< Back May 2, 2022 GOVERNOR POLIS & STATE LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL MONEY SAVING MEASURES FOR COLORADANS: PROPERTY TAX RELIEF Bipartisan legislation to provide real relief to Colorado homeowners and businesses builds upon bold work saving Coloradans money on universal preschool, putting $400 back in Coloradans’ pockets DENVER — Today, Colorado Governor Jared Polis joined Senator Chris Hansen, Senator Bob Rankin, Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, and community leaders to announce another major money saving measure: bipartisan property tax relief to save Colorado homeowners and businesses money. Colorado currently has among the lowest residential property tax rates in the country, and today’s announcement builds upon the Polis Administration’s work since day one to provide property tax relief to Coloradans and put money back in the pockets of hardworking Coloradans. “I want to make sure we leave no stone unturned to ensure Coloradans can hold on to more of their hard-earned money. This property tax relief builds on our work to save people money including healthcare savings, free preschool, and sending out $400 rebates as quickly as possible,” said Gov. Polis. “We are acting now to provide immediate relief to homeowners and business owners, help people stay in their homes, and save you money.” The property tax relief package will provide $700 million in property tax relief over two years for homeowners and businesses. These savings will help families stay in their homes and remain in the neighborhoods they’ve lived in for decades, and will reduce costs for businesses statewide. “The cost of housing is at an all-time high here in Colorado and people are feeling the pain, which is why we’re working to provide immediate property tax relief that will help families all across the state save money, ” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This property tax relief package delivers help to homeowners and businesses as property values continue to rise, and will help more families to stay in their homes, all without cutting education funding or the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive.” “With nearly every part of our state seeing rising home values, we are taking action quickly to save people money on their property taxes and housing costs,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Many small business owners won’t see their property taxes go up at all, even as their properties rise in value. This legislation will also improve the assessment process to make it more fair to taxpayers and builds on our work last year to provide property tax relief to Coloradans and make our state more affordable.” “We’re doing everything we can to put money back into people’s pockets,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Families are going to save thousands from our efforts to make housing more affordable, lower health care costs, reduce property taxes, make our tax code fairer for hardworking Coloradans, implement free universal preschool and send $400 and $800 refund checks early this September. With Colorado seeing one of the fastest job recoveries in the nation, we’re delivering on our promise to help people afford the rising cost of living by saving them money wherever we can.” Property tax relief is a part of the Polis Administration and legislature’s commitment to save Coloradans money, including saving people money on healthcare, making early childhood education and child care affordable, implementing universal preschool to help save families $4300 per year, reducing vehicle registration fees, cutting the cost of a state parks pass to $29, reducing payroll taxes, delaying any new fees on gas, and more. In a rapidly increasing real estate market, this property tax relief package, combined with the property tax reductions passed last year, will reduce property taxes for homeowners by an average of $274 in 2023 on a $500,000 home and will provide significant savings for every business in the state. Previous Next

< Back May 28, 2021 IT’S THE COLORADO COMEBACK, FOR KIDS! House advances bills to invest in early childhood education and care and provide schools with funding to make air quality improvements DENVER, CO– The House today passed two state stimulus bills to fund air quality improvement projects in public and charter schools and channel state and federal funds to support Colorado’s families by investing in our early childhood education and care providers. These bills are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bills passed the House on Second Reading. “As we work to ensure our students and educators have the resources they need to close the COVID learning gap, we have to make sure that their learning environments are adequate, comfortable, and safe,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-202. “Investing in the quality of the air our children breathe while they learn should be a basic priority, and I’m proud that we were able to provide this funding today.” “The COVID-19 pandemic forced far too many working parents, especially working moms, out of the workforce,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, sponsor of SB21-236. “This is a once in a generation investment in child care and early childhood education, and it’s just one of the many ways the legislature is working to offset the disparate impact that this economic downturn has had on women. I’m committed to providing young Colorado families with the support they need to help their children learn and grow in the critical early childhood years, all while continuing to pursue their professional goals and contribute to our economy.” SB21-202 , also sponsored by Rep. Colin Larson, would allocate $10 million for Building Excellent Schools Today grants to fund much-needed public school air quality improvement projects to improve air quality in as many public and charter school facilities as possible. Kids learn better in environments that are safe, clean, and healthy. Unfortunately, over the years, Colorado’s deferred maintenance of school facilities has grown, particularly in rural areas. These construction and capital projects will create good jobs, make long-term improvements to Colorado schools’ infrastructures, and provide safer, more constructive learning environments for students. SB21-236 , also sponsored by Rep. Tonya Van Beber, takes several steps to support child care providers and young families in Colorado. First, it creates the new innovative Employer-based Child Care Facility Grant Program and funds it with Colorado Comeback state stimulus dollars. The program would award matching grants to nonprofit, private, and government employers to retrofit and develop new, on-site or near-site, licensed child care facilities. These grants are meant to ensure that Coloradans have access to high-quality child care at their places of work as we come out of the pandemic, and would prioritize employers whose workforce earns below the area median income. The bill also sets up a framework to ensure hundreds of millions of federal dollars directed to the Child Care and Development (CCDF) fund can be spent effectively and efficiently by the Department of Human Services. These funds have already been disbursed by the federal government but require state approval to be properly implemented. SB21-236 sets up several new programs and adequately funds several others to ensure Colorado’s youngest kids, as well as their parents and early childhood professionals, can thrive. The seven programs in this category, as outlined in the bill’s fiscal note , include The Child Care Sustainability Grant Program, created in last year’s special session to provide financial support to licensed child care providers and neighborhood youth organizations that were at risk of closing their doors due to the pandemic. The bill also creates and funds several programs to foster innovation, recruit and retain educators, and support mental health wellness in the early childhood education and care sector. Previous Next

The County Commissioner Redistricting Integrity Act, sponsored by Representatives Amy Paschal and Chad Clifford, has passed the House and Senate and now heads to Governor Polis. < Back April 22, 2026 Bill to Improve County Commissioner Redistricting Heads to Governor Polis DENVER, CO – The County Commissioner Redistricting Integrity Act, sponsored by Representatives Amy Paschal and Chad Clifford, has passed the House and Senate and now heads to Governor Polis. HB26-1038 would ensure elected county commissioners do not draw their own district maps. “Our bill maintains local control while strengthening transparency and voter input in the county commissioner redistricting process,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “Elected officials should not be allowed to draw their own maps without voter input. Representative democracy matters, and this bill will help create a fairer, more equitable county commissioner redistricting process that encourages voters to weigh in.” “One thing is clear: elected officials should not be allowed to draw their own district maps without voter input,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “This bill works to strengthen public trust and input in the county commissioner redistricting process, so the voice of Colorado voters is front and center. From bills that strengthen our gold-standard elections system to HB26-1038, we’re taking steps to defend democracy in Colorado.” The County Commissioner Redistricting Integrity Act ( HB26-1038 ) would require more voter input for county commissioner redistricting. Under current law, county commissioners' maps are the only partisan political office not drawn by an independent redistricting commission. This means elected county commissioners can draw their own district maps. This bill would require the independent county commissioner redistricting commission to create and make available a competitiveness formula for public comment. HB26-1038 upholds local control by allowing the board of county commissioners to appoint members to the independent redistricting committee and instruct them to create one or multiple maps to be selected by majority vote. Additionally, the board of county commissioners may reject a district map that does not meet statutory requirements. The board of county commissioners also retains the ability to remove members from the independent redistricting commission if they are disruptive or insufficiently engaged. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for emergency reproductive health care. < Back May 14, 2025 Signed! New Law Will Strengthen Emergency Protections for Reproductive Health Care DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for emergency reproductive health care. “The people of Colorado deserve safe and accessible access to abortion and miscarriage care without exception, especially when lives are at stake in emergency situations,” said Gonzales. “We owe it to all Coloradans, and particularly the Coloradans most negatively impacted by barriers to reproductive care, to ensure that emergency care is always granted, no questions asked.” “The Trump administration has deeply eroded federal protections for reproductive health care, and it’s our responsibility to protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant people in Colorado,” said Froelich. “Our law ensures that emergency providers have the clarity they need to do their job and save lives – just have they have done since 1986. Our legislation rules out all ambiguity so pregnant people can receive the life-saving emergency care they need, including an abortion.” "In response to near total abortion bans in other states, the U.S. Supreme Court has so far done nothing, and the Trump administration has decided not to even ask it to try," said Weissman. "As a part of our efforts to protect Coloradans’ fundamental freedoms in volatile times, it is imperative that we clarify in state law to patients and providers alike that emergency care in Colorado will remain comprehensive and accessible." “Our state has been a leader in abortion care because Coloradans understand that access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care saves lives,” said Zokaie. “As the federal EMTALA law crumbles under the Trump administration, this law stands up to protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant patients. In states where reproductive health care is restricted, pregnant people are being denied emergency abortion or miscarriage care until it’s too late; we won't let that happen in Colorado.” SB25-130 ensures emergency access for pregnant people who need abortion or miscarriage care without discrimination based on financial need or the type of care required. It also creates clarity for providers by defining employment protections for individual health care providers, treatment log requirements, guidelines for transfers and discharges. The federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a nearly 40-year-old law that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment, including abortion and miscarriage care regardless of ability to pay. However, the Supreme Court is allowing states to deny pregnant people abortion care in life-threatening emergencies by sending cases back to lower courts. In response to threats to these federal protections, this new law will ensure that life-saving emergency care will remain protected in Colorado. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to strengthen protections for Colorado’s mobile home park residents. < Back April 11, 2024 Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Mobile Home Park Residents Advances DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to strengthen protections for Colorado’s mobile home park residents. HB24-1294, sponsored by Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Elizabeth Velasco, would improve accessibility, strengthen guardrails in rent-to-own contracts, and update tenant protections. “It was clear that residents living in mobile home parks did not have enough legal protections, which is why we’ve made significant improvements over the years to Colorado’sMobile Home Park Act,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “We’re continuing that work to improve the health, safety and financial protections for mobile home park residents by ensuring that both parties in a rent-to-own agreement are informed of their rights and responsibilities. This legislation helps to keep mobile home parks affordable, empowers our neighbors to stay in their homes and works to improve access to clean water.” “To support our neighbors living in mobile home parks, this bill improves language accessibility and housing security,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Our bill would improve equity by requiring important information such as a water boil notice, to be communicated in both English and Spanish. We’re also working toward closing gaps in current law that would expand tenancy and rent protections and require more transparency for rent-to-own contracts. Keeping mobile home parks safe and affordable is the right thing to do for our communities and supports Coloradans living in affordable communities across our state.” HB24-1294 would close some of the remaining gaps in the Mobile Home Park Act that have left some park residents vulnerable to displacement and financial harm. Specifically, this bill would update owner and landlord responsibilities, strengthen tenant protections, ensure important park notices and meetings are accessible to Spanish speakers, and clarify the conditions of the sale of mobile homes and parks. The bill also establishes clear provisions for rent-to-own contracts by ensuring that both parties in a “rent to own” agreement are informed of their rights and responsibilities, such as the steps to exercise a purchase option, and the refundability of payments in the event a tenancy terminates prematurely. To improve accessibility, this bill would require that parkwide meetings, and written notices of potential evictions or rent increases, are communicated and accessible in both English and Spanish. Additionally, this bill would clarify the circumstances when park residents are protected against rent increases. Colorado Democrats have passed landmark legislation in recent years to strengthen protections for mobile home residents by improving water quality in mobile home parks ( HB23-1257 ), expanding protections provided under the Mobile Home Park Act (HB22-1287 ), and creating a pathway for residents to purchase the land under their mobile home ( HB20-1201 ). Previous Next

The Department of Local Affairs recently awarded $780,000 through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program to rural Colorado communities to boost local economies and support small business owners. < Back June 19, 2025 Democratic Lawmakers Celebrate Funding to Boost Rural Economies COLORADO – The Department of Local Affairs recently awarded $780,000 through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program to rural Colorado communities to boost local economies and support small business owners. “As a former educator, I’m grateful for this REDI program funding that will help connect San Luis Valley residents with professional development training and boost the educator workforce,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “From staffing quality educators in our schools to creating a skilled workforce for small businesses, these dollars will have a significant impact on rural communities.” Rep. Martinez’s district received nearly $175,000 in funds, including: Over $134,000 to the City of Alamosa Little Learners Early Care and Learning Center to support recruitment, hands-on training and professional development. The goal is to boost the educator workforce by 50 new professionals by 2027. $15,000 to create the Saguache County Civics Lab “Launchpad” that will offer 30 paid high school internships with the purpose of developing workforce skills and boosting economic resiliency in rural Colorado. $25,000 to the San Luis Valley Economic Outreach and Engagement Project to initiate collaboration between economic development organizations in the region and provide resources for businesses to reduce employee turnover and support the long-term success of local businesses. "I’m excited to hear that Moffat and Eagle counties have received funding to boost rural economies and create good-paying jobs," said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. "I’ve proudly sponsored laws to revitalize rural business communities and support just transition for former coal communities. This funding will support our efforts to diversify rural economies and support Colorado business owners on the Western Slope.” The Moffat County Geothermal Equipment Project was awarded over $62,000 to purchase necessary equipment that will help expand operations and support a just transition in former coal mining communities. This will be the first dedicated geothermal drilling service in Northwest Colorado. The Town of Eagle was awarded $100,000 to fund a Business Advancement Program that will provide financial assistance to small businesses to promote growth and establish new locally-owned businesses. "As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Lyons is popular with tourists, and improving the visitor center can drive business to Lyons’ talented art community,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. "With this funding, artists can enjoy a centralized place to sell and create their art, and we can bring more attention to these skilled artists.” The Town of Lyons was awarded $16,500 to create storefronts and art creation in the Lyons Visitors Center for local artists and entrepreneurs. The funding would also allow for future expansion plans that could include workshops, an art studio and more retail space. Learn more about the REDI program here . Previous Next

< Back April 10, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES REP. HOOTON’S BILL TO STRENGTHEN RIGHTS OF MOBILE HOME OWNERS Colorado currently has over 900 mobile home parks (Apr. 10) — The House Transportation and Local Government committee voted in favor of a bill sponsored by Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder, and Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, to protect the rights of mobile home owners in mobile parks. “Colorado mobile home owners came to DORA to raise serious concerns about how park owners were treating them. The DORA report found that there is ongoing mistreatment occurring in manufactured home communities due to lack of enforcement of existing laws,” said Rep. Hooton. “In some mobile parks in Colorado, there are bad actors exploiting relatively loose regulatory structures.” The Department of Regulatory Agencies’(DORA) report on Manufactured Housing Community Owners and Managers can be found here . HB19-1309 creates a low cost and effective Mobile Home Park Act Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program within the Department of Local Affairs Housing Division. It also provides counties the same permissive authority that home-rule municipalities have to enact and enforce regulations. “In rural communities, affordable housing is at a premium and mobile home parks are an essential part of the solution to our housing crisis,” said Rep. McCluskie. “But we have concerns about what is happening at these parks. I am proud to bring forward a bill to put in place a dispute resolution process for effectively and peacefully resolving conflicts.” In addition, HB19-1309 extends the time a homeowner has to sell or move from their home after an eviction from 48 hours to 60 days, and extends the time to cure a late payment from five days to ten days. Approximately 100,000 Coloradans live in mobile homes, many of them within the state’s over 900 mobile home parks. Currently, the only recourse a homeowner of a mobile home has if they believe a park owner has violated the Colorado Mobile Home Park Act (MHPA) is to initiate a private action in civil court, which is often times too expensive for more homeowners. The Colorado Mobile Home Park Act was passed in 1985 and it lists the rights of mobile home owners and park owners, but no enforcement was ever created. The bill passed with a vote of 7-4 and now heads to the House Finance committee. Previous Next

DENVER, CO – House Democrats today passed a resolution, sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Lorena Garcia, recognizing the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision and calling for the right to an abortion to be enshrined in the Colorado constitution. < Back January 19, 2024 House Democrats Reaffirm Ongoing Commitment to Abortion Rights in Colorado DENVER, CO – House Democrats today passed a resolution , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Lorena Garcia, recognizing the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision and calling for the right to an abortion to be enshrined in the Colorado constitution. “Colorado Democrats have taken landmark steps to ramp up statewide protections for those seeking and providing abortion care,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Coloradans counted on us to expand abortion access, protect those seeking care from out of state, and defeat anti-abortion legislation in the State House. We must continue this fight to ensure our fundamental reproductive freedoms are protected for generations to come by enshrining the right to an abortion into the Colorado state constitution.” “When it comes to abortion rights, Colorado has always been a national leader,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Even before Roe v. Wade was overturned, Colorado fought hard to solidify our safe haven status for those seeking abortion care. Abortion bans disproportionately impact people of color, and enshrining abortion into the Colorado state constitution further protects our fundamental right to an abortion. Reproductive freedom is widely supported by the majority of Coloradans, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done to protect those performing and seeking abortion care in our state.” In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA). This landmark legislation updated Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and established a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. RHEA importantly enshrines the right to an abortion and other critical health care services into state law, regardless of federal bans or regulations. In 2023, Democrats passed the Safe Access to Protected Health Care Package which protects the rights of patients, providers, future health care professionals, and those assisting patients. The package also prohibits deliberate misinformation in our communities, and makes care more affordable and accessible by closing gaps in insurance coverage. Previous Next

< Back September 9, 2020 $4.8 MILLION UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LAUNCHES Critical relief funds available for struggling Coloradans in the wake of COVID-19 DENVER, CO – Today, state lawmakers and Energy Outreach Colorado announced that $4.8 million in utility assistance for consumers is now available. HB20-1412 , sponsored by Senators Tammy Story and Rachel Zenzinger and Representatives Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter, directed the federal CARES Act funding to Energy Outreach Colorado’s Bill Payment Assistance Program to provide critical relief to those who are facing economic hardship due to COVID-19. “In the wake of COVID-19, Coloradans are facing unemployment at unprecedented rates. This in turn, is creating ripple effects across the economy and putting many people’s basic needs at risk,” said Sen. Zenzinger, D- Arvada. “And with winter barreling towards us, it is more important than ever that we protect home energy reliability. I encourage anyone that is struggling to afford their utilities to apply today!” “As temperatures swing from near 100 degrees to below freezing, many Coloradans are looking for a little help to pay their utility bills and make ends meet during this pandemic,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Energy Outreach Colorado will use the funding we allocated to help thousands of hardworking Coloradans avoid having to choose between putting food on their table or falling behind on their bills, and I urge anyone who may need help to reach out for assistance.” “Falling behind on utility bills isn’t just stressful, it’s debilitating. And unfortunately, it’s all too common for hardworking families right now,” said Sen. Story, D-Evergreen. “People need to know that their heating isn’t just going to disappear one day because they haven’t been able to make payments. That’s why we have dedicated millions to utility assistance programs– so families aren’t forced to choose between rent and their electricity.” “The need for utility assistance has never been higher, and winter is just around the corner,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “The legislation we passed set aside $4.8 million for direct utility relief for consumers. If you need help paying your utility bills, Energy Outreach can provide some assistance, especially if you haven’t been able to access other forms of relief, such as unemployment benefits or direct stimulus payments from the IRS.” In May, the General Assembly passed HB20-1412, which put $4.8 million of federal CARES Act funding towards bolstering energy assistance initiatives. Energy Outreach Colorado, a local nonprofit that leads a network of industry, state, and local partners to assist Coloradans in affording their energy needs, is working in conjunction with state officials to allocate the funds to those in need. “People are struggling to get safely through this pandemic, and EOC is committed to providing as much support and assistance as we can to relieve some of their worries,” said Jennifer Gremmert, Executive Director of EOC. To be eligible, residents must meet certain income qualifications and be currently facing a utility shortage or impending shutoff. People can apply at https://www.energyoutreach.org/programs or call 1-866-432-8435 for help. Applicants will then work directly with a caseworker at a corresponding partner agency, who will guide them through the process, determine eligibility, and authorize bill payments. Previous Next

< Back March 10, 2020 NICOTINE FLAVOR RESTRICTIONS PASS HOUSE COMMITTEE Legislation would only permit the sale of flavored nicotine products in retailers that restrict entry to those 21 years and older DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Health and Insurance today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Yadira Caraveo and Speaker KC Becker that would restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products to stores that only allow customers who are 21 years of age or older to enter. The vote was 7-3. “Flavored nicotine products are developed and targeted to our youth to get them addicted for life to dangerous chemicals,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “As a pediatrician, I’ve seen first hand how these products are harming our children and leading to long-term health conditions. Youth vaping is a public health crisis, and we need to use all the data-driven tools we have to keep these products out of our schools, classrooms and the hands of our youth.” “It sickens me when I hear my son come home from school and describe the vaping products he sees on the floor of his classroom at school and in the hands of his classmates,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “We need common sense restrictions on the sale of flavored nicotine products so that fewer Colorado children are introduced to these sleek vaping devices that are marketed towards children. We shouldn’t stand by while a predatory industry profits off the addiction of our kids to their harmful products.” HB20-1319 would ban the sale of flavored nicotine products in any store that allows entry to consumers under the age of 21. The prohibition includes flavor enhancers and any product that a responsible person would conclude has a flavor that doesn’t taste like tobacco. Violations of would incur an initial $250 fine, increasing to higher amounts with each additional violation. Flavored nicotine products are targeted at our youth. Nicotine product manufacturers know that if they can addict a young person to their products, then they will have life-time customers. By restricting access to flavored nicotine products, the state can help prevent more young people from becoming addicted to these dangerous chemicals. Previous Next

A bipartisan bill introduced today will create a new, transformational system to better connect students and workers with the resources they need for good-paying jobs. < Back March 4, 2026 Bill to Connect Coloradans to Good-Paying Jobs Introduced DENVER, CO – A bipartisan bill introduced today will create a new, transformational system to better connect students and workers with the resources they need for good-paying jobs. “For too long, Colorado has had a siloed approach to connecting workers and students with good-paying, in-demand jobs. Today, we’re unveiling a plan to create a unified department that seamlessly supports Coloradans from early learning to career readiness. Democrats and Republicans are coming together to reimagine talent pipelines to jumpstart the creation of a one-stop-shop for job seekers and students,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Learners need access to high-quality training to land good-paying jobs, but our current postsecondary talent system outside registered apprenticeships can lead to dead ends and closed doors for job-seekers and employers alike. This bill is an important step forward in better connecting workers with skills and education offered through apprenticeship programs and fostering a reliable workforce pipeline for Colorado businesses. We look forward to a meaningful process that will guide Colorado's support of apprenticeships in the years ahead,” said Jason Wardrip, Business Manager of the Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council. “Colorado is leading the way on connecting workers with the education, training, and the skills needed to get good-paying jobs and strengthen our economy. This new and more efficient consolidated department will make it easier for Coloradans to access important resources and open new doors to opportunity. I’m grateful for the leadership of Speaker McCluskie and the sponsors of this important bill for their work,” said Governor Jared Polis. “My road to higher education was anything but traditional, and flexible pathways to in-demand careers are what students like me need to prepare for life after graduation. The new unified department will be a one-stop shop for students like me to find specialized, career-focused pathways that will lead to good-paying jobs. Strong, modern, and accessible talent pathways are important because they meet students where they are to help us find the career of our dreams,” said Saige Chapin, a student at Red Rocks Community College. “Reimagining Colorado’s workforce pipelines is a win for Colorado’s businesses and our learners. No matter the stage a student might find themselves in, whether that’s graduating high school or a mid-career pivot to something new, this bipartisan bill connects eager learners with in-demand careers. Colorado businesses are looking for qualified workers, and this bill makes it easier for them to tap into talent pipelines for their next star employee,” said Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction. “This legislation specifically directs a committee to consider strategies to eliminate overlapping oversight and better coordinate programs across agencies with the goal of connecting higher education and career development through clear pathways for Coloradans looking to build a flourishing life for themselves and their families. This bill gives Colorado a more coherent and efficient framework in which students, employers and Colorado’s economy can thrive for decades to come,” said Will Simpkins, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. "Colorado students at every level move from classrooms into jobs, yet we’ve built a system that makes them navigate three different bureaucracies to get there. This new bill will bring higher education and our workforce programs together under one roof so we can align our investments, incentives, and strategy with the high skill, high wage, in demand jobs that drive our economy. We’re building a future where employers can find the talent they need to grow, and workers have a clear, connected path from learning to earning," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "RMWDA welcomes ongoing dialogue as the legislation is introduced and evolves. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute input and feedback as our membership is named as required taskforce participants. Our central focus is ensuring that structural changes support seamless access to workforce services for job seekers and employers across Colorado continue to have access to talent through Workforce Colorado Centers. We are committed to working collaboratively to maintain strong, locally responsive service delivery throughout both rural and urban communities,” said Tami Grant, President of the Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association. "Now more than ever, the State of Colorado must look at ways to streamline and improve efficiency in the delivery of services to our citizens. I’ve heard loud and clear from our business community just how critical workforce development is to Colorado’s economic success, and this policy is an important first step in removing redundant barriers to workers and employers,” said Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock. HB26-1317 is the first step toward creating a new, unified system and department for postsecondary education development. With a focus on a thoughtful, inclusive stakeholder process, this bill would establish a Transition Advisory Committee (TAC) of 26 members, including representatives from state agencies, institutions of higher education, apprenticeship programs, organized labor, local workforce centers, non-profit associations and the business community. The TAC’s recommendations will serve as the structural outline for the new department. HB26-1317 would also begin the process to unite several programs, including the Divisions of Employment and Training, Regional Talent Summit Initiatives, Plans and Opportunity Now Grants and Adult Education and Literacy Programs, among others, with a focus on education and training under one new agency. Last year, Governor Polis shared a new report outlining a robust roadmap to streamline and strengthen the way Coloradans access education, training and career support. Research shows that in the next six years, nearly three in four job openings will require some type of post-secondary credential. However, there is an attainment gap between the need for credentials and the number of Coloradans earning these skills, which is a challenge for Colorado’s economy and our learners. HB26-1317 aims to lay the groundwork to streamline more than 20 divisions, offices and units across seven state entities that deliver more than 100 programs and initiatives to create a one-stop-shop for Coloradans access to postsecondary education, training and employment. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to support older Coloradans in the workforce. < Back June 3, 2026 ICYMI: SIGNED! Bill to Support Older Coloradans in the Workforce DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to support older Coloradans in the workforce. “From specialized training to employment access, older Coloradans need workforce resources tailored to them,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Colorado’s economy works best when workers have the tools they need to succeed, and this law creates strong pathways to support older Coloradans. We’re taking steps now to ensure that older Coloradans have more opportunities to take on new roles and participate in workforce development recommendations.” “Older workers have talent, knowledge and lived experience that is vital to our growing workforce needs,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora . “With this law, we’re prioritizing the participation, representation and support of older Coloradans in the workforce. This law makes it possible for older Coloradans to have their voices heard regarding their workforce needs. When we equip workers with the resources and support they need to succeed, we can foster a stronger economy that delivers for hardworking people.” HB26-1010 will modify Colorado’s workforce policy to ensure older Coloradans have a seat at the table regarding workforce support and resources. This law prioritizes representation by requiring several commissions related to workforce development and education to have at least one member who is 55 years old or older and has experience advocating for older adults, to ensure their perspectives and needs are considered in the workforce. HB26-1010 also requires the Colorado Workforce Development Council, Commission on Aging, and others to work collaboratively to support workforce development and examine issues related to employment access, training, support and services for older adults. Older adults are one of the fastest growing segments of Colorado’s workforce, yet they often report they’re looking for upskilling opportunities and struggle to find employment. While some data is available on older adults in the workplace, there are significant gaps in reporting. HB26-1010 will require data collection and reporting of Coloradans' participation in the workforce. Previous Next