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A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today < Back August 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Law to Improve Education in Colorado Takes Effect DENVER, CO – A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today. Starting August 7, HB23-1263 , sponsored by Reps. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, and Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Sens. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, will reduce language barriers in special education learning plans. Under Colorado law, every public school student that qualifies for and receives special education services must have an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is catered to each individual student and aims to improve their educational results and ability to learn in the classroom. HB23-1263 requires the IEP, the draft IEP, and any other related documents to be translated to the primary language spoken at the students’ home as necessary. “Parents and guardians are invested in their child’s success at school, but language barriers can prevent them from understanding the details and requirements of their individual child’s education plan,” said Garcia. “This law works with local school districts to ensure that translated drafts of individualized education programs are provided so parents and guardians can be involved in their child’s special education eligibility. Together, we’re improving equity in our schools and making sure every learner is set up for success.” “Every parent or legal guardian should have equal opportunity to participate in their child’s learning plan, regardless of language barriers,” said Zenzinger. "This new law is essential, enabling families to actively collaborate in the creation of their child's learning plan, even if they don’t share a language with their child’s educators. I’m proud to have worked on this bill that will improve learning outcomes and better ensure quality special education." “In order for a child to be eligible for special education services their parents must provide critical input, but sometimes a language barrier can limit parental involvement,” said Young. “This law is another step toward eliminating language barriers and boosting equity in our schools by ensuring that parents whose primary language is not English have the opportunity to participate in decisions related to their children’s special education eligibility.” “Education is opportunity, and the law going into effect today will set Coloradans up for success,” said Gonzales. “HB 1263 will allow families of all backgrounds and languages to have an accessible opportunity to craft a special education learning plan. This is vital in our work to create an education system that works for all students and their families – regardless of language barrier.” Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2021 HOUSE PASSES SIX COLORADO COMEBACK STATE STIMULUS BILLS Legislation will create jobs, help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger DENVER, CO– The House today passed six Colorado Comeback state stimulus proposals to boost Colorado’s events industry, invest in workers, provide free mental health sessions for Colorado students, and make historic investments in the Colorado Water Plan. The bills are part of the state stimulus package that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. HB21-1253 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Meg Froelich, would invest $5 million in grants to local governments for job-creating projects in the renewable energy sector. The grants would be distributed by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and are intended to be allocated by August 15, 2021. The bill passed by a vote of 40-23. “Renewable energy projects create jobs, sustain communities, and position Colorado for a cleaner future,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “HB21-1253 will boost economies across our state by enabling renewable energy infrastructure projects where they’re needed most. We have a tremendous opportunity to build the clean energy infrastructure that will power Colorado into the future.” The lack of qualified talent in Colorado has been one of the primary barriers to business growth. HB21-1264 , sponsored by Representatives Sullivan and Young, would invest $25 million to provide Coloradans with reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling opportunities that lead to industry-recognized credentials and employment opportunities in growing industries that are looking to hire. The money would go to the Colorado Workforce Development Council, which will work with local workforce boards to distribute funds across the state to local workforce centers and nonprofit entities. The funds will allow these entities to serve up 6,000 Coloradans through the completion of training programs. The bill passed by a vote of X-X. “Building back stronger means making sure that Colorado workers are ready and prepared to fill jobs in the fastest growing industries so we can boost our economy and get people back to work,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This bill fuels the job and skills training infrastructure we need to be competitive, create jobs, and increase wages for hardworking people.” HB21-1262 , sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Mike Lynch, supports Colorado’s agriculture industry by providing $3.5 million to the Colorado Stock Show–a staple to the state’s agricultural industry and Denver’s economy–as well as $3.5 million for the State Fair, and $2 million to agricultural events organizations across the state. The bill passed by a vote of 55-8. “The National Western Stock Show brings nearly $100 million in economic activity to Denver while agriculture events and programs help create jobs all across Colorado,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “These events strengthen our western culture and are a big part of who we are as Coloradans. I’m proud the legislature is standing up to support Colorado agriculture, the Stock Show, and local events that are vitally important to our communities.” HB21-1263 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Matt Soper, would create the Meeting & Events Incentive Program within the Office of Economic Development & International Trade’s (OEDIT) Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). The program would provide rebates to incentivize planners to host events in Colorado, bolstering the tourism economy and industry, and supporting thousands of small businesses across the State. The bill appropriates $10 million for the program. The bill passed by a vote of 48-15. Eligible events must generate at least 25 overnight stays. The bill stipulates that the Tourism Office must support events equitably and proportionally across the state and prioritize events with potential to generate local business earnings and tax revenues. Eligible events would receive up to a 10% rebate of the hard costs of the event and a 25% rebate of the COVID-19 related costs. Finally, a small portion of the funds may be used to provide up-front support to attract large events that impact multiple counties and have potential to generate significant economic impact. “Events fill rooms in hotels, tables in restaurants, and shoppers in stores, and that’s exactly what communities across Colorado need right now,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Big events, conferences, festivals and more had to cancel their bookings in our state during the last year and those in the business of events took a hard hit. This bill will provide a direct and impactful incentive for people and organizations to choose Colorado for their events and that investment will benefit businesses all across our state in a big way.” HB21-1258 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Kevin Van Winkle, would create a temporary youth mental health services program in the Office of Behavioral Health within the Department of Human Services to facilitate access to mental health services for identified needs, including those that may have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program would provide any young person age 18 and under with an online mental health screening and would then reimburse providers for up to three mental health sessions. This support is intended to prepare children for the return to in-person learning and a review of stress management tools, and to make a plan for ongoing treatment when necessary. We estimate that this program can support up to 25,537 children . The bill passed by a vote of 48-15. HB21-1260 , sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett and Representative Marc Catlin, would provide $20 million to the state water conservation board to implement the state water plan. The funds will be divided between the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund, which may be used for water plan grants, and the Water Supply Reserve Fund, which provides grants and loans to address water supply issues. The bill passed by a vote of 63-0. Previous Next

< Back March 18, 2022 TWO BILLS TO BOOST ACCESS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE PASS COMMITTEE Legislation will improve access to care by investing $100 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment, and better integrate physical and behavioral health care DENVER, CO – The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee passed two bills today that will boost access to behavioral health care by expanding the state’s inpatient and residential treatment capacity and better integrating physical and behavioral health care. Both bills are based on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force and seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address Colorado’s most pressing needs. “We’re making a $65 million investment to expand inpatient and residential treatment care and services in Colorado,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Right now, we don’t have enough treatment beds to meet the needs of Coloradans with substance use disorders and serious mental illness. This transformational investment will fund 16 beds in Fort Logan and 125 residential care beds across the state so more Coloradans can get access to the treatment they need and deserve. Expanding treatment and residential care capacity is just one of the many ways we’re working to ensure Coloradans have access to the lifesaving care they need, when they need it.” “Improving the integration between physical and behavioral health care will help build healthier communities and improve outcomes,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Thanks to the $35 million investment in this bill, Coloradans can access critical behavioral health care and primary care from the same place, saving them time, money and hassle. Behavioral and physical health are equally important in overall health and this bill makes it easier for Coloradans to access critical care such as mental health counseling and substance use disorder screening and treatment.” Adult Inpatient and Residential Care: HB22-1303 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Shane Sandridge, invests $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options. Currently, Colorado does not have enough residential treatment beds to treat individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occuring conditions or in need of civil commitment. The bill supports the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state. These beds will be available for adults with urgent behavioral health needs who need clinical support to become stabilized. They will provide integrated care to flexibly serve all populations, including individuals involved in the criminal justice system and those awaiting competency restoration services. HB22-1303 passed committee by a vote of 9 to 1. Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1302 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will, invests $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. The funding could be used to better streamline and co-locate behavioral and physical health care services in outpatient, pediatric and primary care settings. HB22-1302 passed committee by a vote of 10 to 1. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Manny Rutinel that would improve Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing. < Back March 4, 2025 Committee Passes Bipartisan Bill to Increase Affordable For-Sale Housing DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Manny Rutinel that would improve Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing. “Coloradans sent us to the Capitol to help make our state more affordable, and that is especially true when it comes to the housing crisis ,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “This is a bipartisan solution that will save people money on housing and open up additional funding to build homes that work for every budget. We’re boosting more ‘starter homes’ in our communities, supporting local workforces and making it easier for hardworking Coloradans to become homeowners.” SB25-006 would allow the state treasurer to invest up to $50 million in Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) bonds to buy down the construction and mortgage costs of affordable for-sale housing that would otherwise not be built. These funds would give low interest rates to builders in exchange for long-term affordability restrictions and low mortgage rates to first-time buyers to ease their way into the housing market. The $50 million would finance homeownership for 175-200 new low- and middle-income residents. SB25-006, also sponsored by Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, passed by a vote of 9-3. Previous Next

HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory < Back March 22, 2023 Two Bills Advance to Boost Colorado’s Workforce, Save People Money on Degree Programs HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory DENVER, CO – Two bills to help Coloradans get connected to in-demand careers and boost Colorado’s workforce passed committee today. HB23-1246, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would break down financial barriers for aspiring professionals to enter new, high-demand careers through a zero-cost credentials program. SB23-146, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Regina English, would update the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for apprenticeships. “Zero-cost credentials save Coloradans money, help critical industries meet workforce demands and offer Coloradans the training and education they need to succeed,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB22-1246. “Whether you’re an aspiring early childhood educator, nurse or firefighter, our bill breaks down financial barriers to entering these and many other in-demand fields so Coloradans can get a jumpstart on the career of their dreams. New, free pathways help us build strong talent pipelines and connect Coloradans to careers that allow them to live and serve in their communities.” Zero-Cost Credentials for Aspiring Professionals: HB23-1246 passed the House Education Committee unanimously. This bill would invest $45 million over the span of two years and pave the way for aspiring professionals in high-demand fields to receive free training toward associate degrees and industry certificates in eligible industries. Eligible industries would include elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management, short-term nursing programs, and construction trades. For programs that are already zero cost to students, such as Registered Apprenticeship Programs, funding will be provided to cover the costs associated with the training, like instructor time and instructional materials. The funding to assist Registered Apprenticeship Programs in HB23-1246 is projected to train more than 3,000 students in the construction trades. HB23-1246 builds off our success in the Care Forward Colorado Program to cover the costs associated with reskilling and upskilling, such as tuition, books, and additional instructional training, and expands the number of eligible career fields to include six foundational areas of the workforce. Since its launch in 2022, the Care Forward Colorado Program has successfully trained approximately 1,500 students as certified nursing assistants, emergency services professionals and other high-demand health care careers. “In Colorado, there are many high-demand industries looking for qualified workers,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB23-146. “This legislation works to improve the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so we can help our critical industries meet their hiring demands and get Coloradans connected to a career they can be proud of. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experiences in the field, and our bill makes finding a path to a new career easier.” “Many of Colorado’s critical industries are facing workforce shortages, and we're doing everything we can to streamline qualified individuals into open careers,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of SB23-146. “We’re taking steps to not only improve Colorado’s workforce shortage but also ease the transition for Coloradans seeking new, in-demand careers. Our bill modernizes the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so Coloradans can spend less time searching for the career of their dreams and more time in the field.” Updating the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory: SB23-146 passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to collect and make publicly available more useful information on apprenticeship programs, including each program's registration information and credentials that a worker may earn or become eligible for through the apprenticeship. The Colorado Apprenticeship Directory provides a comprehensive, searchable list of registered apprenticeship program sponsors that operate in Colorado. This bill aims to update the online directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for registered apprenticeship opportunities in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2021 FOSTER YOUTH DRIVERS ED CRUISES THROUGH THE HOUSE, IS EN ROUTE TO THE SENATE DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Tony Exum’s bipartisan bills to give more of Colorado’s foster youth the opportunity to obtain drivers licenses. The bill passed by a vote of 61-2. “Driving is a rite of passage and a liberating experience for most of Colorado’s teens, and today we voted to ensure foster youth aren’t left out,” said Transportation and Local Government Chair Rep Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs . “Making sure foster kids drive safely and are able to obtain their first drivers licenses will help get them on the road to success. I remain committed to doing everything I can to level the playing field for foster youth in Colorado.” HB21-1084 takes several steps to help foster youth in Colorado learn to drive and obtain drivers licenses. It would ensure that counties are reimbursed for the cost of sending foster youth aged 15 to 21 to driver’s education courses and would remove legal barriers preventing counties and foster youth advocates from teaching foster youth how to drive. Finally, it eases requirements on the types of documentation foster youth must provide when applying for a driver permit or license. Previous Next

< Back October 17, 2022 Roberts and Bird Selected as 2022 Legislators of the Year by MADD DENVER, CO – Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, were honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for their efforts to end impaired driving. Representatives Roberts and Bird join an esteemed list of 65 state lawmakers from across the U.S. who championed legislation to protect innocent lives and create safer roads. “Creating safer roads has been a top priority for me and my community and I’m deeply honored to be selected as a Legislator of the Year by MADD,” said Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon . “Working with Minority Leader McKean and colleagues on both sides of the aisle I was proud to lead legislation to significantly reduce impaired driving and ensure Coloradans with prior DUI charges only get behind the wheel if they’re sober. This law will save lives and I’m incredibly thankful for the advocates at MADD for their partnership and this recognition.” Representative Roberts was honored for his work on Senate Bill 22-055 , Alcohol Monitoring For Impaired Driving Offenders. This new bipartisan law increases access to ignition interlocks for all DUI offenders and requires continuous alcohol monitoring for a felony or third DUI offense. It also cuts down on impaired driving and repeat offenses by making sure Coloradans with DUI convictions or pending cases only drive if they are sober. Representative Bird was honored for her work to protect Colorado’s statewide 2 a.m. bar closing time and prevent increased drunk driving crashes. According to MADD, impaired driving fatalities are at a 20-year high in Colorado .   The nationwide recognition received by Representatives Roberts and Bird shows their commitment to saving lives, preventing injuries and creating a safer Colorado for all. MADD is the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to ending impaired driving. Previous Next

< Back May 15, 2021 DEMS ADVANCE TAX FAIRNESS PACKAGE Bills would limit subsidies for the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations to provide tax assistance to hardworking Coloradans and small businesses DENVER, CO– The House Finance Committee today advanced legislation that would provide economic assistance to hardworking families and small businesses. The two bills boost the state Earned Income Tax Credit, fund the state Child Tax Credit, and raise the exemption for business personal property taxes by limiting loopholes for the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations. “We have a choice to make–we can create a fair tax system that supports the families, workers and small businesses who are being left behind in our recovery, or we can continue outdated and ineffective tax windfalls for the wealthiest individuals and most profitable corporations,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Low wage workers and small businesses are falling behind as special interests protect their ineffective and outdated tax subsidies. As we emerge from this pandemic, we have to do everything possible to help all Coloradans recover as quickly as possible and build back stronger.” “This pandemic and recovery have not treated all Coloradans the same; the wealthy and largest businesses have fully recovered as middle and lower-income workers are falling behind,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Colorado’s billionaires grew their wealth by $10 billion since the pandemic began. We can either create a fairer tax code that lowers taxes on small businesses and increases assistance to hardworking families, or we can continue outdated loopholes that only benefit a few of the most prosperous corporations and wealthiest individuals. The choice is clear to me.” HB21-1311 would boost the incomes of over 300,000 hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 20 percent of the federal credit and by funding the state’s Child Tax Credit, which was created in 2013, but has never been funded. In order to provide this relief, the bill closes loopholes primarily used for tax avoidance or which only benefit three-tenths of a percent of the wealthiest tax filers, such as eliminating at the state level business meals deduction expanded by the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and requiring filers to report financial accounts held in foreign tax shelters. HB21-1312 would eliminate business personal property taxes (BPPT) for over two-thirds of the businesses that remit BPPT. Currently, businesses with under $7,900 in business personal property do not have to pay BPPT. The bill increases this exemption to $50,000. In addition to providing an important tax cut to tens of thousands of small businesses, raising the exemption means businesses will no longer have to complete and submit burdensome paperwork needed to claim the BPPT exemption. In order to provide this relief, the bill modifies ineffective tax subsidies for the largest businesses, such as strengthening the criteria insurance companies must meet in order receive a 50 percent discount on their insurance premium tax rate. Many of the tax expenditures that these bills seek to close or limit have been identified by the State Auditor as ineffective and only benefit a small number of businesses and Colorado’s wealthiest residents. The bills seek to narrow expenditures that benefit only a few individuals and large businesses in order to provide broad tax relief to large numbers of hardworking Coloradans and small businesses. For fact sheets or to learn more about the bills visit taxjustice.co Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist that would raise the minimum age to purchase ammunition for rifle and shotgun ammunition to 21 years old and require ammunition to be stored behind the counter like nicotine, cold medicine, and other commonly misused or harmful products. HB25-1133 passed by a vote of 7-6. < Back February 14, 2025 Bill to Create Safeguards on Ammunition Purchases Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist that would raise the minimum age to purchase ammunition for rifle and shotgun ammunition to 21 years old and require ammunition to be stored behind the counter like nicotine, cold medicine, and other commonly misused or harmful products. HB25-1133 passed by a vote of 7-6. “Gun violence is both tragic and preventable, and as a victim of gun violence and intimidation in my youth, I know this bill can help save lives and make our communities safer,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Colorado Democrats have worked hard to protect Colorado communities from gun violence, including recently raising the age to purchase a firearm to 21 years old. With this bill, we’re making Colorado gun laws straightforward - you must be at least 21 to purchase any type of firearm or ammunition. By increasing the age to purchase firearm ammunition and putting ammunition behind the counter, we can better protect our kids from gun violence and improve public safety.” “Firearms are the leading cause of death for 18-20 year olds, and the increase in firearm suicides should be alarming to everyone,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “As a mother to young kids, I worry that their school could be the next site of a mass tragedy. Gun violence is all too common in Colorado, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why I’m sponsoring this bill to help reduce youth firearm suicides by raising the minimum age to purchase ammunition and adding protections, saving countless Colorado lives.” Under current law, individuals must be 21 years old to purchase any firearm but only 18 years old to purchase ammunition. HB25-1133 would raise the minimum age to purchase rifle or shotgun ammunition to 21 years old. Sellers would be required to verify that the buyer is at least 21 years old using a valid government-issued photo identification. The bill also requires sellers to display ammunition in a position where an employee must assist the buyer, like in an enclosed display case or behind a counter, to help prevent theft. Any person delivering ammunition would be required to verify that the person receiving the delivery is at least 21 years old and obtain written proof of receipt of the delivery from the recipient. A violation of this bill would be a civil infraction, but subsequent violations would classify as a class 1 misdemeanor. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026. According to Everytown for Gun Safety , firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased by a staggering 41 percent in the last decade. Majority Leader Duran passed a law in 2023 to raise the minimum age to purchase a long gun firearm to 21, which was already the minimum age to purchase a handgun. She also passed a safe storage law that promotes responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. Previous Next

< Back June 23, 2021 DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CREATED TO SUPPORT COLORADO FAMILIES DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed into law Speaker Garnett and Representative Sirota’s bill to create a new, cabinet-level state agency focused on early childhood education and care, setting up the framework for universal pre-K in Colorado. “This is a great day for Colorado’s kids, parents, educators, and early childhood advocates,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “Guided by their input, this year we set out to ensure Colorado families can access affordable, quality preschool education and early learning services. Today we delivered by creating an innovative new agency that will set us down the path toward guaranteeing universal pre-k to every family in Colorado. Investing in our kids means planting the seeds for a better, more prosperous Colorado to come.” “For too long, Colorado’s early childhood education and care system has been fractured and difficult to navigate,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “After today, our efforts to support, educate and care for our youngest Coloradans will be more efficiently organized and will have the resources and funding they need to make a difference. As a former early learning professional, I know that supporting families during the critical early learning years is among the most impactful things we can do to invest in our childrens’ success.” Based on the recommendations of the Early Childhood Leadership Commission, HB21-1304 creates the Department of Early Childhood as a new, cabinet-level state agency with a mission to expand access to high-quality, voluntary, affordable early childhood opportunities, support parents in accessing programs and services, promote equitable delivery of resources, and unify the fragmented administration of early childhood services to reduce duplicative oversight and administrative burden on families, providers, and educators. The new law also requires the creation of a plan to implement voluntary universal preschool statewide in alignment with Proposition EE, and streamlines existing and new funding sources for early childhood education and care programs. Under this legislation, the Governor will submit the community-informed transition plan to the Joint Budget Committee in November as part of his 2022 budget request, to be considered for further legislative action by the General Assembly in the 2022 session. Previous Next

< Back September 7, 2021 “KEEP COLORADO WILD” PASS AND FREE STATE PARK ACCESS FOR PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS GO INTO EFFECT DENVER, CO– Two laws passed last session to make it easier for Coloradans to access state parks and recreation areas go into effect today. SB21-249 , sponsored by Representatives Kerry Tipper and Perry Will, creates a discounted Keep Colorado Wild Pass to increase access to and funding for Colorado’s state parks and public lands. HB21-1116 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Richard Holtorf, allows Colorado veterans with purple heart license plates and their passengers free entry to state parks and recreation areas. “The ‘Keep Colorado Pass’ will make it easier for people to enjoy some of the most incredible state parks and public lands in the country,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “Starting soon, Colorado drivers will have access to cheaper park passes that will help us ensure our parks have the resources they need to flourish, protect visitors and remain open for all to enjoy.” SB21-249, also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-New Castle, creates the Keep Colorado Wild Pass, a discounted state park pass which can be paid for at the time a vehicle is registered or during the registration renewal process. The pass grants entry into state parks and other public lands and the revenue collected from the pass will go toward investments in our public lands and state parks, which have taken a toll from a surge in outdoor recreation during the COVID pandemic. Also going into effect today is a bill to expand access to our state parks for veterans who have received the Purple Heart medal, sponsored by Rep. David Ortiz. “Colorado’s spectacular state parks offer tremendous benefits and recreation opportunities for Purple Heart recipients and disabled veterans,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “ While we can never repay the debt we owe to all of our nation’s Purple Heart recipients, this small token of gratitude honors our veterans and ensures that cost will never be a barrier for them to access and enjoy our state parks.” HB21-1116, a bipartisan bill sponsored by combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Representative David Ortiz and Representative Richard Holtorf, would allow veterans displaying a Purple Heart special license plate to access any state park or recreation area free of charge. Any Purple Heart recipient who is a resident of Colorado could also obtain a free state parks pass from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office. Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO SAVE SENIORS MONEY ON HOUSING DENVER, CO – The House today passed HB22-1205, which will save seniors money on housing by creating a temporary new income tax credit. The bill passed 51-12 with half of all House Republicans opposing this relief for Colorado seniors. “This bill will save nearly 140,000 Colorado seniors money on housing by creating a new refundable income tax credit,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This credit will boost the incomes of seniors who rent their homes or haven’t owned them long enough to qualify for the senior homestead exemption. Rising housing costs and property values are hurting Colorado seniors, and this bill will bring much needed relief and save them money.” “With housing costs rising, Colorado seniors need relief, and that’s exactly what this bill provides through a new refundable tax credit,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This legislation will put money back into seniors’ pockets, save seniors money on housing, and help vulnerable Coloradans afford the rising cost of living in Colorado.” HB22-1205 will save Colorado seniors $100 million on their housing costs by creating a new refundable income tax credit. Seniors with incomes under $75,000 who have not claimed the senior homestead exemption will be eligible for the tax credit. The credit starts at $1,000 for taxpayers with incomes below $25,000 and phases out slowly by $10 for every $500 of income above $25,000. Because the credit is refundable, taxpayers will receive the benefit even if the credit exceeds their tax liability. According to the bill’s fiscal note prepared by nonpartisan staff, nearly 60,000 Coloradans will receive the full $1,000 credit, and up to 77,000 Coloradans will see tax relief under the bill. The chart below shows the tax credit amount as it phases out by income level. Previous Next