The House today passed bipartisan legislation to improve patient access to necessary prescriptions by allowing for pharmacy dispensing machines so Coloradans can access their prescription outside of a pharmacy’s business hours. < Back March 3, 2023 House Passes Prescription Accessibility Bill DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation to improve patient access to necessary prescriptions by allowing for pharmacy dispensing machines so Coloradans can access their prescription outside of a pharmacy’s business hours. “Coloradans with long or untraditional working hours often struggle to access the prescription medication they need because their pharmacy’s hours often don't align with their work schedule,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “Pharmacist-monitored dispensing machines would help Coloradans across the state access the medication they need with a remote pharmacist to walk them through the details of their medication. This bill removes unnecessary barriers to improve access to the medication patients need.” HB23-1195 , sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Rep. Matt Soper, passed by a vote of 58-4. It would allow pharmacies to operate automated prescription dispensing machines so patients could access their medication outside of regular pharmacy business hours. The machines would only be placed in pharmacy-licensed locations and would be live monitored to prevent theft. The medication would be stocked in the machine and patients would be able to discuss the prescription with a live remote pharmacist. Previous Next

< Back July 13, 2021 REPS. MICHAELSON JENET, HEROD NAMED AMONG TOP 25 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN BUSINESS DENVER, CO — The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce has named Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Leslie Herod among their 2021 Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business , an annual gala that recognizes women for leadership in business and to the community. “I’m honored to be recognized by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce after a historic legislative session that saw us focus on Colorado’s economic recovery and make tremendous strides to improve our behavioral health system,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, Chair of the House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee. “The laws we passed this session will boost Colorado’s workforce, improve access to child care and provide economic assistance to businesses across the state, creating jobs and forging a recovery where women are positioned to thrive. We know that a healthy and productive workforce is critical for the Colorado Comeback, so we worked hard last session to bolster access to behavioral health care for everyone in our state. I’m proud of our efforts to invest in the health of our communities and help more Coloradans get the care they need to thrive as our economy recovers.” “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce in a year when the legislature worked so hard to help small businesses build back stronger after the enormous challenges of the pandemic,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, Member of the Joint Budget Committee and Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “This year, I was proud to be the lead sponsor of legislation to continue the successful work of the Energize Gap Fund and support our creative arts industries. As a member of the JBC, it was also a privilege to be able to help fund other pro-business initiatives like the startup loan program, which gives entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed and our economic gardening program, which will help businesses grow sustainably. Passing all of these bills was just common sense: small businesses are the backbone of our economy and will be the key to our recovery.” Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2022 HOUSE ED PASSES BILL TO SAVE EDUCATORS MONEY AND ADDRESS TEACHER SHORTAGE DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to prepare students for success and address the teacher shortage by saving new educators money on preparation programs. “This has been an incredibly challenging year for students, teachers and parents, and one way we can prepare our students for success is by making sure that every classroom has a qualified educator,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “Our legislation will address the educator shortage by saving educators money as they go through their preparation programs and by removing unnecessary red tape that makes it harder to become a teacher in Colorado.” “All across Colorado, and especially in rural areas, schools are struggling to attract and retain quality educators,” said House Education Committee Chair Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “To prepare our students for success, we must address the educator shortage that is impacting our districts. That’s why we are going to save prospective educators money on their preparation programs and practice exams and create new pathways to enter the educator workforce.” HB22-1220 passed by a vote of 8-1 and is sponsored by Representative Cathy Kipp and House Education Committee Chair Barbara McLachlan. The bill includes multiple strategies to address the teacher shortage to help ensure every student in Colorado has access to high quality public education that will prepare them for success. The legislation creates two stipend programs that will save student educators almost $20 million as they pursue the educator preparation programs. It also creates new options to assess prospective educators and allows more prospective educators to obtain temporary educator licenses, breaking down unnecessary barriers to enter the educator workforce. The bill expands opportunities for all teacher candidates and reduces red tape. It would make student teaching a paid position for income-eligible students. These educators would no longer need to work second or third jobs while finishing their teaching programs. The bill also creates a stipend program to pay for teacher competency exams, which can cost educators hundreds of dollars while they complete their licensure program. The bill expands the measures used to examine competency, creating a new pathway to initial licensure for prospective educators that expands how prospective educators can prove their competency. The legislation builds on laws passed in recent sessions to address the educator workforce challenges, such as SB21-185, which invested $15 million into two new programs to recruit and retain educators. It also follows on bills passed earlier this session to encourage retired educators to return to school districts. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. < Back April 3, 2025 Bipartisan Martinez Bill to Support Wildlife and Property Owners Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez that would make the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program permanent. “The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program has been pivotal in helping property owners protect wildlife and outdoor recreation on their properties, and I’m proud to sponsor legislation to make the program permanent,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Colorado’s natural beauty is one of our biggest draws, and property owners want to do their part in protecting our environment. We’re helping rural Coloradans, like my district in Southern Colorado, be good stewards of their land and protect Colorado for future generations to enjoy.” The Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program offers funding opportunities for landowners who want to protect wildlife habitats, provide wildlife-related recreational access to the public or sell their property to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The program, which is funded by hunting and fishing licenses, is currently set to sunset on July 1, 2027. SB25-049 would continue the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Program indefinitely. With support from Great Outdoors Colorado and federal funding, the program has secured over 290,000 acres of conservation easements and over 146,000 acres of public access. SB25-049, also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, passed by a vote of 13-0. The committee also passed SB25-176 , also sponsored by Rep. Matthew Martinez and Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, to extend the Commodity Handler and Farm Products Act until 2032 to continue the regulation of commodity and farm products. The bill would also increase the limit on the amount of farm products or commodities that a person could buy from $20,000 to $45,000 and allow the amount to be adjusted periodically. SB25-176 passed by a vote of 13-0. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2019 HOUSE GIVES PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO BECKER-CARAVEO BILL TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF COLORADANS & GIVE LOCAL COMMUNITIES A VOICE (Mar. 28) – The House gave preliminary approval to a bill that will update Colorado’s antiquated oil and gas laws to protect families and individuals from residential drilling by putting health and safety first, empowering local communities, and protecting our clean air and clean water. “This bill has been a long time coming and it attempts to address the concerns of many local communities about the increased quantity of oil and gas drilling happening in their communities and because they don’t have a say in it,” said Speaker KC Becker. “This bill ensures taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for cleaning up abandoned wells; it strengthens laws around forced pooling, mapping of flow lines and air quality; and finally reforms the COGCC.” The landmark bill directs the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) to regulate oil and gas development to protect public welfare, and clarifies that local governments have the same authority to regulate the oil and gas industry as they have with every other industry in Colorado – including the mining industry. The bill also removes the prohibition against local governments requiring oil and gas companies to cover the direct costs of regulating, monitoring and permitting the sites in their communities. “As we discuss flow lines, well sites and profits, it might be easy for some to lose sight of a major aspects of this bill and that’s the refocusing of the COGCC to put health and safety first,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, the legislature’s only doctor and the co-prime sponsor of the bill. “I look forward to the day in clinic when I know an asthma exacerbation is simply the result of allergies. It’s time we balance economic growth with the actual growth of children who go to school around oil and gas drilling. It is time for our government to listen to science, not rhetoric from special interests looking to profit at the expense of our safety and health.” The bill addresses emissions and air quality by requiring increased monitoring and implementing a rule-making process to reduce emissions to better meet federal regulations. A “brown cloud” returned to Denver earlier this month and reports showed that the air quality was worse than that of Beijing. SB19-181 would also ensure that taxpayers are not footing the bill for cleaning up orphan oil and gas wells that have been abandoned but not adequately plugged. Current bonding requirements are inadequate to cover the cost of clean-up when a company abandons a well. Clean-up costs for just one abandoned well costs an average of $82,000. Currently, there are nearly 400 known orphan wells in Colorado and a long list of wells that should be investigated. Finally, SB19-181 also provides increased protections for property owners with regard to forced pooling. Under current law, just one mineral rights owner can start the process of “forced pooling” other mineral interest owners and require development of those resources – against the will of the majority of the owners. This bill would raise the threshold and put more transparency and guardrails on the process. The arguments peddled by the oil and gas industry are misleading. The sponsors and proponents of the bill made clear during the hearing that this bill is not a reiteration of Proposition 112, nor is it a moratorium or a ban on drilling. SB19-181 was approved on a voice vote. A recorded vote will soon follow. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to boost science instruction and performance in K-12 schools. < Back April 26, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Boost K-12 Science Performance Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to boost science instruction and performance in K-12 schools. HB24-1446, sponsored by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, would make no-cost professional development programs available to science educators, with an emphasis on programming that supports students who are below grade level, students living with disabilities, and students who are English Language Learners. “As a former teacher, I know how important professional development programs are because they provide insight into new techniques and tactics to engage all students,” said Rep. Barabra McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill would make professional development programs available to science educators at no-cost so our teachers can better support our students — especially those with a disability or learning below grade level. The key to success in the classroom is a great educator, and this bill makes it easier for our science teachers to brush up on their skills and meet the diverse needs of our students.” HB24-1446 , also sponsored by Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, passed the House by a vote of 57 to 6. This bill permits the Colorado Department of Education to contract with Colorado higher education institutions to develop and provide free, optional professional development training available to Colorado’s science educators. The program would include instruction on interventions for students who are below grade level or struggling in science, children with disabilities, and students who are English Language Learners. Under the bill, teachers who participate in this professional development may earn credit towards license renewal. Additionally, rural school districts must be prioritized if demand for the training exceeds capacity. If passed, the program would be made available beginning in the 2025-26 school year. HB24-1446 aims to improve K-12 science performance for Colorado students by giving teachers the tools and resources they need to foster success among the students who need the most support. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation, sponsored by Representatives Kenny Nguyen and Lorena García, that would make ballot language more accessible, transparent and easier to understand. HB26-1320 passed by a vote of 41-19. < Back March 27, 2026 Nguyen, García Bill to Boost Ballot Accessibility and Transparency Passes DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation, sponsored by Representatives Kenny Nguyen and Lorena García, that would make ballot language more accessible, transparent and easier to understand. HB26-1320 passed by a vote of 41-19. “We’re sponsoring legislation to make ballot language easier to understand for all voters,” said Rep. Kenny Nguyen, D-Broomfield . “Hyper-technical ballot language is a barrier that can make it less likely for people to vote on ballot measures. We’re bolstering Colorado’s gold standard elections by making ballot language more digestible, encouraging even more Coloradans to turn in their ballots.” “While the Trump Administration attempts to strip Americans of their right to vote, Colorado Democrats are building on our work to make elections more accessible,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Our bill gives ballot drafters more flexibility in how they structure ballot questions to provide voters more clarity. We want Coloradans to have a chance at understanding what is on their ballot when they fill it out, which is why we are making the language more understandable and adding impacts to the state budget.” HB26-1320 requires ballot titles to be written in plain language that is understood by the widest possible audience. Under this bill, ballot titles would be required to include language that is substantially similar to the statutory language, rather than word-for-word, to make it easier for voters to understand. This bill also adds language to tax revenue ballot titles to include the effects of tax revenue increases or decreases to better inform voters. By including plain language in the bill title, voters would have a better understanding of the impact of a ballot measure from the beginning. Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country. HB26-1320 is the latest in a series of bills championed by Colorado Democrats to safeguard and improve Colorado’s gold standard election system. This includes HB26-1084 , which aims to share information with voters about how much proposed ballot measures could cost the state and taxpayers, as well as the impacts on essential state services, and HB26-1113 , which makes necessary modifications and updates to Colorado’s election system. Previous Next

< Back June 10, 2020 VACCINES BILL PASSES! DENVER, CO — The House today passed SB20-163, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, and Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon as well as Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, on third reading. The bill would boost Colorado’s childhood immunization rates. The bill passed by a vote of 40-24. “This has been a long and winding process, but knowing that today’s result will save the lives of countless children and protect our state against tragic viral outbreaks makes it all worth it,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “This bill represents an important step towards streamlining our immunization process and boosting our state’s low vaccination rates without removing anyone’s ability to claim an exemption. I’m proud of what we accomplished today.” “This bill is a simple and sensible way to boost Colorado’s immunization rates and protect our children, all while ensuring that our commitment to parental choice remains intact,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon . “This modest proposal will go a long way towards making our vulnerable communities like newborns, seniors and children safer. We’re one step closer to ensuring that all Coloradans are better protected from viral outbreaks.” “I am proud to see this crucial public health proposal pass the House today,” said Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “These modest improvements have been a long time coming, and they’ll go a long way towards protecting the most vulnerable in Colorado, including those in the Black community.” SB20-163 is designed to get more children fully vaccinated by the time they start kindergarten by encouraging those who do not vaccinate, but who have no objections to vaccinations, to immunize their children. The percentage of Colorado kindergartners vaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella is the lowest rate in the country at 87 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This low rate makes our state particularly vulnerable to a measles outbreak. SB20-163 requires parents who choose not to vaccinate their children to present a standardized exemption form signed by an immunization provider or submit a confirmation form that they took a short online class about vaccinations before they send their children to school. The bill also streamlines the immunization exemptions categories by dividing them into medical and nonmedical exemptions, but makes no changes to who can choose to exempt their children or for what reasons. Lastly, SB20-163 would require all immunizing health care providers to use the state’s Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) data system, though providers wouldn’t be subject to a regulatory sanction for noncompliance. Previous Next

Yesterday, five bills to improve infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, improve child passenger safety, crack down on predatory towing carriers, create a statewide transit pass and provide free transit for Colorado youth, and strengthen railroad safety standards advanced from the Transportation Legislation Review Committee. < Back October 4, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Improve Public Transit, Create Safer Streets Advances from Interim Committee DENVER, CO - Yesterday, five bills to improve infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, improve child passenger safety, crack down on predatory towing carriers, create a statewide transit pass and provide free transit for Colorado youth, and strengthen railroad safety standards advanced from the Transportation Legislation Review Committee. “Tragically, we’ve seen a disproportionate increase in cyclist and pedestrian casualties due to unprotected bike routes, inaccessible or non-existent sidewalks, and other weaknesses in Colorado’s transportation infrastructure,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of Bill 1. “Coloradans should be able to commute and recreate safely, regardless of their mode of transportation. This bill will help make our roads safer for every type of travel, while also improving our air quality and reducing climate impacts and traffic.” “Colorado’s roads are far too dangerous, especially for folks who are using them without a car or kids riding as passengers,” said Vice Chair Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, sponsor of Bills 1 and 4. “Our first bill will provide meaningful resources to improve our infrastructure and make it safer for folks to get where they need to go. The other bill that I’ll be sponsoring next session will help Coloradans access resources like appropriate car seats that will help kids survive crashes and make sure more families stay safe on the road.” “Many cyclists and pedestrians have felt the impacts of deteriorating safety on our streets due to the lack of safety measures that protect them from dangerous car traffic,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of Bill 1. “With this new bill, we will use data-driven safety strategies to reduce traffic collisions and save more Colorado lives.” “Deaths of vulnerable road users have increased dramatically. Pedestrians, cyclists and people using mobility devices are at risk. Our bill will support safety projects proven to reduce traffic deaths, and when our roads are safer, we believe people will feel more comfortable using alternative modes of transportation,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of Bills 1, 5 and 7. “Our rail safety bill will ensure that our communities, forests, watersheds and rail workers are protected from hazardous materials being transported through our state by rail. Additionally, we’ve explored new ways to prevent predatory towing practices and ensure companies aren’t taking advantage of Coloradans or skirting the law. We’ve worked hard to develop bills that will deliver safer streets and railways and fairer systems for Coloradans, and I'm excited to help shepard them through the process." Bill 1 would deliver road safety improvements that are proven to reduce dangerous traffic collisions, like controlled crossings and separated bike lanes. Between 2010 and 2021, pedestrian deaths from collisions with motorized vehicles increased 77 percent while all other traffic-related deaths increased by 25 percent. The likelihood that a collision with a motor vehicle will result in serious injury to a pedestrian is 50 percent if the vehicle is traveling 31 miles per hour and 99 percent if the vehicle is traveling at 46 miles per hour. The fatality risk to a cyclist or pedestrian increases between 40 and 50 percent with each thousand pound increase in weight of the motor vehicle. “During my time in elected office, Colorado has taken leaps and bounds forward when it comes to smart, successful transportation policy,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, sponsor of Bills 4, 7 and 9. “Ahead of my final legislative session in the General Assembly, I’m proud to sponsor a suite of bills that will improve upon our past work while continuing to innovate. The bills from the Transportation Legislation Review Committee I’m sponsoring will help families access resources to keep kids safe while driving, streamline a statewide transit system to increase usage and save people money, and improve consumer protections to crack down on predatory towing companies and level the playing field for Coloradans.” “It is estimated that up to 84% of Colorado children are improperly restrained while riding in a vehicle, which has led to devastating fatal car accidents,” said Chair Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of Bill 4. “Kids that live in rural parts of the state and children of color are more at-risk, because families may not have access to life-saving child restraints. Our goal with this new bill is to spread awareness and make it easier for every family across the state to protect their children in their vehicles.” Bill 4 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would create the Child Passenger Safety Education and Distribution Grant Program to increase awareness of child passenger safety laws, connect families with child restraint products like car seats, and fund the certification of child passenger safety technicians. The bill would also update car seat and child restraint requirements to reflect the latest available science and better protect children under the age of 13. “Predatory towing companies have been picking the pockets of hardworking Coloradans for too long,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of Bill 7. “It is much too common for people to have to jump through hoops and pay hundreds of dollars to get their car back after it was towed despite the protections we’ve passed in recent years. Our new bill would disincentivize bad actors from exploiting car owners and reinforce best practices in the towing industry to better protect Colorado consumers.” “Everyday Coloradans can’t afford to cover the costs of towing companies mistakenly taking away their car,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, sponsor of Bill 7. “Most Coloradans rely on car travel to get to their job, drop their kids off at school, and other necessary errands. I’m proud to carry this bill so we can greatly reduce unnecessary towing incidents that take money from hardworking Coloradans.” Bill 7 would crack down on predatory towing by granting more enforcement and permitting authority over towing carriers to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The bill further protects consumers by restricting towers from patrolling parking areas on behalf of a property owner, and ensuring all financial information is reported to the PUC and the General Assembly to increase transparency of towing operations. “Coloradans deserve ways to get around that are easy, cheap, and efficient,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of Bill 9. “High-quality transit can ease traffic congestion, improve air quality, and save travel time. Our new bill will reduce the cost of transit passes, including making fares free for people under 20. It also explores a single statewide transit pass to save Coloradans money, time, and headaches!" “The EveryWhere Pass will give Coloradans the convenience and access to go all over our beautiful state year round while doing their part to reduce air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of Bill 9. “Colorado youth can ride for free to help lower the cost for working families, and the tax credit will help Colorado businesses offer their employees reliable and discounted transportation. The EveryWhere Pass has something for everyone.” “Public transit is a great way for youth to get to school, work, and extracurricular activities without needing a driver's license and a car,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bill 9. “Our new bill would cut transportation costs for families traveling together, and give teens in Colorado a boost in opportunity, by making transit zero fare for youth." Bill 9 would support the use of transit in multiple complementary ways. First, it would create a tax credit for purchasing a transit pass; something that exists now for employers but not individuals. It would also create the Statewide Transit Pass Exploratory Committee to come up with a plan to implement a statewide transit pass by January 1, 2028. The bill would also create a program to provide free year-round transit services to kids across the state who are 19 years old or younger. The bill also would extend the successful Ozone Season Transit Grant Program. The committee also passed Bill 5 , which would strengthen railroad safety standards and create the Front Range Passenger Rail District Maintenance and Safety Fund to improve railroad safety for passenger travel. The five bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

< Back April 12, 2023 House Advances Bill to Protect Patients from Harmful Medical Billing Practices DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation in a preliminary vote to cap interest rates on medical debt and protect Colorado patients from deceptive medical billing practices. “Medical debt is a barrier that prevents Coloradans from seeking the health care they need to stay alive and improve their health and wellbeing,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora . “The average Coloradan with medical debt owes over $2,000, which is an insurmountable cost for those that are already struggling to put food on the table or afford necessities. By improving patient protections, Colorado patients can make health care decisions that are best for their health.” “Debt collectors shouldn’t be able to excessively profit off the health care that Colorado patients need to survive,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “People are often surprised when they’re served hospital bills after receiving life-saving health care and can’t pay off the amount in full. Setting a ceiling for medical debt interest rates means that Coloradans can seek the care they need without worrying about snowballing debt impacting every part of their budget.” SB23-093 boosts patient protections from high interest rates for medical debt and confusing debt collection practices that lead to long-lasting debt and financial instability. It establishes new protections for Colorado consumers burdened with medical debt by: Capping the medical debt interest rate at three percent. Prohibiting reporting the debt to a consumer reporting agency until a certain amount of time after an individual fails to fulfill the terms of a payment plan. Pausing collections on medical debt during any appeal proceedings. Requiring medical debt creditors or debt collectors to verify total debt owed upon request by a patient and to provide a copy of a payment plan, thereby helping consumers know how much to properly budget for debt payments. Requiring a health care provider or health care facility to provide, upon request, an estimate of the total cost of medical services to a person who intends to self-pay for the service, and Reinstating the attorney general’s authority to protect consumers from deceptive trade practices related to billing practices and surprise billing. Debt incurred from medical costs can be financially devastating for patients. When combined with high interest rates and complicated collections practices, consumers may never be able to pay off their medical debt. According to a 2022 report from the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Coloradans overall held more than $1.3 billion in medical debt and over 12 percent of Coloradans have medical debt in collections. Previous Next

Today, a new chapter in community advocacy and political representation begins with the launch of the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Colorado state representative Iman Jodeh, the first Muslim and first Palestinian American elected to the Colorado legislature, aims to elevate the voices of Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian (MENASA), and Muslim communities within Colorado and beyond. < Back November 19, 2024 Representative Iman Jodeh and Representative-Elect Yara Zokaie Announce the Launch of the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus to Advocate for Middle Eastern, Southwest Asian, North African, South Asian, and Muslim American Communities Denver, CO — November 19, 2024 — Today, a new chapter in community advocacy and political representation begins with the launch of the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Colorado state representative Iman Jodeh, the first Muslim and first Palestinian American elected to the Colorado legislature, aims to elevate the voices of Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian (MENASA), and Muslim communities within Colorado and beyond. Representative Jodeh will be joined by Representative-Elect Yara Zokaie, the first Iranian American elected to the Colorado legislature. In its mission, the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus is committed to protecting civil rights and combating xenophobia and Islamophobia by advocating for equity through legislation, collective action, public engagement, and amplified representation. They will work to advance interests and address the unique challenges of the diverse heritages and religions within Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, and Muslim communities in Colorado, promoting justice and inclusion for all. “This past year and an impending Trump administration has underscored the need to create a united caucus that ensures our community’s representation and presence is elevated and has an uncompromising agency at the Capitol,” said Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “We are dedicated to advancing and guaranteeing accurate representation of the diverse MENASA population, including groups beyond Muslims, such as Sikh, Baháʼí, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Catholic minorities. These communities also face anti-Arab and anti-Brown hate crimes, xenophobia, and discrimination. Our region and population are unique because we are forced to identify primarily through religious narratives rather than our unified identities. It is time to challenge this monolithic framing. By amplifying representation and advocating for equity, we aim not only to protect the rights of our communities but also to champion initiatives that foster justice, inclusion, and unity.” Representative Jodeh joined the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus in 2020 when she was elected to her first term. “The Black Caucus has given me a home over the past four years that gave me a sense of belonging when I was the only. My time in the Black caucus has been invaluable and one I will carry with me. I am committed to continue to work closely with them and all allied caucus,” said Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “I brought Iman into the Black Caucus because we were all fighting for our communities, regardless of ethnicity. She brought a wealth of knowledge to the caucus, and I know she will still advocate for the Black community,” said Senator Janet Buckner, ranking member of the Black Caucus . “It has been a pleasure to serve with Rep. Jodeh as a member of the BDLC,” said Representative Jennifer Bacon, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Black Caucus. “She joined us as a place of support as she represents a district (Aurora) and an intersectional community (Muslim and Arab) critical for the Black Caucus to uplift. We hope that we served as a place of learning as we wish her success in creating and sustaining the Joint MENASA and Muslim Caucus.” “Growing up as the daughter of immigrants, I understand firsthand the importance of community support in navigating adversity,” said Representative-elect Yara Zokaie. “Through the caucus, we aim to extend that support and bring meaningful change to our communities. With the approaching Trump presidency, it is more important than ever for our communities to have fierce advocates and mount a proactive and comprehensive defense. Should Trump attempt to reinstate a Muslim ban, we will be ready to put protections in place. We are committed to being a voice for the voiceless and amplifying the perspectives of those who so often go unheard as we fight in solidarity for a more just and equitable society. It’s a privilege to stand alongside Representative Jodeh to make a difference.” “Representative Jodeh has been an incredible advocate for her community and has worked tirelessly to pass critical legislation,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I am excited to see her continue her leadership in the capitol with the creation of this new caucus, and it is a privilege to welcome Representative-elect Zokaie to the House. Our caucus reflects the diversity of our state, and policy making in the legislature is strengthened because of our affinity caucuses. I know the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus will be an important resource for lawmakers.” The Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus has partnered with East Meets West , a non-partisan, non-secular, not-for-profit organization that mobilizes and champions MENASA and SWANASA artists, leaders, and companies. Alongside their partners, they have been an integral part of having MENA included in the upcoming U.S. Census and have built the largest standing Membership Collective and Coalition in history to support MENASA/SWANASA artists, leaders, and companies. East Meets West Senior Advisor Serina Khan expressed their support for this collaboration, saying, “We are so grateful to have partnered with Representative Jodeh and Representative-Elect Zokaie to launch this first-of-its-kind caucus and welcome more communities to join us to support our marginalized and often underrepresented and misrepresented community. Now more than ever, it is time to build new tables with unlimited seating alongside individuals and groups who share our values.” About Iman Jodeh Iman Jodeh, was elected in 2020 as the first Muslim and first Palestinian American. She is a first-generation American and has called Colorado, specifically HD41, her home her entire life. Iman is the first female Spokesperson for the Colorado Muslim Society, the largest and oldest mosque in the Rocky Mountain region, and the founder of Meet the Middle East, a non-profit that fosters relationships between the US and the Middle East through education and immersive travel. She also spent years lecturing about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict at the University of Denver Enrichment Program. She has passed legislation like medical debt forgiveness, eviction protections, and access to affordable medications. Notably, she also passed landmark legislation establishing the Office of New Americans in Colorado and the Colorado Option, the largest health insurance bill in Colorado’s history. About Yara Zokaie Representative-Elect Yara Zokaie will soon become the first Iranian American sworn into the Colorado State Legislature. Zokaie is a dedicated public servant and accomplished tax attorney, currently serving as Chief Deputy Assessor for Larimer County. She has consistently advocated for transparency, equity, and economic justice in her work. Notably, she successfully organized a community to help pass a paid family leave program in Colorado. About East Meets West East Meets West is a non-partisan, non-secular, not-for-profit organization founded in October 2023 in response to the rise of anti-Arab, anti-MENASA/SWANASA, islamophobia, anti-semitism, and anti-sikh hate crimes. East Meets West fosters a community that mobilizes, invests, and spotlights Middle Eastern, SouthWest Asian, North African, and South Asian creators, leaders & companies. They have been building the largest Membership Collective and Coalition to lead narrative change and socio-economic empowerment for the MENASA/SWANASA community. Their programming and initiatives include launching safe spaces at major film festivals and business conferences and launching business accelerators and talent pipeline programs across the entertainment, technology, and commerce industry. They have been a vital driver behind MENA being added to the upcoming 2030 U.S. Census. As well as launching MENASA/SWANASA Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Fortune 500 companies. 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The House Education Committee today passed legislation that would create the Purple Star School Program to recognize K-12 public schools that provide support to military students and their families. < Back January 31, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Recognize Schools that Support Military Families DENVER, CO - The House Education Committee today passed legislation that would create the Purple Star School Program to recognize K-12 public schools that provide support to military students and their families. “School-aged kids often struggle to deal with the stressors that come along with childhood, like making friends and changes to their routine,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. “Children who are part of military families are especially vulnerable to these changes, as military families move and relocate frequently. When I served in the Marine Corps, my own daughter once changed schools three times in one year. This legislation will help these kids during the transition process so they can focus on learning and growing with a program that helps create a sense of normalization in the process.” “Kids with parents in the military are five times more likely than their civilian peers to change schools,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “As the representative for a community with a long tradition of military service, I know how disruptive moving, deployment, and switching schools can be for kids. The Purple Star School Program will recognize schools that provide support to students so they can better navigate these challenges.” HB24-1076 establishes the Purple Star School Program to designate and recognize K-12 public schools that show a strong commitment to military-connected students and their families. The bill unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. The Purple State School Program has been adopted by 42 other states and is proven to help military-connected students combat the academic and socio-emotional challenges they often face due to frequent relocation, transferring schools, parental deployment and changing environments. To qualify for the Purple Star designation, schools must: Designate a staff member as a Military Liaison, Maintain a website with resources for military-connected students and families, Maintain student-led transition programs, and Offer professional development opportunities relating to military-connected students. Previous Next