Data challenges add to uncertainty driven by erratic federal policies < Back December 19, 2025 Colorado Budget Squeezed by Federal Tariffs and H.R.1, Economy Facing Headwinds DENVER, CO – Today, Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee released statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the December quarterly economic forecasts. “Today’s forecasts highlight the damage caused by Trump’s chaotic economic policies that have raised prices for Coloradans,” said JBC Chair Emily Sirota, D-Denver . “Consumer growth is being driven by the top 20-percent earners, while low income earners struggle to make ends meet and dig into their savings. While our legislative efforts have successfully reduced housing costs in Colorado, cuts to federal clean energy tax credits and rising tariffs are leading to higher bills. This will be a very challenging budget year, made even more difficult by the federal GOP budget and decisions in Washington. We will protect funding for our schools and core services and seek responsible solutions to address the shortfall.” “We pulled a rabbit out of the hat with last year’s budget, cutting a billion dollars with minimal impact on the people of Colorado,” said JBC Vice Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “This year, we're all out of rabbits. Despite a growing economy, we'll have to cut another billion dollars from Colorado's budget because of TABOR's rationing cap, a financial relic of the 90s. We have a resilient state that can weather Washington's shutdowns and tariffs, but TABOR means cuts people will feel in their communities, clinics, and classrooms." “Working people are facing headwinds from Trump’s tariffs and Congress’s failure to extend health care tax credits,” said JBC Member Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Our efforts during the special session set Colorado on the right trajectory, but only Congress can stop skyrocketing health care premiums. This forecast also reaffirms that Medicaid costs are rising unsustainably and far faster than the state’s revenue caps under TABOR, and H.R 1 will only make it worse. With session around the corner, we know that painful budget decisions are ahead. Colorado Democrats have governed responsibly through difficult economic times before, and I know the JBC will meet the moment once again and responsibly balance our budget.” “Every year we face difficult decisions about what we can and cannot fund – and these decisions keep getting harder,” said JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder . “Restraints caused by TABOR coupled with the chaos from the Trump Administration’s tariffs and reckless budget bill have squeezed our state budget even more than we initially anticipated, and Coloradans are feeling it. Faced with yet another budget deficit this year, we will do everything we can to protect essential funding for education, health care, and public safety.” The 43-day federal government shutdown in October and November disrupted the economic and inflation data collection, making some data unavailable or less reliable than normal. The data challenges combined with potential federal policy changes has led to uncertainty in the forecasts. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $16.9 billion in FY 2025-2026 – a $304 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the September revenue forecast. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.0 billion for FY 2025-2026 – an $87 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the September revenue forecast. By the LCS forecast, Colorado’s revenue is now below the TABOR cap by $465 million for FY2025-2026. For the upcoming year (FY 2026-27), LCS forecasts General Fund revenue growing to $18.3 billion, above the TABOR cap by $501 million. Democrats’ housing policies have led to rent prices stabilizing in key markets. According to OSPB, an influx of multifamily apartment units in late 2024 led to decreased rent prices. In Colorado, inflation ticked down below the national average at 2.2 percent in the Denver area, compared to 2.7 percent nationally. Unemployment also decreased below the national average of 4.6 percent to 4.1 percent in Colorado. While the economy is expanding, it is showing signs of slowing and recession risk remains high at 50 percent. Wage growth for low-income workers is lagging, real U.S. household savings are declining, and consumers are relying more on credit card debt. Economic policies spearheaded by the Trump Administration, including tariffs, continue to raise prices for consumers. Tariffs are expected to slow economic activity by weakening consumer demand and limiting business development, which will result in lower spending, falling business profits, and slower wage growth. Medicaid costs, driven by increasing caseload, health care costs, and Colorado’s aging population, continue to rise faster than what Colorado’s budget is allowed to grow by under TABOR. Medicaid is the fastest-growing part of the state budget, and the latest forecast indicates an increase of $631 million in the next year if no action is taken to reduce costs. Legislation passed during August’s special session helped blunt some of the rising health care costs caused by H.R. 1. However, if Congress does not extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies by the end of the year, upwards of 75,000 Coloradans could lose their health insurance. Due to the corporate tax cuts in H.R.1, the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC), which boosts the incomes of hardworking families, will be fully turned off for Tax Year 2026, but LCS anticipates it will partially return in Tax Year 2027. Previous Next

< Back June 7, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! FUNDING TO PROTECT RELIGIOUS CENTERS AND NONPROFITS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed HB22-1077 into law. The legislation, sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaleson Jenet and Iman Jodeh and Senators Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola, creates a grant program to enhance security for nonprofits. “Today, we’re making Colorado communities safer by providing grant funding to boost security at sacred spaces, including synagogues, churches, temples and mosques,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “With violence and threats on the rise, I am worried about the safety of my community. Antisemitic incidents are increasing to new records, and reported incidents in Colorado grew by 53 percent in 2021. This law secures funding to protect our communities from violence now by creating a grant program to improve security and help make Colorado safer for everyone.” “We worked tirelessly this session to pass legislation to build a safer Colorado for all, and this effort builds on that progress by ensuring the safety and security of marginalized communities,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and this new law will help protect Coloradans who experience threats, violence, hate crimes, and other forms of bigotry in their places of worship, community centers, schools, and other spaces.” “With this law, we’re prioritizing the safety and well-being of Colorado’s minority communities who continue to experience threats and acts of violence at their places of worship,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “We’re not waiting around for the next incident or threat of violence at community centers, places of worship, schools and community spaces. This law provides funding to help the pillars of our communities improve security and keep people safe.” HB22-1077 creates the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program would offer grants to eligible entities to enhance the physical security of Colorado’s nonprofit and charitable organizations. Currently, the federal government provides grants for this purpose through the Department of Homeland Security, however the increase in threats combined with not enough funding have led to unmet security needs for Colorado-based organizations. The law provides $500,000 for these grants to additional Colorado organizations to complete critical security upgrades for their facilities. Minority communities are facing a growing threat from violent extremists who are targeting shared spaces such as mosques and synagogues. In Colorado, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric and threats. In 2019, there was an attempted bombing at a synagogue in Pueblo and an individual was recently arrested after threatening congregants with a weapon outside of the Downtown Denver Islamic Center. Previous Next

In the spirit of celebration and appreciation, I am reminded how grateful I am to represent all of you in the state legislature. I am excited for the work ahead this legislative session to continue delivering results for our communities. < Back Rep. Meghan Lukens: Gratitude in focus: Investing in education and community in House District 26 Dec 7, 2023 See more Originally published in the Steambot Pilot & Today here . In the spirit of celebration and appreciation, I am reminded how grateful I am to represent all of you in the state legislature. I am excited for the work ahead this legislative session to continue delivering results for our communities. This year, we have a historic opportunity to significantly increase funding for K-12 public schools and finally eliminate what is known as the Budget Stabilization Factor, which has reduced state funding for schools since the Great Recession. This landmark investment in our schools will finally meet the long-promised funding levels that Colorado students deserve. It will put more money into classrooms to increase teacher pay and reduce class sizes. For the last few years, Colorado Democrats have been working hard to increase funding for our schools to put us in the position we are in now. Each year, we have increased funding for schools and gotten closer to eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor. The increase we are planning this year is badly needed and will set up our state to finally fund schools closer to the levels we need. For far too long, schools have had to make do with fewer resources than they need, which has led to some of the lowest teacher salaries in the country. These additional dollars will help us recruit and retain new teachers and ensure every student in our community has the resources they need in the classroom to thrive. Under the governor’s budget for next year, the state will fully fund its share of public education, keeping our promise to invest in students’ success and increasing per-pupil funding to an average of $11,317 per student. This commitment to our students and their future is the Western Slope Way. During our special session last month, we reaffirmed our commitment to our schools while delivering urgent property tax relief. I am proud of the responsible package we passed that will reduce property taxes and protect funding for our schools, fire districts, emergency responders and critical local services our communities rely upon. As a teacher, I know we have to step up to make our state more affordable and prevent teachers from losing their homes because they can’t afford rising property taxes. At the same time, I know how important it is that we protect funding for our schools. It was important to do both, and we did. I know that the Western Slope Way is why so many of you bring up education when we bump into each other at the grocery store, on the slopes or at a community event. When we support and increase resources for our students, our entire community benefits. The 2024 legislative session begins on Jan. 10, and I have been working tirelessly with constituents and colleagues from both sides of the political aisle to gear up for the upcoming legislative session. I am committed to serving the people of Eagle, Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, and am looking forward to passing laws this legislative session that deliver results on the issues most important to the people of House District 26, like affordable housing, behavioral health, education and economic prosperity. I would love to hear from you about education, and any other issues that matter to you. Please contact me at repmeghanlukens@gmail.com with comments and concerns. If you would like to be added to my newsletter for more frequent legislative updates, feel free to send me an email as well. Follow me on social media to be the first to know when I will be hosting town halls to answer your questions in person. Let’s keep in touch and keep making a difference in House District 26. Onward! Previous Next

HB23-1311 is part of legislative package to reduce property taxes and would send $661 TABOR rebates for single filers or $1,322 for joint filers if Prop HH is approved by voters in November < Back May 7, 2023 Flat TABOR Rebates Pass House HB23-1311 is part of legislative package to reduce property taxes and would send $661 TABOR rebates for single filers or $1,322 for joint filers if Prop HH is approved by voters in November DENVER, CO - The House today passed one part of a legislative package to reduce property taxes and create a flat TABOR refund mechanism that will increase refunds for Coloradans making under $100,000. “A flat TABOR rebate fairly supports Coloradans making under $100,000, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking families,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “With voter approval, Colorado’s TABOR refund will provide our middle and lower income neighbors their fair share. With their TABOR refunds in hand, our neighbors can finally afford that repair they’ve been putting off, pay lingering bills, and support local businesses. Simply put, a more equitable refund makes our whole state economically stronger.” “Colorado’s economic growth is strong, yet rising property taxes have left many families and seniors in a bind,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Under this bill, Coloradans will receive a flat TABOR refund, which helps all Coloradans participate in and benefit from our state’s booming economy. This comprehensive property tax proposal works to support our renters and property owners alike, while protecting critical community services like water districts, fire districts, libraries and K-12 education that we all rely on.” HB23-1311 is contingent upon the passage of SB23-303 . This legislative package lowers property taxes for homeowners and businesses, increases TABOR refunds for those making under $100,000 and protects funding for critical community services. HB23-1311 passed the House by a vote of 44 to 17. If Colorado voters adopt Prop HH, HB23-1311 would require the TABOR surplus for FY 2022-2023 to be refunded equally to qualifying taxpayers. Without this legislation, the FY 2022-2023 TABOR refund would be refunded by the six-tier sales tax refund mechanism, giving lower earners smaller refunds than higher earners. If voters do not approve of Prop HH in the November 2023 election, the six-tier mechanism will be applied to TABOR refunds; single filers that make under $50,000 per year would receive a TABOR refund of $454, while single filers that make over $270,000 would receive a TABOR refund of $1,434. Under HB23-1311, Colorado taxpayers could expect to receive a refund of $661 for single filers, and $1,322 for joint filers. This will return more money to everyone making under $100,000 than under the current six tier refund mechanism. Final refund amounts will be determined based on updated revenue statistics. Further, after accounting for the portion of refunds that will backfill property tax reductions, Coloradans who make less than $100,000 can expect to see an increase in their TABOR refund if Prop HH passes. This legislation creates a more equitable TABOR refund mechanism for FY 2022-2023 and supports hardworking Coloradans to better afford everyday necessities. SB23-303 creates a long-term solution to prevent rapidly growing home values from causing sharp rises in property taxes, and creates limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. If passed, Coloradans will vote on this package in November, and if approved these measures will provide sustainable, long-term reductions to property tax rates while delivering immediate savings on property taxes this year. Combined with property tax reductions the legislature previously enacted via SB22-238 , this proposal will cut the average homeowner’s tax increase in half, saving $1,264 on average over the next two years. In total, this package would provide between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually in property tax reductions for homeowners and businesses in Colorado. Other property tax reductions and protections proposed in this plan include: Reducing the residential assessment rate from 7.15 percent to 6.7 percent in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences. Incrementally reducing the business property assessment rate from 29 percent to at least 26.9 percent by 2032. Reducing the taxable value of residences by $40,000 in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences in future years. Capping the growth in district property tax collections excluding school districts at inflation and allowing local governments to override the cap after giving notice to property owners. Protecting funding for public education and backfilling revenue to fire districts, water districts, ambulance and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to backfill them. Providing seniors who currently receive the Homestead Exemption a larger reduction of $140,000 and allowing them to continue to receive this reduction if they move Previous Next

Legislation will shield legally-protected health care providers, patients and helpers < Back March 9, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Democrats Introduce Bill to Protect Reproductive Health Care Patients and Providers, Ensure Access to Critical Care Legislation will shield legally-protected health care providers, patients and helpers DENVER, CO – Democrats today introduced legislation sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, that establishes that criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting legally-protected health care - including abortion and gender-affirming care - will not be recognized by the state of Colorado. Sponsored in the House by Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, SB23-188 also prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. “The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a wave of anti-abortion legislation across the country, and it’s putting Coloradans' ability to access critical reproductive and gender-affirming care in jeopardy,” Gonzales said. “Any barrier to health care in our state is unacceptable and puts lives at risk. This bill will protect the people who both seek and provide that care in our state, and will ensure that Coloradans can continue to access the life-saving care they need to thrive.” “Abortion is safe and legal in Colorado, yet every day we see threats to our fundamental rights to make our own reproductive health decisions,” said Froelich. “This bill codifies important protections to make sure our patients, providers and helpers are shielded from interstate criminal threats, retaliation and imprisonment. Accessing and providing reproductive health care isn’t a crime, and no one should face legal threats for receiving or offering these services. This bill makes clear that Colorado will never extradite a provider or patient to another state, protecting Coloradans from anti-abortion lawsuits and extreme prosecutors in other states.” “When we passed RHEA, Colorado became a safe haven for legal reproductive health care,” said Titone. “Nationally, our fundamental rights are under attack, and it’s our responsibility in Colorado to protect those seeking legal gender-affirming health care from vicious and outright dangerous legal overreach by other states. Having access to gender-affirming care saves lives and gives people the power to live their life unapologetically, and be true to themselves. Our bill prioritizes patients and providers, fights back against anti-abortion and anti-trans rhetoric, and protects our privacy.” "We must do everything we can to protect vital health care professionals in Colorado,” said Jaquez Lewis. “As a pharmacist, if I dispense certain drugs that are considered abortive care in repressive states, I could be extradited, charged with homicide and fined hundreds of thousands of dollars. I am very concerned that health care experts can no longer feel safe making medically necessary decisions." Previous Next

The Colorado Energy Office yesterday announced the recipients of the third round of the Colorado Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering (GETCO). Over $7.3 million was awarded to support thermal energy network projects, including $6.8 million for Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs and Vail. < Back October 16, 2025 Reps. Lukens, Paschal Applaud Nearly $7 Million in Grants to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Costs DENVER, CO – The Colorado Energy Office yesterday announced the recipients of the third round of the Colorado Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering (GETCO). Over $7.3 million was awarded to support thermal energy network projects, including $6.8 million for Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs and Vail. “This investment in the Western Slope will help us harness renewable energy to protect our environment while saving Coloradans money," said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Colorado is leading the way in these geothermal technology projects, and we’re showing the country that geothermal energy can be used to meet the heating needs of rural communities like Steamboat Springs and Vail. It is exciting to see policy in action in our communities that will save Coloradans money and provide reliable energy.” “Focusing on geothermal energy advances our commitment to clean, affordable energy and drives down our reliance on fuels that harm our environment,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “Geothermal technology utilizes the heat beneath our feet to reduce energy costs, which saves businesses and Coloradans money. This $5 million award gives Colorado Springs District 11 Schools the resources to break ground on this innovative project that will reduce energy costs for the district, improve air quality and create renewable energy jobs.” GETCO is funded through a 2023 law passed by Colorado Democrats to save Coloradans money, create good-paying jobs and help the state meet its climate goals. HB23-1272 created a refundable tax credit to help communities advance and adopt geothermal electricity development. The following projects were announced as grant recipients in the third round of GETCO funding: The Town of Vail was awarded over $1.7 million to install a thermal energy network between the Vail Public Library and the Dobson Ice Arena, with the possibility of extending the network to the ski area and nearby facilities in the future, Steamboat Springs was also awarded grant money to conduct a feasibility study on a ground source loop thermal energy network to heat and cool municipal buildings, and Colorado Springs District 11 was awarded $5 million to install a thermal energy network at Palmer High School. Last year, Rep. Paschal passed a bipartisan law to encourage more geothermal energy production, establish a long-term funding mechanism to ensure the safety of carbon storage operations and save consumers and businesses money on energy costs. Previous Next

< Back March 15, 2019 EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVES BIPARTISAN LONTINE BILL TO REDUCE SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS (Mar. 14) – The House Education committee voted in favor of Rep. Susan Lontine’s bipartisan bill to reduce preschool and early elementary out-of-school suspensions and expulsions. In Colorado and across the country, young children are being removed from pre-school and early elementary grades at alarming rates “Suspensions and expulsions disproportionately impact children of color and children with disabilities,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver. “This bill addresses a civil rights issue for our youngest learners.” Suspensions and expulsions result in the loss of valuable learning and enrichment time for Colorado’s kids. Young students, when they return to school, are often behind their classmates and more likely to be disruptive. In 2014 the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released data showing that black students are suspended and expelled at three times the rate of white students. That year, the Obama administration issued discipline guidelines aimed at reducing school suspensions of students of color. In 2018, the Trump administration and Sec. Betsy DeVos rescinded those guidelines. Suspensions and expulsions of students increase the likelihood of dropouts, academic failure and an increased likelihood of entry into the criminal justice system. The bill is aligned with national recommendations that seek to limit school removal for young children while promoting thoughtful exceptions that ensure school safety. The bill is supported by a number of stakeholders, including the Arc of Colorado, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Padres Jovenes Unidos, Colorado PTA and Colorado Education Association. HB19-1194 was approved on a bipartisan vote of 11-2 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2019 ROBERTS’ BIPARTISAN PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION HEADED TO GOVERNOR Coloradans shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying for their health care or their mortgage, child care, or other essential expenses (Apr. 23) – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, is headed to the Governor’s desk. HB19-1004 will create a new affordable and competitive health care option in the state of Colorado that will be available to families and individuals when purchasing health insurance. Upon signature of the Governor, Colorado will become the first state in the nation to ever set in place a process for offering a public health insurance option. “The cost of health insurance continues to rise to unaffordable levels, especially in our mountain communities and across rural Colorado. This bill is a reasoned, smart approach to bring competition to the marketplace and to bring down the cost of health care,” said Rep. Roberts. “ Coloradans should not be forced to forgo the security of health insurance for themselves and their family simply because of costs. They deserve choice when they are purchasing insurance and that is what this bill will bring. This bipartisan effort is a uniquely Colorado solution that is carefully crafted in a responsible way to create a new, affordable health insurance option in Colorado.” Currently, there are 14 counties in our state with only one option on the individual market and many more counties are left with a small number of options for health insurance. This bill will increase competition in the market by setting in place the process of creating a statewide public health insurance option that will be first-of-its kind in the United States. The bipartisan HB19-1004 will start developing a publicly supported health insurance option that leverages the efficiencies of our current state infrastructure and will be available for purchase by Coloradans as soon as the fall of 2020. This public option will help put affordable health insurance in reach for many hardworking families across our state. Eagle County and Routt County, represented by Rep. Roberts, have some of the highest health care premiums in the entire country. The bill directs experts at the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Division of Insurance to create a proposal for implementing a public option that leverages existing state infrastructure. That proposal must be presented to the Joint Budget Committee, House Public Health and Human Services Committee; House Health and Insurance Committee, Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Joint committees during SMART Act hearings later this year. When exploring the creation of a public option, the departments must consider affordability to the consumer, administrative and financial consideration for the state, ease of implementation and impacts to the market as a whole. The bill was approved in the House with a bipartisan vote of 45-18. It passed in the Senate with a final vote of 19-16. HB19-1004 was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. After the House concurred with Senate amendments last night, the bill now heads to Governor Jared Polis for his signature. The Proposal For Affordable Health Coverage Option bill is part of a larger package of bills that House Democrats have introduced this year to help lower the cost of health care. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation, sponsored by Representatives Bob Marshall and Eliza Hamrick, to create more flexibility for employees and employers to strengthen Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefits. HB26-1026 passed by a vote of 9-2. < Back February 9, 2026 Marshall, Hamrick Bill to Expand Retirement Options Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation, sponsored by Representatives Bob Marshall and Eliza Hamrick, to create more flexibility for employees and employers to strengthen Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) retirement benefits. HB26-1026 passed by a vote of 9-2. “This bill would improve flexibility for retirement planning for employees and ensure they have access to investment tools that significantly contribute to their retirement funds,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. “This bill would expand retirement investment opportunities and allow Coloradans to buy credits for periods of unemployment on an actuarially sound basis, like caring for an aging or disabled loved one, so they don’t have to push back their retirement plan just because of a career gap. By expanding retirement planning and investment options, we’re giving Coloradans more power and control in their retirement goals.” “We’re expanding retirement pathways for public school employees, judicial staff and other hardworking Coloradans who work in the public sector,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Colorado Democrats believe that our economy should work so every Coloradan can thrive, which means ensuring public employees can retire with a stable, livable retirement pension. This legislation gives Colorado public employees more options with how and when they save for retirement.” Currently, PERA members can purchase service credit for up to five years of non-PERA-affiliated jobs to boost their retirement benefits, like higher benefit amounts or allowing them to retire earlier. HB26-1026 would expand this option to allow PERA members to purchase service credit for up to five years of unemployment under certain conditions, so PERA members can build up their retirement despite career gaps. The bill would also offer more investment opportunities by requiring PERA-affiliated employers to offer both tax-deferred and Roth voluntary contribution options for 401k and 457 plans and make these options available for all employees. Under HB26-1026, PERA-affiliated employers would also participate in and offer PERA’s deferred compensation plan to all employees, ensuring that all PERA members have access to both pre-tax and Roth voluntary contributions. Previous Next

New law will safeguard voting rights in Colorado amid federal uncertainty < Back July 23, 2025 Colorado Voting Rights Act Goes Into Effect New law will safeguard voting rights in Colorado amid federal uncertainty DENVER, CO - The 2025 Colorado Voting Rights Act , sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, goes into effect on August 6, 2025. “The right to vote is under attack by a federal administration testing the limits of its power,” said Gonzales. “Generations of brave activists, women, and people of color have fought for the right to vote – and now, it’s our turn. This law will ensure that in Colorado, no matter your gender, race, or the language you speak, your sacred right to vote is protected.” “With courage, conviction and sacrifice, generations of Black Americans fought for the Voting Rights Act, transforming democracy and ensuring equal access to the ballot for Black Americans and other minority groups,” said Bacon. “With voter suppression and voter dilution tactics being used throughout the country, we’re celebrating this law going into effect to protect the constitutional right to vote. This law makes it clear to Coloradans that, while the federal government continues to chip away at the Voting Rights Act, Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting voting rights.” “As the first Black person elected to represent my area, I know I stand on the shoulders of those who fought for the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” said Joseph. “Without the protections secured by that landmark legislation, my path to public office might never have been possible. I am proud to sponsor our own Colorado Voting Rights Act to expand on the foundation laid in 1965 and ensure that all Coloradans—especially those in historically marginalized communities—can access the ballot box freely and fairly. At a time when federal protections are under threat, it is more important than ever that Colorado leads in safeguarding our democracy and protecting the voting rights of LGBTQ+ people, tribal members, and our most vulnerable communities.” In anticipation of efforts to dismantle the national Voting Rights Act of 1986, which prohibits discriminatory election practices, SB25-001 protects and strengthens the right to vote in Colorado. This law codifies stronger voter protections, expands access to voting information for historically excluded communities, and prohibits discriminatory election practices, even if federal protections are rolled back. The law protects access for eligible voters confined in local jails, requires residential facilities that house people with disabilities to provide nonpartisan voter information, and empowers the Attorney General to enforce voting rights. It also prohibits impairing an individual’s right to vote based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation and creates a publicly available, statewide database of election information without compromising any personal voter data. The law also gives municipalities until January 2027 to expand access to multilingual ballots in certain local elections. In April, the US House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act that would require in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote, threatening the future of voter registration by mail and disenfranchising millions of eligible voters, especially the almost 70 million Americans who have changed their name. This would make it impossible for many Americans who do not have a passport, REAL ID, or access to their birth certificates to vote. Colorado is a national role model for administering secure, accessible, and fair elections. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation to reduce barriers to voting access for Native Americans, incarcerated Coloradans, and college students. In 2021, Colorado Democrats also passed a law to expand multilingual ballot access beyond federal requirements. Colorado has one of the highest voter registration and turnout rates in the country. Over 93-percent of eligible Coloradans are registered to vote, which is nearly 10-percent higher than the national average. Previous Next

Legislation creates apprenticeship programs to help address Colorado’s teacher shortage < Back May 15, 2023 Signed! Bipartisan Legislation to Get More Teachers Into Classrooms LOVELAND, CO - Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Rep. Cathy Kipp’s, D-Fort Collins, bipartisan legislation to get more teachers into classrooms by creating a teacher apprenticeship program. Cosponsored by Sen. Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park, and Rep. Don Wilson, R-Monument, SB23-087 allows the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to create an apprenticeship program that builds on elements of existing alternative teacher licensure programs and would include a bachelor's degree requirement, training programs approved by CDE, and structured on-the-job training. “As a middle school math teacher, I know how critical a quality education is for our kids – but right now there aren’t enough teachers to meet demand, and students and families are suffering as a result,” Marchman said. “This bill will help address those shortages and will provide hard-working Colorado school staff the hands-on training and experience they need to step into teaching jobs and provide our kids with the quality public education they deserve.” “Getting more qualified teachers in classrooms is one of our top priorities, and I’m proud to say we’re knocking down barriers to entering this important career field,” Kipp said. “Our bipartisan law works to address Colorado’s teacher shortage by providing people with paid hands-on training and experience they need to step into teaching roles and provide our students with the high-quality learning opportunities they deserve. Dedicated educators prepare our students for success, and this law creates a pathway for future teachers to begin the career of their dreams.” According to the Colorado Education Association , teacher and staff shortages remain a huge problem in Colorado’s schools, with 85 percent of educators saying that the teacher shortage is significantly or somewhat worse than previous school years. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved juveniles and their families. HB25-1294, sponsored by Representatives Jamie Jackson and Junie Joseph, passed by a vote of 41-23. < Back March 31, 2025 House Passes Bill to Eliminate Court Fees for Youth, Reduce Recidivism DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved juveniles and their families. HB25-1294, sponsored by Representatives Jamie Jackson and Junie Joseph, passed by a vote of 41-23. “People of color and low-income communities are disproportionately more likely to be involved in the justice system, and excessive fees make it increasingly difficult for them to break cycles of incarceration,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “Eliminating administrative fees helps make Colorado’s juvenile justice system more equitable so we can set up Colorado youth for success.” “This legislation helps reduce youth recidivism and financial burdens on Colorado families,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Our bill builds off a bipartisan law to eliminate certain court fees that can be debilitating for justice-involved youth and their families. This is one step we can take to create a more equitable justice system and make our communities safer for all.” The Colorado General Assembly passed a 2021 law to ban certain court fees and fines for juveniles who are in the juvenile justice system and their families. It also removed outstanding juvenile fee debt. The law is set to be repealed on June 30, 2025. HB25-1294 makes this law permanent to save Colorado youth and their families money on court fees. The bill would continue to eliminate fees, surcharges, and costs such as late penalty fees, prosecution costs and fees related to community service. Previous Next