Colorado’s federally recognized tribes joined the state legislature for third annual address < Back January 16, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Democrats Welcome Tribes for Annual Address DENVER, CO – The Colorado General Assembly today was joined by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe for their annual State of the Tribes. Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe spoke to the legislature about their priorities, successes and challenges, and the importance of Colorado’s strong partnership between the Tribes and the state legislature. “We are honored to be joined by the leaders of Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes for the third annual State of the Tribes address,” said Senate President Coleman, D-Denver. “We are committed to partnering with the Tribes and following their lead on what is most needed in their communities. This address is a yearly reminder of our strong government-to-government relationship, and I look forward to working closely with Chairmen Manuel Heart and Melvin J. Baker during my time as Senate President.” “The State of the Tribes is an important tradition in the legislature and a crucial reminder of the needs and priorities of our Tribal communities as we kick off the legislative session,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I value collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe on many issues, most importantly on securing Colorado’s water future and uplifting the unique challenges of Tribal water access. I’m grateful for the leadership of Chairman Manuel Heart and Chairman Melvin J. Baker and I look forward to future conversations on how we can continue to collaborate on policies that impact the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes.” “It is crucial that we as legislators listen to and take action on the priorities of our Tribal partners, always recognizing the foundational principles of mutual recognition and respect of sovereignty,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “It is my honor to partner with the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes on legislation to strengthen our partnership. The Chairmen mentioned several bills that I am proud to lead on, including the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment, strengthening the Indian Child Welfare Act, and enforcing Tribal court orders. I am also sponsoring legislation to protect wild bison and make the Indian Affairs Interim Committee permanent. I look forward to our continued collaboration this year and in years ahead.” "Today, we had the great privilege of welcoming back the leaders of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to address the General Assembly,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “As we work to strengthen our government-to-government relationship, addresses like this one allow us to learn more about the issues faced by Tribal communities. This year, through the American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee, we created a dedicated space to elevate tribal concerns and seek solutions. Reflecting on this third annual address, I look forward to continuing our great work and keeping an open line of communication between the sovereignty of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the state of Colorado.” “The State of the Tribes, now three years running, has become a highlight of the start of the legislative session,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “It reaffirms our commitment to an open and collaborative relationship between the legislature and our Tribal partners and is a unique opportunity for us to celebrate, listen to, and learn from Colorado’s Native American communities. The legislation I’m sponsoring that was mentioned during today’s address, SB25-009, will ensure the state recognizes decisions by Tribal courts, helping to honor the sovereignty of Tribal Nations and improving public safety.” “I’d like to thank the leaders of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for joining us at the capitol today – their remarks provided valuable and important insight,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “The annual address helps not only strengthen our relationship, but highlights the priorities of the Tribal communities. It’s important to remember, the Ute people were here long before Colorado’s statehood, and their voices and concerns deserve to be heard. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Chairman Melvin J. Baker and Chairman Manuel Heart for joining us for the third annual address as we foster a united pathway forward.” This year, the bipartisan American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee advanced three bills to extend the interim committee for an additional five years, reclassify bison as big game and recognize Tribal legal authority in arrest warrants and civil commitments. SB25-009 , sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would change Colorado state law to ensure that a state court gives full faith and credit to an arrest warrant and civil commitment issued by a Tribal court of a federally recognized Tribe with a reservation within the exterior boundaries of the state. Civil commitment orders include orders from law enforcement agencies, behavioral health facilities and health care providers. In 2022, SB22-105 , sponsored by former Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and former Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, created the annual Tribal Governments address to the General Assembly. Previous Next

The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation to expand Colorado's authority over all injection wells. < Back February 25, 2026 Paschal, Smith Bill to Protect Our Environment Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee today passed legislation to expand Colorado's authority over all injection wells. HB26-1112 would help Colorado create a tailored approach that protects groundwater and our environment. “To protect our water and attract new industry, it’s in Colorado’s best interest to have full regulatory authority over all the underground injection wells in our state,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “With a focus on protecting our groundwater, this important bill would create a Colorado-specific approach that streamlines permitting project approval timelines for injection wells. Fluctuating federal policies reduce reliability for Colorado businesses, and by extending full injection well authority to the state, we can be nimble and responsive to protect our environment to the fullest extent.” “Expanding Colorado’s authority over injection wells is good for businesses and our climate goals,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder . “This bill allows us to streamline injection well projects and permitting that prioritizes emerging technologies that fight climate change and help us safeguard our environment. By extending full regulatory authority to Colorado, we can ensure injection wells in our state are meeting our state’s needs and pushing us closer to our climate goals.” HB26-1112 passed committee by a vote of 9-3. This bill expands Colorado’s regulatory authority to oversee all the underground injection wells in the state. Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells are classified based on the type of fluid injected and the depth of the well. With a state-level program overseeing all UIC wells, Colorado can create a tailored approach that streamlines permitting and prioritizes water management strategies, including conservation, storage and recovery. This bill would also help Colorado attract and retain more emerging industries that will help the state achieve its climate goals with a focus on carbon management, geothermal and hydrogen technologies. Colorado currently has authority over UIC wells in Classes II and VI. This bill extends Colorado’s authority to oversee all six classes of UIC wells. As of July 2025, North Dakota, Wyoming, Louisiana, and West Virginia have been granted full primary authority for all Underground Injection Wells. HB26-1112 would add Colorado to that list. Injection wells are used to place fluid underground into porous rocks, such as sandstone or limestone. Injected fluids may include water, wastewater, brine or water mixed with hazardous or non-hazardous chemicals. Under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classification , there are six different categories of injection wells, but all have a similar purpose to dispose of unwanted materials without endangering underground sources of drinking water. Previous Next

< Back January 31, 2019 TWO-PERSON CREW ON FREIGHT TRAINS CRUISES THROUGH COMMITTEE (Jan. 30) – The House Transportation and Local Government Committee approved a bill to improve the safety of train operations in Colorado. The two person crew leading this legislation are Representative Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial and Representative Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Railroads are a vital part of our communities and we want to make sure that things are running smoothly and safely,” said Rep. Sullivan. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on this important legislation.” The bill would reduce the number of fatal railroad accidents considering that most railroads in Colorado are along waterways and through cities. “This bill is crucial to address the safety of our communities, the rail workers, and our constituents,” said Rep. Esgar. “We can no longer afford to risk the safety of Coloradans- especially of those who live near railroads.” A two-person crew will maintain the division of the workload as well as , providing real time feedback and an immediate response to any failures that can occur. The committee approved the bill by a vote of 7-4 and the bill now heads to the House floor. A previous version of this bill passed the House in 2016 but was blocked in the Senate. Previous Next

BUILDING ON OVER $1 BILLION IN HISTORIC PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR COLORADANS, POLIS ADMINISTRATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LEGISLATURE CONTINUES TO PROVIDE REAL RELIEF FOR HARDWORKING COLORADANS < Back May 1, 2023 GOV. POLIS, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ANNOUNCE PLAN TO CUT PROPERTY TAXES, SAVING COLORADANS MONEY BUILDING ON OVER $1 BILLION IN HISTORIC PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR COLORADANS, POLIS ADMINISTRATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LEGISLATURE CONTINUES TO PROVIDE REAL RELIEF FOR HARDWORKING COLORADANS DENVER - Today, Governor Polis, Senate President Fenberg of Boulder, Senator Hansen of Denver, Representative deGruy Kennedy of Lakewood, and Representative Weissman of Aurora announced a proposal to provide historic property tax savings for homeowners and businesses while ensuring funding for schools and other local governments is protected. In addition to immediate relief, the proposal creates a long-term solution to prevent growing home values from raising property taxes and creates limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. This proposal, along with previous legislation, will save Colorado taxpayers $1 billion annually in property taxes, ensuring Colorado’s property taxes remain among the lowest in the nation. “It is no secret that Colorado is a great place to live and work, and as our state grows, we must take action to ensure people can thrive in the community they love. This proposal will cut the average homeowners' tax increase in half and deliver long-term relief to protect people, especially seniors on a fixed income, from being priced out of their homes,” said Governor Polis. “I appreciate the legislature's partnership to provide real relief on property taxes and save Coloradans money.” Coloradans will vote on this package in November, and should they choose to enact this proposal, it will provide major long-term reductions to property tax rates and deliver immediate savings on property taxes this year. This proposal, combined with reductions previously passed, will cut the average homeowner’s tax increase in half, saving $1,264 on average over the next two years. In total, this package would provide between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually in property tax relief for homeowners and businesses in Colorado. "Coloradans are about to get hit with painful property tax spikes, which is why we're taking action now to meet the moment and provide real relief for Colorado families," President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. "This transformative proposal delivers long-term reductions in property tax rates while providing immediate savings on this year’s property taxes, so we can better support our schools and our communities and build a Colorado everyone can afford to love." “We recognize that property tax reductions cannot be considered without also accounting for the impacts these cuts will have on local governments,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill makes responsible reductions, unlike those proposed in recent ballot measures, and includes provisions to ensure we’re protecting school districts, fire districts, and county child welfare offices while we pass this important measure to help Colorado families keep up with the cost of living in our beautiful state.” “The cost of housing in Colorado is incredibly high, and if we don't act, Coloradans will suffer record increases on their property taxes. This would be especially difficult for working families, and would hit folks on fixed incomes incredibly hard," said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. "That's why we’re working to provide immediate property tax relief that will save families across our state more than a billion dollars and keep people in their homes. This proposal will also give voters an opportunity to protect sustainable funding for our schools and local services like hospitals and firefighters while addressing the urgent property tax situation. I'm proud to champion this legislation that will provide immediate relief and protect the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive." “I’m proud to partner with Governor Polis to help significantly reduce property tax increases,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Property tax increases are driving up costs on families, and lower, and middle income Colorado families can least afford this. This proposal will help Coloradans stay in their homes and communities and targets savings to homeowners who need it the most.” Other property tax relief and protections proposed in this plan include: Reducing the residential assessment rate from 7.15% to 6.7% in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences (not second homes or investment properties) in future years. Reducing the taxable value of residences by $40,000 in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences (not second homes or investment properties) in future years. Capping the growth in district property tax collections excluding school districts at inflation and allowing local governments to override the cap after giving notice to property owners. Protecting funding for public education and backfill revenue to fire districts, water districts, ambulance and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to backfill. Providing seniors who currently receive the Homestead Exemption a larger reduction of $140,000 and allowing them to continue to receive this reduction if they move. Governor Polis has called for immediate and long-term plans to reduce property taxes and save Coloradans money, and in partnership with the legislature, has delivered more than $1 billion in savings so far. Last year, the governor and the legislature passed a property tax relief package that provided $700 million to lower Coloradans' property tax rates and reduced rate increases over two years. In 2021, the Property Tax Deferral Program was created which allows Coloradans to defer a portion of their property tax if they increase over 4%. This deferral opportunity was expanded from previously only being offered to seniors and veterans to now be available to all Coloradans. For more information on the Property Tax Deferral Program and other savings opportunities, visit the Colorado Treasury website. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon. HB25-1116 would require the Department of Corrections to search for and notify relevant parties of an outstanding warrant in certain cases when a person is in custody. < Back February 11, 2025 Bacon’s Bipartisan Bill to Identify Outstanding Warrants, Reduce Recidivism Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon. HB25-1116 would require the Department of Corrections to search for and notify relevant parties of an outstanding warrant in certain cases when a person is in custody. “When we don’t search for outstanding warrants while someone is already in the justice system, it wastes taxpayer time and money,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Waiting to handle warrants, which are typically for low-level offenses, until they are released is inefficient. It's unfair for Coloradans and their families who find out that they have to go back to jail after they were already released and re-entering their communities. By streamlining the warrant process, we can help identify existing warrants or cases so Coloradans can address them or serve time while already incarcerated and reduce recidivism to keep our communities safer.” HB25-1116 , also sponsored by Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. The bill would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) to search for and notify relevant parties of any outstanding warrants for a person in custody in the following cases: Upon initial admission to the DOC, Upon initial comprehensive evaluation of the Time Computation Unit, Six months after admission, Between three and six months before a community corrections eligibility date, and Upon request of the Public Defender liaison. If an outstanding warrant or pending case is discovered, the DOC is required to notify the offender, a public defender liaison, and the court that issued the warrant. Previous Next

< Back March 28, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE BUSINESSES AND MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS MONEY ADVANCE Bills will save Coloradans $66 million dollars DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee today advanced three bills that will save businesses and mental health professionals money. SB22-006 , sponsored by Representatives Barbra McLachlan and Marc Snyder, would allow businesses to keep more of the sales taxes they collect as compensation for expenses incurred in collecting and remitting sales tax, known as the state vendor fee. For 2023, small businesses with revenues under $100,000 will be able to keep 5.3 percent–up from 4 percent–of the sales tax they collect. Small businesses across Colorado will save approximately $5.3 million from this legislation. The bill passed by a vote of 9-1. “We’re looking at every option we have to save businesses money, and the bill we passed today is one small way we can save retailers money,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “Retailers can keep a small portion of the sales tax they collect to cover their costs of passing that sales tax along to where it needs to go. This bill will allow retailers to keep more of the sales tax they already collect and put those savings to use however they need.” “With costs rising for families and businesses, we’re focused on saving people and businesses money however we can,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan. “The legislation we passed today will save small businesses over $5 million that they can put toward rent, salaries or whatever they need.” HB22-1299 , sponsored by Representative Mary Young, would reduce license fees for 2 years for mental health professionals regulated by state boards. Collectively, mental health professionals seeking licenses will save nearly $3.7 million next year. The bill passed by a vote of 6-4. “Our mental health professionals have carried a heavy burden throughout this pandemic,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We’re doing what we can to support these essential workers by directing savings to reduce fees when they apply for or renew their licenses.” HB22-1305 , sponsored by Representatives Yadira Caraveo and Matt Gray, will save businesses over $57 million by reducing premiums for the new paid family and medical leave program. In 2020, Colorado voters overwhelmingly decided that employees should have access to paid family and medical leave. The bill passed on a vote of 7-4. “The legislature is stepping up to save businesses money on paid family and medical leave premiums,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “I’m proud that Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved paid family and medical leave for workers in our state. With this bill, businesses, which are confronting pandemic-induced inflation and rising costs, will see lower premiums at the beginning of the program as our economy fully recovers from the pandemic.” “Coloradans rightfully decided in 2020 that workers in our state should be able to take time off if they or a loved one is sick,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “With pandemic-induced inflation and supply chain challenges continuing to impact Coloradans, we are going to pass legislation that saves businesses money on their family and medical leave insurance premiums.” Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to increase funding for the Colorado Water Plan. < Back April 28, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Colorado’s Water Future Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to increase funding for the Colorado Water Plan. HB25-1311, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed the House by a vote of 52-13. “Colorado is losing significant tax revenue that could go to conserving and protecting our water,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “From the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains, we’re prioritizing Colorado’s water future. This bill brings sports betting companies closer to the voter-approved effective tax rate of 10 percent, which means our state can capture more revenue to fund essential water conservation and preservation projects.” HB25-1311 would phase out sports betting tax incentives to capture more revenue for water conservation and protection. When voters approved Proposition DD in 2019, it legalized sports betting and an effective tax rate of 10 percent on betting to be used for industry regulation, gambling addiction services, and water projects. More than 90 percent of tax revenue ($97 million) from sports betting goes to the Colorado Water Conservation program, which has helped fund hundreds of projects in every corner of the state. However, Colorado is missing out on revenue because sports betting companies are only paying an effective 5.89 percent tax rate due to allowable deductions for pay-outs to customers, federal excise tax, and “free bets”. This bill would bring sports betting companies closer to the voter-approved effective tax rate of 10 percent by prohibiting sports betting operators from deducting “free bets” as a tax write-off. Colorado’s 10 percent tax rate is significantly lower than the national average of 18 percent. In 2024, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition JJ, which removed the overall cap on sports betting revenue the state could collect. Previous Next

New law establishes a study on the impacts of systemic racism on Black Coloradans < Back June 4, 2024 Governor Signs Bill to Uncover and Define Systemic Racial Inequities in Colorado DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed into law legislation to create a study examining racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. Sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, and Representatives Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, SB24-053 creates the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission to determine and make recommendations surrounding the lasting effects of systemic racism in Colorado’s practices, systems, and policies. “Black Coloradans have been living with the impacts of systemic and historic racism – and the structural inequities that have resulted from it – for decades,” Coleman said. “Studying that painful legacy is the first step towards addressing it, and will give us a deeper understanding of the impacts of past and current racial discrimination and policies on our community. This is an important opportunity for our state, and I am looking forward to continuing this conversation so we can begin to repair the damage and create a better and more equitable future for all Black Coloradans.” “Generations of systemic racism cannot be eliminated by a few policy changes – we need data-driven research to define the structural inequities Black Coloradans are still experiencing to this day,” said Herod . “From redlining to limited educational opportunities, we know Black Coloradans have combated blatant discrimination and racism for decades. This important, community led legislation will help Colorado develop a deeper understanding of the impacts of past and current racial inequities and give us the tools we need to craft forward-thinking policy that will support Black Coloradans into the future.” “Uncovering the historical harm done against Black Coloradans is an important step forward in our healing and creating a more equitable future for us all,” said Ricks . “This new law instructs History Colorado to research decades of systemic inequalities in our schools, our neighborhoods and in statewide policies that will help us better understand their lasting impacts on Black Coloradans today. While painful, this racial equity study will help us craft future policies that uplift Black families instead of putting barriers in front of them.” SB24-053 establishes a commission to direct History Colorado to conduct historical research across areas like economic mobility, housing, K-12 education, health care and the criminal justice system. Racial equity studies can be used as tools to qualify and quantify past discrimination and recommend certain corrective measures. The study will also include an economic impact analysis of the racial discrimination determined by the study. Under the new law, History Colorado will submit the study to the commission and any recommendations within two-and-a-half years. The work of the commission and the study will rely on receiving adequate gifts, grants, and donations to fund it. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2021 PASSED! BILLS TO HELP STUDENTS PLAN FOR HIGHER ED & IMPROVE EDUCATOR DIVERSITY DENVER, CO– The House Education committee today passed legislation that would increase diversity in the educator workforce and improve financial literacy standards so that students have the tools they need to plan for the cost of higher education, manage debt, save for retirement, and achieve financial stability as they navigate adulthood. Both bills passed unanimously. “With students taking on more and more debt to attain a higher education degree, it’s critical that we provide them all the tools they need to weigh decisions that could have decades-long financial consequences, said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This bill will provide students with the knowledge they need to plan for how to pay for higher education and manage the financial aspects of adulthood so they can graduate with less debt and have the opportunity to thrive.” HB21-1200, sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Janice Rich, would require the Department of Education to include higher education planning tools in financial literacy standards the next time they are updated. Financial literacy standards for ninth through 12th graders would ensure students understand the costs associated with obtaining a degree, managing credit card and student loan debt, buying a home, and saving for retirement. The updated standards would also include tools to help students manage student loan debt and access both federal and Colorado higher education financial assistance. The bill adds how to budget and pay for higher education and how to manage student loan debt to the suggested financial literacy curriculum and requires school districts to inform students and parents about the importance of applying for state and federal financial aid. “All Colorado students should be able to see themselves in their teachers, but we see far more diversity among our students than we do in our educator workforce,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “We know students of color do better when they have a teacher with a similar background. That’s why we’re taking action to help make our educator workforce more diverse.” “Educators are so important in our children's’ lives, but far too often in Colorado, students grow up without ever having a teacher that looks like them or shares their life experiences,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez. “The legislation we moved forward today will help bring greater diversity to our schools and classrooms and ensure that more Colorado students have the role models they need to thrive.” HB21-1010, sponsored by Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, passed unanimously and directs the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Education to create a workgroup on diversity in the educator workforce. The workgroup would investigate barriers to the teaching profession for educators of color, including obtaining a professional license, and recommend strategies to increase the preparation, recruitment and retention of a diverse educator workforce to serve Colorado students. In Colorado, 76 percent of teachers are women and 67 percent of teachers identify as white women. The bill requires the departments to report on graduation rates from teacher preparation programs, as well as first-time pass rates on the educator licensure exam, broken out by gender, race and ethnicity. Previous Next

Representatives Cathy Kipp and Eliza Hamrick today released the following statements on the 2024 Pension Review Commission. < Back August 16, 2024 Pension Review Commission Explores Future Legislation DENVER, CO – Representatives Cathy Kipp and Eliza Hamrick today released the following statements on the 2024 Pension Review Commission. This bipartisan interim committee studies and proposes future legislation related to state employees’ benefits and pension plans, including the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Vice Chair Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins: “There are nearly 700,000 Coloradans , both former and current state employees, who rely on the state pension plan, PERA. We are working to keep our promise to Colorado’s retirees, and this commission’s goal is to ensure our troopers, teachers and other state employees receive the benefits they’ve earned. “As we get closer to the next legislative session, our state employees are top of mind. I look forward to working alongside other members of this commission as we outline legislation that not only fulfills the state’s pension commitment, but sets us on a path forward to better supporting our state employees.” Committee Member Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial: “As a former public school teacher, a fully funded PERA is incredibly important to me and thousands of Colorado’s former and current state employees. A strong pension plan ensures the state can recruit and retain those who keep our communities safe, such as firefighters and state troopers. “I look forward to the continued work of the Pension Review Subcommittee which is exploring future legislation intended to uplift our state’s employees.” Previous Next

Viewers accessed the video live stream of committees more than 15,000 times this interim < Back November 14, 2025 Speaker McCluskie Highlights Success of Committee Video Streaming Pilot Project DENVER, CO – The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today received a report from Legislative Council Staff (LCS) on a recent pilot project to live stream and record video from legislative committee hearings. The pilot program is set to expire at the end of 2025. Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon: “The committee video streaming pilot has been a resounding success – viewers accessed the live streams of 35 committee hearings more than 15,000 times this interim. For example, during our hearing with state economists and department leaders on the devastating impacts of the federal GOP budget on Medicaid, SNAP and health care, viewers accessed the live stream more than 2,500 times. “Video streaming increases transparency, improves civic engagement and helps modernize the legislative process. There is no doubt that video streaming is popular. While cost and budgetary constraints are certainly factors, I would like to find a way to continue streaming video of our committee hearings, and I want to thank our nonpartisan staff for their efforts to make this pilot possible.” According to LCS, viewers accessed livestreamed video a total of 15,251 times during 35 committee meetings between July 30 and November 5, 2025. Nearly 60-percent of the views were related to or occurred during August’s special session. Viewers accessed the live streams for the 10 committees of reference that met during the special session 4,500 times. The live stream was accessed more than 2,500 times for the July 30 Executive Committee, where state economists and departments presented on the impacts of HR. 1. The LCS report says the informal feedback has been “very positive” and that viewers “were especially happy to be able to see slide presentations live.” The pilot program, for which the Speaker strongly advocated, covered five committee rooms, including the Old State Library, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, House Committee Room 0112, Senate Committee Room 357, and Committee Room A in the Legislative Services Building. Colorado is one of two states in the nation that does not have video streaming in legislative committee rooms. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HOUSING ADVANCE House and Senate committees advance legislation to invest over $200 million to build and sustain affordable housing and boost affordable workforce housing options DENVER, CO – Legislation to save people money on housing by building thousands more homes and expanding access to critical workforce housing today passed House and Senate Committees. “The lack of affordable housing is at a crisis level in Colorado, and I am so glad the state legislature is doing something to help increase affordable housing stock in our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This historic, transformational legislation will provide nearly $180 million directly to local governments and nonprofits all across the state to construct thousands of new units and retain existing affordable housing for our teachers, our nurses, our first responders, and workers and families all over the state. This bill is part of the historic $400 million we are allocating this year for housing - the single largest investment the state has ever made to get homes built and drive down the cost of housing to save people money.” “As Colorado’s population continues to grow, we have to make sure communities have the land and resources required to develop affordable housing now and in the future,” said Sen. James Coleman, D-Denver. “Local governments and nonprofits are the experts when it comes to pinpointing their communities’ unique needs. That’s why this bill is targeted at uplifting their work and providing the necessary tools to achieve their housing development goals.” “Our state is growing, and we must make sure communities have the resources they need to keep pace,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force. “This bill will help local governments and nonprofits access the space and funding that communities need to equitably accommodate that growth. By helping communities increase their housing supply we can make sure every Coloradan has access to a home they can afford.” Nonprofit and Local Government Grants and Strong Communities : HB22-1304 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Mary Bradfield and Senators James Coleman and Julie Gonzales, passed the House Transportation and Local Government Committee by a vote of 9-3. The bill invests $178 million, a historic sum, to provide direct, flexible, and timely grant funding to nonprofits and local governments all across the state that have or are pursuing measures to facilitate affordable housing development, including purchasing land. This includes development of supportive, rental, and for-sale housing targeted at populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The bill also makes a substantial investment for local communities to create strategic development patterns, including funding for infrastructure projects and updating land and use codes. The legislation will ensure flexibility of funding, including allowances for operating grants to community-based organizations and qualified local governments, particularly in small, rural, and mountain resort communities, so they can best meet their own development needs according to their community’s workforce and local economy. By building homes closer to where people work, the bill will also save Coloradans money on their transportation costs. “The housing crisis is impacting businesses large and small across the state, making it harder to attract workers and fill critical positions,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “As part of our strategy to drive down the cost of housing and save people money, we will target resources to expand workforce housing for middle income Coloradans. This will build affordable places to live for workers in communities that are experiencing workforce housing shortages, which is becoming common in nearly every part of our state.” “Coloradans across the state are struggling to afford a place to live, and the time to act is now,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “This bill will improve support systems for middle income families whose modest resources squeeze them between skyrocketing housing costs and ineligibility for assistance, save people money, and help more Colorado families thrive.” CHFA Middle Income Access Program: SB22-146 , sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Dennis Hisey and Representatives Marc Snyder and Marc Catlin, passed the Senate Local Government Committee by a vote of 5-0. The bill will expand critical workforce housing so that more Coloradans and communities have access to affordable housing that allows them to live in the communities where they work. The legislation provides $25 million for the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Middle-Income Access Program , which finances projects to build housing for middle income families and individuals with incomes too high to qualify for low income housing tax credits but too low to afford market rates. Specifically, this funding will provide financing to developers seeking to build rental housing affordable to Coloradans earning 80 percent or more of the area median income through acquisition, new construction, or rehabilitation of existing properties. To date, the Middle Income Access Program has leveraged $14 million of CHFA-invested funds to support five developments comprising over 600 units. Developments leverage significant private sector investment and have brought much needed housing to communities such as Estes Park, Keystone, Steamboat Springs, Gypsum, and Denver. Previous Next