< Back September 20, 2019 JOINT RELEASE: ECONOMIC GROWTH TO CONTINUE IN COLORADO; YET INVESTMENTS CONSTRAINED JBC Dems, Speaker highlight need for critical investments in K-12, higher education, and transportation infrastructure DENVER, CO — Members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today received the September quarterly budget forecasts, which once again predicts continued, but slowing, economic expansion in Colorado, wage growth, and an unemployment rate that is well below the national average. Revenue caps continue to constrain the ability of the state to fully invest in critical priorities like education and transportation infrastructure. The projections from economists in both the Governor’s Office and the General Assembly anticipate slower growth in state revenues due to the economic slowdown triggered by the Trump Administration’s trade war and a tight labor market. These conditions may lead to slower growth in critical sectors of the state’s economy, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and our outdoor recreation economy. “We made critical investments this past legislative session to make healthcare more affordable, invest in education, and support hardworking Coloradans. Given that many of these investments are long-term commitments and that TABOR refunds are predicted for the foreseeable future, we need to be cautious in how we continue to make investments to support Coloradans,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “However, the constraints imposed by TABOR caps may change depending on what Coloradans decide this fall when Prop CC is on the ballot.” “I’m cautiously optimistic about the strength of our state’s overall economy, and I remain committed to building an economy that works for all Coloradans in all corners of the state,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m glad to see that the economic success of Colorado is now being seen in most areas of the state, but it’s a shame that policies at the federal level are threatening the financial security of Colorado’s working families, small businesses and agricultural and manufacturing sectors primarily in rural areas. “As Colorado’s economy and population continue to grow, it’s a shame that the full benefits of our state’s economic success can’t be invested in key priorities due to arbitrary revenue caps,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “It makes no sense that at a time when our economy is growing and revenue is increasing, our schools continue to be severely underfunded, our students bear too large a share of college expenses, and our roads and bridges continue to deteriorate.” “I am proud of all that we accomplished this legislative session for hardworking Coloradans families while protecting the state’s finances. Given the forecasts presented this morning, it is clear that we need to think pragmatically and carefully examine our budget restrictions so that we can make fiscally responsible investments with our limited dollars,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “I will continue to work across the aisle to make smart investments that have the biggest impact on Coloradans in every corner of the state.” The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast shows the General Fund is projected to end FY18-19 with $428.3 million above the Referendum C cap. The LCS report estimates that revenue will be over the Ref C Cap by $264.3 million in FY19-20, and by $142.9 million in FY20-21. The OSPB forecast shows revenue expected to exceed the Referendum C cap by $428.3 million in FY18-19, by $348.1 million in FY19-20, and $551.6 million in FY20-21. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! GOVERNOR SIGNS BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP COLORADANS WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS GET TREATMENT, NOT PUNISHMENT DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed bipartisan legislation into law today that would expand a pretrial diversion program to help more Coloradans with behavioral health conditions get the treatment they need. The bill is sponsored by Senators Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, as well as Representatives Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. SB22-010 will empower District Attorneys to divert eligible individuals away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate community treatment programs, reducing recidivism and preventing further criminal behavior. “A jail cell is no place for someone with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. Diverting folks away from the criminal justice system and into community programs will ensure individuals in crisis are met with treatment, not punishment,” said Lee . “Expanding our existing pretrial diversion program to include individuals with behavioral health disorders means we’ll soon be able to extend critical aid to even more folks in need. “ “Coloradans with serious mental health conditions or substance use disorders need treatment, not jail time,” said Benavidez . “I am thankful Governor Polis signed our bill into law that will help break the recidivism cycle so Coloradans can receive care instead of waiting behind bars. We need to intervene early to address Colorado’s escalating behavioral health crisis and this bill expands our pretrial diversion program to connect Coloradans with the lifesaving care they need.” “Coloradans can spend years in jail awaiting critical care, and during that time, their behavioral health deteriorates,” said Amabile. “This law expands our state’s pretrial diversion program so Coloradans with mental illness or substance use disorders can receive the lifesaving treatment they need. Community treatment programs are some of the best tools we have to improve behavioral health outcomes, and our law directs Coloradans toward treatment instead of jail.” Previous Next

Representative Meg Froelich spoke at a public “Rally For Action to Protect Children & Reform Family Court” today at the Ralph Carr Justice Center. Rep. Froelich accompanied family justice advocates, non-profit organizations and other local leaders. < Back September 5, 2024 Rep. Froelich Speaks at Rally to Protect Children, Encourage Family Court Reform DENVER, CO – Representative Meg Froelich spoke at a public “Rally For Action to Protect Children & Reform Family Court” today at the Ralph Carr Justice Center. Rep. Froelich accompanied family justice advocates, non-profit organizations and other local leaders. “Over the years, we’ve passed significant legislation to reform Colorado’s family court system so it prioritizes survivors of domestic violence and child abuse,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “Today’s rally serves as a reminder that we have a long way to go to achieve justice for survivors and protect our children. I strongly encourage our justices, judges and magistrates to not only inform themselves on the trauma associated with domestic violence, including the damage done by forced reunification therapy but to put survivors' needs first. We will continue to fight for a future where family court works to protect survivors instead of re-traumatizing them again and again.” “When it comes to Colorado’s family court system, we need to ensure it’s working for the survivors and families – not the abusive parent,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “This year we passed a new law that requires child and family investigators and evaluators to serve in the best interest of the child and we will keep working to reform our family court system until it serves survivors first.” This session, Reps. Froelich and Story, sponsored HB24-1350 , which requires child and family investigators and evaluators to provide options that serve the best interest of the child and provides court personnel in domestic violence and child abuse cases with training opportunities to recognizing coercive control. Rep. Story was also in attendance at today’s rally. Rep. Froelich has played an integral role in redefining and updating state laws to improve protections for victims of domestic violence and child abuse in family court. This includes recent legislation to restrict forced reunification therapy, which can re-traumatize children and families who have experienced abuse. Additionally, Rep. Froelich championed HB23-1178 , which created new requirements for family courts to recognize and respond to child abuse and domestic violence as well as make custody decisions that prioritize child safety and HB21-1228 which increased domestic violence training requirements for court personnel regularly involved in cases related to domestic violence. The rally was sparked by a recent family court case in Larimer County. Rep. Froelich and more than a dozen state lawmakers signed on to a letter urging Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica Márquez to take action to address some of the flaws in Colorado’s family court system, including protecting children from re-traumatization through reunification when it is not in the best interest of the child. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2019 LOBBYING TRANSPARENCY ACT SIGNED BY GOV Cutter and Weissman bill will increase reporting requirements (May 20) – Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Mike Weissman’s bill to improve lobbyist transparency was signed into law today. This new law will increase the reporting requirements for lobbyists. “Recent reports show that special interests spent over $30 million to lobby the legislature. That’s an exorbitant amount of money. The danger of this is that it gives lobbyist access and influence that the general public doesn’t have,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “If money equals speech, then the public deserves to know where that money is coming from.” HB19-1248 requires more frequent reporting of relevant information by professional lobbyists, clarifies that lobbyists that are also attorneys are not privy to attorney-client confidentiality, and it clarifies that a professional lobbyist must disclose who their ultimate client is, i.e., disclose the name of the client who employs or retains the professional services of the lobbyist. “We as elected officials serve as guardians and protectors of the public trust. There is not a tremendous amount of public trust in political processes right now,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “This new law will bring commonsense transparency to lobbying practices at the capitol.” Sen. Mike Foote, D-Lafayette, is the Senate co-prime sponsor of the new law. ### Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! HISTORIC REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT BECOMES LAW IN COLORADO Colorado will become the 16th state to enshrine the fundamental right to abortion into law DENVER, CO – With Roe v. Wade in jeopardy at the U.S. Supreme Court, Governor Jared Polis today signed the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) into law to ensure Colorado’s laws protect fundamental reproductive rights, including abortion. Sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, RHEA updates Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and establish a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. “Across the country, and here in Colorado, abortion rights are under attack from GOP politicians who want to ban abortion in all cases – here in our state, we won’t let that happen,” said Rep. Froelich. “Coloradans have made it clear that they want to keep abortion legal in our state. I’m proud Governor Polis has signed the Reproductive Health Equity Act into law to safeguard reproductive rights in Colorado.” “With reproductive freedom under attack at the federal level, we’re taking historic action today to ensure Colorado remains a safe haven for folks in need of reproductive health care,” said Sen. Gonzales. “Until today, Colorado law didn’t expressly protect the right to abortion care. We’re changing that because all Coloradans should have the freedom to make decisions about their lives and their futures. This landmark bill enshrines the fundamental right to abortion into Colorado law, and we sincerely hope other states choose to follow our lead. The health and well-being of millions of Americans depends on it.” “Enshrining the right to choose when it comes to reproductive health care, including the right to abortion, shows we trust Coloradans to make their own medical decisions,” said Majority Leader Esgar. “Politicians shouldn’t get to decide whether or not someone is ready to start a family. With the passage of this law and the governor’s signature today, we’ve taken a giant step forward to protect fundamental reproductive rights and abortion access in Colorado, and I couldn't be more proud.” The new law also ensures that every individual has the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception. RHEA comes as attacks on access to abortion have proliferated across the country. The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to overturn decades of precedent this spring, and at least 519 abortion restrictions have been introduced in 41 states so far this year according to the National Women’s Law Center . Colorado remains committed to ensuring abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible. Recently, House Democrats defeated three Republican-led bills that would have jeopardized that right, including: · HB22-1079 , which would have placed an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal court rulings and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. In addition, it would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. · HB22-1047 , which would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have subjected abortion providers to imprisonment. · HB22-1075 , which would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It also would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

Representative Katie Stewart today released a statement urging the U.S. Department of Education to restore federal funding to Fort Lewis College in Durango after it announced funding cuts that will hurt the college. < Back October 6, 2025 Rep. Stewart Urges Department of Education to Restore Funding to Fort Lewis College DURANGO, CO – Representative Katie Stewart today released a statement urging the U.S. Department of Education to restore federal funding to Fort Lewis College in Durango after it announced funding cuts that will hurt the college. Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango: “It’s unacceptable that the Department of Education is cutting millions of dollars in funding for Fort Lewis College (FLC). FLC prioritizes local students, sustains good-paying jobs in Southwest Colorado, and serves as a strong economic driver for our community. “As the only Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution in our state, FLC plays an important role in Colorado’s higher education system and for tribal members across the nation. Many of FLC’s students are from Southwest Colorado, and 43-percent are first-generation college students. “This action hurts students and our community, and I strongly urge the Department of Education to restore the funding to Fort Lewis College.” Fort Lewis College was designated as one of six Native American-serving, non-tribal colleges by the U.S. Department of Education in 2008. According to reporting by Chalkbeat , the college will be unable “to spend the remaining $2.27 million over the final two years of a five-year grant.” Previous Next

GOP bill would have repealed nearly every gun violence prevention law passed by Colorado Democrats since 2013 including universal background checks, Colorado’s Red Flag law and laws that prevent perpetrators of domestic violence from possessing a firearm < Back February 17, 2026 Colorado Democrats Defeat Dangerous GOP Gun Bill GOP bill would have repealed nearly every gun violence prevention law passed by Colorado Democrats since 2013 including universal background checks, Colorado’s Red Flag law and laws that prevent perpetrators of domestic violence from possessing a firearm DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today defeated a Republican bill that would have repealed nearly every gun violence prevention law passed by Colorado Democrats since 2013. The bill would have repealed laws that save Colorado lives, like universal background checks, Colorado’s “red flag” laws, high-capacity magazine limits and safe storage requirements. “As Colorado Democrats build on our efforts to prevent gun violence and keep Coloradans safe, House Republicans just tried to throw out every single gun violence prevention law we have passed in recent years, including our red flag law,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “We have made a lot of progress in Colorado, passing data-driven policies like universal background checks and Extreme Risk Protection Orders that protect people from senseless gun violence. This bill would have repealed every tool that we have to prevent dangerous people from accessing firearms. Colorado Democrats remain committed to improving public safety and saving countless lives.” “Colorado Democrats have passed gun violence prevention laws to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and dangerous individuals, and this bill would have undone all of that work and put our communities at risk,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “As a law enforcement officer, I’ve seen how Colorado’s gun laws equip law enforcement agencies with important tools to prevent and reduce gun violence. This bill would have completely overhauled Colorado’s laws that keep Coloradans safe, which is why Colorado Democrats defeated this bill in committee so we can continue to prevent gun-related deaths and protect Colorado communities in every corner of our state.” HB26-1021 , sponsored by Representatives Brandi Bradley, R-Roxborough, and Max Brooks, R-Castle Rock, would have repealed gun violence prevention laws, including universal background checks, Extreme Risk Protection Orders, limits on high-capacity magazines, safe storage in homes and vehicles, waiting periods and gun show regulations. The bill would have repealed the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, shutting down a grant program that uses evidence-informed strategies to reduce gun violence in communities across Colorado. The 2021 legislative session was one of the most productive for gun reform in Colorado history. The legislature passed six gun violence prevention laws to strengthen the background check system, further restrict those with violent records from accessing any firearms, mandate safe storage requirements, and remove the statewide preemption so that local governments could pass their own gun violence prevention ordinances. In 2023, Colorado Democrats built on this progress by expanding Colorado’s “Red Flag” law, raising the minimum age to purchase a long gun to 21 years old, establishing waiting periods and removing Colorado’s overly-broad firearms industry immunity protections so survivors of gun violence can better seek accountability and justice through civil court. Last year, the legislature passed historic legislation to enforce Colorado’s high-capacity magazine ban. The legislature also passed laws to create safeguards on ammunition purchases, improve security at gun shows, increase penalties for firearm theft and prevent suicides by allowing people to voluntarily waive their own right to purchase a firearm when in a state of mental or emotional distress. Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2022 SAFER STREETS ACT PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed the Safer Streets Act, a bill that would utilize $10.3 million to assist local governments in making critical improvements that will prevent crime and improve public safety in Colorado. SB22-001 passed the House by a vote of 40 to 22. “With proven crime prevention and reduction strategies, we can create safer Colorado neighborhoods,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Our bill will give local governments the resources they need to maintain and improve public spaces so everyone can enjoy a safer community. I’m proud to champion this evidence-based legislation that will cut down on crime and create more beautiful neighborhoods in the process.” “No matter your zip code, you deserve to feel safe,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood “The Safer Streets Act is an evidence-based bill that will foster the development of safer neighborhoods so we can reduce crime and boost community pride. Thanks to important community input and smart investments in crime prevention tactics such as good lighting and well-maintained public spaces, we can create a safer Colorado for everyone. ” The Safer Streets Act , sponsored by Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Kerry Tipper, creates a $10.3 million grant program for local governments to make critical, evidence-based improvements that will cut down on crime. Local governments and community non-profit organizations partnering with local governments can apply for grants that make physical improvements to the built environment that increase visibility through improved lighting, direct foot traffic and improve aesthetics through graffiti and trash removal. The bill utilizes Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, an effective tool for reducing crime. Research and case studies have proven that the safe design of the physical environment can result in a lower incidence of crime, increased safety, and an overall increase in quality of life. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. HB25-1090 passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 19, 2025 ‘Junk Fees’ Bill to Save Coloradans Money Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. HB25-1090 passed by a vote of 7-4. “It’s becoming increasingly common for Coloradans to see undisclosed fees tacked onto their final bill when they’re checking out or making their first rental payments, and these ‘junk fees’ sometimes add hundreds of dollars to the final cost,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This isn’t fair to consumers who are trying to accurately budget or to honest businesses who are upfront about their prices. I’m bringing this bill to make pricing more transparent, saving Coloradans money and allowing them to make more informed financial decisions.” “Too often, bad-acting businesses use ‘junk fees’ to discretely jack up their prices at the last minute, blindsiding consumers and competitively pushing honest business owners out of the market,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “These costs can add up quickly and are difficult and costly to back out of when the ‘junk fees’ are attached to one’s monthly rent. I’m proud to continue the work to crack down on ‘junk fees’ to save hardworking Coloradans money and make honest business owners more competitive.” HB25-1090 would improve transparency in pricing and save Coloradans money by: Prohibiting pricing information for a good, service, or property being offered, displayed, or advertised unless the total price is disclosed, with the exception of a government or shipping charge, third-party fees, and utilities, Prohibiting the misrepresentation of the nature or purpose of pricing information, Requiring the nature or purpose of pricing information to be disclosed for a good, service, or property that is not part of the total price, and Restricting fees landlords can charge for utilities and third-party services if they comply with legal limits, ensuring that tenants are not charged additional fees. On January 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to Governor Polis to provide information about the efforts they have made to address junk fees and called for the passage of legislation like HB25-1090, that works to combat these unforeseen costs. The FTC and the Colorado Attorney General have announced they are taking action against the nation’s largest multi-family rental property managers for using deceptive advertising and failing to disclose recurring fees. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2020 STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS WINS PRELIMINARY HOUSE APPROVAL Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs & Services Act would allow state employees to join together to bargain for better pay and terms of employment DENVER, CO — The Colorado House today gave preliminary approval to the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act. HB20-1153 , sponsored by Representative Daneya Esgar and cosponsored by the entire House Democratic Caucus, would allow state employees to collectively bargain on matters of pay, benefits, and terms of employment. “This bill would enshrine in our laws the Colorado value of empowering workers to fight for a better life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo, the prime sponsor of HB20-1153. “Across Colorado, our dedicated state employees serve our veterans, keep our prisons safe, plow our roads in winter storms and protect our air and water, but their pay and benefits haven’t kept pace. It’s time to rewrite the rules so that our state workers can innovate on the job to improve state services and negotiate for fair wages and working conditions.” The legislation would allow state employees to collectively bargain on pay and benefit issues. It would foster new partnerships between frontline workers and the state that will lead to innovation and better state services. Furthermore, by helping to fill the nearly 1 in 5 vacant state positions, the bill will ensure that Colorado has the experienced and talented workforce needed to serve state residents. This legislation is critical to retaining and recruiting the state workforce Coloradans need and deserve. Stagnant wages have led to increased turnover and state employees working multiple jobs, which negatively impacts the delivery of state services. The bill would not permit state employees to strike, which is similar to collective bargaining laws for state employees in the states that have them. Under the bill, the state is required to participate in good faith in the formalized partnership process. All determinations regarding wage and benefit issues reached through the partnership process must be included in the governor’s budget and be approved by the Joint Budget Committee and General Assembly, a transparent process in which the public can engage. Membership in the union would be completely voluntary, but it’s clear that state employees overwhelmingly support union membership in WINS. For more than a decade, WINS has represented state employees who have been united in their desire to be part of an organization that fights to improve their lives. Previous Next

< Back February 3, 2020 COMMITTEE APPROVES PROPOSAL TO STUDY ORGANIC WASTE AND INCENTIVIZE COMPOSTING DENVER, CO — Reps. Lisa Cutter and Meg Froelich’s bipartisan bill, HB20-1047 , today was approved by the House Energy and Environment Committee. The bill was approved by the bipartisan Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Study Committee in October and would call for the creation of a statewide organics management plan. The bill passed committee 7-2 and now moves onto the Appropriations Committee. “Composting is a win-win-win — it prevents landfill overuse, improves soil health, and boosts the carbon storage ability of our agricultural lands,” said Rep Cutter (D-Jefferson County). “Caring for our environment and protecting the Colorado Way of Life require us to take a serious look at waste and how it is disposed of. The study put forth by this bill would give our state the crucial information we need to get even closer to our zero waste goal.” “Increasing compost use in agriculture and other sectors is a wonderful way to pull carbon from the atmosphere using natural processes,” said Rep. Froelich (D-Englewood). “This bipartisan bill, which is the result of months of work and stakeholding in the Zero Waste Interim Committee, will give us the information we need to continue our multifaceted approach to tackling climate change. I’m proud to see it move forward today and will continue to work to see it enacted.” As mentioned, HB20-1047 would establish a statewide organics management plan to study the way Colorado disposes of organic waste and encourage the use of composting as a means of carbon storage. In addition to the environmental benefits, compost use could help agriculture producers improve soil health, leading to enhanced crop value and production. If this bill is enacted, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) would consult with a diverse set of stakeholders and submit their management plan by February 1, 2023 to the House Energy and Environment Committee, House Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee, Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee. Previous Next

Two bills to support veterans passes committee < Back March 16, 2023 Bills to Save Veterans Money and Improve Veteran Services Passes Committee Two bills to support veterans passes committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed two bills that will improve access to veteran services and benefits. “This legislation removes unnecessary barriers to the property tax exemptions that veterans with a disability are owed,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB23-036 . “I know firsthand how difficult it can be to come home from war and have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to receive the benefits and services that were promised. Our bill streamlines the application process for veterans with a disability to more easily receive property tax exemptions that save them money on housing.” This bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, streamlines the property tax exemption application process for veterans with a disability. The Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently created the Summary of Benefits letter, a question-and-answer form that gathers key details of a veteran’s personal information to determine service eligibility. Under SB23-036 , veterans will only need to send the Summary of Benefits letter to the Colorado Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (DMVA) instead of both the DMVA and their county government, expediting the process to receive property tax exemptions. Veterans who have received this exemption before January 2024 will not be required to reapply to continue receiving this benefit. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 9-0. “The Western Regional One Source is a vital resource to our veterans, military members and their families on the Western Slope,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, sponsor of SB23-154 . “In collaboration with community partners, they're providing a wide range of services from mental and behavioral health, to housing, transportation and more. I'm proud to support my fellow veterans by continuing the Western Region One Source making it easier for all Colorado veterans to access the services they need." SB23-154 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, is a bipartisan bill that continues the Western Region One Source, a one-stop center based in Grand Junction for veterans services. The center opened in 2019 to host various veterans services under one roof, making it easier for veterans in rural areas to be connected to resources like health benefits, employment opportunities, housing, transportation, and more. This bill extends the program to keep the center running until 2030. The bill unanimously passed by a vote of 9-0. Previous Next