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A new law to cap financial contributions in municipal elections goes into effect on Jan 1, 2024. < Back December 22, 2023 Municipal Campaign Finance Reform Law Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO - A new law to cap financial contributions in municipal elections goes into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1245 , sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti, Jenny Willford and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and Senator Kevin Priola, aims to limit the influence of special interests on local elections. “Establishing contribution limits and strengthening disclosure requirements for municipal elections will be a great step forward to protect the integrity of our local elections,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie . “We’ve long had similar measures in place for state and federal elections and it's about time we provide similar protections to our local governments whose races are often more consequential to the lives of ordinary citizens. By giving the public more information about who is funding their local candidates, we promote government transparency and accountability and provide a foundation for trust. This law will help ensure that cities and towns across Colorado are implementing the best practices for campaign finance.” “In recent years we’ve seen more and more money flow into local elections,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “To help ensure these elections aren’t bought and influenced by special interests and big money donors, this new law caps campaign contributions made by individuals and small donor committees. With the new contribution caps, candidates who aren’t independently wealthy or already well-connected will be on a much more even playing field.” “The influence of dark money donors is growing in our local elections, making it more difficult for everyday people to play a role in deciding who should represent them,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn . “Soon, municipal election contributions will be limited to a reasonable amount, which limits the influence of wealthy dark money donors, creates a more even playing field for individual voters, and encourages candidates to campaign in their communities.” “This new law helps bring transparency to local elections,” Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson said. “Our local elections are better off when the public knows where candidates are getting money from and how they are spending it. With the new campaign contribution reporting requirements, the public will have much better access to information that will help them make more informed decisions.” HB23-1245 sets a municipal election campaign contribution limit at $400 for individuals and political parties and $4,000 for small donor committees to a candidate committee. Amounts are subject to inflation adjustments and the disclosure provisions of the Fair Campaign Practices Act. The law also changes municipal clerk report filing timelines, subjects them to open record requests, extends filing retention requirements, and applies some additional disclosure requirements. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2019 HOUSE PASSES KENNEDY-LONTINE BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP ADDRESS HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF COLORADO House Democrats working to lower the cost of health care (Apr. 29) – The House passed Assistant Majority Leader Chris Kennedy and Rep. Susan Lontine’s bill requiring non-profit hospitals to submit an annual community health needs assessment and benefit implementation plan to the state so that the hospitals can better prioritize investments in community activities that improve health outcomes. “Nonprofit hospitals are given tax-exempt status with the understanding that they will reinvest money back into their communities. We have reason to believe that not all hospitals are spending this money in a way that best benefits their community-identified health needs,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill will allow us to compare hospital community benefit spending on an apples-to-apples basis and encourage more hospitals to invest in the things that count.” According to data collected by the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital costs account for 39 percent of health care spending nationwide. The bill is designed to increase the transparency of hospital investments in community health by requiring all nonprofit hospitals to submit annual reports to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) regarding their community benefit activities. The Colorado Hospital Association supports the bill. “Our non-profit hospitals are here to serve the public good and their local communities. This important bill ensures non-profit hospitals are financially transparent and that community voices are able to guide the investments of non-profit hospitals that are meant to best serve their community,” said Rep. Lontine, D- Denver. Rep. Lontine is chair of the House Health and Insurance committee. Earlier this year, Rep. Kennedy’s bipartisan hospital transparency bill was signed into law. HB19-1320 passed on a bipartisan vote of 45-20. The bill now goes to the Senate. Previous Next

Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the first meeting of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee: < Back July 2, 2024 Rep. Mauro Statement on First Wildfire Matters Interim Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the first meeting of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee: “As a member of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, it was great to hear from the Colorado Fire Commission and our state agencies to discuss wildfire issues across our state. Wildfires are a very real and dangerous threat in Colorado, and I know it is top-of-mind for Puebloans as the Oak Ridge Fire continues to spread. On the Wildfire Matters Review Committee this summer, I look forward to crafting policies to reduce our wildfire risk and ensure our communities have the resources they need to stay safe.” Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BUDGET FOR ALL ON SECOND READING (Apr. 4) – After an extensive debate, the House of Representatives approved the state budget package on voice-vote for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2019. Earlier in the afternoon, Speaker KC Becker, Majority Leader Alec Garnett, and Joint Budget Committee members Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Chris Hansen, reached a bipartisan agreement with the leadership of all four legislative caucuses on a total of $300 million in transportation funding. “This is a responsible budget for all of Colorado,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m confident that families and individuals will be well served by the responsible investments we are making in education, transportation and other priorities.” “This is a balanced and carefully crafted budget that all Coloradans can feel proud of,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. “Even while Washington pushes economically harmful trade wars, we were able to put forward a budget that invests in education, transportation and finally ensures kids and parents have access to full-day kindergarten.” Highlights from SB19-207, the “long bill” approved today, include: · A total increased investment in K-12 education of $335.9 million, including funding for the implementation of full-day kindergarten as well as a $77 million boost in the budget stabilization factor buy-down. · An additional $120 million investment in higher education to keep tuition flat for Colorado’s college students. · Adds $1 million to help expand critical family planning services. · Funds an additional $5 million for 42 new inpatient psychiatric beds at Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHIP). · Increases broadband deployment grants by $18.7 million. · A $15.4 million placeholder for competency restoration (covers the state’s cost to reduce wait times for court-ordered mental-health evaluations). · Adds $142,792 for management and maintenance costs for the new Veterans One-Stop (OneSource) Center in Grand Junction. The goal of the center is to improve services for Western Slope veterans by creating a hub for veterans’ organizations in the region. The facility will bring together, under one roof, multiple regional organizations that serve veterans’ needs. · Adds $2.3 million cash funds for 20 new State Troopers and civilian staff to help make our roads safer. · Approves 56 projects in the capital maintenance backlog, a $171 million investment for capital overall. The “long bill” will receive a recorded vote at a later date. Previous Next

< Back January 15, 2021 HEROD: WE CAN’T LET MINORITY-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES FALL FURTHER BEHIND DENVER, CO — The House today passed SB21-001 on Third Reading and final passage by a vote of 47-16. “To build back stronger, we have to do what we can to keep the small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic from falling further and further behind,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Colorado for All means every Coloradan has equal access to the relief and financial support they need for their distressed business, but that hasn’t been the case. This bill is aimed at achieving that goal by allocating funds to disproportionately impacted businesses, particularly those owned by people who have faced historic inequalities and lack access to capital or financial resources. This bill helps remedy some discriminatory systems and gives these businesses a chance to weather the economic consequences of this pandemic.” SB21-001,sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Shane Sandridge, R-El Paso County, would make minor tweaks to the COVID-19 small and minority business relief program that was established during last year’s special session. The legislation will help small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, especially minority owned businesses, receive timely relief through the program, which is being challenged in a lawsuit that is preventing release of the funds. Minority-owned businesses have not only been disproportionately impacted by the current pandemic, they have faced historic discrimination and barriers to success. For minority-owned businesses, accumulating capital, purchasing property, and starting a business have always been more difficult due to the long-lasting impacts of discriminatory systems that are only exacerbated by the pandemic. These disparities are the result of generations of discrimination through laws and practices that restrict employment and housing opportunities, and limit access to loans and banking, practices which continue today. A 2020 report from the Federal Reserve Banks of Kansas City and Atlanta found that people of color face persistent and structural barriers to acquiring capital, knowledge, and market access to start and grow their business. It found minority-owned small businesses have higher loan denials and interest rates and lower profit margins than their counterparts. Research from the Brookings Institution shows that the PPP program initially relied on traditional banks and disfavored Black and Latinx-owned businesses, blocking access to the program for many. Finally, the US Securities and Exchange Commission concluded that COVID-19 is more likely to negatively impact minority-owned businesses because they are more likely to be in industries and sectors vulnerable to the pandemic, with employees at Latinx and Black-owned businesses far less likely to be able to work from home compared with white-owned businesses. Previous Next

< Back June 21, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: COLORADO GAINS JOBS, STRONG ECONOMY MEANS MORE MONEY WILL BE RETURNED TO COLORADANS THROUGH CASHBACK PLAN JBC Dems prioritize saving people money, making Colorado more affordable DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the June economic forecasts. “Today’s forecast shows that our economy is making a bold recovery with unemployment rates falling to pre-pandemic levels, nearly all sectors thriving, and Colorado’s employment gains outpacing the nation,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m proud of the fiscally responsible decisions we made to power the Colorado comeback and position our state to compete. We know that even with our strong recovery, families are struggling with high gas prices and the rising cost of living. Our Colorado Cashback Plan will send every Coloradan a refund check in September to help with everyday necessities, which thanks to our economic growth, will now be at least $750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint filers. From cutting property taxes to creating free universal preschool, we passed dozens of laws this year to help Coloradans and small businesses hold on to more of their hard-earned money.” “Thanks to smart, responsible budgeting, Colorado’s economic recovery is leading the way, which is good news for families that are dealing with surging prices,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Even better, Democrats have worked hard to ensure Colorado remains on a sound fiscal path, and today’s forecast means families will get even more money back – at least $750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint filers – when they receive their taxpayer relief checks this fall. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to invest in our communities, support Colorado’s economy, and move our state forward.” “Despite a geopolitical crisis, supply chain challenges and pandemic-induced inflation leading to higher prices across the globe, Colorado is gaining jobs and beginning to close the gaps in our recovery that disproportionately impact people of color and lower-income communities,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Our recovery has led to a strong budget surplus that we used to save people money on gas, groceries, property taxes, fees, hygiene products, car registrations, sales taxes, child care and so much more. By investing in vibrant communities, increasing access to behavioral health, boosting small businesses, and making housing more affordable, we worked to address the most pressing needs in our communities and protect the Colorado way of life.” “Today’s data makes clear that Colorado’s economy continues to outpace other states when it comes to economic recovery and growth,” said JBC Member Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We crafted a budget that delivers for Colorado families by making investments in K-12 education, reducing fees for businesses and professionals to save people money, and investing in health care for children and pregnant women, and it’s paying off for our families and our communities.” The unemployment rate continued to fall in Colorado to 3.5 percent in May, led mostly by gains in the food and accommodations sectors. The state exceeds pre-pandemic jobs by 35,000 and continues to outpace the rest of the country. Inflationary pressures, however, will impact near term budget priorities and state departments. Geopolitical disruption and monetary policy decisions at the federal level in response to inflation were also presented as risks to the forecast. Extraordinary state and federal action to help Coloradans weather the disruption of the pandemic ensured a stronger and faster recovery than previous recessions. During the 2022 legislative session, Democrats passed the Colorado Cashback Plan to send rebate checks to Coloradans in September to help people with rising costs. Under the new law, the state will refund approximately 85 percent of FY 2021-2022 surplus TABOR revenue through the Colorado Cashback Plan in checks of equal amounts for single filers and double that amount for joint filers. Due to Colorado’s strong recovery, the forecasts now estimate that the checks will be $750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint filers. The Legislative Council staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.43 billion in FY 2021-2022 and $17.42 billion in FY 2022-2023 – a $1.37 billion increase for FY 2021-2022 and a $1.05 billion increase for FY 2022-2023 as compared with the earlier March revenue forecast. The forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.40 billion for FY 2023-2034. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.2 billion for FY 2021-22, which OSPB revised upward by $1 billion relative to its March estimate. For FY 2022-23, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $16.6 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $91.1 million relative to its March estimate. For FY 2023-2024, OSPB estimates that General Fund revenue will be $17.3 billion. Previous Next

Colorado Democrats Advance Bills to Boost Community-Based Treatment and Resources to Prevent Crime and Reduce Recidivism < Back October 24, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Interim Committee Bills to Improve Mental Health and Substance Use Resources Advance Colorado Democrats Advance Bills to Boost Community-Based Treatment and Resources to Prevent Crime and Reduce Recidivism DENVER, CO - The Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems interim committee today advanced five bills to improve access to court diversion programs, increase funding for Colorado’s 911 Resource Center, dispatch community-based mental health professionals to youth and families experiencing a behavioral health crisis, clarify the process for defendants who are found by a court to be incompetent to stand trial, and ensure that individuals are not held in jails if they haven’t committed a crime. Bill 2 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Regina English and Senator Rhonda Fields, would remove jails as an option for substance use disorder commitments when no crime has been committed. Under the bill, local law enforcement agencies would submit a quarterly report to the Behavioral Health Administration regarding how many people have been taken into protective custody, how long they were in treatment, where they were treated, and other data. “Correctional facilities shouldn’t be the largest provider of mental health treatment in our state,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bills 2, 3, and 5. “Our bills will remove jails as treatment providers when no crime has been committed, boost funding and resources for judicial districts to alleviate pressure on our jail systems, and keep individuals in their community while they work through a behavioral or mental health treatment plan created by a licensed mental health professional. These changes will help drive down recidivism, get people the treatment services they need, and more quickly bring justice to victims of crimes.” “Coloradans seeking help deserve to be met with well-resourced, comprehensive services and reliable responses,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of all five bills. “The legislation I am bringing forward next session will boost resources across a variety of services to ensure that crisis responders and judicial employees are operating efficiently and that Coloradans can continue to rely on these essential community services. I look forward to carrying these bills to guarantee that Coloradans can receive help whenever, wherever, and however they need it.“ Bill 3 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Mary Bradfield and Senator Rhonda Fields, would help address our competency backlog by allowing us to get defendants who are not able to be restored to competency into appropriate treatment more quickly. “Increasing treatment services for substance abuse disorders in our criminal justice system will reduce recidivism rates and offer the tools people need to successfully reenter society,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bills 2, 4, and 6. “By offering these services, we can address the root causes of crime and give Coloradans a better chance at a thriving future. We’re also allocating money to help Colorado’s 911 Resource Center properly staff their workplaces and give workers the information and training they need to respond to calls more effectively.” Colorado’s 911 Resource Center supports first responders across the state. Public safety answering points, commonly known as call centers, play an important role by gathering important information for law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS during a call and providing critical de-escalation services before first responders show up on the scene. Bill 4 , sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields and Representative Regina English, would fund the Colorado 911 Resource Center so it can continue to provide services and training to public safety answering points. Bill 5 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Mary Bradfield and Senators Rhonda Fields and Rod Pelton, would codify and expand the Crisis Resolution Team program to provide mobile crisis responses for youth and their families, using community-based services to de-escalate and stabilize Colorado youth during a behavioral health crisis. Additional services would include counseling or therapy, case management to help meet treatment plans, peer support or family skills coaching, medication management, and care coordination. The committee also advanced Bill 6 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and Senator Rhonda Fields and Representatives Regina English and Mary Bradfield. Currently, district attorneys can use an assessment tool to identify individuals who are eligible to be diverted away from the juvenile or criminal justice system and into appropriate services. This bill expands eligible individuals to include juveniles and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those with behavioral health issues, and adds behavioral health services and services for adults and juveniles with developmental disabilities to the list of available diversion services. “Young people and adults who struggle with developmental disabilities or behavioral health issues too often become involved in the juvenile or criminal justice system,” Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, sponsor of Bill 6 said. “This bill will require DAs to consider a young person's mental or behavioral health status when determining if they are eligible for diversion services.” The five bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2019 HOUSE VOTES TO IMPROVE APPLIANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY Every House Republican votes against bill to help consumers and businesses save money, conserve energy & water (Apr. 4) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, that would set up-to-date energy and water efficiency standards for commercial and residential products that are not already regulated under the federal government. “Hardworking Coloradans are already saving about $500 per year from federal appliance standards. This bill will help them save more,” said Rep. Froelich. “While product options and performances have increased, there are still ways that we can save people money and better conserve our state’s precious water while reducing pollution emissions.” HB19-1231 would set in place energy and water efficiency standards for 15 commercial and residential products for which there are no existing federal standards, saving Coloradan families their hard-earned income while ensuring the overall quality of the products they purchase. “Commonsense energy efficiency standards will put more money in the pockets of Coloradans in Fort Collins,” said Rep. Kipp. “ This is about saving energy, saving water, and saving money. This bill contains proven, cost-effective methods to help consumers save.” Setting energy efficiency standards is one of the most effective ways to cut carbon pollution emissions. While some appliances have been voluntarily produced using the Energy Star and WaterSense labelling programs, setting appliance standards at the state level will remove the poorest-performing products from the market. The bill passed the House floor with a vote of 40-23. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2020 COVID RELIEF PACKAGE ADVANCES Bills to boost small businesses, provide direct housing and utility assistance, protect workers from retaliation and prevent outrageous price gouging on essential goods passed the House on second reading DENVER, CO – The House today advanced several bills included in the Democratic package of COVID relief legislation on second reading. The bills included proposals to establish a small business recovery loan fund, prevent price gouging, provide housing and utility assistance to hardworking Coloradans, and protect against retaliation on workers who raise public health concerns . “Colorado’s small businesses and hardworking families are hurting, and we’re committed to taking the steps we need to get everyone in Colorado back on track responsibly,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB20-1413 and HB20-1412. “The small business recovery loans we approved today will go a long way towards supporting Colorado’s entrepreneurs and business owners as they bounce back from this crisis and help our economy recover. Meanwhile, we’re providing Colorado families with direct assistance to help them keep the lights on and make ends meet.” “It’s unacceptable that certain bad actors are charging exorbitant prices for necessary goods as hardworking Coloradans rebuild after the COVID-19 crisis,” said Brianna Rep. Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB20-1414. “This bill will create a pathway for the state to crack down on unfair practices and ensure Coloradans don’t face yet another hurdle on the path to recovery.” “My constituents and hardworking Coloradans across the state are worried about how they’ll be able to make ends meet and stay in their homes,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB20-1410 . “Today the House advanced a proposal that will provide these families with millions in direct housing assistance during these uncertain times.” “While COVID19 has brought enormous physical health challenges that we’re all keenly aware of, it is imperative that we also take on the behavioral health effects of this crisis,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB20-1411 . “Mental health and substance use programs need our support more than ever. I’m proud that we moved forward on this proposal to channel federal dollars towards supporting Coloradans who have felt the devastating behavioral health impacts of this pandemic.” “Public health is a collective effort, and we need workers to feel empowered to bring attention to workplace conditions that could put the health and safety of Coloradans at risk,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB20-1415 . “As we work to get Colorado back to work as safely and responsibly as possible, we want workers to know that we’ll have their backs if they choose to speak out.” HB20-1413 : Small Business Recovery Loans (Reps. Shannon Bird and Lisa Cutter, Sens. Rachel Zenzinger and Kerry Donovan) : Colorado’s small businesses are critical to our state economy and too many are struggling to pay their employees or their bills during this public health emergency. This bill establishes a small business recovery loan fund that consists of $250 million of state and private dollars for first loss capital on loans to small businesses over the next two fiscal years. This establishment of this fund will help stimulate loans to Colorado small businesses and support the state’s economic recovery and resiliency. HB20-1410 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for Housing Cash Assistance (Reps. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Tony Exum, Sens. Julie Gonzales and Rachel Zenzinger) : Housing security for both renters and homeowners during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to preserving the health and economic security of Colorado families. The bill provides $20 million in direct rental and mortgage assistance to Coloradans experiencing a financial need during these turbulent times, including $350,000 for legal aid for renters at risk of eviction. HB20-1411 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment (Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Sens. Brittany Pettersen and Rhonda Fields) : The need for behavioral health services are compounded by the challenges associated with COVID-19 and the more than half a million individuals who have filed for unemployment in Colorado. Young people have been especially impacted–teachers are reporting an increased need for mental health support for students struggling with schooling at home. The bill allocates $15 million to critical mental health programs and substance abuse treatment within the Colorado Department of Human Services and Department of Public Health and Environment. HB20-1412 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for Utilities (Reps. Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter, Sens. Tammy Story and Rachel Zenzinger) : While most utilities have implemented a moratorium on utility disconnections, the moratoriums do not address the difficulty that a household facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will have paying its utility bill once a utility’s disconnection moratorium is lifted. The bill allocates $10 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which helps low-income Coloradans who are at risk of having their service shut off. HB20-1414 : Protections Against Price Gouging (Reps. Mike Weissman and Brianna Titone, Senators Brittany Pettersen and Mike Foote) : Unfortunately, during times of emergency unscrupulous individuals sometimes try to take advantage of scarcity to raise prices on necessary goods to exorbitant levels. This bill establishes that a person engages in an unfair or unconscionable act or practice if they increase the cost of certain necessary goods or services an excessive amount, and empowers the Attorney General or local District Attorneys to enforce these consumer protections. HB20-1415 : Whistleblower Protection for Public Health Emergencies (Reps. Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, Senator Pettersen) : The vast majority of businesses are being responsible to keep people safe during this pandemic, but there are workers who have been fired simply because they raised concerns about safety procedures in their workplace. This policy protects workers who raise health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic from retaliation and requires employers to allow their workers to wear personal protective equipment, such as masks. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is charged with managing complaints. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2022 LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO SAVE BUSINESSES MONEY, IMPROVE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FOR COLORADO WORKERS Legislation will invest $600 million to improve and expand unemployment benefits, create a more resilient future economy DENVER, CO – Members of the House and Senate today announced bipartisan legislation to save businesses money and improve unemployment insurance for Colorado workers. Sponsored by Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, Sen. Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, and Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, the bill would infuse the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund (UITF) with pandemic relief funds while expanding eligibility and improving benefits to help support Colorado’s working families. “When the pandemic hit and thousands of Coloradans lost their jobs, the state’s unemployment insurance program was there to help families pay rent and keep food on the table,” Hansen said . “Now we’re doubling down to protect this critical safety net for working families and our economy by investing hundreds of millions into unemployment insurance to protect future solvency while improving and expanding the benefits it offers. This bill will better prepare us to weather any future economic downturns, and help make sure unemployment insurance continues to benefit working Colorado families for years to come.” “The bipartisan legislation we introduced today has the support of the business community, workers and lawmakers in both parties because we all agree – this is a responsible path forward to reduce costs for businesses, improve protections for workers, and save everyone money,” Snyder said. “The pandemic made it very clear – Colorado workers need an unemployment insurance system that works for them and delivers the assistance they need, when they need it. We’ve crafted a bill that will help ensure the stability of the fund and make common sense improvements to ensure the system meets the needs of the moment.” “This bill reforms our unemployment insurance program to better deliver assistance to workers and save people and businesses money,” Ortiz said. “At the start of the pandemic, changes to the system worked well to help get people back to work, and I’m excited to make them permanent. Not only does this bill stave off steep cost increases on businesses, it will ensure more workers get the assistance they need to get back on their feet.” “Colorado businesses have endured one of the most challenging economic environments in our state’s history,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman, who was instrumental in the bill negotiations. “Through no fault of their own, many were forced to close and lay off valued employees, which has put them on the hook for the depletion of the UITF. After months of negotiations, this bill is an important first step in providing real relief to Colorado businesses. While we are still in need of a long-term solution, these funds will prevent significant unemployment premium increases, which will in turn help Colorado workers and local communities across the state.” The legislation announced today invests $600 million to shore up the solvency of the UITF and protect against potential future economic downturns. This will save businesses money on premiums and provide certainty to workers who depend on unemployment benefits to continue paying for essentials like food, rent, and transportation while they search for new work. The bill makes further improvements to ensure the unemployment system works better for Colorado families. It raises the benefit amount part-time workers can receive from 25 percent to 50 percent of the weekly benefit amount, in order to remove disincentives for workers who are laid off to find part-time employment while seeking a full-time job. It also creates a Benefit Recovery Fund to ensure that workers in Colorado who lack work authorization can access the benefits they contribute to and their employers pay premiums into. The bill also eliminates the one-week waiting period to help workers access their benefits as quickly as possible once the Fund reaches a sustainable level, clarifies what constitutes an overpayment, and requires employers to inform their workers of their unemployment benefit eligibility upon separation. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. < Back April 5, 2024 House Advances Bill to Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. “With rising rents pricing Coloradans out of their communities, local governments need additional tools to help them preserve existing affordable housing options that work for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Our bill would allow local governments to purchase and preserve affordable housing properties that they have invested public dollars into. With this legislation, we can preserve and expand affordable housing options in our communities and ease Colorado’s housing crisis.” “Our bill is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to combat housing instability and displacement,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We need a multi-faceted approach to address our affordable housing shortage, which is why we’re carrying this legislation to create new tools for local governments that keep existing affordable housing properties in the rental market.” HB24-1175 would give local governments a right of first offer and a right of first refusal to preserve long-term affordable housing opportunities. The right of first offer gives local governments the right to make an offer to purchase a qualifying property before the property is listed for sale to other parties. A property qualifies for the right of first offer under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with more than 15 and less than 100 units. Certain transactions of qualifying properties are exempt, and the right of first offer terminates on December 31, 2029. The right of first refusal would give local governments the right to purchase a multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property that is existing affordable housing if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. The House also advanced SB24-094 , sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Meg Froelich, that would update existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. SB24-094 would make modifications to existing warranty of habitability laws, including renter protections against retaliation, requiring necessary repairs to be completed in seven days for serious conditions, and clarifying the process for arranging alternative lodging pending the completion of a necessary repair. Previous Next

< Back January 9, 2020 SPEAKER BECKER REACTS TO TRI-STATE CARBON EMISSIONS REDUCTION ANNOUNCEMENT DENVER, CO — Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) today issued the following statement reacting to an announcement from the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association outlining the retirement of all coal generation in Colorado and New Mexico: “I applaud Tri-State’s commitment to Colorado’s clean energy future and am impressed by the bold carbon emissions reduction target they set. Meeting our state’s targets requires immediate collective action, and I’m happy to see Tri-State take their role seriously. As our state transitions toward a clean, renewable energy future, we must always keep in mind that this change will bring difficult transitions for Colorado’s energy workers, their families and communities. A commitment to a clean energy future also requires a commitment to a fair and just transition for Colorado’s workers. Protecting and supporting workers and communities through these shifting economic tides remains a top priority for the legislature. I look forward to continuing to work with a broad array of stakeholders to find ways to support and protect working families affected by a changing energy economy. The Just Transition Office created by the legislature last year will work with impacted communities and worker representatives across the state on a plan to support those impacted by the transition away from coal.” Previous Next