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< Back July 8, 2020 COLLEGE CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, CRITICAL SCHOOL SAFETY & MENTAL HEALTH BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW New laws boost higher education attainment, improve school safety and support Colorado teachers and students Arvada, CO– Today at Red Rocks Community College in Arvada, Governor Jared Polis signed seven bills into law to boost higher education attainment, improve school safety and increase access to behavioral health services for students. “The new laws signed today are about making it easier for Coloradans to start and complete a higher education degree,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “We’re giving non-traditional students a leg up and are expanding adult education grants to help Coloradans learn the skills they need to provide academic support to those they care for. We’re also doing away with the unnecessary and often harmful requirement that high schools list standardized test scores on students’ transcripts.” HB20-1002 , sponsored by Reps. Barbara McLachlan and Mark Baisley, requires a plan to award academic credit for work-related experiences that will be transferable and accepted at all state institutions by 2022, improving affordability for non-traditional students. SB20-009, sponsored by Reps. McLachlan and Marc Catlin, increases the number of eligible adult education providers as well as expands the goals of the state’s adult education program to create a two-generation approach to adult and childhood literacy, ultimately increasing educational and employment opportunities for both the adults in the program and their children. SB20-175 , sponsored by Reps. Brianna Titone and McLachlan, prohibits students’ national standardized test score from being included on high school transcripts, which has been required in Colorado. Standardized tests have proven to be a poor measure of a student’s success, and requiring their inclusion on transcripts disadvantages lower-income students who may not have access to expensive test preparation materials and services. HB20-1113 , sponsored by Reps. Titone and Kevin Van Winkle, improves the state’s Safe2Tell program. The new changes align the Safe2Tell program and the crisis hotline more closely to help individuals in crisis rapidly access crisis counseling. It adjusts the annual advertising campaign to improve awareness about the program and reduce its misuse, and it enhances Safe2Tell’s ability to prevent imminent physical harm. “I’m proud of the way we were able to come together in a bipartisan way and put Colorado students first,” said Rep. Titone, D-Arvada. “By getting rid of the unproven, stressful and discriminatory requirement to include standardized test scores on high school transcripts, an idea brought to me by a constituent, more students will have a fair opportunity to succeed after they graduate. These laws will provide educators the tools they need to help our students and will improve the Safe2Tell program so that it better serves our youth, keeps them safe and saves lives.” “The pandemic has changed students’ lives in so many ways; it’s clear we need to keep mental health at the forefront of our response to this public health crisis,” said School Safety Committee Chair Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We made important progress this year, improving the Safe2Tell program, expanding behavioral health training for educators, and allocating significant federal resources for behavioral health services in schools.” HB20-1312, sponsored by Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Titone, includes behavioral health training and awareness of laws and practices relating to educating students with disabilities in the professional development requirements to obtain a teacher’s license. HB20-1407 , sponsored by Reps. Cathy Kipp and Baisley, allows publicly funded colleges and universities the option to waive standardized testing as a requirement for admission for high school students graduating in 2021 in response to the pandemic. The governor also signed SB20-183 , sponsored by Reps. Baisley and Titone, which allows the statewide internet portal authority (SIPA) to serve institutions of higher education, the state department of education, and other state agencies. SIPA provides technology services and products. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to create jobs and boost rural economies. < Back February 1, 2024 Lukens’ Bipartisan Bill to Boost Rural Economies Clears Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to create jobs and boost rural economies. HB24-1001, sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens, will extend the Rural Jump-start Program until 2031. “Rural economies are driven by local business, and this bill will help ease economic barriers for new small businesses and create jobs in rural Colorado,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “For Coloradans on the Western Slope, small businesses serve as a hub for community and a cornerstone for our rural economies. This bipartisan bill continues the successful Rural Jump-start Program, which offers small businesses grants and tax credits to grow, hire, and retain workers. Investing in rural Colorado is critical for our communities and makes our state stronger.” HB24-1001 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, passed committee unanimously. This bill aims to extend income tax credits and grants available to businesses and their employees that participate in the Colorado Rural Jump-start Zone Program and Grant Program. Under this bill, the Grant Program would extend through June 2026 and the Jump-start Zone Program, which includes the business tax incentives, would extend through 2031. These successful programs are designed to reduce the costs of starting a new business or hiring new employees in rural economic jump-start zones . HB24-1001 would play a crucial role in boosting rural economies, supporting small businesses, and creating new jobs in all four corners of the state. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2024 House Approves Bill to Identify Suspicious Purchases to Reduce Gun Violence Legislation would make it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns, helping to prevent gun violence DENVER, CO - The House today advanced gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Javier Mabrey to help law enforcement recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns. “Prior to the tragic Aurora movie theater shooting, the shooter had purchased over $11,000 worth of firearms, ammunition, and military gear in the weeks leading up to the shooting, ultimately killing 12 innocent Coloradans,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Credit card merchant codes are an effective tool already used by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and money laundering crimes, and our bill would expand this tool to help us stop gun violence before it impacts our communities. Our legislation is crucial in giving law enforcement a head start in preventing gun violence so we can save Colorado lives." “Credit cards have been used to finance many of the major mass shootings in recent years, and identifying suspicious weapon and ammunition stockpiling before a tragedy can take place will save lives," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "Firearms are uniquely exempted from having a merchant code. Almost every other product has one of these codes and this bill removes that exemption. This information could be provided to law enforcement, and it could have a life-saving impact in our communities.” SB24-066 would require payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard to provide a specific code, known as a merchant code, for businesses that primarily sell firearms and ammunition. Merchant codes would allow banks and credit card companies to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns – like a domestic extremist building up an arsenal – and report them to law enforcement. A report found this legislation could have prevented many mass shootings, including the Aurora movie theater shooting and the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The Aurora movie theater shooter used a MasterCard to buy $11,000 worth of weapons and military gear at multiple stores in the six weeks before the shooting. ### Previous Next

< Back May 21, 2019 FULL DAY-K ON THE WAY: MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN BILL ON FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN SIGNED INTO LAW Bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and Senate (May 21) – Today, Gov. Jared Polis signed a bipartisan bill by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Rep Jim Wilson, R-Salida, to fund full-day kindergarten. The upcoming state budget proposes funding full-day kindergarten in a responsible, sustainable manner. The program is set to begin this Fall. “Full-day K is coming to a school near you beginning this Fall. This is an historic moment for kids, parents and our state, and this program will provide important benefits for hardworking families for years to come. Full-day kindergarten will put Colorado kids all across our state on the path to success,” said Rep. McLachlan. “Access to early childhood education is the best gift we can provide to our young learners.” Many young students lack access to full-day kindergarten, despite research showing they will benefit significantly from this learning experience. While a large number of Colorado schools have increased access to full day kindergarten over time despite inadequate funding, there are still 14,000 children without access to this important educational resource. Those who lack access often face some of the steepest obstacles to affording the tuition that is charged in many districts or live in communities that cannot afford to cut resources from other parts of the K-12 budget to offer a free full-day experience. Increased state funding would help open doors to a research-proven strategy to improve children’s academic and life success. An added benefit of funding full-day kindergarten is the complementary freeing up of more than 5,000 Early Childhood At-Risk Enhancement (ECARE) slots in the Colorado Preschool Program for young learners. Full day kindergarten would go into effect beginning in Fall 2019. Previous Next

Representatives Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo and Matthew Martinez, D-Alamosa today released the following statement following a train derailment outside Pueblo: < Back October 16, 2023 Mauro, Martinez Release Statement Regarding Pueblo Train Derailment DENVER, CO – Representatives Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo and Matthew Martinez, D-Alamosa today released the following statement following a train derailment outside Pueblo: “We’re deeply saddened and concerned by the derailment in northern Pueblo County of a large coal train, and we mourn the semi-truck driver who was killed during the incident. We are truly grateful for the first responders and Colorado State Patrol who have been on scene to assist in traffic navigation, communication and operations. “While the cause for the derailment is still unknown, our community is now grappling with a massive cleanup effort and the re-opening of I-25 to ease travel and economic disruptions. We are committed to working toward solutions alongside our colleagues in the legislature and other officials to ensure the safety of the railways our community and economy relies on.” Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Iman Jodeh to improve maternal health care in Colorado. HB24-1262 includes modifying the midwife licensure process and creating a new professional title, collecting more data on mistreatment during the perinatal period, and requiring advance notice to a patient when a facility reduces or ends maternal health care services. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. < Back March 12, 2024 Legislation to Reduce Maternal Mortality, Address Disparity of Care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Iman Jodeh to improve maternal health care in Colorado. HB24-1262 includes modifying the midwife licensure process and creating a new professional title, collecting more data on mistreatment during the perinatal period, and requiring advance notice to a patient when a facility reduces or ends maternal health care services. The bill passed by a vote of 11-0. “Our country is in a maternal health crisis and we need to focus on expanding care options and identifying causes of maternal mortality and mistreatment to better protect the health of our Colorado families,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “A report found that 89 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in Colorado were preventable, and this is especially true for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Our legislation works to increase access to maternal care, including midwives, to provide trauma-informed care, safe transitions, and other wraparound services so pregnant Coloradans can receive the care they need.” “As a new mom, I know how important it is to have quality health care providers by your side that will advocate for the best health outcomes for you and your baby,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Families should have the freedom to choose a health care provider that best fits their needs, especially for the Black and Indigenous Coloradans that are two to three times as likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth. This bill will help improve Coloradans’ access to life-saving health care to keep Colorado families safe and healthy.” Starting September 1, 2024, HB24-1262 would require any individual who practices certified professional midwifery to have a valid license. The bill would update the title of “direct-entry midwives” to “certified professional midwives” (CPMs) and change the regulation from registration to licensure. The licensure process includes passing an exam, graduating from an accredited midwifery education program, holding a CPM credential from the North American Registry of Midwives, being certified by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to perform adult and infant CPR, or having an equivalent education that is approved by the director of the Division of Professions and Occupations. The bill would also: Provide more direction to the Civil Rights Commission on how to collect reports of mistreatment in maternity care to help identify ways to address prenatal mistreatment and discrimination, Create an advisory panel to provide recommendations on disciplinary actions against CPMs, Add a midwife who is practicing in a freestanding birth center, in a rural area, or as a home birth provider to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, Require a health care facility that provides maternal health care services to provide notice at least 90 days before the reduction or end of these services, Require the Colorado Maternal Mortality Prevention Program to study closures and availability of perinatal health care, impacts on affected populations, and provide recommendations to the General Assembly, and Add pregnancy as a protected class for the purposes of discrimination in places of public accommodation. The Colorado Maternal Mortality Review Committee made recommendations to combat the maternal mortality crisis, including increasing access to varied health care like midwifery, addressing maternal health workforce shortages, and studying the impact of facility shortages on Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, rural, and immigrant and refugee communities. A 2022 report found that 38 percent of Colorado counties are a maternal health care desert, meaning they don’t have perinatal health care providers or birth centers. A 2023 report found that Black Coloradans are twice as likely to die during pregnancy or within one year postpartum, while Indigenous communities are three times as likely. Previous Next

< Back June 1, 2021 HOUSE INVESTS IN RURAL ECONOMIES, COLORADO PROUD PRODUCTS DENVER, CO — The House today passed three bipartisan bills to invest in rural economies and communities and promote Colorado’s agriculture products. These bills 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 on Third Reading. “By investing in the Colorado proud program, we’re ensuring that Colorado’s economic recovery extends to our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and other agricultural producers,” said Rep Donald Valdez, D- La Jara, sponsor of SB21-203. “This bill provides rural colorado and our agriculture sector with a much-needed boost. Colorado’s agricultural products are made with the highest standards, and the Colorado Proud seal will soon be a symbol of quality across the country and around the globe.” Colorado’s robust agricultural sector has been the backbone of our economy for decades, and the pandemic has burdened the industry with unique challenges that require additional resources to overcome. To accelerate the economic recovery of our agricultural and rural communities, SB21-203 , which is also sponsored by Representative Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, provides $2.5 million to the Department of Agriculture for the Colorado Proud program. Colorado Proud provides new opportunities for Colorado’s food and agricultural producers to increase sales globally and helps support the growth and resiliency of Colorado food systems. The bill passed by a vote of 55-8. “The REDI program is uniquely poised to provide the shot in the arm that rural Colorado needs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB21-204. “With the help of the funding provided by this bill, the REDI program will be able to continue its critical work of revitalizing rural economies across the state. It’s time to build rural Colorado back stronger.” In an effort to help rural communities strengthen their local economies, SB21-204 transfers $5 million to the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Grant Program to be used for projects that create diversity and resiliency in the local economies of rural communities. The bill is also sponsored by Rep.Tanya Van Beber, R-Weld County. Over the past several years, REDI grants have funded improvements to historic buildings, investments in business centers, economic action plans, revitalization of infrastructure, and other economic development initiatives that create and retain jobs and build capacity in rural communities around the state. The bill passed by a vote of 52-11. “Colorado’s Rural Jump Start program is a proven initiative that supports small businesses and creates jobs in rural, economically distressed areas and communities transitioning away from coal based economies,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB21-229. “Businesses that open or hire new employees in rural jump-start zones will be eligible for thousands of dollars of financial incentives for each new job they create. By boosting this program with state stimulus funds, we will help rural Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. ” SB21-229 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, 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. Of the grants available, new businesses can receive up to $20,000 for establishing operations in rural jump-start zones and up to $2,500 for each new job they create. While businesses establishing operations in coal transition communities (as identified in the Office of Just Transition Action Plan ) can receive up to $40,000 as well as up to $5,000 for each new job they create. The bill passed by a vote of 51-12. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2023 Bill Improving Access to Life-Saving Medicine Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed a bill allowing psychologists to prescribe some mental health medications after receiving additional education and training. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. “Treatment for mental illness can take many forms, but when someone needs prescription medication, it can often be costly and take too long to get in to see a prescriber,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Allowing specially-trained psychologists to prescribe medication that best fits their patient’s needs will improve treatment options, reduce costs, and increase access to life-saving care for Coloradans with mental illness.” HB23-1071 establishes rigorous standards and education requirements that a psychologist must undertake before being able to prescribe medication to treat mental health illnesses. Only licensed Ph.D. psychologists who receive an additional master’s degree in psychopharmacology, pass a national board exam, complete a preceptorship for up to two years, and spend two additional years prescribing under the supervision of trained licensed prescribing clinicians. Once licensed, psychologists would work in conjunction with the patient’s primary care provider or general practitioner team to ensure that any prescribed medication is being monitored and working effectively for whole care health. Under this bill, these licensed psychologists will not be authorized to prescribe narcotic drugs. Currently, if medication is part of the patient’s care plan, the patient must meet with a doctor or psychiatrist to have the prescription issued. Few of the only 800 psychiatrists throughout Colorado accept Medicaid. Patients often struggle to find an available psychiatrist within their insurance network, forcing them to choose between large out-of-pocket costs or waiting months for the medication they need. Allowing psychologists limited prescribing authority to provide immediate access to medication can save the patient time and money. Psychologists work closely with their patients to determine how to best address their mental health needs. When patients meet with a doctor or psychiatrist, it’s often their first time discussing their mental health issues and telehealth appointments can make it difficult to accurately assess the patient’s condition. Allowing licensed psychologists who often meet monthly or even more frequently with patients and are more familiar with their condition to prescribe medication, streamlines access to effective health care and leads to more appropriate care. Previous Next

< Back February 19, 2020 CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FOR HEALTH CARE COST-SHARING ARRANGEMENTS MOVE FORWARD DENVER, CO — Rep. Susan Lontine’s bill to enact protections for consumers in health care cost-sharing arrangements that are not health insurers today was approved by the House Health and Insurance Committee. The bill would protect consumers by giving the Colorado Division of Insurance authority to conduct specific oversight of healthcare cost sharing arrangements to help ensure that they provide consumers with full information about their financial capacity to pay claims. “Consumers should know what to expect when they pay into a health care cost-sharing agreement,” said Health and Insurance Chair Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “This bill would ensure that those buying into cost sharing agreements understand exactly how they operate and what their limits are. While there are plenty of well-meaning and responsible cost sharing communities out there, we have heard too many stories of bad actors taking advantage of health care consumers to not take action.” As defined in HB20-1008 , a “health care cost-sharing arrangement” is a health care cost sharing ministry or medical cost-sharing community that collects funds from its members on a regular basis, at levels established by the arrangement, for purposes of sharing, covering, or defraying the medical costs of its members. These are not traditional health insurance companies and are exempt from federal insurance requirements like guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions, established by the Affordable Care Act. Last year in Colorado , the Division of Insurance made the decision to prevent one of these arrangements, Trinity HealthShare, from marketing in the state for the foreseeable future because of complaints received from consumers about these companies. Health care cost sharing ministries like Trinity are being scrutinized by state legislatures across the country for misleading health care consumers and failing to cover the medical bills of their members. The bill would not prohibit cost-sharing arrangements from operating in the state but would require increased and improved reporting from the administrators of these arrangements. Under the bill’s new requirements, health care cost-sharing arrangements would have to provide the Commissioner of Insurance with information regarding their operations, financial statements, membership, and specific information surrounding medical claims submitted, paid, and denied. The arrangements would also be required to disclose to consumers and potential customers the limitations of these agreements and other specific information as required by the bill. Finally, health care cost-sharing arrangements would be required to respond to requests for payment of medical expenses from health care providers within a period specified by the Commissioner of Insurance. ### Previous Next

< Back May 14, 2019 REP. EXUM & REP. SNYDER’S BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW (May 14) – Gov. Polis signed bills sponsored by Colorado Springs Democratic Reps. Tony Exum and Marc Snyder into law today. This morning, Rep. Tony Exum, Sr. traveled to Pueblo to join Gov. Jared Polis as he signed into law SB19-065, a bill he sponsored with Senate President Leroy Garcia to create a peer-to-peer assistance program to help EMS paramedics who are struggling with the stresses of their job. “Being an EMS paramedic is one of the most stressful jobs out there,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This new law will open doors for emergency medical providers to peer assistance when they are going through challenges in their life and are not able to perform their duties. This law puts a focus on mental health and can help ensure Colorado’s EMS workers are in the best shape physically and mentally to help save lives and respond to a crisis.” Rep. Exum is a retired battalion chief in the Colorado Springs Fire Department. SB19-065 is a bipartisan law that creates a fund that will pay for a peer health assistance program which will evaluate, assist, and counsel EMS paramedics who are dealing with the stresses of their job. Whenever an EMS worker becomes certified or renews their certification, a small fee of $2.55 will be applied to create the program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Sometimes the toll and exposure to traumatic events in these positions can lead to depression, aggressive behaviors, substance abuse, and even suicide. This afternoon, another bipartisan Exum bill was signed into law at Centennial Elementary in Colorado Springs today. HB19-1013, will extend the low-income child care tax credit to help ease the childcare burden on roughly 32,000 hardworking families in Colorado for another eight years. “The high cost of child care places a burden on hardworking families in Colorado Springs and our state,” Rep. Exum said when the bill passed the House. “I was proud to sponsor this bill when I first got to the state capitol and hope we can continue helping thousands of Coloradan families afford child care every year.” Gov. Polis then signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “The goal of this program is to help those with traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. This update will help expand services to Coloradans with brain injuries who deserve proper assistance,” said Rep. Snyder. HB19-1147 makes revisions to the traumatic brain injury program, including requiring the traumatic brain injury trust fund board to include members who have experienced a brain injury, family members of persons who have experienced brain injury, and those with specific personal or professional experience with traumatic brain injury. The Senate sponsor is Sen. Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs. ### Previous Next

Join our team! Being a legislative Aide at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Our 46 House Democrats turned many popular proposals into law. Legislative Aide House Majority Office Colorado House of Representatives Description: Being a Legislative Aide at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Our 43 House Democrats turned many popular proposals into law: lowering the cost of health care, building a fair economy, addressing climate change, tackling the opioid crisis, reforming our criminal justice system, and helping hard-working Coloradans make ends meet, even during a pandemic. With a front row seat to action on a wide range of issues, a position as a legislative aide often opens the door for other exciting opportunities in politics, government, and public service. Legislative aides keep the essential day-to-day functions of a legislative office running smoothly. Primary responsibilities include managing the legislator’s calendar, scheduling meetings, responding to constituent emails and phone inquiries, maintaining databases of contacts, drafting and sending newsletters, supporting policy and constituent efforts with social media content, creating fact sheets, conducting research, organizing town halls and other events in the district, and preparing the legislator for bill hearings and meetin gs with constituents, stakeholders, and lobbyists. Aides are held to a high level of professional conduct, as they are expected to represent legislators at the Capitol, in their district, and in the broader community. Qualifications: Strong verbal and written communication skills Highly organized with ability to balance and track progress on multiple projects at once under tight deadlines; excellent time management and attention to detail Motivated self-starter who produces high quality work without daily supervision A high level of confidentiality and discretion High degree of self-awareness, humility, and openness to feedback Flexible and adaptable work style; ability to stay calm in a high stress environment Eagerness to develop leadership skills Commitment to progressive values and policies Preferred Qualifications: Copywriting and/or graphic design skills Experience with event planning and execution Experience and comfort using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) Experience and comfort managing social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter) Knowledge of Colorado government a plus Compensation: $25.34 per hour. Possible to work a maximum of 40 hours/week during session, depending on the legislator and their needs. Benefits include a PERA retirement account membership and an EcoPass. Health, life, and dental benefits will be available for one Senior Legislative Aide in each office. Start dates depend on the needs of each individual caucus member and the time of year. Most legislative aides work full-time (40 hours/week) during the legislative session, which usually begins in early January and ends in early May. Many legislators request that their aides also work full-time in the weeks leading up to the session in December and the weeks immediately following the session in the second half of May. During the legislative interim (mid-May through December) there is often a need for part-time legislative aides; hours vary by legislator, but are typically around 32 hours/week. How to Apply: When applications are open you can apply using this form . Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as openings become available, and will be filled with qualified applicants along the way. Contact colegislativeaide@gmail.com with any questions regarding the application or hiring process. Colorado House Democrats are committed to hiring a diverse staff. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, membership in an employee organization, parental status, creed, ancestry, military service, or disability. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities to apply.

< Back December 12, 2022 Speaker-Designate McCluskie Announces Committee Appointments DENVER, CO – Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie today announced the chairs, vice chairs and committee appointments for the 11 House committees of reference, appointing six new committee chairs. Of the 22 members in committee leadership, 14 are women—a milestone that is consistent with the historic nature of Colorado having the second majority female legislature in the country. “I’m so proud of our historic majority and all the lawmakers who are taking on leadership positions on committees,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The size of our caucus is a recognition that Democrats deliver on behalf of every Coloradan. Our new chairs and vice chairs, alongside our historically diverse, women-led leadership team, will work hard to make life more affordable, improve health and safety in our communities, protect our air and water, and help every person live their Colorado dream.” Last month, Representative Julie McCluskie was designated Speaker of the House of the 74th General Assembly by her Democratic colleagues. Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, will serve as Majority Leader while Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, will serve as Assistant Majority Leader. Reps. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora and Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins will serve as Majority Co-Whips, while Reps. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada will be the Majority Co-Caucus Chairs. Committee structure, leadership and majority caucus appointments are made by the Speaker. "I want to join Speaker-designate McCluskie in celebrating our new chairs, vice chairs and committee members—we know they will do fantastic work this session to move Colorado forward," said Majority Leader-elect, Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "Our historically large and diverse class of new lawmakers are going to bring fresh voices and new ideas to our committees, and the leadership team is excited to see so many newly-elected members with experience in public service take on the responsibility of vice chair. Of the 22 committee leadership positions, 14 will be women, recognizing the historic role women will play in mentoring new members and shaping the future of our state.” “For the first time, the House will be led by three women, and there are a historic number of women of color in leadership positions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our chairs and vice chairs all share a deep commitment to helping our colleagues advance legislation that responds to the needs of our communities across the state. I’m excited to serve as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and on the Education Committee where I know we will deliver meaningful policy solutions to improve public education and work towards a future where all Coloradans feel safe in their communities.” “I am grateful for the current chairs and outgoing members of leadership who are pursuing new ways to serve their communities in the new year; Coloradans are better off because of what they’ve accomplished with their work in the legislature,” continued Speaker-designate McCluskie. The complete list of Majority committee assignments is below: Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative-Elect Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Representative-Elect Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative-Elect Tammy Story, D-Conifer Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Appropriations Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Emily Sirota, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Business Affairs and Labor Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Vice Chair, Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative-Elect Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative-Elect Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative-Elect Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Education Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice Chair, Representative-Elect Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative-Elect Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative-Elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Aurora Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Energy and Environment Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Vice Chair, Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Representative-Elect Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative-Elect Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Vice Chair Representative-Elect Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Aravada Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative-Elect Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Health and Insurance Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Vice Chair, Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative-Elect Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Judiciary Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice Chair, Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Representative-Elect Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative-Elect Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Representative-Elect Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Vice Chair, Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative-Elect Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Representative-Elect Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Tammy Story, D-Conifer State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville Representative-Elect Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Vice Chair, Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative-Elect Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative-Elect Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative-Elect Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Representative-Elect Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative-Elect Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Previous Next