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SB23-092 expands renewable energy and reduces carbon emissions on Colorado farmland < Back May 18, 2023 SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Increase Use of Agrivoltaics SB23-092 expands renewable energy and reduces carbon emissions on Colorado farmland LONGMONT, CO – Today, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representative Karen McCormick’s, D-Longmont, bipartisan bill to support the use of agrivoltaics through grants from the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) was signed by Governor Jared Polis. SB23-092 , cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, expands access to agrivoltaics, a cutting edge method to generate energy using solar panels over agricultural land without sacrificing significant agricultural production. The bill also directs the CDA to study greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration opportunities in agriculture. “Agrivoltaics are an effective way to increase the productivity of our farmland,” said Hansen. “With some crops, shade from solar panels can actually improve growing conditions, save water and increase output. We are helping to expand renewable energy options and carbon capture techniques that can benefit our farming community and help us reach our climate goals.” "Cleaning up our air takes a multi-pronged approach, and agrivoltaics prioritize clean, renewable energy sources over fossil fuels across Colorado's farmland," said McCormick. "This law expands the use of this cutting edge method to generate energy using solar panels along farmland and saves water in the process. Agrivoltaics provide economic opportunity for agricultural landowners, making it easier for farmland to be kept in the hands of farmers for generations to come. Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the state, and these innovative techniques bring us closer to reaching our climate goals and reducing our carbon footprint." 32 million acres of land are used for agriculture in Colorado, nearly half of the state’s surface area. Methods for carbon reduction on farmland studied by the bill include dry digesters, greenhouse gas credits, and sequestration efforts. Additionally, the bill establishes a tax exemption for certain qualifying machinery or equipment from property tax if the agricultural equipment is part of a solar energy generating system that is used for agrivoltaics or aquavoltaics. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2021 AFTER GEORGIA’S JIM CROW 2.0, DEMS BEAT BACK “BIG LIE” INSPIRED ELECTION BILLS DENVER, CO — The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs committee today defeated multiple GOP bills based on “the big lie,” which raised baseless conspiracies about the security and integrity of elections across the country, and here in Colorado. “Colorado’s elections system is a national model for facilitating record turnout and constantly improving voter access while ensuring safety, integrity and security,” said House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Chair Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “These bills are dangerous attempts to make it harder to vote and undermine faith in our elections based on conspiracies and the ‘big lie,’ which have been repeatedly debunked. In fact, there wasn’t a single piece of evidence presented that anyone voted who wasn’t supposed to or that anything went wrong with our voting systems. Our system has been lauded by both Republican and Democratic secretaries of state, county clerks and recorders, and officials in both parties for nearly a decade.” “From Georgia to Colorado, we are seeing an onslaught of GOP efforts across the country to restrict access to the ballot and make it harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote,” said committee vice chair Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “We won’t stand for these attacks on our democracy in Colorado. We should be looking for ways to increase participation and make it easier to vote, not casting doubt on the best elections system in America.” Dismantle Vote by Mail (HB21-1086 – Luck): This bill would severely limit voter access by requiring voters to submit proof of citizenship in-person at their county clerk and recorder’s office, dismantling our convenient and secure mail-in voting system. Instead of automatically receiving a ballot in the mail, each registered voter would have to go in person to submit additional documents. Voter fraud is extremely rare in the United States, and noncitizen voting is even more rare. This bill is not only a solution in search of a problem, it’s a reckless piece of legislation that would set back our progress and disenfranchise countless Coloradans. Among those directly affected would be military and overseas voters who cannot possibly get to their county clerk’s office in-person. The bill was postponed indefinitely at the request of the sponsor, although two Republicans voted against the motion and to move it forward instead. Redundant And Unnecessary Audits (HB21-1088 – Pico): This bill would require the state auditor to conduct a completely unnecessary and redundant annual audit of the voter registration system. The Secretary of State’s office and county clerks across the state conduct risk-limiting audits, regarded nationally as the gold standard, in every election and have not found any substantial evidence of fraud. Giving Political Party Chairs Influence Over Election Equipment Recommendations (HB21-1170 – Geitner): This bill creates an advisory committee made up of partisan appointees from the state’s two major political party chairs to make recommendations on how to change the state’s voting systems, which are the safest and most secure in the country. Colorado already has a bipartisan commission of experts made up of county clerks, election officials, lawmakers, and voting access and integrity advocates that shouldn’t be usurped by a commission made up only of political party appointments. After they spent months trying to undermine the security of our elections, it would be disastrous to allow partisan GOP political operatives a greater say in how we run them. Commission to Guide Redundant and Unnecessary Audits (HB21-1176 – Holtorf): This bill would create yet another commission to offer recommendations on how to audit Colorado’s elections, despite the fact that the state already has a Bipartisan Election Advisory Commission and already conducts the nationwide gold standard for election audits. By offering bills to fix problems that don’t exist, Republicans continue their efforts to undermine faith in Colorado’s elections. Endless and Meritless Recount Requests (HB21-1053 – Williams): This bill would allow any registered elector in the political subdivision where the election was held to request an electoral recount when one is not otherwise required. Under this bill, the voter requesting an recount could go so far as to specify that the recount be conducted manually, leaving the door open for all kinds of abuse of the recount mechanism. Under current law, recounts are automatically triggered when the margin falls within 0.5 percent of the vote and can be requested by any candidate or their affiliated party within 28 days of an election. Previous Next

< Back Rep. Julie McCluskie: Delivering relief for hardworking Coloradans this special session Dec 8, 2023 See more The story was originally published in the Summit Daily on December 8, 2023 here . On Nov. 17, I gaveled the Colorado House of Representatives into the 2023 extraordinary session to pass an immediate, short-term solution to next year’s rising property taxes. We delivered results that will help the Coloradans that need the most help, especially in our mountain and rural communities that have felt the growing pressure from increasing housing values and the rising cost of living. After four days of robust discussions, we passed a package of bills that provide over $430 million in property tax relief without using TABOR refunds while also supporting hardworking Colorado families by increasing rental assistance, providing equal TABOR refunds and boosting tax relief for working families. Democrats put people over politics and brought ideas to Republicans that had broad bipartisan support. The main focus of the 2023 extraordinary session was SB23B-001, our property tax relief bill that now allows homeowners to exempt $55,000 of their home’s value from taxes. It also decreased the residential assessment rate from 6.765% to 6.7% for the 2023 tax year. The law provides responsible property tax relief while protecting funding for local services, like K-12 schools, fire districts and libraries. We had limited resources and tools to reduce taxes without cutting critical services like education. With this bill, we provided the largest tax reduction we could responsibly deliver without using TABOR surplus and without harming students, teachers or our schools. Our property tax reductions built off of similar legislation from the 2022 legislative session, which passed unanimously in the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. We listened to voters and delivered property tax reductions that protect schools without reducing what the state refunds to Coloradans under TABOR. Our package of bills put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Colorado families in a variety of ways, something that wouldn’t have been possible without a special session. By continuing popular equal TABOR refunds of $800 per filer, 2.3 million taxpayers and everyone making under $104,000 will see larger refunds, and lower income families will see hundreds of dollars more to help afford rent, groceries, health care, child care and other essentials. An identical law passed in 2022 with overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans alike. Additionally, we doubled tax credits for working low-income families, boosting the incomes of over 400,000 hardworking Coloradans by $185 million. Currently, the state Earned Income Tax Credit is 25% of the federal credit, with the average family receiving a $521 tax credit. By doubling the state EITC, working-class families will see hundreds of additional dollars back in their pockets so they can better support their families. Similar legislation passed the House earlier this year by a bipartisan vote of 54-9 with the approval of many House Republicans. We know that renters are undoubtedly struggling to keep up with rising rent and the cost of living. We nearly doubled rental assistance funds to $65 million for the year, keeping Coloradans safely housed so they can break out of cycles of poverty, homelessness and financial insecurity. This boost in funding will prevent thousands of evictions while ensuring landlords don’t suffer from financial losses. Finally, we expanded the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program to connect families with nutrition assistance during the summer months. Keeping kids well-fed is crucial so they can learn and grow. Now, families will receive added financial support to go towards groceries in the summer when school is not in session, saving them money on nutritious food. I’m proud of the work that we accomplished during the 2023 extraordinary session to provide immediate support for the Coloradans facing the brunt of the cost of living crisis. Our property tax relief legislation utilized the tools we have at the state level to help homeowners afford their property taxes next year, giving local governments more time to come up with an effective, long-term solution that meets the needs of their communities. This extraordinary session, we prioritized help to hardworking Coloradans in every corner of our great state, helping them combat our affordability crisis so they can better support themselves and their families. As I prepare for the 2024 Legislative Session, I’m committed to continuing our work in making Colorado affordable for everyone and working across the aisle to deliver results for Coloradans. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to protect Coloradans from wildfires. < Back February 15, 2024 Bill to Keep Coloradans Safe During Wildfire Evacuations Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to protect Coloradans from wildfires. HB24-1033, sponsored by Representatives Marc Snyder and Elizabeth Velasco, would encourage locally created emergency evacuation plans for Coloradans with pets during wildfires or other emergencies. HB24-1033 passed by a vote of 48 to 12. “As wildfires become more destructive and frequent, emergency evacuation plans are important to keep everyone safe,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “This bill encourages local communities to create emergency plans for Coloradans with pets so that they have evacuation options in the wake of disaster. From expanded mitigation efforts to community education, the safety of our neighborhoods depends on emergency planning.” “Rural and mountain communities like mine face frequent wildfire risks,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “To better protect our community members during a wildfire, this legislation would help develop emergency plans for Coloradans with pets, including transportation and other logistics. Our furry friends and pets are valued members of our families, and this legislation helps communities create a plan to keep everyone safe during wildfire evacuations.” HB24-1033 would encourage local emergency management agencies to address the needs of Coloradans with animals during wildfires or other emergencies. This would include provisions for the evacuation, shelter, and transport of these individuals and their pets, including service animals. Beginning January 2025, local governments would also be strongly encouraged to make information for animal emergency preparedness available. This bill was created during the interim by the Wildfire Matters Review Committee and is designed to keep communities and Coloradans safer in the wake of destructive wildfires. Previous Next

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

House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senate President Steve Fenberg today made legislative appointments to the Colorado River Drought Task Force. < Back June 22, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Speaker McCluskie and President Fenberg Make Appointments to Colorado River Drought Task Force DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senate President Steve Fenberg today made legislative appointments to the Colorado River Drought Task Force. The appointments were made pursuant to SB23-295 , a new law which establishes a special task force to identify steps the state can take to protect the Colorado River and all who rely on its water. “The Colorado River speaks to the very spirit of our Colorado way of life, and I hope the work of this task force helps protect it for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The Colorado River Drought Task Force is a vital step forward toward finding innovative and bold solutions to combat drier, hotter climates that jeopardize our freshwater lifeline and all those who depend on it. The leaders I selected for the task force are committed to a collaborative process that brings every voice to the table and uplifts the needs of Coloradans from around the state. This is the first step in a thorough process to preserve Colorado’s water future.” “Coloradans depend on clean, reliable water to power our economy and our outdoor way of life, and protecting the Colorado River is a key step towards securing the future of our water supply,” said President Fenberg, D-Boulder. “This Task Force will address the challenges facing our water supply head-on, and will help put Colorado on a path to a sustainable water future by finding innovative solutions to safeguard Colorado’s water. I am excited to watch this team work together to protect our most precious resource and ensure clean, accessible water for all.” Speaker Julie McCluskie’s legislative appointments to the Colorado River Drought Task Force: Kathy Chandler-Henry, Eagle County Commissioner , to serve as a representative of a local government located within the boundaries of the Colorado River Water Conservation District that provides water for municipal purposes. Kathy Chandler-Henry, a Western Slope native, is Chair of the Eagle County Commissioners. In addition to her role as County Commissioner, she is President of the Colorado River Water Conservation District Board of Directors, Chair of the Ruedi Water and Power Authority as well as the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Water Quality and Quantity Committee (QQ). She previously served as President of the Eagle River Watershed Council Board of Directors. Mike Camblin, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association , to serve as a representative of a statewide agricultural organization that is the owner of water rights. Mike Camblin lives in Maybell Colorado where he and his family run Camblin Livestock, a 4th generation cattle ranch in northwest Colorado. He serves on the Board of Directors as a Northwestern Quarter Representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. Alexandra Davis, Aurora Water , to serve as a representative of a front range municipal water provider that diverts water from the Colorado River. Alex Davis is the Assistant General Manager of Water Supply and Demand at Aurora Water. She has experience in the public and NGO sector, working for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Department of Natural Resources as the Director of Colorado Interbasin Compact Committee, and in the Colorado Attorney General’s office. Daris Jutten, Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association , to serve as an agricultural producer that owns water rights within the boundaries of the Colorado River Water Conservation District. Daris Jutten is the Chair of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association Board of Directors and head of the Lazy K Bar Land and Cattle Co., a 5th generation ranching operation in Montrose and Ouray Counties. Aaron Citron, The Nature Conservancy , to serve as a representative of a statewide environmental nonprofit organization with expertise in water rights and Colorado River interstate governance. Aaron Citron is the Associate Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in Colorado. He leads the Conservancy’s state legislative and government relations efforts as well as the Colorado chapter’s engagement on Colorado River water issues. President Steve Fenberg’s legislative appointments to the Colorado River Drought Task Force: Melissa Youssef, City of Durango , to serve as the representative of a local government located within the boundaries of the southwestern water conservation district that provides water for municipal purposes. Youssef has served on the Durango City Council since 2017. Before she was elected, Youssef founded and served as a CEO of a successful Durango based company, as well as the City of Durango Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Trails 2000 board. Orla Bannan, Western Resource Advocates , to serve as the representative of a statewide environmental nonprofit organization with expertise in water rights and Colorado River Interstate Governance. Bannan is Western Resource Advocates’ Healthy Rivers Strategic Engagement Manager. She helps develop and advocate for policy programs that protect and improve western rivers and works to address water scarcity issues by partnering with regional water boards and emerging leaders in local communities. By December of 2023, after an extensive stakeholding process open to public comment, the task force must make policy recommendations to the General Assembly for demand reduction projects that proactively address the impact of droughts on the Colorado River and its tributaries and: Avoid disproportionate economic and environmental impacts to any one region of the state, Ensure that any program related to the acquisition of agricultural water rights is voluntary, temporary, and compensated, Assure meaningful collaboration among the Colorado River District, Southwestern Water Conservation District, and the State of Colorado in the design and implementation of drought security programs, and Evaluate sources of revenue for the acquisition of program water. A sub-task force consisting of representatives from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Department of Natural Resources would also be established to provide policy recommendations to the General Assembly to address tribal needs. These recommendations would consider the unique nature of tribal water rights and tribal water use. The goal of the Colorado River Drought Task Force is to convene experts and relevant stakeholders to provide effective solutions to the General Assembly so our state can protect the Colorado River and its tributaries. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to ensure Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. < Back May 1, 2023 House Passes Equal Pay for Equal Work DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to ensure Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. SB23-105, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez, would strengthen the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, bringing Colorado closer to closing the wage gap. “If men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same for it, plain and simple,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “In Colorado, despite our progress, we’re still fighting to achieve pay equity and close the wage gap that inevitability hurts women and families. This legislation strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act by further breaking down wage barriers and helping women succeed in their careers.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is already law, yet women in Colorado are still earning less than men for doing the same job,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “We’re committed to helping communities hit hardest by the pandemic build back stronger, and that begins with equal pay for equal work. The wage gaps between Black women and white men are resounding, and our legislation takes steps to combat wage discrimination and ensure all women are paid fairly. The bill will foster an environment for women to advocate for better, fairer wages.” SB23-105 , passed the House by a vote of 41 to 21 and would strengthen Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. Specifically, this bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to promulgate rules to further prevent wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive accompanied with the resources and staffing to back it up. This bill would also require CDLE to investigate complaints or other leads concerning wage inequality, and to address the situation if the complaint is found to be valid as well as requiring employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings. SB23-105 would also extend the maximum period for which a person pursuing a wage discrimination complaint may receive back pay to six years, doubling what is currently allowed under state law. Previous Next

SB25-129 would strengthen Colorado's shield laws to protect patients and providers from hostile out-of-state action < Back March 19, 2025 Bill to Strengthen Reproductive Health Care Protections Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to strengthen Colorado’s shield law to protect patients and providers from out-of-state attacks on accessible reproductive health care. SB25-129 passed by a vote of 7-4. “Now’s the time to fight back against sweeping civil restrictions, out-of-state interference, and Trump administration threats to restrict abortion and health care for LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Our bill expands Colorado’s shield laws to include telehealth and prescription label privacy. As attacks on reproductive rights ripple throughout our nation, we must strengthen Colorado's ability to fight back against hostile attacks on your right to an abortion, whether you’re a resident or not.” “By fortifying our shield laws, we reaffirm Colorado’s position as a sanctuary for safe, legal, and protected reproductive and gender-affirming health care,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Our state stands resolute, with no obligation to comply with hostile investigations. This bill embodies Colorado’s unwavering commitment to bodily autonomy, firmly opposing out-of-state attempts to erode these fundamental human rights. As access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care faces relentless attacks nationwide, we must act decisively to preserve these essential freedoms in Colorado.” SB25-129 protects providers by allowing a practitioner to request to have their name excluded from a medication abortion label, and instead, list the prescribing health-care practice. The bill would also prohibit Colorado entities, or a person or entity licensed or regulated by the state from cooperating with hostile out-of-state investigations related to legally protected health care. Additionally, the bill would enhance privacy protections for patients by placing restrictions on health data collecting and published reports published by the Office of the State Registrar. Colorado Democrats passed SB23-188 to establish a shield law to protect those receiving, providing or assisting with reproductive or gender-affirming care from criminal prosecutions. Given recent legal action surrounding out-of-state abortion access, this bill aims to fight back against hostile attacks to keep patients and providers safe while accessing legal health care. Previous Next

Lawmakers heard expert testimony from Public Utilities Commission, consumer advocates to better understand root causes of rising rates < Back March 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Holds First Meeting to Investigate High Energy Prices DENVER, CO – Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates held their first meeting today to explore the underlying causes of recent spikes in energy prices and to begin identifying strategies that can save Coloradans money on their utility bills. Committee members heard testimony and asked questions of panels of experts representing the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate, the Colorado Energy Office, and Energy Outreach Colorado to better understand the factors that influence how rates are set and how those mechanisms lead to higher costs for Coloradans. “Recent spikes in energy prices have hit Colorado families hard, and today’s hearing highlighted just how fraught certain aspects of our current regulatory structure are,” Joint Select Committee Chair Sen. Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “We’ve heard loud and clear that Coloradans are looking for relief, which is why we convened this committee so we can better understand the underlying forces behind rising utility rates and begin identifying solutions. I’m excited by the progress we made today, and I look forward to continuing our work so we can better protect consumers, improve our energy stability, and eventually save Coloradans money on their energy bills.” "Expensive utility bills have left many Coloradans struggling to heat their homes, and today's hearing offered insight into some main drivers of pricing instability that are often invisible to customers who are left to foot the bill," said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "This hearing was a great first step toward building an in-depth understanding of what's causing high utility prices. High energy prices hit families and low-and middle-income folks the hardest, and it's our responsibility to shed light on how we got here, and to work together towards potential cost-saving solutions." “Skyrocketing utility bills are adding to the stress Coloradans are already feeling as we recover from the economic challenges brought by the pandemic,” Joint Select Committee member Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County said. “Today, the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates heard from a number of experts that helped us better understand the energy landscape and factors at play in rate setting. I look forward to continuing our work to shed light on the process and get answers for the people of Colorado." "We heard from Coloradans across the state and the message is clear — high, unpredictable energy costs are taking their toll," said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Communities in Southwest Colorado are often left out of the conversation when it comes to rising energy costs, I’m proud to share and voice their concerns on this committee. The Joint Select Committee is committed to uncovering the root causes for high energy costs and hearing from experts helped us gather a stronger understanding of what is driving costs that are passed down to consumers.” The Committee heard testimony from the following experts: Erin O'Neill, Chief Economist for the Public Utilities Commission The Public Utilities Commission regulates utilities, which involves reviewing and approving generation and transmission plans, and the rates charged to pay for them. O’Neill explained how the utility rate setting process works, and addressed the false narrative that the transition to clean energy is what’s driving high utility rates. Joseph Pereira, Deputy Director for the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate The Office of Utility Consumer Advocate represents consumers when utility companies want to raise rates. Pereira spoke about the Office’s work to support pro-consumer policies in utility regulation, highlighting the difficulties of doing this work in an environment of asymmetric information Keith Hay, Senior Director of Policy for the Colorado Energy Office The Colorado Energy Office works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumer energy costs by advancing energy efficiency. Hay discussed his office’s ongoing efforts to mitigate rate increases while advancing Colorado’s use of clean energy. Jennifer Gremmert, CEO and Executive Director of Energy Outreach Colorado Energy Outreach Colorado is a non-profit that provides utility bill payment assistance for low-income Coloradans. During today’s meeting, Gremmert shared how Energy Outreach Colorado has seen a significant increase in requests in recent months from Coloradans who need help paying their utility bills. Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon in response to recent spikes in energy prices , the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates is working to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. The Committee’s next meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. Learn more about the Committee’s work HERE . Previous Next

< Back May 8, 2019 STATEMENT FROM HOUSE SPEAKER KC BECKER AND MAJORITY LEADER ALEC GARNETT ON THE HIGHLANDS RANCH SCHOOL SHOOTING (May 8) – House Speaker KC Becker and Majority Leader Alec Garnett issue a statement on the Highlands Ranch School Shooting: “Our hearts break for the victims of the shooting in Highlands Ranch and their families. We are thankful to our first responders but tragically, a life was lost and the lives of many of these children – some as young as five or six – will never be the same. We are still learning more about this situation but what we do know is that Coloradans should not be forced to live with this reality. Students should be concentrating on their education – not active shooter drills. Like many parents, we are deeply concerned about the lasting effects these violent and tragic events will have on our children, their classmates and our communities. And like many parents, we are heartbroken by once again having to talk to our children about mass shootings. Coloradans must refuse to live with the status quo. The state legislature has pursued solutions to gun violence and mental health and will continue to do so to address this crisis, but Washington must also step up to do its job to keep our communities safe.” Previous Next

Several new tax credits will go into effect on January 1, 2024 that will save Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment. < Back December 22, 2023 Laws to Save Coloradans Money, Protect the Environment, and Reduce Emissions To Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Several new tax credits will go into effect on January 1, 2024 that will save Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment. HB23-1272 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, incentivizes the advancement and adoption of clean transportation such as electric vehicles (EV), high-efficiency heat pumps, geothermal electricity development, and measures to reduce industrial emissions. Coloradans and businesses will save an average $65 million each year with specific tax credits ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies and economic conditions. “This new law will save Coloradans and businesses money on electric vehicles, e-bikes, clean energy sources, and energy efficient technologies like heat pumps in order to improve our air quality and help us meet our climate goals,” said Weissman. “We’re committed to combating climate change, and this monumental legislation invests in clean, sustainable energy sources that will jumpstart Colorado’s clean energy economy.” “Colorado has become a national leader in promoting clean energy technologies, but there’s much more we can do,” Fenberg said. “In order to further our commitment to our climate goals, we must do more to make adopting clean energy technology a feasible and attractive option for Coloradans – no matter their zip code or income level. The tax credits we passed this year will save Colorado residents and businesses money, help us meet our climate goals, and improve Colorado’s air quality.” “Under this law, we’re reducing the cost of clean energy technologies so more Coloradans can use them in their everyday lives – from commuting to work to heating or cooling their homes,” said Joseph. “Starting in January, Coloradans and businesses will be able to claim an expanded tax credit for electric vehicles, heat pumps and energy efficient technologies. Through these smart investments, we’re boosting Colorado’s clean energy economy, creating jobs, and saving people money on the technologies we need to deploy to address our climate crisis.” “Many Coloradans want to make the switch to electric vehicles or install heat pumps, but costs stand in the way,” Cutter said. “With these tax credits, we will lower the prices of clean energy technologies for Colorado families and business owners, helping us to improve our air quality, meet our climate goals, and bolster our economy. I’m proud to see this important legislation go into effect.” A portion of HB23-1272 took effect earlier this year, including increasing the income tax credit for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles to $5,000 and will decrease over time. Some of the specific EV tax incentives going into effect on January 1, 2024 include: An additional $2,500 tax credit for electric or plug-in vehicles with a retail price of $35,000 or lower; Boosting the tax credit for light-duty trucks to $5,000 (will decrease over time); and Boosting the tax credit for medium-duty trucks to $12,000 (will decrease over time) HB23-1272 also outlines specific tax incentives to encourage large-scale reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through new and innovative technologies. Some of the specific tax incentives going into effect on January 1, 2024 include new refundable tax credits for: Geothermal energy project expenditures that meet certain criteria; The production of geothermal electricity; The installation of heat pump technology or a thermal energy network that meets certain industry standards; and The creation of a sustainable aviation fuel production facility. On April 1, 2024, an additional element of HB23-1272 will go into effect. It creates a $500 tax credit for e-bikes retailers. Of the $500 tax credit, $450 will be passed along to the consumer. SB23-016 , sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Emily Sirota, D-Denver, aims to save Coloradans money by expediting electrification and updating Colorado’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science. It would add interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of 100 percent emissions reduction by 2050.The portion of the SB23-016 going into effect on January 1 will help Colorado meet those goals by reducing the cost of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snow blowers with a new income tax credit available to retailers and provided to purchasers as a discount. “As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is obvious we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” Hansen said. “Coloradans are demanding we act, and we are tackling this challenge head on by implementing policy that will speed up electrification so we can reduce emissions and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “This tax credit will save Coloradans money on battery-powered lawn equipment to encourage their use over noisy and polluting gas powered equipment,” said McCormick. “This law will help keep Colorado on a strong path forward to combat climate change and bring us closer to meeting our state’s climate goals.” “Coloradans are demanding climate action, and we’re committed to doing our part to protect the planet for future generations,” said Sirota. “With this law, we can help mitigate the effects of climate change and improve air quality by reducing the cost of electric lawn equipment including lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other tools. Electrifying lawn equipment is one piece of this important legislation that protects our environment and saves Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy that reduces greenhouse gas pollution.” To help meet Colorado’s emissions goals, SB23-016 also requires the Public Utilities Commission and local governments to consider and prioritize upgrades and additions to the state’s electrical transmission infrastructure system, and conduct a study on transmission capacity to pave the way for electrification across the state. Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2023 Bipartisan Bills to Reduce Rx Costs and Improve Funding for Nursing Facilities Pass House DENVER, CO - The House today passed two bipartisan bills to save patients and business owners money on prescription drugs and increase annual funding for nursing facilities while prioritizing reimbursement for facilities that serve a higher rate of Medicaid patients. “Spread pricing is taking money out of the pockets of hardworking Coloradans, small businesses and local pharmacies,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB23-1201 . “Our bill prohibits Pharmacy Benefit Managers from charging employers one price and reimbursing pharmacies less while profiting from the difference. Creating a health care system that is affordable for everyone is one of our top priorities this session, and this bill is one step of many that we’re taking to save people money on healthcare and prescription drugs.” Currently PBMs can charge employers one price, but reimburse pharmacies less and keep the difference, a practice known as spread pricing. HB23-1201 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, makes it an unfair business practice for PBMs to charge employers more for a drug than what they pay pharmacies for the same drug and increase transparency for employers into PBM and carrier behavior that impacts their costs. The bill passed 55-8. “Nursing facilities provide care and support to our grandparents, parents and family members, but without proper funding, many are at risk of closing,” said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1228. “After losing so much of our workforce during the pandemic, we’re at a crossroads in Colorado - if nursing facilities don’t receive the funding they need, they won’t be able to continue to retain and attract the caregivers our communities so critically need. Our legislation allocates $62 million toward nursing facilities so they can stay open, hire staff and continue to provide essential care to our loved ones. We’re taking steps to identify long term funding solutions to nursing facilities, so facilities can focus on providing critical care rather than barely making ends meet.” “Nursing facilities provide around-the-clock care for our loved ones, but some have closed and others are struggling from low reimbursement rates,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB23-1228. “This legislation includes stronger financial transparency to ensure nursing facilities and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing are working in tandem to properly allocate funding. Directing this additional funding toward nursing facilities allows them to keep their doors open, accept new residents and provide them with the critical care, treatment and services they need.” HB23-1228 , which passed by a vote of 60-3, would make several changes to the Medicaid nursing facility reimbursement rates to ensure Colorado’s nursing facilities are getting the proper funding to care for high-need residents, accept new residents and maintain their operation. Specifically, this bill repeals the standard core per diem rate of 3-percent annually and increases it to 10-percent next fiscal year, 3-percent in fiscal year 2024-25, 1.5-percent in 2025-2026, and then a rate to be determined by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) in the following years. Targeted funding will supplement the needs of facilities that serve residents with severe mental health conditions, severe dementia and brain injuries. This bill increases the core per diem rate combined with a new supplemental payment for facilities with disproportionately high Medicaid utilization, facilities that are geographically critical to ensuring access to care, and facilities that admit compassionate release individuals will result in HCPF receiving more than $62 million this year to support Colorado’s nursing facilities. To ensure financial transparency, nursing facilities will be required to submit audited financial statements to HCPF. Currently, Colorado’s nursing home facilities can report costs that have already been reimbursed by Medicare for Medicaid reimbursement, but due to complications from funding sources, nursing facilities are not currently being reimbursed for their full costs. HB23-1228 changes this Medicaid reimbursement structure by directing HCPF to undertake a three-year stakeholding process to create a more sustainable, flexible, and innovative reimbursement structure so nursing facilities are getting the full reimbursement they deserve. Previous Next