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 December quarterly economic forecasts. < Back December 20, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Colorado Economy Remains on Solid Footing 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 December quarterly economic forecasts. “Today’s forecasts show Colorado’s economic growth and low unemployment rate remain steady and are projected to continue,” said JBC Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “We are committed to fulfilling our promise to students and educators by eliminating the K-12 public school funding deficit, which will put more money into Colorado classrooms to increase teacher pay, reduce class sizes, and ensure students have what they need to thrive. I’m excited to craft a balanced budget that sustains our economic growth, boosts middle class families, and invests in the critical services Coloradans need.” “While Colorado’s economy continues growing at a steady pace, we are entering a more normal - and restrained - fiscal period, which will require cautious, responsible budgeting to ensure we meet our priorities,” said JBC Vice Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “As we prepare next year's budget, we remain committed to maintaining this growth while delivering the critical services families and communities rely on. We’re looking forward to putting forth a responsible budget that fully funds our schools, supports working families, and meets the needs of our growing state.” “As Colorado’s economy continues to grow and perform better than other states, we are focused on addressing the rising cost of living and making sure that everyone can afford to live in our state,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Even with our strong economy, Colorado’s unique fiscal constraints mean we will have limited resources this year for new investments. Our goal this year is to significantly increase funding for our public schools, support working families, and prioritize the Coloradans who are feeling the brunt of our cost of living crisis.” “Today's forecast makes me cautiously optimistic that our Colorado economy continues to head in the right direction," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "I look forward to working on a balanced budget for next year that fully funds education, lowers the cost of health care, and helps make Colorado a more affordable place to live." Colorado’s economy continues to grow, with an unemployment rate of 3 percent and total employment growth clocking in at around 2.3 percent. Personal income growth for Coloradans has remained steady, at 5.6 percent, and consumer demand continues to outpace expectations. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.52 billion in FY 2023-2024 and $18.58 billion in FY 2024-2025, a 6 percent increase year-over-year. The LCS forecast anticipates the General Fund to end FY 2023-24 with a 15.3 percent reserve, $49.6 million above the statutory requirement. TABOR refunds will be $800 for single filers and $1,600 for joint filers. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) revised its General Fund revenue expectations up $247.3 million in FY 2023-24, while FY 2024-25 revenue was revised down $78.1 million. OSPB anticipates General Fund revenue will grow 4.6 percent to $19.1 billion in FY 2025-26, due to stable growth in income and sales revenue. The forecast anticipates continued growth as Colorado stands well positioned to fare better in the case of a downturn and that the risk of a near-term recession has dissipated. Factors that could improve the forecast include slowing inflation, an expanded labor force, and a rebound in real wages boosting consumer spending, and more accommodative monetary policy from the Federal Reserve. Risks that could negatively impact the forecast include persistent inflation leading to further restrictive monetary policies, deteriorating household finances limiting consumption and continued geopolitical and trade uncertainty. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Tammy Story into law to help our forests recover from deforestation. < Back May 15, 2023 Gov Polis Signs Bill to Combat Deforestation DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Tammy Story into law to help our forests recover from deforestation. “Colorado is well known for having beautiful natural landscapes, which is why so many people visit our state or call Colorado home,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “Wildfires have caused significant damage to our forests, devastating Colorado families, ranches, businesses, and open spaces. With this new law, Colorado can reforest areas that saw devastating wildfires in the last few years and stabilize watershed banks to protect water resources. Also, Colorado can better mitigate wildfire threats, protect Colorado lives, and preserve our beautiful lands.” HB23-1060 updates and expands the operations of Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) Nursery to help them meet seedling trees and shrubs conservation demands and increase reforestation efforts. In Colorado, seedlings are used for burned forest restoration, creating climate-resilient watersheds and forests, and enhancing carbon storage. Last year, $5 million was allocated toward the CSFS Nursery from HB22-1323 and additional funding would help complete the upgrades and expectations to improve seed storage, seedling processing, and nursery fields amongst other needs that will help meet the growing demand of reforestation efforts. Previous Next

< Back May 24, 2021 BETTER BALLOTS BILL ADVANCES Reps. Kennedy and Weissman’s bill to ensure voters understand the impact of the ballot measures they’re voting on passes State Affairs Committee DENVER, CO– The House State, Veterans, Military, and Civic Affairs Committee today advanced a bill to give voters more detailed information about the ballot initiatives they are voting on. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Today we took the first major step towards unrigging Colorado’s ballot initiative process,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Colorado’s voters are entrusted with the responsibility of making enormously consequential decisions for the future of our state, and it’s only fair that they have as much information as possible to guide those choices. Giving voters more accurate and detailed information about what they’re voting on should be an idea that everyone can agree on.” “Our current ballots are giving voters an incomplete picture of the impact of the decisions they’re making,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill will provide voters with crucial information about how a specific ballot initiative will impact individual taxpayers and the public investments they care about. Today the State Affairs Committee voted in favor of better ballots and a more fair initiative process that trusts voters to decide for themselves what’s best for Colorado.” Under current law dating back to the 1992 TABOR law, ballot measures that would increase taxes are required to outline, in capital letters, how much revenue will be raised from said initiative. This bill would provide voters with even more information about the impact of ballot questions on taxpayers and taxpayer-funded programs. For example, the bill would require that for measures that either increase or decrease the individual income tax rate or the state sales tax rate, ballots show a table indicating the average tax burden change for taxpayers in each income bracket. The bill also requires that for ballot measures that reduce state tax revenue, the blue book sent to every voter shows the top three programs the revenue reduction impacts, as determined by nonpartisan legislative research staff. Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 BILLS TO PREVENT SUICIDE DEATHS, IMPROVE 2-1-1 HOTLINE PASS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today passed two bills that would better connect Coloradans with critical behavioral health support. SB21-154 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Matt Soper, would implement the 988 national suicide prevention lifeline network in Colorado. By calling this number, individuals will be provided with crisis outreach, stabilization, and acute care that aims to prevent suicide deaths. The bill aims to establish the new hotline by January 20222. The bill passed unanimously. “This is such an important bill, and setting up this hotline will make a real difference for people in crisis,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This hotline will allow every Coloradan to directly access crisis services that can prevent suicide deaths and life-saving behavioral health care.” SB21-239 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Mary Young, would improve the 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System. The bill appropriates $1 million to expand referral services authorized by the Colorado 2-1-1 collaborative to include referrals for behavioral health services and other resources in the state. By doing so, the 2-1-1 hotline will be able to connect more Coloradans with the mental health services they need. The bill additionally focuses on connecting Coloradans who are unemployed or who do not have health benefits to mental and behavioral health services. “We have a behavioral health crisis in Colorado, and one of the highest barriers people face is not being able to connect and access critical services,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “The 2-1-1 hotline already helps Coloradans access state services. The bill we advanced today would simply add behavioral health referrals to what they are already doing so that when people call and need help, they are connected to providers and the state services they need.” “Too many Coloradans are left without options or without even a phone number to turn to when they need mental health care,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We’re going to change that. Soon, the 2-1-1 hotline will be able to refer callers to behavioral health services to help more Coloradans get connected with life-saving health care.” Previous Next

< Back November 4, 2019 BIPARTISAN PROPOSALS ADVANCED TO EXPAND ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION DENVER, CO — The Making Higher Education Attainable Interim Study Committee today advanced three bills that would make it easier for Coloradans to access and pay for higher education. “Recent research from the Colorado Department of Higher Education shows that earning a college or post-high school degree leads to longer life expectancy, better health and higher incomes, but the cost to attend these institutions has been rising quickly, while Colorado continues to rank near the bottom of state spending on higher education,” said Committee Vice-Chair Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango). “I’m excited that our committee advanced three critical bills that will make it easier for all Coloradans to access higher education and get the degree that’s right for them.” “Colorado, and especially Fort Collins, has exceptional institutions of higher education, but it is becoming increasingly more difficult for students to pay for or attend our world-class colleges and universities,” said committee member Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins). “The bills we passed today will make higher education more attainable for Coloradans. I look forward to furthering our important work to support Colorado’s students pursuing a postsecondary degree or credential and to continuing the fight to reduce the cost of these degrees for our students.” According to the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Colorado ranks 47th nationally for state appropriations on higher education. The report also showed that from 2008 to 2018, tuition at public two-year institutions in the state rose by 52 percent and tuition at four-year public institutions rose by 68 percent. Nearly half of all young adults in Colorado hold student loans, and student debt has been increasing faster than the national average according to a report from the Student Borrower Protection Center. 1. Modifications to Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative: The first bill would make modifications and improvements to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI). Since 2014, COSI has provided a strong network of student support and scholarship programs to reduce the financial burden on eligible students and increase higher education program and certification completion rates. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to help students successfully integrate into the workforce. The bill makes a number of changes to the scholarship program that will increase the availability of wrap-around services to scholarship recipients and increase the participation of other postsecondary education providers to make the program more efficient and expand the pool of Coloradans it can serve. Sponsors : Representative Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) and Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) 2. Providing College Credit for Work Experience: The second bill would require the Commission on Higher Education to adopt and implement a plan to award college credit to eligible Coloradans for previous work experience. The plan will prioritize the fastest growing industries as identified by the Department of Labor and Employment’s Talent Pipeline Report, and will ultimately require institutions of higher education, including area technical colleges, to accept and transfer academic credit for approved work-related experiences. This bill recognizes that many Coloradans acquire valuable experience before deciding to pursue a postsecondary degree or credential, and rewards them for that experience so that they are more likely to complete their degree and reenter the workforce. Sponsors: Representative Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) and Senators Tammy Story (D-Evergreen) and Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) 3. Improving the Student Success Innovation Pilot Program: The third bill approved by the committee would create a pilot program within the Department of Higher Education to incentivize collaboration among institutions of higher education within Colorado to increase student completion rates and overall success. Under the bill, participating institutions would convene and study common barriers to student success and devise a program that addresses those barriers. The bill includes robust reporting requirements that outline student outcomes and cost, and other key indicators of success. This bill recognizes that many students pursuing a postsecondary degree face unique barriers and require innovative solutions to ensure their success. Sponsors: Representative Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) and Senator Tammy Story (D-Evergreen) Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to improve representation in government by ensuring candidates with disabilities have access to the ballot. HB24-1067, championed by Representative David Ortiz, would address barriers those with a disability face when participating in the political process, including lack of virtual options. The bill passed by a vote of 64-0. < Back February 12, 2024 Ballot Accessibility for Candidates with Disabilities Passes the House DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation to improve representation in government by ensuring candidates with disabilities have access to the ballot. HB24-1067, championed by Representative David Ortiz, would address barriers those with a disability face when participating in the political process, including lack of virtual options. The bill passed by a vote of 64-0. “There are many future community leaders who are often kept out of the political arena because our political systems are not accessible,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This crucial bill works to improve accessibility in all levels of government, specifically through making virtual participation available at caucuses and party assemblies. The very foundations of democracy are dependent upon making sure every voice is heard and represented, and this bill ensures all candidates have an opportunity to participate in Colorado’s political process.” HB24-1067 , also sponsored by Rep. Brandi Bradley, R-Roxborough, would require the continuation of the caucus process to make it more accessible for people with disabilities to run for office. The bill would also require video conferencing participation options for a precinct caucus or a party assembly, unless they do not have access to a broadband network provider. Rep. Ortiz has been a long-time champion for disability rights at the Colorado State Capitol. He has led the charge in passing multiple bills to ensure Coloradans with a disability have the opportunity for legal recourse if they are discriminated against, expanding the youth prosthetic coverage law, creating the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force, in addition to two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. Previous Next

< Back November 30, 2020 Direct Aid for Small Businesses, Housing Assistance, Utility Relief, and Emergency Funding for Colorado’s Public Health Response Pass House Committees; Will See Floor Debate SOON DENVER, CO — House committees this afternoon passed four bills that would provide direct assistance to the Coloradans and small businesses that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. The legislation will next be considered on the floor for Second Reading. “Small businesses have faced some of the most challenging impacts of this crisis, struggling for survival while Washington fails to deliver the relief they desperately need,” said SB20B-001 sponsor Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We are doing everything we can to boost small businesses and help them through the winter months ahead until we have a vaccine and Congress passes additional relief. Cultural venues, artists and minority-owned businesses have been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic. This assistance will help the small businesses that have been hit hardest so that they don’t permanently shutter.” SB20B-001, sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, would send $57 million in direct aid, grants and annual fee waivers to struggling small businesses – prioritizing those operating in counties experiencing severe capacity restrictions. It will also create grant programs and allocate funds specifically for art and cultural organizations as well as minority owned businesses. Capacity limits have severely impacted small businesses across the state, especially bars, restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues. This bill will help these industries bridge the gap through difficult winter months ahead. The bill passed the House Finance and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “Thousands of Coloradans are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage and are facing agonizing decisions every day about which bills to pay and how to avoid being thrown out of their homes,” said SB2B-002 sponsor Rep. Tony Exum, Sr. D-Colorado Springs. “There is an astounding need for housing assistance to help Coloradans bridge the gap and avoid eviction or foreclosure. This assistance will directly help the Coloradans who have been hit hardest by this pandemic so they aren’t left behind as our state recovers.” “This assistance will help landlords, tenants, and homeowners who are facing the brunt of the pandemic get through the challenging months ahead,” said SB20B-002 sponsor Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This assistance will help Coloradans across the state avoid foreclosure and eviction and keep from falling farther behind. This critical relief will protect our recovery by preventing Coloradans from falling into homelessness and poverty.” SB20B-002, sponsored by Reps. Tony Exum, Sr. and Kerry Tipper, would provide $60 million for emergency housing assistance to landlords and households who are in financial need due to COVID-19. Of the funding, $1 million will support the Eviction Legal Assistance Fund, which will help Coloradans stay in their homes this winter by providing critical legal assistance for housing related needs. The impending expiration of federal assistance programs such as enhanced unemployment benefits, leaves millions of Coloradans vulnerable to eviction or foreclosure in the coming months. In fact, according to recent surveys, over 40 percent of Coloradans are living in a household that is behind on their rent or mortgage and at risk of foreclosure or eviction. Finally, the bill puts in place a provision that seeks to ensure tens of thousands of unemployed Coloradans can continue to have access to the federally funded State Extended Benefits Program through December 26. The bill passed the House Public Health and Human Services and Appropriations Committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “We are determined in this special session to help Coloradans make ends meet through the tough winter months ahead,” said SB20B-003 sponsor Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Helping Coloradans heat their homes and keep the lights on will go a long way towards supporting hardworking families across the state. The end of this pandemic is in sight, and this assistance will make an important difference for those who need it most.” SB20B-003, sponsored by Reps. Monica Duran and Lois Landgraf, would appropriate $5 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund in order to meet the 25 percent increase in applications that Energy Outreach Colorado has seen this year. As unemployment numbers remain high and federal resources have dried up, many Coloradans are at risk of losing their utilities – a dangerous outcome in the winter months. The bill passed the House State Veterans and Military Affairs and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “With promising vaccine trials shining a light on the end of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to ensure our public health systems are able to care for and protect Coloradans in the months ahead,” said SB20B-004 sponsor Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Ensuring these resources are available is an important investment in our medical professionals and the health and wellness of the people of Colorado.” SB20B-004, sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie, would allocate an additional $100 million to ensure the state can continue to protect public health while we await additional federal stimulus and reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. With many hospitals across Colorado reaching critical capacity in recent weeks, additional funds are needed to continue the state’s robust public health response. The bill passed the House Public Health Care and Human Services and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. Sales Tax Relief, Broadband Expansion for Students, Child Care Support, and Food Pantry Assistance Pass House Committees; Will See Floor Action in House TONIGHT DENVER, CO — House committees this afternoon passed four bills that would provide sales tax relief to businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, expand broadband capacity for students, preserve and increase access to safe child care options, and support food pantries. The legislation is expected on the floor for Second Reading this evening. HB20B-1004 , sponsored by Reps. Alex Valdez & Kevin Van Winkle, would allow restaurants, bars, and food trucks to retain state sales tax they collect from November 2020 through February 2021. This will provide bars and restaurants up to $2,000 per location and limited to five locations for up to $10,000in tax relief each month to help them make ends meet. The legislation passed the House Finance and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “ Colorado restaurants, bars and small businesses are struggling and need assistance now so our recovery can stay on track,” said HB20B- 1004 sponsor Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Only the federal government can deliver the kind relief our state needs most, but we are committed to using what limited state resources we have to boost our recovery and help as many hardworking families and small businesses as possible as we tackle the very challenging months ahead. This sales tax relief will provide immediate help to thousands of restaurants and bars that are facing capacity restrictions from COVID-19.” HB20B-1002 , sponsored by Reps. Cathy Kipp & Lois Landgraf would distribute $45 million to enable existing child care providers to keep their doors open and new providers to open and meet the needs of working parents, especially in child care deserts. Colorado’s economic recovery depends on its workforce having access to stable child care, but due to temporary closures and the increased costs of health and safety precautions for child care providers, many are on the brink of financial collapse. These grant programs are estimated to support 2,600 child care facilities, preserving child care for over 100,000 children and creating capacity for tens of thousands more. Moreover, research shows that for every dollar spent on early childhood programs, $2.25 is contributed to our state’s economy. The bill passed the House Public Health and Human Services and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the House floor this evening for Second Reading. “ Safe and affordable child care options are critical for working families who are juggling the stressful and difficult challenges of working while caring for young ones,” said HB20B-1002 sponsor Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “These grants will keep thousands of child care providers open and provide critical funding to make facilities safer during the pandemic. Retaining this workforce is critical to ensuring Coloradans don’t have to choose between going to work and keeping their kids safe.” HB20B-1001 , sponsored by Reps. Mary Young and Matt Soper would dedicate $20 million towards increasing our state’s broadband capacity – connecting more students to their teachers so that they can learn safely in the months ahead. Internet access is absolutely essential for students during this difficult time. But many families who are struggling with financial stability simply can’t afford to cover the cost, while numerous school districts lack the infrastructure to educate their students remotely. The bill passed the House State Veterans and Military Affairs and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor for Second Reading “At a time when Colorado families are learning, working, socializing, and generally living online from their homes, what could be more important than expanding broadband use in schools,” said HB20B-1001 sponsor Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Every Colorado student should have access to a quality education, and in 2020 that means having a reliable internet connection. While we work to determine what the future of our childrens’ education will look like, expanding broadband access to every school in our state is a necessity.” HB20B-1003 , sponsored by Reps. Lisa Cutter and Rod Bockenfeld would devote $3 million to replenishing essential community services that increase access to food for Colorado families facing food insecurity. 1 in 3 Coloradans are struggling with hunger as more and more families are being forced to choose between paying their bills and putting food on the table. Food banks, food pantries and their partners need additional assistance to meet the rising demands, especially as the December expiration for federal hunger relief looms. The legislation has passed the Public Health and Human Services and Appropriations Committee and will be debated on the floor for Second Reading tonight. “Across our state and our nation, hunger and food insecurity have only been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic,” said HB20B-1003 sponsor Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This direct support to food pantries builds on the work we did earlier in the year to bring us closer to a hunger-free Colorado. While we know there is a great deal of work left to be done, I’m proud that we are taking bold action to help hardworking families keep food on the table.” Previous Next