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The House today introduced two bills that will reduce the cost of prescription drugs. < Back March 2, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Reduce the Cost of Prescription Drugs Introduced DENVER, CO - The House today introduced two bills that will reduce the cost of prescription drugs. HB23-1225 , sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Ruby Dickson and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, increases the effectiveness of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans. “Colorado Democrats have made substantial progress lowering the cost of prescription drugs and saving Coloradans money on their health care,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "Big pharmaceutical companies shouldn’t be able to rake in record profits as hardworking Coloradans struggle to afford the medications they need. With this legislation, we’re extending the effective cost saving measures established with the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to more drugs in order to save Coloradans money on their prescriptions." “As a pharmacist I know firsthand how critical it is that Coloradans are able to afford their prescription drugs, but too many of our families are still getting squeezed by high costs of medication,” said Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “The Prescription Drug Affordability Board is an essential tool to keep Colorado prescription drug prices affordable, and these changes will make the Board even more effective at saving families money on their life saving medications.” “Every day, Coloradans across the state are having to choose between filling their life-saving prescriptions, buying groceries or paying rent,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial. “This new legislation builds on our work to lower prescription drug costs by improving how the Prescription Drug Affordability Board will work. By limiting out-of-pocket costs for more life-saving drugs, this legislation will ensure that more Coloradans can access essential medications at a cost they can afford.” In 2021, lawmakers passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to evaluate and place upper price limits on the highest cost prescription drugs. The legislation introduced today will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to save people money on out of pocket prescription drug costs. It removes the limit on setting no more than 12 Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) per year in the first three years of the PDAB, and improves the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review. “Pharmacy Benefit Managers can be a big part of our efforts to save Coloradans money on prescription drugs, but they have to follow the rules,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “We’ve passed legislation to save consumers money on healthcare costs, but PBMs are coming in between consumers, health insurance plans, pharmacies and manufactures while making large profits. This bill will protect consumers and employers and save Coloradans money by making sure that PBMs follow the rules.” “Our bill strengthens consumer protections and holds pharmacy benefit managers accountable to ensure that Coloradans save money on prescription drugs,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “We’ve made incredible progress toward lowering the cost of prescription drugs. This legislation will allow the Commissioner of Insurance to investigate, hold hearings, issue cease-and-desist orders, and impose penalties on PBMs for failing to comply with cost saving measures and consumer protections.” HB23-1227 , sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and David Ortiz and Senator Perry Will, will ensure that Pharmacy Benefit Managers follow through on critical cost savings reforms. The legislature has passed reforms to ensure that PBMs save consumers money, and this bill would ensure that PBMs follow through. This bill will provide the Division of Insurance with more direct oversight over PBMs by requiring them to register and specifying that that Division has the ability to enforce those reforms. Specifically, this bill would allow the commissioner the power to investigate and impose penalties on PBMs for failing to comply with consumer protections such as charging pharmacies fees to adjudicate claims, clawing back money from pharmacies inappropriately, and discriminating against independent pharmacies versus PBM affiliated pharmacies. Last week, the House also introduced HB23-1201 , sponsored by Representative Lindsey Daugherty and Matt Soper. Currently PBMs can charge employers one price, but reimburse pharmacies less and keep the difference, a practice known as price spreading. This bill makes it an unfair business practice for PBMs to charge employers more for a drug than what they pay pharmacies for the same drug and increase transparency for employers into PBM and carrier behavior that impacts their costs. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports. HB24-1080 passed by a vote of 45-16. < Back February 26, 2024 House Passes Legislation to Protect Youth in Sports DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports. HB24-1080 passed by a vote of 45-16. “Colorado youth participating in out-of-school sports should be safe, which is why we are putting common sense protections into place to ensure that the adults who supervise youth sports have passed a background check and are trained in CPR/AED certification,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. “We owe it to our children to ensure we are doing everything we can to prevent injury and harm and this bill is a critical step to create the safe environment they deserve.” “Kids and parents deserve to know that their sports programs are run by someone they can trust,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn . “Our bill would require coaches and other adults involved in these sports programs to pass a background test and be CPR/AED and First Aid certified to ensure that we’re creating a safe environment for our kids to play in.” HB24-1080 would require private youth sports organizations to conduct criminal history record checks on personnel who work directly with youth athletes, in both a volunteer or paid position. This bill would also require paid directors, coaches, assistant coaches or athletic program personnel to be CPR/AED and First Aid certified to help youth in the case of an emergency. HB24-1080 aims to prevent childhood sexual assault and keep our youth safe while participating in out-of-school activities. Previous Next

< Back June 12, 2020 SECURE SAVINGS PASSES THE HOUSE! DENVER, CO – The House today passed Speaker KC Becker and Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp’s bill to tackle Colorado’s growing retirement savings crisis. The bill would make it easier for hardworking Coloradans to invest in their futures and take their retirement savings with them when they change jobs, or if they work multiple jobs. The bill passed by a vote of 41-24. “This bill will give small businesses the option of providing a retirement savings program to their employees without breaking the bank,” said Rep. Kraft Tharp, D-Arvada. “I’m proud of the work we did to come up with a modern, pro-worker, pro-business solution to the retirement crisis facing our state.” “Our country is barreling towards a retirement crisis, and it’s up to us to ensure hardworking Coloradans have the tools they need to save for their future,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “The Secure Savings program will benefit our state’s small businesses and hardworking Coloradans alike. Today we voted to create a modern, flexible retirement savings system to reflect Colorado’s 21st century economy.” Currently, nearly half of Coloradans in the private sector aged 25 to 64 don’t have retirement plans at work . SB20-200 would create a state-facilitated retirement savings program to be managed by private firms chosen through a competitive solicitation process. This program would give workers the ability to invest through pooled, professionally managed accounts with low fees to save a portion of their wages through automatic payroll deductions. There is also an opt-out provision for workers who already have a retirement plan of their own or who are not in a position to deduct a portion of their wages. This system would give small businesses the opportunity to provide their employees access to a retirement savings program at a low cost to the business. It would also allow hardworking Coloradans to move from job to job or work multiple jobs and contribute to the same account. Previous Next

Bipartisan school funding updates drive more resources to support at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education students, and rural districts < Back April 18, 2024 Committee Passes New School Finance Formula to Boost Student Success, Increase Equity in School Funding and Support Rural Schools Bipartisan school funding updates drive more resources to support at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education students, and rural districts Committee also passes bipartisan bill to improve transparency into higher education costs and reduce barriers to completing higher education degree or certificate programs DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed two bipartisan bills aimed at supporting Colorado students. HB24-1448, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, would update Colorado’s outdated and inequitable school finance formula by increasing funding for rural schools and at-risk, special education, and English Language Learner students. SB24-164, also sponsored by McCluskie, would improve transparency requirements for higher education institutions and increase the rights of higher education students seeking transfer credits. “Updating Colorado’s public school finance formula to be student-centered is a bold step toward improving equity in school funding and delivering a high-quality education to every student in Colorado no matter where they reside,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Building on the recommendations from the Public School Finance Task Force and in collaboration with districts and education leaders across the state, this plan increases funding for the students with the greatest needs and provides additional resources to rural and smaller districts that have historically been underfunded. Investing in high-quality education means we’re fostering a lifetime of success for our learners, and I am incredibly proud of our bipartisan efforts to make education funding in our state more equitable and student-centered.” “For over 30 years, Colorado has used an inequitable school funding formula that is now outdated, and as a result, we haven’t been able to meet the needs of our most vulnerable students,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The need to change the formula is clear, which is why we’re championing this legislation that puts students first. Using recommendations from the Public School Finance Task Force, we’re making school funding more equitable by increasing funding for at-risk students, English Language Learners, and students in special education. Public education funding in Colorado is the highest it’s been in decades, and this bill overhauls the school finance formula to better meet the educational needs of every learner.” HB24-1448 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, is also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument and Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. It would update Colorado’s school finance formula which has not been significantly modified in over 30 years. The current formula, which is built around district-centered factors rather than student needs, is confusing and overly complex. It directs more funding to wealthier districts, rather than directing funds to low-income students, English Language Learners, or those in special education. State data shows that at-risk students, English Language Learners , and special education students are not achieving at the same levels compared to their peers, demonstrating that the current school funding formula from 1994 does not address and meet the needs of these students This legislation implements the spirit of the recommendations of the School Finance Task Force, which reached overwhelming consensus, in order to drive more resources to the students who need them the most, specifically at-risk students, special education students and English Language Learners. With hundreds of millions of additional dollars now going to public schools in Colorado, these changes, which would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and implement in a gradual phase-in over 6 years, will drive more of these new resources to historically underfunded districts with lower property wealth and that serve a higher number of at-risk students and English Language Learners. When fully implemented, there will be $852 million in the formula for our at-risk students, $142.7 million for English Language Learners, and $240 million in the formula for our Special Education students, in addition to the constitutionally-required $375 million in the Special Education categorical. Remote and rural districts would receive an additional $255 million under this formula, once fully funded. The new formula puts students first by increasing the student weights for at-risk, English Language Learners, and adding a new special education factor. At-risk, English Language Learner, and special education weights will all be set at 25 percent, an increase from the current 12 percent weight for at-risk, 8 percent weight for English Language Learners, and no weight for special education in the formula. The categorical funding for special education will continue to increase according to law and Amendment 23. The new formula is simpler and better accounts for district characteristics by fixing the “Order of Operations” to emphasize student needs. It removes the multiplicative factors that change the base funding per pupil, which currently creates cascading funding impacts throughout the formula that are challenging to track. Instead, factors that increase funding for small districts or districts with high cost of living will be additive and easy to understand. It also creates a new remoteness factor to support rural schools and will hold harmless any districts that drop below current law funding. Access the school finance simulator here to see individual school district impacts. SB24-164, also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, passed committee unanimously. This bill would make it easier to transfer college credits, improve transparency in higher education reporting, and ensure rights for students enrolled in postsecondary institutions. “Creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado means we can put students first,” added McCluskie. “This bill will make it easier for students pursuing higher education in Colorado to understand the cost of their degree or certificate and complete their education, and will ensure that students transferring from a community college receive the credits they deserve for the classes they have taken at other institutions.” Transparency requirements include: Transparency of the cost of postsecondary education; Seamless transfer of general education and transfer pathway courses; Transparency regarding if credits are accepted or rejected from an institution; and The ability to appeal an institution’s decision not to accept transfer credits. A major challenge transfer students face is the transferability of postsecondary credits. On average, transfer students lose a full semester of credits, which translates to time and money lost. There are current methods that exist within Colorado’s higher education framework to ease transitions between higher education institutions such as transferable lower division courses, common course numbering, and guaranteed transfer pathways. SB24-164 would build on this framework by bolstering student rights and easing the transfer of course credits. Previous Next

Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans < Back October 28, 2025 Mauro Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in Pueblo, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans DENVER, CO – Representative Tisha Mauro today released the following statement after the Division of Insurance announced that 2026 health care premium rates will increase by 101-percent due to Congress’s failure to continue the enhanced premium tax credits. “With the GOP Congress failing to extend critical tax credits, health care rates are expected to increase significantly in Pueblo, which will have devastating consequences for Coloradans who can’t afford to pay an extra $1,000 a month for health care,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “While only Congress can fix this problem entirely, Colorado Democrats took action and passed a law to blunt some of the sharpest cost increases. Because of our action, premiums in Pueblo are nearly 13 percent lower than they would otherwise be. Still, Pueblo deserves better, which is why Congressional Republicans must act now so Coloradans don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for health care next year.” Statewide health care rates for individuals who purchase their own insurance are expected to increase by 101-percent due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the tax credits. Open enrollment begins this Saturday, and Coloradans who want coverage in 2026 must choose their plan before December 15. Democrats have repeatedly urged Congress to extend the tax credits, which help make health care more affordable for around 225,000 Coloradans. In August, Rep. Mauro signed onto a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were intentionally omitted from the GOP’s H.R. 1. The expiration of these tax credits on December 31 will lead to fewer people having health insurance and higher health insurance costs for everyone, including small businesses and Coloradans with employer-sponsored health insurance. If Congress extended the enhanced premium tax credits, the average premium increase would be 16-percent, instead of 101-percent, and some Coloradans would see no increase. Colorado Democrats have significantly lowered health care costs with the state’s reinsurance program, which has saved consumers over $2 billion, and Colorado Option health care plan, which offered the lowest or second lowest cost plan in Pueblo in 2025. A recent study by Brown University found that the Colorado Option reduced monthly premiums by $101, even for non-Colorado Option plans. The average family of four in Pueblo that chose the Colorado Option plan save d nearly $4,500 in 2025. Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s Megabill and Congress’s failure to extend the ePTCs. Colorado Democrats passed a law that will invest in Colorado’s reinsurance program and blunt some of the most severe cost increases from the expiring tax credits. This law reduces the statewide average premium increase from 174-percent to 101-percent, saving Coloradans $220 million on health care next year and preventing 28,000 Coloradans from being kicked off their health coverage. The law reduced premiums by over 13-percent in the Pueblo metro area. In 2025 in Pueblo County, the reinsurance program saved the average 40 year old individual over $6,600 and a family of four has saved nearly $25,000 from 2020 through 2025 due to the Reinsurance Program. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT IMMIGRANTS FROM EXTORTION ADVANCES UNANIMOUSLY DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today advanced a bipartisan bill to prevent the extortion of undocumented immigrants. The bill was approved by the committee unanimously. “Everyone in our communities, regardless of citizenship status, should be protected from extortion,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “A gap in current law has left immigrants vulnerable to a particular type of extortion that befalls workers and victims of domestic and sexual violence. This bill would change that and allow us to advance the cause of justice in our communities.” “This bill will give prosecutors a critical tool to combat instances of extortion against victims of crime that we know are happening in our communities,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “A victim is a victim, and it is good for public safety in our communities if our laws protect everyone from being further victimized – regardless of their immigration status.” The current definition of criminal extortion already includes the practice of threatening to disclose a person’s immigration status to law enforcement in order to force them to give up something of value. HB21-1057 expands this definition to include coercing another person to either engage in or refrain from engaging in what would otherwise be a legal act. This expanded definition would address instances of wage theft, domestic violence and other instances where a person’s immigration status is used to deny them what is lawfully theirs. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: WINTER, DURAN AND WEISSMAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO BOLSTER SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME SB22-183 would invest $41 million to fund essential services for child and adult victims of crime DENVER, CO – The Senate yesterday introduced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster) and Reps. Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge) and Mike Weissman (D-Aurora) to ensure Colorado victims of human trafficking, stalking, domestic violence, child abuse, and rape can continue to receive essential services. Co-sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs), SB22-183 would fill a revenue gap in the Federal Crime Victims Fund to continue providing lifesaving services for child and adult victims of crime through a one-time investment of pandemic relief funding. “During the pandemic we saw an alarming rise in cases of domestic violence,” said Winter. “With this investment of American Rescue Plan funding, we can better support victims of domestic violence and ensure Coloradans in need never see an interruption in the essential care and services they rely on. I’m proud to support this effort and I know it will go a long way in providing victims of crime and domestic violence with the services they need.” “As a survivor of domestic violence, I can’t stress enough the importance of essential services for victims of crime,” Duran said. “States across the country have seen a rise in domestic violence as a result of the pandemic. I’m proud Colorado is going to use federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to prevent domestic violence, bolster our support for victims of crime, and ensure survivors have the services they need.” “Colorado has passed bipartisan legislation to enhance state assistance to victims of crime, and with this bill, we’re putting additional resources into these critical efforts,” Weissman said. “With crime rising nationally and here in Colorado as a result of the pandemic, it’s important that we increase our support for community based programs that focus on the needs of crime victims.” SB22-183 is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. The bill invests $35 million in pandemic relief funding to the Colorado crime victim services fund to ensure essential victim services can continue for the next four years. SB22-183 also invests an additional $6 million to services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as recommended by the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force . SB22-183 will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE . Previous Next

Investments to fill in-demand jobs part of Governor Polis’s budget request as Polis administration in partnership with the legislature continues to boost Colorado’s robust workforce < Back March 14, 2023 Boosting Colorado’s Workforce & Economy: Governor Polis, Bipartisan Legislators Announce Bold Workforce Investments to Save People Money & Open the Door to High-Demand, Good-Paying Jobs DENVER - Today, Governor Polis, joined by bipartisan lawmakers including House Speaker Julie McCluskie, State Representatives Matthew Martinez, Rose Pugliese, Don Wilson, State Senators Janet Buckner and Perry Will, Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, members of the Governor’s cabinet, Colorado Community College System chancellor Joe Garcia, community members, and students, announced legislation to connect hardworking Coloradans with the skills and training they need to thrive, saving people money on advanced training and education and filling Colorado’s in-demand jobs. Through flexible scholarship support to save students money on postsecondary education and training and zero-cost credential programs for in-demand jobs, this legislation paves the way for Coloradans to pursue good-paying careers while meeting the needs of Colorado’s robust workforce. “We are saving people money on training and education, making it easier for Coloradans to get the skills they need to fill critical jobs and build careers they love. Today, Colorado has two open jobs for every unemployed person, which is why we are taking bold action now to make sure employers find the talent they need, and breaking down barriers for Coloradans to achieve their dreams,” said Gov. Polis. The zero-cost credentials initiative, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, State Senators Janet Buckner and Perry Will, builds upon the success of Care Forward Colorado , which has already trained more than 1,000 students since launching in the Fall of 2022. The legislation announced today would provide aspiring professionals in high-demand fields with free training toward associate degrees and industry certificates at public community colleges, local district colleges, or area technical colleges. Eligible industries include elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management, short-term nursing, and construction trades. “Whether you’re headed back to college or switching careers entirely, zero-cost credentials open the door to new, high-demand careers across Colorado,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our bill makes it easier for aspiring professionals seeking careers as firefighters, nurses and early childhood educators to upskill and reskill through free training, certification and advanced education courses. These new, free pathways will boost our workforce and help fill open positions in critical jobs so more Coloradans can start the professions of their dreams and serve their communities.” “Colorado continues to struggle with workforce shortages in careers ranging from early childhood education to nursing and fire fighting,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “Since 2022, the Care Forward Colorado program has made great progress in connecting students with high demand career pathways, but there is much more we can do. With this important bill, we’re further expanding opportunities for Coloradans to get involved in critical career fields and lowering the barriers to entry for training and education programs.” “Colorado's rural communities need skilled workers to fill jobs across industries, which is why we are making sure Coloradans can get the training they need to fill the in-demand jobs that power our communities,” said Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle. The scholarship initiative, sponsored by State Senator Jeff Bridges, Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, and State Representatives Matthew Martinez and Don Wilson, expands access and reduces financial barriers to postsecondary education and training opportunities, making sure the workforce of tomorrow receives the tools and training they need to thrive today. The scholarships will provide each student with a $1,500 scholarship to take to any approved training provider in Colorado, from apprenticeship and on-the-job training to trade school, community colleges, and colleges and universities. This transformative financial support has the capacity to serve 15,000 graduating students in the Class of 2024, more than 25% of all high school graduates statewide. “This bill is a win-win for Coloradans looking for good-paying jobs and Colorado businesses trying to hire for those jobs,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “We have hundreds of thousands of open jobs in this state that require some kind of education beyond high school. With this bill we’re creating the opportunity for people across Colorado to get trained, get hired, and earn a good life.” "We are providing Coloradans with resources and flexibility to get the training and education they need to fill jobs across the state. This support for Colorado workers supports our economy, our workers, and our businesses," said Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R- Monument. “Many Colorado students want to pursue higher education or technical jobs, but financial barriers often stand in the way of their dreams,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This bold legislation expands access to post-secondary education and professional career training by offering more versatile scholarships to high school seniors. There are many high-demand jobs in Colorado going left unfilled, and this bill helps break down some of the financial barriers faced by students to get them on a strong career path and boost our state’s workforce in the process.” “These investments in Colorado’s workforce help to meet the needs of employers and hardworking Coloradans, filling in-demand jobs and making sure people can get the skills they need,” said Representative Don Wilson - R, Monument, District 20. In his State of the State address to the General Assembly, Governor Polis highlighted that Colorado currently has two available jobs for every unemployed person. The bipartisan legislation announced today builds upon the Polis administration’s work, in partnership with the legislature, to connect businesses with hardworking Coloradans for in-demand jobs, saving people money and making it easier and more affordable for Coloradans to access advanced training and education. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2021 BIPARTISAN AGRICULTURE STIMULUS BILLS ADVANCE UNANIMOUSLY DENVER, CO– The Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today advanced three State Stimulus proposals to support the agriculture industry, invest in sustainability and drought resiliency that are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bills passed unanimously. “Colorado’s agriculture industry is what has allowed our state to grow and prosper, but the industry needs our help to continue to be a major economic driver,” said Committee Chair Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB21-248 and SB21-235 . “The Agriculture Future Loan Program will provide new and existing agriculture operations with crucial funding that will help create jobs and provide a boost to this critical industry. At the same time, by investing in the ACRE3 program, we’re investing in the long-term sustainability of the industry by encouraging more energy efficient agriculture operations to ensure that Colorado’s farmers and ranchers can continue to contribute so much to our state.” SB21-248 , also sponsored by Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, would create the Colorado Agriculture Future Loan Program and direct $30 million of state stimulus funds into it. The Program is designed to provide low-interest loans to beginning farmers and ranchers and farm-to-market infrastructure loans and grants for businesses. Agribusiness provides more than 170,000 jobs in Colorado, and this program is intended to ensure that the industry has a sustainable and prosperous future for the agriculture industry. The bill passed by a vote of 10-0. “Supporting our agriculture industry and protecting the environment are not at odds – this bill is proof that we can do both at the same time,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB21-235. “Investing in the ACRE3 program will help Colorado’s agricultural sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing energy efficiency and cutting costs. In fact solar panels and crops have a symbiotic relationship that means more efficient panels, better crop yields, and increased water retention. I’m proud of the work we did today to ensure Colorado’s agricultural comeback is sustainable.” SB21-235 , sponsored by Ag Committee Chair Karen McCormick and Representative Tracey Bernett, allocates $5 million to the Department of Agriculture, with at least $3 million going to the ACRE3 energy efficiency program and at least $2 million going to conservation districts to implement voluntary soil health programs. ACRE3 is Colorado’s premier state-level program for agricultural energy management and provides financial aid, technical assistance, and education to help the agriculture industry cut energy costs and develop their own energy resources. The bill passed by a vote of 10-0. “Every single county in Colorado experienced drought last year, and we need to be doing more to ensure our state is prepared to anticipate and respond,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of SB21-234. “As climate change worsens, the effects of drought on our agriculture industry will only become more and more severe, and we have to make sure we’re providing this critical industry with the support it needs.” SB21-234 , sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, provides $3 million to the Department of Agriculture to ensure the state is better prepared to anticipate, mitigate, or respond to droughts. Colorado’s drought was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has taken a severe economic toll on the agriculture industry. This bill will help the state plan for and mitigate future droughts and climate disturbances. SB21-234 passed through the Senate with unanimous support. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. The House Finance committee also passed SB21-229 , sponsored by Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder and Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, which invests $3 million in the Rural Jump Start Grant Program, which helps economically distressed communities – particularly communities that will be affected by the market transition away from coal to more renewable energy sources – attract new businesses and jobs. Previous Next

Policies would increase prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts to address the opioid crisis < Back October 30, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Opioid Committee Advances Bills to Save Lives and Prevent Overdose Deaths Policies would increase prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts to address the opioid crisis DENVER, CO - The Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee today advanced four bills to bolster prevention efforts, improve treatment programs, promote harm reduction strategies, and support Coloradans in recovery to prevent overdose deaths and save lives. “Too many Coloradans are struggling with substance use disorders, and in many cases, dying of preventable overdoses,” said Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of Bills 2, 3, and 4 . “Colorado has made remarkable progress on building a comprehensive response since this committee was established in 2017. I am proud that we have again risen to the challenge, engaging stakeholders over an intensive process to identify the next set of policy changes that are needed to turn the tide on this crisis and build a healthier, safer Colorado.” "More than 1,500 of our neighbors died from a drug overdose here in Colorado last year, a heartbreaking number we must do more to reduce," said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of Bill 2. "We've worked hard this interim to develop a menu of options for tackling this crisis, including legislation I am sponsoring that will expand treatment options for folks struggling with substance use disorders. I am proud of the work we've done, and I look forward to helping more Coloradans get the help and support they need to get their lives back on track." Bill 2 , sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Ryan Armagost and Senators Kyle Mullica and Perry Will would expand treatment options for Coloradans with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The bill: Directs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to apply for Medicaid waivers to cover health care services for people in jail or prison and to cover a partial-hospitalization level of care in our communities; Reduces insurance barriers to accessing substance use disorder treatment, Expands the treatment workforce by increasing training opportunities for addiction counselors under qualified licensed professional counselors and licenses clinical social workers; Authorizes pharmacists to diagnose opioid use disorders, prescribe medications, and make referrals to comprehensive treatment programs, creating new access points, especially in rural Colorado; Supports rural treatment providers by creating a shared infrastructure for administrative functions and allowing them to compare their reimbursements with metro area providers and negotiate better contracts; Creates a contingency management grant program, funding the best evidence-based practices to help people with stimulant use disorders stay sober; Invests in criminal justice diversion programs to provide individuals charged with a minor offense a substance use treatment option; and Studies additional barriers to treatment access, including inadequate insurance networks and federal regulations around methadone services. "Addressing the overdose and substance use disorder crisis that impacts many Coloradans and their families requires us to dig deep and consider many approaches, especially data driven initiatives, and this prevention bill starts with doing a better job on the front end by preventing folks from getting hooked at all,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of Bill 1. “These resources will empower community organizations and folks on the ground as they work to prevent substance use and abuse while connecting folks who are struggling with the treatment and support they need." “The best way to protect Coloradans from developing substance use disorders is to promote proven prevention methods to stop people from using dangerous substances in the first place,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of Bill 1. “Our bill takes a multi-pronged approach at substance use prevention by funding grant programs that connect residents to community-based resources and establishing screening and treatment referrals within our schools and pediatric settings.” Bill 1 , sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola and Representatives Mary Young and Elisabeth Epps, would boost SUD prevention efforts. The bill: Updates Colorado’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to improve data collection and access, support safer prescribing, and reduce misuse of prescription medication; Funds community-based organizations to provide prevention services for youth, families, and communities; Establishes a grant program for substance use screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) to help identify youth who may need to seek treatment or resources; Continues the statewide perinatal substance use data linkage project for experts to develop legislative recommendations on improving outcomes for families impacted by substance use during pregnancy; and Launches a new data linkage project for opioid use disorders to better target investments to parts of Colorado with the greatest needs. “Preventable overdoses are rising across our state; we need to take action now to save lives,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, sponsor of Bills 1 and 3 . “Prevention and harm reduction efforts like those included in these bills are proven to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health. We’re working to fund community-based prevention organizations, interrupt the spread of communicable disease, improve community safety, and protect all our neighbors—including the front line direct services workers who provide support and care as they prevent and reverse drug overdoses.” “We have lost far too many Coloradans to accidental overdoses and substance use disorders. Something has to change,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, sponsor of Bills 1, 3 and 4. “We have worked hard to develop legislation that will result in meaningful harm reduction for people using substances, protect Coloradans stepping in to help those in crisis, and cultivate more supportive recovery programs to help Coloradans thrive. The bills we’re advancing today will save lives, and I’m optimistic about the progress we’ll make next session.” Bill 3 , sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Elisabeth Epps, and Senator Priola, focuses on harm reduction strategies. It would support efforts by local public health agencies to prevent the spread of disease by offering clean equipment, expand protections for Coloradans acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist, ensure that drug users know they can go to the hospital without fear of arrest, and broaden existing drug testing grant programs to get ahead of the next black market substances hitting Colorado like xylazine, or “tranq”. Bill 4 , sponsored by Senator Kevin Priola, Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, and House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, would foster more recovery-friendly workplaces, clear barriers for sober living residences, and urge grocery stores to avoid in-your-face alcohol advertizing that makes it harder for people in recovery to simply buy food for their families. The four 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

Governor Jared Polis today signed into law three bills to create jobs and boost Colorado’s rural economies. < Back May 29, 2024 Governor Signs Bills to Boost Rural Economies WESTERN SLOPE – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law three bills to create jobs and boost Colorado’s rural economies. Sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, and Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, HB24-1001 extends income tax credits and grants available to businesses and their employees through the Rural Jump-Start Program, aiming to reduce the cost of starting a new business or hiring employees in rural economic jump-start zones. “With these bills being signed into law today, we're bringing real results to the Western Slope,” said Lukens, sponsor of HB24-1001, HB24-1237 and SB24-190. “The Rural Jump-Start Program has supported numerous small businesses and created new jobs for rural Coloradans in communities like mine, and I’m proud that this bipartisan law will extend the program. We also passed a law that will support an expanded rail system from Steamboat Springs to Hayden to Craig to address issues that are most impacting rural and rural resort communities, like housing supply and workforce shortages. Finally, I'm proud that my bipartisan legislation to boost child care options for Colorado families is now law, making it easier for parents to find quality child care so they can get back into the workforce and keep our economies thriving.” “Today marks a transformative win-win for Northwest Colorado,” said Roberts, sponsor of HB24-1001 and SB24-190. “As the region’s State Senator, prioritizing economic opportunity and resources for these communities is a top priority. From continuing the successful Rural Jump-Start program to creating new financial incentives to attract large employers to Craig, Hayden, and Grand County, to building passenger rail from Craig all the way to Denver, we are setting Colorado’s rural economies up for success. The policies signed into law today direct crucial resources to communities to enable businesses to open their doors, hire employees, grow their operations, and thrive.” Rural economic jump-start zone are areas within a county with a population less than 250,000 that exhibits certain indicators of economic distress, such as lower per capita income than the state average, lower gross domestic product than the state average, unemployment levels higher than the statewide average, a declining workforce, or a higher concentration of students eligible for free lunch compared to the statewide average. Governor Polis also signed SB24-190 , which makes the design and use of mountain passenger rail more sustainable by incentivizing the transportation of freight from companies that establish operations in coal transition communities along the potential rail line, particularly Craig and Hayden. Sponsored by Senator Roberts, Representative Lukens, and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, the new law allocates up to $10 million in incentives per year for Hayden and Craig, and Grand, Moffat, and Routt Counties to attract and retain large-scale businesses utilizing freight rail. “From new job opportunities to more transportation options, our Western Slope communities will greatly benefit from this new law,” said McCluskie. “In addition to our Front Range passenger rail legislation, this law will bring our mountain and rural communities closer to an expanded rail system for transit and goods. We’re supporting the Western Slope, especially those in coal transition communities, to boost the economic security of our mountain and rural resort towns.” The proposed mountain line connects Denver to Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig and allows for commuter transit between the towns. However, continued freight use of the rail line is key to the financial viability of passenger rail service. Bringing new businesses into Northwest Colorado will expand economic development, create new jobs in the area, and provide essential support for the rail line. SB24-190 creates an income tax credit through the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) for businesses that choose to locate in a coal transition community and use rail to transport their freight. It also makes more of the region eligible for economic support from OEDIT, creating opportunities for economic diversification in the region and offering needed support for mountain rail development. Potential mountain rail would also facilitate increased tourism in the region, create additional economic growth, and allow locals to commute safely to and from Winter Park to Craig, with stops in between. Finally, the Governor signed HB24-1237 , sponsored by Representatives Lukens, and Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, and Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, which helps reduce costs for developing child care facilities by providing technical planning, building, construction, and development support. “I’m proud to see our bipartisan legislation to increase affordable child care options signed into law today,” said Marchman. “Quality, affordable child care is essential to support Colorado’s workforce, and by providing funding to develop new and convert existing spaces into childcare centers, we can offer more options to Colorado families.” The new law creates the framework to provide planning and capital grants, as well as technical support for local governments, institutions of higher education, public schools, employers, private partners, builders, and child care providers. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed, outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 15, 2024 Committee Passes Bill to Prevent Evictions, Homelessness DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed, outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “After I escaped my abuser, I struggled to make ends meet as a single mom, and I spent endless nights worrying that my son and I would lose the roof over our heads,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Unnecessary evictions perpetuate cycles of abuse and are another barrier that survivors face when they leave their abuser. I’m proudly sponsoring this legislation to prevent Colorado families from being displaced from their homes so they can create an environment for their children to learn, grow, and thrive.” “Far too many Coloradans have ended up homeless because of discriminatory or retaliatory evictions against renters that abided by their lease,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “‘Our ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation protects Colorado renters from avoidable evictions by clearly outlining reasons when an eviction is allowed, protecting renters that pay their rent and abide by their lease from being pushed out of their homes. This critical legislation will help alleviate housing insecurity, reduce homelessness, and protect the health and safety of Colorado renters.” Currently, Colorado law exposes renters to possible arbitrary, retaliatory or discriminatory evictions. The ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation would prevent a landlord from evicting a tenant unless there is cause for eviction. Under HB24-1098 , the reasons a landlord could lawfully evict a tenant include failure to pay rent in a timely manner, destruction of property, or a substantial violation of the rental agreement. The bill also includes allowable reasons for a no-fault lease non-renewal, including substantial repairs or conversion of a residential premises, and selling the property. Some exceptions to the ‘For Cause Eviction’ bill include rentals within the landlord’s primary residence, short-term rentals, mobile homes and for employers who provide housing to employees. Evictions threaten the health and safety of Coloradans, with research showing that individuals who experience an eviction are more likely to report poorer physical or mental health outcomes . In 2023, Denver set a new record of annual evictions, reaching nearly 13,000 filings. Previous Next