Governor Polis today signed legislation that will increase student access to mental health services in schools. < Back May 4, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Improve Mental Health Access in Schools, Support our Students DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation that will increase student access to mental health services in schools. “Colorado students are battling a mental health crisis – and we’re committed to getting them the professional support they need,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Our educators go above and beyond to support our students, but they can’t do it alone; Colorado schools need more mental health professionals. This law expands schools’ ability to hire qualified mental health professionals so our students can access mental health services in school. The bravery of our students never ceases to amaze me, and I’m proud we can streamline the school mental health services they need.” “Without mental health professionals, our overworked educators are stepping up to provide mental health support to our youth,” said Rep. Mary Young, a school psychologist, D-Greeley. “Our law cuts red tape and makes it possible for schools to hire more licensed mental health professionals in schools now. Many Colorado students are combating anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues while struggling to find the support they need in schools. This important legislation helps our schools hire more mental health professionals and prioritize the needs of students.” SB23-004 allows school districts to employ mental health professionals who hold a Colorado license to practice therapeutic services and have experience working with children and adolescents, but don’t have a special service provider license through the Department of Education, to be school-based therapists. This law streamlines the hiring process and increases access to mental health resources in schools for Colorado children and youth. The COVID-19 pandemic increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression among youth. About 40% of Colorado middle and high school students reported feeling depressed in 2020 per the Health Kids Colorado Survey . Additionally, a 2022 study found that Colorado Children’s Hospital saw a 103% increase of patients visiting emergency departments for behavioral health concerns compared to data from 2019. This bill is crucial in reducing and preventing mental health issues for Colorado youth before they reach crisis levels. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 HOUSE HEALTH COMMITTEE APPROVES EXUM BILL TO ASSIST EMS WORKERS WITH STRESS Not every EMS paramedic has access to physical, emotional, or psychological assistance (Mar. 20) – The House Public Health Care and Human Services committee approved Rep. Tony Exum’s bill to create a statewide, self-financed program of peer-to-peer and professional assistance to help Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedics deal with the stresses of their job. “Being an EMS paramedic is one of the most stressful jobs out there,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This program will connect EMS paramedics with the services they need to deal with the many stresses of their jobs, and ensure that they are in the best shape physically and mentally to help save lives.” SB19-065 creates a fund that will pay for a peer health assistance program that will evaluate, assist, and counsel EMS paramedics that are dealing with the stresses of their job. Whenever an EMS worker becomes certified or renews their certification, a small fee of $2.55 will be charged to create the program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The bill is also sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. Sometimes the toll and exposure to traumatic events in this position can frequently lead to depression, aggressive behaviors, substance abuse, and even suicide. If passed, this program can help EMS paramedics deal with many of these issues. SB19-065 passed unanimously and now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to allow Coloradans to pursue a civil cause of action for damages related to conversion therapy. < Back April 1, 2026 “Conversion Therapy" Accountability Bill Advances DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to allow Coloradans to pursue a civil cause of action for damages related to conversion therapy. “Conversation therapy is ineffective and has dangerous repercussions, and we’re creating a clear pathway for someone who is harmed by these practices to seek justice,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This bill is for all of the LGBTQ+ Coloradans who were told something about them that was wrong because of who they were or who they loved. With the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against Colorado’s conversion therapy ban, we are committed to offering survivors of this harmful practice the protections they deserve.” “While the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Colorado’s conversion therapy ban law is deeply harmful, we’re not giving up the fight to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “It can take years for an individual to realize that the trauma of conversion therapy has caused anxiety, depression or other long-term health impacts, but Colorado law only allows two years to file a damages claim against a provider. Our bill addresses this gap, allowing LGBTQ+ Coloradans time to heal and a fair process to hold those who have caused long-lasting impacts accountable.” Beginning July 1, 2026, HB26-1322 would allow an individual who was subject to conversion therapy to bring a civil cause of action against certain professionals who cause damages from efforts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These actions could be brought only against a licensed mental health professional who engages in conversion therapy, a person or entity that employed or supervised the professional and knew or should have known of the conduct, a person who does not try to prevent or stop the professional or a person who negligently hired or supervised the professional. Currently, Colorado law requires these claims to be filed within two years. The bill would remove this time restriction, and if the impacted individual has passed away, their representative could bring a survival action within five years of the individual’s death. A 2024 report from the Trevor Project found that 14 percent of LGBTQ+ youth in Colorado have been threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy. In 2009, the American Psychological Association Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation concluded that conversion therapy is not likely to be successful and increases the risk of depression, suicidality and anxiety. The American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and many other mental health and medical organizations believe that conversion therapy is harmful and ineffective. In 2019, Colorado Democrats passed a law to ban state-licensed medical or mental health care providers from providing conversion therapy to minors. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against this law yesterday, making it vitally important to create new protections for people who are injured by conversion therapy. Previous Next

The Governor today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, to lower the cost of prescription drugs. < Back May 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! New Law Will Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs GRAND JUNCTION, CO – The Governor today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, to lower the cost of prescription drugs. “Colorado families are counting on us to put their health and safety first,” Michaelson Jenet said. “This new law will ensure that all Coloradans, especially those who rely on rural hospitals, pharmacies, and providers, don’t lose access to the services they depend on to stay safe and healthy.” “We must ensure that Coloradans in rural and underserved communities receive the prescription drugs they need to lead healthy lives,” said Martinez. “This bipartisan law ensures that pharmaceutical companies do not impose restrictions on the local pharmacies, clinics and safety net providers that are dependent on the federal 340B program and serve our rural communities.” “The federal 340B program has needed additional transparency and accountability for some time, and pharmaceutical companies have continued to rake in profits,” said Chair of the House Health & Human Services Committee Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “At the legislature, we've taken steps to lower health care costs for Coloradans. By improving transparency and accountability, we are continuing to take steps to expand access so that more Coloradans can receive high-quality health care." SB25-071 , cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representative Rick Taggart, D-Grand Junction, will ensure prescription drug manufacturers do not impose restrictions on facilities – such as pharmacies and clinics – that utilize the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, and will require hospitals to include certain information in their annual reports. The new reporting requirements, including the hospitals' reported 340b savings and how they utilized those savings, aim to improve transparency. SB25-071 aims to preserve access to affordable prescription drugs across Colorado, especially in Colorado’s rural and underserved communities. 89 percent of rural hospitals in Colorado are running on low or negative margins. In addition to lowering the cost of prescription drugs, this law will help preserve no-cost clinics and vaccines that help keep Coloradans healthy. To improve accountability and ensure 340b savings are passed down to the consumer, this law prohibits hospitals from spending the 340b savings on executive salaries, gifts, lobbying, and advertising. The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a federal program that requires drug manufacturers participating in Medicaid to provide outpatient drugs to covered hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies at a discount. To qualify for these reduced drug prices, health care facilities must serve a high percentage of low-income patients. In Colorado, an estimated 68 hospitals and 20 federally qualified health centers participate in the 340B program. There are currently no requirements on how covered entities must use savings or revenues generated by the purchase of discounted 340B drugs, beyond the federal guidelines of using savings to expand and lower the cost of health care for low-income individuals. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to improve safety and equity in the workplace by implementing critical anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. < Back April 25, 2023 Bills to Combat Workplace Discrimination, Improve Crime Victim Notifications Pass Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to improve safety and equity in the workplace by implementing critical anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. SB23-172, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon passed committee by a vote of 8 to 5. “Workplace discrimination and harassment must not be tolerated, and we need to modernize Colorado’s outdated laws to protect workers, hold harassers accountable and create safer workspaces,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, D-Aurora . “Power and protection need to be on the side of the worker – and the POWR Act improves accountability so the state can hold harassers in the workplace for their actions. Survivors’ voices and concerns need to be taken seriously, which is why I’m also proud to champion legislation to prioritize survivors of crime by improving notifications regarding release from parole." “Harassment and discrimination persist every day in Colorado workplaces, which is why modernizing our laws to protect workers is long overdue,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, D-Denver. “We need to do everything we can to make it possible for Coloradans to earn a living and pursue careers without being harassed. The POWR Act improves accountability measures and works to create safer, more equitable workspaces. This bill will hold bad actors accountable so workers can thrive in the workplace free from harassment and discrimination.” SB23-172 , the Protecting Opportunity & Workers’ Rights (POWR) Act, would update the definition of harassment and specify that harassment does not need to be “severe or pervasive” to constitute a discriminatory or unfair practice. The bill also deters future harassment by modernizing language around non-disclosure agreements, expanding protections for people with disabilities, and adding marital status as a protected class. Eliminating the excessive “severe or pervasive'' hostile work environment requirements and replacing them with clear standards for “harass” and “harassment” considers the totality of the circumstances, and will allow survivors of discrimination and harassment to better pursue justice. The POWR Act also removes the language in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) that permits employers to discriminate against people with disabilities or refuse to accommodate them if “the disability has a significant impact on the job.” Additionally, the bill establishes an affirmative defense for an employer if the employer meets certain requirements, including establishing a harassment prevention program, taking prompt action in response to a complaint, and keeping records of any complaints. The House Judiciary Committee also passed SB23-193 , sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, unanimously. SB23-193 aims to prioritize survivors by setting the offender’s release date for parole 15 days after providing notice to the victim. This bill would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) and any other state or local government agency, to provide survivor notifications in easy-to-understand language, using recommendations from victim advocates. If the victim chose to receive notifications, SB23-193 would work to improve communications between the DOC and survivors by giving them advanced notice of their offender’s parole release, in addition to their offender's discharge, transfer, escape, abscondence, unauthorized absence, or parole proceeding. Previous Next

< Back March 3, 2021 CRITICAL EVICTION AND RENT PROTECTIONS PASS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed HB21-1121, sponsored by Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh, which would provide renters with additional protections before facing eviction and limit the frequency of rent increases. The bill passed 8-5: “Year after year, I come to the capitol and fight the uphill battle for more equitable and fair housing laws because for decades, the scales have been tipped against justice,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “To build back stronger, we have to protect renters and finally start making our housing laws more balanced in the face of systemic racism that has perpetuated barriers to affordable housing.” “Right now, you can be evicted through a court action and have just 48 hours to pack everything you own and leave your home and landlords have the power to raise your rent every single month after you lease has expired with hardly any notice,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “This bill gives renters additional time before law enforcement will take action in an eviction, limits rent increases to once per 12 month period, and requires landlords to give at least 60 days notice to raise the rent for people without a written rental agreement.” HB21-1121 would provide renters with additional time before law enforcement can assist in an eviction. It also prohibits residential landlords from increasing rent more than once in a 12 month period and increases the notification timeline for rent increases when there is not a written tenancy agreement, for example, under a month-to-month agreement. Under current law, if a landlord wins a judgement in an eviction action, the court must wait 48 hours to direct the county sheriff to assist in the eviction, which provides a minimum of two days between an eviction order and the actual sheriff-assisted eviction. Under the bill, courts can still finalize an eviction order, but sheriffs may not carry it out for an additional eight days after the initial 48 hours, providing renters with 10 days before they have to move out and find a new home after an eviction has been finalized, instead of two. Under current law, when there is month-to-month tenancy where there is no written agreement, landlords must give 21 days written notice prior to increasing the rent; the bill extends the notice period to 60 days. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to expand eligibility for the successful CLIMBER (Colorado Loans to Increase Mainstreet Business Economic Recovery) program to better equip small businesses for success, create more good-paying jobs and support local economies. HB26-1003, sponsored by Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Sean Camacho, passed by a vote of 50-15. < Back February 10, 2026 House Passes Ricks, Camacho Bill to Create Jobs and New Small Businesses DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to expand eligibility for the successful CLIMBER (Colorado Loans to Increase Mainstreet Business Economic Recovery) program to better equip small businesses for success, create more good-paying jobs and support local economies. HB26-1003, sponsored by Representatives Naquetta Ricks and Sean Camacho, passed by a vote of 50-15. “The CLIMBER Program generates much-needed funding for start-ups and small businesses that create jobs in our local communities, which is why I’m sponsoring this bill to make capital more accessible for small businesses,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This program was a lifeline for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping businesses keep workers on payroll and grow. By passing this bill to open up more funding and add flexibility to the qualification requirements, Colorado Democrats are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring Colorado’s economy rewards hardworking people and job creators.” “Our legislation could save small businesses hundreds to thousands of dollars a month, which can be used to grow their company, increase employee wages and realize their dream of being a business owner,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “Data shows that the CLIMBER program is making a measurable impact on communities by creating and supporting over 2,000 jobs across our state. By strengthening access to these loans and restructuring the program to meet the current needs of small businesses, our bill will continue to deliver results for Colorado’s small businesses, workers and local economies.” HB26-1003 would remove the COVID-19 recovery provisions of the Small Business Recovery and Resiliency Loan Program and expand eligibility for loans. The bill also aims to increase the accessibility of the Small Business Recovery and Resiliency Fund by lowering the matching ratio requirement. In order to support Colorado's small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado Democrats established the CLIMBER program in 2020 to offer small business loans with below-market interest rates. Under the program, small businesses with up to 99 employees may apply for working capital loans between $10,000 and $500,000. These loans can be used to hire more employees, start or expand brick-and-mortar storefronts, get new businesses off the ground and more. In fiscal year 2023-2024, the CLIMBER program loaned over $17 million and helped create or support nearly 1,900 jobs across the state. Rep. Ricks passed a law in 2024 to make the CLIMBER Program permanent and target resources and expertise to underserved businesses in order to secure favorable loans. Previous Next

HB26-1345 will make updates to the performance model funding to capture Colorado’s entire student body, including part-time and transfer students < Back June 5, 2026 JOINT RELEASE: ICYMI: Governor Polis Signs Bill to Modernize, Improve Higher Education Funding Formula DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed bipartisan legislation to modernize Colorado’s higher education funding model to meet the needs of Colorado students, including those from diverse and underserved backgrounds and non-traditional students. “Higher education is foundational in Colorado, and I dream of a day when we can drive more dollars to Colorado’s colleges and universities. However, until that day, we must distribute the funds we have in a way that best meets the needs of Colorado students and our workforce,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Based on recommendations by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education working group, our law modernizes the funding formula to foster high-quality education. Whether they’re part-time or transfer students, we’re making sure the modern-day student has the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.” “Higher education looks different today than it has in years past, with more students taking a nontraditional path, transferring between schools, and going to school part-time,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “Schools are adapting to this new reality and our funding model should adapt too. Coloradans of all ages and backgrounds deserve a higher education system that works for them, and that includes part time and transfer students.” “Part-time students make up 55 percent of Colorado’s higher education student body, but they’re not accurately accounted for in the current funding formula,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “This law lays the groundwork for a modernized and improved higher education funding formula that will better meet the needs of Colorado students, including transfer and part-time students. We’ve taken bold steps to reimagine education funding in Colorado, and this law is another step toward our shared mission to drive funding to the students who need it the most.” HB26-1345 will implement changes to higher education funding as recommended by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education’s 2025 Report on the Higher Education Funding Allocation Formula. Also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, the law aims to streamline and modernize higher education data systems and definitions to better meet the needs of Colorado’s student body, including part-time and transfer students. One component of higher education funding uses a results-informed funding model, and beginning in fiscal year 2027-2028, HB26-1345 will make modifications to this model by: Expanding qualified transfers: The current formula does not recognize four-year transfers as a successful touchpoint, despite 45 percent of Colorado students transferring between schools at least one time. This law will expand qualifying transfers to include those from four-year institutions who transfer to another higher education institution with at least 18 credits earned at the previous institution. Without this modification, only students who earn 18 credits and transfer out of a community college will be counted in the credential completion weights. Prioritizing part-time students: 55 percent of Colorado’s higher education students attend classes part-time, but they are not included in any outcome measurements. This law will create an inclusive retention rate that measures both part-time and full-time students. Modernizing graduation calculations: Collaborative programs, including the Bridge and Partnership programs, allow students to complete their degree in a field of study that is not offered by their home institution. However, this can skew the graduation calculations at their home campus. This law will exclude students who are enrolled in a co-located degree partnership to ensure this population does not negatively impact the graduation calculations of their home campus. Streamlining formula definitions and data sources: The law will clean up language and definitions in the current formula to make it more streamlined and clear for higher education institutions and policymakers. Specifically, HB26-1345 will make formula “levers” consistent, predictable, and focused on student-centered performance. Additionally, this law will standardize data sources by transitioning the calculation of retention and graduation rates to the Department of Higher Education’s data system. To respond to shifts at the federal level, this law will also change the definition of “Pell-eligible” student to “Pell-recipient” to ensure that this metric remains consistent. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HOUSING, SUPPORT MOBILE HOMEOWNERS SB22-160 would invest $35 million to help mobile homeowners purchase the land they live on FORT COLLINS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed SB22-160 , legislation to support mobile home owners and save people money on housing. Championed by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, as well as Representatives Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, SB22-160 will invest $35 million into and create the Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Loan and Grant Program Fund, which will provide financing to eligible mobile home homeowners so they can purchase the land their homes sit on and convert it into a resident-owned community. “Mobile home parks are Colorado’s closest thing to ‘naturally-occurring’ affordable housing,” said Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “But just like the rest of us, mobile home park residents are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing housing costs. This new law will allow Coloradans to invest in their own communities, own their own homes, and drive down the cost of housing across the state.” “Every Coloradan deserves a safe, comfortable place to call home, which is why we worked hard this session to ensure that mobile homes stay affordable across our state,” said Hinrichsen. “This new law will provide critical protections for mobile homeowners by making sure mobile home residents have the tools and help they need to buy the land their homes sit on.” “Today, we’re putting mobile homeowners above corporate profits,” Boesenecker said. “Our law invests critical resources to keep mobile home parks affordable by empowering mobile homeowners to purchase and manage the land their homes sit on. I’m incredibly proud to see this law through the finish line because resident owned communities are the key to affordable, resilient mobile homes.” “With this law, we’re making sure mobile homeowners have the tools to organize and combat displacement and exorbitant lot rent increases,” said Lindsay. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to prioritize mobile homeowners so they can invest in their own communities. Our $35 million investment will go toward creating critical protections for mobile park residents to keep their homes affordable.” The new law further establishes a mechanism for nonprofits to receive grant funding to provide technical assistance to homeowners and help them build the capacity, resources, and know-how to organize and purchase their mobile home park. SB22-160 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force . Previous Next

< Back November 13, 2022 Reps. Bird and Sirota Appointed to JBC DENVER, CO – House Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie today appointed Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota to the Joint Budget Committee. “It’s certainly bittersweet for me to leave the budget committee, but with these two lawmakers stepping up, I know it’s in great hands,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m proud of the results we’ve delivered in recent years–more funding for schools to increase teacher pay and reduce class sizes, increased resources to improve public safety, and some of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Representatives Bird and Sirota will bring incredible talent, vision and leadership to the JBC. I know they will listen and work closely with each member to advance the diverse interests of every community in every corner of our state.” “I’m thrilled that Representatives Sirota and Bird will be joining the JBC,” said Majority Leader-elect Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “We have one of the largest and most diverse caucuses in the history of our state, and I know that with these appointments, our wide range of voices and views will be well represented on the JBC and in our budget. With people of color making up more than half of our leadership team, I’m excited to see our inclusive values will be a consistent focus of our state budget. Reps. Sirota and Bird will be instrumental in helping us invest in key priorities while increasing funding for schools and critical services. I’m confident both of our new JBC members advance our values and move Colorado forward.” “It’s a privilege to join the Joint Budget Committee and continue our work to make Colorado more affordable, invest in our schools, create jobs, support small businesses and build an economy that works for everyone in our state,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “While Colorado leads the nation in job growth, fiscal constraints mean we must be smart about where we direct our resources. We have an opportunity to address historical inequities that disproportionately impact communities or color, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues to craft an equitable budget that reflects the priorities of our constituents and the diversity of our caucus and prepares our state for the bright future we have ahead.” “I’m honored to serve on the Joint Budget Committee, and I’m excited to get to work crafting a budget that protects and expands critical services in every community in our state, especially those that have been underserved,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “I’ll prioritize investments that uplift the communities historically left behind–often communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by the challenges we must address like climate change, education funding and income inequality. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass a budget that addresses the most pressing needs in our state, helps every community thrive and moves Colorado forward.” Rep. Bird, first elected in 2018, represents House District 29 in Adams County, which includes much of Westminster. Rep. Bird is currently the Chair of the House Finance Committee, a member of the Business Affairs & Labor Committee, and the Pension Commission and Pension Review Subcommittee. She has passed legislation to support small businesses and boost Colorado’s economy, including creating the Small Business Recovery Loan Program in 2020. She attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where she earned a B.A. in Economics. She later graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver, earning both an MBA and an MS in Finance. Representative Bird completed her education by earning a J.D. at the University of Denver College of Law. Rep. Sirota, first elected in 2018, represents House District 9 in the Colorado Legislature, and is Vice-Chair of the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee and she serves on the Energy & Environment Committee. Before her election to the Colorado House of Representatives, Emily helped run an early learning center in Denver. As a Representative for House District 9, Emily has championed worker's rights, campaign finance reform, a healthy and vibrant public education system, environmental justice, progressive tax policy and fundamental reforms to our pillars of democracy. She received her B.A. in Political Science at Indiana University and received her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation goes into effect today to boost Colorado’s education workforce. HB24-1044, sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick and Senator Chris Hansen, allows school districts to hire more Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) retirees, without the risk of the retirees losing their retirement benefits. < Back July 1, 2024 Hamrick, Hansen Bipartisan Law to Boost Educator Workforce Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO - Bipartisan legislation goes into effect today to boost Colorado’s education workforce. HB24-1044 , sponsored by Representative Eliza Hamrick and Senator Chris Hansen, allows school districts to hire more Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) retirees, without the risk of the retirees losing their retirement benefits. “Colorado’s educator shortage is dire and our students deserve quality education,” said Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “To address our educator shortage, we need to use every tool available to us. With our new law going into effect, more retired educators and staff are able to return to the schools, without the risk of losing their PERA retirement benefits. This will encourage retired teachers to return to the classroom and help our schools and most importantly – our students.” “Colorado schools are facing a critical shortage of teachers, which results in larger class sizes and fewer students getting the individualized attention they need,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “Allowing more retirees to return to the classroom without jeopardizing their hard-earned PERA benefits will get more qualified teachers and staff into our schools and help more students get the quality education they deserve.” HB24-1044, also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, expands the number of service retirees that school districts may hire while still being eligible for PERA benefits. Specifically, school districts can exceed the current 10 retiree cap by 1 retiree for every 1,000 students above 10,000 students. Under current law, school districts may only hire retirees when a “critical shortage of qualified instructors” is established. This law aims to streamline placing educators in classrooms by instead allowing school districts to hire up to 10 retirees if the district identifies a “need” for additional instructors. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2019 COLORADO’S LARGEST INVESTMENT IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK (May 3) — A pair of bills that will make large investments in Colorado’s affordable housing crisis are now heading to the Governor’s desk. HB19-1245, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, passed by a bipartisan vote of 37-27. This bill would contribute more funding to the Housing Development Grant Fund within the Department of Local Affairs. The funding could then be used to improve, preserve, or expand the supply of affordable housing in Colorado. “This bill is a significant and meaningful approach to address the state’s affordable housing crisis,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “Housing can strengthen a person’s ability to support a family, maintain a job and live a healthy life. This bill is a calibrated approach that would benefit all of Coloradans – especially our most vulnerable families and individuals.” Under current law, a business can keep 3.3 percent of sales tax that it collects for administration purposes. With this new bill, vendors can retain up to four percent of the vendor fees up to a $1,000 monthly cap. This minor statutory change will result in roughly $23 million in revenue in the first year and would invest $45-50 million per year afterwards. A third of these funds would be used to provide affordable housing to low income families. HB19-1322, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep Perry Will, R-New Castle, will expand funding for affordable housing statewide. Under this bill, money will come from the State Treasurer from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund and be deposited into the Housing Development Grant Fund to supplement existing money. “I am thrilled this bill has now passed both chambers with bipartisan support. This a responsible way to support affordable housing without raising taxes. It allows local communities to decide what is best for them and get support for important projects from the state,” said Rep. Roberts. “Housing is one of the most important issues across the state and this bill specifically points out our rural communities who need help and ensures the state is a strong partner in the effort to support affordable housing projects.” Both bills head to Governor’s Polis’ office. Previous Next