< Back June 1, 2021 HOUSE INVESTS IN RURAL ECONOMIES, COLORADO PROUD PRODUCTS DENVER, CO — The House today passed three bipartisan bills to invest in rural economies and communities and promote Colorado’s agriculture products. These bills are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bills passed on Third Reading. “By investing in the Colorado proud program, we’re ensuring that Colorado’s economic recovery extends to our farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and other agricultural producers,” said Rep Donald Valdez, D- La Jara, sponsor of SB21-203. “This bill provides rural colorado and our agriculture sector with a much-needed boost. Colorado’s agricultural products are made with the highest standards, and the Colorado Proud seal will soon be a symbol of quality across the country and around the globe.” Colorado’s robust agricultural sector has been the backbone of our economy for decades, and the pandemic has burdened the industry with unique challenges that require additional resources to overcome. To accelerate the economic recovery of our agricultural and rural communities, SB21-203 , which is also sponsored by Representative Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, provides $2.5 million to the Department of Agriculture for the Colorado Proud program. Colorado Proud provides new opportunities for Colorado’s food and agricultural producers to increase sales globally and helps support the growth and resiliency of Colorado food systems. The bill passed by a vote of 55-8. “The REDI program is uniquely poised to provide the shot in the arm that rural Colorado needs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB21-204. “With the help of the funding provided by this bill, the REDI program will be able to continue its critical work of revitalizing rural economies across the state. It’s time to build rural Colorado back stronger.” In an effort to help rural communities strengthen their local economies, SB21-204 transfers $5 million to the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Grant Program to be used for projects that create diversity and resiliency in the local economies of rural communities. The bill is also sponsored by Rep.Tanya Van Beber, R-Weld County. Over the past several years, REDI grants have funded improvements to historic buildings, investments in business centers, economic action plans, revitalization of infrastructure, and other economic development initiatives that create and retain jobs and build capacity in rural communities around the state. The bill passed by a vote of 52-11. “Colorado’s Rural Jump Start program is a proven initiative that supports small businesses and creates jobs in rural, economically distressed areas and communities transitioning away from coal based economies,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB21-229. “Businesses that open or hire new employees in rural jump-start zones will be eligible for thousands of dollars of financial incentives for each new job they create. By boosting this program with state stimulus funds, we will help rural Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. ” SB21-229 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, invests $3 million in the Rural Jump Start Grant Program, which helps economically distressed communities – particularly communities that will be affected by the market transition away from coal to more renewable energy sources – attract new businesses and jobs. Of the grants available, new businesses can receive up to $20,000 for establishing operations in rural jump-start zones and up to $2,500 for each new job they create. While businesses establishing operations in coal transition communities (as identified in the Office of Just Transition Action Plan ) can receive up to $40,000 as well as up to $5,000 for each new job they create. The bill passed by a vote of 51-12. Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES TWO BILLS TO ENSURE MORE TECHNICAL TRAINING AND CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITIES Roughly three quarters of all CO jobs require post secondary higher education (Apr. 23) – The House Education committee approved two bills today that will create more apprenticeships and vocation technical training in high school as well as expand concurrent enrollment opportunities. “There are currently nearly 200 sponsored apprenticeship programs, and that number is constantly evolving and growing,” said Rep. Sullivan. “This directory can serve as a beneficial tool to help students and young adults grow in their technical training and enter into career fields that offer salaries without the debt of traditional college.” SB19-171, sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Rep. Rochelle Galindo, D-Greeley, establishes a directory of apprenticeship programs within the Department of Labor that would include salary ranges, critical labor force data, licensure requirements, and other information potential enrollees should know before embarking onto a career pathway. The bill also requires the department to distribute the directory to a coordinate coordinate with local workforce centers, businesses, and education institutions to raise awareness of the apprenticeship programs so more Coloradans can access them. “This directory will expand opportunity and accessibility for these apprenticeship programs. When I visited various locations that offered these programs, the directors often said the only way they get word out about these programs is through word-of–mouth,” said Rep. Galindo . “This is such an amazing opportunity for newcomers to join the industry, close the gap and ensure more people are learning about these programs. In 2018, it was estimated that building trades had a shortage of 60,000 workers in Colorado. The state’s construction industry alone will need at least 30,000 new workers to meet demand in the years ahead. SB19-171 passed with a bipartisan vote of 10-3. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. The House Education committee also approved SB19-176, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, that would expand opportunities for students to earn postsecondary course credit while enrolled in high school. “Now more than ever, we need to create college going culture in our schools, and concurrent enrollment helps us do just that,” said Rep. McCluskie. “This bill ensures that Colorado students pursuing concurrent enrollment opportunities will receive credit towards their high school graduation requirements and a higher degree or certification. With this bill, we are expanding opportunities for our kids.” The bill also creates a grant program that provides dollars to assist teachers in obtaining a graduate degree that allows them to teach concurrent enrollment. It also helps cover the cost of books, supplies, fees and transportation, and new technology upgrades for students pursuing concurrent enrollment opportunities. This is aimed at providing services and support for districts and low-income, first–generation kids that will gain access to these classes. SB19-176 passed with unanimous support and now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2021 HOUSE PASSES SCHOOL FINANCE ACT, ADJUSTS FORMULA TO BETTER SERVE AT-RISK STUDENTS DENVER, CO– The House today passed the 2021 School Finance Act, annual legislation that sets funding levels for all of Colorado’s school districts and charter schools, by a vote of 60-5. “This year’s school finance act puts students and teachers first by significantly increasing funding for K-12 education,” said Education Committee Chair Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, a former teacher. “Everyone in the education community has been through so much the last year. I’m proud that we were able to come together to support our students, provide districts with the resources they need, and strengthen our school finance formula.” “Last year was difficult for students, teachers, and parents alike, but we’re turning the corner and making significant investments in K-12 education that will help Colorado build back stronger from the pandemic,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Grant programs, such as dropout prevention or literacy attainment initiatives, that we had to suspend last year are going to get the funding they need once again. We’re also making monumental changes to the school finance formula so that schools that enroll higher numbers of at-risk students and English language learners will receive more funding, making our school finance system more equitable and student-focused.” “I’m excited to see our years of work to make the school finance formula more equitable reflected in this year’s school funding bill,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We’re making important changes that will make school funding more equitable and student-focused. We have to do more to support the schools who are serving our most vulnerable students, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. By focusing on equity and directing additional resources to districts that serve more at-risk students, we can provide more children in Colorado access to the education they need to thrive.” SB21-268 makes changes to the school finance formula to direct additional resources to schools that serve higher populations of at-risk students and English language learners. It restores reductions to K-12 funding that the legislature made last year in the wake of dire budget forecasts that predicted significant revenue declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to actual funding levels in the current school year, the bill increases total program funding by $750.8 million. With the permanent changes to the school finance formula, total program funding will increase by another $623.8 million in the 2022-23 school year. Lawmakers last year were forced to increase the Budget Stabilization Factor due to pandemic-related revenue losses. Some of the impact of these reductions was blunted by the distribution of federal stimulus resources directly to school districts. This year’s School Finance Act restores the Budget Stabilization Factor to where it was before the devastation of the pandemic. By reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor, each school district in Colorado will see a fair and equal, per-pupil increase to the state share of total program funding they receive. The School Finance Act also restores funding to grant programs that were cut last year. These grant programs offer a number of critical services such as dropout prevention, literacy attainment, access to advanced placement courses, special education, bullying prevention and behavioral health support. SB21-268 also incorporates bipartisan adjustments to the school finance formula initially proposed in HB21-1325. The updated formula would include a factor for English Language Learners (ELL) to provide additional resources to schools that have a higher ELL enrollment. It adjusts the definition of “at-risk pupils” to include students eligible to receive reduced-price lunch. HB21-1325, sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Herod, also advanced today on a preliminary vote. The bill as amended establishes a bipartisan interim committee process to recommend additional changes to the school finance formula. Previous Next

< Back March 30, 2021 TRANSPO COMMITTEE VOTES TO BOOST RTD RIDERSHIP, IMPROVE TRANSIT SYSTEM DENVER, CO– The House Transportation and Local Government Committee today passed HB21-1186 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Tom Sullivan, which would authorize RTD to make several improvements in order to boost ridership. The vote was 7-4. “For Coloradans across our metro area, RTD is an essential service that they can’t live without,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This bill came out of a year-long effort and partnership with RTD, the Governor’s office, and transit experts to craft an accountability plan that will boost ridership and ensure the system meets the needs of our communities. I’m proud of the collaborative effort that led to the crucial accountability report and this important legislation.” “As an RTD rider who takes the bus to work every day, I know what it’s like to rely on public transit and how critical these services are to our communities,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This bill will give RTD the tools it needs to boost ridership, create new services, and lower costs. I’m excited to see how the increased flexibility will allow RTD to better serve our communities and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.” HB21-1186 acts on the recommendations offered by the RTD Accountability Committee report . It includes three provisions aimed at creating new revenue sources, boosting ridership, and improving RTD services. The bill repeals the requirement that 30 percent of RTD operating costs be covered by fare revenue, allowing RTD to reduce fares in order to boost ridership as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows RTD to develop District properties for retail, commercial or residential purposes to generate new revenue streams and attract a wider ridership. Finally, HB21-1186 allows RTD to contract with nonprofits and local governments to provide critical services and help lower the overall operating costs. Previous Next

New law will allow vendors to help drivers install traction devices on Colorado roads < Back May 15, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Improve Winter Road Safety Signed Into Law New law will allow vendors to help drivers install traction devices on Colorado roads GEORGETOWN, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation to improve Coloradans’ access to chains and traction devices while navigating winter road conditions. SB25-069 is sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, and Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, as well as Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. It will allow the Colorado Department of Transportation to authorize third-party vendors and companies to set up a roadside station to help install or remove tire chains or other traction devices on commercial and passenger vehicles. “Preventing avoidable crashes, spinouts, and delays on I-70 and highways across the state is crucial for public safety and saving Coloradans time and money,” said Roberts. “This new bipartisan law will authorize a proven chain-assist program for commercial trucks that is working in other states as well as close a loophole that will ensure passenger vehicles have proper tires. It is another significant step we are taking to prevent crashes and reduce unnecessary delays on our roads during the winter.” “Communities in my district, like Vail and Avon, are frequented by people who may not have winter driving experience or the knowledge to use life-saving traction devices on their vehicles,” said Lukens. “This poses a serious threat to road safety, which is why we sponsored this law to provide a safe environment for drivers to receive assistance installing or removing tire chains and other traction devices. We’re giving drivers the option to seek these roadside services from experienced professionals to keep themselves and their fellow drivers safe.” “Glenwood Canyon has the most accidents and road closures along I-70 nationally, which is why we need this law to protect Colorado drivers,” said Velasco. “Keeping Western Slope roads open and safe is a priority in my district to ensure that residents, tourists and long-haul truckers can get where they need to go quickly and safely. I’m proud that this bill is becoming law today to make road travel safer for all drivers.” The law includes procedures for issuing a permit to vendors, qualifications to be issued a permit, and a requirement that those installing tire chains or traction devices wear reflective clothing and use traffic control devices. The law also requires that, between September 1 and May 31, rental car companies notify their renters of Colorado’s traction laws and the penalties for any violation of the law. Previous Next

< Back Rep. Barbara McLachlan: Bipartisanship Accomplishments May 13, 2022 See more The following op-ed was published in The Pagosa Daily Post. As we hit the 120th day of the 2022 session, I reflect on our accomplishments. After several nights working past midnight, then coming back to work early the next morning, survival right now feels like a major success. Some of our proudest bipartisan accomplishments include: Passing the School Finance Bill. It is a requirement every year, but this one felt great. It decreased the Budget Stabilization Factor by $182 million, which is now at its lowest amount since it started in 2009. Funding was raised on average $545 per student to a $9,559 per pupil total, and we paid our debt to Special Education. We know we have more to do, but we’re happy to keep this priority. Addressing the fentanyl crisis. Democrats and Republicans passed a bill with much tighter restrictions on drug possession. If a person is caught with more than 1 gram, they are now subject to a felony drug charge, but can turn that felony into a misdemeanor if they can prove they did not know any fentanyl existed. We appropriated money for test strips and lifesaving treatments, expanded addiction treatments in jails and added harsher punishment for dealers. The Senate and House agreed in a Conference Committee to pursue this strong, but compassionate language, and avoided unduly burdening the work of prosecutors and law enforcement. Supporting our county employees. Senate Bill 22-230, gives more than 36,000 workers the collective bargaining rights that private-sector and state employees in Colorado already have. Employees now have a seat at the table with Commissioners, and need to agree on their contract, giving them opportunities they did not have before. I ran one amendment exempting counties with populations fewer than 5,000 people, and voted to raise that number to 7,500. Lowering property taxes. With strong support, Senate Bill 22-238 passed, which will lower Colorado property taxes by $700 million over the next two years, saving the average homeowner $274 per year. The bill was crafted in response to several ballot measures which took much larger chunks out of the tax, but would have repercussions for the educators and local government employees who depend on it. Instead, this bill uses money from the general fund and TABOR surplus to save property owners money. Everyone who anticipated running ballot measures had to sign notarized documents saying they were standing down. Paying off a debt. Senate Bill 22-234 uses $600 million in federal pandemic relief funds to repay some of the money borrowed to support the unemployment insurance trust fund during the pandemic. This investment supports workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, saves lives and prevents an increase in fees to save businesses money. This is my last in-session column of the year. I thank our local newspapers for providing the platform to connect with constituents and appreciate the positive feedback I have received. Please keep in touch, as I look forward to our continued conversations and successes. Barbara McLachlan Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES SCHOOL SAFETY AND STUDENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILLS DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to boost school safety and improve student access to behavioral health services. “Improving school safety and expanding access to behavioral health services are important for preparing our students for success,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB22-1243. “Our bipartisan legislation provides public schools with the funding they need to protect school grounds and build safer school environments for students, teachers and staff. In addition, this bill extends the I Matter program, which provides free mental health counseling sessions to Colorado’s youth.” “In order to make our schools safer, we need to continue investing in our student’s behavioral health,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City), former chair of the 2019 School Safety Interim Committee. “By extending the highly successful I Matter program we started last year, we can reach more youth across Colorado and provide them with free, professional counseling sessions. Taking steps to improve your behavioral health is tough, and I’m extremely proud of the hundreds of young people across 48 different counties who have already taken advantage of the I Matter program.” HB22-1243 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Kevin Van Winkle, would invest $14 million toward improving the security and safety of public schools and is part of Colorado Democrats’ Public Safety Package. Based on recommendations of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force, it puts $2 million in federal funding toward the behavioral health care professional matching grant program and $6 million towards extending the popular I Matter program beyond its scheduled repeal in June 2022. This investment will pave the way to serve youth with free counseling sessions for another two years. The bill also allocates $6 million to the School Security Disbursement Program over two years, which will be reauthorized by HB22-1120. HB22-1120 , sponsored by Representatives Kevin Van Winkle and Patrick Neville, would reauthorize and make updates to the School Security Disbursement Program, which provides grants for schools to install monitoring equipment and security systems at school entrances and exits. Grants can also be used for school emergency response training and student threat assessment training for all school staff. Previous Next

< Back November 11, 2020 TITONE RECEIVES NATIONAL ‘ELECTED WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE’ AWARD Denver, CO– Tomorrow, on Thursday, November 12 at 4:00 PM, Representative Brianna Titone will be presented with the National Foundation for Women Legislators’ ( NFWL ) 2020 Elected Women of Excellence Award during an awards ceremony via Zoom . According to NFWL, ‘ This award was created to identify women who have worked tirelessly, often breaking down barriers and overcoming obstacles that once seemed insurmountable, to serve their communities. These pacesetters have engendered an environment where women can now serve in public office and fight for the issues they are passionate about. This year we have seen the amazing work our elected women have led during these difficult times. ’ Ahead of receiving the award, Rep. Titone released the following statement: “I am honored to have been selected by my peers to receive this important award,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I deeply appreciate the work that NFWL does to empower and support women legislators, and I’m humbled to be recognized today. As a trans woman, I have faced considerable barriers on the road to becoming an elected official, but I’m more resolute than ever to continue breaking those barriers for those who will come after me. As we prepare for another legislative session, I’m ready and eager to get back to work and ensure that we build back a better, more just Colorado for all.” According to their website, ‘ Since 1938, NFWL has served as a forum for elected women from across the country to be empowered through information and experience. As the oldest organization for elected women in America and the ONLY one that includes women on the city, county and state levels, we encourage our members to take leadership roles and form connections across the aisle. We know that only by working together, can we achieve our goals.’ Previous Next

On August 7, two new laws go into effect which will make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans, and will expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. < Back August 2, 2024 Bills to Improve Prescription Label Accessibility, Boost Behavioral Health Care Workforce Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On August 7, two new laws go into effect which will make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans, and will expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. “The information on prescription labels provides important details that enable patients to safely and effectively take medication – we need to ensure blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans can readily access this information,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB24-1115. “If you can’t access the label of your prescription medication, it could lead to negative health consequences, even death. This law allows Coloradans to have agency over their health care by making sure prescription labels are accessible for blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans.” “All patients deserve to have access to accommodations that meet their unique needs so that they can consistently receive critical information about their medications,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Prescription medications are critical to maintaining one’s health, and a lack of access to information about prescription medications can have serious, life-threatening consequences, such as accidentally taking an incorrect medication or dosage. This important new law will help blind, visually impaired, and print disabled Coloradans stay healthy and safe while maintaining their independence.” “Prescription labels outline important information related to dosage and frequency, and this law makes labels more accessible to blind or visually and print-impaired Coloradans,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1115. “Our law will increase reading accessibility of prescription labels so that blind, and visually impaired Coloradans can access the live-saving and critical information they need. We’re committed to improving accessibility throughout our state, and this law tackles prescription labels as an important part of that effort.” HB24-1115 will require a pharmacy to provide blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans with access to prescription drug label information. The law requires pharmacies to, upon request, provide patients with: An electronic label, like a QR code, on the container that can transmit the label information and instructions to the person’s accessibility device, A no-cost prescription drug reader that provides the label information in an audio format, Prescription drug label information in braille or large print, or Any other method recommended by the US Access Board. The law also permits a pharmacy 28 days to provide a specific method of access that they have not yet utilized, if requested by a patient. Additionally, it creates the Prescription Accessibility Grant Program to provide grants to pharmacies for the purchase of equipment used to create accessible prescription labels. “With this law going into effect, we’re boosting Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1002. “Social workers are critical to the success of our state’s overall behavioral health care system, and we must do everything we can to attract and retain these skilled professionals. By creating a social work licensure compact, already licensed social workers can begin practicing in Colorado more quickly to give Coloradans the whole-person behavioral healthcare they need and deserve.” “The need for social workers in Colorado is clear, so we are working to break down barriers and allow more skilled professionals to join our workforce,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, sponsor of HB24-1002 . “When we support the behavioral health care needs of Coloradans, it’s a win-win for the safety of our communities and our economy.” “We need to use every tool available to us to improve behavioral health care access for Coloradans,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB24-1002. “This law makes it easier for licensed social workers in participating states to begin working in Colorado, which is particularly helpful for military spouses who often relocate. With this law going into effect, we’re removing barriers to entering Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce and streamlining care for Coloradans across the state.” HB24-1002 creates new pathways for out-of-state social workers to gain professional licensure to practice in Colorado. Also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, this bipartisan law creates the "Social Work Licensure Compact", which creates an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed social workers in member states can obtain and easily transfer a license from another member state. Previous Next

< Back Mandy Lindsay Majority Caucus Co-Chair Representative Mandy Lindsay is Co-Caucus Chair and a member of the Transportation, Housing & Local Government, the Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources, and the Capitol Development committees. She represents House District 42 which includes the northwest corner of Aurora. Rep. Lindsay is an advocate for working families, youth, education, affordable housing, renters rights, and criminal justice reform. During the 2025 legislative session, Rep. Lindsay championed legislation that created housing protections for victim-survivors of gender based violence

< Back July 28, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: DEM LEADERSHIP STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN PLAN TO DEFUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS Denver, CO – House and Senate Democratic leadership today released the following joint statement in response to Republicans’ public school voucher proposal that would defund public schools as they work to resume student learning during a pandemic: “The challenges families are facing are real, but this proposal is not a serious effort to address them. Their plan cloaks in the guise of crisis-response, a long-sought and unpopular voucher plan that would defund public education in our state at the worst possible time. Stripping away the funding schools need to protect students, their families and educators in the midst of a pandemic, is reckless and detrimental to the entire community.” “Our school districts have been working tirelessly with education partners and parents on innovative approaches to safely reopen based on the unique conditions in their localities. It is disappointing that our Republican colleagues chose to use media tactics to push their agenda rather than working with the Majority on solutions that meet the pressing needs of Coloradans. We urge them to come to the table in good faith to listen and understand the needs of our school districts, parents and teachers before rushing to extreme and partisan policies. “What we need right now is informed decision making, not shortsighted ideas that would radically change our state’s education system.” Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will create a refundable state income tax credit to support employee-owned businesses. < Back June 4, 2024 SIGNED! Bill to Save Employee-Owned Businesses Money DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will create a refundable state income tax credit to support employee-owned businesses. HB24-1157 will also make the Employee Ownership Office a permanent resource for small businesses as they transition into employee-owned businesses. “Employee-owned business models allow locally-owned businesses to stay within their communities; however, the costs and resources that are needed during transition can create barriers for employees seeking to purchase the business,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “This legislation creates a permanent resource and lessens the financial burden of transitioning to employee-owned. . We’re continuing the work we’ve done in recent years to make Colorado a national leader in providing support to employee-owned business owners so they can thrive in their communities.” “Employee-owned business models are not only beneficial for retiring business owners, but they also reward hard-working employees for their dedication to the company, promote higher wages, and keep businesses rooted in their communities,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs . “By offering tax credits to new employee-owned businesses, we can incentivize more businesses to stay local and ensure that working people keep more of the value of their own labor." HB24-1157 will make the Employee Ownership Office, temporarily created by Governor Polis in an executive order , a permanent office to continue supporting small business owners who are transitioning to an employee-owned business model. The new law also creates a refundable state income tax credit for costs that come with running a new employee-owned business. The tax credit is available for tax years 2025 through 2033 and businesses are eligible if they have been partially or wholly owned by employees for fewer than seven years. This tax credit covers 50 percent of qualifying costs, granting up to $50,000 a year in savings. In 2021, Colorado Democrats created a first-in-the-nation refundable income tax credit that incentivizes a move towards employee-owned business models. It provides support to business owners who are looking to move on from their ownership by passing their business onto their employees, allowing communities to retain homegrown economic opportunities while giving hard-working Coloradans new entrepreneurship roles. Rep. Lindstedt also passed a law in the 2023 legislative session that expands the Employee Ownership Tax Credit by including partially employee-owned businesses, allowing new methods that businesses are using to transfer equity to employees, and strengthening incentives for eligible businesses that are transitioning to employee ownership with existing resources. Previous Next