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< Back March 17, 2022 SIGNED! BILLS TO BOOST RURAL TEACHER WORKFORCE AND PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will boost Colorado’s teacher and school staff workforce. These bipartisan bills come at a time when Colorado is facing a dire teacher shortage, especially in rural school districts. “Getting talented educators back in the classroom will prepare our students for success and I’m thrilled these laws will ease the path for reentry,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan D-Durango. “Our state is facing a significant teacher and school staff shortage, and this couldn’t be more true for rural school districts. I’m proud of the bipartisan work we’ve done to craft these bills and their passage today is a step in the right direction in addressing the teacher shortage, improving education outcomes for our students and moving Colorado forward.” PERA Service Retiree Employment in Rural Schools: This bill will make it easier for rural school districts to address the teacher and employee shortages. HB22-1101 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Marc Catlin, will make permanent a program that is currently scheduled to expire that allows retired public employees to return to full-time work in a rural school district without an impact on their retirement benefits. It also expands the program to include school nurses and paraprofessionals. PERA Employment After Teacher Retirement: This bill will temporarily waive the limitations set by the public employees' retirement association (PERA) regarding the number of days qualified service retirees can substitute teach. HB22-1057 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Bradfield, will make it easier for retired teachers to re-enter the classroom. Under current limitations, if retired teachers work over the number of allotted days, their PERA benefits are reduced. The bill temporarily lifts the waiver until July 1st, 2025. Additionally, qualified service retirees can teach in any school district while there is a critical substitute teacher shortage in Colorado. Colorado is facing a significant teacher shortage. During the 2020-2021 school year nearly 13% of teacher positions were filled through a shortage mechanism and more than 200 positions went completely unfilled statewide. These bills aim to break down barriers for retired teachers, educators, paraprofessionals, school nurses and bus drivers to work in districts facing a shortage of school staff. Sourcing quality teachers and school staff help better prepare students for success. Previous Next

Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December quarterly economic forecasts. < Back December 20, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Colorado Economy Remains on Solid Footing DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December quarterly economic forecasts. “Today’s forecasts show Colorado’s economic growth and low unemployment rate remain steady and are projected to continue,” said JBC Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “We are committed to fulfilling our promise to students and educators by eliminating the K-12 public school funding deficit, which will put more money into Colorado classrooms to increase teacher pay, reduce class sizes, and ensure students have what they need to thrive. I’m excited to craft a balanced budget that sustains our economic growth, boosts middle class families, and invests in the critical services Coloradans need.” “While Colorado’s economy continues growing at a steady pace, we are entering a more normal - and restrained - fiscal period, which will require cautious, responsible budgeting to ensure we meet our priorities,” said JBC Vice Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “As we prepare next year's budget, we remain committed to maintaining this growth while delivering the critical services families and communities rely on. We’re looking forward to putting forth a responsible budget that fully funds our schools, supports working families, and meets the needs of our growing state.” “As Colorado’s economy continues to grow and perform better than other states, we are focused on addressing the rising cost of living and making sure that everyone can afford to live in our state,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Even with our strong economy, Colorado’s unique fiscal constraints mean we will have limited resources this year for new investments. Our goal this year is to significantly increase funding for our public schools, support working families, and prioritize the Coloradans who are feeling the brunt of our cost of living crisis.” “Today's forecast makes me cautiously optimistic that our Colorado economy continues to head in the right direction," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "I look forward to working on a balanced budget for next year that fully funds education, lowers the cost of health care, and helps make Colorado a more affordable place to live." Colorado’s economy continues to grow, with an unemployment rate of 3 percent and total employment growth clocking in at around 2.3 percent. Personal income growth for Coloradans has remained steady, at 5.6 percent, and consumer demand continues to outpace expectations. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.52 billion in FY 2023-2024 and $18.58 billion in FY 2024-2025, a 6 percent increase year-over-year. The LCS forecast anticipates the General Fund to end FY 2023-24 with a 15.3 percent reserve, $49.6 million above the statutory requirement. TABOR refunds will be $800 for single filers and $1,600 for joint filers. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) revised its General Fund revenue expectations up $247.3 million in FY 2023-24, while FY 2024-25 revenue was revised down $78.1 million. OSPB anticipates General Fund revenue will grow 4.6 percent to $19.1 billion in FY 2025-26, due to stable growth in income and sales revenue. The forecast anticipates continued growth as Colorado stands well positioned to fare better in the case of a downturn and that the risk of a near-term recession has dissipated. Factors that could improve the forecast include slowing inflation, an expanded labor force, and a rebound in real wages boosting consumer spending, and more accommodative monetary policy from the Federal Reserve. Risks that could negatively impact the forecast include persistent inflation leading to further restrictive monetary policies, deteriorating household finances limiting consumption and continued geopolitical and trade uncertainty. Previous Next

Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution < Back April 17, 2024 House Advances Vigil, Woodrow Bill to Reduce the Cost of Housing Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to make housing in Colorado more affordable and reduce traffic congestion by eliminating parking mandates that drive up the cost of building new housing, especially multi-family developments. "Parking lots may look inexpensive to build and maintain, but requiring a minimum number of parking spots per housing development can add hundreds of dollars to housing costs and a tenant’s rental rate," said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “Parking minimums prioritize asphalt over community, spreading people away from their place of employment, worship, and recreation. Our bill shifts our focus back to the needs of our community by using available land in a strategic way so we can build more housing, create alternative transportation options, and make it easier for small business owners to be successful.” “From housing to businesses, the financial burden that comes with parking minimum requirements gets passed onto hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Each parking space can cost tens of thousands of dollars and reduces the number of units that we can build, which reduces supply and drives up costs. This bill, in addition to the other housing legislation that Colorado Democrats are passing this year, will help alleviate the impacts of the housing crisis.” Beginning June 30, 2025, HB24-1304 would prohibit counties or municipalities from establishing or enforcing minimum parking requirements within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO). The bill would also direct the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Department of Local Affairs, and the Colorado Energy Office to collaborate in order to develop and publish best practices and technical assistance materials to aid local governments in optimizing parking supply and managing parking. The materials must include strategies for developers to manage the supply and price of parking based on location and land use characteristics. Parking minimums increase home prices and rents by requiring developers to use valuable space for cars that may not be fully utilized and could instead be dedicated to more housing units. With new structured parking spaces costing $25,000 each in the Denver Metro Area in 2020, developers are disincentivized from building new residential projects or must reduce the number of units that are developed as a direct result of strict parking minimums. Since the city of Minneapolis eliminated residential parking minimums in 2021, rents have only increased 1 percent , while Denver saw an average increase of nearly 5 percent in just the last two years. Research attributes the significant expansion of the housing supply in Minneapolis to the elimination of parking minimums. The oversupply of parking is also directly linked to higher vehicle miles traveled. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado, with cars contributing nearly 60 percent of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified Denver and the Northern Front Range as having unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, which can lead to negative health impacts like asthma and bronchitis, especially for vulnerable Coloradans. Additionally, replacing wildlife habitats to build massive surface lots for parking harms the environment by increasing soil and water pollution, flooding, and the heat island effect. The bill does not impact parking spaces required for people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Previous Next

< Back July 8, 2021 COLORADO STARTUP LOAN PROGRAM, UTILITY ASSISTANCE BILLS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO– Governor Polis signed two bills to create a startup loan program for small businesses and to significantly boost low-income utility bill payment assistance across Colorado. “Small businesses have been the key to Colorado’s economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HB21-1288. “By providing entrepreneurs with access to small business loans, we’re making a direct investment in sustainable economic growth for our state. Lack of access to capital shouldn’t be what stops a promising entrepreneur from turning a great idea into a job-creating business.” “The startup loan program we created will ensure that Colorado’s entrepreneurs have the access to financial products they need to get businesses off the ground, grow sustainably or restructure their existing businesses,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1288. “I’m particularly proud that this program will prioritize entrepreneurs who have faced historic and systemic barriers to accessing capital. This new law will help us create jobs, grow our economy more equitably, and ensure local economies can build back stronger.” To help fill the need created by COVID-19 related business closures, HB21-1288 provides $30 million in ongoing lending capital to entrepreneurs who face barriers to accessing traditional sources of capital and businesses wishing to restart or reorganize after facing pandemic related financial challenges. People of color have historically faced barriers to accessing the capital necessary to start a new business and have also faced a higher rate of business closures. “Families across Colorado are struggling to keep the lights on, and our current utility assistance system is not funded well enough to help every family in need,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB21-1105. “After today, Colorado will have a sustainable funding source for our direct assistance programs that will ensure the needs of our communities are met. There was a dire need to address this issue well before the pandemic began, and I’m very pleased we were able to take care of it this year.” 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 voluntarily 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 utility bills for 25,000 households, indicating the need for a sustainable funding source. Among the tens of thousands of recipients the energy assistance nonprofit serves are seniors, Coloradans with disabilities, and essential frontline workers. Previous Next

The state Supreme Court said the 2021 Abuse Accountability Act is unconstitutional. So, let’s change the Constitution. < Back Majority Leader Duran: Even decades after sexual abuse, victims need a pathway to seek justice Aug 14, 2023 See more This was published in the Colorado Sun on Aug 14, 2023 . As any survivor will tell you, the pathway toward healing is not linear. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in their home, but many children face a very different and dangerous reality. As many as one in four girls and one in thirteen boys in the United States experience sexual abuse. However, we know these numbers are likely much higher given the number of cases that go unreported or resurface decades after they happen. So, earlier this summer, when the 2021 Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act was deemed unconstitutional by the Colorado Supreme Court, my heart broke for survivors across the state. The 2021 law would have allowed survivors of child sexual abuse until 2025 to prepare and pursue civil lawsuits against persons or institutions for crimes alleged committed between 1960 and 2022. This law was a crucial lifeline for those long awaiting accountability. It took years to pass this law, with survivors testifying and demanding we create a new legal course of action to seek justice, which we did. Despite the best efforts and support from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, this Supreme Court ruling now makes it nearly impossible for survivors to seek the justice and accountability they are rightfully owed. After bravely coming forward and publicly sharing their stories, many survivors of childhood abuse reopened traumatizing wounds only for the court to rip away this avenue for justice. After this devastating news, I was reminded of why I stepped foot in the political arena in the first place. As a survivor of domestic violence, I face the pain, in every sense of the word, each and every day. It took years to muster up the courage to leave my abuser, not only to keep my young son safe, but to reclaim my life. I know the feeling of displacement all too well as you navigate a tricky court system, face limited survivor resources and restart a life from scratch. Sharing my story is never easy, but hopefully it makes one less person feel alone in this uphill battle. Survivors of sexual and domestic violence are already left with barebone avenues to pursue justice and accountability and if your case makes it to trial, it can be retraumatizing and painful to undergo the proceedings. For many survivors of child sexual abuse, this process is overwhelming and the trauma they experienced can sometimes take years, if not decades, to recover — which is well beyond Colorado’s statute of limitations. After listening to survivors and working with advocacy organizations, it was clear that not all survivors come forward right away. Whether it is five years, 10 years or more, are not all survivors of child sexual abuse owed a pathway to seek justice? While it might be easier to say “we tried,” I am working towards uncovering solutions that would bring us closer to creating clear pathways for our survivors to seek accountability in the courts. Survivors are counting on us to make meaningful change, and it is our responsibility to see it through. During my time at the General Assembly, my colleagues and I have made great strides towards supporting Colorado’s crime victims, including SB22-183 which invested $48 million in critical resources and supportive services to victims of crime and HB23-1222 , which created new protections for domestic violence survivors seeking justice in municipal courts. While we accomplish great feats during the session, our work does not stop there. As a member of the Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee, we are moving the needle to make sure Colorado survivors get the resources and support they desperately need. While this is impressive progress, more must be done and in the wake of the court’s ruling. State Sens. Rhonda Fields and Jesse Danielson, and Rep. Michaelson Jenet and I are determined to see this through with the help of Colorado voters. While we are still working through the specifics, we are looking at crafting a referred constitutional amendment that would allow voters to restore the intentionality of the 2021 Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act. Our goal remains the same as it did with the original legislation: offer survivors of child sexual abuse a pathway to pursue justice and hold offenders accountable. I want to make one thing clear: Colorado survivors have not been forgotten, and our work will continue. Monica Duran, of Wheat Ridge, represents District 23 in the state House of Representatives, where she is majority leader. Previous Next

New laws will safeguard voting rights in Colorado amid federal uncertainty, strengthen firearm intimidation protections < Back May 12, 2025 Colorado Voting Rights Act, Election Intimidation Protections Signed Into Law New laws will safeguard voting rights in Colorado amid federal uncertainty, strengthen firearm intimidation protections DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed the Colorado Voting Rights Act into law. He also signed legislation to strengthen protections against firearm intimidation during campaigns and elections into law. “With courage, conviction and sacrifice, generations of Black Americans fought for the Voting Rights Act, transforming democracy and ensuring equal access to the ballot for Black Americans and other minority groups,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB25-001. “With voter suppression and voter dilution tactics being used throughout the country, it’s imperative that we act now to protect the constitutional right to vote. This law makes it clear to Coloradans that, while the federal government continues to chip away at the Voting Rights Act, Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting voting rights.” “The right to vote is under attack by a federal administration testing the limits of its power,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB25-001. “Generations of brave activists, women, and people of color have fought for the right to vote – and now, it’s our turn. This law will ensure that in Colorado, no matter your gender, race, or the language you speak, your sacred right to vote is protected.” “As the first Black person elected to represent my area, I know I stand on the shoulders of those who fought for the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB25-001. “Without the protections secured by that landmark legislation, my path to public office might never have been possible. I am proud to sponsor our own Colorado Voting Rights Act to expand on the foundation laid in 1965 and ensure that all Coloradans—especially those in historically marginalized communities—can access the ballot box freely and fairly. At a time when federal protections are under threat, it is more important than ever that Colorado leads in safeguarding our democracy and protecting the voting rights of LGBTQ+ people, tribal members, and our most vulnerable communities.” In anticipation of efforts to dismantle the national Voting Rights Act of 1986, which prohibits discriminatory election practices, SB25-001 protects and strengthens the right to vote in Colorado. This law codifies stronger voter protections, expands access to voting information for historically excluded communities, and prohibits discriminatory election practices, even if federal protections are rolled back. The law expands access to multilingual ballots in certain local elections, protects access for eligible voters confined in local jails, requires residential facilities that house people with disabilities to provide nonpartisan voter information, and empowers the Attorney General to enforce voting rights. It also prohibits impairing an individual’s right to vote based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation and creates a publicly available, statewide database of election information without compromising any personal voter data. In April, the US House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act that would require in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote, threatening the future of mail voter registration and disenfranchising millions of eligible voters, especially the almost 70 million Americans who have changed their name. This would make it impossible for many Americans who do not have a passport, REAL ID, or access to their birth certificates to vote. Colorado is a national role model for administering secure, accessible and fair elections. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation to reduce barriers to voting access for Native Americans and Indigenous people, incarcerated Coloradans and college students. In 2021, Colorado Democrats also passed a law to expand minority language ballot access beyond federal requirements. Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country and voter registration rates. Over 93-percent of eligible Coloradans are registered to vote, which is nearly 10-percent higher than the national average. HB25-1225 , also known as the Freedom From Intimidation In Elections Act, expands protections against intimidation, threats or coercion while voting, attempting to vote, assisting others in voting, or helping administer an election. With the exemption of law enforcement officials and hired on-site security working within their scope of work, carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm or toy firearm while engaging in certain election-related activities is considered intimidation. The law also allows an individual who alleges intimidation, threats, or coercion to pursue civil recourse. “Despite no proof of widespread voter fraud, President Trump’s lies following the 2020 election continue to impact the safety of election officials and voters,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1225. “While Republicans defend convicted criminals like Tina Peters, we’re defending the right to vote. Firearms have been used to intimidate voters and election workers. I’m proud of Colorado’s gold standard election system, and with this law, we’re helping ensure that Coloradans can vote, serve as election workers, and volunteer for campaigns without fear.” “Coloradans in rural and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by efforts to suppress voters,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB25-1225. “This law will shore up protections for voters so that everyone, regardless of zip code or identity, feels safe participating in our democratic process.” “The Freedom From Intimidation in Elections Act will protect Colorado voters and election workers from intimidation and threats,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country, but there is more we can do to protect our election systems. This new law protects civil servants and voters to ensure our elections are safe and secure.” “Colorado’s gold-standard free and fair elections are the backbone of our democracy,” said Sen. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB25-1225. “Increased threats of violence have put voters and election workers at risk of danger. This new law will strengthen protections for all people involved in our elections process so that everyone feels safe to be represented and make their voices heard.” In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed a law to prevent armed voter intimidation by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling centers. Previous Next

< Back April 9, 2019 WEISSMAN-CUTTER BILL TO INCREASE LOBBY TRANSPARENCY PASSES THROUGH THE HOUSE (Apr. 9) – Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Mike Weissman’s bill to improve lobbyist transparency is moving through the legislature. The House approved a bill, sponsored by Rep. Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, that would increase the reporting requirements for lobbyists. “The Denver Post recently reported that businesses and special interests spent more than $30 million to lobby in Colorado. That’s more money spent to influence lawmakers than was spent to elect lawmakers. The danger of this is that it gives lobbyist access and influence that the general public doesn’t have,” said Rep. Cutter. “So if money equals speech, it is important that we know where that money is coming from.” HB19-1248 requires more frequent reporting of relevant information by professional lobbyists, clarifies that lobbyists that are also attorneys are not privy to attorney-client confidentiality, and it clarifies that a professional lobbyist must disclose who their ultimate client is, i.e., disclose the name of the client who employs or retains the professional services of the lobbyist. “As elected officials, I believe that we should be guardians and protectors of the public trust. There is not a tremendous amount of public trust in political processes right now,” said Rep. Weissman. “I do believe we must do what we can to shore that up. There are few better ways to do that than bring transparency to lobbying practices around this legislature and that’s what this bill does.” The House approved HB19-1248 on a voice vote. It will receive a final vote at a later date. Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2019 HOUSE GIVES EARLY APPROVAL TO GALINDO-SINGER BIPARTISAN BILL TO REAUTHORIZE COLORADO RESILIENCY OFFICE House also gives preliminary approval to Galindo bill to protect Colorado call center jobs (Apr. 18) – The House gave preliminary approval to Rep. Rochelle Galindo and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s bipartisan bill to reauthorize funding for the Colorado Resiliency Office. Over five years ago, Lyons, Evans, Greeley and other areas of Northern Colorado were hit hard by floods that damaged homes, destroyed two parks and left eight dead. Democrats have been working on disaster relief issues for the past several sessions. “After the floods hit our community, we stuck together and we rebuilt because that’s how we do things,” said Rep. Galindo. “We must continue to work together to help Colorado communities effectively prepare for the next natural disaster or the next flood.” “There are no Democratic or Republican floods, tornadoes or natural disasters. Parts of my district includes Longmont, Lyons and eastern Boulder County and was among the hardest hit areas in the state by the flood and I continue to be proud of the resiliency of our community,” said Rep. Singer. “I’m appreciative of the collaborative, bipartisan approach across the state to make this is reality. This bill will help make our state’s disaster response quicker and recovery more effective.” Rep. Singer is a co-prime sponsor of HB18-1394 which was signed into law last year. The bill created a policy group to help coordinate the state’s response in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and continued the Colorado Resiliency Office, which helps direct long-term rebuilding efforts and community recovery. In 2013, then-Speaker Mark Ferrandino and other lawmakers formed a bipartisan committee to address flood issues. Current State Treasurer and former Rep. Dave Young of Greeley served as co-chair of the committee. This Fall, Rep. Galindo succeeded Treasurer Young as a representative for HD-50 and parts of the district in Evans and Greeley were damaged by the floods. Earlier this month HB19-1292 passed a House committee 8-2 with Republican Rep. Lois Landgraf joining Democrats in support. The House approved HB19-1292l on voice-vote and a recorded vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health in Colorado. < Back March 1, 2024 House Advances Bill to Prevent Drug Overdose Deaths and Improve Public Health DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health in Colorado. HB24-1037, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Elisabeth Epps, would help stop the spread of disease, ensure protections for those who administer opioid antagonists, and expand access to testing strips and other drug testing equipment. “Each year, our state’s fatal overdose count climbs higher; we need to invest in smart, data-driven harm reduction tactics to keep Coloradans alive,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, Chair of the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee, D-Lakewood. “This bill would expand access to testing strips and harm reduction tools to combat overdoses and the spread of disease, and expand protections for those acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist to save someone’s life. We’re committed to combating Colorado’s overdose crisis and working toward building a safer, healthier state.” “Life-saving harm reduction work prevents the spread of communicable diseases, improves public health, and increases community safety,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver . “This bill helps vulnerable Coloradans and frontline harm reduction workers by improving access to test strips, clean equipment, and opioid antagonists – all of which are proven to prevent fatal overdoses and save lives.” HB24-1037 , which was created through the 2023 Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee , would support efforts by local public health agencies to prevent the spread of disease by offering clean equipment and would expand protections for Coloradans acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan, to prevent a fatal overdose. This bill would also ensure that people who use drugs know they can go to the hospital for care without fear of arrest by removing the requirement that health care providers call law enforcement if the patient is possessing drugs or paraphernalia. This legislation also broadens existing drug testing grant programs to get ahead of the next black market substances hitting Colorado, like xylazine or “tranq”. Previous Next

< Back June 22, 2021 TITONE, DAUGHERTY STATEMENT ON ARVADA SHOOTING, DEATH OF OFFICER GORDON BEESLEY Arvada lawmakers mourn loss of 19-year veteran of the Arvada Police Department DENVER, CO — Representatives Brianna Titone and Lindsey Daugherty (D-Arvada) today released the following statement in response to the shooting that took the life of Arvada Police Department Officer Gordon Beesley and a still-unnamed civilian. “Our peaceful community is reeling from what has become a tragically familiar incident of gun violence, this time taking the life of Officer Gordon Beesley and another innocent person enjoying an afternoon in Old Towne Arvada. By all accounts, Officer Beesley was a kind, generous individual who served his community with dignity and passion. He worked with high school students and developed close personal bonds with them, demonstrating his commitments to the Arvada community. Today, we mourn this untimely passing and send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.” Previous Next

Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee’s recent meetings. < Back August 20, 2024 Cell Phone Connectivity Committee Outlines Future Legislation, Tours Cell Phone Infrastructure DENVER, CO - Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee ’s recent meetings. The bipartisan interim committee discussed future legislation and toured cell phone infrastructure in Lyons. Chair Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “Addressing the gaps in cell phone service is crucial for the health, safety and well-being of our community members and those visiting our state. Yesterday’s urban field trip allowed us to engage with experts about some of the challenges of cell phone connectivity in Colorado, and experience some of the emerging technologies designed to boost coverage in densely populated areas. “As we work toward finalizing legislation for next year’s legislative session and an upcoming rural field trip in early September, I am working hard to create a future where no one in our state has to question if their cell phone will be able to dial in an emergency.” Committee Member, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver: “Reliable cell phone service is more than just staying connected with our loved ones; the need to dial emergency services is very real. When we convened the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee, our goal was to uncover opportunities for making cell phone coverage more reliable in our state, especially in underserved and rural areas. “As we get closer to solidifying future legislation, our vision remains the same – create a future where Coloradans can confidently rely on their cell phone no matter their zip code.” On Monday, August 19, committee members toured a small cell site in Lyons and FirstNet Authority. This outing showcased a public safety broadband network in Colorado, allowing committee members to experience first-hand the infrastructure necessary for fast, reliable cell phone service in densely populated areas. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. < Back April 3, 2025 Mauro’s Bipartisan Bill to Attract Businesses, Jobs to Colorado Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. “The Economic Development Rate allows utilities to offer competitive electric rates to large customers and can be a powerful tool to help drive business to Colorado and create more jobs, but the current qualification requirements severely limit eligible projects,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This bill expands eligible project size and reduces application review timelines to increase the number of projects that can benefit from these lower rates. By attracting more businesses to operate in Pueblo and other Colorado communities, we can create more good-paying jobs, lower electric rates for businesses, and generate more economic growth in our state.” HB25-1177 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, would make adjustments to the economic development rate (EDR) tariff by: Increasing the maximum project size without requiring approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from 20 megawatts to 40 megawatts, Expanding the maximum timeframe for rate eligibility from 10 years to 25 years, and Establishing 120-day deadlines for PUC action for projects larger than 40 megawatts to ensure timely review and approval. To be eligible for the EDR, businesses would have to undergo the societal economic benefit test, which takes into account the economic benefits that the EDR provides for the surrounding community, as well as an evaluation of the marginal cost to ensure other ratepayers in the utility’s territory aren’t negatively impacted. The legislature created the Economic Development Rate in 2018, allowing regulated electric utilities to offer lower rates for up to 10 years to commercial and industrial users who do business in Colorado. Previous Next