< Back January 31, 2020 REP. A. VALDEZ & HEROD’S BILL TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HIV PREVENTION MEDICATION ADVANCES DENVER, CO — Reps. Alex Valdez and Leslie Herod’s bill on HIV Infection Prevention Medications today was approved by the Public Health Care and Human Services Committee. The bill would allow for pharmacists to dispense both PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) without a prescription from a physician. The bill passed 12-1. “This bill will save lives by preventing new HIV infections in Colorado,” said Rep. Alex Valdez (D-Denver). “With the lifetime healthcare cost for an individual with HIV over $350,000, you can imagine the impact this will have on families and on our healthcare systems. It’s our obligation to do everything we can to prevent any more Coloradans from being affected by HIV. I’m proud to be a sponsor and excited to see the bill move forward.” “I am fighting for the communities that have been devastated by this virus,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. “This is for the black, latinx, and transgender folks who have seen so many of their peers experience the stigma, cost burden, and health effects of HIV. This bill will bring much-needed relief to these communities. Our work continues as we move to the House for a full floor vote.” If enacted, HB20-1061 would allow Coloradans to go directly to a pharmacy to receive either an initial treatment regimen of PrEP or a full treatment regimen of PEP after a brief consultation with a pharmacist. The legislation also prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to obtain authorization prior to using their benefits to obtain the medications and also prohibits insurers from requiring that a patient undergo step therapy. More than 14,000 people were reported to be living with HIV in the state of Colorado, according to a 2018 report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Previous Next

< Back March 13, 2020 LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCES “PLAN OF ACTION” IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 On Thursday afternoon, leadership of all four legislative caucuses in the Colorado General Assembly agreed on the following “Plan of Action” over the coming days in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak: Step One: House Bill 20-1359 was introduced this afternoon and has passed the House Judiciary Committee and Second Reading in the House of Representatives. This bill will move swiftly through the General Assembly with the goal of being delivered to Governor Jared Polis by Saturday, March 14. This legislation, drafted with the leadership of all caucuses and with the support of both the Colorado Democratic Party and the Colorado Republican Party, will give county political parties more control regarding where their assemblies are to be conducted and what procedures they must follow. This includes allowing for changes in location and allowance of electronic means of participation for delegates and candidates if such means can be secured by those entities. Step Two: A Joint Resolution will be introduced in the House of Representatives to ask the Colorado Supreme Court – via an interrogatory – to clarify the General Assembly’s ability to count legislative days non-consecutively. The State Constitution limits the General Assembly’s session to “no more than 120 calendar days,” but does not clearly define whether that means consecutive days; and a Joint Rule provides for the ability to meet non-consecutively when a public health-related emergency has been declared by the Governor. Clarification from the Supreme Court would avoid the potential risk of litigation over ambiguity regarding the counting of those 120 days. Step Three: A Joint Resolution is currently being drafted that would allow both the Senate and the House to adjourn temporarily. As of now, there is no plan on when that Resolution would be introduced or for what period of time the General Assembly might be adjourned. This is being drafted as a precaution so that we are prepared in the event that the General Assembly decides it is in the best interest of staff, legislators, lobbyists, and the public at large to temporarily adjourn for some length of time. Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) released the following statement: “Protecting the health and safety of state employees as well as the public, is our top priority right now. We are currently navigating all of our options and will continue to do our due diligence in determining how to proceed in the coming weeks. By taking these next steps, we are laying the groundwork to act quickly if necessary, while allowing essential tenets of democracy to continue. In moments like this, Coloradans need unity, and I applaud my colleagues in both chambers in working together during this difficult time.” Speaker of the House K.C. Becker (D-Boulder) released the following statement: “The health and safety of all Coloradans is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and are in close contact with state agencies, public health experts and the governor. Any decision we make will be informed by public health experts and our State’s Constitution. Today we are taking steps to prepare the General Assembly for actions we may need to take to protect the public, and I am grateful for the willingness of leaders in both parties and in both chambers to work together during this public health emergency.” Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert (R-Douglas County) released the following statement: “Unlike a sports league, an amusement park, or a parade, the General Assembly is obligated to follow the Colorado Constitution. We are determined to prioritize the health and safety of all who work in – or visit – the Colorado State Capitol, and that means taking these steps to ensure we remain constitutionally compliant in every action we take. I am thankful for Democrat and Republican leadership in both chambers for working collaboratively. This is truly a Colorado effort.” House Minority Leader Patrick Neville (R-Castle Rock) released the following statement: “As a legislature, we need to ensure the safety of not only this body, but more importantly the public. The Capitol sees hundreds, sometimes thousands, of visitors a day and we have a duty to protect them. That being said, we, as legislators, are unable to perform our duties without public input. I cannot represent the people of Colorado if they are shut out of the building. If we go into recess, we have to make certain that no legislative business is done without the participation of the people. As many of my colleagues know, public testimony can make or break a bill.” Previous Next

SB25-196 would safeguard insurance coverage for preventive health care services in the event of federal action < Back April 25, 2025 Bill to Protect Insurance Coverage for Preventive Health Care Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to proactively protect insurance coverage for preventive health care should the existing federal protections be repealed or eliminated. SB25-196 passed by a vote of 40-22. All House Republicans voted against the measure. “From cancer screenings to routine checkups, preventive health care saves lives,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “In the wake of federal threats to cut fundamental health care coverage, we’re stepping up to protect preventive health care in Colorado. Preventive care saves Coloradans money and leads to better health outcomes for everyone.” “We know preventive care is one of the most impactful ways to improve patient health outcomes and save money on costly emergency care,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “We won’t sit idly by as preventive health care coverage is put at risk. Preventive care helps level some of the racial disparities in our health care system, and this bill protects access to essential care.” SB25-196 would give state insurance agencies the authority to reinstate guidelines on preventive care from federal agencies that existed in January 2025 or comply with recommendations by the Nurse Physician Advisory Task Force for Colorado Health Care (NPATCH). The state could reinstate preventive care guidelines if the following federal entities are repealed, dismantled, or disempowered: the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or the Health Resources and Services Administration in the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It would also permit the state to consult the NPATCH to develop recommendations about updating and modifying the current list of preventive coverage. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case to determine the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirement to cover no-cost preventive services, such as cancer screenings and HIV medication. Since January, the Trump Administration has made devastating cuts to essential services for Americans. Recently, the administration cut $250 million from state health services, prompting measures such as this one to protect Coloradans’ access to health care. The ACA has laid a strong foundation for a healthier future for Americans by making health care coverage more affordable and prioritizing no-cost clinical preventive services. The ACA covers more than 100 preventive health care services, including annual check-ups and screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and some cancers. More than 44 million Americans rely on ACA health care coverage, including nearly 300,000 Coloradans . Previous Next

New law improves accountability from insurance companies who use risk management models to assess price < Back May 28, 2025 Signed! New Law Will Reduce Property Insurance Costs New law improves accountability from insurance companies who use risk management models to assess price LOUISVILLE, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help Coloradans save money on their property insurance policies by requiring transparency in wildfire mitigation risk models and how they impact an individual’s insurance policy. “When Coloradans are properly informed about fire mitigation, they can be more strategic about the steps they can take to protect their property from fire damage and correct any errors in their insurers’ records,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Insurance companies are increasingly using wildfire risk scoring and models to determine policy coverage and pricing, but the lack of transparency has left property owners confused about what they can do to reduce their risk and save money. This law promotes transparency and accountability in property insurance so Coloradans can take effective mitigation efforts that help bring down their insurance costs.” “I frequently hear from constituents that they are being denied insurance or their premiums have increased dramatically. It has always concerned me that we incentivize and encourage mitigation, but there’s no way to tie these efforts directly to insurance," said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This new law addresses that, requiring insurers to consider mitigation efforts, provide transparency to homeowners on the wildfire risk models they use, and give them the opportunity to appeal directly.” “Colorado Democrats’ fire mitigation efforts help Coloradans protect their properties against wildfires, and this law helps clarify how property owners can implement these strategies to drive down their insurance costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This new law will improve transparency behind wildfire risk score calculations so Coloradans can take the action they need to save money and protect their property from wildfire damage.” HB25-1182 , also sponsored by Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, requires insurance companies that use risk management models to assess price according to risk of wildfires and other catastrophic events to provide thorough information about how the models impact an individual’s insurance policy with policyholders and the Division of Insurance in the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Insurance companies must also accurately consider mitigation efforts from policyholders when assessing risk, implement and publicize discounts and rewards programs for mitigating risk, and clear a path for policyholders to appeal their risk classification data if they believe it’s inaccurate. Insurers are required to respond to an appeal with a decision within 30 calendar days. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lindsey Daugherty to increase workers’ compensation benefits. HB24-1220 unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. < Back February 29, 2024 Daugherty Bill to Increase Workers’ Compensation Benefits Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lindsey Daugherty to increase workers’ compensation benefits. HB24-1220 unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. “Workers’ compensation benefits provide crucial support to an injured worker, yet many Coloradans struggle to receive the benefits they’re owed, making it difficult for them to afford treatment or sustain themselves and their family when they lose wages after a work-related injury,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “By increasing compensation limits and improving the efficiency of disability payments, we can ensure that injured Colorado workers will receive the fair and prompt compensation that they are entitled to.” Currently, workers' compensation disability benefits are determined by the claimants’ impairment rating. A claimant with an impairment rating of 19 percent or less is eligible for benefits up to $75,000, while a claimant with an impairment rating over 19 percent is eligible for benefits up to $150,000. HB24-1220 would increase workers’ compensation disability benefits by increasing these limits on temporary injuries to $185,000 and permanent injuries to $350,000. HB24-1220 would require workers’ compensation insurers to issue benefit payments through direct deposit if requested by a claimant. The bill also protects an injured worker from being fired from their job if they do not accept an offer of modified employment that includes driving to or from the workplace if their medical condition restricts them from driving. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced committee appointments for the second regular session of the 75th General Assembly. The appointments were necessitated in part by the resignation of Representative William Lindstedt, who was appointed to serve in the state Senate. < Back January 8, 2026 Speaker McCluskie Announces Committee Assignments DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced committee appointments for the second regular session of the 75th General Assembly. The appointments were necessitated in part by the resignation of Representative William Lindstedt, who was appointed to serve in the state Senate. “Colorado Democrats are focused on growing our economy and driving down costs for hardworking families,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Lawmakers, and their respective committees, refine critical legislation that will help us make housing more affordable, lower the cost of health care, protect our environment, and equip Coloradans with the tools they need to thrive. With new committee assignments in hand, we’re ready to begin our legislative session next week together and foster a stronger, safer and more affordable Colorado for all.” Updated committee membership is below, with new assignments italicized. House Democrats Committee Assignments for the Second Regular Session of the 75th General Assembly: Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Vice Chair, Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango Representative Lesley Smith, D-Boulder Representative Lori Goldstein, D-Westminster Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer Appropriations Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville Vice Chair, Representative Emily Sirota, D-Denver Representative Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins Business Affairs and Labor Committee (8-5) Chair, Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Vice Chair, Representative Sean Camacho, D-Denver Representative Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Representative Gretchen Rydin, Littleton Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Education Committee (8-5) Chair, Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Vice Chair, Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Jacque Phillips, D-Thornton Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango Representative Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer Energy and Environment Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs Representative Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Representative Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Lesley Smith, D-Boulder Representative Lori Goldstein, D-Westminster Representative Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Representative Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood Representative Sean Camacho, D-Denver Representative Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins Health and Human Services Committee (8-5) Chair, Representative Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango Representative Lisa Feret, D-Arvada Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Judiciary Committee (7-4) Chair, Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Michael Carter, D-Aurora Representative Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver Representative Chad Clifford, D-Centennial Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee (8-3) Chair, Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Vice Chair, Representative Chad Clifford, D-Centennial Representative Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver Representative Kenny Nguyen, D-Broomfield Representative Lisa Feret, D-Arvada Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Representative Michael Carter, D-Aurora Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee (9-4) Chair, Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Vice Chair, Representative Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood Representative Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs Representative Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative Jacque Phillips, D-Thornton Representative Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora Representative Kenny Nguyen, D-Broomfield Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Previous Next

< Back July 10, 2020 GOVERNOR SIGNS BILLS TO SUPPORT RESTAURANTS, BARS, SMALL BUSINESSES DURING COVID Gov signs two bills to provide greater flexibility to brewpubs and restaurants, bars, hotels or other establishments selling alcoholic beverages. Denver, CO — Today, at the Englewood Grand bar, Governor Jared Polis signed two bipartisan bills to continue to allow establishments to deliver and offer takeout of alcoholic beverages and provide brewpubs with greater flexibility in selling the beer and malt liquor they produce at separate locations. SB20-213 , sponsored by Reps. Dylan Roberts and Colin Larson, allows licensed alcohol dealers to deliver alcohol or to provide it as takeout for their customers. Consumers must be at least 21 years old when they pick up alcohol from a licensed establishment. The order cannot have more than 750ML of spirits and no more than 72 fluid ounces of malt liquors, including hard cider. Deliveries must be made by a person who is 21 or older. “The restaurant and service industry has been hit harder by the pandemic than almost any other industry in our state,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “Having the flexibility to sell alcohol for delivery and to-go has been a lifesaver for many restaurants in my district and across the state – for many, it was the sole reason they were able to stay in business. I am thankful that the governor signed my bill into law today because this will provide restaurants continued flexibility and revenue as we continue through these turbulent times.” SB20-194 , sponsored by Reps. Matt Gray and Kevin Van Winkle, will allow owners of more than one brewpub to sell beer manufactured at one brewpub at a different brewpub under their ownership. This only applies to sales of beer to be consumed off premises. As of March 2020, there are 180 licensed brewpubs in Colorado. This new law will provide them with greater flexibility as they navigate the new reality imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Coloradans love their craft beer, and takeout from our brewpubs has fortunately continued throughout the pandemic,” said Rep. Gray, D-Broomfield. This bill removes an arbitrary restriction from state law to give people more choice and brewers more opportunity. It’s a win-win, and I’m grateful to the Governor for signing it.” Previous Next

Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution < Back May 10, 2024 Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Housing by Eliminating Parking Mandates Becomes Law Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Governor Polis today signed into law a bill to make housing in Colorado more affordable and reduce traffic congestion by eliminating parking mandates that drive up the cost of building new housing, especially multi-family developments. "Minimum parking mandates drive up costs by forcing every builder to provide more spaces than the market demands. They can add hundreds of dollars to monthly rents and make many smaller scale developments completely impossible," said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “These mandates, which are being challenged all over the country, have created to an abundance of asphalt, a shortage of housing and transportation choices, and higher greenhouse gas emissions. We have quite literally paved paradise to put up a parking lot. Our new law scales back this onerous regulation, allowing builders to right size parking supply based on the context and unique characteristics of every project.” “Parking mandates drive up housing costs, increase traffic congestion, and make it harder for Colorado to hit its climate goals,” Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, said. “Developers can always choose to include parking, but eliminating minimum requirements will increase the availability of housing, drive down prices, and help ensure more Coloradans have a place to call home.” “The financial burden that comes with parking minimum requirements gets passed onto hardworking Coloradans through higher housing costs,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Each parking space can add tens of thousands of dollars and reduce the number of units that we can build—restricting supply and driving up costs. This law, coupled with the other housing legislation that Colorado Democrats passed this year, will help alleviate our affordability crisis.” “Parking spots cost tens of thousands of dollars each to build - an unacceptable amount at a time when too many Coloradans are struggling to find housing they can afford,” Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, said. “We must do more to encourage the construction of new housing in our state, including for Pueblo which has a large amount of land devoted to parking that could be redeveloped as housing and businesses. I am incredibly proud of our new law that will make it easier to do just that while reducing traffic, bolstering economic development, and freeing up valuable space for our communities while enhancing our downtowns.” HB24-1304 prohibits a county or municipality from enacting or enforcing minimum parking requirements for most multifamily residential properties within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) that are within a quarter mile of a transit stop or station. The bill still allows a local government to impose a parking minimum of up to one space per unit on proposed housing developments with more than 20 units or that include any units classified as affordable housing. To impose this mandate, they must show that the parking minimum is required to avoid a substantial negative impact. HB24-1304 does not allow a county or municipality to lower protections for people with disabilities and does not prevent a local government from enacting or enforcing a maximum parking requirement or requiring a number of spaces for temporary loading purposes. Lastly, the bill requires the Colorado Department of Transportation and other state agencies to publish technical assistance materials and best practices for optimal parking supply and management policies by the end of 2024. Parking minimums increase home prices and rents by requiring developers to use valuable space for cars that may not be fully utilized and could instead be dedicated to more housing units. In 2020, each new structured parking space in Denver cost $25,000 each. Since the city of Minneapolis eliminated residential parking minimums in 2021, rents have only increased one percent , while Denver saw an average increase of nearly five percent in just the last two years. Research attributes the significant expansion of the housing supply in Minneapolis to the elimination of parking minimums. The oversupply of parking is also directly linked to higher vehicle miles traveled. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado, with cars contributing nearly 60 percent of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. Previous Next

Congressional Republicans’ budget created a $1 billion deficit by allowing corporations to dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes owed to Colorado < Back August 21, 2025 Democrats Advance Bills to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Protect Funding for Core Services Congressional Republicans’ budget created a $1 billion deficit by allowing corporations to dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes owed to Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Appropriations Committee today passed two bills that would close a special interest corporate tax loophole for insurance companies and allow corporations to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after Republicans in Congress created a $1 billion hole in Colorado’s budget with massive corporate tax cuts. HB25B-1004 allows businesses to pre-pay taxes at a discount for future years when Colorado is anticipated to collect more revenue than the state’s spending limit under TABOR, and HB25B-1003 would repeal a special tax break for insurance companies. “Congressional Republicans passed a budget bill that created a billion-dollar revenue shortfall in Colorado in order to give tax breaks to the ultra-rich, and we’re doing everything we can to combat the destruction that the GOP budget will cause for hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB25B-1004. “This bill would allow companies to pre-pay future taxes to boost revenue now and save them money in the process. This is crucial to protect funding for core services that Coloradans depend on.” “Our legislation utilizes a proven, business-friendly method to offset the draconian GOP budget bill,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1004. “Colorado’s budget funds essential services that all Coloradans benefit from, like our K-12 public schools and transportation infrastructure, and the GOP budget blew a massive hole in it that we have to address now. It’s going to take an all-hands approach to safeguard our state from the impacts of Trump’s budget bill, and by allowing businesses to pay their future taxes now, they can save money and help us protect core services.” HB25B-1004 , which passed by a vote of 7-4, would allow a one-time auction of future tax credits, giving companies the opportunity to buy tax credits to pre-pay a portion of their future taxes at a small discount. This saves businesses money, allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now and offsetting the immediate impacts of the GOP budget bill. This does shift state revenue out of future years, but after 2025-2026 the state budget is forecasted to be limited by the TABOR cap, not the amount of revenue collected, so this won’t cut deeper into state services. Under the current law established in the 1950s, insurance companies with a headquarters or regional home office (RHO) in Colorado can pay a lower tax rate if at least 2.5-percent of their domestic workforce resides in Colorado. HB25B-1003 repeals this reduction. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “While the GOP sides with corporations, Colorado Democrats fight for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1003. “When Congressional Republicans passed Trump’s budget bill, they carved out massive tax breaks for the 1 percent and corporations by increasing costs for everyone else. Colorado Democrats are ending special interest tax breaks like this that aren’t effective, don’t create jobs, and are nothing more than corporate handouts that come at the expense of everyone else.” “The data shows this special interest corporate loophole doesn’t create jobs and is clearly unnecessary,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25B-1003. “While it was created to increase jobs, this corporate tax loophole has had the opposite outcome, and data shows that most insurance companies are receiving tax breaks while actually eliminating Colorado jobs. We’re eliminating this special interest tax break and putting hardworking Coloradans first.” A 2025 report from the Office of the State Auditor found that the tax credit is not achieving its goal of incentivizing job creation in Colorado’s insurance agency, yet it has impacted state revenue by $68 million to $105 million per year. Since the implementation of the workforce percentage requirement, the number of insurers and groups that qualify for the RHO rate reduction has not only decreased, but 15 of the 18 qualifying insurance groups reported a decrease in Colorado jobs while receiving a $17.5 million increase in credits. Previous Next

< Back November 1, 2021 JBC CHAIR MCCLUSKIE, JBC MEMBER HEROD STATEMENTS ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET REQUEST FOR FY 2022-2023 DENVER, CO – JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie and JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod today released the following statements on Governor Jared Polis’ budget request for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. “The governor’s budget request makes smart investments in critical priorities to continue Colorado’s recovery while fulfilling our future budget obligations,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, “I appreciate the governor’s dedication to saving money for future buying down of the Budget Stabilization Factor, and I share his commitment to crafting a budget that reflects the diverse priorities of communities all across our state. I look forward to reviewing the details of the governor’s request and to working with my colleagues on the Joint Budget Committee to craft a balanced budget that powers the Colorado Comeback and boosts our state’s economic recovery.” “The governor’s budget proposal suggests responsible one-time investments in Colorado’s immediate needs while allocating funds for critical state services in the long term,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “I’m proud to see that the governor and the General Assembly remain aligned in our intent to invest in an equitable recovery for Colorado. I look forward to working together to craft a budget that prioritizes the full recovery of those who are on the front lines of responding to this pandemic and those who haven’t been able to get back on their feet as quickly as other Coloradans.” Previous Next

< Back May 18, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILLS TO SUPPORT HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE, BETTER PREPARE COLORADO FOR FUTURE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES Legislation will save health care workers money, improve hospital readiness, increase emergency PPE stockpile THORNTON, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law a slate of bills aimed at supporting health care workers and better preparing Colorado for the next public health emergency. HB22-1298 , sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, will save Colorado’s health care workers money through fee relief for nurses and psychiatric technicians. “We are preparing now for the next public health emergency and making sure we have enough health care professionals to meet demand in Colorado,” said Mullica. “Staffing shortages coupled with pandemic pressures have left our health care workers—my colleagues—feeling overworked and burned out. The four bills signed into law today are designed to build a healthier Colorado by investing in our professional health care workforce and making sure we are not caught flat footed during the next pandemic. From fee relief to stockpiling PPE to investing more than $61 million to train and recruit the next generation of talented nurses, these laws prioritize high quality health care in Colorado.” “Our health care heroes have faced immeasurable challenges over the last two years, but regardless of these challenges, they have stepped up to the plate every day to care for Coloradans,” said Hinrichsen. “That’s why I’m proud to see this bill, which will help alleviate the pressure our essential workers have faced through much deserved fee relief for professional licensing and certification, become law to save Coloradans money and provide the support these workers deserve to move forward.” The new law provides licensure and certification fee relief for nurses, nurse aides and psychiatric technicians, and will save health care workers $11.7 million over two years on their professional licensing and certification. Polis also signed into law SB22-226 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Mullica and Jaquez Lewis that will bolster Colorado’s health care workforce through a $61 million investment in education, training, recruitment and retention of nurses and health care workers. “As we move forward together, we must invest in Colorado’s health care workforce and better prepare and equip our health care heroes,” Jaquez Lewis said. “This new law will not only result in better quality of care for Coloradans, it will give workers advanced skill sets that help them grow and move forward in their careers.” SB22-226 addresses the shortage of health care workers by assisting with tuition and fees to help people get into high-demand health care fields. These programs require clinical hours at health facilities, currently a major limiting factor in how many students schools can accept. To address this, the bill would also provide funding for health care facilities to increase training slots to build long-term capacity to train new and existing employees. Polis also signed a pair of bills to better prepare Colorado for future public health emergencies. HB22-1352 , sponsored by Mullica and Jaquez Lewis, will require the state to maintain a stockpile of essential materials, including personal protective equipment (PPE). “As we begin to live alongside this disease and balance returning to normal with keeping ourselves, our families, and our communities safe, we must apply the lessons we’ve learned the past few years,” Jaquez Lewis said. “These new requirements will boost our emergency stockpile of PPE so that our health care providers have the critical tools and resources they need, and ensure they are better prepared to respond and keep us safe the next time a public health emergency strikes.” This law will invest nearly $2 million to stockpile medical-grade PPE in Colorado so hospitals, vaccine clinics and other medical sites can have access to the protective equipment they need to keep them safe. Schools, community centers and other organizations can also receive stockpiled PPE. Finally, Polis also signed legislation sponsored by Mullica and Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, to improve hospitals’ and health facilities’ preparedness to meet increased demands for care. HB22-1401 requires every Colorado hospital to establish a nurse staffing plan to meet patient needs when demand surges to ensure that every patient receives the care they deserve. “Every day, Colorado’s nurses go above and beyond to save lives and keep our hospitals running,” said Moreno. “As a result, far too many of our healthcare workers are overworked and burnt out from the demands of their jobs. By requiring hospitals to establish a plan to meet increased demand for patient care, we will combat those feelings of burnout within our nurses and ensure a high level of patient care that Coloradans deserve.” Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO INVEST IN BROADBAND EXPANSION The House passed Representative Chris Kennedy’s bipartisan bill to invest $75 million to increase broadband internet access across the state on Third Reading DENVER, CO– The House passed a bill to help close the digital divide and fund broadband development throughout the state. This bill is 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 49-13. “Access to dependable broadband isn’t a luxury, it’s an absolute necessity,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “But for far too many Coloradans, getting online and connected to work, telehealth, school, and other crucial needs is an uphill battle. Today we voted to make a robust investment in developing reliable broadband across the state, helping workers, students, and families build back stronger.” HB21-1289 , also sponsored by Rep. Mark Baisley, R-Roxborough Park, codifies the Colorado Broadband Office and creates different grant programs to support broadband infrastructure development. It provides $75M to increase internet access across Colorado through the deployment of devices, and the development of middle and last mile infrastructure to support services that have become a necessity during the pandemic, like telehealth. The bill specifically includes $20M for broadband deployment by the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Tribes. Previous Next