The House yesterday introduced legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Representative Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts that will increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters with the passage of Proposition 123 in the 2022 election. < Back April 21, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Bill to Improve Housing Affordability Introduced DENVER, CO – The House yesterday introduced legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Representative Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts that will increase flexibility in the housing affordability programs approved by voters with the passage of Proposition 123 in the 2022 election. “We’re working hard to help Coloradans across the state find a place to live that they can afford,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The goal of this legislation is to effectively deliver on voters’ intent, while increasing flexibility for rural resort communities and addressing any potential administrative challenges with implementing the new initiatives. Every Coloradan deserves to live in the communities they work in, and this bill will help us build a Colorado for all by creating additional housing options that are affordable for hardworking people in all corners of our state.” "Folks who live in rural communities like the ones I represent know firsthand just how hard it is to find a home they can afford," said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. "This bill will ensure that the funds are distributed equitably to all corners of the state and deliver increased flexibility for rural and mountain communities to ensure the goals of Prop 123 are met so that more of our neighbors can afford to live in the communities where they work. I'm excited to see this important legislation move forward with bipartisan support, and to help ensure that every Colorado family has a safe and affordable place to call home." HB23-1304 will ensure the housing affordability programs created through Proposition 123, which voters approved in the 2022 election, can be implemented effectively across the state and have the greatest impact by getting dollars out the door as soon as possible. The bill ensures that tribal governments can access Proposition 123 funds in addition to local governments. It also makes it possible for rural resort communities to access the historic funding of Proposition 123 to accommodate the high cost of living in these areas. These communities will also be able to partner with neighboring local governments to reach their targeted growth rate of three percent. In 2022, voters approved Proposition 123, which created new housing affordability programs funded with surplus state income tax revenue. The proposition dedicated an estimated $300 million to help local governments purchase land for affordable homes, provide financing for low- and middle income multi-family housing and provide direct support to renters, supply debt financing for projects that qualify for housing tax credits, offer grants and loans for nonprofits to help people purchase homes, and fund programs for people experiencing homelessness. Previous Next

< Back July 6, 2020 GOV SIGNS BILLS TO DRIVE DOWN HEALTH COSTS AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO CARE New laws continue the successful reinsurance program, facilitate health insurance enrollment, continue access to telehealth and protect health care for working older Coloradans Silverthorne, CO– Today, Governor Jared Polis signed four bills into law that will make health care more easily accessible and help Coloradans save money on critical services during a time when they need it the most. SB20-215 , sponsored by Reps. Kennedy and McCluskie, extends the state’s reinsurance program for an additional five years and creates a sustainable, long-term funding source for the program as its success has drastically lowered premiums for Coloradans who purchase their insurance on the individual market. The reinsurance program resulted in approximately 17 percent premium reductions along the Front Range and up to 30 percent premium reductions in Western Colorado. The bill also addresses premium costs for those who receive tax credits to purchase their insurance as well as Colorado families who cannot access affordable care due to the “family glitch” problem. “These are tough times for Coloradans, and we need to ensure that everyone in our state has access to affordable health care,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “The reinsurance program has lowered the cost of healthcare for Colorado families, often by thousands of dollars a year, bringing significant relief to our rural areas that have some of the highest costs in the country. I’m grateful Coloradans will continue to see these savings and that we were able to expand access to health care coverage for hard working families who will see lower premiums and costs.” “Access to affordable health care is vital during the COVID-19 pandemic and driving down insurance rates means more Coloradans have a little extra money to spend on essential goods,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood . “This law extends the successful reinsurance program, which is saving Coloradans money on their insurance premiums and increasing access to life-saving care. During these times, none of us can afford to be uninsured, nor should we have to make that choice.” The Governor also signed a number of other bills intended to facilitate enrollment for health coverage and expand access to care. Sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Perry Will, HB20-1236 facilitates ‘Easy Enrollment’ in health insurance for Coloradans who are uninsured. If they choose to opt-in to the program, the bill gives household members who filed taxes information about ways in which they could receive subsidized healthcare coverage. During the COVID crisis, telehealth has been a lifeline to many Coloradans who cannot see their doctor in person. SB20-212 , sponsored by Representatives Lontine and Matt Soper, continues critical access to telehealth services. The governor also signed SB20-033 , sponsored by Representative Lontine, which expands the state’s Medicaid buy-in program for working, disabled seniors who are 65 or older. “All Coloradans should have access to the affordable healthcare that they need, especially during this unprecedented public health emergency,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver . “These new bipartisan laws will help Coloradans enroll in affordable health coverage and also continue to access essential telehealth services, which lower costs and allow people to get the care they need while staying safe.” Previous Next

Bill aims to create more opportunities for Colorado voters to participate in vacancy elections < Back April 23, 2025 Bipartisan Legislative Vacancy Reform Bill Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to reform Colorado’s vacancy process used to replace a senator or representative if they leave office before their term ends. HB25-1315, sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, passed by a vote of 55-9. “In a bipartisan way, we’re modernizing Colorado’s vacancy committee process to boost voter participation while filling vacancies efficiently,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We’ve heard the concerns surrounding our current vacancy process, and our bill limits the amount of time someone can serve before facing an election and subjects vacancy candidates to campaign finance laws. Lawmakers resign for many reasons, and this bill is the right balance between creating more opportunities for voters to weigh in and ensuring communities aren’t without representation during the legislative session.” HB25-1315 aims to increase transparency in the vacancy committee process and broaden voter participation when a legislative vacancy occurs. Under current law, vacancies in the General Assembly are filled by vacancy committee selection until the next general election. Colorado’s approach offers voters more opportunities to participate in the vacancy process than many other states, where governors or small commissions make the appointments. The legislative session begins no later than the second Wednesday of January and wraps up 120 days later. HB25-1315 would affect vacancies in the General Assembly in the following ways: If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an even-year, the new vacancy committee process will take place, and then the selected candidate would run in the normally scheduled general election that November. If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an even-year, the vacancy would be filled first by the new vacancy committee process, and then there would be a new vacancy election in the following odd-year November election. If the seat was already on cycle for that even-year, the general election held in November of that year would continue as normal. If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would fill the seat until a new vacancy election can occur in November of that year. If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would take place and fill the seat until the next general election in the even-year. In any scenario, lawmakers would only be able to serve one year before having to run in an election. To run for the vacancy, candidates could qualify by collecting signatures from 30 percent of the vacancy committee members or at least 200 same-party voters in their district. This process aims to improve ballot access for candidates. Unaffiliated voters and voters of the same party would be allowed to participate in the vacancy election. Vacancy candidates running in both the new vacancy committee process and the subsequent vacancy elections in November will be subject to campaign contribution limits and disclosure laws. Currently, candidates participating in the vacancy process are not subject to campaign finance laws. Under the bill, the number of precinct organizers serving on the vacancy committee would double and automatically include any county commissioners who are members of the political party and reside within the district. If a precinct committee person is appointed to fill an open position on the selection committee, they cannot participate in the process until 91 days after their appointment. The House also passed HB25-1319 by a vote of 52-12. This bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge and Minority Leader Pugliese, would apply the same vacancy committee process and subsequent vacancy elections to county commissioners. Previous Next

< Back June 28, 2021 LEADERSHIP SETS BIPARTISAN PROCESS FOR $850M HOUSING AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ARPA FUNDS DENVER, CO — House and Senate legislative leadership today approved two resolutions to establish the processes that will produce recommendations on transformational changes Colorado can undertake to make housing more affordable and attainable and improve access to behavioral health care. “Colorado is creating a responsible, bipartisan process to allocate nearly $1 billion in federal funds for transformational changes that will make housing more affordable and improve our behavioral health system,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “We have this opportunity because our federal delegation and President Biden delivered critical relief for Colorado. I’m excited to formally kick off the process that will shape how Colorado uses American Rescue Plan Act dollars to recover from the pandemic and build back stronger.” “For Colorado to build back stronger than before the pandemic, we need an equitable recovery where everyone has an opportunity to succeed,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Creating more affordable places to live and improving access to behavioral health care will expand opportunity, improve the health of Coloradans and boost our economy. The process we created today will bring together lawmakers, experts and community leaders with a wealth of knowledge on these issues to chart a path forward for our state.” During the 2021 legislative session, lawmakers worked collaboratively with Governor Polis to develop and advance the Colorado Comeback Roadmap to Building Back Stronger, which envisions investing nearly $1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds to make housing more affordable and fix Colorado’s behavioral health system. HB21-1329 , signed into law on June 25, sets aside $400 million of ARPA funds for future housing efforts, and SB21-137 , signed into law today, sets aside $450 million of ARPA funds for future behavioral health investments. Under the bills, two task forces will make recommendations on policies that make housing more affordable, expand opportunities to build wealth through homeownership, address homelessness and increase access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services. Under the resolutions approved by the Executive Committee today, the behavioral health and housing task forces will be comprised of legislators and members of departments, with each task force supported by its own sub-advisory panel of stakeholders and experts. The sub-advisory panels and task forces will meet until the beginning of next year to develop and approve recommendations on transformational change in each of their respective issue areas. Legislative leaders will make appointments to the task forces by July 16 and to the sub-advisory panels by July 23. Each appointment to the sub advisory panels must meet specific qualifications. For example, the speaker’s appointments to the housing sub-advisory panel must include an individual with expertise in homelessness, an individual with expertise in non-profit housing development, and representatives from local governments. The Executive Committee also approved an RFI to select a facilitation firm to help manage, coordinate and support the work of both the task forces and the subpanels. The task forces will convene by early August for organizational meetings. The subpanels will then meet to analyze and discuss policies for consideration by the task forces. The task forces will start convening regularly during the late fall to discuss policies and ultimately to approve recommendations to be included in a final report to be sent to the legislature and Governor. The timelines for taskforce and sub-advisory panel meetings are flexible and intended to serve as a guideline. Previous Next

< Back December 22, 2020 GARNETT STATEMENT ON FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE DENVER, CO — Speaker-designate Alec Garnett today released the following statement after Congress approved a bipartisan COVID stimulus bill. “Out of work families and struggling small businesses in Colorado have been waiting for months for Congress to put politics aside and people first,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “While I’m glad that this stimulus package will begin to chip away at the enormous need we have in our state, it’s clear that a great deal of work remains to be done. I applaud and appreciate the efforts of the members of Colorado’s congressional delegation who fought for increased direct economic relief and aid to states and local governments, and I encourage Congress to pass this in the next bill. While this is a welcome start, we need more from Washington. Congress should take a page from Colorado’s book and put aside their differences to build back stronger.” Previous Next

< Back April 24, 2019 EFFORT TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING PASSES HOUSE EFFORT TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING PASSES HOUSE Around $150 billion is wagered illegally on sports every year in the U.S. (Apr. 24) – The House passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett that would legalize sports betting in Colorado. This bill would require voter approval if passed by the General Assembly. “Coloradans should have the option of betting on the Nuggets in the playoffs or the Avalanche in the Stanley Cup. This funding will go toward our most precious resource – our water and this is something everyone can get behind,” said Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “It is our hope that this measure will help stamp out black market sports betting.” HB19-1327 would provide 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. If approved, the measure would go to on the 2019 November ballot. 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 is sponsored by Minority Leader Patrick Neville. The Senate sponsors are Sen. Kerry Donovan and Sen. John Cooke. HB19-1327 passed out of House Finance committee with a bipartisan vote of 9-1. The House approved it on a vote of 58-6. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

SB24-184 creates dedicated funding to leverage historic federal investment from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for reliable, safe, and convenient transit and passenger rail for Colorado < Back May 16, 2024 SIGNED! Legislation Aimed at Establishing Passenger Rail for Colorado Becomes Law SB24-184 creates dedicated funding to leverage historic federal investment from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for reliable, safe, and convenient transit and passenger rail for Colorado DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation aimed at leveraging millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to Colorado and expanding public transportation options across the state. SB24-184 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, alongside House Speaker Julie McClusike, D-Dillon, and Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, implements a congestion impact fee that will offset climate impacts and mitigate the congestion caused by rental vehicles. Revenue generated from the fee will create a sustainable funding source to be used as a matching source for federal investment opportunities for statewide rail, as well as other forms of public transportation. “For years Coloradans have been waiting for the promise of a fast, efficient passenger rail system that makes it easy, safe, and affordable to travel all across our great state,” Fenberg said. “Now, with the availability of critical federal funds through President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver on that promise. I am excited to have championed this new law that will secure more efficient transit options while cutting emissions, reducing traffic, and connecting communities across Colorado.” “Once in a generation federal infrastructure funding is giving us the opportunity to build an expanded passenger rail system that will create the transportation options Coloradans have been asking for,” said McCluskie. “In addition to creating transit that reduces traffic and air pollution, passenger rail projects, including Mountain Rail, will create Colorado jobs and boost economies throughout the state. This law is a long time in the making, and I am excited to make significant progress towards passenger rail infrastructure.” “Expanding our transit system and making it easier for folks in my district to travel across our great state is a key priority of mine at the Capitol,” said Marchman. “Expanding passenger rail service will connect communities like mine with the rest of the state and save people both time and money on their commutes, all while emitting less pollution and reducing traffic. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity to expand our transit options so that more Coloradans can get where they need to go safely and efficiently." “The Front Range Passenger Rail is a long time in the making, and this law will help us secure federal funding by creating a long-term funding mechanism to make expanded passenger rail a reality across Front Range communities,” said Boesenecker. “From Fort Collins and the Western Slope to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Coloradans have been asking for more transit options. This law will build on existing transit systems and expand transit partnership opportunities to ensure we’re providing transportation services that work for the needs of our communities.” The law encourages RTD, Front Range Passenger Rail, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to coordinate efforts to secure the funding needed to establish passenger rail service from Denver to Fort Collins. It also directs the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) to use three studies in the near term to fund regionally important transit and rail projects originating from the Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan, the Mountain Corridor Service Development Plan, and the Statewide Connectivity study that aims to build a more comprehensive statewide bus system, building on the successes of Bustang, Snowstang and Pegasus. Finally, SB24-184 requires CTIO to create a new, multimodal strategic capital plan that aligns with CDOT’s ten-year plan, statewide transit plans, greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals, and other greenhouse gas reduction priorities and pollution reduction planning standards. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to safeguard constitutional rights for all Coloradans. < Back May 7, 2026 Bill to Safeguard Constitutional Rights Passes House DENVER, CO — The House today passed legislation to safeguard constitutional rights for all Coloradans. SB26-005 would ensure that those harmed by federal immigration enforcement officials have a pathway to justice in state court if their U.S. constitutional rights are violated. “The Constitution applies to everyone in Colorado, and we’re making sure you have the ability to stand up for your rights,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Across the nation and here in Colorado, federal agents are violating people’s Constitutional rights. Enough is enough. We will not let the Trump Administration weaponize fear, division and intimidation to keep our immigrant neighbors silent. No one is above the law, and this bill safeguards everyone’s constitutional rights from federal overreach.” “Children are being detained and Americans are being killed in the streets. We must do more to protect Coloradans from the inhumane and deadly tactics of federal agents and Trump’s immigration overreach,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “No one is above the law, and this bill creates recourse when your Constitutional rights are violated by the federal government." SB26-005 upholds constitutional rights by allowing Coloradans harmed during an encounter with federal officers to pursue legal action against them. SB26-005 passed the House by a vote of 41-22. This bill establishes a state court cause of action for damages arising from violations of the U.S. Constitution resulting from civil immigration enforcement, and those found responsible for such violations could be held liable to the injured party for appropriate legal or equitable relief within two years of the violation. SB26-005 would provide Coloradans with a new pathway to pursue legal recourse if they are injured during an immigration enforcement encounter by federal agents. Previous Next

< Back May 13, 2019 BUCKNER, LONTINE FIGHTING FOR EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS Bills signed into law today (May 13) – Gov. Polis signed two bills sponsored by House Democrats today at the Hope Center in Denver. First on the docket was Rep. Janet Buckner’s bill, HB19-1005, which creates a tax credit for early childhood educators. “This new law will address two major challenges facing hardworking families and early childhood educators: quality and stability,” said Rep. Buckner, D-Aurora. “Our educators need to be paid more and that includes those who care for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers.” This tax credit was endorsed by the Colorado’s Teacher Shortage Report and encourages child care professionals to improve their skills as educators to better support the development of young students. Next was Rep. Susan Lontine’s bipartisan bill, HB19-1194. This bill reduces 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. “This law is truly about addressing a civil rights issue for Colorado’s youngest learners. Suspensions and expulsions disproportionately impact children of color and children with disabilities and this will help put that to an end,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver. “This new law will help reduce the likelihood of dropouts, academic failure and an increased likelihood of entry into the criminal justice system.” 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. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement on GOP efforts to block gun violence prevention legislation: < Back March 25, 2023 Leadership Statement on GOP Efforts to Block Gun Violence Prevention Bills DENVER, CO - Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement on GOP efforts to block gun violence prevention legislation: “Coloradans are demanding action, not delay tactics. An overwhelming majority of Colorado voters elected us to govern responsibly because we made clear commitments to prevent gun violence, make housing more affordable, protect access to abortion and reproductive care, invest in our students, and mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change - and we must deliver. “We take seriously the importance of our democratic process and of authentically engaging with the minority party on bills. At the end of the day, the smallest minority in 60 years does not have the right to stop votes on legislation that the vast majority of Coloradans desperately want to see passed. “The rules of the institution exist to respect the will of the voters. To allow unprecedented obstruction at this scale from a small group of minority party members puts our democracy at risk, and we will not allow that. Too much is at stake.” Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would allow public projects to use Project Labor Agreements to ensure worker protections. HB25-1130, sponsored by Representative Michael Carter and Majority Leader Monica Duran, passed by a vote of 40-22. < Back March 31, 2025 Bill to Boost Worker Protections Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would allow public projects to use Project Labor Agreements to ensure worker protections. HB25-1130, sponsored by Representative Michael Carter and Majority Leader Monica Duran, passed by a vote of 40-22. “This bill allows public construction projects to utilize project labor agreements to incentivize workers and employers to create contracts that work for both parties to reduce workplace conflict,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “Project labor agreements offer benefits to both workers and employers to expand apprenticeship opportunities, secure a skilled workforce, and this bill clarifies that public construction projects can utilize these agreements.” “I have proudly passed laws in the energy and public sectors to create safer work conditions and ensure Coloradans are paid a fair wage for their work,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This bill seeks to extend protections to Colorado workers on public projects, making Colorado law more consistent across all sectors to protect Colorado workers.” HB25-1130 would implement project labor provisions to ensure that state projects, like their energy sector counterparts, have the option and authorization to utilize this procurement method. The bill defines a project labor agreement as a collective bargaining agreement between a lead contractor for a public project and construction labor organizations to establish the terms and conditions of employment of the construction workforce on the public project. The agreement must include provisions, including: Resolving disputes and grievances before the completion of work, Containing guarantees around strikes and lockouts, Ensuring a relatable source of trained, skilled, and experienced craft labor, Policy objectives regarding improved employment opportunities for minorities, women, or other economically disadvantaged Coloradans in the construction industry, and Allowing employers to choose the lowest qualified responsible bidder or lowest qualified responsible offeror without the consideration of union status at other construction sites. This bill builds on laws sponsored by Majority Leader Duran, including the Colorado Quality Apprenticeship Training Act of 2019 to establish a statewide prevailing wage and apprenticeship utilization requirements for public projects and a 2023 law to create clear and fair working standards for Colorado workers transitioning into the clean energy sector. Previous Next

< Back June 13, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO REFER CIGARETTE AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS TAX TO BALLOT DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB20-1427 by a vote of 40-25. Sponsored by Representatives Yadira Caraveo and Julie McCluskie, the bill refers to voters a ballot measure to increase cigarette, tobacco and nicotine products taxes, and to tax electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and nicotine liquids, in order to fund K-12 schools and boost early childhood education. “As a pediatrician, I’ve seen firsthand how youth nicotine use is devastating the health of our kids,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “The people of our state should have the opportunity to take meaningful action to reduce our highest-in the-nation youth vaping rates and invest in the future of our children. I’m grateful for the work of so many who came together to craft this proposal and send it to the people for approval.” “We need universal early childhood education so that every four year-old in Colorado can be ready for kindergarten and prepared to succeed,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Referring this measure to the ballot is the responsible path forward to protect our kids from the dangers of vaping and provide our schools and early childhood education providers with the additional funding they so badly need.” In Colorado, over 5,000 people die each year from smoking related illnesses. More than 90,000 Colorado kids currently under 18 years old will die prematurely from smoking. Colorado has the nation’s highest rate of teen nicotine vaping, with over 27 percent of high school students using electronic nicotine vaping products. Research shows that for every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes, smoking rates among youth and kids drops by six or seven percent. HB20-1427 refers a ballot issue to voters for the November 2020 election. If passed, the ballot initiative would increase the per cigarette tax from one cent to nine cents by 2027. It would, for the first time, place a tax on nicotine products like e-cigarette and vaping nicotine liquids that would start at 10 percent and increase to 22 percent by 2027. At first, the revenue will be used to protect the state’s budget, but starting in 2023, the measure would raise nearly $190 million for early childhood education and nicotine products cessation programs. This funding would provide access to prekindergarten for at least 10 hours a week to every child in the state. It also provides additional preschool programming to lower-income families to promote school readiness. Children who participate in the Colorado Preschool Program are 26 percent less likely to have a significant reading deficiency in kindergarten, half as likely to be held back a grade level, and more than 10 percent more likely to graduate on time. Previous Next