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< Back February 7, 2023 Bill to Offer Youth Mental Health Screenings Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed a bill to conduct mental health screenings in schools to help determine the mental well-being of students and continue the successful I Matter program. “In 2021, almost 70% of Colorado students reported that they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet. “We created the I Matter Program to provide six free therapy sessions to Colorado youth, a successful tool in addressing mental health issues for over 5,000 kids so far. This bill would use a mental health screening within our schools to more easily identify students that could benefit from resources like the I Matter Program.” HB23-1003 would permit public schools to participate in a voluntary mental health screening program for sixth through twelfth graders. The school would be required to notify parents of the date and time that the mental health screening is scheduled, the purpose, and information about the licensed mental health screener. Parents would have the option to opt their child out of participating, although students over 12 years old could still be screened due to Colorado law . The screening would be conducted via a questionnaire and evaluated by a licensed mental health screener. If a student is at-risk for attempting suicide, physical self-harm, or harming others, the screener would immediately notify the parents as well as the school and the school would react according to school crisis response policy. If the screener finds the student in need of further help, they will contact the parent about additional treatment options, including information or a referral to the I Matter program. The I Matter Program was created with the passage of HB21-1258 , sponsored by Rep. Michaelson Jenet, and expanded by HB22-1243 . The program received $15 million dollars in funding from the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions to provide a mental health screening followed by six free therapy sessions to youth across the state and is available virtually and in person. Students use a screening tool through the program’s website to match them with licensed mental health professionals that best fit their needs, including bilingual services. If the student needs additional services or shows signs of needing immediate help, their assigned care navigator connects them to long-term mental health care providers or crisis support, including Colorado Crisis Services. Since the program started in October 2021, over 5,500 Colorado kids have utilized the free therapy services, with almost 44% attending at least four sessions. The participating 5,655 students come from 59 of the 64 counties across Colorado. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Javier Mabrey that would streamline the process for religious and educational institutions to build housing on their land to create more housing opportunities that work for every budget. HB25-1169 passed by a vote of 8-4. < Back February 20, 2025 ‘YIGBY’ Bill to Increase Housing Coloradans Can Afford Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Javier Mabrey that would streamline the process for religious and educational institutions to build housing on their land to create more housing opportunities that work for every budget . HB25-1169 passed by a vote of 8-4. “Creating more housing that hardworking Coloradans can afford is one of our biggest priorities at the Capitol, and cutting red tape for places of worship and schools to build affordable housing and community services like child care centers will save Coloradans money on housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “My previous experience as a pastor gives me a unique perspective on this issue, and working closely with religious groups and schools has confirmed the need for legislation that allows them to more easily develop on their land and partner with mission-minded organizations to help reduce the cost of housing across Colorado. This bill is a win-win for our communities by increasing affordable housing options and saving Coloradans money on housing, child care, and other necessary services.” “The housing crisis is making it increasingly difficult for hardworking Coloradans to put a roof over their heads, which is why we’re bringing this bill to expand housing opportunities on underutilized land already owned by religious and educational institutions,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “This legislation would streamline the review process to build new housing on this land, allowing places of worship and schools to help support their communities by building more affordable housing that will help bring down the cost of living. The housing affordability crisis requires multiple solutions, and this bill is one piece that can create a more affordable Colorado for all.” Beginning December 31, 2026, HB25-1169 would streamline the process for faith-based organizations, school districts, and state colleges or universities to build housing and other community services on their land, regardless of current zoning laws. Under the bill, local governments could not reject the construction of a residential development due to height, as long as the development is no taller than three stories or 45 feet or adheres to the height standards of the zoning district. Additionally, local governments could not restrict the construction based on the number of units, with some exceptions. If zoning allows, these residential developments could also include childcare centers and facilities that provide recreational, social, or educational services to residents. HB25-1169 would greenlight over 5,000 acres of land to be developed into housing in Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties alone. California passed a law in 2023 that makes it easier for higher education and religious institutions to build housing on their land, opening up over 170,000 acres of land to be developed into affordable housing or other uses. A church in Washington DC built 99 units for low-income families in addition to amenities like office space, a gym, and a culinary arts training program. An Atlanta church plans to build 300 affordable housing units , two schools, and 10,000 square feet of new retail space on their property. A recent Denver Post article reported that average Denver rents fell 1.5 percent from the end of 2023 to the end of 2024 due to new housing units doubling the typical pace in recent years. Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2019 HOUSE MOVES TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE Establishing science-based goals & taking action to meet them are critical to Colorado’s future (Apr. 15) – The House gave preliminary approval to a bill sponsored by Speaker of the House KC Becker, D-Boulder, and Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, to take meaningful action to address climate change. Acting on climate will help protect clean air and water, and spur clean energy jobs, innovation, business development, and economic growth for Colorado. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans support climate action. “We can address climate change, create clean energy jobs, reduce carbon pollution and help our economy all at once,” said Speaker Becker. “Air pollution doesn’t respect county or governmental boundaries and in Colorado we take pride in the fact that we address environmental health challenges head on. This bill sets goals to reduce carbon pollution and some utilities have already set carbon-free goals. The economic consequences of inaction are too high.” “We too frequently see the smog, and the hazy, bad air quality impacting the air we all breathe. Pollution is changing how we live our lives and threatening the things we love about Colorado,” Rep. Jackson, chair of the House Energy and Environment committee. “We’ve all heard the stories about elderly individuals who have been physically harmed because they couldn’t cool their home. Our seniors, low income people and especially communities of color are more likely to bear the impacts of climate change. Let’s preserve our Colorado way of life today.” Coloradans are already seeing the negative impacts of climate change on a daily basis: Coloradans are experiencing poor air quality affecting our health; mountain residents are seeing more frequent and destructive wildfires; increased drought is harming our farms; smaller snow packs are resulting in shorter ski seasons; and shallower rivers for fishing and rafting are threatening our thriving outdoor economy and the Colorado way of life. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans support climate action. This reasonable, science-based legislation directs the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to develop rules limiting carbon pollution, ensuring Colorado lead on climate action. HB19-1261 puts pollution reduction goals into statute to reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas pollution by 26 percent by 2025, 50 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050 of 2005 levels. The AQCC will hold an extensive stakeholder process throughout the rulemaking period. House Republicans remain in denial about the economic and moral impacts of climate change and voted the bill. A recorded vote on HB19-1261 will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2022 BILL TO SAVE TEACHERS MONEY ADVANCES HOUSE Legislation would distribute more than $50 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save teachers money DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today on a preliminary vote to save teachers money and prepare our students for success. This bill will invest more than $50 million of federal pandemic relief funds to build stronger schools and boost Colorado’s teacher workforce. “Colorado is facing a critical teacher shortage and pandemic pressures have heightened the situation,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “Our bill saves teachers money through loan forgiveness and student educator stipends so more talented educators can enter the profession without the financial burden. To prepare students for success, we need more teachers in the classroom and this bill will boost their workforce.” “We are taking a multi-pronged approach to address Colorado’s teacher shortage and that includes breaking down financial barriers to entering the profession,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Our bill saves our educators money by providing loan forgiveness to new teachers and creating stipends for student educators. Investing in our teachers builds stronger schools, improves educational outcomes and better prepares students for the road ahead. I am proud to sponsor this legislation that invests more than $50 million to boost Colorado’s teacher workforce.” HB22-1220 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Barbara McLachlan includes multiple strategies to address the teacher shortage. As amended, the bill now includes $10 million for student loan forgiveness to teachers who recently entered the profession. Modeled after an existing student loan forgiveness program, this program will provide up to $5,000 of loan forgiveness to educators who entered the profession during the pandemic, reducing the financial burden for up to 2,000 educators. The legislation creates and fully funds two stipend programs for two years that will save student educators over $20 million a year as they pursue educator preparation programs. It also creates new options to assess prospective educators and allows more prospective educators to obtain temporary educator licenses, breaking down unnecessary barriers to enter the educator workforce. The program anticipates supporting over 1,300 student educators. The bill expands opportunities for all teacher candidates and reduces red tape. It would make student teaching a paid position for income-eligible students. These educators would no longer need to work second or third jobs while finishing their teaching programs. The bill also creates a stipend program to pay for teacher competency exams, which can cost educators hundreds of dollars while they complete their licensure program. The bill expands the measures used to examine competency, creating a new pathway to initial licensure for prospective educators that expands how prospective educators can prove their competency. The legislation builds on laws passed in recent sessions to address the educator workforce challenges, such as SB21-185, which invested $15 million into two new programs to recruit and retain educators. It also follows on bills passed earlier this session to encourage retired educators to return to school districts. Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2019 REP. FROELICH’S BILL TO INCREASE VOTING ACCESS FOR COLORADANS WITH DISABILITIES UNANIMOUSLY PASSES HOUSE COMMITTEE Democrats working to increase access to ballot box (Apr. 18) – Rep. Meg Froelich’s bill to increase voting access for people with disabilities unanimously passed out of the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs committee. This important legislation would give voters with disabilities greater access to the ballot box in order to fit their specific needs. “It’s critically important that we improve access to the ballot box for all Coloradans,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “We should never disqualify individuals from voting and participating in our democratic process based on a disability. This bill will do more to ensure we aren’t disenfranchising voters.” If signed into law, this bill would require the Secretary of State to establish a process to enable voters with disabilities to mark a paper ballot using nonvisual access or low vision access technology whether the voter is voting in a mail ballot election or voting at a polling location. SB19-202 passed unanimously. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

HB25-1268 allows Coloradans to access low-interest financing for energy-efficient upgrades to their home through monthly repayments on their utility bills < Back April 23, 2025 House Passes Bill to Save Homeowners Money on Their Utility Bills HB25-1268 allows Coloradans to access low-interest financing for energy-efficient upgrades to their home through monthly repayments on their utility bills DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on their utility bills. HB25-1268 would allow customers to finance energy-efficient upgrades to their homes through smaller monthly payments on their utility bill. HB25-1268 passed the House by a vote of 38-26. “Many Coloradans want the savings, emissions reductions, and increased property values that come with making their home more energy-efficient, but can’t afford the upfront costs,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder . “This bill would make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable and approachable by allowing customers to finance upgrades over time. Our legislation is a win-win; it saves Coloradans money on their utility bills and helps move our state closer to our climate goals.” “From heat pumps to water heaters, there are many energy-efficient upgrades that will increase the value of your home while decreasing energy costs,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “While the upfront cost of major energy-efficient upgrades can be intimidating, this legislation would allow customers to finance upgrades slowly through affordable and convenient monthly payments tacked on to their utility bill. HB25-1268 would save Coloradans money, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and bring us closer to reaching our climate goals.” HB25-1268 creates a utility on-bill program to allow customers to finance energy and efficiency upgrades to their homes through monthly repayments on their utility bills. Eligible upgrades include windows, doors, insulation, certain water heaters and heat pumps. Many Coloradans are interested in making energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes, but often cannot afford the large upfront cost. This bill allows customers to pay for their energy-efficient upgrades over time through low-interest monthly payments on their utility bills. This bill aims to make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable and approachable while taking steps now to meet Colorado’s climate goals. HB25-1268 would require a utility company with more than 500,000 residential customers to set up and maintain an on-bill program to meet demand. Other utilities could benefit from the access to low-cost capital through voluntary participation. Energy-efficient upgrades are one of the most effective ways to drive down utility costs and reduce strain on the electric grid. For example, homes with heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and updated insulation can save an average of $570 on their utility bills. The House also passed HB25-1269 by a vote of 40-24. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn and Alex Valdez, D-Denver, would help commercial businesses reduce their environmental impact by making energy audits, consulting services, and energy use tracking software more available. Previous Next

< Back May 23, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! COLORADO CASHBACK PLAN TO PROVIDE EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF SB22-233 will provide relief to more than 3 million Coloradans DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation to expedite Coloradans’ tax refunds and provide relief as soon as possible. Under the Colorado Cashback plan, individual tax filers will receive early refund checks in September, currently estimated at $500 for individuals and $1,000 for joint filers, or even more. Final refund amounts will be determined based on updated revenue statistics. SB22-233 , sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Representative Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, speeds up the timeline for refund checks to help families afford basic necessities like gas and groceries. All full-time residents of Colorado who file their 2021 income tax returns by June 30th, 2022, or who received a tax filing extension and file their return by the extension date, will receive a check by September 30th. “Coloradans are feeling the pain of inflation because of the pandemic, and they need our help,” Hinrichsen said. “That’s why we’re taking action to provide immediate support to families and individuals in the form of direct relief to taxpayers. This relief will put money back into Coloradans’ wallets as soon as possible, making it easier for folks to afford everyday necessities like rent and groceries and helping families make ends meet during this challenging time.” “Our state’s economic recovery will mean we send even more money back to taxpayers in September to help them afford the rising cost of living and pay for necessities,” said Exum, Sr. “In September, Coloradans will receive their early tax refund check, putting more money back into people’s pockets when they need it the most.” “We worked hard this session to save Colorado families money, and this legislation will do even more to ease the pain we’re all feeling due to rising inflation,” Rodriguez said. “As we continue building back from the pandemic, this relief will help ease the financial burden folks across our state are struggling with when they need it most.” “From reducing property taxes to free universal preschool, we’ve worked hard this session to put more money back in people’s pockets and this law will expedite tax refunds to provide urgent relief,” said Daugherty. “Coloradans are struggling and this new law delivers relief in a meaningful way when people need it the most.” Colorado Democrats’ state stimulus plan, fair tax reform, and responsible governance combined has led to a robust economic recovery and a record state surplus that is being returned to taxpayers via this tax rebate, in addition to existing refund mechanisms, including the senior homestead exemption and a temporary reduction in the state income tax rate. The expedited tax relief provided by SB22-233 will add to the savings from the comprehensive tax reform legislation and property tax relief passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Polis last year that is already putting money back into Coloradans’ pockets. By repealing tax loopholes for large corporations and millionaires and reducing property tax assessment rates, Democrats have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in economic assistance and tax relief for hard working Coloradans, seniors, and small businesses. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to allow businesses to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after a $1 billion hole was created in Colorado’s budget by recent federal tax changes. < Back August 28, 2025 Signed! Bill to Auction Future Tax Credits at Discount DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to allow businesses to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after a $1 billion hole was created in Colorado’s budget by recent federal tax changes. HB25B-1004 , sponsored by Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and Representatives Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, and Sean Camacho, D-Denver, allows businesses to pre-pay taxes at a discount for future years when Colorado is anticipated to collect more revenue than the state’s spending limit under TABOR. “HB25B-1004 gives Colorado businesses a chance to save on future taxes while helping the state manage this year’s billion-dollar budget shortfall,” said Marchman. “It’s a practical approach that supports local economies, protects essential services, and makes sure businesses and communities both come out ahead.” “The billion-dollar revenue shortfall we’re facing from Congressional Republicans’ corporate tax breaks would require cuts to health care, public education, transportation and other essential services, which is why we took action with this special session to protect Coloradans and core services," said Stewart. “By allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes, we can boost revenue now to fund these services. We’re using all the tools in our toolbelt to address the crisis caused by Trump and Congressional Republicans when they passed a budget bill that hands out corporate tax giveaways at the expense of hardworking Coloradans.” “This new law lets Colorado businesses work with the state to save money now and protect the things we all rely on like K-12 public schools, roads, and health care,” said Snyder. “By prepaying future taxes at a discount, businesses can reduce long-term costs while helping the state weather the budgeting storm caused by Republicans in Congress. This law represents who we are as Colorado, where all of us chip in to keep our communities thriving.” “Unlike Republicans in Congress, Colorado Democrats are demonstrating that we prioritize the needs of our constituents, not the ultra-wealthy,” said Camacho. “Our legislation will allow businesses to pay their future taxes now, at a discounted price, to save them some money while protecting funding for services that all Coloradans rely on. This law is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to blunt the destructive impacts of Trump’s tax bill.” HB25B-1004 allows a one-time auction of future tax credits, giving companies the opportunity to buy tax credits to pre-pay a portion of their future taxes at a small discount. This saves businesses money, allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now, and bolsters our state revenue to offset the immediate impacts of recent federal tax changes. This does decrease revenue in future years, but after 2025-2026 the state budget is forecast to be limited by the TABOR cap, not the amount of revenue collected, so this won’t cut deeper into state services. Previous Next

House Democrats on the State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today defeated a GOP bill that would have eliminated Colorado's accessible, gold standard vote by mail system by overhauling it with ineffective, unnecessary, and impractical changes grounded in repeatedly debunked election conspiracy claims. < Back February 27, 2023 Dems Defeat Election Conspiracy Bill DENVER, CO - House Democrats on the State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today defeated a GOP bill that would have eliminated Colorado's accessible, gold standard vote by mail system by overhauling it with ineffective, unnecessary, and impractical changes grounded in repeatedly debunked election conspiracy claims. “The GOP continues to push the Big Lie in an effort to undermine Colorado’s elections,” said State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This bill would make it harder for Coloradans to cast a ballot by erecting barriers to voting. It wouldn’t improve the security of our elections yet would cost tens of millions of dollars. Election denialism has no place in Colorado--the voters have made clear that they have little tolerance for conspiracies and disinformation.” HB23-1170 , sponsored by Representative Ken deGraaf, would unnecessarily overhaul Colorado’s safe and accessible voting system by requiring an untested and complicated system of tokens, token assignment observers, vetting registrars and token registrars to allow Coloradans to cast their ballots. Voters would need tokens in order to vote by mail or in person. A token assignment registrar in the presence of a token assignment observer team would then match a token number to a ballot before it is counted. Prior to counting mail in ballots, the vetting registrar in the presence of the registration observer team must notify a voter that the clerk has received that voter’s ballot. The voter must then acknowledge this notification before their ballot can be assigned a token, entered into the distributed ledger and counted. Despite recent attacks by members of the GOP ascribing to the “Big Lie”, Colorado’s voting system has been lauded by both Democratic and Republican Secretary of States. In 2013, the bipartisan Colorado legislature passed the Voter Access and Modernized Elections Act to expand the state’s voting system and increase ballot accessibility to Coloradans all across the state. After every election, Colorado conducts a bipartisan post-election audit to ensure there are no inconsistencies before results are officially certified. Both Republicans and Democrats approve county election results, confirming that the results are factual. Findings from the audits are made public and can be found on the Secretary of State website . Over 95 percent of voters in the 2022 election chose to cast their ballot by mail, and almost 94 percent of ballots in the 2020 General Election were returned via mail or drop box. In 2020, Colorado’s voter turnout rate was over 75 percent, placing the state second in the nation in voter participation and roughly seven percentage points higher than the national average of 68 percent. Previous Next

The Governor today signed two bills into law to restore access to Medicaid services for Planned Parenthood patients and to give voters the opportunity to fund food assistance for Colorado students and families.  < Back August 26, 2025 SIGNED! Legislation to Restore Access to Medicaid Services for over 10,000 Planned Parenthood Patients, Protect Food Assistance for Colorado Kids & Families DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed two bills into law to restore access to Medicaid services for Planned Parenthood patients and to give voters the opportunity to fund food assistance for Colorado students and families. SB25B-002 , sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, authorizes state funding for Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health care providers removed from the federal Medicaid program by H.R.1. This action will restore access to health care services for more than 10,000 patients in Colorado. “Republicans in Congress want you to believe their budget puts working-class Americans first, but the exact opposite is true – this budget is the largest cut to Medicaid in American history,” Bridges said. “Thousands of Coloradans on Medicaid who rely on Planned Parenthood had to scramble to find different providers or went without care altogether after H.R.1 passed. This legislation will restore access to that care and peace of mind to patients across our state.” “Health care shouldn't be political,” Bacon said. “The federal GOP budget bill targeted Planned Parenthood, threatening access to low-cost family planning and preventive care for all Coloradans in all corners of our state. All Coloradans, whether or not they are a Medicaid recipient, deserve access to reproductive health care. This new law is an effort to fight back against the largest cut to Medicaid in the history of our country and protect thousands of Coloradans from losing this essential health care coverage and access to the provider of their choice.” “Time and time again, and most recently, last November, Colorado voters have overwhelmingly said they will support and defend their right to reproductive health care,” Daugherty said. “Amidst a hostile national landscape, this legislation is yet another step we must take to protect Coloradans’ right to safe, accessible and affordable reproductive health care.” “Despite Coloradans’ overwhelming support of reproductive freedom, Congressional Republicans continue to attack access to life-saving health care,” Willford said. “When Trump’s budget was signed into law, it forced Planned Parenthood to immediately cancel every appointment for Medicaid recipients. While corporations enjoy their new tax breaks, Coloradans on Medicaid risk losing access to STI testing, cancer screenings and abortion care. I’m proud to stand up for Coloradans with this new law that will restore access to life-saving care.” SB25B-002 authorizes the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to use state funds to pay claims to organizations like Planned Parenthood, who were barred from federal Medicaid funding by Congressional Republicans’ H.R. 1, for certain services including cancer screenings, birth control consultations, and STI testing. In the event that federal action renders these entities eligible for reimbursements again, the law would no longer be in effect. H.R. 1 immediately removed Planned Parenthood from the federal Medicaid program, forcing Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains providers to cancel thousands of appointments . Weeks later, a Temporary Restraining Order reversed this federal prohibition, though the issue is still working its way through the courts. SB25B-003 , sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, and Representatives Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, and Katie Stewart, D-Durango, modifies Proposition MM, which the Legislature referred to the November 2025 ballot, to give Colorado voters the opportunity to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in addition to the Healthy School Meals for All program. “No child in Colorado should go hungry because they can’t afford a nutritious meal – at school or at home,” said Michaelson Jenet. “By adjusting Proposition MM to include SNAP, Colorado voters will have the opportunity this November to help keep this life-saving program afloat, while fully funding Healthy School Meals for All Colorado students.” “Every Coloradan should be outraged that Trump and Congressional Republicans’ budget offers significant tax breaks to mega corporations while jeopardizing food security for children and families,” Garcia said. “SNAP and Healthy School Meals for All are life-saving programs, and there will be crushing consequences if they are not fully funded. I am disappointed in our GOP federal delegation for voting for H.R.1, but this law gives Coloradans the opportunity to combat some of the cuts to food assistance programs and prevent children from going hungry.” “SB25B-003 builds on the will of the voters to ensure that no child in our state goes hungry, while also supporting our local economies,” said Wallace. “The Healthy School Meals for All program improves educational outcomes, supports farmers and ranchers, and reduces strain on families' budgets. With the additions in this new law, we can also help 300,000 Colorado households afford groceries each month. Ultimately, this legislation empowers Colorado voters to continue our state’s now proud tradition of ensuring none of Colorado’s children go hungry.” “It breaks my heart that over 600,000 Coloradans, especially children, will be impacted by the SNAP cuts under Trump’s budget bill,” Stewart said. “Families struggling with food insecurity should never have to worry about when their next meal will be, which is why Colorado Democrats helped create the Healthy School Meals for All program and have continuously invested in programs like SNAP and EBT. Our law adds SNAP to Proposition MM, giving Colorado voters the opportunity to continue programs that keep vulnerable Coloradans fed.” In June, Governor Polis signed HB25-1274 which referred two ballot measures, Propositions LL and MM, to Colorado voters to determine whether or not to continue funding the Healthy School Meals for All program, which offers free, nutritious school meals to all public school students. In July, Congressional Republicans made unprecedented cuts to SNAP with the passage of H.R. 1, slashing millions from the program that helps families put food on the table. Now, more than 300,000 low-income Colorado families – including children, older adults, and people with disabilities – are at risk of going hungry. By adjusting Proposition MM to include SNAP, voters will have the opportunity this November to fully fund the successful Healthy School Meals for All program and help fund SNAP. If Proposition MM passes, it could raise up to $95 million per year by limiting state income tax deductions for households earning over $300,000. These new revenues would first ensure that the Healthy School Meals program is fully funded, and then any remaining funds could support SNAP. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would create clear policies and procedures for metropolitan districts to abide by, improving accountability and consistency when enforcing their policies on homeowners. HB24-1267 unanimously passed by a vote of 10-0. < Back February 28, 2024 Jodeh, Bacon Bill to Protect Homeowners in Metro Districts Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would create clear policies and procedures for metropolitan districts to abide by, improving accountability and consistency when enforcing their policies on homeowners. HB24-1267 unanimously passed by a vote of 10-0. “No one deserves to be forced out of their home over a dead tree in their yard,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Fines and fees from metro districts over minor violations are ultimately resulting in Coloradans losing their homes due to thousands of dollars worth of charges and attorney fees that Coloradans can’t afford to pay. People with disabilities or elders that live on a fixed income are especially vulnerable. Our legislation would shift to have metro districts and homeowners to work together to settle disputes, protecting Coloradans from being displaced for frivolous reasons.” “When there is nothing protecting homeowners in metro districts from being consistently fined for small violations, like an unpainted trim or an oil stain in their driveway, they’re vulnerable to losing all of the equity and security they have invested in their home,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “It’s crucial that we keep Coloradans housed, and this bill would help prevent Colorado homeowners from losing their home over resolvable conflicts.” Starting January 1, 2025, HB24-1267 would prohibit a metro district from foreclosing on a lien based on a resident’s delinquent fees or other charges owed to the metro district. It would also create rules and guidelines for metro districts to comply with when enforcing policies on owners, including: Requiring metro districts to adopt written policies regarding the imposition and collection of fines, Prohibiting metro districts from foreclosing on liens based on delinquent fees and requiring residents to use specific flammable roofing or other materials, Establishing a fair process that gives an owner notice and an opportunity for a hearing, and Outlining procedures for dispute resolution between metro districts and residents, including mediation and court cases. HB24-1267 protects residents’ property rights by allowing them to display flags and signs, modify their property to accommodate a person with a disability, park an emergency vehicle in a driveway, remove vegetation for fire mitigation purposes, use a rain barrel, operate a family child care home or install renewable energy devices. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO EXPAND PEACE OFFICER MENTAL HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM PASSES Rep. Julie McCluskie’s bill to expand the successful peace officers behavioral health support grant program passes house on third reading DENVER, CO– The House today passed Rep. Julie McCluskie’s bipartisan bill to modify the existing peace officer mental health grant program to expand and enhance community based law enforcement response efforts. The bill passed by a vote of 57-6. “Expanding the Peace Officer Mental Health Grant Program to include a focus on co-responder and community partnership programs is responsive to the many behavioral health and social services needs we are seeing in Colorado’s communities,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “It’s important that we diversify the tools available to create a continuum of responses for individuals in crisis and connect them to the support they deserve. Expanding this grant program will do just that.” The Peace Officer Mental Health Grant program provides financial assistance to law enforcement agencies for services such as counseling and mental health support for peace officers, on-scene response services to support peace officers’ handling of people with behavioral health issues, use of force training, and more. HB21-1030 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, removes the grant program’s repeal date and expands the allowable uses of the grant funds to include on-scene responses for social service needs in addition to mental health, meaning responders could direct individuals toward help with housing, food insecurity and more. The program will continue to fund direct mental health support services for peace officers and will open up additional opportunities for collaborative responses to calls for service between public safety entities and community-based providers. Previous Next