< Back May 29, 2019 EFFORT TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING MOVES FORWARD Gov. Polis signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett that would legalize sports betting in Colorado. The measure now heads to the 2019 ballot for voter approval. “Coloradans should have the option of betting on the Nuggets or the Broncos. This new funding will go toward protecting our precious water and we believe this is something everyone can support,” said Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “I also hope this measure will help stamp out black market sports betting and thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support.” HB19-1327 provides a master license to local casinos who can then contract with brick and mortar and/or internet sports betting operators to provide sports betting in Colorado. A 10 percent tax on net sports betting proceeds will be placed in a Sports Betting Fund. That fund will go towards the Water Implementation Cash Fund to support Colorado Water Plan projects that will keep our drinking water safe, our farms and ranches thriving, and keep our rivers healthy. The measure, Proposition DD, will be on the November 2019 ballot. The portion of the bill that Gov. Polis signed authorizes casinos to open in-person sports books and creates the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. The Colorado Water Conservation Board will govern the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. Some of the eligible projects for these funds are water storage and supply projects, conversation and land use projects, engagement and innovation activities, agricultural projects and environmental and recreation projects. Organizations in support of this measure are the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Colorado Municipal League, the Colorado River District, the Environmental Defense Action Fund, Western Resource Advocates, and Denver Water. The bill was sponsored by Minority Leader Patrick Neville. The Senate sponsors are Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2021 KENNEDY’S BROADBAND EXPANSION BILL ADVANCES The House Transportation and Local Government Committee today advanced a bill to help close the digital divide and fund broadband development throughout the state. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 9-1. “Access to quality internet was already a basic necessity well before COVID made us transition to online work, school, telehealth, and more,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Today we seized a unique opportunity to leverage state dollars to help bridge the digital divide and increase access to reliable internet across the state. This bill is good for businesses, good for students, good for rural Colorado and good for a sustainable economic recovery.” HB21-1289 creates the Colorado Broadband Office and grant programs in various departments to support broadband infrastructure development. It provides $75M to increase internet access across Colorado through the deployment of devices, and the development of middle and last mile infrastructure to support services that have become a necessity during the pandemic, like telehealth. The bill specifically includes $20M for broadband deployment by the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Tribes. Previous Next

< Back March 8, 2019 REP. ROBERTS’ BILL ON WINTER DRIVING CLEARS PASS(AGE) (Mar. 8) – The House floor gave preliminary approval today to a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts to increase safety and efficiency on our roads by updating and revising language in statutes for motor vehicles driving the I-70 mountain corridor. “Given the recent record snowfall, this is a very appropriate day and week for this bill. Many drivers are not prepared for the winter driving conditions on I-70 and that leads to crashes, spin-outs, and closures along the I-70 mountain corridor – especially during winter months,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Closures due to unprepared drivers on I-70 cause traffic and can hurt our economy on the Western Slope and across Colorado.” This bill gives state patrol more leeway to control the traffic during winter months. “We want to make sure drivers are prepared to drive on I-70 during winter conditions for the safety of themselves and the safety of others, ” said Rep. Roberts added. HB19-1207 updates current statutes to reflect modern traction technology and traction options. It sets minimum standards for tires being used in the winter in the mountain corridor. It also defines the I-70 mountain corridor by mileposts and sets out clear standards for the timeframe for traction equipments requirements. The heightened traction standards would be in effect from September 1 through May 31 of each year and apply to travel between milepost 133 (Dotsero) and milepost 259 (Morrison). HB19-1207 received preliminary passage on the House floor by a voice vote. It still requires a final vote before clearing the final pass in the House and moving to the Senate. Previous Next

The Transportation Legislation Review Committee today advanced bills to improve air quality, make Colorado’s transit systems more accessible for people with disabilities, and help communities create long-term transit goals. < Back September 25, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Transportation Interim Committee Advances Bills to Increase Transit Options, Improve Accessibility DENVER, CO – The Transportation Legislation Review Committee today advanced bills to improve air quality, make Colorado’s transit systems more accessible for people with disabilities, and help communities create long-term transit goals. “We’ve spent the summer hearing from statewide transit professionals, environmental groups, community members, and disability advocacy organizations to give us a well-rounded picture of the transportation issues our communities are facing, and I am excited with the policy solutions we advanced today on these issues,” said Vice Chair Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of Bills 2 and 6. “From improving transit accessibility to expanding transportation options in our neighborhoods, our committee is focusing on solutions that will have a positive impact on all Coloradans so people can safely get where they need to go in a way that works for them.” “For years, lawmakers, local governments, and transportation advocates have been working to expand transportation options that decrease our reliance on cars,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, sponsor of Bills 2, 4, 5, and 6. “This year’s slate of bills developed by the Transportation Legislation Review Committee will help support transformative transit projects that will make travel throughout Colorado faster, safer, and more efficient. From increasing transportation options and enhancing safety measures for vulnerable road users and rail systems to improving paratransit services, we’re on the road to a transit future that serves the needs of all Coloradans.” Bill 2 would require the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), metropolitan planning organizations, and certain transit providers and local governments to create and implement plans that would expand transportation services for Coloradans. In developing those plans, it would require CDOT to present a statewide mode choice assessment to the Transportation Legislation Review Committee, the Transportation Commission, and the Colorado Energy Office with recommendations for some of these targets for future years. “Coloradans want transportation options, and our bills could help us find ways to cater transit expansion to meet the unique needs of our communities and improve road safety infrastructure to protect all road users, not just drivers,” said Rep. Steph Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bill 2 and 4. “Strategies to decrease road accidents, like protected bike lanes, have proven to work and make our roads safer for vulnerable road users. I’m excited that we’re one step closer to increasing mass transit options, improving bike lanes, and making other transportation improvements to help us reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.” “Multimodal transportation options like pedestrian infrastructure and bike lanes can save lives by getting vulnerable road users off of dangerous roads,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of Bills 2 and 5. “With new funding, local governments will be able to implement safety infrastructure projects that will decrease vehicle accidents and make our streets safer for every Coloradan. Additionally, I’m proud to sponsor new legislation to increase rail safety by making investigative reports of railroads available to the public. Greater transparency around railroad’s safety information will help ensure any problems are brought to light and, ultimately, resolved.” Bill 4 would allow local governments to impose registration fees on light trucks and passenger cars to fund transportation safety improvements for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. “From biking to work to running for exercise, Coloradans deserve safe streets to walk and ride,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of Bill 4. “By advancing this bill today, we’re closer to allowing local governments to secure more funding for their communities to better protect cyclists, pedestrians, and other people on the road.” “Whether in a car, on foot or on a bike, every Coloradan deserves to move around our state safely and efficiently,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of Bill 4. “Local governments have led the way in creating safe infrastructure for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, but they need our support to further expand these safety initiatives. I’m excited to continue to work alongside local leaders and transportation advocates to ensure we’re building infrastructure that keeps every Coloradan safe, regardless of their preferred transportation mode.” To improve transparency in railroad safety, Bill 5 would repeal a requirement to keep investigative reports of railroads confidential allowing public inspection of critical safety information. The Public Utilities Commission would still be able to make certain ongoing investigations and security information confidential. “We’re making substantial progress in railroad transportation and safety in Colorado, and we all benefit from transparency of our rail systems,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of Bill 5. “Under our new bill, more details in investigative reports would be available to the public to help us better identify areas of improvement so we can create a safer transit system for Coloradans.” Aiming to create more accessible transit options, Bill 6 would create the Paratransit Task Force to make recommendations on standards and best practices for paratransit services. The bill would also require certain transit providers to coordinate with disability advocates on how to improve paratransit services, including providing accessible fare payment technology and consulting with impacted community members before reducing services. “Certain disabilities make it difficult to drive a car, bike, or walk, and public transit is often the best option to get around,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of Bills 5 and 6. “Our transit providers have made changes to make it easier for Coloradans with disabilities to access our buses and trains, but there is always room for improvement. Our bills will help ensure Colorado’s disabled community has a voice in transit decisions and improve transparency in railroad investigations to create more inclusive and safe transit options for all.” The committee also approved one additional bill. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

After Republicans in Congress slashed corporate taxes when they passed the GOP budget bill, Democrats are back at the Capitol to responsibly address this crisis with a balanced approach that closes corporate tax loopholes, cuts spending where possible, and uses some of the state’s budget to protect the core services people rely on. < Back August 21, 2025 Bills Introduced to Close Corporate Tax Loopholes and Protect Access to Services to Responsibly Close Budget Deficit Caused by GOP’s Corporate Tax Cuts DENVER, CO – After Republicans in Congress slashed corporate taxes when they passed the GOP budget bill, Democrats are back at the Capitol to responsibly address this crisis with a balanced approach that closes corporate tax loopholes, cuts spending where possible, and uses some of the state’s budget to protect the core services people rely on. “We’re back because Trump and Washington Republicans’ big ugly budget, which any one of the GOP members of our Congressional delegation could have stopped, gave corporations massive tax cuts that blew a billion dollar hole in our budget,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We will take a balanced approach that closes corporate tax loopholes, responsibly cuts some spending, and uses some of the rainy-day savings Democrats have built up over the last few years to address this crisis and protect funding for health care, roads and education.” “The GOP’s federal budget handed out a billion dollars of corporate tax breaks while making life more expensive for everyone else through higher health costs, energy costs, and grocery costs,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “Coloradans cannot afford the impacts of the GOP budget, which is why we’re back at the Capitol standing up for Colorado families, listening to those on the frontlines of providing services, and working to maximize every dollar. We’re working on a balanced, responsible response to the budget shortfall that will close corporate tax loopholes and protect services that Coloradans rely on rather than the interests of corporations.” “With nearly 80 percent of the tax breaks in Trump’s bill benefiting corporations, it only makes sense to close corporate tax loopholes and help preserve education, health care and public safety,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Coloradans shouldn't lose funding for the core services people rely on to protect corporations who just got $1 billion in tax cuts from Trump and the GOP Congress. The GOP budget hurts vulnerable people the most, including veterans, people with disabilities, and people of color, which is why we are cracking down on offshore tax havens and special interest tax breaks to protect the core services Coloradans rely on to get ahead and thrive.” “Trump and the Congressional Republicans’ big tax bill lets corporations dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes that they owe Colorado to help pay for essentials like health care, schools, and roads,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “While they put corporations and the wealthiest Americans first, we’re choosing the hardworking people of Colorado by closing corporate tax loopholes, protecting essential services, and prioritizing consumer protections during this special session.” Closing Corporate Tax Loopholes HB25B-1003 repeals special corporate tax breaks for insurance companies with a “Regional Home Office”: Under current law, insurance companies with a headquarters/regional home office (RHO) in Colorado can take a special tax break that allows them to pay a lower tax rate. To qualify, 2.5 percent of an insurer’s domestic workforce must be located in Colorado. While intended to incentivize job creation in the insurance industry in Colorado, the State Auditor found in March 2025 that the tax credit is not achieving this goal, and most insurance companies have actually eliminated jobs while claiming this special interest tax break that only exists for them. The bill would repeal this corporate tax break. HB25B-1002 cracks down on foreign tax havens, offshore bank accounts, and tax loopholes for US companies that dodge Colorado taxes with foreign assets: Expand the list of foreign tax havens: Colorado applies extra scrutiny to companies incorporated in common tax havens like the Cayman Islands and Panama, requiring these companies to still pay Colorado taxes unless they can prove they are legitimately operating in the foreign country (see HB21-1311 ). Updated information about international tax avoidance has indicated additional countries used for this purpose, and the bill applies the extra scrutiny to these countries. No Colorado tax breaks for companies investing in other states: Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for the wealthy created a special tax break for multinational businesses that keep their intangible assets in the US, including patents, software, and trademarks. As a federal credit, the majority of claims are from corporations whose assets aren’t even located in Colorado. If the state allows the changes to apply to Colorado taxes as well, it would give a larger Colorado tax break to corporations for investments in other states. The bill would decouple the state from this federal credit entirely. HB25B-1004 allows companies to pre-pay taxes / sells tax credits: This bill would allow an auction of a limited amount of future tax credits. Companies that buy the tax credits would effectively pre-pay a portion of their future taxes now, at a small discount, creating savings and flexibility for them while helping to fill the revenue hole created by H.R. 1 for the state. This was done in HB20-1413 to raise money for CLIMBER small business loans. Several of the tax giveaways in H.R. 1, such as the changes to business depreciation rules, are retroactive or front-loaded to have a much bigger impact in the current fiscal year (2025-26) than future years; allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now partially offsets this effect. HB25B-1001 limits tax breaks for higher earning businesses: Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for the wealthy allowed certain business owners to deduct (not pay taxes on) 20 percent of “qualified business income” (QBI) through 2025. The QBI deduction applies to pass-through businesses, such as partnerships, S corporations, and real estate investment trusts. H.R. 1 made this deduction permanent and made some modifications. In 2020, Colorado decoupled from this federal tax change for business owners with incomes over $500,000 per year (or $1 million per year for joint filers), maintaining that they still needed to pay taxes on all of their business income ( HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 ). The bill for the special session makes Colorado’s decoupling permanent; without taking action, the decoupling is currently scheduled to expire after 2025. HB25-1005 ends subsidies for collecting sales taxes by modernizing sales tax collection: Retailers and other companies that collect sales tax are currently allowed to retain a portion of that state sales tax, which was originally intended to cover the costs of collecting and remitting the tax. Currently, vendors can retain 4 percent of the sales tax they collect. Nowadays, electronic point-of-sale technology is ubiquitous even for small vendors, and it cheaply and easily automates the collection and payment of state sales tax. Since this burden has gone away, the bill would repeal this subsidy – about one cent on every $10 of sales. Preserving Access to Services SB25B-002 restores access to health care for Medicaid recipients at Planned Parenthood : H.R. 1 immediately removed Planned Parenthood from the federal Medicaid program, forcing PPRM providers to cancel thousands of appointments. Weeks later, a Temporary Restraining Order reversed this federal prohibition, though the issue is still working its way through the courts. This bill authorizes state-funded reimbursement to Planned Parenthood for certain services, including cancer screenings, birth control consultations, and STI checks. SB25B-003 preserves SNAP funding by adjusting Healthy School Meals for All ballot question: The GOP budget cuts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and hundreds of thousands of recipients may now lose access to food. This bill would amend the language of a ballot measure ( HB25-1274 ) that will be put before the voters this November. If it passes, it will allow funds raised for the Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) program to be used to support SNAP, so long as the HSMA program is fully funded first. Making Responsible Decisions for Colorado’s Fiscal Future SB25B-001 updates spending reduction processes during revenue shortfalls: Under current law, the Governor has broad unilateral authority to suspend programs and services during a revenue shortfall via executive order. The bill would require the Governor to notify the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) of executive orders to reduce spending and requires the JBC to promptly meet to discuss the plan. The bill balances the authority between the Governor and the General Assembly by ensuring the JBC is involved in decision-making processes early on and by adding guardrails to the executive branch’s existing authority to help ensure that they continue to meet and implement legislative directives. The bill would also update the required spending reduction triggers to more accurately reflect economic pressures and the current status of the reserve, which Democrats have worked to build up to 15 percent since the COVID pandemic when it fell below 4 percent. In addition to the triggers in existing law, the bill adds that if a regular quarterly revenue estimate indicates that the state needs to use an amount of the reserve equal to 2 percent of the general fund appropriations for that fiscal year (e.g. around $330 million for FY26), the Governor must take action to reduce spending. Previous Next

< Back February 6, 2020 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO END PRISON GERRYMANDERING Bill would ensure the Census Bureau counts people in prison as residents of their home communities DENVER, CO — The Colorado Accurate Residence for Redistricting Act, sponsored by Representatives James Coleman and Kerry Tipper, today passed the House by a vote of 38-23. The bill would count people in prison as residents of their home communities for the purpose of state redistricting, ending the practice of counting those individuals as residents of the localities where the corrections facilities are. “Today, the House voted in favor of democratic representation and a more just count,” said Rep. Tipper (D-Lakewood). “I’m thankful for my colleagues who joined Rep. Coleman and I in supporting this legislation. Accurate redistricting is essential for the health of our democracy, and this bill will help ensure that districts are drawn in a way that reflects the Colorado value of fair representation.” “An accurate census count and fair district maps are good for our democracy and good for Colorado,” said Rep. Coleman (D-Denver) . “Coloradans want a more just political system, and that’s what we’ve set out to do. I’m pleased that the House has approved this commonsense bill.” HB20-1010 would, for purposes of census redistricting counts, reassign prisoners in correctional facilities to their last known residence in Colorado prior to incarceration. Only in the instance that a prisoner does not have a Colorado address, do they get counted in the locality where the prison is located. Prisoners are currently assigned to voting districts based on where they are incarcerated instead of in the communities where their lives are rooted, even though they cannot vote while in prison. This bill would not have an effect on how the census guides the distribution of federal funds in Colorado. Per the Colorado Constitution—which declares that a prison cell is not a residence—people in prison are legal constituents of their home address representatives and not the correctional facility where they have been placed. Additionally, the average length of stay in Colorado prisons is three years , while redistricting guidelines last an entire decade. Other states including Maryland, New York, Washington, Delaware and California have passed legislation to address prison gerrymandering. HB20-1010 was approved by the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee on January 30 and passed the House on second reading yesterday. It now heads to the Senate for introduction in that chamber. ### Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2020 GOV. POLIS AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT ON THE DISBURSEMENT OF FEDERAL CARES ACT FUNDS TO IMMEDIATELY RESPOND TO THE COVID-19 HEALTH AND ECONOMIC CRISIS DENVER – Governor Jared Polis, in collaboration with legislative leadership, announced today the allocation of $1.674 billion in federal funds from the CARES Act that will immediately support the State’s robust response to the COVID-19 crisis as well as key investments needed for economic recovery. “COVID-19 has taken the lives of too many Coloradans and disrupted our way of life, and this has been a very challenging time for our entire state. I am grateful for the support we have received from the federal government, but there will still be hardship ahead. This immediate disbursement ensures that no Coloradan has to go without a hospital bed when they need one, that the state can continue to scale up testing and containment, and protect our most vulnerable. It allows parents to return to work by ensuring that our schools have needed resources to adapt to our new reality and helps our frontline local governments in their coronavirus response. My administration is working closely in a bipartisan way with the federal delegation and legislative leadership to do everything in our power to help Coloradans overcome this generational challenge. The steps we are taking now will allow us to increase much needed economic activity in our state,” s aid Gov. Polis. “This agreement quickly channels over $1.6 billion directly to our school districts, universities and local governments to help them retain first responders, support our health care workforce, protect our veterans and seniors and rapidly expand contact tracing so we can safely restart our economy. Schools and universities can use it to help them prepare for the fall so parents can go back to work and we can rebuild our workforce. I look forward to the bipartisan work ahead to allocate the remaining funds and pass legislation that helps Coloradans and small businesses get through this crisis.” Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “The CARES Act funding is an indispensable lifeline for our state––helping us ease the immediate economic and public health pains caused by COVID-19. But it’s nowhere near enough in terms of recovery,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia. “As members of the legislature, we will continue working hard alongside the Governor and the Joint Budget Committee to protect Coloradans during this challenging time. However we need Congress to do much more, especially for those communities like mine in Pueblo that the CARES Act explicitly left behind.” Governor Polis signed an Executive Order today authorizing the following transfers: For Medical expenses and Public health expenses incurred or expected to be incurred in the State’s Disaster Emergency Fund, $48 million transferred for FY 2019-20 and $157 million set-aside for FY 2020-21. This includes amounts expected to be distributed to local public health agencies for COVID-19 response. For Expenditures to comply with public health measures pertaining to maintaining veterans living facilities, State prisons and other State facilities with congregate care , including sanitation and effectively implementing social distancing measures , $2 million transferred for FY 2019-20 and $8 million set-aside for FY 2020-21. These funds will be available to improve the safety of our prisons, veterans living facilities, youth services centers, and mental health facilities. For Expenditures incurred to respond to second-order effects of the emergency, including caseload increases for at-risk pupils and human services programs during the COVID-19-driven recession, $2 million transferred for FY 2019-20 and $57 million set aside for FY 2020-21. For Expenses to respond to second-order effects of the emergency, including payments for emergency rental and mortgage assistance, as well as additional direct assistance where appropriate, for individuals that have been economically impacted by COVID-19, with preference given to individuals that are ineligible for other forms of assistance such as unemployment insurance, food benefits, or direct federal stimulus payments, $10 million transferred for FY 2019-20. For Expenses associated with the provision of economic support in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency, including payments to stimulate the economy by supporting Colorado’s workforce with school-aged children, $500 million transferred to local school districts and proportionally by student population to the Charter School Institute and the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and $25,000 to each Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) in the state for a total of $510 million above the Constitutionally required state share of public school finance to increase free instructional hours for our kindergarten through 12th grade education system while complying with COVID-19 public health orders, including facilitating distance learning and social distancing for in-person contact hours, and mitigating lost learning, and $450 million transferred to public institutions of higher education to increase student retention and completions, given Colorado’s critical shortage of skilled workforce. For Payroll expenses and other necessary State expenditures for public safety, public health, health care, human services, and similar employees whose services are substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency , $85 million set aside for FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21, including at the Office of the State Controller for expenses related to accounting for and monitoring the use of federal funds related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Expenses of local governments that did not receive a direct distribution of funds in the CARES Act to facilitate compliance with COVID-19-related public health measures , $275 million for FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21. These resources will support local communities both directly, as funds flow from State agencies to local partners, and indirectly. A significant portion of the allocation for the public health response will flow directly to local county public health agencies to ensure we have a robust statewide response through testing and contact tracing. In addition to these funds, our local communities are receiving significant federal resources, including $125 million to Colorado communities from the Department of Health and Human Services, more than $16 million in Community Development Block Grants, $8 million in Community Services Block Grants, and an estimated $30 million to local governments for COVID-19 testing. In addition to these funds, the state of Colorado has already received or is expected to receive, several direct transfers to fulfill critical needs including $2.25 million and as much as $8 million for crisis counseling and mental health support, $15.4 million in LEAP funds to help Coloradans pay their home heating bills, and $9.1 million in Byrne Justice Assistance grants to support local law enforcement adopt to COVID-19. The administration looks forward to engaging with the legislature on how to best serve Coloradans with these funds. The Governor sent a letter to the legislature today. The remaining $70 million in unallocated funds will be transferred to the General Fund for appropriations for when the legislative session resumes. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Rebekah Stewart that would allow Prop KK revenue to fund community-based behavioral health services for military members, veterans, and their families. HB25-1132 passed by a vote of 41-20, with nearly every Republican voting against the bill. < Back March 4, 2025 Colorado Democrats Pass Bill to Increase Behavioral Health Funding for Veterans, Military Families DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Rebekah Stewart that would allow Prop KK revenue to fund community-based behavioral health services for military members, veterans, and their families. HB25-1132 passed by a vote of 41-20, with nearly every Republican voting against the bill. “As a member of the Air Force, I have seen firsthand how military veterans and their families can struggle to access proper health care for their behavioral health issues ,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “Voters approved Prop KK, boosting funding for crime victim programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health crisis services just like the one this bill funds. Military members and veterans desperately need quality health care, and this legislation seeks to boost lifesaving behavioral health support for Colorado heroes and their loved ones by implementing the will of the voters.” “Far too many military members and veterans suffer from debilitating PTSD, anxiety, and other behavioral health struggles that impact their day-to-day life without the proper treatment ,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “The legislation we’re passing today better allows Colorado to fund community behavioral health programs and other beneficial services, improving access to the behavioral health care that veterans and their families deserve.” HB25-1132 would use Proposition KK revenue to fund non-profit organizations that establish and expand community behavioral health programs for military service members, veterans, and their families. These organizations must meet the following requirements to receive grant funding: Provides local behavioral health services to service members, veterans, and their families, Utilizes evidence-based practices, Trains staff on military cultural competency, and Has established and verifiable community partnerships to deliver behavioral health services for service members, veterans, and their families. The bill also allows reimbursement for services that help address behavioral health struggles. Health care professionals would be required to provide at least four health care sessions to each veteran they accept as a client in order to qualify for reimbursement. Colorado Democrats passed a law referring a ballot measure to voters in the November 2024 election that would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors to fund the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund, Behavioral Health Administration, and school safety efforts. Nearly 54.5 percent of Colorado voters approved Prop KK to bolster crime victim support and behavioral health programs. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2022 BILL TO REDUCE YOUTH RECIDIVISM, PREVENT CRIME PASSES COMMITTEE HB22-1003 is part of Colorado Democrats’ public safety package DENVER, CO – HB22-1003, which would improve public safety and prevent juvenile justice involvement by providing resources to community-based violence and dropout prevention programs, passed the House Judiciary Committee today by a vote of 7-4. “This session, we’re going to make smart investments to reduce recidivism and address the root causes of the pandemic-induced crime that is impacting our community and communities across the country,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This bill will provide over $4 million to expand proven programs across Colorado that reduce crime by giving youth access to the services and support they need.” “The pandemic has put enormous strain on our communities with instability from a lack of housing, access to behavioral health and job opportunities leading to a rise in crime across the country,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “I’m proud we’ll be providing resources to the critical programs in our communities that we know are effective at preventing children and youth from becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The bill focuses on children and youth support and interventions, and services to prevent children and youth from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place.” HB22-1003 , sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program. The program would award two-year grants to local governments, American Indian Tribes, school districts, charter schools and nonprofit organizations to fund projects that prevent crime among youth. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a community-based response involving collaboration with multiple agencies to reduce crime. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill to support workforce development in Colorado. HB24-1365, sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens, and Senator Jeff Bridges would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. < Back June 7, 2024 SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado's Workforce Becomes Law GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill to support workforce development in Colorado. HB24-1365 , sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens, and Senator Jeff Bridges would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. “Over the years, Opportunity Now grants have sparked job growth and supported rural and mountain communities like in Northwestern Colorado,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “As we build new roads, bridges, businesses, and affordable housing – the demand for highly-skilled construction only increases. This bipartisan law outlines the final round of grant funding while addressing the need in the construction and building trades as they strengthen our communities. Our new law will save Coloradans money as they pursue good-paying jobs in the construction industry and fill critical workforce shortages.” “Opportunity is a core Colorado value, and every Coloradan should have the opportunity to earn a good life," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "That opportunity often starts with a good education, one that's aligned with good-paying jobs in a person's community. Making sure what schools teach matches what businesses need is exactly what the Opportunity Now grant does, leading to better wages for workers, a well-trained workforce for our employers, and a stronger Colorado economy for everyone." HB24-1365 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, supports the fourth and final round of the successful Opportunity Now Colorado grants. The goal of this law is to connect more Coloradans with in-demand, high-wage careers, specifically in the construction, infrastructure and building trades. This law also creates the Regional Talent Summit Grant Program that connects Coloradans to in-demand careers in their communities and offers a workforce shortage tax credit to upgrade training facilities and equipment. By leveraging federal investments outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and othe rs, it provides the opportunity to train workers in new, emerging fields. The Opportun ity Now grant program has awarded $27 million to 46 grantees representing 145 businesses and 78 education partners in 38 different industries. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Tim Hernández that would provide support for K-12 justice-engaged students by establishing a Student Bill of Rights, collecting graduation data, setting standards for credit transfers, and creating a hotline for legal and educational resources. HB24-1216 passed by a vote of 45-18. < Back April 30, 2024 Bill to Support Justice-Engaged Youth Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Tim Hernández that would provide support for K-12 justice-engaged students by establishing a Student Bill of Rights, collecting graduation data, setting standards for credit transfers, and creating a hotline for legal and educational resources. HB24-1216 passed by a vote of 45-18. “Ensuring that all Colorado youth have access to quality education is a priority, which is why we’re bringing this legislation to better support our justice-engaged youth,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our legislation would reduce recidivism by creating a Student Bill of Rights that prioritizes and ensures student success. This bill would allow us to better serve our students by giving them the tools and resources to develop the skills they need to graduate, move on to postsecondary education opportunities, and build a thriving career.” “I’ve had students who were involved in the juvenile justice system, and it can be difficult to be successful in school after becoming justice-engaged,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “This bill has the potential to help change their educational trajectories by connecting students and their families with legal and educational resources, expediting the re-enrollment of students back into school, and ensuring they can participate in extracurricular activities. These student rights are instrumental in developing agency and a sense of self for all young people, and through this bill, we’ll position our young people to forge strong futures for themselves.” HB24-1216 would establish rights for students who are involved in the juvenile justice system, including the right to alternative solutions for general education, prompt enrollment with a local education provider, appropriate credit for coursework that was completed while being justice-engaged, a graduation plan, education while committed, and participation in gifted and talented and college readiness programs. The bill requires school districts to publish available resources on their websites and designate a person to serve as a point of contact for justice-engaged students. The bill also encourages courts to delay sentences to commitment to the Division of Youth Services if the student did not commit a physical offense or cause bodily injury, and directs the Department of Education to create a statewide hotline for justice-engaged students to seek legal advice, school options, and other necessary services and support. Previous Next

Representative Eliza Hamrick today visited Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center to learn more about post-secondary education and workforce opportunities for Coloradans. < Back September 17, 2024 Rep. Hamrick Visits Technical College AURORA, CO – Representative Eliza Hamrick today visited Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center to learn more about post-secondary education and workforce opportunities for Coloradans. “I’d like to thank the folks hosting me at Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center – it was great to hear about their emerging programs to not only meet our workforce needs but make it easier for students to succeed in any career,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial . “Under the gold dome, we’ve worked hard to make it easier for Coloradans to find and take advantage of workforce opportunities, including the Care Forward program which has successfully boosted our health care workforce through zero-cost credentials.” Rep. Hamrick toured both Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center. Pickens offers 25 certificate programs , in everything from the skilled trades to healthcare, to adults and high school students as part of the Aurora Public Schools and the Colorado Community College System. The Excel Center makes it possible for adults to earn their high school diploma at no-cost . Both education centers are designed to improve access to skills training and make it possible for Coloradans to begin a career they love. During the 2024 legislative session, Rep. Hamrick championed a number of bills designed to uplift education opportunities and local communities. This includes legislation to boost apprenticeship programs and expanding community-based behavioral health care grants . Rep. Hamrick also supported multiple workforce bills, including new laws to expand concurrent enrollment , uplift careers in high-demand sectors such as construction and health care and a tax credit to make the first two-years of college free for low and middle-income students. Previous Next