< Back April 30, 2019 HOUSE PASSES KENNEDY-LONTINE BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP ADDRESS HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF COLORADO House Democrats working to lower the cost of health care (Apr. 29) – The House passed Assistant Majority Leader Chris Kennedy and Rep. Susan Lontine’s bill requiring non-profit hospitals to submit an annual community health needs assessment and benefit implementation plan to the state so that the hospitals can better prioritize investments in community activities that improve health outcomes. “Nonprofit hospitals are given tax-exempt status with the understanding that they will reinvest money back into their communities. We have reason to believe that not all hospitals are spending this money in a way that best benefits their community-identified health needs,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill will allow us to compare hospital community benefit spending on an apples-to-apples basis and encourage more hospitals to invest in the things that count.” According to data collected by the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital costs account for 39 percent of health care spending nationwide. The bill is designed to increase the transparency of hospital investments in community health by requiring all nonprofit hospitals to submit annual reports to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) regarding their community benefit activities. The Colorado Hospital Association supports the bill. “Our non-profit hospitals are here to serve the public good and their local communities. This important bill ensures non-profit hospitals are financially transparent and that community voices are able to guide the investments of non-profit hospitals that are meant to best serve their community,” said Rep. Lontine, D- Denver. Rep. Lontine is chair of the House Health and Insurance committee. Earlier this year, Rep. Kennedy’s bipartisan hospital transparency bill was signed into law. HB19-1320 passed on a bipartisan vote of 45-20. The bill now goes to the Senate. Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bills to make new investments in Colorado’s early childhood education system. < Back June 2, 2023 SIGNED! Pair of Bills to Bolster Early Childhood Education DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bills to make new investments in Colorado’s early childhood education system. Sponsored by Senators Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representatives Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, and Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-269 funds one-time bonus payments for early childhood care providers participating in Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK). The bonuses must be used to implement the Universal Preschool Program, or to maintain or expand infant and toddler care capacity. “Access to quality early childhood education not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes for Colorado kids, but also the very well-being of families across our state,” Buckner said. “These one-time bonuses are a much deserved thank you to the early childhood care providers working to get Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program up and running. I look forward to watching UPK benefit Colorado’s youth this fall and for generations to come.” “Colorado’s universal preschool program is on the horizon, and we’re expressing our gratitude to the providers that will make it possible,” said Lukens. “This bipartisan law will help recruit more providers and will send preschool providers a bonus to help them renovate spaces, purchase new educational materials, and support their staff. Colorado couldn’t implement high-quality, free universal preschool without providers, and this law gives them a well-deserved thank you.” Providers may receive an additional bonus payment if they maintain or increase their capacity to serve infants and toddlers between April 1, 2022 and April 1, 2024, or are in low-capacity preschool areas. The bipartisan bill invests $2.5 million in the Colorado Universal Preschool Program Provider Participation Bonus Program, housed within the Department of Early Childhood . HB23-1290 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, refers a measure to the November 2023 ballot asking voters to allow the state to keep the excess revenue collected on tobacco and other tobacco products to fund UPK in Colorado. If approved by voters, the measure would allow the state to direct the nearly $24 million in excess revenue to support Colorado’s early childhood learners, instead of refunding that amount to the tobacco industry. "Preschool programs play a vital role in Colorado's communities by laying a strong foundation for children and providing essential child care services for working parents," Moreno said. "This bill presents an opportunity for voters to redirect much-needed funds towards Colorado's early education system, instead of returning them to tobacco distributors and wholesalers. With the potential to infuse nearly $24 million into preschool programs, HB23-1290 represents a wise investment in the future of our children and our state." “Overwhelming support for statewide universal preschool is no surprise, because it will create educational opportunities for our youngest learners, save families money, and help parents get back to work,” said McCluskie. “Universal preschool is one of the smartest investments we can make as a state, and I’m proud Coloradans agree. The revenue collected from the tax on nicotine products has come in higher than originally predicted, and this legislation confirms voters’ commitment to using these funds to provide preschool to all four-year-olds in the state.” “In 2020, voters overwhelmingly supported taxing tobacco and nicotine products to fund Colorado’s transformational Universal Preschool Program and boost learning opportunities for our youngest Coloradans,” said Fields. “This bill gives voters the chance to build on that progress and utilize existing funding to support even more families seeking preschool programs.” “Universal preschool will be here in just a few months, and the funds collected from the voter-approved Proposition EE made it possible for the state to provide free, early childhood education to our youngest learners,” said Sirota. “Studies show that preschool and early childhood education prepare kids for a lifetime of educational success. This legislation reaffirms Coloradans’ commitment to our families by asking them if the state may keep revenue collected from the special tax on nicotine and direct it toward UPK, rather than returning it to the tobacco industry.” In 2020 Colorado voters approved Proposition EE , which created new excise taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine products to fund a number of priorities, including UPK. The new tax rates are designed to phase in over the next few fiscal years through 2027. When originally approved by voters, it was estimated that Proposition EE would raise $186.5 million in new tax revenue in its first year. Actual revenue from the new tobacco taxes exceeded the predicted amount by nearly $24 million. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2021 TITONE BILL TO IMPROVE BROADBAND ACCESS SPEEDS THROUGH COMMITTEE Legislation would ensure that broadband deployment board grants help unserved areas DENVER, CO– With access to broadband critical for learning, commerce, health care, and so much more, the Transportation and Local Government Committee today passed important legislation by a vote of 9-2 that would expand access to high speed internet across Colorado. “Expanding access to broadband to unserved communities will undoubtedly help Colorado recover faster from this pandemic and build back stronger,” said HB21-1109 sponsor Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The pandemic has made it clear that broadband is an essential service. This bill will make a big difference to communities across the state that have long sought internet access for everyday needs.” According to the Colorado Department of Education, approximately 85,000 to 95,000 rural residents and 65,000 students in Colorado do not have access or adequate access to broadband. The Colorado Broadband Deployment Board allocates funding each year to applicants working to expand access to broadband. The board has awarded over $34 million in grants since 2016. In 2019, the board allocated over $11 million to 16 applicants, but concerns have been raised about how to best meet the needs of unserved residents. HB21-1109 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Matt Soper, would prioritize grant proposals that provide high speed internet access to low-income households and creates a process for encouraging proposals for critically unserved areas of the state. The bill requires applicants to submit granular mapping data to more accurately identify these unserved areas, which is critical to understanding where and how to expand broadband infrastructure. The bill makes changes to the Broadband Deployment Board to increase efficiency and ensure expertise and geographic diversity are adequately represented. The bill also holds grant applicants accountable by requiring them to report the number of people served, their rates and quality of service provided. Previous Next

Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado < Back February 9, 2024 House Passes Bill to Make Housing More Affordable Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to prohibit local governments from implementing or enforcing residential occupancy limits except for health and safety reasons. The bill passed by a vote of 40-20. “The scarcity of housing is a problem for Coloradans in every corner of our state, forcing people to live paycheck to paycheck just to have a roof over their head,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Unnecessary housing limits often prevent Coloradans from living with friends or distant family members, reducing housing options and pushing people out of their communities. By allowing more Coloradans to legally share living spaces, we can increase the availability of housing options and ensure that Coloradans have a place to call home.” “Occupancy limits that are not genuinely based on health and safety concerns limit the ability of Coloradans struggling to get by to find affordable housing,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “At a time when Coloradans face a shortage of housing supply, our governments should not be limiting the supply of housing. This legislation will expand housing options for all and allow people to make their own housing choices that benefit their families and save them money.” HB24-1007 would prohibit local governments from limiting the number of people who can live together in a residence. Limits would be permitted if based on demonstrated health and safety standards, such as fire code regulations, wastewater and water quality standards and international building code standards. Occupancy limits typically cap the number of people that can live in a residence based on whether or not they are not related, even if the residence has more bedrooms than the occupancy limit standard. In 2023, there were over 14,000 Coloradans experiencing homelessness. More than 50 percent of renters in the Denver Metro Area, as well as counties like Boulder, El Paso, Larimer, Pueblo, Summit, Eagle, and Mesa, are cost burdened. In 2021, Denver City Council passed a measure to increase their occupancy limit standards from two to five unrelated people, and last year, Boulder City Council voted to increase their occupancy limit to five unrelated people. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 HOUSE APPROVES COLORADO CASHBACK CHECKS Strong jobs recovery means more money can be returned early DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Tony Exum that will send every Colorado taxpayer an early refund of at least $400, or $800 for joint filers, as soon as possible. An amendment was added on third reading to allow the early refunds to climb even higher if revenues come back higher than expected, as early estimates indicate is likely. “Colorado’s strong economic recovery means we can send even more money back to taxpayers in September to help them afford the rising cost of living and pay for necessities like gas, groceries and rent,” said bill sponsor Rep. Tony Exum, Sr. D-Colorado Springs. “We’re excited that based on positive economic indicators, we will be able to boost the amount of the early refund checks Coloradans will receive in September. People are struggling now, so we are delivering this urgent relief as soon as we can in a fairer and more equitable way.” “Today, we voted to give Coloradans an even bigger boost this year by increasing the checks that will go out in September as revenue expectations rise,” said bill sponsor Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This session, we reduced property taxes by $274 for the average homeowner, established universal preschool that will save families thousands and help parents get back to work, and lowered costs for small businesses. The pandemic has led to higher prices, so we’re doing everything we can to put money back into people’s pockets as soon as possible to provide relief when they need it the most.” SB22-233 speeds up the timeline for refund checks to help families afford basic necessities like gas and groceries and ensures a more equitable distribution of refunds. All full-time residents of Colorado who either file their 2021 income tax returns, are granted an extension or apply for a PTC rebate by June 30th, 2022 will receive a check. The surplus that is being sent to taxpayers early is revenue collected this fiscal year, which ends June 30. Colorado’s strong economic growth and rapid job recovery has led to an even larger surplus than expected, and we now anticipate being able to increase the originally anticipated refund amounts of $400 for single filers and $800 . The House passed an amendment offered by bill sponsors Reps. Exum and Daugherty to increase the amount of the checks. The amendment specifies that 85 to 87 percent of surplus revenue be refunded to taxpayers through this mechanism – in an equal amount for single filers, and double that amount for joint filers. Colorado Democrats’ 2021 state stimulus plan, fair tax reform, and responsible governance have led to a robust economic recovery and a record state surplus that is being returned to taxpayers early via this tax rebate, in addition to existing refund mechanisms including the senior homestead exemption, a temporary reduction in the rate of the income tax and the six tier sales tax refund. The expedited tax relief provided by SB22-233 will add to the savings from the comprehensive tax reform legislation and property tax relief passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Polis last year that is already putting money back into Coloradans’ pockets. By repealing tax loopholes for large corporations and millionaires and reducing property tax assessment rates, Democrats have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in economic assistance and tax relief for hard working Coloradans, seniors, and small businesses. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to support students and improve cell phone coverage across the state. < Back May 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Bills to Support Students and Improve Cell Phone Coverage EDWARDS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to support students and improve cell phone coverage across the state. HB25-1186 will encourage work-based learning opportunities for students. HB25-1080 will incentivize the expansion of cell phone infrastructure in rural and underserved areas. “To prepare our students for success after graduation, they need work-based learning opportunities to strengthen and sharpen their skills,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB25-1186 and HB25-1080. “Our new law helps integrate more work-based learning in our schools, so our students can be prepared for good-paying, in-demand jobs after graduation. Another law I sponsored will help improve cell phone coverage in our rural communities because having reliable cell phone service improves safety for everyone.” “Every student takes a different path to success, and work-based learning is a powerful way to help them discover their strengths and prepare for their future,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB25-1186. “This new law ensures our colleges and universities have the support they need to build strong workplace learning programs and strengthens our data and reporting requirements so we know what works. This law is about investing in our students, supporting innovative programs, and setting students up for success before and after graduation.” “When students have hands-on learning, they can explore new career pathways and are better prepared for life after graduation,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB25-1186. “We’re taking steps today to encourage more work-based learning opportunities in our schools so that they can prepare for a career of their dreams.” HB25-1186 , also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, will help create new pathways for students. This law creates a pilot program for work-based learning in the Department of Higher Education. This program will study the impact of industry-sponsored projects on learning outcomes and measure the impact on students who participate in work-based projects while enrolled in higher education. “Colorado faces unique challenges with cell phone connectivity – especially in our rural communities,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB25-1080. “This affects everything from businesses to emergency services to hardworking families who need reliable service. This new law opens the door for grants and incentives to expand wireless infrastructure in the areas that need it most. In the 21st century, staying connected is essential to our success and our safety.” HB25-1080 , also sponsored by Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, will incentivize the expansion of cell phone infrastructure in rural and underserved areas. This law enables local governments and school districts to offer property tax relief, incentive payments, or credits to communication service providers, including broadband. This law was a result of the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee , which convened last year to identify new ways to improve cell phone coverage in rural and underserved areas in Colorado. Governor Polis also signed HB25-1006 into law, sponsored by Representatives Lukens, Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. This law allows school districts to pursue long-term leases for renewable energy or affordable housing projects. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would encourage healthy social media usage among youth under 18. < Back March 11, 2024 House Passes Bipartisan Bill To Encourage Healthy Social Media Use Among Youth DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation that would encourage healthy social media usage among youth under 18. HB24-1136 would require social media platforms to display pop-up warnings and create a resource bank for schools, students and families related to the mental health impacts of excessive social media use. “Excessive social media usage among teens can increase their chances of anxiety, depression and emotional distress,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This bill works to give parents and teens the resources they need to make informed decisions about excessive social media usage, especially the dreaded ‘doom scroll’. We’re working to encourage healthier social media habits among our youth by giving them the tools they need to make smart decisions about their own social media usage and prompting our kids to take a break from their phones.” HB24-1136 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, passed the House by a vote of 54 to 7 and would create a resource bank of evidence-based, research-informed materials related to the mental health impacts of social media use. It also would require social media platforms display a pop-up warning to users under 18 who are on the platform for certain lengths of time. A 2023 Gallup survey found over half (51%) of U.S. teens (ages 13-19) spend a minimum of four hours daily on social media, at an average of 4.8 hours every day on social media. HB24-1136 aims to limit unhealthy social media use by youth and combat ‘doom scrolling’, a common practice of excessive engagement with negative content where users often lose track of time. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill to make narrowly targeted updates to advance the Front Range Passenger Rail project, a train line that would connect communities from Fort Collins to Pueblo. SB26-172 passed by a vote of 47-16. < Back May 9, 2026 Bill to Update the Front Range Passenger Rail District to Pave the Way for Future Service Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill to make narrowly targeted updates to advance the Front Range Passenger Rail project, a train line that would connect communities from Fort Collins to Pueblo. SB26-172 passed by a vote of 47-16. “From Fort Collins to Pueblo, passenger rail is coming to Colorado,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “As we get closer to breaking ground on the project, we are narrowing in on details that will help make passenger rail a reality for the Front Range. From going to CSU games and a concert in Denver to commuting for work, the Front Range Passenger Rail will deliver a safe, dependable alternative to car travel.” “Passenger rail can open up more job opportunities and save Coloradans money on transportation,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs . “This bill creates a clear path for the Front Range Passenger Rail to take shape, improving Colorado’s transportation options and infrastructure for the municipalities that have already opted into this rail system. Soon, voters around these stations will get a say on whether or not their community will have Front Range Passenger Rail. This project has been a long time in the making, and I am excited for the opportunities that this will open up for my community in Colorado Springs.” SB26-172 would update the Front Range Passenger Rail District boundaries to focus on municipalities that would be directly served by the rail line and remove municipalities outside of the service area. It would also create residency requirements for the district board members and adjust how ballot measures are brought by the district, creating options for subdistricts within the district boundaries. Colorado Democrats established the Front Range Passenger Rail District in 2021 to lay the groundwork for a high-speed passenger rail system along the Front Range corridor. Last week, the state and relevant governing boards reached an agreement with BNSF to advance to the design phase of the Front Range Passenger Rail. Service is anticipated to begin by January 2029. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2019 CUTTER-SULLIVAN MENTAL HEALTH BILL HEADED TO GOVERNOR More than one million Coloradans experience mental health or a substance use crisis each year (Apr. 29) – A bill sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter. and Rep. Tom Sullivan that will modernize behavioral health insurance coverage laws to align with federal law and close loopholes to increase access to mental health services for Coloradans is heading to the Governor’s desk. “More than one million Coloradans live with a mental health issue, and over half of them aren’t receiving the help they need,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “It is essential that we begin to treat mental health and substance abuse issues the same way we treat physical health. Our youth suicide rate isn’t going to improve until we do.” HB19-1269: Strengthens prevention and screening laws to shift the current system away from expensive late-stage treatment to early prevention Enforces and makes transparent existing state and federal parity laws and increases consumer protections Eliminates gaps and loopholes in current law to ensure no more Coloradans fall through the cracks “I have been committed to improving mental health before joining the legislature and am glad to be a part of this important legislation,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “We can’t wait any longer to get this bill to the Governor. The time for action is now.” Currently, state and federal laws require insurance carriers to provide equal coverage for mental health and physical care. However, many families are being denied coverage or are paying out-of-pocket costs for weeks or months for mental health care services because of loopholes in current law. HB19-1269 passed in the House with a bipartisan vote of 45-19. It passed in the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 30-5. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Vigil and Javier Mabrey on a preliminary vote that would improve protections for gig workers by increasing wage and task transparency. < Back April 20, 2024 Gig Worker Protections Advance in the House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Stephanie Vigil and Javier Mabrey on a preliminary vote that would improve protections for gig workers by increasing wage and task transparency. “Delivery apps have made big promises to Coloradans, including flexibility for workers and more choices for consumers. But too often hidden algorithms interfere with the worker autonomy that drivers in this industry so highly value,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “From misleading incentives to faulty tip information, big tech can use deceptive practices to pressure drivers to take low-paying offers, rather than paying what they're worth. This legislation would improve transparency and fairness in Colorado law to provide drivers with the information they need and deserve to make free and informed decisions about their work.” "App-based employment should not be excluded from the important protections that the labor movement has fought for to ensure the health and safety of Colorado workers," said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. "Over 60 percent of Denver delivery app drivers rely on gig work for their main source of income. Our bill will provide wage transparency to workers, ensure that they receive all tips paid by consumers, establish a fair reactivation process and improve safety on the job.” HB24-1129 aims to improve wage and task transparency by requiring specific information to be shared with gig workers of delivery network companies (DNCs), providing workers with the ability to make more informed decisions about which tasks to accept. When a consumer is prompted to leave a tip for a delivery driver who is paid based on a per-delivery-task or per-transaction basis, DNCs would be required to disclose the amount of money that the consumer paid or will pay for the transaction and how much the driver received or will receive for the transaction. It would also require the DNC to pay the entire tip to the driver. Before a driver who is paid based on a per-delivery-task or per-transaction basis accepts a delivery task, DNCs would be required to disclose to the driver: An estimated or actual amount the driver will earn for the task, including the tip or reimbursement amounts, The number of transactions involved in the task, The address(es) of the food, beverages, or other goods must be picked up from, The direction from where the driver is required to pick up the goods and the location where goods must be delivered, The estimated or actual time it will take for the driver to complete the task, and The estimated or actual distance the driver will travel for the task. If a driver is paid for a block of time for multiple deliveries, DNCs would be required to disclose the following before the driver accepts a task: The minimum amount the DNC will pay the driver for completing deliveries during the specific block of time, The direction from where the driver is located and where the driver must pick up and deliver the products, The estimated or actual distance required to travel to complete the deliveries, Clear information on which products need to be delivered within specific time windows, and The number of items required to be delivered. The bill would also require DNCs to share data with the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics about driver payments and deactivations, delivery tasks, and other information that will be made publicly available. The bill also requires a DNC to develop and maintain an account deactivation policy that clearly establishes procedures for deactivating a driver from the platform, allows a driver to request a reconsideration and ensures a driver is not penalized for failing to respond to a delivery task offer. A 2022 report about Denver gig workers found that most gig workers earn $5.49 per hour after expenses. Denver’s 2022 minimum wage was $15.87. The report also found that DoorDash drivers only made $1.23 per hour, and none of the surveyed platforms had hourly wages that surpassed $9. Previous Next

Legislation would update the 83-year-old Colorado Labor Peace Act to increase wages and strengthen the middle class < Back February 5, 2026 Worker Protection Act Passes Committee DENVER, CO — The Worker Protection Act passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today by a vote of 8-5. HB26-1005 is sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon. “Affordability is two-sided, it’s about making sure families can pay rent, buy groceries, and pay their bills, but it’s also about purchasing power and how much workers are paid,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “The research is clear: unionized workers earn more than their non-union workers in the same industry. Since the New Deal, unions have grown our economy, increased wages and created jobs. Strengthening the right to form a union will help build an economy where working people have a fair shot to thrive. This bill equips working people with the right to negotiate for better wages and a brighter future for themselves and their families.” “Unions uplift working people, boost wages, grow our middle class, strengthen our economy and help families build wealth,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Colorado Democrats are standing up for workers to strengthen their right to collective bargaining. The second election sets up an intentional hurdle for workers to form a union in Colorado. The Worker Protection Act would secure our workers’ right to form and sustain a union that helps them negotiate for better working conditions, pay and benefits.” The Worker Protection Act ( HB26-1005 ) updates the Colorado Labor Peace Act to make it easier for workers to negotiate a union security clause in the collective bargaining process. Currently, Colorado labor law requires two elections for workers seeking to form a union and collect dues: one that meets the federal standard set by the National Labor Relations Act and a second election which must be won by a supermajority approval of at least 75 percent of those who vote, or 50 percent plus one of all employees eligible to vote, whichever is greater. This process creates a uniquely high threshold for workers to achieve the right to negotiate with their employers. Union member density in Colorado is below the national average of 9.9 percent. Based on 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Colorado’s union membership was 7.7 percent, far behind other states with free bargaining laws, including Minnesota (14.2 percent), Washington (16 percent), and California (14.5 percent). Unions strengthen economies while driving more income to working families. On average, union workers earn 10.2 percent more than non-union workers with similar jobs and qualifications. Unions also play a role in increasing wages for workers. For example, wages in states with anti-worker laws, also known as “right to work” laws, are 3.2 percent lower than in states without these laws. That translates to an average of $1,670 less per year for a full-time worker. Unions also reduce income inequality, bridge racial and gender pay gaps, and help families build wealth. Research shows that union membership is tied to larger wage gains for all workers, but union workers of color tend to experience a larger percentage of wealth gains. For example, Black working-class union families hold 4.3 times more wealth, and non-white Hispanic families hold 5.4 times more wealth compared to the median wealth for their demographics. Additionally, unions help increase homeownership. For example, working class union households are 13 percent more likely to own a home. Previous Next

< Back July 10, 2020 BILLS TO PROTECT VULNERABLE COLORADANS AND IMPROVE 9-1-1 SYSTEMS SIGNED INTO LAW Denver, CO– Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law to protect vulnerable adults, provide equal access to clinical trials for Medicaid recipients and ensure communities across the state have a reliable and modern emergency response system. SB20-129 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Kim Ransom, protects those with court-appointed guardians by ensuring they are notified about court proceedings and understand critical information relating to the case, including their rights as a respondent and the resources available to them. It requires that a court-appointed counsel be appointed to cases where an adult with diminished capacities is involved and requires the counsel submit a report to the court in writing articulating the individual’s existing support community and decision making processes and make recommendations to strengthen the individual’s support network. “Navigating through the judicial system is challenging as it is,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “Individuals with appointed guardians need help as they make huge fiscal decisions that can affect their lives for years to come, but that doesn’t mean transactions or court proceedings should happen without their knowledge or input. This law will go a long way to protect at-risk individuals with appointed guardians.” Sponsored by Representative Susan Lontine, HB20-1302 protects at-risk adults by strengthening existing law requiring employers in Colorado to conduct a CAPS check (Colorado’s Adult Protective Services) if an employee will be directly in contact with an at-risk adult. Employers must also provide counties access to relevant records and persons to investigate potential mistreatment of at-risk adults. “If your business is to serve or work with at-risk adults, then your employees should undergo a proper background check,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver. “No one who has a record of taking advantage of or abusing a vulnerable Coloradan should be hired for a position that works directly with at-risk adults.” HB20-1232 ,sponsored by Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Representative Larry Liston, allows Medicaid patients to have their routine costs of care covered while they are participating in a clinical trial. Without this coverage guarantee for costs associated with clinical trials, Medicaid members face financial barriers to participate in these trials, leaving vulnerable Coloradans without access to new, life-saving medical treatments for rare conditions. “Increasing access to clinical trials for patients of all backgrounds is essential to closing health disparities and ensuring the safety of new treatments,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “This bill protects Medicaid recipients, often members of underrepresented or vulnerable populations, and it levels the playing field so they can equally access breakthrough medical treatments, which is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.” HB20-1293 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Rod Pelton, will provide badly needed resources to help communities upgrade their emergency response systems, especially in rural areas, to ensure all parts of the state have a modern 9-1-1 system. The bill eliminates the cap on 9-1-1 telephone charges and the fee on prepaid wireless phones as well as establishes a new, statewide 9-1-1 surcharge to support local systems. The new funding structure balances local control with state support and is critical to financing 9-1-1 system modernization efforts across the state. “In an emergency, Coloradans depend on a timely and professional response, and that response depends on a modern 9-1-1 system,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Communities across our state, and especially in rural areas, are struggling to fund badly needed upgrades to these critical systems. I’m proud we came together in a bipartisan way to help meet the needs of our communities and keep them safe.” Previous Next