< Back May 2, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS AND RESTAURANTS MONEY Legislation will save restaurants $40 million this summer and save Coloradans money on health care and prescription drugs DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills that will save Coloradans and restaurants money. HB22-1406, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Dylan Roberts, will save restaurants $40 million this summer by allowing retailers to retain some of the sales tax they collect. HB22-1370, sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Emily Sirota, will save Coloradans on health care and prescription drugs. “Restaurants were some of the hardest hit businesses during the pandemic, and while public health restrictions have been lifted, they are now facing new challenges from rising costs to a tight labor market,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This legislation will save thousands of restaurants and retailers $40 million this summer to help them address rising costs and fill the open positions that they need to grow.” “Restaurants are the lifeblood of our communities and local economies across the state. Helping them save money helps all of Colorado,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts. D-Avon. “The legislation we passed today will save restaurants up to $70,000 per restaurant and $40 million statewide this summer, which they can use to cover expenses, expand their business, pay their workers more and reduce costs for consumers.” HB22-1406 passed by a vote of 58-7. The bill will save nearly 9,000 restaurants and retailers nearly $40 million this summer by allowing them to deduct up to $70,000 from their net taxable sales, saving businesses about $2,000 in sales tax collections in July, August and September of this year. “With too many Coloradans suffering from the high cost of prescription drugs, we’re making necessary reforms to ensure that savings from prescription drug rebates are passed on to consumers instead of pocketed by highly profitable insurance companies,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “The legislation we passed today will make health insurance more dependable and protect consumers from out of pocket expenses that they weren’t expecting.” “No one should have to pay health care bills because their coverage changed in the middle of their plan year without notice or their consent,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This legislation will save Coloradans money on health care and prescription drugs and ensure that people have access to the care and medications their doctors recommend.” HB22-1370 passed by a vote of 42-23. The bill makes prescription drugs and health care more affordable and dependable. The bill ensures doctors are in charge of a patient’s treatment instead of insurance companies by limiting when a patient has to try and fail a treatment that their insurance company prefers before they can get what their doctor recommends. The bill ensures that patients know what they’ll be expected to pay for services by requiring that 25 percent of health plans have a set dollar amount for co-pays instead of unpredictable percentage-based coinsurance. The bill will save Coloradans money on prescription drugs by requiring insurance companies to pass along the savings from manufacturers’ rebates. The bill also restricts health insurance companies from raising the out-of-pocket costs of someone’s prescription medications on the individual market in the middle of their coverage and prohibits companies from dropping coverage of a medication a patient needs midway through the patients’ coverage. Two-thirds of Coloradans are not confident they can pay for their usual health care needs with their existing coverage and more than half of all Coloradans worry about affording the medication they need to stay healthy. Colorado Democrats have prioritized saving people money on health care and have passed landmark legislation, including creating the Colorado Option and Prescription Drug Advisory Board, that will save Coloradans money on health care. Previous Next

< Back February 8, 2023 House Advances Bill to Improve Free Transit Program DENVER, CO – The House passed legislation on a preliminary vote today to improve the grant program that funds Colorado’s free transit rides during peak ozone season. HB23-1101 supports the continuation of the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program which led to a significant rise in public transit ridership across Colorado. “During the free transit month last August, RTD experienced a ridership increase of more than 20 percent,” said Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our bill expands this successful free transit program to save Coloradans money on fares and further reduce the amount of harmful ground-level ozone pollution released. Our neighbors along the front range deal with some of the worst air quality in the state, and we’re making progress toward cleaning up our air with the free transit program.” “Breaking down barriers to accessing public transit, including financial barriers, is a great way to get transit-curious Coloradans aboard our buses and trains,” said Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs . “This legislation would improve the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program so more folks can take advantage of free rides. This successful program helps cut down on the number of cars on the road, saves Coloradans money and works to improve our air quality.” HB23-1101 would improve the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program, which provides funding to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and transit associations throughout Colorado to offer free rides during ozone season. Last year, Colorado Democrats championed SB22-180 which allocated $28 million toward free transit during ozone season to improve Colorado’s air quality. HB23-1101 utilizes funding from this initial investment to enhance the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program for the next three years. This year’s bill also would allow transit agencies to use grant funding during different months of the ozone season, rollover unspent grant funding to make an impact in future years and use the funding for outreach and education. RTD released final August 2022 ridership numbers in the fall. Data revealed a significant increase in the use of services, particularly buses within the district, during RTD’s 30-day Zero Fare for Better Air program. RTD also experienced a 36 percent ridership increase between August 2021 and August 2022 as well as a 21 percent ridership increase between July 2022 and August 2022. There were also significant increases in ridership in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and mountain communities. Previous Next

The 2023 School Finance Act invests a record $665 million more toward K-12 public education, commits to buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor in the 2024-25 school year < Back April 27, 2023 House Education Committee Passes School Finance Act and Support for Preschool Providers The 2023 School Finance Act invests a record $665 million more toward K-12 public education, commits to buying down the Budget Stabilization Factor in the 2024-25 school year DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed the 2023 School Finance Act, increasing per pupil funding by $1,018. This record investment toward K-12 public schools also reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by $180 million, mapping out a course to eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor by the 2024-2025 school year. “The 2023 School Finance Act is another record investment in our public schools that will improve educational outcomes for students,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, Chair of the House Education Committee, D-Durango . “This bill increases per pupil funding by more than $1,000 per student, and sets us on a path to eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor in the next two years. I’m also pleased that this legislation allocates more than $30 million specifically for rural school districts to help them hire more qualified teachers and set our students up for success. This bill reaffirms our commitment to funding and supporting our students, teachers, and schools.” “This year’s School Finance Act invests $665 million more in Colorado’s K-12 public schools to reduce classroom sizes, increase teacher pay and ensure schools have the resources they need to provide every student the high quality education they deserve,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “A strong public education system is essential for the future of our state, and this bill will improve our schools by increasing support for students and teachers while putting us on a sustainable path to fully fund K-12 education. I’m proud to champion this legislation that sets up our students to thrive.” 2023 School Finance Act : SB23-287 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Cathy Kipp, passed committee unanimously. This bill invests a record-breaking $665 million more in total program funding and raises the statewide average of per pupil funding by $1,018, up to $10,614 per pupil. It reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by $180 million, while committing lawmakers to fully eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor for the 2024-2025 school year. With this funding, school districts can reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide individualized support to help students succeed. Additional allocations include: $30 million specifically for large and small rural schools $10 million toward special education preschool support $1 million for gifted and talented universal screening for students $500,000 to support English language learning students and the translation of Individualized Education Programs program documents within special education $300,000 to reimburse schools for expenses related to replacing an American Indian mascot Supporting Universal Preschool Providers : The House Education Committee also passed SB23-269 unanimously. Sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens and Mary Bradfield, this bill invests $2.5 million in bonus payments for Universal Preschool (UPK) providers to support their programs, staff and facilities. “As Colorado gears up for Universal Preschool, providers across the state have been working tirelessly to support our youngest learners,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “This bipartisan bill will help recruit more providers and will send UPK providers a bonus to help them renovate spaces, purchase new educational materials, and support their staff. Each and every participating provider is vital to implementing UPK, and we’re grateful for all the effort and planning that goes into educating our children.” This bill would provide one-time bonus payments for early childhood care providers participating in Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program . The bonuses must be used to implement the UPK, or to maintain or expand infant and toddler care capacity. This bill will help ensure there are enough providers in the state so all families who want to participate in UPK can choose the right setting for their child, and provides support to child care providers in licensed community-based and home-based programs who are participating in state-run preschools for the first time. Yesterday, the Polis administration announced that more than 25,000 families who signed up for the first round of UPK Colorado have been matched with a provider, with more than 90-percent being matched with one of their top five providers. It is estimated that families who participate in UPK Colorado will save $6,000 per year. UPK sign up is available online on a rolling basis. Previous Next

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< Back May 24, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO CREATE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDU DEPARTMENT DENVER, CO– The House today passed HB21-1304 , sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett and Representative Emily Sirota by a vote of 44-20. The bill creates a new, cabinet-level state agency focused on early childhood education and care, setting up the framework for universal pre-K in Colorado. “Every parent knows child care in Colorado is far too expensive, and every early childhood advocate knows our current system is fractured and doesn’t meet every family’s needs,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “The bill we passed today sets up a system that will allow us to tackle both of these issues at once, streamlining the early childhood system and putting us on track to guarantee the option of universal pre-K for every family in the state.” “We know that early childhood years are the most crucial in a child’s cognitive development, but this time in a family’s life is often when they have the least support,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Child care and early childhood education is getting more and more expensive and harder to access for the families that need it. By creating a state department for early childhood education, we will lay the groundwork for universal pre-K and ensure that early childhood providers have the resources and funding necessary to ensure our youngest Coloradans succeed.” Based on the recommendations of the Early Childhood Leadership Commission, HB21-1304 creates the Department of Early Childhood as a new, cabinet-level state agency with a mission to expand access to high-quality, voluntary, affordable early childhood opportunities, support parents in accessing programs and services, promote equitable delivery of resources, and unify the fragmented administration of early childhood services to reduce duplicative oversight and administrative burden on families, providers, and educators. The bill also requires the creation of a plan to implement voluntary universal preschool statewide in alignment with Proposition EE, and streamlines existing and new funding sources for early childhood education and care programs. Under this legislation, the Governor would submit the community-informed transition plan to the Joint Budget Committee in November as part of his 2022 budget request, to be considered for further legislative action by the General Assembly in the 2022 session. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed two bills to boost legal aid funding and expand diversion program eligibility. HB24-1286, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Mandy Lindsay, would increase access to affordable legal aid. SB24-006, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English, would increase eligibility to diversion programs for people with an intellectual or developmental disability or a mental health or behavioral health issue. < Back March 5, 2024 Judiciary Committee Passes Bills to Boost Legal Aid Funding, Expand Diversion Program Eligibility DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed two bills to boost legal aid funding and expand diversion program eligibility. HB24-1286, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Mandy Lindsay, would increase access to affordable legal aid. SB24-006, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English, would increase eligibility to diversion programs for people with an intellectual or developmental disability or a mental health or behavioral health issue. “As a family law attorney who does pro bono work, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for hardworking Coloradans to access affordable legal representation,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1286. “Economic status should never dictate justice. By creating the Equal Justice Fund Authority, we can ensure that hardworking Coloradans have equitable access to the legal resources they need to get the outcomes they deserve.” “Lack of access to resources while navigating the legal system can have devastating legal and economic consequences,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1286. “Our legislation would boost funding for organizations that provide lower-income Coloradans with legal resources and representation, giving them the tools to best represent their needs in the criminal justice system. Everyone deserves a fair fight, regardless of their income.” HB24-1286 would create the Equal Justice Fund Authority and the Equal Justice Fund to provide financial support to numerous organizations that provide pro bono or low-cost legal services to low-income Coloradans. The bill would add a $20 fee to appeal and civil court filings to fund the Equal Justice Fund Authority. This bill would increase funding for the Equal Justice Fund by $1.1 million in FY 2024-2025 and $2.2 million every year after. The bill passed by a vote of 6-5. 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. SB24-006 expands eligibility and diversion services for individuals to include juveniles and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those with behavioral health issues. SB24-006, also sponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, passed by a vote of 10-0. “People with behavioral health issues and intellectual disabilities often become involved in the criminal justice system, and they deserve to be considered for diversion programs that foster rehabilitation outside of jails and prisons,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of SB24-006. “Our legislation would prohibit district attorneys from denying participation in a diversion program based on mental health, behavioral health, or disability, creating a more fair criminal justice system.” Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2020 STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BILL ADVANCES Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs & Services Act would, for the first time, allow state employees to collectively bargain for better pay and benefits DENVER, CO — Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo) today released the following statement after HB20-1153, the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act, passed the House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs by a vote of 6-3: “This is a great step forward for the tens of thousands of hardworking Colorado state employees who deserve the essential right to collectively bargain for better pay and benefits. This bill is long overdue and will foster important partnerships between the state and front line state employees to improve state services. “House Democrats are committed to improving pay and benefits for our state employees, and this legislation will help us achieve this important goal. It will help us fill the hundreds of state positions that are currently vacant while improving retention rates. I will always fight for our state employees, and I’m pleased to see this bill move forward.” The legislation would allow state employees to collectively bargain on pay and benefit issues and improve state services by fostering new partnerships between frontline workers and the state. The bill would not permit state employees to strike, which is similar to collective bargaining laws for state employees in the states that have them. Previous Next

On August 6, two laws to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence go into effect. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. SB25-116 ensures that courts consider domestic violence and abuse history during divorce and spousal support proceedings. < Back July 29, 2025 Laws Take Effect to Strengthen Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence DENVER, CO - On August 6, two laws to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence go into effect. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe. SB25-116 ensures that courts consider domestic violence and abuse history during divorce and spousal support proceedings. “Housing instability is one of the biggest threats to people who experience gender-based violence, with 20 percent of people experiencing homelessness in the Denver Metro Area fleeing domestic violence,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB25-1168. “Many victims can’t safely leave their abuser, which is why our new law strengthens Colorado’s victim protection laws and establishes new mechanisms to improve a victim’s access to justice and safe housing. Gender-based violence is traumatic, and no one deserves to face long-lasting financial consequences or homelessness as a result.” "Too often, survivors of domestic violence are forced to choose between their safety and their housing," said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1168. "No one should be stuck in a dangerous situation because they can’t afford to break a lease or are left with damages they didn’t cause. This law gives survivors the legal protections they need to reclaim their safety and move forward with dignity." “The Violence Against Women Act is near and dear to my heart, and I’m proud to sponsor this law to better align Colorado law with these protections to keep survivors safe,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25-1168. “As a judge, I know how important it is to have strong protections in statute, and this law is a meaningful change that better allows survivors to end their leases early while providing a payment plan to protect landlords and keep survivors housed. This is a huge win for survivors of gender-based violence to ensure they have the tools they need to build a strong, safe future away from their abuser.” "Survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking often face a lose/lose situation when it comes to their housing," said Sen. Mike Weissman, sponsor of HB25-1168. "It can be expensive to try to stay in one's home or expensive to relocate, on top of the immense personal cost of victimization. Whatever difficult choice they make, this important new law will help survivors by offering payment plans for back rent or limiting the costs of relocating such as losing a security deposit. Either way, survivors have a better path to safety, stability, and a chance at a fresh start." Currently, a tenant cannot be found guilty of unlawfully residing in a property if the tenant is experiencing domestic violence or domestic abuse and they provide a police report or civil or emergency protection order proving they were a victim. HB25-1168 expands these victim protections to include victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking and allows self-attestation or a letter signed by a qualified third party to be used as proof, reducing hurdles to accessing critical protections. Additional victim protection expansions include: Allowing victims who terminate a lease not to be held liable for property damage caused by their abuser during incidents of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, domestic violence, or domestic abuse, Ensuring victims can change locks to their rental property on their own if the victim provides documentation to prove they are a victim-survivor, Prohibiting a landlord from assigning debt allegedly owed by a tenant who is a victim-survivor to a third-party debt collector, with exemptions, and Requiring tenants to pay no more than one month’s rent after they vacate the residence and terminate the lease if, within 30 days, the landlord provides proof of economic damages as a result of the early lease termination. To strengthen eviction protections, this law also requires landlords to offer a repayment plan to victim-survivors for late or unpaid rent before a court may issue an eviction order. The repayment plan cannot exceed nine months from the date the plan was established. A 2023 report from the Colorado Coalition of the Homeless found that 1,265 Coloradans experiencing homelessness also reported being a victim of domestic violence. SB25-116 , also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, and Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, ensures that proceedings involving spousal support consider a spouse’s history of domestic violence. It also broadens disclosure requirements related to restraining and protection orders. “Survivors who make the courageous decision to leave their abusive spouse often face complex legal systems and serious financial burdens,” said Sen. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of SB25-116. “No survivor should be forced to pay spousal support to the person who harmed them. This law brings much-needed clarity and ensures that courts have the full context to make fair and just decisions..” “As a survivor, I am proud that this legislation is now in effect to ensure that courts can make an informed decision and better support survivors who are leaving their abusers,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB25-116. “Leaving an abusive partner is one of the most dangerous things a survivor of domestic violence can do, and it is important that the justice system can access the reported history of abuse during divorce and separation proceedings. By increasing the disclosure window and including a variety of abusive actions that must be considered during a case involving spousal support, we can lift up survivors and their stories during the scariest time of their lives.” Under current law, courts consider a list of relevant factors when determining spousal support. This new law expands that list to include whether a spouse has engaged in domestic violence, coercive control, economic abuse, litigation abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, or unlawful sexual behavior against the other spouse. The law also extends the disclosure window for prior restraining or protection orders from two years to five, ensuring judges have access to a more complete history of abuse during divorce or separation proceedings. Previous Next

< Back March 15, 2021 SCHOOL FUNDING BILL SIGNED INTO LAW Law ensures school districts do not experience significant funding reductions due to pandemic-related enrollment decreases DENVER, CO– Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Barbara McLachlan to protect school district funding that otherwise would have been reduced due to pandemic-related enrollment decreases. “The legislature is doing everything we can to put students, teachers, and parents first as we recover from this pandemic and work to build back stronger,” said JBC Vice-Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This funding boost protects schools across our state from catastrophic budget cuts at the worst possible time. I’m proud of how we brought together stakeholders from across the education community to craft this bipartisan solution.” “Our students and educators were among the hardest hit by the pandemic, and I’m proud that we’re doing right by them today,” said House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “Building back stronger means making sizable investments in education and working to give our schools the funding they need to get back on track and start bridging the COVID education gap.” SB21-053 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Barbara McLachlan, would buy down the Budget Stabilization Factor by $121 million and ensure that schools do not face consequential funding reductions due to pandemic-related enrollment decreases. In addition, the bill allocates an additional $85 million to districts in need, including $25 million to rural schools. Under the bill, all school districts will see their state share of total program funding restored to within two percent of what the legislature adopted in the 2020 School Finance Act. The bill passed by a vote of 52-11 in the House. Previous Next

Governor Polis signed legislation, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Mary Young, that will boost the educator workforce by making it easier for teachers professionally licensed in other states to teach in Colorado. < Back March 11, 2023 Bill to Address Teacher Shortage Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Polis signed legislation, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Mary Young, that will boost the educator workforce by making it easier for teachers professionally licensed in other states to teach in Colorado. “With our bill that Governor Polis signed into law, we’re taking important steps to address Colorado’s dire teacher shortage,” said Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “The number one determining factor to a student's success is the teacher in the classroom. This law works to get more high quality teachers in classrooms by streamlining the process for teachers who are licensed in another state to obtain a teaching license in Colorado. I’m proud to support educators, families and most importantly–students.” “Colorado’s teacher shortage is affecting every school district in the state, and our law works to address educator workforce shortages,” said Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley . “Under this law, already licensed teachers from other states would have an easier time obtaining a Colorado teaching license, saving them money and getting them in classrooms faster. This is also good news for military spouses who relocate to Colorado because it removes barriers to entering the educator workforce.” HB23-1064 creates new pathways for out-of-state teachers to gain professional licensure in Colorado. The bill establishes the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which would create an agreement between Colorado and ten other states where licensed teachers in member states can obtain and easily transfer a teacher’s license from one member state to another. This law is designed to increase the teacher workforce by easing the state-to-state licensure process and reducing barriers, so professionally licensed teachers can begin teaching in Colorado classrooms faster. HB23-1064 will be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state, and the compact was initiated by the Department of Defense with the Council of State Governments and National Council of Teacher Accreditation. Previous Next

The Defending Against DOGE Act sets aside $4 million to Musk-proof Colorado from federal actions that threaten our Colorado way of life < Back April 15, 2025 House Advances Bill to Protect Colorado Taxpayers DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to protect Colorado taxpayers and critical state services from funding freezes and federal actions that threaten the Colorado way of life. The Colorado Defense Fund comes in the wake of recent adverse action by the Trump administration, including federal funding freezes, disruptions to essential services, and mass lay-offs. “This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans; it’s about standing up for Colorado and protecting our taxpayers from federal actions that threaten health care, early childhood education, water infrastructure and public safety,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Coloradans pay more in federal taxes than we receive back in federal funding. We deserve to have our federal dollars working for us in Colorado – not frozen by unelected billionaires in Washington.” “We’re taking steps now to protect our state so Coloradans can receive the federal programming and services they rely on and pay for,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “When the federal government freezes funding, Colorado taxpayers do not see that return on their investment. Federal funding helps fix our roads and improve access to rural health care, and Colorado needs the federal government to uphold its end of the agreement. This bill fights back against federal overreach and puts Coloradans first.” The Colorado Defense Fund ( HB25-1321 ) would set aside $4 million to protect our state’s interests from federal efforts to freeze funding, halt contracts, or otherwise disrupt essential services for Coloradans. Coloradans pay more in federal taxes than our state receives back in federal funding, making federal funding freezes even more painful for our taxpayers. The legislation stands up for Colorado, protects Colorado taxpayers’ return on investment, and minimizes the impact of volatile federal actions on our economy and the Colorado way of life. Under the bill, the governor could use funds to respond to federal action. This includes working to mitigate the impacts of disruptions in federal funding and responding to legal proceedings, inquiries, hearings and investigations initiated or threatened by the federal government. These funds could also be used to defend or protect state officers and employees acting in their official role. In January, the Trump administration, through the recommendation of Elon Musk’s DOGE, froze more than $570 million in federal funding to Colorado. In response, Colorado joined a 22-state lawsuit to restore federal funding. While most of the funding has been restored through a federal judge, more than $69 million in public safety grants are still being withheld by the federal government. Colorado’s ability to deliver on essential government services relies on $13.9 billion in federal funding. Sweeping federal action has caused uncertainty and disruption for Colorado. For example, the federal government recently revoked more than $250 million in federal public and behavioral health care funding and $25.6 million already allocated to address drought in the Colorado River Basin has been paused. Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: HOUSE, SENATE UNVEIL CHILD MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES PROGRAM DENVER, CO – The House introduced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota (D-Denver) and Senator Tammy Story (D-Evergreen) to expand evidence-based behavioral health programs for young children experiencing chronic stress or trauma. Co-sponsored by Representative Rod Pelton (R-Cheyenne Wells) and Senator Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Logan), this bill invests $2 million of one-time pandemic relief funding to improve behavioral health outcomes for our youngest Coloradans. “Stressful and traumatic conditions take a major toll on young children and can negatively impact long-term behavioral health and brain functioning,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “With this once-in-a-generation funding, we’re improving our kids’ behavioral health outcomes by investing in early intervention and home-based prevention tailored towards young children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma.” “Over the past several years, the pandemic has added new and increased stress to Coloradans’ lives, including young children,” said Sen. Tammy Story, D-Evergreen. “It’s essential that we provide robust behavioral health opportunities for Colorado’s kids. By investing in the mental health and well-being of our youngest Coloradans today, we’re supporting their brighter tomorrows.” HB22-1369 is one in a series of bills to invest millions in our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. The bill invests $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children under the age of six-years-old experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home. Neurobiological research confirms that stressful experiences early in life can have destructive impacts on the brain, while nurturing relationships between children and caregivers provide a protective buffer from stress. The impacts of the pandemic exacerbated long-standing behavioral health challenges and made everyday life more difficult for Coloradans. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences. The new Department of Early Childhood will work with non-profit behavioral health care organizations to implement this program. Previous Next