A group of bipartisan lawmakers from the Western Slope today sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to oppose the selling of Colorado’s public lands. < Back June 25, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Western Slope Lawmakers Urge Congress to Oppose Selling Colorado’s Public Lands WESTERN SLOPE, CO – A group of bipartisan lawmakers from the Western Slope today sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to oppose the selling of Colorado’s public lands. In the letter, signed by House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, and Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, lawmakers said, “We, the undersigned state legislators of Colorado, are writing to you today to express our unwavering opposition to any efforts within the federal budget reconciliation package that include the sale of public lands.” In the letter, lawmakers stated, “Countless Coloradans have stood up in recent weeks to oppose public lands sell-off, and more voices are joining the opposition to this deeply misguided effort every day. The local voices are strong and clear; Coloradans do not support public land sell-off.” “Public lands are vital to Colorado's economy and way of life. These lands drive our regional economy through outdoor recreation, hunting, tourism, and industries, like agriculture and ranching. They provide essential clean air and water, supporting the quality of life that attracts businesses and skilled workers. Colorado's outdoor recreation industry alone generated over $65.8 billion in 2023, supporting 404,000 jobs statewide. Selling off these lands would threaten this economic engine and betray the public trust.” While the Senate parliamentarian ruled that the language to sell-off more than 2 million acres of public land must be stripped from the federal reconciliation bill, Western Slope lawmakers expressed concern about US Senator Mike Lee’s commitment to “...reintroducing new language, demonstrating a determination to push through this deeply unpopular agenda.” Earlier this year, this group of Colorado lawmakers sponsored a resolution to affirm the state's support for public lands and opposition to any efforts to sell-off public lands. SJR25-009 passed both chambers overwhelmingly with bipartisan support. Read the full text of the letter below: June 24, 2025 To our esteemed Colorado Congressional Delegation Members: We, the undersigned state legislators of Colorado, are writing to you today to express our unwavering opposition to any efforts within the federal budget reconciliation package that include the sale of public lands. This letter builds upon our previous actions as legislators in opposing public land sell-off and we urge you to stand firmly against this deeply unpopular and misguided effort. Colorado has demonstrated a powerful and broadly bi-partisan stance against federal public land sell-offs. This spring, the Colorado General Assembly overwhelmingly passed bipartisan Senate Joint Resolution 25-009, "Concerning the Protection of Colorado's Public Lands," with near-unanimous support. This resounding legislative statement underscores the statewide consensus on safeguarding these invaluable resources. Following this, multiple counties and municipalities have echoed this sentiment, including Pueblo County, La Plata County, Chaffee County, Routt County, and San Miguel County, among others. Furthermore, over 160 elected leaders from across our state have signed onto a letter publicly opposing public land sell-off. Countless Coloradans have stood up in recent weeks to oppose public lands sell-off, and more voices are joining the opposition to this deeply misguided effort every day. The local voices are strong and clear; Coloradans do not support public land sell-off. Public lands are vital to Colorado's economy and way of life. These lands drive our regional economy through outdoor recreation, hunting, tourism, and industries, like agriculture and ranching. They provide essential clean air and water, supporting the quality of life that attracts businesses and skilled workers. Colorado's outdoor recreation industry alone generated over $65.8 billion in 2023, supporting 404,000 jobs statewide. Selling off these lands would threaten this economic engine and betray the public trust. From the state of Utah’s failed effort in the fall of 2024 to seize 18.5 million acres of public lands through the Supreme Court to the failed House measure earlier this year in the budget reconciliation process and to two failed language attempts in the Senate thus far, the public has repeatedly rejected these proposals. Just recently, the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that the sell-off language in the budget reconciliation package violates the Byrd Rule and must be stripped. Despite this, Senator Lee has already committed to reintroducing new language, demonstrating a determination to push through this deeply unpopular agenda. This lack of transparency and repeated attempts to bypass public input are unacceptable. Therefore, we, the undersigned Colorado State Legislators, urge you, our federal delegation members, to strongly oppose any and all provisions in the budget reconciliation package, or any other legislation, that seeks to sell off our public lands. Thank you for your dedication to our state and for standing with Coloradans to protect our shared public lands for current and future generations. Sincerely, Speaker Julie McCluskie, House District 13 Senator Dylan Roberts, Senate District 8 Representative Rick Taggart, House District 55 Senator Marc Catlin, Senate District 5 Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: TRANSFORMATIVE BILL TO INCREASE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ACCESS, DIVERT COLORADANS IN NEED AWAY FROM CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM INTRODUCED Legislation invests over $50 million to help folks get treatment for mental health and substance use support DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) and Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs) to make major investments in behavioral health services for individuals in – or at risk of becoming involved in – the criminal justice system was introduced in the Senate this week. Also sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon (D-Denver) and Adrienne Benavidez (D-Denver), SB22-196 would invest $51.5 million for the Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program to help communities prevent people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders from becoming involved with the criminal justice system. The funding would also be used to redirect individuals with behavioral health needs away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment. “For far too long, Colorado has tried to arrest and jail our way out of the behavioral health crisis, and it simply hasn’t worked,” said Gonzales. “Criminalizing people with behavioral health needs is the most expensive and least effective way to provide mental health care services to the folks who need it most. I am proud of the approaches we take in SB22-196 to intentionally intervene, deflect, and divert people out of the criminal justice system in order to get them the behavioral health resources they need.” “We’re working hard to address the root causes of crime in our communities, and it’s clear that a lack of access to behavioral health care paired with the devastation of the pandemic has led to increased crimes of desperation that we can prevent,” said Bacon. “This bill treats behavioral health and substance use disorder as a public health crisis and seeks to prevent people from becoming involved with the criminal justice system by intervening early with the support they need to thrive.” “Far too many Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders are struggling in jail cells without proper care and treatment to get them back on their feet, and that is simply unacceptable,” said Lee. “Jailing folks with behavioral health needs will only exacerbate their condition and lead to more recidivism, so we’re proposing measures today to ensure these individuals get the treatment they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place.” “The pandemic and the economic conditions that followed have put enormous strain on our communities as instability, often from a lack of housing, access to behavioral health or job opportunities, has resulted in rising crime throughout the nation,” said Benavidez . “The legislation we unveiled this week will increase access to critical behavioral health care and substance use treatment to address the root causes of crime in our communities and help Coloradans get the care they need before and while they are in our criminal justice system.” The bill also includes investments to help the Department of Corrections, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing support the continuity of care and treatment for individuals in the criminal justice system with opioid use disorders and mental health disorders, as well as investments in the Judicial Department to support pretrial diversion programs designed to keep individuals with behavioral health conditions out of jail. The bill will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Track the progress of the bill HERE . Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2021 PASSED! COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS TO SUPPORT WORKERS, STUDENTS, ARTISTS, BUSINESSES, AND FAMILIES House advances five state stimulus proposals DENVER, CO– The House today passed four Colorado Comeback state stimulus bills on third reading and gave preliminary approval to a bill that would give restaurants a leg up, invest in jobs training, close the COVID learning gap, and boost affordable housing opportunities. The bills are part of the $800 million package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The SNAP Employment First initiative has successfully helped Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits obtain new skills to thrive and reenter the workforce. HB21-1270 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Yadira Caraveo, leverages $3 million in state funds to draw down an additional $3 million in federal funds to provide a total of $6 million for jobs and skills training services to SNAP recipients. The funds may also be used to support work based learning opportunities and expanding 3rd party partnerships to expand the SNAP employment and training program’s reach. The bill passed 42-21. “By expanding critical job training programs, we can help more hardworking Coloradans land good jobs and recover faster from the pandemic,” said Rep. Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “The Colorado Comeback is going to be powered by workers, and we’re going to do everything we can to provide them the tools they need to get back to work.” Local governments are on the forefront of building affordable housing, but often lack the tools and resources to increase the available housing stock. HB21-1271 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Iman Jodeh, provides $13 million in incentives and technical assistance to local governments to provide for the rapid deployment of affordable housing projects and to also ensure local communities have the tools and resources they need to help them identify and meet their unique housing needs. The bill passed 41-22. “The pandemic exasperated Colorado’s long standing affordable house crisis, and it’s clear the pace of our recovery is going to depend on how quickly we can help Coloradans find an affordable place to live,” said. Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “No one should have to choose between paying their rent or mortgage or purchasing necessary goods, and by creating more affordable housing options, we will make Colorado a better place to live.” HB21-1234 , sponsored by Rep. Kerry Tipper would create and fund the Colorado High Impact Tutoring Program. Data consistently demonstrates that high-impact tutoring, when administered during the school day to groups of four of fewer students by the same qualified tutor at least three times per week, is one of the most effective interventions to raise student achievement. This program would be administered under the Colorado Department of Education and would provide grants to local education providers for high impact tutoring programs designed to address COVID-related learning loss. The bill outlines the process and requirements for applying for funding, and establishes that rural education providers and schools serving low-income or underserved students must be among the criteria taken into consideration in awarding grants. The bill passed 55-8. “Every Colorado student should have the opportunity to thrive, but this pandemic has clearly disrupted learning for a lot of students,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood . “This bill drastically increases access to high-impact tutoring, which we know is one of the most effective ways to raise student achievement.” Venues, artists, and so many other culturally vital organizations have struggled to make it through the last year. HB21-1285 , which passed on second reading and is sponsored by Representatives Benavidez and Herod, provides $10M to support artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state. This includes funding for the performance based film incentive, cultural facilities and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. The bill advanced on second reading. “Colorado’s artists, musicians, and cultural organizations need help to bounce back from this pandemic,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Colorado is known for its music, art, and culture, but our creative industry is suffering from job losses, closed venues, and the economic fallout of the pandemic. This important stimulus bill will help our communities bounce back stronger and continue to produce the art, music, and so much more that makes us proud.” HB21-1265 , sponsored by Reps Kyle Mullica and Kevin Van Winkle R-Highlands Ranch, continues a successful sales tax assistance effort passed during the 2020 special session. It allows restaurants, bars, caterers, and food service contractors (such as airline food service contractors and food concession contractors at sporting events) to deduct up to $70,000 in net taxable sales from their monthly state sales tax return for five different locations and retain the resulting sales tax revenue during the months of June, July, and August 2021. The bill passed 62-0. Previous Next

Join our team! Being a legislative intern at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Legislative Intern House Majority Office Colorado House of Representatives Description: Being a Legislative Intern at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Colorado’s House Democrats have worked to turn many of popular proposals into law, moving forward on measures to lower the cost of health care, invest in education, build a fair economy, address climate change, tackle the opioid crisis, reform our criminal justice system, and help hard-working Coloradans get ahead. Legislative interns support legislative aides in keeping the essential day-to-day functions of a legislative office running smoothly. Interns are held to a high level of professional conduct, as they are expected to represent legislators at the Capitol, in their district, and in the broader community. Internships can be specialized or generic. Internships that would like to focus on learning a specialized skill can focus on three main capacities: Social Media Social Media Interns focus primarily on supporting the creation of social media content and other digital communications such as newsletters and website blog posts. Social media interns work directly with one member of the caucus and their legislative aide, but can get additional support from the Colorado House Majority Office. Policy Research Policy Research Interns focus primarily on supporting one member of the caucus with their legislative efforts by conducting thorough research, creating fact sheets based on elements of the proposed bill, preparing the legislator for bill hearings, meetings with constituents, stakeholders, and lobbyists, responding to constituent inquiries, etc. Operations Operations Interns support the overall function of one member of the caucus by providing additional capacity to their legislative aide w ith managing calendars, scheduling meetings, responding to constituent emails and phone inquiries, o rganizing in-person town halls and other events in the district. Q ualifications: Strong verbal and written communication skills Highly, highly organized; excellent time management and attention to detail Motivated self-starter who can provide high quality work without close day-to-day supervision A high level of confidentiality and discretion High degree of self-awareness, humility and openness to feedback Flexible and adaptable work style; ability to stay calm in a high stress environment Eagerness to develop leadership skills; commitment to progressive values and policies Preferred Qualifications: Copywriting and/or graphic design skills Experience with event planning and execution Experience and comfort using Google Suites (Docs, Sheets, Slides) Experience and comfort managing social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) Knowledge of Colorado government a plus Education: Interns are often students that are fulfilling class requirements or are looking for work experience to supplement their education. Depending on the legislative member’s needs, internships may be available to students that are enrolled in higher education programs and also high school programs. If you have questions about availability and qualifications for internships please contact colegislativeaide@gmail.com . Schedule and Compensation: Part-time, flexible. 8-40 hours a week, depending on the legislative member’s needs and the intern’s schedule. Interns are unpaid volunteers; however, student internship credit can be arranged with your school. It is the student’s responsibility to contact his or her advisor and obtain academic credit within the institution’s guidelines. How to Apply: To apply for this position, please complete this form which will ask you to upload a resume. Interns are not required to upload a cover letter, but may do so if they would like. Contact colegislativeaide@gmail.com with any questions. Colorado House Democrats are committed to hiring a diverse staff. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, membership in an employee organization, parental status, creed, ancestry, military service, or disability. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities to apply.

< Back March 19, 2021 JOINT RELEASE: COLORADO IS BOUNCING BACK BUT LONG-TERM CHALLENGES REMAIN DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the March economic forecasts, both of which project higher General Fund revenue compared to earlier estimates, but warn of likely budgeting challenges in years to come, as structural deficits remain and the potential for TABOR refunds re-emerge. “Today’s budget forecast is a breath of fresh air. After a year of discouraging news and depressed projections, we are finally seeing our state’s upward trajectory materialize,” said JBC Chair Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City . “Thanks to the diligent efforts by this committee and an accelerated economic rebound, Colorado’s recovery is looking even more promising. At the same time, we must remember that these are one-time funds. Beyond the current fiscal year, long-term budget issues persist – making it imperative that we keep one eye on the horizon and prepare for other potential storms” “I’m thrilled that today’s forecast shows our economy is recovering stronger than initially predicted last year and that our state and the federal stimulus efforts are starting to make a big difference for Coloradans,” said JBC Vice-Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “While our state finances are looking up, too many people in our communities are still unemployed and struggling to pay for basic needs. This better-than-expected recovery of state revenues has created an opportunity to use the one-time dollars we have to further boost our economy and help Colorado build back stronger.” “While this revenue forecast is certainly a relief, the economic situation continues to leave many low-income families behind,” said JBC Member Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “As we move forward, particularly with our state stimulus package, we must be diligent in prioritizing equity and inclusion as well as funding for essential programs that help the most vulnerable Coloradans recover and support robust job growth.” “While we know we’re not back to where we were pre-pandemic, today’s forecast is good news for Colorado and shows we’ll have significant one-time resources to boost our economy and help Coloradans get back to work,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Federal and state stimulus efforts have kept the bottom from falling out of our economy, and as a result, we have one-time funds we can use to help Colorado recover even faster and build back stronger. I’m committed to working with the governor and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass an innovative stimulus package and a balanced budget that will forge an inclusive recovery that helps those hit hardest by the pandemic.” The Legislative Council staff (LCS) March forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $12.7 billion in FY 2020-21 and $13.8 billion in FY 2021-2022 – a $570.9 million and $665.4 million increase from the December revenue forecast respectively. These persistent improvements in the state’s economic outlook are due in large part to federal and state stimulus dollars, which have allowed Colorado to invest in struggling industries and insulate from the most severe potentialities. However, Colorado is still seeing inequitable recovery trends, marked by severe differences between industries and income levels. This means that while some sectors and households are bouncing back to pre-recession levels, others continue to struggle. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $12.9 billion for FY 2020-21, which OSPB revised upward by $425 million relative to its December estimate. For FY 2021-22, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $13.9 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $390.6 million relative to its December estimate. OSPB predicts that revenue subject to TABOR will come in below the Referendum C cap in FY20-21 and FY21-22, but TABOR refunds are forecasted to potentially return in FY22-23. Both LCS and OSPB also identified upside risks to the forecast driven by anticipated near-term, economic booms – increasing spending, employment, incomes, and tax revenue. However, downside risks to the estimate were also identified, including the possibility of inflation, financial market volatility, and interest rate hikes as the effects of federal and state stimulus funds fade. Previous Next

< Back January 25, 2023 Bill Ensuring Language Access for Insurance Coverage Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation to enhance language requirements for insurance information for non-English speakers. “Providing professionally-translated information is essential for our communities, so that consumers fully understand their options and get the right insurance coverage,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs . “Colorado is proud to be home to a diverse population. We all deserve to know what we’re signing so we can make the best decisions for ourselves and our families.” HB23-1004 , which passed by a vote of 10-0, would require insurers to have insurance policy information professionally translated or be certified from a professional translator in a non-English language. It also requires insurers of auto, home, and renters’ insurance to offer policy documents in the same language that is used for advertisements and to provide the policy application, policy, and any related documents in any language upon request. Previous Next

Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the March quarterly economic forecasts. < Back March 19, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: Lawmakers to Close More Than $1 Billion Budget Deficit as FY26-27 Revenue Falls Narrowly Above TABOR Cap DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the March quarterly economic forecasts. “Today’s economic forecast is nothing short of devastating. Between rising prices, federal cuts to essential programs, and global uncertainty, the state budget is getting squeezed from all sides,” said JBC Vice Chair Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “We’re working on solutions to modernize our budget and give the state more flexibility to weather economic ups and downs while better funding core priorities like education. But the reality right now is that our budget constraints mean painful cuts. A dollar for one area is a dollar less for another, and under the TABOR cap there simply isn’t enough room to do it all.” "Today's economic forecast is a stark reminder that despite the cuts we’ve already made, we still need to close a staggering budget deficit of more than $1 billion," said JBC Chair Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. "It's impossible to balance our budget without touching some of the core services for Coloradans, especially programs and services that have been proven effective. I didn't run for office to slash essential programs that hardworking Coloradans depend on. There is only so much money we can spend under the fiscal constraints of TABOR, which means every decision requires a painful trade-off." “Over the next week, the Joint Budget Committee will use the latest data in this forecast to set our budget for next year, and that means we will have to close an astounding budget deficit of over $1 billion,” said JBC Member Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “We’re doing our best to minimize harm, but the truth is it’s impossible to cut hundreds of millions of dollars year after year without impacting the priorities that Coloradans care about and core services for vulnerable people.” "The economic forecast shows what we already know, Medicaid costs have skyrocketed beyond what was originally predicted,” said JBC Member Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. "Our budget primarily funds K-12 education, health care and other services for the most vulnerable community members, and we will continue to make the best evidence-based decisions through an empathetic lens about where to invest taxpayer dollars. At the end of the day, there is only so much money we're permitted to spend under TABOR, which means we face even more gut-wrenching cuts to programs in order to balance our budget." The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenue to be $16.5 billion in FY 2025-2026, $18.2 billion in FY 2026-2027 and $19.5 billion in FY 2027-2028. This represents an overall decrease of $354 million in the current year and $143 million for FY 2026-2027 as compared to the December forecast . The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.0 billion for FY 2025-26, $18.4 billion for FY 2026-2027 and $18.7 billion for FY 2027-2028. This represents an overall increase of $49.6 million in the current year and an increase of $431.7 million for FY 2026-2027 as compared to the December forecast. For the last two years, Medicaid costs have grown dramatically by nearly $1 billion a year while providing roughly the same services to roughly the same eligible population. Cost increases have primarily been driven by aging demographics and higher demand for more expensive services, such as long-term care. The February Medicaid forecast indicates that Medicaid costs have once again increased; a 2.3 percent increase, or $138 million General Fund, as compared to the prior Medicaid forecast, bringing the total expected year-over-year cost growth to 8.7 percent. Other states are also grappling with rising Medicaid expenditures, including long-term care, pharmacy, and behavioral health care. According to a nationwide survey of state Medicaid directors, almost two-thirds of responding states indicated the chance of a Medicaid budget shortfall in FY 2026 was either 50-50 or more likely. Accounting for all of the reductions to programs and services JBC has approved up to this point, based on the LCS forecast, the JBC must still close a budget deficit of $1.5 billion to meet its constitutional requirement of a balanced state budget. Without any further action the state would end 2026-2027 with a 6.5 percent reserve, less than half of the current 15 percent statutory requirement. The LCS and OSPB forecasts anticipate that FY 2026-2027 revenue will be above the TABOR cap by $276 million and $711.1 million, respectively. For the current FY 2025-2026, by the LCS forecast, Colorado’s revenue is below the TABOR cap by $914 million. By the OSPB forecast, revenue is below the TABOR cap by $229 million. Corporate tax cuts in Congressional Republicans’ H.R. 1 have jeopardized the legislature’s ability to fund the state’s approximately $200 million senior homestead property tax exemption for the current fiscal year, which is funded by the prior year’s surplus when one exists, and by the general fund in years where there is an insufficient TABOR surplus. Since revenues were below the TABOR cap in FY 2025-2026 due to H.R. 1, the senior homestead exemption will need to be funded using General Fund dollars, creating an additional $200 million deficit to fill this year. H.R. 1 also impacted the ability to lower taxes for hardworking Coloradans and lift families out of poverty. Due to corporate tax cuts in H.R. 1, the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) will be entirely turned off for the 2026 tax year, raising taxes on families. Under H.R.1, corporations received a massive tax cut, paying nearly 40 percent less in income tax this year. Next year, corporations will pay $1 billion dollars less in taxes than they did before Congress passed H.R. 1. Forecasts show H.R. 1’s ongoing revenue impacts are likely to reduce both FATC and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in future years. A 2026 report found that the EITC, FATC and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) reduced Colorado’s child poverty rate by 37 percent and family poverty rate by 32 percent. Both forecasts predict that the EITC and FATC will be triggered off in 2027; for 2028, LCS forecasts that they will be triggered off completely, while OSPB forecasts that they will be available at a reduced level. Preliminary data revealed that new job growth is higher in Colorado than the national average, and the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 4.6 percent, slightly above the U.S. rate of 4.4 percent. However, declining corporate tax revenue caused by H.R. 1, combined with a national slowing economy and job growth, is increasing risks to Colorado’s budget outlook. The probability for a recession is higher than normal, exacerbated by escalating conflict in the Middle East, which is contributing to global economic uncertainty and trade interruptions. Previous Next

< Back June 24, 2021 NEW LAWS ADDRESS DROUGHT, FUND WATER PLAN DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed two bills into law to make historic investments in the state’s water plan and to create the Office of Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience. “Colorado’s precious water resources are dwindling and require our utmost attention and care,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1260. “The historic investment we delivered today helps us face the increasingly devastating droughts that threaten our water supply. By funding critical projects and being careful and responsible stewards of these water resources, we can build the water infrastructure of the future, create jobs and help our agricultural producers, outdoor recreation operators and others continue to prosper.” HB21-1260 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, provides $20 million to the Colorado Water Conservation Board to help implement the Colorado Water Plan and address water supply issues. The bill helps ensure that Colorado can meet its future water needs, which is critical for maintaining our state as a competitive place to work, play, and live. “The agriculture industry in Colorado faces an enormous threat from increasingly severe droughts and other extreme climate events that imperil our water supply,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango, sponsor of HB21-1242 . “By creating the Office of Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience, we’re helping our farmers and ranchers prepare for and mitigate the harm of these devastating consequences of climate change. Agricultural producers in Colorado are resilient, resourceful and have been at the forefront of this issue for decades. After today, the state will finally have an office dedicated to supporting them in this way.” HB21-1242 creates the Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office in the Department of Agriculture to help the industry respond to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and increasingly severe droughts. Frequent droughts are placing increasing pressure on Colorado’s already strained water supply and ecosystems that drive the agriculture industry. The office would provide voluntary technical assistance and incentives to help producers prepare for, mitigate, adapt to, and respond to hazardous events related to drought or our changing climate. Governor Polis also signed SB21-189 , a bill to fund certain Colorado water conservation board projects. Previous Next

HB25-1293 will increase overdose prevention education and treatments in Colorado high schools < Back May 29, 2025 Governor Signs Law to Prevent Youth Overdoses DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and Representative Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora, to prevent youth overdoses was signed into law today. “Fatal overdoses are preventable, and we’re working to inform and educate Colorado high school students so lives can be saved,” said Jackson. “This bipartisan bill standardizes drug overdose education in our public schools so our high schoolers are better informed, now and into adulthood, and can act quickly during an overdose emergency. We’re fighting back against youth overdose deaths, and if this education requirement saves even one student, it will be worth it.” “Opioid overdose is the third leading cause of deaths among young people in our nation, and we must be doing more to combat these tragedies,” Snyder said. “This new law outlines commonsense solutions to equip students with the tools they need to prevent overdoses and save lives.” Cosponsored by House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, and Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, HB25-1293 will add education standards for opioid overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response to high school curricula statewide. It will also allow public and non-public schools to seek gifts, grants, and donations to acquire and maintain a supply of Naloxone and other opioid antagonists on school campuses. Colorado has the second highest rate of overdose deaths among adolescents nationwide. Overdose education and Naloxone distribution are proven to be crucial in preventing death due to opioid overdose. Last year, Colorado lawmakers championed a law that made opioid antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO IMPROVE LEGAL PROTECTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Rep. David Ortiz’s bill to strengthen state discrimination laws for people with disabilities passed the House on third reading DENVER, CO– The House today passed Rep. David Ortiz’s bill to improve Colorado’s discrimination laws for people with disabilities and ensure our government agencies and departments provide as much protection as that provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The bill passed by a vote of 55-8. “I came to the legislature to be a voice and an advocate for the communities I belong to and represent,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “I know first hand how badly Colorado needs to update and strengthen its protections for people with disabilities, and I’m proud we took this crucial step forward today. I’m fighting to ensure my brothers and sisters with disabilities have access to all areas of public life in Colorado, and starting with programs and services provided by their own government just makes sense.” HB21-1110 would strengthen current Colorado laws related to protections against discrimination on the basis of disability for persons with disabilities, including a provision to ensure all rules promulgated by Colorado departments are at least as strong as the ADA, the federal anti-discrimination law. It requires state agencies to develop an accessibility plan that enables an individual with a disability to access operable and understandable digital content with the same privacy and ease of use as individuals without a disability, and to be in full compliance with accessibility standards established by the Office of Information Technology by July 1, 2024. Other protections in this bill would include prohibiting a person with a disability from being excluded from participating in or being denied the benefits of services, programs, or activities of any state or local government entity, including special districts. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to improve oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. < Back April 12, 2023 House Advances Bill to Reduce the Cost of Prescription Drugs DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to improve oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. “Pharmacy Benefit Managers hold a lot of power in setting prescription drug prices, which is why we’ve worked to protect consumers from price-gouging and other unfair business practices,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “Over 91% of pharmacists agreed that Pharmacy Benefit Managers negatively affect their ability to run their practice and provide quality patient care. This legislation strengthens the Division of Insurance’s ability to enforce our cost-saving measures and protect pharmacies and businesses from unfair practices.” “As a person with a disability, I can’t emphasize enough how crucial it is to ensure every Coloradan can access essential medication at a price they can afford,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton . “This legislation will reduce the cost of prescription drugs by holding the pharmacy benefit industry accountable. By passing this bill, we’ll be able to effectively enforce laws that save Colorado patients and pharmacies money on health care.” HB23-1227 will ensure that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) follow through on critical cost savings reforms that the legislature has passed in recent years to save consumers money. This bill will provide the Division of Insurance (DOI) with more direct oversight over PBMs by requiring them to register and specifying that the DOI has the ability to enforce those reforms. This bill would grant the commissioner the power to investigate and impose penalties on PBMs for failing to comply with consumer protections such as charging pharmacies fees to adjudicate claims, clawing back money from pharmacies inappropriately, and discriminating against independent pharmacies versus PBM affiliated pharmacies. Previous Next

House Democrats worked in a bipartisan way to deliver property tax relief while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, fire response, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. House Democrats worked in a bipartisan way to deliver property tax relief while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, fire response, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET