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The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Elizabeth Velasco that would improve safety and keep traffic flowing on Colorado’s mountain highways. SB24-100 passed by a vote of 60-4. < Back April 30, 2024 Bipartisan Velasco Bill to Improve Safety, Keep Traffic Flowing on Mountain Highways Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Elizabeth Velasco that would improve safety and keep traffic flowing on Colorado’s mountain highways. SB24-100 passed by a vote of 60-4. “My community of Glenwood Springs experiences the most accidents of the entire stretch of I-70, and road closures due to these accidents can have negative consequences on our businesses and the safety of our residents,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “When I-70 is closed, employees can’t make it to work and first responders can’t address an emergency in a timely manner. The goal of our bill is to reduce accidents on I-70 so we can keep our roads open and communities safe.” SB24-100 also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, would improve safety by allowing the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to establish a zone with increased speeding fines for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in Glenwood Canyon. The bill would also ban CMVs from driving in the left lane on I-70 in several key stretches where crashes are most frequent and disruptive, exceptions are permitted to pass vehicles going under the speed limit. According to CDOT , CMVs represent about 7 percent of traffic, but account for more than 52 percent of traffic incidents. Wrecks involving CMVs take nearly twice as long to clear as passenger incidents. SB24-100 would further expand locations where CDOT may require traction equipment from parts of I-70 to key mountainous stretches of other state and U.S. highways. The bill would also give port of entry officers the powers of a peace officer when enforcing highway closures and direct CDOT to study additional locations for chain-up and chain-down stations. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to close gaps in jail safety standard requirements to protect incarcerated Coloradans from sexual exploitation. < Back March 31, 2026 Stewart, Mabrey Bill to Prevent Sexual Abuse in Jails Advances DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to close gaps in jail safety standard requirements to protect incarcerated Coloradans from sexual exploitation. “What happened in Durango was a very serious abuse of power, and no one should ever be put in that situation ever again,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “We must do more to protect people from sexual abuse who are incarcerated. Our bill cuts down on unnecessary strip searches, protects whistleblowers and ensures that peace officers who violate this law cannot serve in a detention facility again.” “Strip searches are intrusive and violating. When the government is engaging with someone in this very vulnerable moment, we must have strong safeguards in place to ensure that people in custody are not being mistreated,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Sexual violence and exploitation in jails and prisons is never acceptable, and our law should reflect that. This bill protects the dignity and bodily autonomy of Coloradans in custody by bolstering safeguards around strip searches and establishing better oversight requirements.” HB26-1123 would strengthen jail safety policies regarding strip searches, sexual assault prevention and whistleblower protections. This bill requires detention centers to create sexual assault prevention policies and inform inmates of their rights under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). If a peace officer commits a sexual assault in a detention facility, their POST certification would be permanently revoked. Prior to arraignment, two peace officers or other authorized personnel would be required to independently determine that there is a reasonable suspicion that an individual is concealing a weapon or a controlled substance to conduct a strip search. They would document their decision to conduct a strip search and could not activate their body cameras during the strip search. Detention facilities would submit an annual report for the total number of strip searches that occurred in their facilities, as well as the reasons and the results of the searches, to the Colorado legislature and the Attorney General. HB26-1123 only allows a peace officer to review a video recording of a strip search for a legitimate law enforcement purpose. These reviews cannot be viewed remotely and personnel must obtain approval from the sheriff in order to access the footage and document the reason for seeking access. The bill also includes whistleblower protections for staff who report suspected, alleged or witnessed sexual assault and creates a private right of action for whistleblowers. The Prison Rape Elimination Act was passed by Congress in 2003 to prevent sexual assaults in prison. Inconsistent implementation and enforcement of PREA standards have left significant gaps that leave individuals vulnerable to sexual misconduct in jails and prisons. Last year, a La Plata County Jail commander was accused of viewing over 3,000 strip-search videos between 2019 and 2024. He was charged with 117 counts of invasion of privacy and one count of official misconduct. Previous Next

Providing opportunities to all Coloradans to finish their education and fill in-demand jobs < Back January 22, 2024 Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education Celebrate First Graduates of CORE Initiative Providing opportunities to all Coloradans to finish their education and fill in-demand jobs DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and The Colorado Department of Higher Education celebrated the first 300 graduates who received diplomas through the Colorado Re-Engaged (CORE) Initiative on December 5, 2023. Created on June 29, 2021, when Governor Polis signed bipartisan House Bill 21-1330, High Education Student Success , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie, and Naquetta Ricks, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Barbara Kirkmeyer, CORE enables four-year higher education institutions in Colorado to award associate degrees to students who stepped away before earning a bachelor’s degree after earning at least 70 credit hours. “CORE is a great opportunity for Coloradans to get a degree and advance their careers. So many Coloradans who are forced by their circumstances to step away from education, have invested so much time and money, yet don't have the degree to reflect their hard work. I am proud that Colorado is providing students and institutions with the tools they need to help Coloradans get degrees and fill in-demand, good-paying jobs,” said Governor Polis. CORE applies to students who left their degree up to 10 years before the current semester. To support four-year institutions in implementing CORE, Governor Polis and the Colorado legislature appropriated $1 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). “It is vital that students get credit for the work they have done post-high school,” said CDHE Executive Director Dr. Angie Paccione. “Each degree and certificate are a stepping stone to a better career, a better future, and a better life. We’re thankful to the legislature, governor, and our participating colleges and universities for helping these individuals reach their goals.” More than 25,000 Coloradans may currently be eligible for an associate degree under CORE, with several thousand more becoming eligible each year. By offering qualifying students an earned associate degree for credits already completed, institutions participating in CORE can: Enable degree recipients to obtain higher-paying jobs and more secure employment, which improves economic prospects for these former students and their communities. Increase the number of Coloradans with academic credentials and degrees, which strengthens the state’s workforce and supports the economic recovery of the business community. Better position degree recipients to return to higher education to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are currently seven institutions participating in the CORE Initiative: Colorado State University-Fort Collins Colorado State University-Pueblo Fort Lewis College Metropolitan State University of Denver University of Northern Colorado University of Colorado Colorado Springs University of Colorado Denver Western Colorado University, joining in 2024 "Sometimes life gets in the way of education plans, but students who have earned their academic credits should be recognized with a degree that will advance their careers," said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of the legislation . "I congratulate the first round of graduates to receive their degree through the CORE initiative. They are now one step closer to a stronger future for themselves and their families. Through legislation we passed, we're making it possible for Coloradans to earn their higher education degrees and get a jumpstart on the career of their dreams." "The COVID-19 pandemic altered lives in all four corners of the state. This is in part why it was so critical to create a program where Coloradans may be awarded a postsecondary credential for the credits they already earned,” said Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, sponsor of the legislation. “In receiving their degrees, we hope these individuals will have the confidence and skills to fill Colorado's in-demand jobs, earn a livable wage, and realize their career and educational goals.” “I am thrilled to see that students are already benefiting from the CORE program and receiving formal recognition for work they have invested,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, sponsor of the legislation. “The COVID pandemic devastated Colorado; but we derived a sliver of good in the form of associate degrees for people who would otherwise have nothing.” “Nearly 75% of jobs in Colorado require some sort of postsecondary credential or degree, making the passage of this bill a key step in increasing Coloradans' earning potential,” said Representative Naquetta Ricks, sponsor of the legislation. “Our hope is that earning one encourages not only upwards economic mobility for these individuals, but also, gives them further motivation to earn a bachelor's and continue pursuing their postsecondary goals.” On December 5, 2023, the University of Colorado Denver held an inaugural convocation ceremony to award the first associate degrees in the state under CORE. Chancellor Michelle Marks and CDHE Executive Director Dr. Angie Paccione presented degrees to graduates. Of the 147 eligible students, 69 opted in to receive an associate of general studies degree in fall 2023. Ayiela, a UCD student receiving an associate degree on Dec. 5 said, “It was mentioned at the ceremony that other colleges may follow our lead with this initiative. I 1000% agree that they should and believe that sharing my voice will help make that happen. This ceremony wasn't just about getting a degree, it was about healing, self-love and triumph over hardship.” "The initiative is doing what it was designed to do. It's putting credentials in the hands of former students,” said Shaun Schafer, associate vice president of Curriculum, Academic Effectiveness and Policy Development and professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. “We’ve had many students asking about returning to the university and a handful of other former students checking to see if they are eligible." “Receiving the earned associate of general studies degree is a major milestone for our former CU Denver students who stopped out of college due to life circumstances without completing the bachelor’s degree they were pursuing,” said Beth Myers, associate vice chancellor for Academic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness at the University of Colorado Denver. “I heard one graduate tell her mother, that her coursework wasn’t for nothing; it was worth the investment. We look forward to seeing how the acknowledgment of their learning impacts their longer-term career opportunities.” For more information on the CORE Initiative visit the CDHE website. About the Colorado Department of Higher Education Working with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, we support students, advocate and develop policies to maximize higher education opportunities for all. The Department believes every Coloradan should have an education beyond high school to pursue their dreams and improve our communities. Read the strategic plan , Building Skills in an Evolving Economy . Previous Next

< Back February 22, 2023 Ricks Bill to Protect Patients from Credit Report Impacts of Medical Debt Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today unanimously passed legislation to prohibit medical debt from being included in a credit report or credit score, protecting Coloradans from facing additional financial barriers due to outstanding medical expenses. “One in eight Coloradans have medical debt that impacts their credit score, making it harder for people to qualify for housing, employment, and lower interest rates,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D- Aurora. “One in five Coloradans of color have medical debt, and other marginalized groups like lower-income, people with disabilities, rural, uninsured, and LGBTQ+ communities also disproportionately suffer from poor credit scores due to systemic inequities. This bill removes barriers so Coloradans don’t have to choose between their financial stability and their health and well-being.” Often medical expenses come as a surprise to many patients, leaving people unable to plan for expensive bills. Currently, when someone can’t afford a medical expense, the bill is sent to collections and that information is shared with consumer reporting agencies that generate consumer reports and credit scores that are often used by banks, landlords, employers, and insurance and utility companies. Medical debt lowers the consumer’s credit score, creating a barrier to accessing necessities like housing, utilities, and loans. Lower credit scores also increase interest rates on loans, taking more money out of Coloradans’ pockets. Medical debt affects people of all ages and incomes, but it disproportionately impacts those with a chronic illness or medical condition who relies on continual medical assistance to maintain their quality of life. HB23-1126 adds medical debt to the list of information that consumer reporting agencies are not allowed to include in a credit report, updates exemptions to expand consumer privacy protections, and requires collectors and collecting agencies to notify Coloradans that medical debt will no longer be included in credit reports. Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2021 BACON RESPONDS TO REP. HANKS’ ‘REVISIONIST’ COMMENT DENVER, CO– Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, today released the following statement calling on Representative Ron Hanks, R-Penrose, to apologize for his offensive floor remarks regarding the Three-fifths Compromise: “I asked to speak to give a different perspective of why civics is important for all students to learn. As a descendant of the enslaved, I am here due to a long arduous journey through American civics ideals. Hearing Rep. Hanks’ revisionist retelling of one of our nation’s darkest, most dehumanizing chapters was hurtful, but frankly not surprising,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “The irony of having this brash display occur in the midst of a debate on strengthening our civics education was tragically adequate. The fact is, we need to do better in educating all Coloradans, young and old, about the violent and racist foundations of our country, like an original sin of slavery, our history of lynching and the dehumanization that the Three-fifth’s Compromise represented. If we fail to understand these hateful underpinnings, we will never be able to dismantle their legacy, which echoes into policy and systemic discrimination in every area of American life today.” Rep. Hanks’ remarks followed Rep. Bacon’s impassioned defense of civics education and the importance of learning about slavery in America and the Three-fifths Compromise. The remarks came during debate on SB21-067, legislation that would strengthen civics education. Previous Next

< Back March 30, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO CREATE NEW RIGHTS FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT A day after voting to remove the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault, House votes to give sexual assault survivors new rights. DENVER, CO– The House today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich to give new rights to survivors of sexual assault seeking access to rape kit evidence. The vote was 64-0. “Survivors of sexual assault who have come forward and subjected themselves to a forensic exam deserve timely answers and control over how the evidence in their case is used,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill will ensure that survivors have a say in how and when rape kit evidence is processed and disposed of, and will guarantee that they stay informed throughout the process. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to stand with survivors this week.” HB21-1143 creates new rights for survivors of sexual assault. Under the bill, survivors would have the right to be notified when forensic medical evidence is submitted for testing, when law enforcement has received the results of the analysis, and 60 days prior to the destruction of the evidence. Survivors would also have the right to object to the destruction of the evidence, to be informed of whether a DNA sample was obtained from the analysis and matched to any DNA profiles in state or federal databases, and to receive physical documentation describing their rights under the law, as well as nearby resources, after the exam has been completed. Previous Next

< Back January 9, 2023 Speaker McCluskie Delivers Opening Day Remarks DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, today delivered opening remarks for the First Regular Session of the 74th General Assembly. In concluding her remarks, the speaker said, “Coloradans have been through tough times, but we have a bright future ahead. Today, we reaffirm the foundational promise of good government – the contract we make when we stand up to serve that says we will always do what’s best for Colorado. Today, our work starts again – to make Colorado more affordable, to invest in our schools, to protect our air and water, to improve public safety, and to protect our freedoms. Today, with love, integrity, boundless energy, and eternal optimism, we take the next steps to help every Coloradan live their dream.” The full text of the speech as prepared for delivery is below: Good morning and welcome to Opening Day of the 74th General Assembly! As I take the gavel, I first begin by sharing my deep thanks to Speaker Alec Garnett who has been an exceptional leader to this body through a global pandemic. He has left his mark in policies that have saved lives and led Colorado through an upheaval and back to a thriving economy. We are forever better due to his leadership. Thank you to the Colorado Childrens’ Chorale for that heartwarming performance. I remember the days when my daughter Cait was a member of your ranks - what a positive impact your organization had on her success as a young woman. Music is a powerful universal language. Your commitment to including children from all backgrounds and all socioeconomic backgrounds is critical to helping young people grow into successful adults. Thank you Representative Jodeh for delivering such a meaningful and moving prayer to open this session. The perspective you have brought to this chamber as the first Muslim lawmaker in the House has touched all of us and made a tremendous impact on our state. As we begin our journey this year, I want to recognize the incredible people who work tirelessly to make the legislative session possible. Our aides and staff, our nonpartisan staff at the Office of Legislative Legal Services, Legislative Council Staff, Robin Jones, Kathy Hahn, and the clerks who manage our bill folders and check and then double check everything we do. Our custodial staff, Chris, Kim, Bruce, Travis, Francisco, and all the people who work late into the night after we’re here to get this building ready for each and every work day. Please join me in a round of applause for our exceptional staff! I want to welcome all the guests and dignitaries who have joined us today, Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia, Speaker Crisanta Duran, and Representative Millie Hamner. Finally, there isn’t a single person in this building who doesn’t miss Hugh McKean right now. Representative Parks, our hearts are with you. How meaningful that you could finish out Hugh’s term and be here with us today to celebrate and remember him. Representative Parks has been leading the charge to raise awareness about heart health and early screenings, and we look forward to supporting that good work. Hugh embodied everything that it means to be a statesman. He went about his work in this building the right way, and everyone respected him for it. His wit and his joy filled this room, as did his booming voice and his laughter. Please join me and Minority Leader Lynch in a moment of silence and remembrance for our beloved Minority Leader Hugh McKean. Thank you, members. I also want to acknowledge Representative Stephanie Vigil. No one expects to enter office amidst a tragedy like the one that happened at Club Q in her district just weeks after she was elected. Our hearts go out to all of the victims of this horrific attack on Colorado’s LGBTQ community. Please join me in a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives that night: Raymond Green Vance; Kelly Loving; Daniel Aston; Derrick Rump; and Ashley Paugh. To the Colorado Springs community and LGBTQ Coloradans, I want you to know that we stand with you. To Richard Fierro, an American Hero, we are so grateful for your quick action to take down the shooter and prevent more lives from being taken. I also want to recognize the first responders who arrived at the scene, stabilized dozens of victims and saved countless lives. Hateful rhetoric targeting LGBTQ Coloradans, especially trans people, is on the rise in our state, and it cannot be tolerated. Colorado respects freedom and love and the right to be who you are. We have made tremendous progress, and we won’t stop now. Members, It is a historic time to serve in the People’s House. At nearly 40 percent, we have an exceptionally large class of new lawmakers. I can’t wait to see the difference you’ll make for the people of our state. Please stand and be recognized! We also have seasoned lawmakers returning who are today entering their final term in office. Please stand if you are beginning your last term in the state legislature. I would be remiss to not ask all of those who have served to be recognized. Can all of the veterans in the room raise your hand and be recognized. In 1895, Coloradans Clara Cressingham, Carrie Clyde Holly, and Frances Klock became the first women ever elected to a state legislature. How proud they would be to see us here today - This is the first time in Colorado History that the majority of the General Assembly is made up of women, and proudly, we are the second state in the nation where women make up a majority of the legislature. Let us recognize other historic firsts. Representative Brianna Titone, the Democratic Caucus Co-chair, is the first transgender lawmaker in the country to serve in a position of caucus leadership. Representative Junie Joseph is the first Haitian-American to serve in the legislature. Representative Elizabeth Velasco is the first Latina from the Western Slope. Representative Regina English is the first Black woman to represent El Paso County, and Jennifer Bacon is the first Black woman to serve as Assistant Majority Leader. For the first time, every Western Slope Democrat in the House, and there are now four of us, is a woman. And, for the first time, a woman from the Western Slope will serve as your speaker. The House has a new and diverse leadership team which for the first time will see women in the top three leadership positions. My appreciation to Majority Leader Duran and Assistant Majority Leader Bacon for their exceptional partnership and leadership to this body. We will each bring our own lived experiences to the table that will help us craft policies and solutions that advance women’s rights, civil liberties, health care and education, and economic opportunity for all. As teachers, community organizers, veterans, union members, business owners, urbanites and mountain dwellers, the lawmakers in the Democratic caucus have lived the experiences of Coloradans from all walks of life. Over 30 percent of our lawmakers are people of color. We are a body that is now closer to fully representing the rich diversity of voices we serve. We are a body that better understands the infinite iterations of the Colorado dream. Our expanded Democratic majority is a recognition that Coloradans agree with the path we've charted and support a policy agenda and approach to governance that reflects their priorities. While we were elected by voters from individual districts, we must now come together to serve every person in our state–those that voted for us and those that did not. With the 2022 campaign in the rear view mirror, it’s time to take what we've heard from our constituents and transition from public figures to public servants. It’s time to govern on behalf of everyone in our state. With fresh ideas, heartfelt convictions and a fierce determination to do what’s right for this state, we will lead our Colorado forward together. This morning, I will ask you to consider - How is the Colorado dream different for each person. What do our constituents need from us to live their Colorado dream? How can we help? My Colorado Dream started a long time ago on my parents’ family farms in North Dakota. I’ll never forget those summer visits walking the pastures, picking peas from the garden and playing dress up in the dairy house. My grandparents were teachers and farmers. Fairly common occupations for those raising families in rural parts of any state. My Grandmother Irene was an independent woman with big dreams of her own. She wrote countless stories of life on the farm and pursued a writing career. She was spirited, smart and encouraged me to use my voice, and be my own person. I believe any career is possible for a woman, because of the example she set for me. My Colorado Dream is realized here today as I stand before you, the first woman Speaker of the House from the Western Slope. The Colorado dream isn’t the same for everyone. Everyone has their own aspirations and hopes for their future. Some people strive to start or grow their own business. Many in our agriculture community want the security and reassurance of knowing they can pass on their family farm or ranch to their children. Lots of workers in our mountain towns, the people who drive our resort economies, just want to live in those same towns and enjoy the quality of life that makes them such wonderful places to live. Coloradans are trying to live their dream on our ranches, in our cities, on our rivers and mountains. It’s our job to support and celebrate those individual dreams. We must understand and deeply respect that lawmakers in this chamber will have different visions and ideas for what this looks like. To do this, we must contemplate what binds us all together - the basic needs that every individual has. Far too many people are struggling amidst the rising cost of living in our state. This year, we will redouble our efforts to make Colorado more affordable by reducing the costs of a family’s largest expenses, often housing, health care, and child care. They say, home is where your heart is,…it’s where we go for the Holidays,….and where we hang our hats. Housing is central to every person’s ability to live, work and play. That’s why we have taken landmark steps to build more affordable homes and expand our housing stock. We invested $40 million to build innovative, factory built homes that help families afford high-quality new builds while creating good paying jobs. We made the single largest investment in the state’s history in affordable housing by creating a $150 million revolving loan program, which will leverage private dollars to develop housing in rural and urban communities across the state And we established a $178 million grant program to provide funding directly to local governments and nonprofits to build homes for every budget. In addition, we passed the largest property tax reduction in the state’s history, strengthened the state affordable housing tax credit, created a housing tax credit for seniors, and directed hundreds of millions to help local communities address homelessness and preserve mobile home parks. Thank you Minority Leader Lynch and Representatives Ortiz, Bradfield, Bird, Woodrow, Boesenecker, Jodeh, and Snyder for your work to pass these bills and others into law. Housing is a state-wide concern, which is why this year we will pass policies to remove the unnecessary barriers that have made it more challenging to address our critical housing shortage. We will also work to ensure that these policies promote sustainable communities and help local governments preserve their affordable housing stock- especially for the elderly, those with disabilities and low and middle-income families for whom displacement is both traumatizing and destabilizing. Combined with our historic investments, these policies will unleash the development and preservation of tens of thousands of quality homes all across the state for hardworking Coloradans. We must also talk about health care when we talk about expenses hitting the family budget. I strongly believe that high-quality, accessible health care is essential for every Coloradan. Whether it’s a fall on the ski slope, an injury at the workplace, or an illness, life is filled with the unexpected and everyone deserves access to quality affordable health care in the communities where they live. We capped insulin costs,required prescription drug rebate savings to be passed along to consumers, put in place a plan to bring down the cost of the highest priced drugs, and created the Colorado Option, which is giving consumers new choices with better coverage at lower prices. Our state’s reinsurance program has lowered premiums on the individual market 24 percent from last year and savings were even higher– as much as 36 percent- in regions with persistently high health care costs, like Summit County and Grand Junction. Thank you to Senator Roberts, Representative Jodeh, Speaker Pro Tempore deGruy Kennedy and now Congresswoman Caraveo for your persistence to lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs. Thanks to the work of this body, more Coloradans and businesses can afford to buy health care. Yet, for Coloradans all across the state, access to behavioral health care - like therapy or substance use counseling - is elusive. Too many people in our state can’t afford or don’t have access to the behavioral health care they need to thrive. With the determined efforts of Representative Amabile, we are increasing bed capacity for Coloradans with serious mental illness who have nowhere else to turn. Last year, legislation sponsored by Representatives Gonzales-Gutierrez and Ricks directed $90 million to communities across the state to ensure there is no wrong door to behavioral health care. Thanks to Representative Michaelson Jenet, our youth - who are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis of their own - can now get free counseling through the popular and successful iMatter program. I’ve spent a significant part of my career working in Summit School District, and to this day, I am passionate about ensuring every child receives a world-class education that prepares them for the future of their dreams. Everywhere we look, education is the fertile ground– the incubator from which the Colorado dream grows. Thanks to the work of Representatives McLachlan, Young, Kipp and so many others, I’m proud that we have reduced the budget stabilization factor to the lowest point since it was created nearly 15 years ago and continue our march for more funding in public schools. Because of this work, school districts in Colorado are seeing nearly $550 dollars more per student on average this year . With the incredible work of Majority Leader Esgar, our partners in higher education, organized labor, and business, we expanded skills training programs that prepare traditional and non-traditional students for the jobs of the future. We’re launching the Opportunity Now Regional Talent Development Initiative with $85 million to ensure we’re training and educating our workforce for critical regional economic needs. This session, we are committed to making yet another meaningful investment in public schools, higher education, and workforce development. And let’s take a moment to also acknowledge needs for affordable child care. For many parents across our state, the Colorado dream is being able to raise your child while also pursuing a career. Data shows that nearly one-third of the median family’s budget goes to child care, a figure that’s even higher in our rural counties. Not only is this simply unsustainable for families, it strains our workforce by making it harder for new parents to return to work and reduces what they can spend in our local economies. I’m excited to say that this year, affordable child care and early childhood education will be a reality for more parents in Colorado. Starting this fall, every four-year-old in Colorado will have access to free universal preschool. Thanks to Representative Sirota and former Speaker Garnett for leading this effort. So far, over 850 providers across the state have signed up with the Department of Early Childhood Education to provide a total of nearly 29,000 slots for early childhood education. These efforts will give more Colorado kids a head start while saving parents money and helping them get back to work. In nearly everyone’s version of the Colorado dream, the beauty of this state is almost always front and center, but we all know you cannot live your dream if you cannot breathe the air outside your home. You cannot live your dream if the forests and land your dream relies on burns to the ground or your crops wither under your feet. And your dream will not last if we do not protect the environment and this incredible place we call home. Millions of Coloradans are living each summer amidst rising pollution and poor air quality as climate change continues to take its toll. We have invested record funding to meet our climate challenges, improve our air and prevent devastating wildfires. This session, we will continue this work by investing in transit options, building smarter and closer to where people work, and cracking down on violators that pollute our air and threaten our health. Water. Out my front door I see flowing rivers, mountain lakes and crystal white snow - these visions capture the spirit of the West - what it means to be a Coloradan. Agriculture communities, wildlife, the future of our public lands, our environment, ski areas, growing cities, suburbs, and every person and family in our state depends on water. Water should unite us, not divide us. The Colorado River has declined 20 percent over the last 20 years, leaving our state and the entire West facing the worst drought conditions in twelve hundred years. Climate change, increased demands, and population growth will continue to put more pressure on our water supply. With Representatives McCormick and Catlin leading the way, this is the year that we make water the centerpiece of our conservation efforts. We will work collaboratively to develop policy solutions that protect this precious resource. The General Assembly has recently invested millions in the Colorado Water Plan, drought mitigation, watershed protection, and water conservation, and yet our water faces unprecedented threats that no one has seen or experienced before. The rule of law will remain a foundation of how we manage water rights. We will aim to modernize Colorado’s water management system to supply our growing state with the water we need to drink, grow food, and protect our rivers and streams for the benefit of our wildlife, the environment, and our outdoor economy. We will seek new federal funding to restore our rivers, advance conservation programs, address drought in the Colorado River Basin - and boldly secure our water future. Just as we are committed to protecting our environment, we are committed to protecting the people of our great state. The Colorado dream is built on safety and security. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities, in their schools, on the playground, at the grocery store, without the fear of gun violence striking at any time. We directed funding to improve public safety by increasing resources for programs that reduce recidivism and prevent crime before it happens. We passed six bills to prevent gun violence by tightening background checks, creating the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and by encouraging responsible gun ownership like safely storing firearms and reporting them when they are lost or stolen. We must focus on data-informed strategies about why crime occurs to begin with–lack of opportunity, lack of access to mental health care, inadequate reentry services that instead lead to cycles of incarceration. The data is clear: the measures we’ve passed in recent years such as the Red Flag Law have saved lives and prevented crime. There were over 380 total red flag cases and 241 successful petitions granted in 2022, likely saving many, many lives. Our efforts to reduce gun violence this session will focus on expanding how and when a red flag petition can be filed so that more key moments can be acted upon to interrupt potential acts of violence. Furthermore, we will increase waiting periods and the age limits to purchase a firearm. Feeling safe means different things to different people. Some Coloradans worry about their property or the loss of vibrancy in commercial districts impacting their businesses. Some people have concerns about their physical safety or the safety of their children or friends. Many people of color in Colorado still have legitimate fears about their safety when they interact with law enforcement. Freedom and safety are intertwined conditions that forge the foundation of nearly every Coloradan’s individual dream. To become a victim of crime shatters the sense of safety and the sense of freedom that we all want to live our lives. We have made critical investments in crime victim services and will continue that work this session under the leadership of Majority Leader Duran. As we work to improve public safety, we will increase our focus on protecting communities that too often have been the targets of violence because of their gender, their religion, who they love, or where they come from. We will advance policies that affirm the rights of Coloradans to live free from violence and threats. Finally, the Colorado Dream is built on freedom. Freedom to love who you love, to marry who you want to marry. Colorado celebrates love of all kinds. It is also knowing you always have the freedom to make your own decisions about reproductive health and abortion care–free from government interference. I’m proud to say that the Reproductive Health Equity Act is now law in Colorado. Thanks to the work of Rep. Froelich, Majority Leader Esgar, and the lawmakers who supported this law, we protected the right to an abortion in Colorado. Now that we have cemented the right to an abortion in state law, we will take steps to protect access to abortion care by protecting providers, expanding our health care workforce, and ensuring patients have the accurate medical information they need to make their own personal decisions without the interference of politicians or misleading pregnancy centers. Earlier, I asked you to consider what we can do to help Coloradans live their individual dreams. The roadmap is before us. Much of our important progress has been accomplished because Democrats and Republicans came together, rolled up their sleeves and delivered commonsense results for their constituents. There have been powerful examples of the lawmakers in this room putting people above partisanship. As this session begins, I want us all to pursue that same goal. Let’s put people above politics, and progress above partisanship to continue delivering results for all Coloradans. We were sent here not only to act, but to listen. Just as each of us listened as candidates, we are now called upon to listen as elected officials. But I hope we will always consider the respectful voices that come to the Capitol to advocate for their beliefs and the people in our state. Lawmaking is hard, and the process can be painful. No matter the challenge or frustration, My expectation is that we legislate inclusively and hear out all the voices that have an interest in our policy work. The outcome may not always reflect everyone’s wishes. I understand that isn’t always possible, but authentic engagement matters to the process and outcome. It’s clear that the policies we pass are stronger and longer-lasting when we consider the voices of Coloradans from every corner and community in the state. As we craft our legislation, offer amendments, and vote on bills, I want us all to recognize not only the historic diversity of this body, but also the importance of centering policies that are anti-racist and which combat antisemitism and hatred targeted at Colorado’s LGBTQ community. It is not enough just to listen and hear people from diverse backgrounds, we must advance policies that reflect the experiences and priorities they bring to this chamber. We will have difficult conversations about what it means to pass anti-racist legislation as historic inequities continue to hold back people of color and marginalized communities while denying too many Coloradans their fair shot. So as I urge lawmakers of both parties to push for pragmatic and inclusive solutions, I want to challenge members to see, truly see , the diversity of this body, and more importantly how that diversity must be put into action to build a state that supports the dreams of all Coloradans. Today, we recognize that we can and must forge a path forward where everyone can reach their dreams. For our ranchers who need sustainable water and good roads to get their products to market, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color living here, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For our small business owners, resort employees, ski instructors, rafters, hikers, campers and everyone who relies on our water, outdoors, and beautiful public spaces, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For LGBTQ Coloradans seeking safety, acceptance, hope, love, and the freedom to live life as you want, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For our students, teachers and parents who want higher pay for educators and more resources in their classrooms, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For all the women and girls in this room and in our state looking ahead to a brighter future, fair wages, more rights and freedoms and equal opportunity, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For anyone struggling to find an affordable place to live, a health care plan that doesn’t break the bank, or accessible high-quality child care options, your Colorado dream will be our focus. Coloradans have been through tough times, but we have a bright future ahead. Today, we reaffirm the foundational promise of good government–the contract we make when we stand up to serve that says we will always do what’s best for Colorado. Today, our work starts again. To make Colorado more affordable, to invest in our schools, to protect our air and water, to improve public safety, and protect our freedoms. Today, with love, integrity, boundless energy, and eternal optimism, we take the next steps to help every Coloradan live their dream. It is my honor and privilege to open the First Session of the 74th General Assembly. Let’s get to work. Previous Next

House Democrats on the State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today defeated a GOP bill that would have eliminated Colorado's accessible, gold standard vote by mail system by overhauling it with ineffective, unnecessary, and impractical changes grounded in repeatedly debunked election conspiracy claims. < Back February 27, 2023 Dems Defeat Election Conspiracy Bill DENVER, CO - House Democrats on the State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today defeated a GOP bill that would have eliminated Colorado's accessible, gold standard vote by mail system by overhauling it with ineffective, unnecessary, and impractical changes grounded in repeatedly debunked election conspiracy claims. “The GOP continues to push the Big Lie in an effort to undermine Colorado’s elections,” said State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This bill would make it harder for Coloradans to cast a ballot by erecting barriers to voting. It wouldn’t improve the security of our elections yet would cost tens of millions of dollars. Election denialism has no place in Colorado--the voters have made clear that they have little tolerance for conspiracies and disinformation.” HB23-1170 , sponsored by Representative Ken deGraaf, would unnecessarily overhaul Colorado’s safe and accessible voting system by requiring an untested and complicated system of tokens, token assignment observers, vetting registrars and token registrars to allow Coloradans to cast their ballots. Voters would need tokens in order to vote by mail or in person. A token assignment registrar in the presence of a token assignment observer team would then match a token number to a ballot before it is counted. Prior to counting mail in ballots, the vetting registrar in the presence of the registration observer team must notify a voter that the clerk has received that voter’s ballot. The voter must then acknowledge this notification before their ballot can be assigned a token, entered into the distributed ledger and counted. Despite recent attacks by members of the GOP ascribing to the “Big Lie”, Colorado’s voting system has been lauded by both Democratic and Republican Secretary of States. In 2013, the bipartisan Colorado legislature passed the Voter Access and Modernized Elections Act to expand the state’s voting system and increase ballot accessibility to Coloradans all across the state. After every election, Colorado conducts a bipartisan post-election audit to ensure there are no inconsistencies before results are officially certified. Both Republicans and Democrats approve county election results, confirming that the results are factual. Findings from the audits are made public and can be found on the Secretary of State website . Over 95 percent of voters in the 2022 election chose to cast their ballot by mail, and almost 94 percent of ballots in the 2020 General Election were returned via mail or drop box. In 2020, Colorado’s voter turnout rate was over 75 percent, placing the state second in the nation in voter participation and roughly seven percentage points higher than the national average of 68 percent. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill to train educators in “Stop the Bleed” for emergency, life-saving situations to make our schools safer. < Back May 15, 2023 New Bipartisan Law Expands School Access to Life-Saving Stop the Bleed Kits EVANS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill to train educators in “Stop the Bleed” for emergency, life-saving situations to make our schools safer. “The more teachers and staff we can prepare for emergency situations, the more likely we are to save a life,” said School Psychologist Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “ Time is precious in any emergency. This bipartisan law ensures teachers, staff and older students have the proper “Stop the Bleed” training and materials they need to respond effectively and efficiently to save lives.” “As a father and a nurse, I know the seconds matter when somebody is bleeding,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Stop the Bleed is an important program to save lives in our schools and raise awareness about this easy to learn, life-saving technique.” HB23-1213 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield and Senator Kyle Mullica requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to distribute “Stop the Bleed” kits and training materials to K-12 schools that opt into the program. Bleed control kits and training resources contain first-aid materials for treating blood loss in traumatic injuries. This law aims to better prepare educators and staff for emergency situations by providing life-saving materials accompanied by training to help keep people alive. “Stop the Bleed” is a straightforward, standardized set of training materials and recommendations for everyday people caring for someone experiencing excessive bleeding through applying pressure to the wound and tying tourniquets for those trained to act quickly in emergency situations. Previous Next

< Back April 14, 2022 HOUSE SENDS BUDGET TO GOVERNOR Budget increases per pupil funding by nearly $570 per student, improves air quality, increases public safety funding and expands health insurance for children and pregnant women DENVER, CO – The House today passed the Conference Report on the FY 2022-2023 Long Appropriations bill, sending the state budget to the governor for his signature. “We’re making a record investment in K-12 public education that schools can use to reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay and prepare our students for success,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This budget increases funding for public safety and sets aside hundreds of millions to save Coloradans money as pandemic-induced inflation burdens families across our state. This balanced budget will prepare our students for success, support our economic recovery, save Coloradans money and move our state forward.” “I’m proud that our balanced budget will increase funding for public schools and invest in air quality monitoring, which will prepare our students for success and improve our air,” said JBC member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This budget will improve educational outcomes for at-risk and special education students and increase health care access for children and pregnant people to help close equity gaps that disproportionately impact Black and Brown Coloradans. This is a responsible budget that sets aside a record reserve to protect our state from any uncertainty that may lie ahead.” Preparing Students for Success Improving Public Schools: The budget increases funding for education by nearly $200 million, reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor to $321 million–the lowest it’s been since it was created. This record investment in K-12 education will increase funding for public schools and put more resources into classrooms. This responsible approach will direct record levels of support to public schools and ensure this increase is sustainable. Statewide, schools will receive on average $569 more per student next year, which is over $14,000 more for a classroom of 25 students. Schools can use these additional resources to reduce classroom sizes, increase teacher pay, provide individualized support to help students learn, and ensure that students have what they need to thrive. Saving Students Money on Higher Education: This budget supports our institutions of higher education amidst rising costs and the challenges of the pandemic. As tuition rises across the country, the budget saves students money by investing state dollars to keep tuition down. With an investment of $129 million, we are boosting financial aid and tuition assistance to save Colorado students and families money on their degrees. Expanding Early Childhood Education: Universal preschool and expanded access to early childhood education will save parents thousands of dollars a year. The budget invests $6.5 million to fund the new department of early childhood to bring Colorado one step closer to offering universal preschool next year. Fort Lewis, Aims, Colorado Mountain College: The budget funds discounted tuition for Coloradans living near Fort Lewis, Aims and Colorado Mountain Colleges. The budget increases funding for these institutions by over $2.5 million. Saving Coloradans Money Reducing Fees: The budget sets aside $157 million to reduce fees for businesses, as well as licensing fees for frontline workers including nurses, mental health professionals and teachers. Boosting Rural Economies: The budget provides $10 million for economic development in rural communities by leveraging federal dollars. Providing Property Tax Relief: The budget includes funding to save Coloradans money on their property taxes. Democrats have made it a goal this session to save people money, and with property values rising, we’re looking at an effort to save people money on property taxes. Boosting Funding for Public Safety Improving Investigations: The budget boosts the capabilities of the Colorado Bureau of Investigations to support local law enforcement departments in solving and preventing crimes. The budget implements a multi-year effort to increase the department’s funding to $15.3 million, including a nearly $6.8 million increase next year. This funding will go toward additional investigators, supervisors and forensic scientists to boost forensic labs, crime scene processing, and support to local law enforcement agencies. Funding for Public Safety Legislation: The budget puts aside funding for legislation that will prevent crime and reduce recidivism. The bipartisan bills direct resources to support local law enforcement initiatives to recruit, train and retain a high quality, diverse law enforcement workforce through strategies such as tuition support, workforce mobility, enhanced curriculum, training, and mental health services. The public safety package also includes resources to improve school safety, reduce recidivism, prevent bias-motivated crimes and expand effective strategies like co-responder models and violence interrupter programs. Protecting EMS and 9-1-1 Response Services: Counties in rural Colorado are at risk of losing EMS response services, while 9-1-1 operators across that state are feeling increased pressures and demands. This budget significantly increases funding by $7 million for EMS providers and increases staffing at 9-1-1 dispatchers to retain and recruit the staff they need to respond to community emergencies. A Healthier Colorado: Expanding Services for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: The budget increases funding for home and community based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by $58.5 million. Boosting Children’s Health: The budget increases funding for the Child Health Plan by $29.8 million, including an increase of $7.9 million for children and pregnant women enrolled in the program. Increasing funding for Behavioral Health: In addition to the $450 million behavioral health package moving through the legislature as a result of the bipartisan interim ARPA task force, the budget invests $54 million in behavioral health community programs. This funding provides for mental health and substance use disorder care for eligible Medicaid clients. Improving Air Quality: The budget includes an increase of $43.4 million to improve Colorado’s air quality. Of this amount, $17.9 million will be used to increase air quality monitoring, establish an electric lawn equipment rebate program for public entities, and replace old monitoring equipment. Additional Highlights Ensuring a Responsible Budget Reserve: The budget sets aside a record reserve to protect Colorado from future changes to the budget forecast. This budget ensures responsible savings so Colorado will be protected from possible drastic changes to the economy. Saving responsibly to guard against future downturns and pre-paying for some key priorities protects the progress Colorado has made rebounding from COVID. Investing in Capital Construction: The budget makes impressive investments in updates, expansions, or additions to facilities at public buildings and colleges and universities across the state. This includes improvements to the National Western Center at CSU, the agricultural facilities at the State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, the health sciences building at Pueblo Community College, Brendt Hall and the FLC Health Sciences Center at Fort Lewis, the Bowman Building at Lamar Community College, and library renovations at Trinidad State College. Improving State Parks, Opening Sweetwater Lake: The budget boosts funding to support Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry and conservation, a key economic driver and job creator for the state and a core part of Coloradans’ quality of life. The budget includes a nearly $6 million increase for state park operations and wildlife conservation to open new trails, hire additional game wardens to assist park visitors and preserve Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. It also includes funding to help open the state’s newest park, Sweetwater Lake, in Western Colorado. Investing in Transportation and Infrastructure: The initial funding from last year’s transformational investment in Colorado’s transportation system to save people money on their vehicle repairs is starting to flow to projects. The budget directs nearly $50 million in funding generated through SB21-260 to get critical road maintenance projects under way to reduce traffic and improve Colorado’s competitiveness with neighboring states, as well as to make much-needed investments in multimodal and clean energy transportation options to modernize Colorado’s state’s transportation system. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie today released the following statement after the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) voted to approve the Shoshone water rights acquisition. < Back November 20, 2025 Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Shoshone Water Rights Decision DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie today released the following statement after the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) voted to approve the Shoshone water rights acquisition. This step brings Colorado closer to securing two water rights associated with the Shoshone Power Plant, including one of the state’s most significant Colorado River water rights, for permanent instream flow protection. Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon: “I’m thrilled Colorado is seizing an opportunity to secure durable solutions for the Colorado River. From outdoor enthusiasts and mountain communities to farmers and native species, we all depend on Colorado’s water. Securing the Shoshone water rights will help Colorado strengthen its protections for both Western Slope and Front Range users and uphold the Colorado way of life. “As Colorado moves forward in this process, I’d like to thank CWCB for its ongoing commitment to ensuring Colorado’s water rights are exercised as intended in perpetuity. Taking action now means we can better secure Colorado’s water future for generations to come.” In 2024, a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Speaker McCluskie spearheaded a $20 million appropriation to the River District for the purchase of the Shoshone Water Rights. Speaker McCluskie is a legislative champion for Colorado’s water rights, sponsoring legislation to restore critical protections to Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands after the US Supreme Court stripped away federal protections. She’s also sponsored bills to establish the Colorado River Drought Task Force, invest in conservation and protection projects, and drive sports betting revenue toward water projects. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2023 President Fenberg, Speaker McCluskie Convene Joint Select Committee to Investigate Rising Utility Rates Committee will explore causes of price increases, identify potential solutions to save people money on their energy bills DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie announced today that they are forming a Joint Select Committee to investigate the causes of Coloradans’ rising utility rates and explore potential actions to prevent future price hikes, saving Colorado’s working families money on their energy bills.The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates will seek expert testimony from utility companies, relevant agency staff, regulators, consumer advocates, and policy experts in order to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. “The recent spikes in energy prices have sent Coloradans’ utility bills through the roof, and it’s costing too many working Colorado families an arm and a leg just to heat their homes,” President Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “Democrats are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, which is why we’re convening this critical committee so we can uncover the root cause behind high prices and hopefully find solutions that will better protect consumers, improve stability, and save people money on their energy bills.” "Shockingly high utility bills have left Coloradans from Denver to Dillon struggling to heat their homes during the coldest time of the year," said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. "We need to get to the bottom of what's sticking hardworking families with unpredictable and far too expensive utility bills. We’re creating a bipartisan committee to dig into utility bill increases and target solutions that make our state more affordable." The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates will meet at least three times, and will include lawmakers from both chambers and both sides of the aisle. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the Committee may suggest legislative avenues for the General Assembly to consider. Previous Next