepping up to contain the contagion in a spirit of kinship and togetherness. These acts of collective support, of selfless sacrifice and of everyday heroism provide a stark contrast to the examples of hateful and counterproductive behavior we have also seen on display. As such, we condemn—in the strongest possible terms—all acts of bigotry, xenophobia, racism, nativism, and antisemitism that have occurred in the wake of this outbreak. Tragically, some have used this pandemic as a cover and an excuse for abhorrent behavior. Hate crimes against Asian-Americans, conspiracy theories denigrating immigrants, statements that compare actions taken by the state’s first Jewish governor to the Gestapo—none of these are acceptable, none of it is Coloradan, and none of it will get us through this crisis any safer or any faster. While much has already been asked of the great people of our state, much more can be done to ensure we get through this crisis without sacrificing what it means to be a Coloradan. While we do the hard but necessary work of staying indoors, let’s make sure hate has no home in Colorado. We ask that as part of doing your part to combat the spread of COVID19, we all aim to speak up in the face of racism and antisemitism, report hate crimes and bigoted attacks, and embody the positive values we would like to see more of in our state: understanding, compassion, empathy, patience, charity and grace. We ask that you join us in making sure these core American values—which the vast majority of Coloradans display proudly every day—continue to guide us as we confront this common enemy. To add your name to the letter, please visit this website . Signed, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City), Jewish Caucus Chair Representative Leslie Herod (D-Denver), Black Caucus Chair, LGBTQ Caucus Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (D-Denver), Latina Caucus Chair Representative Alex Valdez (D-Denver), LGBTQ Caucus Chair, Latino Caucus Chair Representative Jeni Arndt (D-Fort Collins) Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) Representative Adrienne Benavidez (D-Brighton), Latina Caucus Representative Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) Representative Janet Buckner (D-Aurora), Black Caucus Representative Bri Buentello (D-Pueblo), Latina Caucus Representative Yadira Caraveo (D-Thornton), Latina Caucus Representative James Coleman (D-Denver), Black Caucus Representative Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) Representative Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge), Latina Caucus Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo), LGBTQ Caucus Representative Tony Exum, Sr. (D-Colorado Springs), Black Caucus Representative Meg Froelich (D-Englewood) Representative Alec Garnett (D-Denver) Representative Matt Gray (D-Broomfield) Representative Edie Hooton (D-Boulder) Representative Dominique Jackson (D-Aurora), Black Caucus Representative Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D- Boulder), Latina Caucus, LGBTQ Caucus Representative Chris Kennedy (D-Lakewood) Representative Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada) Representative Susan Lontine (D-Denver) Representative Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) Representative Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) Representative Jovan Melton (D-Aurora,) Black Caucus Representative Kyle Mullica (D-Northglenn) Representative Dylan Roberts (D-Avon) Representative Jonathan Singer (D-Longmont), Jewish Caucus Representative Emily Sirota (D-Denver), Jewish Caucus Representative Marc Snyder (D-Manitou Springs) Representative Tom Sullivan (D-Centennial) Representative Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood), Latina Caucus Representative Brianna Titone (D-Arvada), LGBTQ Caucus Representative Donald Valdez (D-La Jara), Latino Caucus Representative Mike Weissman (D-Aurora), Jewish Caucus Representative Steven Woodrow (D-Denver), Jewish Caucus Representative Mary Young (D-Greeley) Senate President Leroy Garcia Senator Jeff Bridges Senator Steve Fenberg Senator Rhonda Fields Senator Mike Foote Senator Joann Ginal Senator Julie Gonzales Senator Chris Hansen Senator Dominick Moreno Senator Brittany Peterson Senator Robert Rodriguez Senator Tammy Story Senator Nancy Todd Senator Angela Williams Senator Faith Winter Senator Rachel Zenzinger Previous Next

Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed legislation into law that will prevent youth overdose deaths and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Cleave Simpson, will make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. < Back April 22, 2024 Lt. Governor Signs Bipartisan Bill To Save Lives, Prevent Youth Overdose Deaths DENVER, CO – Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed legislation into law that will prevent youth overdose deaths and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Cleave Simpson, will make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. “I’m so proud to have worked closely with the students from both Durango and Animas High Schools to create this life-saving law,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Too often, Colorado youth have seen their classmates suffer from the current opioid crisis, which is why our new law will increase availability and training for the administration of opiate antagonists. The advocacy from these students on this topic who have seen the challenges their peers face will make a significant impact throughout our state and save countless lives.” “Our young people have not escaped being harmed by the opioid crisis that is impacting every corner of our state, and we must do more to protect them,” Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, said. “This important legislation, which came to us from students who have been impacted directly by this terrible epidemic, gives schools more badly-needed tools to combat this crisis and will ultimately save lives.” “As a school psychologist, I understand how serious and common overdoses can be in our schools, and this new law will make it easier for schools to prevent these overdoses from becoming fatal,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Research shows that overdose education for students, teachers, staff, and families leads to increased involvement in treatment and this legislation empowers students, educators, and other school personnel to know how to respond to an overdose. This student-initiated law gives schools life-saving harm reduction tools to decrease the number of student overdoses across Colorado.” HB24-1003 , will allow trained bus drivers and other employees present on buses to administer certain medications, including opiate antagonists such as Naloxone, to students experiencing an overdose. Under current law, if specific educators and staff receive training, they are permitted to administer opiate antagonists to students. This bill extends this protection to bus drivers. This bill permits school districts to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses, and for trained students to possess and administer opiate antagonists on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event. Additionally, HB24-1003 will allow schools to acquire and maintain a supply of testing strips designed to detect the presence of additional harmful components in an opioid, such as fentanyl. Previous Next

< Back November 1, 2019 JBC, DEMS REACT TO POLIS BUDGET REQUEST DENVER, CO — Joint Budget Committee Democrats today released the following statements on Governor Polis’s FY 2020-2021 Budget request: “I appreciate Governor Polis’s FY 20-21 budget request, and I look forward to developing a responsible and balanced state budget that prioritizes education and transportation and continues lowering the cost of health care for all Coloradans,” said incoming JBC Chair Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo). “The JBC will begin crafting the budget in the months ahead, and I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to balance our state’s competing priorities with the limited resources we have and pass a budget that supports Southern Colorado and the state as a whole.” “Due to a strong economy, we were able to make historic investments in critical government services like education and transportation this year. However, due to the fiscal constraints imposed by TABOR, we will have to be more focused on cost savings next year,” said Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City), vice-chair for the JBC in the upcoming session . “I am encouraged by some of the cost savings and efficiencies the Governor’s proposal identified to invest in roads and bridges and K-12 education, and I look forward to the next six months of hard work to ensure a balanced budget and continued investments that benefit the people of Colorado.” “I am eager to start our work at the JBC to craft a balanced budget for Colorado,” said JBC member Chris Hansen (D-Denver) . “The Governor’s proposal will help inform our ongoing discussions about how to responsibly invest in and manage our state’s energy, education, transportation and health care priorities.” “I am pleased to see many important investments in this budget, especially for Southern and rural Colorado. The inclusion of substance abuse benefits for Medicaid recipients throughout the state is a crucial part of combatting a multifaceted problem and will build on the work my colleagues and I have worked tirelessly on for so many years,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “I am particularly excited about the proposal for Fischer’s Peak, the newest state park, in the heart of rural Colorado, which would drive tourism dollars to the local and regional economies. I know my colleagues on the JBC have a lot of work ahead of them to analyze today’s budget, and I look forward to supporting them in this important process.” The release of the governor’s budget today begins the process for the JBC to craft the state’s budget. The JBC will begin hearing testimony from state agencies later this month as it works to write the state’s budget. ### Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2022 PROTECTIONS FOR ELECTIONS OFFICIALS WINS COMMITTEE APPROVAL DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed a bill to provide additional protections for election officials throughout Colorado. Protections For Elections Officials, sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Emily Sirota, will ramp up penalties for threatening or doxing an election worker. “The dramatic increase in threats and intimidation against our election officials cannot continue,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Colorado’s election workers uphold our democracy and they deserve to feel safe on the job. This bill makes it clear that it is criminal to intimidate, threaten or coerce election workers or to attempt to do so. These civil servants secure fair and free elections in Colorado and we’re prioritizing their safety and well-being.” “More and more election officials are leaving the job because of ongoing threats against their safety and the safety of their families,” said Rep. Emily Sirota D-Denver. “We’re strengthening Colorado’s gold standard election system by protecting those who secure the right to vote. This bill increases the criminal penalties for threatening or doxing election workers so they can feel safe on the job and continue to uphold our democracy.” Protections For Elections Officials, HB22-1273 , would establish clear penalties for threatening or doxing an election worker. While Colorado law already prohibits individuals from interfering with an election official, this bill clarifies that intimidating, threatening or coercing an election official while they are performing official duties or retaliating against them performing their official duties is criminal. Protections For Elections Officials also prohibits attempts to intimidate, threaten or coerce an election official. HB22-1273 passed committee by a vote of 8 to 2. According to research conducted by The Brennan Center , one-third of U.S. election officials feel unsafe on the job and one in six reported being threatened because of their work. Previous Next

< Back May 8, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK FOR ARTISTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS PASSES HOUSE Reps. Benavidez and Herod’s state stimulus bill to put funds towards supporting venues, artists, cultural organizations passed the House today DENVER, CO — The House today passed a bill to support Colorado’s creative arts industries, which were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 40-22. “The story of Colorado is told and maintained through the creative pursuits of our artists and the organizations that support them,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Today, in addition to creating jobs and giving this important economic sector a shot in the arm, we’re ensuring that our state’s cultural legacy lives on for generations to come.” “Music venues, cultural organizations, and other businesses in the creative arts industries were among the most severely impacted by COVID-19,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “As Coloradans start to safely attend gigs, gallery openings, and concerts again, we’re helping to build back stronger by investing in the jobs and livelihoods that are supported by this vibrant industry.” HB21-1285 provides $10M to support artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state. This includes funding for the performance based film incentive, cultural facilities and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. Previous Next

< Back December 1, 2020 CRITICAL COVID-19 RELIEF ADVANCES Direct Aid for Small Businesses, Housing Assistance, Utility Relief, and Emergency Funding for Colorado’s Public Health Response Pass House Committees; Will See Floor Debate SOON DENVER, CO — House committees this afternoon passed four bills that would provide direct assistance to the Coloradans and small businesses that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. The legislation will next be considered on the floor for Second Reading. “Small businesses have faced some of the most challenging impacts of this crisis, struggling for survival while Washington fails to deliver the relief they desperately need,” said SB20B-001 sponsor Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We are doing everything we can to boost small businesses and help them through the winter months ahead until we have a vaccine and Congress passes additional relief. Cultural venues, artists and minority-owned businesses have been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic. This assistance will help the small businesses that have been hit hardest so that they don’t permanently shutter.” SB20B-001 , sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, would send $57 million in direct aid, grants and annual fee waivers to struggling small businesses – prioritizing those operating in counties experiencing severe capacity restrictions. It will also create grant programs and allocate funds specifically for art and cultural organizations as well as minority owned businesses. Capacity limits have severely impacted small businesses across the state, especially bars, restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues. This bill will help these industries bridge the gap through difficult winter months ahead. The bill passed the House Finance and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “Thousands of Coloradans are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage and are facing agonizing decisions every day about which bills to pay and how to avoid being thrown out of their homes,” said SB2B-002 sponsor Rep. Tony Exum, Sr. D-Colorado Springs. “There is an astounding need for housing assistance to help Coloradans bridge the gap and avoid eviction or foreclosure. This assistance will directly help the Coloradans who have been hit hardest by this pandemic so they aren’t left behind as our state “This assistance will help landlords, tenants, and homeowners who are facing the brunt of the pandemic get through the challenging months ahead,” said SB20B-002 sponsor Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This assistance will help Coloradans across the state avoid foreclosure and eviction and keep from falling farther behind. This critical relief will protect our recovery by preventing Coloradans from falling into homelessness and poverty.” SB20B-002 , sponsored by Reps. Tony Exum, Sr. and Kerry Tipper, would provide $60 million for emergency housing assistance to landlords and households who are in financial need due to COVID-19. Of the funding, $1 million will support the Eviction Legal Assistance Fund, which will help Coloradans stay in their homes this winter by providing critical legal assistance for housing related needs. The impending expiration of federal assistance programs such as enhanced unemployment benefits, leaves millions of Coloradans vulnerable to eviction or foreclosure in the coming months. In fact, according to recent surveys, over 40 percent of Coloradans are living in a household that is behind on their rent or mortgage and at risk of foreclosure or eviction. Finally, the bill puts in place a provision that seeks to ensure tens of thousands of unemployed Coloradans can continue to have access to the federally funded State Extended Benefits Program through December 26. The bill passed the House Public Health and Human Services and Appropriations Committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “We are determined in this special session to help Coloradans make ends meet through the tough winter months ahead,” said SB20B-003 sponsor Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Helping Coloradans heat their homes and keep the lights on will go a long way towards supporting hardworking families across the state. The end of this pandemic is in sight, and this assistance will make an important difference for those who need it most.” SB20B-003 , sponsored by Reps. Monica Duran and Lois Landgraf, would appropriate $5 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund in order to meet the 25 percent increase in applications that Energy Outreach Colorado has seen this year. As unemployment numbers remain high and federal resources have dried up, many Coloradans are at risk of losing their utilities – a dangerous outcome in the winter months. The bill passed the House State Veterans and Military Affairs and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “With promising vaccine trials shining a light on the end of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to ensure our public health systems are able to care for and protect Coloradans in the months ahead,” said SB20B-004 sponsor Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Ensuring these resources are available is an important investment in our medical professionals and the health and wellness of the people of Colorado.” SB20B-004 , sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie, would allocate an additional $100 million to ensure the state can continue to protect public health while we await additional federal stimulus and reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. With many hospitals across Colorado reaching critical capacity in recent weeks, additional funds are needed to continue the state’s robust public health response. The bill passed the House Public Health Care and Human Services and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. Previous Next

Federal Victims of Crime Act funding has been slashed by over 75 percent in Colorado since 2018 < Back July 23, 2026 General Assembly Dems Urge Colorado’s Congressional Delegation to Protect Federal Funding for Domestic Violence Survivors Federal Victims of Crime Act funding has been slashed by over 75 percent in Colorado since 2018 DENVER, CO - General Assembly Democrats today sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation, calling on them to protect federal funding for survivors of domestic violence. In the letter, the General Assembly Democrats wrote: As members of the Colorado General Assembly, we share a deep concern regarding the continued reduction in federal funding for domestic violence victim services. These cuts will have devastating impacts on survivors, families, and communities across Colorado. Just recently, the only rural domestic violence shelter serving Prowers, Baca, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Counties had to close its doors due to drastic funding cuts, leaving those counties without critical resources… Supporting survivors is not a partisan issue. It is about protecting lives and ensuring every Coloradan has somewhere to turn in their darkest moment. When a survivor reaches out for help, there should be a voice on the other end of the phone. When a parent flees violence with their children, there should be a safe place to go. We dream of a future where every survivor is never turned away because funding has disappeared. Colorado’s advocates have answered the call for decades. Now we ask you to answer theirs. Thank you for your continued partnership and for taking a significant step towards safeguarding survivors' rights and increasing funding for vital services that can save lives. The full text of the letter is below: Dear Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and Representatives Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jeff Hurd, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, Jason Crow, Brittany Pettersen, and Gabe Evans: As members of the Colorado General Assembly, we share a deep concern regarding the continued reduction in federal funding for domestic violence victim services. These cuts will have devastating impacts on survivors, families, and communities across Colorado. Just recently, the only rural domestic violence shelter serving Prowers, Baca, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Counties had to close its doors due to drastic funding cuts, leaving those counties without critical resources. Domestic violence organizations are often the first-place survivors turn when they are making one of the most dangerous decisions of their lives: leaving an abusive relationship. These organizations answer crisis calls at all hours, provide emergency shelter and develop life-saving safety plans. But their work does not stop there. They also offer legal advocacy and counseling, connect survivors to housing and employment, and help children begin to heal from the trauma they have experienced. Every day, they provide hope to individuals and families seeking safety and a path toward rebuilding their lives. For decades, these services have relied heavily on federal funding support through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund, established by Congress in 1984, and grants administered by the Office on Violence Against Women within the U.S. Department of Justice. These investments have helped build the network of domestic violence shelters and advocacy organizations that communities across Colorado depend on. Unfortunately, that support has eroded significantly and continues to face funding shortfalls despite increased demand. Federal VOCA funding has declined by more than 75 percent in Colorado since 2018. Last year, that reduction translated into approximately $4.8 million in lost funding for victim service organizations across Colorado. The consequences are real and immediate. As funding declines, domestic violence organizations are being forced to do more with less. This translates to staffing reductions, program elimination, scaled-back outreach and shorter shelter stays. Without proper funding, some shelters might consider closing their doors for good. Every dollar lost means fewer advocates to connect Coloradans with trauma-informed care, legal assistance, counseling, transportation, housing support and other critical services. Colorado continues to experience alarming rates of domestic violence. The Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board recently reported 72 domestic violence-related deaths in 2024, including 38 intimate partner victims, eight child victims under eight years old, and 26 perpetrators. While homicides in Colorado dropped, domestic violence fatalities rose, underscoring the vital need for funding. As state legislators, we have worked together to strengthen protections for survivors. This year, the General Assembly passed legislation to improve law enforcement responses to domestic violence, strengthen victim safety, and better connect high-risk survivors with advocacy services through mandatory lethality assessments ( HB26-1009 ). In 2024, we took to the ballot box to pass Proposition KK , which drives some funding to domestic violence survivors. These are important steps, but state action alone cannot protect survivors if the organizations providing direct services lack the resources necessary to answer the call for help. Colorado has demonstrated its commitment to survivors. Now, we ask Congress to demonstrate that same commitment. We respectfully urge you to: Restore and strengthen funding for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). Protect and fully fund the Office on Violence Against Women grant programs that support domestic violence shelters, advocacy organizations, law enforcement partnerships, housing assistance, prevention efforts and other survivor services. Oppose any reductions or funding conditions that would limit Colorado’s ability to provide essential services to victims of domestic violence and their children. Work across party lines to ensure survivors remain a national priority and that the organizations serving them have adequate resources. Domestic violence does not discriminate; it impacts people of every age, race, ethnicity, income level, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation and political affiliation. Every community in Colorado has been touched by domestic violence. Supporting survivors is not a partisan issue. It is about protecting lives and ensuring every Coloradan has somewhere to turn in their darkest moment. When a survivor reaches out for help, there should be a voice on the other end of the phone. When a parent flees violence with their children, there should be a safe place to go. We dream of a future where every survivor is never turned away because funding has disappeared. Colorado’s advocates have answered the call for decades. Now we ask you to answer theirs. Thank you for your continued partnership and for taking a significant step towards safeguarding survivors' rights and increasing funding for vital services that can save lives. Respectfully, House Majority Leader Monica Duran House Speaker Julie McCluskie House Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon Senate President James Coleman Senate President Pro Tempore Cathy Kipp Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter Representative Kenny Van Nguyen Representative Brianna Titone Representative Karen McCormick Representative Tisha Mauro Representative Jacque Phillips Representative Elizabeth Velasco Representative Gretchen Rydin Representative Chad Clifford Representative Sheila Lieder Representative Lesley Smith Representative Naquetta Ricks Representative Eliza Hamrick Representative Katie Stewart Representative Lindsay Gilchrist Representative Lori Goldstein Representative Meghan Lukens Representative Rebekah Stewart Representative Lorena Garcia Representative Cecelia Espenoza Representative Regina English Representative Sean Camacho Representative Manny Rutinel Representative Emily Sirota Senator Katie Wallace Senator Dylan Roberts Senator Marc Snyder Senator Judy Amabile Senator Mike Weissman Senator Tony Exum Sr. Senator Matt Ball Previous Next

< Back April 9, 2019 MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN BILL ON FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN PASSES THE TEST McLachlan-Wilson bill will help invest in Colorado’s future (Apr. 9) – A bipartisan bill by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Rep Jim Wilson, R-Salida, to fund full-day kindergarten for Colorado’s youngest learners was unanimously approved by the House Education committee today. The upcoming state budget proposes funding full-day kindergarten in a responsible, sustainable manner. “ This bill is about setting kids up for success－the kids who live in rural, urban, and suburban areas, on the Western Slope, on the Eastern Plains and in every corner of our state,” said Rep. McLachlan, chair of the House Education committee. “As a former teacher, I can definitively say that early childhood education is the best gift we can give a child. Full-day Kindergarten will reap profound benefits for the hardworking families of our state for many years to come. ” Many young students lack access to full-day kindergarten, despite research showing they will benefit significantly from this learning experience. While a large number of Colorado schools have increased access to full day kindergarten over time despite inadequate funding, there are still 14,000 children without access to this important educational resource. Those who lack access often face some of the steepest obstacles to affording the tuition that is charged in many districts or live in communities that cannot afford to cut resources from other parts of the K-12 budget to offer a free full-day experience. Increased state funding would help open doors to a research-proven strategy to improve children’s academic and life success. An added benefit of funding full-day kindergarten is the complementary freeing up of more than 5,000 Early Childhood At-Risk Enhancement (ECARE) slots in the Colorado Preschool Program for young learners. HB19-1262 was unanimously approved by the committee. The text of HB19-1262 can be found here. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 BILL TO CREATE STATEWIDE RESPONSE TO MISSING & MURDERED INDIGENOUS RELATIVES PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill that aims to improve the state’s response to missing and murdered Indigenous individuals to help prevent crime and improve public safety. SB22-150 sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Monica Duran, passed the House by a vote of 45 to 20. “The data is clear and devastating, Indigenous people are far more likely to be the victims of crimes the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people go unsolved at a far higher rate,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Colorado must improve how we respond to the cases of missing and murdered indigenous relatives. That’s what this bill would do by ensuring relatives get the responses and justice they deserve. We’re standing with the Indigenous community so they can get the justice they deserve.” “It’s critical we address the high rates of violent crime against Indigenous women and children,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Our bill works to improve coordination, response and communications surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives so we can create a comprehensive and strong response to this crisis.” SB22-150 would improve coordination, response, communication, and awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) cases. More than 4 out of 5 Indigenous people in the United States experience violent crime during their lifetime, a rate disproportionately higher than any other segment of the population. SB22-150 aims to improve responses to MMIR cases, provide better support for Indigenous communities, and better serve families of MMIR. It would establish an MMIR alert system and improve data tracking regarding MMIR cases while ensuring interagency coordination, allowing for a more effective and robust response. It would also require MMIR training for first responders and implement a public awareness campaign to raise awareness around MMIR issues. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILL TO PREPARE AT-RISK STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed legislation into law today that will create a new method for identifying and serving at-risk students. HB22-1202, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Julie McCluskie and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and James Coleman, will more accurately count at-risk students and direct additional resources to school districts that serve at-risk students. “Modernizing the way we identify at-risk students will direct proper funding toward schools and prepare all Colorado students for success,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Under this law, the state will create a new well-rounded method for pinpointing at-risk students that goes beyond those eligible for free and reduced-price lunches to include data from Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus program. But every child lives a different home life, so the data collection will also consider important socioeconomic factors that can affect academic success such as parent incarceration, unhoused status and English as a Second Language. This law will get school districts the funding they need to meet the needs of their at-risk students so their students can grow, thrive and achieve.” “As we introduce more precise factors into the school funding formula, we can increase the likelihood that our resources will be used in the most equitable manner, to the greatest degree of success,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada . “The at-risk measure is one of those factors in need of greater precision and definition; and thanks to HB22-1202, we will eventually be able to support the children who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in a true at-risk condition.” “I am proud Colorado is taking steps to identify, serve and support each and every student,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie D-Dillion “Research has shown to better serve at-risk students, we need to look at the bigger picture and consider more than just a couple of socioeconomic factors that might hinder academic success–and this law does just that. This law creates a new definition in the formula so Colorado can more accurately identify at-risk students and provide their school districts with more funding to meet their needs.” “We know that, right now, we don’t do enough to support our at-risk students, and that needs to change,” said Sen. James Coleman, D-Denver . “More accurately identifying our at-risk students will allow us to do a better job allocating the critical resources school districts need to serve them. This bill will help us better prepare all of Colorado’s students for success.” HB22-1202 will create a new method in the school finance formula to identify students who are at risk of below-average academic outcomes due to socio-economic disadvantages or poverty. The new formula aims to better pinpoint at-risk students by considering multiple socio-economic factors that affect them. Based on the new formula, school districts would be eligible for more state funding beginning in the 2023-24 school year to better prepare their at-risk students. A recent statewide poll revealed that 83% of respondents consider it important to provide resources and support to students who are falling behind so teachers can make sure every student has an opportunity to get back on track. Previous Next

The Wildfire Matters Review Committee today advanced bills to bolster the forestry workforce and improve wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies. < Back September 26, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Wildfire Review Committee Approves Bills to Bolster Forestry Workforce and Improve Prevention and Mitigation Strategies DENVER, CO – The Wildfire Matters Review Committee today advanced bills to bolster the forestry workforce and improve wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies. Bill 2 , sponsored by Representatives Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, and Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, and Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland and Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park, would grant landowners who allow access to their property during an emergency immunity from civil liability charges for damage or injury to people or property. Immunity would not be granted when damage or injury arises from gross negligence or willful misconduct caused by the landowner. “Our communities need more wildfire prevention tools and they need them now,” said Mauro, sponsor of Bills 2 and 6. “We’ve worked hard to ensure our communities have resources during natural disasters, and I’m sponsoring a bill that will ensure important resources and wildfire information are more easily accessible to the public. We also advanced legislation to legally protect landowners who allow access to their land during an emergency to keep our communities safe and prevent landowners from being sued when they act in good faith.” “Just last month, a wildfire in my district burned thousands of acres and destroyed dozens of structures,” said Marchman, sponsor of Bills 2, 3, and 7. “Due to dry conditions and a warming climate, the threat for future wildfires will only grow. While we have worked hard in recent years to bolster Colorado’s wildfire fighting systems, it’s never too late to do more. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will protect landowners who assist in firefighting efforts by allowing access to their private lands, support outreach programs to get more young folks connected to careers in forestry, and expand opportunities for using prescribed fires as a wildfire resilience tool.” Sponsored by Chair of the Committee, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Vice Chair Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs and Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, as well as Marchman, Bill 3 would support outreach programs to bolster the forestry workforce. The bill would direct the Colorado Cooperative Extension Service at Colorado State University to develop outreach programs to build skills and forestry career awareness, and to promote degree programs in forestry. Additionally, it would require the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to provide grants for firefighter and trainer certification and to develop an outreach campaign that promotes career and volunteer firefighting opportunities. “With annual wildfires becoming the norm, it is critical that we take action now to protect Coloradans from dangerous wildfires,” said Boesenecker, sponsor of Bill 3. “I am proudly sponsoring legislation that would boost our forestry workforce to help prevent wildfire devastation. By ensuring our communities have the tools they need to prevent wildfires from progressing, we can save lives and protect our beautiful open spaces.” “This summer, Colorado once again saw destructive wildfires that threatened communities along the Front Range and in my district,” said Cutter, sponsor of Bills 3 and 7. “As the threat of wildfires continues, it’s urgent that we continue our work to leverage every tool available to protect our communities and prepare for future wildfire disasters. The legislation we’re advancing today will grow our workforce and reduce barriers to responsible prescribed burns, an emerging and critical tool for wildfire resilience.” “As a resident and representative of the Western Slope, I know how destructive wildfires can be and the impact they have on our communities, which is why we’re carefully drafting legislation to make our state more resilient to wildfires,” said Velasco, sponsor of Bills 3, 6 and 7. “From building up our wildfire response workforce and boosting prescribed fire efforts to improving accessibility to important wildfire emergency resources, we’re taking multiple approaches to better prepare our communities’ wildfire mitigation and response efforts and build up Colorado’s healthy forests.” Sponsored by Cutter, Marchman, Velasco, and Weinberg, Bill 7 aims to encourage the use of prescribed fires as a wildfire resilience tool by creating the Prescribed Fire Claims Cash Fund within the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) to pay damage claims resulting from qualifying prescribed fire projects. Unintended damage is rare, yet lack of liability coverage is often a barrier to these beneficial projects happening, these funds will enable beneficial forest health work even when no claims are paid. Bill 7 would also create a new avenue for individuals to obtain a 'certified burner' designation from the DPS, allowing them to conduct prescribed fires on private lands if they are certified in another state. The committee also approved two additional bills. Bill 1 would direct the DPS to study and develop applications of artificial intelligence to fight wildfires and Bill 6 would require the DPS to add additional county-level information on its website, such as emergency information and wildfire updates. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next