The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran. The bill, which passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0, would require lethality assessments to be conducted when law enforcement responds to domestic violence incidents to better protect survivors from harm. < Back February 18, 2026 Duran Bill to Bolster Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran. The bill, which passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0, would require lethality assessments to be conducted when law enforcement responds to domestic violence incidents to better protect survivors from harm. “Lethality assessments are a life-saving tool to protect survivors of abuse, and this bill would ensure that they are utilized during domestic violence calls to protect victims and save lives,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “As a survivor, I know how crucial it is for law enforcement to know how to identify high-risk situations so they can connect survivors with victim advocates who can offer life-saving resources. This bill could be the difference between life and death for survivors, and I know this evidence-based tool will have the power to save Colorado lives.” HB26-1009 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Gonzales, R-Greeley, would create the Colorado Mandatory Lethality Assessment Act to support survivors of domestic violence and keep Colorado communities safe. Beginning July 1, 2027, the bill would require police officers responding to a domestic violence case to conduct a “lethality assessment” and include the results in their report. This assessment is an evidence-based screening tool that helps identify the likelihood of serious injuries or death, including questions about whether the abuser has a history of abuse and if the abuser has ever threatened to use or has used a weapon to harm them. If the findings from the lethality assessment indicate that the survivor is at-risk of harm, law enforcement would immediately reach out to a community-based victim advocate and offer the victim an opportunity to speak with them. Majority Leader Duran has spearheaded pivotal legislation supporting survivors, including laws to funnel $54 million annually to crime victim and behavioral health programs, invest $48 million toward life-saving access to critical resources, programs, and support to victims of crime, including domestic violence and increasing safety by strengthening protections around civil protection orders. Previous Next

Legislation would allow counties to boost access to housing, child care, and behavioral health < Back February 23, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Boost Affordable Workforce Housing Advances Legislation would allow counties to boost access to housing, child care, and behavioral health DENVER, CO - The House today advanced bipartisan legislation to grant local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern, including affordable housing development. “There has been a significant rise in the cost of housing, especially in the Western Slope, forcing Coloradans to spend more of their money on housing and less on other necessary costs, like health care and groceries,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. "Our bipartisan legislation would allow local governments to address the unique challenges that their communities face, like shortages in workforce housing, childcare, mental health care services, and much more.” SB24-002 , also sponsored by Rep. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing, child care, behavioral health, and economic development. This could include programs that address affordable housing needs, the availability of in-home daycares, economic revitalization, and the creation of stronger social resources and services for working families. Under the bill, a municipality would be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing. The bill allows a local government to renew a tax rebate or incentive program for up to one year if they find that it has effectively addressed the area of specific local concern. Previous Next

House passes two bills to create a teacher apprenticeship program and incentivize employee-owned business models < Back April 21, 2023 Bipartisan Bills to Address Teacher Shortage, Expand Employee-Owned Businesses Pass House House passes two bills to create a teacher apprenticeship program and incentivize employee-owned business models DENVER, CO - The House today passed two bipartisan bills to expand the Employee Ownership Tax Credit and address Colorado’s teacher shortage. SB23-087 passed unanimously by a vote of 60-0 and would create an apprenticeship program to get more qualified educators in classrooms across Colorado. HB23-1081 passed by a vote of 55-4 and would expand employee-owned business incentives. “Colorado’s teacher shortage is dire, and we need to do everything we can to get more qualified, dedicated educators in classrooms across our state,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB23-087. “This bipartisan bill works to address Colorado’s teacher shortage by providing people with paid hands-on training and experience they need to step into teaching roles and provide our students with the high-quality learning opportunities they deserve.” SB23-087 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Don Wilson, works to address Colorado’s growing teacher shortage. This bill would allow the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to create an apprenticeship program that builds on elements of existing alternative teacher licensure programs, and would include a bachelor's degree requirement and structured on-the-job training to get more licensed teachers in classrooms across Colorado. According to the Colorado Education Association , teacher and staff shortages remain a persistent and troubling challenge in Colorado’s schools, with 85 percent of educators saying that the teacher shortage is significantly or somewhat worse than previous school years. This bill works to address the teacher shortage in both rural and urban school districts, and would increase the education workforce. “Two years ago, Colorado became the first state in the nation to offer the Employee Ownership Tax Credit, cutting red tape for business owners who are exploring options when planning for retirement,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB23-1081. “Expanding eligibility and strengthening incentives for employee ownership will make this program accessible to a wider range of Colorado businesses, keeping these companies locally-owned and rewarding the hard-working employees that help make the business successful. I’m excited to sponsor this legislation to expand this valuable tax credit to more Coloradans, improving job security and increasing wages to make Colorado more affordable.” In 2021, Colorado Democrats created a first-in-the-nation refundable income tax credit that incentivizes business owners to move towards employee-owned business models. It allows business owners who are looking to move on from the company to pass the business on to their employees, allowing the business to stay within the community and giving hard-working Coloradans a stake in the company. HB23-1081 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, expands on the Employee Ownership Tax Credit by: Making partially employee-owned businesses eligible to help cover the costs associated with expanding employee ownership; Expanding methods that businesses are using to transfer equity to employees; and Strengthening incentives for eligible businesses that are transitioning to employee ownership with existing resources. Previous Next

The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. HB25-1238, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho, passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back February 24, 2025 Bill to Reduce Firearm Theft and Illegal Sales, Improve Security at Gun Shows Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. HB25-1238, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho, passed by a vote of 8-3. “From safe storage and waiting periods to reporting requirements for lost or stolen firearms, I’m proud of the work that Colorado Democrats have done to make our communities safer for all, and this bill ensures that these laws are implemented in gun shows where thousands of firearm and ammunition products are present,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Gun shows can be helpful for Coloradans who are interested in learning more about firearms, and this legislation works to ensure that gun show promoters organize appropriate security for the event and vendors adhere to firearm laws that exist to keep our communities safe.” “One of the best ways we can prevent gun violence is by requiring firearm dealers and gun show promoters to utilize proven methods that keep guns out of the wrong hands, like running background checks, securely storing firearms and ammunition, and boosting security measures like video cameras,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “This legislation helps enforce responsible gun-selling practices and that makes gun shows more resilient to illegal sales or theft. With this bill, we’re bolstering Colorado’s gun violence prevention laws to keep our communities safe and save Colorado lives from senseless gun violence.” HB25-1238 would help reduce gun violence and theft by creating requirements for gun show promoters and vendors and strengthening existing state firearm laws. The bill would require a gun show promoter to create a security plan at least 14 days before the gun show and submit the plan to each local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the show. The security plan would include a list of gun show vendors who are expected to participate, an estimated number of attendees, the number of security personnel secured for the show, and a layout of the event that includes entrances and exits and locations of video camera security. The bill also requires the gun show promoter to: Obtain liability insurance for the gun show, Implement security measures at the gun show, Prohibit people under the age of 21 years old from entering the show unless accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian, Verify that firearm sales adhere to the 3-day waiting period law, and Post certain notices at the gun show regarding state firearm laws. To participate in a gun show, a vendor would be required to certify to the gun show promoter that they meet the requirements to be a gun show vendor and will comply with federal, state, and local firearm laws during the gun show. Vendors would also be required to display copies of their federal firearms license and state firearms dealer permit and conduct a background check for each firearm transfer at a gun show. The bill would prohibit a vendor from participating in the gun show if they do not hold a federal firearms license or a valid state firearms dealer permit. If they have been convicted of a second offense of unlawful gun show vendor activity or have not completed a gun show certification, the vendor would also not be allowed to participate. The bill outlines requirements for displaying firearms, including: Keeping the firearms unloaded, Securely attaching firearms to a countertop or wall, Safeguarding ammunition enclosed in a display case, behind the vendor’s counter, or other strategies to restrict customer access without the help of a vendor, and Providing written information regarding safe storage and lost or stolen firearm reporting requirements in Colorado law with each firearm sale. The bill helps enforce recent laws that Colorado Democrats have passed to tackle gun violence, including implementing a minimum three-day waiting period , promoting responsible gun ownership by requiring firearms to be securely stored in residences and vehicles , creating a requirement to report lost or stolen firearms , requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license to ensure they have the education and tools to prevent gun violence, and strengthening Colorado’s gun background check system to prevent people convicted of violent crimes to access guns for five years. Previous Next

New laws to create jobs and support Colorado workers will go into effect on January 1, 2024. < Back December 19, 2023 Laws to Create Jobs and Support Colorado Workers Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - New laws to create jobs and support Colorado workers will go into effect on January 1, 2024. HB23-1212 , sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, and Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, directs the Office of the Future of Work, the Colorado Department Education and other state agencies to collaborate with schools and trade industries to create apprenticeship pathways for graduating students. The law also requires the creation of an online job board for students, and the incorporation of registered apprenticeship programs into the State’s available career planning tools, including the development of individual career and academic plans by apprenticeship navigators to better support job preparation and awareness for students. “A four year college degree doesn’t make sense for everyone,” said Kolker. “Alternative pathways like apprenticeships can lead to high paying careers and bright futures. I look forward to seeing the Office of the Future of Work and the Department of Education work together to expand apprenticeship opportunities and help bolster Colorado’s workforce.” “This law works to connect graduating high school students with apprenticeships in high-demand industries, including construction and other skilled trades,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1212. “We’re making it easier for students to find, apply and get accepted to apprenticeship programs in high-demand fields and graduate with a clear pathway toward a good-paying career.” “Colorado is facing a crippling workforce shortage that is hurting our families and our economy,” Danielson said. “Apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities to people looking to gain hands-on experience and enter our workforce. This new law helps expand pathways to apprenticeships and get more Coloradans on track for a successful future.” “Apprenticeship programs give Coloradans the tools they need to get started and save money on their pursuit of a good-paying career,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1212. “This law will make apprenticeship programs in the trades more accessible to high school students, help fill critical jobs and boost Colorado’s economy.” Colorado’s trade and construction industries are still experiencing workforce shortages following economic disruptions from the pandemic. This law helps create a talent pipeline for graduating students to enter good-paying careers after graduation and support Colorado’s workforce. Sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Representatives William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, HB23-1081 expands the Employee Ownership Tax Credit to strengthen incentives for businesses transitioning to an employee-owned business model. “Employee-owned businesses give hard-working Coloradans a real stake in their work,” said Hinrichsen. “With this law, we’re expanding incentives to help cover the costs associated with transitioning to an employee-owned model. These win-win opportunities help businesses remain in their communities while giving employees a seat at the table when it comes to decision-making about their careers.” “Expanding the employee ownership tax credit in Colorado means local businesses can continue to boost wages and benefits, improve retention and develop strong succession plans,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB23-1081 . “This law encourages employee-owned business models, which means our local businesses are more likely to stay locally owned and operated for years to come. Small businesses are a huge part of our statewide economy, and this law makes it easier for business owners to sell or retire while giving employees more opportunities to own the business they work for.” HB23-1081 expands on the Employee Ownership Tax Credit by: Making partially employee-owned businesses eligible to help cover the costs associated with expanding employee ownership; Expanding eligible methods that businesses may use to transfer equity to employees; Strengthening incentives for eligible businesses that are transitioning to employee ownership with existing resources. Finally, SB23-292 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representative Shannon Bird, D- Westminster , creates clear and fair working standards for the energy industry to support workers transitioning into the clean energy sector. “Colorado is committed to a clean energy future and a competitive economy that uplifts all workers,” said Fenberg. “More and more clean energy development projects are receiving state funds, which is why we took action to ensure those projects are supported by truly good paying jobs with great benefits. With this important law, we’re upholding our commitments and making sure no worker gets left behind.” “As Colorado gears up for more construction of clean energy projects, we need to ensure our highly-skilled workers are compensated fairly and protected while on the job,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB23-292. “Our law ensures workers, including electricians, plumbers, and those essential to completing a large-scale clean energy project are paid a fair wage for their work. This law is an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to create safer working conditions and ensure liveable wages for Coloradans.” “Colorado’s clean energy future ultimately depends on high quality, well-paid jobs,” Hansen said. “This new law ensures that as the clean energy sector continues to grow, workers’ rights grow too. When workers win, so does Colorado’s infrastructure and economy, and I’m proud to have championed this new law that helps move Colorado forward.” “Establishing high labor standards for clean energy projects ensures our highly-skilled workers are paid fairly and are protected while on the job,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of SB23-292. “Our law going into effect establishes fair wages and safety initiatives for construction jobs in Colorado’s energy sector. Colorado is preparing for some of the most innovative, clean energy projects in the county and this law protects workers and strengthens our construction-based economy.” The law creates a new category of public projects called Energy Sector Public Works Projects to the 2019 State Prevailing Wage Law. These Energy Sector Public Works Projects must comply with current apprenticeship and prevailing wage requirements to be eligible for state funding or approved by the Public Utilities Commission. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation into law that will require lethality assessments to be conducted when law enforcement responds to domestic violence incidents to better protect survivors from harm. < Back June 3, 2026 Bill to Bolster Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence Becomes Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation into law that will require lethality assessments to be conducted when law enforcement responds to domestic violence incidents to better protect survivors from harm. “We’re giving law enforcement more tools to identify domestic violence to remove survivors from danger and connect them with life-saving resources,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “As a survivor, I know that lethality assessments can be the lifeline that helps a domestic violence survivor escape their abuser. This new law will improve public safety across Colorado and promote the use of additional tools to protect Coloradans from danger.” “This law ensures law enforcement takes extra care to identify those at highest risk of death or serious injury by domestic violence and connects them with resources that can save their life,” said Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “I spent six years working in domestic violence prevention and intervention. Lethality assessments are an evidence-based tool that can prevent the worst outcomes before it’s too late.” HB26-1009 , also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, and Representative Ryan Gonzalez, R-Greeley, creates the Colorado Mandatory Lethality Assessment Act to support survivors of domestic violence and keep Colorado communities safe. Beginning July 1, 2027, the law requires police officers responding to a domestic violence case to conduct a “lethality assessment” and include the results in their incident report. This assessment is an evidence-based screening tool that helps identify the likelihood of serious injuries or death, including questions about whether the abuser has a history of abuse and if the abuser has ever threatened to use or has used a weapon to harm them. If the findings from the lethality assessment indicate that the survivor is at-risk of harm, law enforcement will immediately reach out to a community-based victim advocate and offer the victim an opportunity to speak with them. The law also requires the Attorney General’s office to create a mandatory training for law enforcement officers to learn how to administer the assessment. Majority Leader Duran has spearheaded pivotal legislation supporting survivors, including laws to funnel $54 million annually to crime victim and behavioral health programs, invest $48 million toward life-saving access to critical resources, programs, and support to victims of crime, including domestic violence and increasing safety by strengthening protections around civil protection orders. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO MAKE JUNETEENTH A COLORADO STATE HOLIDAY DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to make Juneteenth a Colorado state holiday. SB22-139, championed by Representative Leslie Herod and members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado , commemorates the day when enslaved Black people were freed after Union Soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and the effect of the Emancipation Proclamation. “It’s time we make Juneteenth a state holiday in Colorado,” said Chairwoman of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver). “This significant Emancipation Day has been celebrated by the Black community for generations and deserves statewide recognition, celebration and reflection. I’m proud to champion this important legislation that not only educates Coloradans on the atrocities of slavery, but makes way for voices of the Black community. The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times.” SB22-139 passed commitee by a vote of 10 to 1 and would make Juneteenth an official state holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger and Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and declare the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people. Juneteenth is also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day. This significant day in history became the 11th federal holiday in June 2021 and is also known as the country’s second Independence Day. Previous Next

The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to support families and youth. < Back May 2, 2024 Affordable Child Care, Increased Care for Foster Youth Advance House DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to support families and youth. HB24-1223, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Lorena Garcia would streamline access to the Colorado Child Care Assistance program. SB24-008, sponsored by Representative Mary Young, would provide additional resources to families, kin and relatives of foster youth. “Child care is a necessity to get parents back into the workforce so they can earn income that helps them keep a roof over their head,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB24-1223. “This legislation would get Colorado parents connected to affordable child care so they can more easily juggle work, doctor appointments, and receiving an education that will help them advance in their career and support their family.” “Lack of access to child care can be a barrier that prevents parents from returning to work, which is why we’re passing this legislation to simplify the process to receive child care assistance,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB24-1223. “This bill streamlines and simplifies the process parents have to take to benefit from the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program so they can get their kids in affordable, quality care easier.” HB24-1223 would increase access to childcare through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) by creating a simplified universal application and limiting the application information to only what is necessary to determine eligibility. “We know that children and youth living with kinship care are more likely to experience positive outcomes, including educational, improved behavioral and mental health and stronger feelings of belonging,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB24-008 . “This legislation will remove barriers to kinship care by making it easier for relatives or others who have a significant relationship to the child to access certain resources such as housing, clothing and training. By directing financial reimbursement to non-certified kinship foster care, we can expand the pool of home like placements for our foster children and youth and increase access to certification.” SB24-008 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, would provide additional resources to families and kin caring for youth and children involved in foster care. Specifically, this bill would extend foster care certification to kinship placements, allowing kin to access training, resources, and financial assistance to help meet the basic needs of children and youth in their care. It defines the differences between kinship foster care and non-certified kinship care homes and allows for emergency financial assistance to these placements in order to help meet a child’s basic care and needs. Kinship placements maintain family connections and provide normalcy and support for children who have been removed from their homes. Kinship care can promote safer and faster reunification with biological parents, and prevent further long-term involvement in the child welfare system. The bill is a result of recommendations from the 2023 Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee Report . Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2019 HOUSE CLEARS MCLACHLAN BILL TO ADDRESS TEACHER SHORTAGE (Apr 19) – The House approved Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to create a pilot program providing professional development training for school principals to build strong leadership in our education system and provide better support for educators and students. “We must ensure teachers in every district–including our rural districts–have the support they deserve in our classrooms,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Teachers must have access to the leadership support they need. When teachers are at their best, our students receive the best education.” Rep. McLachlan is the chair of the House Education Committee and is a former public school teacher in Durango. HB19-1002 represents the latest effort by Colorado lawmakers to implement the state’s blueprint to reducing Colorado’s teacher shortage. It builds upon a McLachlan-led bill, HB17-1003, which required the Departments of Higher Education (DHE) and Education (DOE) to put forth relevant policy recommendations to address the teacher shortage. The pilot program will provide preliminary analysis on the efficacy of providing professional leadership and development training to Colorado principals, an effort supported by strong academic and statistical research. Because it is a pilot program, lawmakers in both chambers will have the opportunity to review the pilot’s results and make a decision for how to move forward following its conclusion. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 51-13. It now heads to the Senate. Rep. McLachlan also had another bill that passed on the House floor today. SB19-003 aims to help teachers drowning in student loan debt. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 47-17. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird that would identify state housing needs and strategically plan for future growth in Colorado. SB24-174 passed by a vote of 58-6. < Back May 8, 2024 Bipartisan Legislation to Identify State and Local Housing Needs, Plan for Growth Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird that would identify state housing needs and strategically plan for future growth in Colorado. SB24-174 passed by a vote of 58-6. “My community of Westminster has done a lot of work to address the housing crisis by utilizing density planning and transit-oriented development, and this bill helps other communities throughout the state follow our footsteps,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bipartisan legislation leverages the state’s resources to work in partnership with local governments to help them build in a smart, strategic way. Providing strategic growth planning resources will benefit all of our residents and create housing options as our population continues to grow.” SB24-174 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would require the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to conduct a statewide housing needs assessment and provide grants and technical assistance to local governments to conduct their own local or regional housing needs assessments, followed by housing action plans to address the identified needs. Under the bill, most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 residents would be required to either conduct and publish a local housing needs assessment by December 31, 2026 or participate in a regional housing needs assessment. By November 30, 2027, DOLA would be required to conduct an analysis and publish a report analyzing existing and future statewide housing needs. The bill would require new housing assessments to be published every six years. SB24-174 would also require most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 to create a housing action plan that details their commitment to address their specific housing needs by January 1, 2028, and to update the plan every six years thereafter. Additionally, the bill would: Require local governments who submit a Housing Action Plan to DOLA to submit a progress report to DOLA three years after publication, Require DOLA to publish a statewide strategic growth report which will analyze land use scenarios and their impacts, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental effects; and assess state policies on development and sprawl, Require county and municipal master plans to include new water supply and strategic growth elements which compare the long-term costs of infill and greenfield development, and Prioritize state agency grant funding for housing or land use programs for local governments who have complied with the requirements in this bill. Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2021 BACON RESPONDS TO REP. HANKS’ ‘REVISIONIST’ COMMENT DENVER, CO– Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, today released the following statement calling on Representative Ron Hanks, R-Penrose, to apologize for his offensive floor remarks regarding the Three-fifths Compromise: “I asked to speak to give a different perspective of why civics is important for all students to learn. As a descendant of the enslaved, I am here due to a long arduous journey through American civics ideals. Hearing Rep. Hanks’ revisionist retelling of one of our nation’s darkest, most dehumanizing chapters was hurtful, but frankly not surprising,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “The irony of having this brash display occur in the midst of a debate on strengthening our civics education was tragically adequate. The fact is, we need to do better in educating all Coloradans, young and old, about the violent and racist foundations of our country, like an original sin of slavery, our history of lynching and the dehumanization that the Three-fifth’s Compromise represented. If we fail to understand these hateful underpinnings, we will never be able to dismantle their legacy, which echoes into policy and systemic discrimination in every area of American life today.” Rep. Hanks’ remarks followed Rep. Bacon’s impassioned defense of civics education and the importance of learning about slavery in America and the Three-fifths Compromise. The remarks came during debate on SB21-067, legislation that would strengthen civics education. Previous Next

< Back January 24, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES EXUM BILL TO EXTEND CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT FOR COLORADO PARENTS (Jan. 24) – The House Finance committee approved Rep.Tony Exum Sr.’s bill to extend the low-income child care tax credit today. The bill would help ease the childcare burden on hardworking families, roughly 32,000, in Colorado for another eight years. “The high cost of child care places a burden on hardworking families in Colorado Springs and our state,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “I was proud to sponsor this bill when I first got to the state capitol and hope we can continue helping thousands of Coloradan families afford child care every year.” Rep. Exum and then-Rep. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood were the original sponsors of this bill in 2014. HB14-1072 created a tax credit for families that earn $25,000 or less and is equal to 25 percent of the taxpayer’s child care expenses up to $500 for one child or $1,000 for two or more children. This is Rep. Exum’s second time bringing the bill forward for renewal. A recent report released from the State Auditor’s Office stated, “We determined that the Child Care Credit and Low-Income Credit are meeting their purpose of making child care more affordable for working families.” Extending the Low-income Child Care Tax Credit is essential for low-income, working families. Coloradans that do not make enough income to pay federal taxes particularly benefit, as they don’t qualify for other state credits. HB19-1013 passed by 10-1 and now heads to the Appropriations Committee. Previous Next