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Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement on GOP efforts to block gun violence prevention legislation: < Back March 26, 2023 Leadership Statement on GOP Efforts to Block Gun Violence Prevention Bills DENVER, CO - Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement on GOP efforts to block gun violence prevention legislation: “Coloradans are demanding action, not delay tactics. An overwhelming majority of Colorado voters elected us to govern responsibly because we made clear commitments to prevent gun violence, make housing more affordable, protect access to abortion and reproductive care, invest in our students, and mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change - and we must deliver. “We take seriously the importance of our democratic process and of authentically engaging with the minority party on bills. At the end of the day, the smallest minority in 60 years does not have the right to stop votes on legislation that the vast majority of Coloradans desperately want to see passed. “The rules of the institution exist to respect the will of the voters. To allow unprecedented obstruction at this scale from a small group of minority party members puts our democracy at risk, and we will not allow that. Too much is at stake.” Previous Next

< Back May 22, 2019 GOV SIGNS ROBERTS BILL TO REDUCE INSULIN PRICES Price of insulin has increased 555 percent over the last 14 years (May 22) – Governor Polis signed Rep. Dylan Roberts’ bill to reduce the price of life-saving insulin for people with diabetes in Colorado. “For Coloradans living with Type 1 Diabetes, insulin is essential to their survival – it is the same as oxygen. The skyrocketing cost of insulin is outrageous and it is literally putting people’s lives at risk,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon . “With this new law, Coloradans will no longer be forced to choose between this life-saving and life-sustaining drug and their other expenses.” One-in-four type-1 diabetics report rationing their insulin due to the high cost of the drug. HB19-1216 caps the total co-pay that patients will pay for insulin to $100 per one-month supply, regardless of how much insulin is being dispensed. This is down from an average out-of-pocket costs of $600-900 per month, which Coloradans currently face. “This law is a significant step in trying to solve the much larger problem of prescription drug pricing and will make a significant difference for Coloradans living with diabetes and their families,” continued Rep. Roberts. Rep. Roberts has been an outspoken advocate for Coloradans living with diabetes since arriving at the state capitol. Over 420,000 Coloradans have diabetes and an additional 20,000 Coloradans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser was also in attendance at the bill signing. In addition to the co-pay cap, the law also directs the Colorado Attorney General’s office investigate business practices, organization, pricing, and data of pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, insurance carriers, and any other entity that influences insulin costs and create a report that explores possible legislative solutions. The report will be submitted to the governor, the commissioner of insurance, and the judiciary committees of the House and Senate in 2020. The annual medical cost related to diabetes in Colorado is almost $4 billion. Almost 18 percent of that cost, roughly $700 million, is for prescription insulin to treat diabetes. The cost of insulin rose by 45 percent between 2014 and 2017 and by over 700 percent over the last twenty years while the actual product of insulin has not changed in any significant way since 1996. Gov.Polis also signed Rep. Roberts’ bill that expands the types of locations that have automated external defibrillators. HB19-1183 encourages any person that owns, operates, or manages a public place to place functional automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in sufficient quantities to ensure reasonable availability for use during perceived sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. 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 April 9, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES EXUM BILL TO ASSIST EMS WORKERS WITH STRESS Not every EMS paramedic has access to physical, emotional, or psychological assistance (Apr. 9) – The House approved Rep. Tony Exum’s bill to create a statewide, self-financed program of peer-to-peer and professional assistance to help Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedics deal 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 bill gives emergency medical providers peer assistance when they are going through difficulties in their life and not able to perform their duties. We need to ensure that EMS workers are in the best shape physically and mentally to help save lives.” Rep. Exum is a retired battalion chief in the Colorado Springs Fire Department. SB19-065 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). The bill is also sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. Sometimes the toll and exposure to traumatic events in this position can frequently lead to depression, aggressive behaviors, substance abuse, and even suicide. If passed, this program can help EMS paramedics deal with many of these issues. SB19-065 passed by a voice vote in the House. It will receive a final vote at a later date. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan water conservation bill into law. HB24-1436 will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. < Back May 20, 2024 Bipartisan Water Conservation Bill Signed Into Law PAONIA, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan water conservation bill into law. HB24-1436 will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects. “From agricultural use to recreation that drives our tourism economy, protecting Colorado’s waters is essential and will ensure its availability for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We’re asking for a reaffirmed commitment from Colorado voters to fund our water conservation projects by keeping excess revenue from Colorado’s sports betting tax. I’m proud to carry this law to continue our bipartisan commitment to the future of water in Colorado.” “Water is Colorado’s most precious natural resource, because it powers everything we do, from agriculture to our outdoor recreation economy, which is why I am fighting tooth and nail to secure our state’s water future,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Now, we’re giving Colorado voters an opportunity to join in the fight and allow sports betting revenue to fund critical water projects that will benefit communities across our state. I am proud of this bipartisan effort that will help protect our precious water resources and our Colorado way of life.” In 2019, Colorado voters approved Proposition DD, allowing the state to keep and spend $29 million of sports betting tax revenue per year for water conservation efforts. Current law requires any additional revenue above $29 million to be refunded to casinos and online sports betting entities. HB24-1436 , also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow revenue above the $29 million cap to be transferred to the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. This fund supports water projects across the state, including water storage and supply, agricultural projects, and watershed health and recreation projects. Speaker McCluskie and Senator Roberts also sponsored legislation this session to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands for Colorado waters that are not federally protected. Previous Next

Bill to require three day waiting period advances DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to create a minimum three day waiting period, delaying immediate access to a firearm and saving Colorado lives from gun violence. < Back March 10, 2023 Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention Bill Advances in House Bill to require three day waiting period advances DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to create a minimum three day waiting period, delaying immediate access to a firearm and saving Colorado lives from gun violence. “A 3 day waiting period requirement for the purchase of a firearm is commonsense, evidence-based policy supported by 72 percent of Coloradans,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “We’re here to deliver on our promise to pass legislation that protects more Coloradans from becoming victims of senseless gun violence.” “I’ve seen firsthand how a ‘cooling off’ period is crucial in saving a life from preventable gun death,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder . “Research shows that this gun violence prevention policy is effective in reducing gun deaths from both suicide and homicide. Our bill is one step of many that Colorado Democrats are taking to improve public safety and make significant progress in reducing gun violence in our communities.” Research shows that creating a waiting period for purchasing a firearm has led to a 7 to 11 percent reduction in suicides by firearm and a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides. In 2020, Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate in the US, and in 2021, there were 740 suicides by firearm in Colorado, accounting for more than half of all suicides in the state. From 2014 to 2019 , the number of firearm deaths in Colorado was greater than deaths from motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses. Among firearm deaths, more than 75 percent were caused by intentional self-harm or suicide. Current law mandates that a background check is complete before a firearm can be transferred, which often takes less than three days. HB23-1219 would require a gun purchaser to wait three days from the initiation of the background check or an approved background check, whichever is later, until they could be in possession of their newly purchased gun. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Mandatory waiting periods are supported by 72 percent of gun owners. Transferring a firearm prior to the expiration of the waiting period would be a civil infraction punishable by a $500 fine for the first offense, and a $500 to $5,000 fine for a second or any subsequent offenses. The bill would not apply to antique firearms. It also exempts the transfer of a firearm between an active duty military servicemember who is set to deploy overseas and their family. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. < Back January 22, 2024 House Committee Passes Bill to Expand Wildfire Prevention Awareness DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education. HB24-1024 , sponsored by Representatives Tammy Story and Elizabeth Velasco, passed by a vote of 10-2. “When it comes to reducing wildfire risk, we need every Coloradan, whether they live in the foothills, forested areas or rural areas, to know how they can protect their homes and businesses,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “This legislation ensures communities receive information on effective wildfire mitigation strategies, such as reducing vegetation and fire fuels within 5 feet of our homes. Combating wildfires begins with good mitigation, and this bill also continues the Colorado State Forest Service’s efforts to educate Coloradans about these effective strategies.” “We’re taking steps to reduce destructive wildfires and protect our communities, businesses and homes,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Colorado’s rural and mountain communities like mine are some of the most at-risk for wildfire damage, and this legislation extends an education and outreach campaign to increase residential mitigation efforts. Reducing wildfire risk in our backyards begins with awareness, and this legislation shares important tactics to help Coloradans protect their homes in the wake of a wildfire.” HB24-1024 would require the Colorado State Forest Service to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface. This bill was created through the Wildfire Matters Review Committee , which spearheaded legislation to improve wildfire mitigation, bolster the forestry workforce, and increase wildfire awareness. Previous Next

< Back January 29, 2020 REP. MULLICA: WE CAN AND MUST ADDRESS TEEN NICOTINE USE Prime sponsor of nicotine regulation bill addresses Lung Association report that calls for action on teen nicotine use and Colorado’s highest in the nation e-cigarette use DENVER, CO– Representative Kyle Mullica (D-Northglenn), the prime sponsor of HB20-1001, today released the following statement after the American Lung Association published its updated State of Tobacco Control grades, which assessed Colorado an “F” grade in several categories: “This report shows just how critical it is that we revamp our state’s nicotine laws to combat the teen vaping epidemic. We can and must address teen nicotine use. I’m proud that my Democratic colleagues have made HB20-1001 a top priority. This bill would address several of the concerns raised in the American Lung Association Report, including by enacting a statewide tobacco retailer licensing program. It would give our state the tools to finally crack down on underage sales of tobacco products, end flashy electronic advertising outside retailers that appeal to our youth, and close the online sales loophole for vaping products.” HB20-1001, which has bipartisan sponsorship by Representatives Mullica and Colin Larson would raise the minimum age of sale for cigarettes, tobacco and other nicotine products, including electronic smoking devices, to 21 years of age and add enforcement measures. It would require every retailer of nicotine products to be licensed by the Liquor Enforcement Division of the Department of Revenue, increase compliance checks, prohibit new retail locations within 500 feet of schools and create new fines and penalties for failing to obtain a license or for selling products to people under age 21. It also holds retailers accountable for preventing underage sales by removing the criminal penalty for minors who purchase these products. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES ACCESS TO FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS This bill maintains dignity to women while in custody (Mar. 20) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, to provide menstrual hygiene products to women who are in custody immediately and free of charge. “If you can’t say the word tampon, then don’t restrict access to one,” said Rep. Herod. “Women’s bodies are different, and we need to ensure that we are treating all women, especially those that are in custody, with the respect and dignity that they deserve.” Under current policies, some county jails provide limited menstrual hygiene products to inmates, while some provide none. HB 19-1224 requires all local jails, multijurisdictional jails, and municipal jails to provide menstrual hygiene products to people in custody at no expense. HB19-1224 passed by a unanimous vote of 65-0 and now heads to the Senate. The bill follows legislation from 2017, sponsored by Rep. Herod and Senator Winter, which required that the Department of Corrections provide free menstrual hygiene products to those in state prisons and other DOC facilities. Previous Next

< Back June 23, 2021 POLIS SIGNS TAX FAIRNESS PACKAGE AND BILL TO LOWER PROPERTY TAXES DENVER, CO– Governor Jared Polis today signed HB21-1311 and HB21-1312, the tax fairness package that will boost economic support for hard working families and eliminate the business personal property tax for two-thirds of the businesses that currently have to pay it. Polis also signed SB21-293, which will temporarily reduce property taxes. “Without a doubt, our tax code is more fair today because the package we passed and Governor Polis signed today puts working families and small businesses ahead of well-connected and wealthy special interests,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Colorado will build back stronger because we made the choice to provide significant assistance to the families and small businesses who are critical to the success of our local communities by ending ineffective tax windfalls and loopholes for those at the very top.” “Soon, over 300,000 families and tens of thousands of small businesses will see direct economic assistance for years to come because Democrats in the legislature made the decision to bring more fairness to our tax system,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “The package Governor Polis signed today will expand opportunities for hard working Coloradans, families and small businesses instead of continuing tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations.” HB21-1311 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Emily Sirota, would boost the incomes of over 300,000 hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 25 percent of the federal credit through tax year 2025. The bill also provides economic assistance to hard working Coloradans and families 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 taxpayers. HB21-1312 , also sponsored by Representatives Weissman and Sirota and which was endorsed by the Colorado Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, 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 were identified by the State Auditor as ineffective and only benefit a small number of businesses and Colorado’s wealthiest taxpayers. The package seeks to narrow expenditures that benefit only a few individuals and large businesses in order to provide broad tax relief to large numbers of hard working Coloradans and small businesses. Governor Polis also signed SB21-293 , sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Matt Gray, which would temporarily lower property tax assessment rates on several classes of residential and commercial property. The bill creates three new subclasses of non-residential property: agricultural, lodging, and renewable energy production property. It also establishes multi-family residential property as a new subclass of residential property. The bill applies new, lower assessment rates to these property classes. “Today, we are responsibly reducing property tax rates and targeting assistance to the Coloradans who need it the most, and at the same time, we are protecting Colorado’s local governments, fire districts, schools, police and local libraries that would be devastated by permanently losing nearly $1 billion in revenue every year,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m proud the legislature came together to pass this bipartisan bill that will ensure rural Colorado doesn’t continue to bear the consequences of rising property values in more populated areas of the state.” “The bill Governor Polis signed today thoughtfully creates new categories for properties, such as agricultural properties or single family homes, to temporarily provide direct relief where it’s needed most,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This is a responsible approach that will help Coloradans and protect the critical services that our communities need right now, like our public schools, which are especially important to help Colorado build back stronger from the pandemic.” The assessment rate on multi-family residences (apartment buildings, condominium buildings) would be lowered from 7.15 percent to 6.8 percent. The assessment rate on single family owner occupied primary residences would drop from 7.15 percent to 6.95 percent. For second homes and short term rental properties, the assessment rate would remain the same. The bill also expands the property tax deferral program to allow homeowners whose tax bills grow by more than four percent since the previous valuation period to defer the amount that exceeds the four percent growth, up to to $10,000. If a statewide measure passes to reduce residential property rates, it would only apply to multi-family properties. For non-residential properties, agricultural and renewal energy production properties would see their rate reduced from 29 percent to 26.4 percent. If a statewide measure passes to reduce nonresidential property rates, it would only apply to lodging properties. Remaining commercial property rates would remain at 29 percent. Previous Next

HB26-1283 would prohibit employers from confiscating and sharing an employee’s ID with federal law enforcement agencies < Back April 22, 2026 House Passes Bill to Protect Vulnerable Workers DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to prohibit employers from confiscating identification documents. HB26-1238 passed by a vote of 41-23. “With the passage of this bill, we’re one step closer to establishing clear, legal protections for workers who fear retaliation from their employer,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “HB26-1283 safeguards vulnerable employees, especially those in the construction, service, agriculture, or hospitality industries, from having their personal documents unlawfully shared with federal law enforcement agencies. This bill strengthens protections for immigrant workers and keeps Coloradans safe on the job.” “You need your ID for everything from renting an apartment and driving a vehicle to accessing health care,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “This bill protects workers by restricting an employer from confiscating employees’ and applicants’ personal IDs for more than ten hours. Threats and harassment on the job should never be tolerated, and this bill protects all workers, especially if their employer threatens unlawfully to report them to federal authorities.” HB26-1283 would prevent employers from seizing, demanding, confiscating, retaining or otherwise requiring an employee to surrender their government-issued identification card (ID) for more than a short period of time (up to ten hours), and except for lawful purposes like employment verification or when otherwise required by federal law. To enforce these provisions, the bill creates criminal penalties for unlawful confiscation and allows workers to pursue civil action and have their ID documents returned if their documents were unlawfully seized. Under the bill, employers must advise their employees of these protections. This bill also strengthens protections for employees if their employer unlawfully turns over their ID to federal immigration enforcement authorities or threatens to do so. If an employer holds an employee’s ID or personal document with the intent of harassing or intimidating the employee, they could be charged with a bias-motivated crime. HB26-1238 helps protect immigrant communities, especially for workers employed in the service industry, hospitality, agriculture and construction. In recent years, Colorado Democrats have passed legislation to strengthen existing data privacy and protections guaranteed to all Coloradans, including SB25-276 , which prohibits public employees from sharing personally-identifying information related to immigration status with federal immigration enforcement. Previous Next

US House votes to slash Medicaid, kick Coloradans off health insurance, and cut food assistance to give tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans < Back May 22, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: GOP Budget Is Devastating for Coloradans DENVER, CO — Speaker Julie McCluskie, President James Coleman, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, and JBC members Shannon Bird, Jeff Bridges, Emily Sirota, and Judy Amabile today released the following statements after the US House passed Trump’s Medicaid cuts. Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon: “Coloradans across the state– from rural health providers to seniors in long term care– are counting on us to speak up now and tell members of Congress to oppose this bill. This shouldn’t be partisan. We pay more in federal taxes than we receive back, and now Republicans in Congress want to take even more. Trump’s budget kicks vulnerable people off their health care, cuts food assistance for children, and will force rural health clinics to close or turn away patients. This is an all hands on deck moment to stop these painful cuts that will devastate Coloradans." Statement from Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver: “Congressional Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill benefits billionaires on the backs of hardworking Coloradans and Americans. Nearly one in five Coloradans rely on Medicaid for health care. That’s over one million Coloradans from Denver to Durango, and everywhere in between. The vote to advance this package is an expected, yet disappointing step forward, and I urge Colorado’s federal delegation to do all they can to defend our access to essential medical care and fix the mess that Washington is creating for us here at home.” Statement from House Majority Leader Monica Duran: “Congress should be cutting taxes for working families, not cutting Medicaid and food assistance and rolling back consumer protections. These GOP cuts will harm the most vulnerable in Colorado and force us to choose between bad and worse options to keep our budget balanced. Furthermore, this bill defunds Planned Parenthood, which would disproportionately limit access to family planning and preventive care like screenings and tests for women and people of color. I am deeply alarmed that this bill has moved forward.” Statement from Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver: “The GOP’s reconciliation bill prioritizes the interests of the wealthiest Americans and powerful corporations over working families. From sweeping tax breaks for billionaires to buried provisions like a 10-year federal preemption on any and all AI safeguards, the bill reflects a consistent pattern: advancing the agenda of Big Tech and other special interests at the expense of consumer protections and public accountability." Statement from JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County: “Here in Colorado, we know what it’s like to make difficult decisions to balance our state budget. Every year, the Joint Budget Committee does so carefully, thoughtfully, and with the best interests of Colorado families in mind. While we budget with a scalpel, Congressional Republicans are using a chainsaw. This budget is irresponsible and reckless, and it will hurt Coloradans. Smart investments yield strong returns, and every dollar we invest in health care, education, and families pays dividends in a healthier, more productive workforce and a stronger economy. Slashing essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP will hurt families today, and jeopardize our state’s long-term stability and opportunity.” Statement from JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster: “Everyone who works hard deserves a fair opportunity to thrive and live the American dream, but Republicans in Congress just voted to make it harder. Instead of cutting costs for families, they are stripping health care from Coloradans and increasing copays for low-income people. Colorado’s budget simply cannot absorb these cuts, and if this bill passes, we will have to slash core services that people depend on and expect. I am concerned that this bill will cause chaos in the stock market and crash people’s retirement savings, raise costs on consumers and worsen the economic volatility that’s hurting families under the Trump administration.” Statement from JBC member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder: “Republicans in Congress are hellbent on making it harder for everyday Coloradans to stay on Medicaid. Millions of Coloradans rely on Medicaid and Medicare, and the drastic cuts to these programs in Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill will have devastating impacts from the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains. This further compounds our state’s budgetary challenges and will force the Joint Budget Committee to make impossible decisions about the future of Medicaid funding in Colorado and our ability to provide core services to hardworking families.” Statement from Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver: “GOP politicians in DC just voted to take health care and food assistance from vulnerable people so they can give massive tax cuts to billionaires and the wealthiest Americans. The message from Washington Republicans is clear: Trump, Musk and their billionaire backers are more important than hardworking people. Their budget cuts will harm those who can least afford it and make it harder for Colorado to fund higher education, K-12, public safety initiatives, and the critical services Coloradans rely on. We will be forced to reduce health care eligibility, cut services or pay providers less, jeopardizing our safety net and critical access facilities.” Previous Next