Representatives Matthew Martinez and Tisha Mauro today released the following statements following the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to discontinue funding for colleges that primarily serve students of color. < Back October 6, 2025 Reps. Martinez, Mauro Urge Department of Education to Continue Funding for Higher Education in Southern Colorado DENVER, CO – Representatives Matthew Martinez and Tisha Mauro today released the following statements following the U.S. Department of Education’s decision to discontinue funding for colleges that primarily serve students of color. Statement from Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista: “As a proud graduate and former educator at Adams State University, I’ve seen the life-changing impacts that accessible, quality education can have in rural communities. With federal support, Colorado Democrats have made strides to improve education funding across the state to ensure all Coloradans can receive the education they deserve, especially in rural areas like Southern Colorado. The Department of Education’s decision to end funding for universities like Adams State reverses decades of progress to ensure access to quality education for all, especially students of racial and ethnic backgrounds who have long been underserved. Adams State will lose over $3 million in grants for student advising and retention for Hispanic and low-income Coloradans, which will ultimately hurt rural students, communities and economies. I strongly urge the Department of Education to reconsider this decision to restore funding to Adams State University and other higher education institutions.” Statement from Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo: “CSU Pueblo and Pueblo Community College are pillars in our community, and the Department of Education’s decision to withhold millions of dollars in grants from them will have widespread impacts across Pueblo. These grants would have gone towards student retention and staff support to build up resources for students, faculty and our community. Our higher education institutions are crucial in supporting Pueblo’s economy, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our workforce. I strongly urge the Department of Education to take action and ensure our colleges receive the funding they were promised.” In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it is ending $350 million in funding for federally-designated colleges that enroll a large percentage of students of color, like Hispanic and Native American students, also known as Minority-Serving Institution (MSIs). Out of the 15 public MSIs in Colorado, six receive federal grant funding. Adams State University was awarded a nearly $3 million grant over five years in 2024 to fund the ASCENDER project, which helps improve college attendance and retention for Hispanic and lower-income Coloradans. Nearly 56-percent of full-time students at Adams State are ethnic minorities, with nearly 38-percent of those students identifying as Hispanic. Colorado State University Pueblo currently has three active grants from the U.S. Department of Education, which will lead to a loss of $3.6 million in grant funding. The Colorado Community College System will lose over $5 million, including Pueblo Community College, which is set to lose almost $600,000 in grants to support the college’s Onboarding initiative. This funding helps new students transition to college with resources like mentoring, a laptop lending program and professional development for faculty and staff. Previous Next

Tax credits will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and save families money < Back April 30, 2024 House Democrats Advance Two Family Affordability Bills Tax credits will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and save families money DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills on a preliminary vote that would expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit and create the Family Affordability Tax Credit to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families. Beginning tax year 2024, HB24-1311 would create the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit. This credit would be available to parents with children 16 and younger. The maximum credit amount would be $3,200 per child and would be adjusted for income, inflation, economic growth, and unemployment. “This historic effort will significantly reduce childhood poverty in Colorado, boost the incomes of hardworking families, and help millions of Coloradans who are feeling the greatest impacts of the cost of living in our state,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB24-1311. “Tax credit policies that benefit children and families, who could see up to thousands of dollars back under this bill, will ensure our tax code works for more Coloradans and help address childhood poverty. I’m proud that we are passing legislation to help Coloradans afford essentials like rent payments and groceries and boost the incomes of thousands of families across the state.” “There are over 133,000 Colorado kids living in poverty, and this bill, coupled with the Earned Income Tax Credit, will dramatically cut our child poverty rate,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB24-1311. “These tax credits boost the incomes of our lower and middle-income families so they can keep their children safe and healthy by accessing quality health care, school supplies, and fresh food. Our bill would increase tax credits for Colorado parents and put millions of dollars back into the pockets of families with children.” Under this bill, the amount of the new, refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit is a maximum of $3,200 for each child under 6, and a maximum of $2,400 for each child ages 6 to 16, and adjusted incrementally downward for income, inflation, economic growth, and unemployment. Currently, the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is 38 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024, 25 percent for tax year 2025, and 20 percent for tax years beginning 2026. HB24-1134 would permanently expand the state EITC by setting it to a baseline of 50 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024, 35 percent for tax year 2025, and at least 30 percent for tax years beginning 2026, and allowing it to increase up to 50 percent in years of strong economic growth in 2025 and beyond. “A recent analysis found that the top 1 percent of households receive more tax breaks than the bottom 80 percent combined,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1134. “Colorado’s tax code should work for hardworking families, which is why we are putting thousands of dollars back in the pockets of the people who are most impacted by rising costs. Our bill would make our tax code more fair by boosting tax refunds for low and middle-income taxpayers and helping to reduce childhood poverty.” “Growing up, the Earned Income Tax Credit rescued my family from the worst consequences of poverty. The EITC is one of the most important anti-poverty tools to help Colorado families make ends meet, pay for the car repairs that help them get to school and work, pay off their credit cards, and keep a roof over their heads,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB24-1134. “With this bill, we’re providing financial relief to hardworking Coloradans by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, increasing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and closing corporate tax loopholes so parents can provide a more stable life for their families.” In addition to permanently expanding the EITC for Colorado families, the bill would merge the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Low-income Child Care Expenses Tax Credit to create the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) with an adjusted gross income cap of $60,000. HB24-1134 would expand the scope of qualified dependents to match the federal definition, by including dependents in addition to children under the age of 13. It would also increase the CDCTC to 70 percent of the federal credit. Additionally, the bill would modernize Colorado’s corporate tax laws, making them more consistent with other states’ laws. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2022 HOUSE VOICES SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE DENVER, CO – The House today passed a resolution supporting Ukraine as the country continues to defend itself from Vladimir Putin and Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion. “Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and violent attack on the Ukrainian people threatens peace and security throughout Europe and must stop immediately,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, who served in Afghanistan. “The Colorado General Assembly proudly stands with the people of Ukraine, who are giving it their all and bravely defending their country from this illegal Russian invasion. I am heartbroken by the casualties of this war and the destruction Putin has unleashed on the Ukrainian people, who are fighting to defend Europe and the fundamental values we hold dear – the right of self determination, freedom and independence.” “The Colorado House proudly stands with the people of Ukraine as they defend their country from Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified and violent attack on their nation,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “The entire World stands in awe of President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people who are defying all the odds and bravely fighting back against Putin’s forces. I support the swift action from the Biden Administration to galvanize our allies to send humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine and impose some of the toughest sanctions ever developed to bolster Ukraine, hold Putin accountable, and restore peace and security to Europe.” The bipartisan SJR22-004, sponsored in the House by Representatives David Ortiz and Patrick Neville, condemns Vladimir Putin’s violent attack on the people of Ukraine and affirms the General Assembly’s steadfast support for the people of Ukraine and its democratically elected leaders. The resolution reads in part: WHEREAS, Ukraine deserves the support of every American and the entire international community as it defends itself from this unprovoked Russian invasion, the largest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II; now, therefore, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Seventy-third General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the House of Representatives concurring herein: That we, the members of the Colorado General Assembly: (1) Proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people, and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia fully accountable for its catastrophic decision to (2) Condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Vladimir Putin's violent attack on the people of Ukraine and strongly endorse the swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls that President Biden's administration has imposed on Russia; and (3) Urge Russia to immediately cease its violent, illegal, and immoral assault upon Ukraine, end the needless bloodshed, and return to diplomacy and the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and prosperity for so many. The full text of the resolution is below WHEREAS, The post-war international security order, led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has relied upon diplomacy, peace, and open communication over armed conflict to ensure prosperity and stability for over one billion people for more than 70 years; and WHEREAS, Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian people voted overwhelmingly to form a nation independent from Russia, building a democracy and a thriving country grounded in the rule of law; and WHEREAS, In 2014, the pro-Western Euromaidan protest movement in Ukraine led to the resignation of authoritarian president Viktor Yanukovych, a brutal ally of Vladimir Putin, ushering in democratically elected leaders who have sought closer ties to the European Union and the United States; and WHEREAS, The Russian Federation, seeking to block the free will of the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of security, peace, and prosperity through closer ties to the European Union and the United States, annexed territory from Ukraine in 2014 and instigated, supported, and supplied a deadly separatist war in Eastern Ukraine that has destabilized the region and killed thousands of civilians; and WHEREAS, The Russian Federation deployed military assets to support the separatist militias in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, resulting in the reckless missile attack that downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and killed 298 innocent civilians in 2014; and WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin intentionally lied to his own people and to the global community to create a false pretext to invade and occupy Ukraine based on lies that Ukraine posed a threat to Russians and that falsely connected Ukraine and its political leaders to Nazism; and WHEREAS, The Russian Federation violated international peace and security agreements that sought a peaceful solution in Eastern Ukraine and instead amassed hundreds of thousands of troops on Ukraine's border; and WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin has now launched an unjust and unwarranted invasion upon the peaceful nation of Ukraine; and WHEREAS, Russian soldiers are currently sweeping through the country, inflicting violence and terror upon millions of civilians and destroying homes, businesses, and properties; and WHEREAS, Ukraine is a proud and honorable nation under siege, and the brutality of this unnecessary and violent war is an affront to both international law and common decency; and WHEREAS, Ukraine has been a bulwark against Russian military aggression in Europe, and Vladimir Putin has said that his goal is to recreate the Soviet Union and may have intentions to threaten NATO allies with military force; and WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin has sought to destabilize countries across Europe and interfere in other countries' elections and democracies, including the United States; and WHEREAS, The United States has galvanized the international community and our allies to impose the strongest possible sanctions on Russia and its financial institutions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and WHEREAS, Colorado is home to thousands of Ukrainian Americans and to millions who care deeply for and stand strongly in support of the Ukrainian people; and WHEREAS, Ukraine deserves the support of every American and the entire international community as it defends itself from this unprovoked Russian invasion, the largest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II; now, therefore, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Seventy-third General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the House of Representatives concurring herein: That we, the members of the Colorado General Assembly: (1) Proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people, and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia fully accountable for its catastrophic decision to invade; (2) Condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Vladimir Putin's violent attack on the people of Ukraine and strongly endorse the swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls that President Biden's administration has imposed on Russia; and (3) Urge Russia to immediately cease its violent, illegal, and immoral assault upon Ukraine, end the needless bloodshed, and return to diplomacy and the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and prosperity for so many. Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this Joint Resolution be sent to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, and all members of Colorado's Congressional delegation. Previous Next

On January 1, 2026, legislation goes into effect to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. HB24-1121 extends Colorado’s right to repair laws to certain electronic equipment, including cell phones, computers and televisions. < Back December 17, 2025 Right to Repair Electronic Equipment Law Goes Into Effect On January 1, 2026, legislation goes into effect to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. HB24-1121 extends Colorado’s right to repair laws to certain electronic equipment, including cell phones, computers and televisions. “From pulling up directions to contacting your loved ones, cell phones have become a necessity in our daily lives, and we should have more choices on how to fix them when they break,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This law gives Coloradans the tools they need to fix their broken electronics, saving them money and time on costly repairs. Right to repair laws, like this one, are important for empowering consumers and keeping e-waste out of our landfills. I’m proud to carry this right to repair law to save Coloradans money on everyday electronics like computers, cell phones and household appliances.” “For generations, whenever one of our tools broke we just went and fixed it,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Today, most manufacturers make that deliberately impossible to do. The legislation we passed bans practices like parts pairing and software restrictions that lock in customers. This is the first right to repair bill that Google, Apple, and independent repair shops all agreed on. The language we developed here in the Senate has even served as a model in other states and other countries. It's good for consumers, small businesses, and our economy.” “Consumers should have the right to fix their stuff—computers and cell phones included,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “With this law going into effect, consumers will be able to access the tools and tech they need. Added bonus: it saves Coloradans money while reducing waste and pollution.” “Restrictions on consumers’ ability to fix their cell phones, computers, and other devices lead to surging costs, monopolistic business practices, and thousands of electronics being needlessly thrown out every day,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you can’t repair something that’s yours, do you really own it? I would argue not. I am proud that this law is going into effect that will empower consumers, reduce waste, and ensure a fair market.” Beginning January 1, 2026, HB24-1121 will require certain digital electronic equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and others will need to provide software and physical tools to consumers and independent repair providers upon request so they can fix their broken electronics. Under this law, OEMs can charge a fee for physical tools, but software tools must be made available free of charge for the consumer. This law will save electronics consumers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. HB24-1121 also prohibits parts pairing, a technology used by manufacturers to program certain parts together, which restricts the consumer's ability to independently repair their devices and allows OEMs to monopolize replacement parts. In 2023, Rep. Titone and Sen. Hinrichsen championed a first-in-the-nation law for the right to repair agricultural equipment. This law saves farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs. In 2022, Representatives Titone and Ortiz passed two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. These laws require wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts and software to consumers and eliminate the need for prior authorization to repair powered wheelchairs and other complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients. These laws provided the framework for HB24-1121. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 PROPERTY TAX BILL IMPROVES ASSESSMENT PROCESS DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Patrick Neville to make the property tax assessment process more transparent and accountable for all property owners. “From sending every taxpayer $400 or $800 early refund checks to reducing property taxes for families and businesses and free universal preschool, we’re making tremendous progress saving people money,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This week, we announced property tax relief that will save homeowners $274 on average. The bill we passed today makes important reforms to improve the transparency and accountability of the property tax assessment process to protect homeowners and businesses from errors that can cost them money.” “This bipartisan legislation will give homeowners and business owners more information about how their property values are assessed and more time to address errors that can increase their tax bills,” said Rep. Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock. “This effort will protect taxpayers, increase transparency, and improve how property values are assessed and appealed in Colorado.” HB22-1416 , which passed by a vote of 9-0, reforms the property tax assessment process. The bill would provide taxpayers with more information about their valuations and a longer period of time to appeal their values. Under the bill, the timeline to appeal property values would be extended by one week. It requires county assessors to provide property owners an estimate of their tax liability as well as information about how they can protest their assessed property values. Property owners would have the opportunity to fast track their appeal if the assessor is provided all the necessary information. Additionally, the bill would require property tax administrators to publish the assessors’ handbook, which includes appraisals procedures, and allow for public comment and review on the handbook and proposed changes. For commercial properties, the bill improves transparency in how they are valued by requiring the notice of valuation to notify property owners that they can obtain details from their assessor about how their property was valued. Previous Next

More Housing Now Bill Backed by Broad Colorado Coalition, Study Shows Improvements in Affordability, Water Conservation, Equity & Access to Opportunity < Back March 31, 2023 Increasing Access to Housing & Cutting Red Tape: Colorado Energy Office Releases Analysis Showing Major Savings from More Housing Now Bill Package More Housing Now Bill Backed by Broad Colorado Coalition, Study Shows Improvements in Affordability, Water Conservation, Equity & Access to Opportunity DENVER - One week ago, Gov. Polis, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, Representative Steven Woodrow, Representative Iman Jodeh, environmental leaders, local government officials, and housing, business, and labor leaders announced a comprehensive plan to help create more housing for every Colorado budget. The More Housing Now plan takes action to cut red tape and incentivize building more affordable and efficient housing options that meet the needs of local communities. Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) released interim results from a new study analyzing four key components of SB23-213 to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and "middle housing" (duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes) in more residential areas, and multi-family housing near transit, commercial, and institutional zones. “ Coloradans are demanding real solutions to our housing crisis, and it is clear that these common sense policies will mean more housing now for every Colorado budget. This transformative legislative package supported by the business community, unions, and environmental advocates was created following years of research on what works, hundreds of meetings, and with input from hundreds of local leaders and key Colorado community leaders. The consequences of inaction are too great,” said Gov. Polis. “Every Coloradan deserves a safe and affordable place to live, and this new data makes clear that our proposal to create a smart, holistic approach that will expand the menu of housing options families and communities are able to choose from is what Colorado needs,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “Working Coloradans are tired of being priced out of where they live, which is why I am proud to champion this bill that will cut red tape and expand our housing supply to make sure more Colorado families have a place to call home.” “Colorado urgently needs to address our housing shortage,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Our plan will build more homes now that all Coloradans can afford. By allowing property owners to build ADUs and other more affordable homes, we will substantially increase our housing stock, create jobs, improve our air and lower costs for families. That’s why this plan is supported by local elected officials, economic development organizations, housing advocates, workers, and climate champions. We’re addressing the housing crisis now by driving down the cost of housing and helping more Coloradans become homeowners in the communities they love.” “Too many Coloradans are getting pushed out of the community they grew up in because of the rising cost of housing, leading to longer commutes,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “That’s why we’re cutting red tape to build more housing around transit hubs, which will reduce air pollution, alleviate traffic congestion, and allow Coloradans to spend more time doing the things they love instead of sitting in their cars. The data shows this plan will increase equity in housing, create jobs, and make it easier for Coloradans of all incomes to find an affordable place to live.” The study, conducted on behalf of CEO in partnership with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) by ECONorthwest and MapCraft Labs, demonstrated a substantial increase in the potential to build new housing in climate-friendly areas, high opportunity areas, and with more efficient home types that use less water and energy. In assessing the potential impact of four policies in the legislative package on housing, the analysis considered construction costs, market demand, financing, land use policies, and individual parcel characteristics. Housing experts have used this model to analyze policy changes in similar markets. Not all new housing development opportunities identified in the analysis will necessarily be built, but the results are an indication of how much the proposed plan would increase the opportunity to build more housing and help improve housing affordability across Colorado. “From a climate perspective, this is one of the most important bills the Colorado legislature has ever considered,” said Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor. “Housing policy is key to reducing greenhouse gas pollution from transportation and buildings, and this analysis demonstrates why. Making it possible to build housing that uses less water and energy, in locations where residents can drive less, is critical for reaching our climate goals.” The study analyzed jurisdictions in three of the state’s metro areas: DRCOG (Denver Metro), North Front Range, and the Grand Valley, as well as jurisdictions in the Roaring Fork Valley. As in SB23-213 , the policies were only applied within Census urbanized areas, and outside of undeveloped natural and agricultural lands. Within these case study jurisdictions, compared to a baseline of existing land use policies, the analysis found the policies: Improve housing availability and lower housing costs: A 65% increase in new housing development opportunities while protecting agricultural lands and natural open spaces. Additionally, a major increase in opportunities to build attached housing (duplexes and townhomes) and multifamily housing, which is up to 43% less expensive than detached homes in today's housing stock. Colorado's housing supply has not kept pace with population growth, and the state's housing is currently among the most expensive in the nation. Researchers have identified local land use regulations as a key driver of high housing costs, and that increasing housing supply moderates price increases and improves housing affordability. Increase affordable housing: A 30% increase in new opportunities to build inclusionary affordable housing units in municipalities with existing inclusionary housing ordinances. As communities adopt affordability strategies from the plans outlined in the bill, this could increase as high as 62%. Increase climate and water-efficient housing: A 54% increase in new housing development opportunities that are within walking distance to high quality transit services. The plans outlined in the bill would also substantially increase housing development opportunities for attached housing and multi-family homes, which typically use 22-86% less water than a detached home. Improve equity and access to opportunity: A 77% increase in new housing development opportunities in high-resource communities with better access to jobs and economic mobility, compared to a 10% increase in new housing development opportunities in disadvantaged areas. This data suggests the bill package can improve equity by leveling the playing field and requiring all jurisdictions, and especially jurisdictions with significant amounts of jobs, transit, and resources, to plan for housing for all income levels. Previous Next

< Back February 19, 2020 BILL TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN EDUCATOR WORKFORCE PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO — The House today passed Representative Bri Buentello and James Coleman’s bill to foster a more diverse educator workforce on third reading. The bill was approved by a vote of 50-13. “As a Latina and a former special ed teacher, I know first hand how crucial it can be for students to have educators who reflect their identities and life experiences,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “I’m always looking for ways to support teachers and improve our educator workforce, and I’m proud that the House voted to do just that today.” “Study after study has shown that students of color do much better in school when they have teachers with backgrounds and identities similar to their own,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver. “I know from my own experience that having a teacher who looked like me made all the difference in my education and upbringing. Today, we’re hoping to make a difference for students of color everywhere in Colorado.” Under HB20-1007 , the Department of Higher Education and the Department of Education would create a workgroup on diversity in the educator workforce. The workgroup would investigate barriers to a diverse educator pool and recommend strategies to increase recruitment and retention of a diverse educator workforce to serve Colorado students. The bill passed on Third Reading this morning; the bill will now move onto the Senate. In Colorado, 76 percent of teachers are women and 67 percent of teachers identify as white women. Furthermore, only 46 percent of elementary school teachers pass the certification exams the first time despite graduating from accredited teacher preparation programs; only 38 percent of black teaching candidates, 45 percent of Hispanic candidates and 75 percent of white candidates pass the licensing test. Previous Next

Bills would protect LGBTQ+ community against gender-related bias-motivated crimes, place Colorado in compliance with state Title IX < Back May 6, 2024 Bills to Protect Coloradans from Gender-Related Crimes, Discrimination in School Passes House Bills would protect LGBTQ+ community against gender-related bias-motivated crimes, place Colorado in compliance with state Title IX DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to better protect Coloradans from gender-related, bias-motivated crimes. SB24-189, which passed by a vote of 45-17, would add transgender identity to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. The House also passed legislation that would better protect students by developing best practices for public schools to effectively respond to reports of harassment or discrimination. SB24-162 passed by a vote of 44-18. "Sadly hate crimes are on the rise in Colorado and the need for protections for LGBTQ+ Coloradans is very clear," said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB24-189. "This legislation bolsters protections for our transgender community by clarifying transgender identity as a protected class in our bias crime laws. We are working hard to protect all Coloradans from crimes that target them just because of who they are." SB24-189 , also sponsored by Matt Soper, R-Delta, would improve protections for Coloradans by adding the definition of transgender identity to the protected classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. The bill also updates the definition of "sexual orientation" as used in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes. This important legislation comes on the heels of recent data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which revealed the highest number of anti-LGBTQ+, anti-trans and gender non-conforming hate crimes ever reported. Additionally, the number of hate crimes based on gender identity increased by over 32 percent from 2021 to 2022. SB24-162 would require the Department of Education to partner with an organization to develop best practices and training related to discrimination and harassment in public schools, including protocols relating to notifying students and parents about school policies and procedures, and implementing trauma-informed responses. Additionally, the department would provide harassment and discrimination training program materials for schools. “Our educators know that creating a safe place to learn is important for the education of our students, but they need professional training to provide effective, trauma-informed responses,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB24-162. “Per the request of our schools and educators, we’re building upon our work last year to ensure schools and educators have the professional resources they need to support our youth against harassment and discrimination.” “Too many students have experienced harassment, racism, and sexism in school, and we must ensure that their classrooms are a safe and accepting learning environment,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of SB24-162. “Last year, we passed SB23-296 to clearly define what is considered harassment and discrimination in Colorado’s K-12 public schools. This new legislation aims to build on this law to create a stronger framework for harassment and discrimination policies to better protect students in every corner of our state.” Signed into law in 2023 and sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Leslie Herod, SB23-296 provides clear definitions for harassment and discrimination in K-12 public schools and requires schools to post notices describing how a student can report harassment or discrimination to the school. The law further requires schools to adopt procedures for investigating reports of harassment or discrimination and to grant an excused absence to a student for certain out-of-school appointments related to the student experiencing harassment or discrimination. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO BOLSTER RIGHTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS AND STREAMLINE RAPE KIT TRACKING DENVER, CO — Representative Meg Froelich’s bill to improve how Colorado catalogues and maintains forensic medical evidence of sexual assault, known as rape kits, was passed by the House this morning. The bill would begin the process of creating a rape kit tracking system, add victims’ rights provisions and give them more access to information about the status of their medical evidence. The bill passed the House by a vote of 64-0. “The House stood up to protect the rights of survivors of sexual assault today,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “Improving our rape kit processing and tracking system and making sure that survivors can track the status of their investigation confidentially and efficiently is a crucial step forward.” HB20-1228 would require the Department of Public Safety to research the creation of a system to track forensic medical evidence related to sexual assault cases, known as rape kits. The bill directs the department to develop rules to implement a system that allows victims to access information related to the status of this medical evidence, which must be retained until the assailant may no longer be prosecuted for the crime. If a conviction or plea has not been entered in a case, the bill requires the entity holding the medical evidence to notify the victim prior to the medical evidence being destroyed and to maintain the medical evidence for an additional 10 years if the victim objects to its destruction. It also includes provisions related to the confidentiality of the information in this system and requires medical professionals collecting evidence related to a sexual assault to notify the victim of the contact information for the nearest sexual assault victim’s advocate. The Judiciary Committee had previously approved the bill unanimously. Previous Next

< Back September 16, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: McCluskie Leads Joint Letter from Lawmakers Urging Biden to Protect Public Lands in Colorado DENVER, CO – Thirty four Colorado lawmakers led by Representative Julie McCluskie today urged President Biden to protect the public lands within the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act). The CORE Act is federal legislation sponsored by Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Congressman Joe Neguse that would protect over 400,000 acres of public land in Colorado, establish new wilderness areas and safeguard existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the economy for future generations. "From recreation to conservation, Colorado's public lands are stunning and play a critical role in our state's economy," said Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “These 400,000 acres of cascading mountains, abundant ecosystems and crystal clear rivers are extraordinary. Preserving them is vital for our communities, our environment and our economy. By designating these lands as wilderness areas and a national monument, we will memorialize the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who trained at Camp Hale, provide much needed certainty for the communities that depend on conserving these lands, and protect our Colorado way of life.” “From Camp Hale where my grandfather trained with the 10th, to the Thompson Divide, Colorado’s public lands are what make our state great, and are a critical driver of our outdoor recreation economy,” said Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “Ensuring our most treasured natural spaces remain open to the public will protect Colorado’s outdoor heritage for generations to come. My grandfather fell in love with Colorado at Camp Hale and I hope that experience will happen again and again under this new protection.” In their letter, the lawmakers urged President Biden to use the authority granted to him and his cabinet members to protect the public lands proposed for permanent protection in the CORE Act. “The bill has enjoyed longstanding and widespread support by a wide array of our constituents and it is past time for these remarkable public lands to be protected,” the lawmakers wrote. “ While our advocacy on behalf of the legislation and our constituents will continue, the protection of these landscapes requires your immediate action. By conserving these lands, you will preserve a rich part of this country’s history through historic landmarks and objects of historic and scientific interest and we know it will provide a path for your administration to protect additional public lands in Colorado in the future.” The full text of the letter is below and can be found here . Mr. President: The undersigned Colorado state senators and representatives urge you to use the authority granted to you and your cabinet members to protect the public lands proposed for permanent protection in the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act). As you are aware, this request was recently made by CORE Act sponsors Senator Michael Bennet, Senator John Hickenlooper, and Representative Joe Neguse, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. The bill has enjoyed longstanding and widespread support by a wide array of our constituents and it is past time for these remarkable public lands to be protected. In Colorado, we have a long history and commitment to public lands conservation. In January 2021, and for the first time in several years, we saw the Colorado public lands ethos shine through the priorities of the presidency when you committed the country to a first of its kind national conservation strategy. In a time when the impacts to public lands from climate change are rising and racial and economic inequities are expanding, the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful conservation plan has never been needed more. By protecting the landscapes within the CORE Act through administrative action, you can secure progress towards the goals set forth in the American the Beautiful plan by taking action to protect Colorado’s public lands. Camp Hale and the surrounding Tenmile Range are incredibly deserving of permanent protection as a national monument under the Antiquities Act. The 10th Mountain Division trained across the landscape in preparation of high altitude warfare in the European Alps during World War II. The adjacent Tenmile Range was particularly integral to their training. Following the war, the soldiers who were lucky enough to have made their way home founded the US ski industry and the outdoor recreation economy that is now so vital to our state. There are few opportunities to experience and appreciate the history of World War II in our country and the sacrifices made by so many of its citizens. However, Camp Hale and the Tenmile Range are living artifacts to that sacrifice and they also happen to be some of our nations’ most beautiful public lands. Further west lies the Thompson Divide; another mountainous landscape that local ranchers and outdoor recreationists have spent years advocating to be protected from oil and gas development. Because the legislation has stalled in Congress, its left local advocates living under the veil of uncertainty. We urge your administration to protect the Thompson Divide landscape through a Federal Lands Policy and Management Act mineral withdrawal. Finally, we request your administration provide protections for the exemplary public lands in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains by working through the ongoing Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest Plan Revision. These landscapes are simply too important for conservation and historic and cultural preservation to become the subject of ephemeral political whims. The CORE Act, which includes the areas mentioned previously and more, already passed the House of Representative five times, only to meet repeated partisan obstacles in the United States Senate over the last several Congresses. While our advocacy on behalf of the legislation and our constituents will continue, the protection of these landscapes requires your immediate action. By conserving these lands, you will preserve a rich part of this country’s history through historic landmarks and objects of historic and scientific interest and we know it will provide a path for your administration to protect additional public lands in Colorado in the future. Thank you, Representative Julie McCluskie President Pro Tempore Kerry Donovan Representative Dylan Roberts Representative Barbara McLachlan Speaker Alec Garnett President Steve Fenberg House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno Speaker Pro Tempore Adrienne Benavidez Senator Julie Gonzales Representative Meg Froelich Representative Lisa Cutter Representative Monica Duran Representative Brianna Titone Representative Judy Amabile Representative Tracey Bernett Representative Matt Gray Representative Shannon Bird Representative Steve Woodrow Representative David Ortiz Representative Karen McCormick Representative Mary Young Representative Chris Kennedy Representative Andrew Boesenecker Senator Rachel Zenzinger Representative Emily Sirota Representative Mike Weissman Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet Representative Cathy Kipp Representative Iman Jodeh Senator Chris Hansen Senator Chris Kolker Representative Edie Hooton Senator Faith Winter Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE CLEARS BIPARTISAN BILLS TO IMPROVE YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, ACCESS TO FOOD Legislation directs more than $27 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve outcomes for Colorado youth through behavioral health programs and healthy food access DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee passed three bipartisan bills to improve outcomes for Colorado’s youth and most vulnerable residents. These bills invest more than $27 million in federal pandemic relief funds to expand behavioral health programs for children and improve youth access to healthy food. “Our neighbors have not been immune to the rising cost of groceries, which is why we are investing federal funds to make it easier for Coloradans in the most vulnerable communities to access healthy, nutritious foods,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1380. “The Community Food Access Program is the right move for better connecting low-income Coloradans with the services they need while supporting small businesses in the process.” Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton, would direct $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals. This bill invests $8 million to create the Community Food Access Program to support small food retailers and small farmers to ensure underserved communities have access to healthy, fresh foods through a consortium and grant program. The program supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, and one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen Colorado’s food value chain. The bill also directs $2 million in federal relief funds to efficiently identify SNAP recipients who are also eligible for utility bill assistance, $3 million for a universal high-quality work management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit programs; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food retails stores increasing the access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients. HB22-1380 passed committee by a unanimous vote. “We are tackling Colorado’s youth behavioral health crisis from multiple angles,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB22-147. “During my career as a school psychologist, I experienced firsthand the behavioral health improvement possible when students and their families had access to the right services. This substantial investment of federal relief funds will expand youth access to critical behavioral health care.” Behavioral Health Care Services for Youth and Families: SB22-147 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families by utilizing $11.1 million of federal relief funds distributed through three programs. $4.6 million will support the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program (CoPPCAP) which provides support and assistance to primary care providers and pediatricians to help identify and treat children with behavioral health needs. $5 million will go toward increasing the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students, while $1.5 million will expand school-based health centers in Colorado. SB22-147 passed committee by a vote of 10-0. “Stressful and traumatic conditions can have negative, long-term impacts on the behavioral health of our youngest kids,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1369. “We’re using federal relief dollars to invest in our youth’s behavioral health through the creation of early intervention and home-based prevention programs tailored towards children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma.” Children’s Mental Health Programs: HB22-1369 , sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Rod Pelton, would invest $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children six years old and younger experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences. HB22-1369 passed committee by a vote of 10-0. Previous Next

< Back March 12, 2019 HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVES TITONE BILL ON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS (Mar. 12) – The House Education committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, that will provide a baseline statutory guidance for how public schools can operate as a community school. Statutorily defining community schools would open up the possibility for additional federal education funding and research shows that students in low-performing schools achieve more in the classroom when they switch to schools with a community school model. “The community school model has been shown to increase student achievement through strategic partnerships among families, educators, and community partners,” said Rep. Titone. “By putting this into statute, we are providing a potential avenue for these schools to acquire the resources they need to serve the most vulnerable Colorado children and poise them for success. SB19-102 defines ‘community school’ and permits a public school, especially low-income schools, to include community schools in its innovation plan to allow them to operate as such. The bill passed the House Education committee with an 8-5 vote. It now heads to the House floor. Previous Next