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< Back June 17, 2021 POLIS SIGNS BILLS TO BOOST SKILLS TRAINING AND CRIME PREVENTION AND JOBS INITIATIVES DENVER, CO- – Governor Polis today signed two bills that will expand and provide resources to proven job training programs. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment First initiative has successfully helped Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits obtain new skills, increase self-sufficiency and reenter the workforce. HB21-1270 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Yadira Caraveo, leverages $3 million in state funds to draw down an additional $3 million in federal funds to provide a total of $6 million for employment support and job retention services, such as skills training services, to SNAP recipients. The funds may also be used to support work-based learning opportunities and expand third-party partnerships to extend the SNAP employment and training program’s reach. “Today, we are putting funding toward a proven initiative that helps some of Colorado’s most vulnerable workers learn new skills and fill good jobs,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “The bill the governor signed today will offer more Coloradans the opportunity to get back to work and to help our economy bounce back.” “Colorado can forge a more equitable recovery from the pandemic by boosting workforce training initiatives that help people fill the jobs that are being created as businesses bounce back,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “This program reaches primarily lower-income workers to provide critical skills training that can help them reenter the workforce, and I’m proud the governor signed this bill today to expand the program to more Coloradans.” HB21-1215 , sponsored by Reps. David Ortiz and Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, expands an existing pilot program known as the Crime Prevention Initiative that provides grants to community-based organizations to reduce crime and recidivism and promote community economic development. The program will also train formerly incarcerated people in business, finance and entrepreneurship and those who graduate from the program will receive access to loans to start their own small business. “The Justice Reinvestment Crime Prevention Initiative has a proven track record of success, and I’m excited to see it expand to new parts of the state with the bill the governor signed today,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This initiative prevents recidivism and crime by connecting former inmates with jobs, entrepreneurial tools and funding opportunities to help them start a business and fulfill their second chance while boosting local economies.” Previous Next

The House today passed Representative Meghan Lukens’ bipartisan bill to improve access to Colorado's state parks and wildlife areas. < Back April 11, 2024 Lukens’ Bipartisan Parks Access Bill Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Meghan Lukens’ bipartisan bill to improve access to Colorado's state parks and wildlife areas. “With the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to saving Coloradans money on state park passes, and hunting and fishing licenses,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This bipartisan bill makes recreational opportunities more accessible for older Coloradans and veterans with disabilities. Colorado’s state parks are teaming with wildlife, outdoor activities and top tier recreation opportunities; this bill helps improve access to our state parks so everyone can enjoy what our beautiful state has to offer.” SB24-161 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed the House by a vote of 58 to 2. This bill would make several changes to certain fees, requirements, and procedures related to licenses and passes issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The goal of SB24-161 is to make hunting, fishing and park passes in Colorado more accessible to those living with a disability and to save older Coloradans money on their passes. Specifically, the bill: lowers the age threshold for senior annual fishing licenses from 65 to 64 years of age; lowers the cost of youth big game and youth small game resident and nonresident hunting licenses by $0.25; Increases eligibility for discounted licenses to veterans with disabilities; allows CPW to establish a harvest permit surcharge of up to $5; and allows revenue from the Keep Colorado Wild pass sales to be used for capital construction costs. Previous Next

Bipartisan bill would ramp up the licensure requirements for funeral professionals to help prevent future tragedies < Back May 1, 2024 House Passes Bill to License Funeral Industry Workers Bipartisan bill would ramp up the licensure requirements for funeral professionals to help prevent future tragedies DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to establish licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado. SB24-173, sponsored by Representative Brianna Titone, would align Colorado with the 49 other states that already require education, certification and licensure of those who work as funeral directors, mortuary scientists, cremationists and embalmers. “We’re the only state in the nation that does not require proper licensure for funeral professionals – it’s time to fix that to ensure our funeral homes and crematories are safe and operating legally,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “This bill would help ensure Colorado funeral homes and crematories have proper oversight from licensed professionals. Colorado has been at the center of many egregious and heartbreaking instances of fabricated cremation records and the mishandling of bodies. Colorado’s public health and safety depends upon our action which will ensure every funeral home and crematory in our state is operated by a licensed professional.” SB24-173 would establish licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado. Currently, Colorado is the only state in the nation without licensure for directors and employees of the funeral industry, and this lack of oversight and training has resulted in numerous tragic cases of funeral home mismanagement, mistreatment of human remains, and hundreds of impacted family members. This bill passed the House by a vote of 59 to 3. This bill would require an individual to obtain a license to practice as a funeral director, a mortuary science practitioner, an embalmer, a cremationist, or a natural reductionist starting January 1, 2027. To be eligible for a license, a person must have graduated from an accredited educational institution for that profession, passed the national board examination, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check. Those currently working in the industry can obtain a provisional license by showing they have worked at least 4,000 hours in the field, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check, and after two years will qualify for full licensure. In addition to SB24-173, another bill moving through the legislature ( HB24-1335 ) would require recurring inspections of state-operated funeral homes and crematories. In recent years, several funeral homes and operators in Colorado have been at the root of disturbing instances of mishandling human remains and bodies. These bills aim to add consistent regulation of Colorado’s funeral home industry to ensure public health and safety. Previous Next

Legislation would promote responsible gun ownership, safe storage of firearms in vehicles < Back March 22, 2024 House Advances Legislation to Reduce Gun Thefts from Vehicles Legislation would promote responsible gun ownership, safe storage of firearms in vehicles DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to help prevent firearms from being stolen in vehicles by requiring them to be secured while unattended in a vehicle. “As a Western Slope legislator, I know how important responsible and safe gun ownership is for our rural communities and our way of life," said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. "This commonsense legislation helps reduce gun thefts from vehicles and reduces gun violence while respecting the 2nd Amendment rights of gun owners across the state.” “When someone steals a firearm, they bypass the protections we’ve put in place that consider factors like mental health struggles and a history of domestic violence before they’re handed a gun," said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. "Gun thefts from vehicles are on the rise, putting our communities at risk of preventable gun crimes. By requiring guns to be securely stored in vehicles when they are unattended, we’re preventing gun owners from losing their weapons and keeping guns out of the hands of the wrong people.” HB24-1348 would require firearms in unattended vehicles to be stored in locked containers that are out of plain view to help prevent them from being stolen. The bill would also require the Office of Suicide Prevention to include information for vehicle safe storage on its website and include vehicle safe storage information that must be displayed at gun stores. There are exclusions such as antique firearms, peace officers, military service members, and people engaged in hunting. Recreational vehicles and non-handgun firearms in a vehicle on a person’s private farm or ranch are also exempt. According to the Denver Police Department, 846 of the 1,221 guns that were reported as being stolen were stolen from vehicles in 2023. Of those stolen firearms, 61% were stolen without stealing the vehicle itself. Data from 2020 found that Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs had the highest rates of gun thefts from cars in Colorado. Colorado Democrats passed a 2021 law that promotes responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. The law also requires licensed firearms dealers to provide a locking device at the time of sale or transfer of all firearms. Federal law already requires that handguns sold by licensed dealers be sold with locking devices. Finally, the law created the charge “unlawful storage of a firearm” when a firearm is not stored safely and a juvenile or someone who is ineligible to possess a firearm is present, making it a class 2 misdemeanor. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2021 GETTING COLORADANS BACK TO WORK: WORKFORCE INVESTMENTS PASS BIZ AND LABOR COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Tom Sullivan and Mary Young to get help Coloradans back to work. The 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. “This bill invests in Coloradans, the workers across our state who are going to power the Colorado Comeback, help our state recover faster and build back stronger,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, a member of the Colorado AFL-CIO Board of Directors . “Companies want to hire, and there are rapidly growing industries across our state that need qualified workers. We’re going to put $25 million into training the workforce of the future so that thousands of Coloradans have the tools they need to thrive.” “Workers are the backbone of our economy, and with this bill, we’re funding the training programs they need to develop the skills necessary for employment in the fastest growing Colorado industries,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Building back stronger means helping Coloradans gain the tools they need to reenter the workforce and grow our economy, and that’s what this bill will do. By boosting our skilled workforce, we can meet the needs of our business community that desperately needs talented workers.” The lack of qualified talent in Colorado has been one of the primary barriers to business growth. HB21-1264 , which passed by a vote of 10-3, would invest $25 million to provide Coloradans with reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling opportunities that lead to industry-recognized credentials and employment opportunities in growing industries that are looking to hire. The money would go to the Colorado Workforce Development Council, which will work with local workforce boards to distribute funds across the state to local workforce centers and nonprofit entities. The funds will allow these entities to serve up 6,000 Coloradans through the completion of training programs. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 HOMELESSNESS PACKAGE ADVANCES Bills advanced today direct $155 million in federal funds to prevent and address homlessness across Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Transportation and Local Government Committee today passed two bills that are part of the governor’s and Legislative Democrats’ package of legislation to address and prevent homelessness. Local Grants Program : HB22-1377 , sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Tony Exum, directs $105 million in flexible grant funding to local governments and nonprofits that are pursuing innovative measures to address the needs of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Those initiatives may include wraparound supportive services, care coordination, emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and property conversion. “This legislation takes a huge step towards addressing our homelessness crisis,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “The bill directs $105 million in federal economic relief to local governments and nonprofits to expand capacity while providing critical wraparound services. We’re grateful for all of the community voices who’ve made housing a priority in the wake of the pandemic.” “One of my priorities has been to ensure that the resources we direct to address homelessness reach every community in our state because this is not just an issue that impacts Denver; it’s impacting every community in Colorado,” said Rep. Tony Exum, Sr, D-Colorado Springs. “The funding in HB22-1377 will be available to communities across our state to help them address and prevent homelessness through proven strategies that provide shelter and connect people with the services they need.” Denver-Metro Residential Campus: HB22-1378, sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Tom Sullivandirects $50 million to local governments and nonprofits in the Denver-Metro area to build or acquire and then facilitate a regional navigation campus to holistically respond to and prevent homelessness. This campus will integrate emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing with behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, medical care, case management, employment and skills training and more – all in one location. The bill passed the committee 8-5. “House Bill 1378 asks our Metro area local governments to step up in the midst of a homelessness crisis that has only worsened throughout the pandemic. It provides $50 million in federal economic relief funds to create a regional campus in our area to provide transitional housing, emergency shelter, medical care, skills training and so much more to meet people where they are and address and prevent homelessness,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “For too long, addressing homelessness has been a local issue, but it’s time for the state to step up and respond to the needs in our communities,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “These are our neighbors, our fellow Coloradans, who require a human solution to a human crisis, and that’s what this bill, in part, provides. This bill will provide the funds necessary for our local governments and nonprofits to set up the infrastructure to respond to those experiencing homelessness. Whether someone is suffering from a substance use disorder, has struggled to keep a stable job, or is at-risk of becoming homeless, it’s our hope and intention that this bill and the regional campus it funds, will help.” Previous Next

< Back June 29, 2020 COLORADO SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS LARGE CAPACITY MAGAZINE BAN DENVER, CO – This morning, the Colorado Supreme Court ended a seven-year case by ruling that Colorado’s 2013 large capacity magazine ban is constitutional. The law passed in 2013 prohibits the sale and transfer of gun magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. House Majority Leader Alec Garnett and Representative Tom Sullivan released the following statements. “Today the Colorado Supreme Court upheld a commonsense law that protects public safety without infringing on Coloradans’ right to bear arms,” said House Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “I’m proud that the Supreme Court has determined that this reasonable law will stand, and glad to see the end of yet another frivolous legal attempt to unwind common sense gun violence prevention laws.” “I’m encouraged to see the Supreme Court uphold the 2013 large capacity magazine ban,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Gun violence has ravaged our state and our nation, and I came to the legislature to work to put an end to it. Large capacity magazines like the 100 round drum that was used on the night my son Alex was murdered can cause devastating carnage and have absolutely no place on our streets. I’ll keep working day in and day out to fight the epidemic of gun violence.” The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that HB13-1224 represents a “reasonable exercise of the police power that has neither the purpose nor effect of nullifying the right to bear arms in self-defense encompassed by article II, section 13 of the Colorado Constitution.” Previous Next

< Back January 31, 2022 MULLICA AND ESGAR CELEBRATE AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION SUCCESS DENVER, CO — Representative Kyle Mullica and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, sponsors of legislation passed in 2019 to implement automatic voter registration in Colorado, today celebrated the success of Colorado’s automatic voter registration system, which has doubled the registration rate for unregistered DMV customers when compared to the old system. “Colorado has the most accessible and secure election system in the country and some of the highest participation rates because we make it easy to securely register and vote,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Federal Heights. “The automatic voter registration system is working, and it’s leading more eligible but unregistered Coloradans to participate in our democracy.” “Colorado leads the way when it comes to making it easy to register and vote because the legislature has taken historic action to strengthen our democracy and create Colorado’s gold standard election system,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m proud that so many Coloradans are registered to vote and participating in our democracy as a result of the common sense and often bipartisan reforms we’ve made.” In 2019, the legislature passed SB19-235, sponsored by Rep Mullica and Majority Leader Esgar, which required the Department of Revenue to share the electronic record of unregistered electors who are eligible to register to vote when they apply to issue or renew a Colorado driver’s license or identification card. Under the system, unregistered DMV customers who can definitively establish their eligibility to vote are sent a letter informing them that they will be registered and providing them the option to decline registration or affiliate with a political party. Research shows how the changes enacted through SB19-235 have led to increased registration of previously unregistered eligible voters. The changes led to an additional 200,000 registration updates per year and an additional 29 to 38 registrations per 100 unregistered DMV customers. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Steven Woodrow that would save people money on housing by updating building codes to only require one stairwell for certain multi-family buildings. HB25-1273 passed by a vote of 12-1. < Back March 18, 2025 Bill to Make Housing More Affordable Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Steven Woodrow that would save people money on housing by updating building codes to only require one stairwell for certain multi-family buildings. HB25-1273 passed by a vote of 12-1. “Land is expensive, and this legislation ensures we are strategic about the space we have available so we can build more housing that saves Coloradans money on housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “As we implement innovative housing strategies, it’s crucial that we continue to protect tenant health and safety. This bill ensures that buildings must fulfill modern and strict safety standards, like smoke control systems, automatic sprinklers, and the use of non-combustible materials, to qualify for this single-stairway design. By modernizing building codes across our state, we can build housing options that hardworking Coloradans can afford.” “With this bill, we’re empowering builders to better utilize the space they have to build more affordable housing units for Colorado workers and families,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Cities that have allowed for single-stairwell apartment buildings have benefited from decreased building costs while continuing to protect the safety of their residents from building fires. Eliminating the extraneous requirement for a second stairwell in smaller apartment complexes allows us to make more room for housing units in price ranges that Coloradans can actually afford.” Beginning December 1, 2027, HB25-1273 would require a municipality of 100,000 or more residents to ensure that their building code allows certain multi-family residential buildings to be served by a single exit if the municipality is served by a fire protection district or fire department. Additional requirements to qualify for a single-stairway exit include: Buildings no more than five stories tall with up to four dwelling units per floor, Safety features throughout the building that satisfy building codes and other relevant codes, including an automatic sprinkler system and fire resistance and smoke control systems, Stairways no more than twenty feet away from a door to each dwelling unit or 125 feet from the stairwell to any point in a dwelling unit, and Buildings constructed by non-combustible construction materials. The bill would also require a jurisdiction to notify their local International Association of Fire Fighters affiliate and the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association when they begin the code adoption process. These buildings would also be required to include signage to identify that it is a single stair building and a fire-resistant box that contains keys to the buildings for relevant firefighters to access the building and necessary units. According to a 2025 Pew Study , there has been no evidence of safety risks in New York City, Seattle, the Netherlands, and other jurisdictions that allow single stair apartments to be built. Adding a second stairway to an apartment building can increase building costs by 6 to 13 percent, and single stair apartments can reduce cooling costs by up to 80 percent. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens that would create jobs and boost rural economies. HB24-1001 passed by a vote of 59-5. < Back April 29, 2024 House Passes Bipartisan Bills to Boost Rural Economies, Support Farmers and Ranchers DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens that would create jobs and boost rural economies. HB24-1001 passed by a vote of 59-5. The House also passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would create a refundable state income tax credit for a farm or ranch that uses certain stewardship practices that benefit the environment like improving soil health and water efficiency. HB24-1249 passed by a vote of 57-7. “The Rural Jump-Start Program has supported numerous small businesses and created new jobs for rural Coloradans in communities like mine,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “With this bipartisan legislation, more small business owners can continue to receive grants and tax credits through the Rural Jump-Start Program to grow, support, and retain employees. We’re boosting Colorado’s mountain and rural resort towns and helping rural businesses thrive.” HB24-1001 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, aims to extend income tax credits and grants available to businesses and their employees that participate in the Colorado Rural Jump-start Zone Program and Grant Program. Under this bill, the Grant Program would extend through June 2026 and the Jump-start Zone Program, which includes the business tax incentives, would extend through 2031. These successful programs are designed to reduce the costs of starting a new business or hiring new employees in rural economic jump-start zones . HB24-1001 would play a crucial role in boosting rural economies, supporting small businesses, and creating new jobs in all four corners of the state. HB24-1249 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, would create a new refundable income tax credit from 2026 through 2030 for farms and ranches that engage in agricultural stewardship practices. These stewardship practices can include rotational grazing, reductions in tilling soil, compost application and other practices that increase soil health, improve water efficiency, or create more diverse and thriving ecosystems while maintaining the productivity of the farm or ranch. “With the help of this bill, we are ensuring that our farmers and ranchers are recognized and benefit from the work that they do to keep our lands thriving and conserving water as they utilize practices that improve soil health,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This tax credit will benefit our agriculture producers who invest in stewardship practices on their lands, saving them money while they produce and support agricultural systems for our state.” Under this bill, farmers and ranchers would be eligible for a refundable income tax credit determined by the number of stewardship practices that the farm or ranch uses. The tax credit amounts are: Up to $75 per acre for one stewardship practice, with a maximum yearly credit of $150,000, Up to $100 per acre for two stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $200,000, and Up to $150 per acre for three or more stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $300,000. Previous Next

On August 8, new laws to increase awareness of the Colorado Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and fund food assistance programs to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income communities go into effect. < Back August 2, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Laws to Bolster Tax Credit Awareness and Boost Food Assistance Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On August 8, new laws to increase awareness of the Colorado Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and fund food assistance programs to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income communities go into effect. “The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit can boost workers’ incomes by thousands of dollars, making it easier for them to afford housing costs or everyday necessities, yet many Coloradans don’t know how to file for these tax benefits,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB23-1006. “This law will help connect families with the tax credits they qualify for, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans and boosting local economies.” “Colorado working families’ budgets are stretched thin, and they deserve a helping hand – but too many folks aren’t taking full advantage of the benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1006 . “Requiring clear, consistent information on how to access tax credits means Coloradans will be able to keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets. I will always fight for Colorado’s working families and I’m proud to see this important bill advance.” “Colorado families will now be informed of the tax credits available to them to make it easier to file for up to thousands of dollars in tax credits,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB23-1006. “Our new law will provide employers with detailed tax credit information that they can easily share with their employees. With the implementation of this law, we’re improving access to critical tax credits to save Colorado families money.” Starting August 8, HB23-1006 instructs employers to provide information about federal and state earned income tax credits and child tax credits to their employees. The notice must be provided at least once a year in English or any other language typically used to communicate with the employee. This bill builds on legislation passed by the General Assembly in recent years to increase the state Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Senator Chris Hansen and Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty previously passed SB22-182 to help Coloradans file for and receive their earned income tax credits and child tax credits. Colorado Democrats passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which doubled the state's Earned Income Tax Credit and funded the Child Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. Representative Mary Young also passed HB23-1112 with Representative Shannon Bird and Senators Hansen and Chris Kolker to expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which is expected to return over $170 million more to hardworking families. On August 8, HB23-1008 will go into effect, allocating $250,000 to the Department of Public Health and Environment to connect low-income communities throughout the state with healthy eating program incentives and improve access to fresh, Colorado-grown produce. “Your ability to access healthy food should not be based on your income,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1008. “About 33% of Coloradans do not have reliable access to nutritious food, which leads to chronic health issues and expensive health care bills. With our new law going into effect, everyday Coloradans across the state will soon have better access to fresh produce and groceries, making it easier for Coloradans to purchase healthy foods closer to home and boosting our agriculture industry.” “Working people in my district and across the state don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and too many of them don’t have enough to eat at all," said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1008. “I am happy to close this tax loophole that only benefits the wealthiest Coloradans, and redirect the funds toward addressing food insecurity so that more Coloradans can afford to put food on the table.” “Family owned farms and food retailers need our support more than corporate boardrooms," said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB23-1008. “This new law will reduce hunger and strengthen local supply chains in urban and rural parts of Colorado, with a minimal impact on state finances.” This law builds off bipartisan legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2022 to save Coloradans money on healthy foods. The funding allocated by the 2022 legislation supports programs including the Community Nutrition Incentive Program, which assists women, children, and older Coloradans in subscribing to weekly produce deliveries from a local farm; the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits in participating markets and stores for fruits and vegetables; and the Community Food Access program, which allows more small retailers to acquire equipment to store and sell produce and supports small family farms in connecting their crops to market demands. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2022 HANSEN, DAUGHERTY INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO HELP COLORADO FAMILIES SAVE MONEY ON TAX FILINGS SB22-182 would invest $4 million to create the Economic Mobility Program and put more money in families’ wallets DENVER, CO - As part of Colorado Democrats’ ongoing work to save people money, Sen. Chris Hansen (D-Denver) and Rep. Lindsey Daugherty (D-Arvada) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help families save money on their tax filings. Cosponsored by Sen. Don Coram (R-Montrose), SB22-182 would provide $4 million to create an Economic Mobility Program, which will help educate eligible Coloradans on how to file for and receive tax credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This bill is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. “Colorado families have been hit hard by rising inflation, which is why we’re doing everything we can to make our state more affordable,” Sen. Hansen said. “This legislation will help families better understand and file for the tax credits they are eligible for, allowing them to keep even more of their hard-earned paycheck and get some money back on their tax returns.” “In the last two years, we’ve significantly increased tax credits for hardworking families that are boosting their incomes by hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year,” said Rep. Daugherty . “The bill we’re introducing today will provide families with free tax filing assistance to claim the tax credits they’re owed so that no one leaves money on the table that is needed to pay their rent or feed their families.” The bill will aim specifically to help low-income families and those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic by facilitating communication, training, and technical assistance in tax filing with state agency partners, public health agencies and community based organizations focused on economic mobility. This investment will increase awareness and enrollment in economic assistance programs available to low-income individuals and families. It will also provide grants to nonprofits, local public health agencies, and other community based organizations that help people access economic support. In 2020, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to increase the state earned income tax credit (EITC) from 10 percent to 15 percent of the federal EITC. In 2021, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to further increase Colorado’s EITC to 25 percent of the federal EITC and fund Colorado’s child tax credit for the first time, boosting the incomes of over 300,000 hardworking Coloradans. SB22-182 will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE . Previous Next