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The House today passed legislation by a vote of 50 to 12 to prevent youth overdose deaths and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young, would make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. < Back February 29, 2024 Bill to Save Lives, Prevent Youth Overdose Deaths Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation by a vote of 50 to 12 to prevent youth overdose deaths and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young, would make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. “Our students, bus drivers and educators need tools to prevent overdoses and save lives,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This legislation, championed by students at both Durango and Animas High Schools, would allow trained bus drivers to administer opiate antagonists and encourage schools to keep a supply of drug testing strips. Our youth have not been immune to the overdose crisis in this county, and this legislation ensures schools have the tools needed to save a life.” “To help prevent fatal overdoses, we must make it easier for schools to develop plans and policies to save lives,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Under this bill, we would extend current law to allow Narcan and other opiate antagonists to be used in schools, on school buses, and at school events by trained staff and students. We’re fighting back against Colorado’s overdose epidemic and saving lives.” HB24-1003 , would allow trained bus drivers to administer certain medications, including opiate antagonists such as Naloxone, to students experiencing an overdose. Under current law, if specific educators receive training, they are permitted to administer opiate antagonists to students. This bill extends this protection to bus drivers. This bill would also allow school boards to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses, and for trained students to possess and administer opiate antagonists on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event. Additionally, HB24-1003 would allow schools to acquire and maintain a supply of testing strips designed to detect the presence of additional harmful components in an opioid, such as fentanyl. Previous Next

< Back February 20, 2020 FEDERAL FUNDS FOR WILDFIRE AND FLOOD MITIGATION COULD COME TO COLORADO UNDER HB20-1142 Legislation creates a state fund for local governments to help them secure federal resources for wildfire hazard mitigation DENVER, CO– The House Committee Energy and Environment today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter to make it easier for communities to secure federal funding for wildfire hazard mitigation projects. The bill passed 7-4. “From Colorado Springs and Salida to Jefferson County and Durango, wildfires have burned through communities across Colorado, destroying homes, critical infrastructure and livelihoods,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Nearly half of Coloradans live in areas at risk from wildfires, a threat that won’t go away unless we act. I’ve seen the heartbreaking toll on families who have lost everything while we continue to leave millions of federal dollars on the table that could help. This bill will allow our communities to take advantage of federal funding to reduce the risk of wildfires and floods, which have had catastrophic impacts on our friends, our neighbors and our state.” With limited state resources, Colorado communities are in desperate need of federal funding for wildfire hazard mitigation projects. These initiatives take a land and building code-based approach to reducing the hazards that cause wildfires to spread and increase their intensity. Nearly half of the state’s population lives in an area at-risk of wildfire, and that figure grew 45 percent from 2013-2018. The federal government has several grant programs that states can take advantage of to reduce wildfire hazards and risks, but they often require a local match. Recently, the City of Colorado Springs had to walk away from $2 million in federal funding because they couldn’t come find the small local match needed to accept the grant. Furthermore, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is creating a grant program known as the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) to provide resources for local governments to facilitate the development of hazard mitigation plans and support projects that improve building codes. Colorado needs to be positioned to take advantage of these newly available resources. HB20-1142 would create a cash fund to offer grants to local communities that they can leverage to take advantage of BRIC funding. The bill would allow the state to pull down federal funding for these critical projects. The funding for the cash fund would come from a very small .05 percent fee on premiums for some property and hazard insurance that would total approximately $3 per policy holder. The bill is supported by the Colorado Municipal League. Previous Next

< Back June 9, 2020 COVID RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, HARDWORKING COLORADANS PASSES THE HOUSE Bills to boost small businesses, provide direct housing and utility assistance, protect workers from retaliation and prevent outrageous price gouging on essential goods passed the House. DENVER, CO – The House today passed several bills included in the Democratic package of COVID relief legislation. The bills included proposals to establish a small business recovery loan fund, prevent price gouging, provide housing and utility assistance to hardworking Coloradans, and protect against retaliation on workers who raise public health concerns. “We came into these last few weeks of the legislative session vowing to pass legislation that helps Coloradans rebuild their lives as we recover from this pandemic, and today we’re delivering on that promise,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB20-1413 and HB20-1412. “From ensuring small businesses have the tools they need for continued success, to giving direct assistance to hardworking Coloradans who need it, we’re making sure that our state is primed for a full recovery.” “Renters and homeowners alike have faced unique challenges due to COVID-19, and today we voted to provide them with the direct assistance they need to make rent and stay in their homes,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB20-1410 . “This bill will go a long way towards providing some economic security for the hardworking Coloradans who need it most.” “Even though COVID-19 may not affect us all physically, every one of us is feeling the emotional effects of the pandemic,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB20-1411 . “For those with substance use issues or pre-existing mental health challenges, the impact has only been that much worse. Today the House voted to put much-needed dollars towards proven solutions to these behavioral health challenges. We need it now more than ever.” “Hardworking Coloradans who are recklessly exposed to health and safety risks by their employers should feel comfortable speaking out without fear of job loss or retribution,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB20-1415. “Our whistleblower bill will give these workers the peace of mind they deserve, and will ensure safe and healthy work environments for the general public as we work to get our state back on track.” “Charging exorbitant prices for necessary goods during a crisis is unconscionable, and I’m glad we gave the Attorney General the tools to go after bad actors today,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB20-1414 “We understand that supply chains can be affected and prices can fluctuate during emergency events, but we’ve seen egregious examples of outright price gouging in the last few months. This behavior has no place in Colorado and we’re working to put an end to it” HB20-1413 : Small Business Recovery Loans (Reps. Shannon Bird and Lisa Cutter, Sens. Rachel Zenzinger and Kerry Donovan) : Colorado’s small businesses are critical to our state economy and too many are struggling to pay their employees or their bills during this public health emergency. This bill establishes a small business recovery loan fund that consists of $250 million of state and private dollars for first loss capital on loans to small businesses over the next two fiscal years. This establishment of this fund will help stimulate loans to Colorado small businesses and support the state’s economic recovery and resiliency. The bill passed 43-18. HB20-1410 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for Housing Cash Assistance (Reps. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Tony Exum, Sens. Julie Gonzales and Rachel Zenzinger) : Housing security for both renters and homeowners during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to preserving the health and economic security of Colorado families. The bill provides $20 million in direct rental and mortgage assistance to Coloradans experiencing a financial need during these turbulent times, including $350,000 for legal aid for renters at risk of eviction. The bill passed 40-23. HB20-1411 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment (Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Sens. Brittany Pettersen and Rhonda Fields) : The need for behavioral health services are compounded by the challenges associated with COVID-19 and the more than half a million individuals who have filed for unemployment in Colorado. Young people have been especially impacted–teachers are reporting an increased need for mental health support for students struggling with schooling at home. The bill allocates $15 million to critical mental health programs and substance abuse treatment within the Colorado Department of Human Services and Department of Public Health and Environment. The bill passed 46-17. HB20-1412 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for Utilities (Reps. Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter, Sens. Tammy Story and Rachel Zenzinger) : While most utilities have implemented a moratorium on utility disconnections, the moratoriums do not address the difficulty that a household facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will have paying its utility bill once a utility’s disconnection moratorium is lifted. The bill allocates $10 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which helps low-income Coloradans who are at risk of having their service shut off. The bill passed 40-22. HB20-1414 : Protections Against Price Gouging (Reps. Mike Weissman and Brianna Titone, Senators Brittany Pettersen and Mike Foote) : Unfortunately, during times of emergency unscrupulous individuals sometimes try to take advantage of scarcity to raise prices on necessary goods to exorbitant levels. This bill establishes that a person engages in an unfair or unconscionable act or practice if they increase the cost of certain necessary goods or services an excessive amount, and empowers the Attorney General or local District Attorneys to enforce these consumer protections. The bill passed 39-23. HB20-1415 : Whistleblower Protection for Public Health Emergencies (Reps. Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, Senator Pettersen) : The vast majority of businesses are being responsible to keep people safe during this pandemic, but there are workers who have been fired simply because they raised concerns about safety procedures in their workplace. This policy protects workers who raise health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic from retaliation and requires employers to allow their workers to wear personal protective equipment, such as masks. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is charged with managing complaints. The bill passed 38-24. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2021 COMMITTEE PLANTS THE SEEDS FOR SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS Business Committee passes economic gardening proposal DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today advanced Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Naquetta Ricks’ bill to help small businesses grow and succeed. This bill is a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 8-4. “Small businesses are the backbone of Colorado’s economy, and we have to invest in them in order to build back stronger,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora . “This economic gardening initiative will be there to help businesses get past their growing pains and on to even greater success. Colorado’s entrepreneurs will soon be getting a Colorado Comeback boost!” “The exciting new program we approved today will help take small businesses with massive growth potential to the next level,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada . “Providing these businesses with technical and financial assistance will help ensure that they continue to create jobs and contribute to our economy in a sustainable way. As we safely reopen, it’s our beloved small businesses that will drive Colorado’s economic recovery.” SB21-241 creates the Small Business Accelerated Growth Program, which is designed to provide small businesses on the verge of major growth with the tools and funding they need to take their small businesses to the next level. The Program will support businesses with 19 employees or fewer and provide them with technical, marketing, and financial assistance to ensure they can grow sustainably and continue to create jobs. Previous Next

The House today passed the “Freedom to Read Act” by a vote of 42-22. < Back April 14, 2025 House Passes “Freedom to Read Act” DENVER, CO – The House today passed the “Freedom to Read Act” by a vote of 42-22. SB25-063 would create safeguards against book bans in public school libraries. “Knowledge is power, and our bill preserves access to age-appropriate literature in Colorado public schools,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “This legislation creates a standard process to evaluate a book’s inclusion or removal from a library – further shielding our public school libraries from D.C. culture wars and political fights. Schools are for learning, and our students deserve access to age-appropriate books that encourage them to think more broadly and critically about the world.” “Free societies don’t ban books. This bill maintains access to a wide range of literature, including books that share the experiences and voices of marginalized communities,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Books offer a window to the world where students can explore new places, discover different cultures and dive deep into a new experience. The freedom to read is a cornerstone to a strong democracy, and we’re making sure our students have access to age-appropriate literature.” SB25-063 would create safeguards against book bans in public schools by requiring local school boards to establish a standard policy on the acquisition, use and removal of library resources. The policy would ensure that any removal or restriction of a library resource follows a clear, fair and consistent process. Without a policy in place, a local school board or the Charter School Institute could not remove a library resource from its collection. SB25-063 would also prevent discriminatory policies and protect librarians from retaliation. Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2021 RESTORATION OF HONOR BILL ADVANCES Bill would restore benefits for LGBTQ veterans who were wrongly dishonorably discharged. DENVER, CO– The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today advanced Representative David Ortiz’s bill to ensure that LGBTQ veterans who received a dishonorable discharge from the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity can access the veterans benefits they have earned. The bill passed committee by a vote of 8-3. “I consider every veteran a family member, and by advancing this bill today I’m hoping to do right by the brothers and sisters who served with honor and were unjustly discharged,” said Rep. Ortiz, D-Littleton. “I know all too well the work they did and the sacrifices they made to earn the benefits that were stripped from them because they dared express who they truly are. As a veteran and a member of the LGBTQ caucus, helping them regain access to these programs and supports seems like the least we can do.” Before the repeal of “Don’t ask, Don’t tell”, countless servicemembers were discharged other than honorably due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. This prevented many LGBTQ+ veterans in Colorado from qualifying for the same state programs and benefits that their peers have access to. SB21-026 , the Restoration of Honor Act, will create the “discharged LGBT veteran” status and allow Coloradans who fall under this category to access existing state programs available to honorably discharged veterans. Previous Next

< Back March 15, 2019 REP. CARAVEO ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR BILL TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH & SAFETY OF COLORADANS, GIVE LOCAL COMMUNITIES A VOICE House Energy & Environment committee to hold hearing on SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations on Monday (Mar. 15) – Rep. Yadira Caraveo announced her support for SB19-181, legislation to prioritize the health and safety of all Coloradans, empower local communities and protect our environment today. “As a lifelong Coloradan, and proud resident of Adams County since childhood, I cannot remain silent during one of the most crucial debates we have had in decades,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “As a proud Latina woman, I understand the disproportionate impact oil and gas development has on communities of color. I cannot let marginalized voices go unheard, especially when Republican Senators misappropriate the notion of “environmental racism” to divide us further,” Rep. Caraveo added. The bill is also sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg. “I will use my expertise as the only doctor in the General Assembly to combat the misinformation surrounding the bill, and fight for a common sense approach to modernize our laws and give communities a greater say in oil and gas development,” Caraveo concluded. SB19-181 updates Colorado’s antiquated oil and gas laws to protect families and individuals from residential drilling by putting health and safety first, giving local communities more of a voice, and ensuring clean air. This bill passed the state Senate by a vote of 19-15 on March 13. In addition to a strong stakeholder process around this bill, it was debated for over thirty hours over three public committee hearings and two floor debates in the Senate. The bill will go through three committee hearings in the House that are open to the public and two floor debates. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2023 House Passes Bill to Require Eco-Friendly Appliance Replacement Option This bill would allow Coloradans to replace broken gas appliances with electric appliances under warranty DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today on third and final reading that would allow homeowners to replace their under warranty gas appliances with electric appliances. HB23-1134 aims to give Coloradans more eco-friendly and energy efficient options when replacing their everyday appliances. “We’re making it possible for Coloradans to replace their broken, under warranty gas appliances with more energy efficient electric options,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Many Coloradans are interested in making the switch from gas to electric appliances, and our bill gives them the option to replace unrepairable gas-powered appliances with electric models. This will help save Coloradans money on unpredictable natural gas prices and reduce harmful indoor emissions.” “Navigating your day-to-day with a broken stove or water heater can be tough, but at least under our bill Coloradans have an eco-friendly option when it comes to selecting a replacement,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “This legislation gives Coloradans the option to replace their under warranty, broken gas-powered appliances with an electric equivalent. We’re working to make it easier for Coloradans interested in making the switch from gas-powered to electric-powered household appliances to do so under warranty.” HB23-1134 passed the House by a vote of 45 to 19 and would require home service warranty contracts that provide coverage for gas-fueled appliances to allow homeowners to replace them with electric-powered appliances if they are still covered under warranty. This bill aims to give consumers the option to replace their broken down gas powered appliances, including stoves, ovens, furnaces, HVAC systems, and water heaters, with an eco-friendly electric option. A growing body of research shows when used without proper ventilation, gas stoves emit unsafe levels of nitrogen oxides indoors. HB23-1134 would also require home warranty service contracts to describe minimum efficiency and performance standards for each gas-fueled appliance and for any electric replacements so consumers can make informed and cost-effective decisions. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILL TO ADDRESS CAMPUS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT One in five women and one in sixteen men are sexual assaulted during college (Apr. 30) – The House Education committee unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Janet Buckner and Rep. Barbara McLachlan that would add more guidelines and protections around sexual misconduct and violence in higher education institutes in Colorado. “Our current policy has a problem when we are seeing studies that one in five women and one in 16 men experience sexual assault during college. And what’s even more troubling is that only about 12 percent of victims actually report their assault,” said Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “Sexual misconduct poses a serious threat to the safety of our students and interfere with our students’ ability to learn. This bill ensures a fair and consistent response to sexual misconduct in higher education settings and creates equal rights for reporting and responding to parties in an incident.” SB19-007 creates a fair and consistent response to sexual misconduct in higher education settings to ensure that all students know how to report and know that the administrative process will be fair for both parties. It requires institutions of higher learning to adopt policies that clearly outline the process for survivors of sexual misconduct, to provide support services for survivors, and to distribute information campus wide in order to inform students of the institution’s policies and procedures. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Higher Education to convene a biennial working group that will study best practices in order to prevent and raise awareness surrounding sexual misconduct. “This bill will help get rid of sexual violence and abuse on campus. While we are waiting for the federal laws to adopt and clarify the law, we are making sure our state laws are ready to follow and maintain protections for survivors,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This is not a one size fits all bill but rather puts minimum requirements for policies regarding reporting options and procedures for investigations for all higher education institutions.” In 2017, the Trump administration rescinded guidance for institutions of higher education on how they should address sexual assaults under the federal law, Title IX. The lack of federal direction means that states like Colorado have to step up to develop policies that promote and ensure the safety of students on campuses around the state or risk losing important protections. SB19-007 passed unanimously in the House Education committee. The bill now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

The House today passed bills in a preliminary vote to expand reverse mortgage protections and improve local governments’ ability to hold short-term rentals to local rules and regulations. < Back April 15, 2023 Housing Protections for Victims of Natural Disasters, Local Gov Oversight on Short Term Rentals Advance DENVER, CO - The House today passed bills in a preliminary vote to expand reverse mortgage protections and improve local governments’ ability to hold short-term rentals to local rules and regulations. “After the Marshall Fire, homeowners were saddled with unnecessary burdens that prevented them from putting their lives back together,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1266 . “With this bill, homeowners with reverse mortgages won’t have their loan foreclosed upon just because they lost their home in a disaster. Homeowners deserve grace after devastation due to a wildfire or flood.” “Reverse mortgages require a homeowner to live in their home in order to draw money from their equity, which is an impossible ask for people that have lost their home due to a natural disaster,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1266. “Many senior homeowners already have to take advantage of reverse mortgage income just to afford daily expenses like groceries and health care and can’t afford to build back on their own after an environmental disaster. Our bill helps vulnerable communities so they have one less burden after devastation.” Reverse mortgages allow older homeowners to borrow from the equity of their home. Under current law, reverse mortgages may become due and payable if the homeowner does not reside in the home they are borrowing money from as a principal residence, with an exception for temporary absences up to one year. HB23-1266 would create another exception to the residency requirement for homeowners when their property is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster or another major incident outside the control of the homeowner. This exception would allow a homeowner who is engaged in repairing the home and plans on reoccupying, listing for sale, or selling the house to live elsewhere for up to five years. “Short term rentals are important to Colorado mountain communities like mine for tourism, but without local governments’ ability to properly regulate these properties, short-term rentals are impacting the livability of our communities,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1287 . “When bad actors in the short-term market create challenging situations for their neighbors, like drying up wells or overflowing septic systems, we have to do more to stick up for those who call our towns home year round. By creating pathways for our counties to collaborate with digital platforms, where short-term rentals are listed, we can increase transparency and create a housing environment that works for everyone in the community.” “Living in a rural resort community, I’ve witnessed the increased popularity of short-term rentals, and short-term rentals play an important role in our local economy,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB23-1287 . “Our legislation allows counties to partner with digital platforms that host units, and gives counties the ability to remove a listing if the owners’ license is suspended or revoked, protecting owners, renters, and local communities from violations of local rules and regulations.” A board of county commissioners already has the authority to regulate units that are rented or used for short-term stays. HB23-1287 clarifies the definition of a short-term rental and provides counties with the authority to work with digital platforms to accurately list compliant short-term rentals. HB23-1287 gives counties the ability to require an owner of a property, or the owner’s agent, to include a rental license or permit in any listing for a short-term rental unit on a digital platform. If a county has regulations on short-term rentals, the county would be able to require a digital platform to remove any rental listing if the owner of the listing: Has their local short-term rental license or permit suspended or revoked, Has received a notice violation, or a similar legal process, for not holding a valid local short-term rental license or permit, or Is not allowed to list their unit as a short-term rental due to county rules. Previous Next

< Back November 15, 2019 REP. FROELICH PRAISES GOV. POLIS’S COLORADO RECYCLES WEEK PROCLAMATION DENVER, CO– Representative Meg Froelich today released the following statement after Governor Jared Polis issued a proclamation marking Colorado Recycles Week: “We can help address our climate crisis and put less trash in landfills by increasing our recycling rate, which is well below the national average,” said Zero Waste and Recycling Committee member Rep. Meg Froelich (D-Englewood). “I’m excited to get to work next session on our interim committee bills to improve Colorado’s recycling end markets and infrastructure. I am grateful for Governor Polis’s proclamation today and his efforts to tackle this important challenge.” With the state’s population increasing and Coloradans producing more waste than before, the Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Committee heard testimony, conducted research and traveled to innovative recycling facilities in order to develop a path forward to improve Colorado’s recycling rate. In October, the committee advanced two bills. The first bill creates a stakeholder group to study how to establish a recycling market development center. The center would support the development of businesses that process recyclable materials or reuse them in their products sold to consumers. The bill also requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to administer a statewide recycling education campaign to increase residential recycling across the state. The second bill would establish a statewide organics management plan. This can help agriculture producers improve soil health, leading to enhanced crop value and production. The CDPHE will consult with stakeholders and submit the 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

House Democratic Leadership and JBC Members Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota today released the following statements on Governor Jared Polis’ call for a special session to address the disastrous impacts of Congressional Republicans’ federal budget bill: < Back August 6, 2025 House Leadership and JBC Members: Special Session Is Necessary to Address Disastrous Impacts of GOP’s Federal Budget Bill DENVER, CO– House Democratic Leadership and JBC Members Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota today released the following statements on Governor Jared Polis’ call for a special session to address the disastrous impacts of Congressional Republicans’ federal budget bill: “Republicans’ federal budget will both kick Coloradans off their health insurance and make health insurance more expensive for all Coloradans and by nearly 40 percent on the Western Slope, leaving us with no choice but to convene for a special legislative session to address the crisis the GOP has created,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “All Coloradans are now the collateral damage from the GOP’s cruel bill, which will jeopardize services for hardworking families, children, veterans and older Coloradans. We’ll work hard to minimize the fallout on our communities, but that requires us to act now to mitigate the harm this bill has caused our state.” “Coloradans cannot afford the GOP’s budget, which gives tax breaks to the wealthiest people and corporations at the expense of working families,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “When Congressional Republicans blew a $1 billion hole in our state budget, they failed our seniors, hard working parents, crime survivors and nearly everyone who relies on community-based services to make ends meet. Democrats will be offering responsible solutions to this budget crisis to help avoid painful cuts to core services people depend on.” “The GOP’s reckless budget has forced us to hold a special legislative session so we can protect Colorado from the billion-dollar hole Gabe Evans, Jeff Crank, Lauren Boebert and Jeff Hurd have created in our budget,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Three months ago, we made over $1 billion in budget cuts and adjourned with a balanced budget; now we’re facing another $1.2 billion deficit. I am deeply concerned by the pain the federal budget will inflict on vulnerable people and the increased costs on families. We are committed to finding responsible solutions, but this billion dollar hole in our state budget will require difficult decisions.” “The federal budget passed by the GOP Congress increases costs for middle class families, kicks Coloradans off their health insurance, and blows a billion-dollar hole in our state budget in order to give massive tax handouts to the wealthiest people and corporations,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, a member of the JBC. “Make no mistake, the GOP budget is a wealth transfer from the most vulnerable people who are struggling to make ends meet to billionaires. We have a choice to make now: We can continue tax handouts for the very wealthy or we can protect funding for education, public safety and health care for all Coloradans.” State economists anticipate an over $1 billion hole in the state budget for the current fiscal year that began on July 1, despite having a balanced budget when the legislature adjourned in May. Lawmakers already had to address a $1.2 billion deficit during the regular 2025 legislative session, and now face an additional $1.2 billion hole from H.R. 1. H.R.1 Devastates Colorado’s State Budget Both Legislative Council economists and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) estimate a revenue reduction of $1.2 billion this fiscal year (FY26), and OSBP estimates a reduction of $679 million in FY27 and future years. Forecasts estimate the state will be $783 million below the TABOR cap in this fiscal year (FY26), meaning that taxpayers will not receive TABOR refunds and there will not be surplus revenue available to pay for the Senior Homestead Exemption in FY27, creating additional pressures on the state General Fund. Federal Budget Bill Cuts Medicaid, Kicks Coloradans Off Health Insurance, and Raises Premiums Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend enhanced premium tax credits in the federal budget bill for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, premiums for private health insurance are forecasted to go up an average of 28 percent with parts of Colorado, especially on the Western Slope, seeing premium increases of 38 percent. Colorado’s successful, bipartisan reinsurance program will be significantly reduced, and every Coloradan will pay more for their health insurance. Over 112,000 Coloradans who purchase their own insurance on the individual market could lose health insurance coverage, and many more will face higher premiums. Under H.R. 1, up to 193,000 Coloradans are expected to lose Medicaid health insurance coverage. Eventually, 377,000 Coloradans will be at risk of disenrollment from Medicaid. The federal budget slashes provider payments and cuts federal funding for Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion, programs for Coloradans with Disabilities, and CHP+ coverage for children and pregnant women. It also reduces reimbursements to Colorado hospitals. These cuts are expected to cost the state Medicaid program $2.5 billion by 2032. H.R.1’s Impacts Turn Off EITC and FATC for the Next Two Tax Years Reduced revenue means that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion and the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) will be turned off for the next two tax years, increasing taxes for working people and families and taking money away from some of the most vulnerable Coloradans. With the EITC expansion and the FATC in effect, an average family with two children under six-years-old and an earned income of $50,000 would have received approximately $4,870 in tax credits. With the programs turned off, Colorado workers and families will receive $0. Changes to SNAP Will Affect 600,000 Coloradans Who Rely on Food Assistance H.R. 1 includes significant reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and shifts the cost burden to states. Colorado expects to see $170 million in cuts to SNAP, affecting the more than 600,000 Coloradans who rely on SNAP to afford food for themselves and their families. Many participants will lose food assistance or be forced to overcome new administrative hurdles to demonstrate that they meet narrow work requirements. Rollback of Clean Energy Will Result in Higher Costs and Job Losses H.R. 1 rolls back, modifies or completely eliminates tax credits for energy-efficient new homes, residential clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs). An analysis of the final language estimates these policies will result in 1,950 jobs lost and a household income loss of $190 in Colorado, as well as increased energy costs for consumers. According to the Colorado Energy Office, H.R. 1 is projected to increase residential gas prices in Colorado by 3.4 percent by 2029 and electricity prices by up to 10 percent by 2035. Colorado households could see a $500 increase in annual energy costs by 2035. Previous Next