< Back April 11, 2022 HOUSE PASSED BILL TO MAKE JUNETEENTH A COLORADO STATE HOLIDAY DENVER, CO – Earlier today, the House passed a bill on Third and Final Reading to make Juneteenth a Colorado state holiday. SB22-139, championed by Representative Leslie Herod and members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, commemorates the day when enslaved Black people were freed after Union Soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and the effect of the Emancipation Proclamation. “Juneteenth celebrations have existed in Colorado for generations, it’s time we make our celebration official with a state holiday,” said Chairwoman of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “I’m proud of our tremendous efforts that went into giving the Juneteenth holiday the statewide recognition it deserves. The historical legacy of Juneteenth educates Coloradans about the horrors of slavery and celebrates the perseverance of our Black ancestors, and I couldn’t be happier to champion this important legislation.” “Juneteenth is our country’s second Independence Day and I’m proud we’re making it an official state holiday,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs . “This important emancipation day has been celebrated by the Black community for years and reminds us all of our freedom. Juneteenth recognizes the atrocities of slavery, educates Coloradans on the past and uplifts the voices of the Black community.” The House passed SB22-139 by a vote of 61 to 2. This legislation would make Juneteenth an official state holiday. Juneteenth National Independence Day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger and Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and declare the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people. Juneteenth is also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and Emancipation Day. This significant day in history became the 11th federal holiday in June 2021 and is also known as the country’s second Independence Day. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2019 REP. COLEMAN’S BILL TO PREPARE WORKERS FOR GOOD PAYING JOBS PASSES HOUSE Bill would help Colorado’s low-income population obtain and retain jobs (Apr. 26) – The House gave preliminary approval to Rep. James Coleman’s bill to create an employment support and job retention services program within the Division of Employment and Training in the Department of Labor and Employment. “We need to help the people in our community who are living at or under the federal poverty line keep and be prepared for their jobs,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver. “Job security can pull many people out of the poverty cycle, keep a roof over the heads of families, and keep people safe. We need to do everything we can to increase and strengthen our workforce. ” HB19-1107 requires the director of the division to contract with an entity to administer the program. The program provides reimbursements for employment support, job training, job searching and job retention services to eligible individuals statewide. Eligible expenses include funds for emergency child care, transportation, work clothes or tools, and other supports explicitly related to an individual’s employment goals. Benefits are capped at $400 per individual, per year. The bill passed on a voice-vote. It will be given a final vote at a later date. Previous Next

< Back March 27, 2019 REP. FROELICH’S BIPARTISAN BILLS TO LOWER COST OF HEALTH CARE & HELP STUDENTS MOVING THROUGH LEGISLATURE (Mar. 26) – Rep. Meg Froelich’s bills to help students and lower the cost of health care are moving through the legislature. Earlier today, the full House approved a bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood, that would increase the accountability of online schools. This afternoon, a House committee gave approval to her bipartisan bill with Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, to lower health care costs and improve the quality of care that Coloradans receive. “Lowering the cost of health care is a top priority for us at the legislature,” said Rep. Froelich. “Colorado only invests roughly seven to ten percent of its health care dollars on primary care. If we invest more money in primary care on the frontend, that will reduce the cost of health care for both the patients and the medical system on the backend.” HB19-1233 establishes a primary care payment reform collaborative in the Division of Insurance in the Department of Regulatory Agencies. It also requires the Commissioner of Insurance to establish affordability standards for premiums, including adding targets for carrier investments in primary care. Finally, requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and carriers who offer health benefit plans to state employees to set targets for investment in primary care. The goal of primary care is to achieve better health outcomes by improving the quality and consistency of care so that both patients and the health care system can see a reduction in costs. Primary care visits comprise 53 percent of all health care appointments. HB19-1233 passed by a bipartisan vote of 9-2. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Another bipartisan bill led by Rep. Froelich is headed to the Governor’s desk. “This bipartisan bill is about leveling the playing field for students who attend an online school, but may depart those schools for various reasons,” said Rep. Froelich said of SB19-129. “It seeks to address whether students who leave online schools are having their educational needs met. Additionally, we are putting in place a key protection in this bill to ensure that poorly performing online schools have to improve before they can once again be accredited by the state.” SB19-129 enables more effective tracking of students, especially those who enter an online program and subsequently leave before the end of the school year. The bill requires the Online Division in the Department of Education to report information about students who disenroll from an online school after the annual pupil enrollment count date and if known, where they go next. Online schools in Colorado increased 40 percent from 2010 to 2018, to more than 21,000 students. Many of the online schools fare poorly in state evaluations. Little more than half of the 42 online schools received one of the top two ratings, and 31 percent didn’t have enough data to be rated, according to Colorado Department of Education. In 2014, the Colorado General Assembly approved a task force made up of education stakeholders to study issues related to Colorado Online Schools. The report submitted to the General Assembly called for more than a dozen items that might be fixed to improve the online education experience. SB19-129 passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 44-19. It now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

< Back April 2, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES WEISSMAN’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING BILL 76% of extremely low income families spend more than half their income on housing (Apr. 1) – The House Finance committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, that would put more money into the Housing Development Grant Fund within the Department of Local Affairs. This can then be used to improve, preserve, or expand the supply of affordable housing in Colorado. “Supporting a family, maintaining a job, living a healthy life, the whole foundation starts with housing,” said Rep. Weissman. “This bill is a calibrated approach that would benefit all of Coloradans – especially our most vulnerable families and individuals. This is the first significant and meaningful approach to our under-addressed affordable housing crisis in a while.” Under current law, a business can keep 3 ⅓ percent of sales tax that it collects for administration purposes. With this new bill, vendors can retain up to four percent of the vendor fees up to a one thousand dollar monthly cap. This minor statutory change will result in roughly $23 million in revenue. A third of these funds would be used to provide affordable housing to extremely low income families in the first year and would invest $45-50 million per year afterwards. Across Colorado, there is a shortage of 114,071 rental units affordable and available to extremely low income families. The hourly wage needed to afford housing in Colorado without being cost-burdened is $23.93 per hour, which is more than double the state’s minimum wage. HB19-1245 was approved on a vote of 7-4. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO BOOST RURAL ECONOMIES Legislation would extend and improve the Rural Jump-Start Program and cement the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office DENVER, CO– The House today passed two bipartisan bills to boost rural economies. HB20-1003, which passed 51-13, would extend and expand the rural Jump-Start program, and HB20-1191, which passed 44-20, would promote the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado. “The Rural Jump-Start Program helps small businesses open and creates jobs in rural areas across our state, including right in Routt County, and this bill will improve and extend this successful program so that more businesses can participate,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “We need to make sure that we have an economy that works in all parts of Colorado, and this bipartisan legislation brings us closer to that important goal.” HB20-1003, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Janice Rich, would eliminate provisions that limit eligibility for the Rural Jump-Start Program in order to enable more businesses to take advantage of the incentives and benefits offered in economically distressed areas of rural Colorado. It also extends the program for five years and allows economic development organizations to form Rural Jump-Start Zone programs to authorize new businesses to participate. The Rural Jump-Start Program incentivizes businesses to create and maintain jobs in rural parts of Colorado by providing tax relief both to the businesses themselves and to their employees. These businesses must be located in designated economically distressed areas of Colorado known as Rural Jump-Start Zones. “Outdoor recreation creates jobs, fosters businesses and is critically important for economic growth in our state’s rural communities,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “Today, we passed bipartisan legislation to promote the outdoor recreation industry and ensure that it continues to grow while we also protect our state’s natural beauty.” HB20-1191 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Matt Soper, calls for the cultivation, promotion, and coordinated development of the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado and for the protection and conservation of public lands, waters, air, and climate. It asks the state to partner with the outdoor recreation industry to ensure that the industry serves as a good steward of Colorado’s natural beauty. The Office would support the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado by working with state, federal, local governments and nongovernmental organizations to promote economic development, conservation, stewardship, education, workforce training, and public health and wellness. The outdoor industry accounts for 10 percent of Colorado’s economy, with $37 billion in consumer spending supporting more than 511,000 jobs. Since 2015, the outdoor recreation office has worked to attract and retain businesses, offered workforce training programs, fostered product manufacturing and entrepreneurialism, and brought high-tech and advanced industries to the state. The Office created the Rural Technical Assistance Program, which leverages state partnerships to further economic development in rural Colorado. It also sponsored the 2019 Colorado Classic, the only all-women professional bike race in the Western Hemisphere. Previous Next

Lower and middle-income Coloradans could see their TABOR refund increase by hundreds of dollars < Back November 19, 2023 Bill to Provide Equal TABOR Refunds Passes Committee Lower and middle-income Coloradans could see their TABOR refund increase by hundreds of dollars DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today advanced legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by issuing TABOR refunds in equal amounts for all fillers for this year and making our tax code more equitable. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Our state’s broken tax code guarantees that the wealthiest Coloradans pay fewer taxes as a share of their income than poor and working-class families,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “This bill alone does not solve this injustice but the relief we are aiming to provide here matters. This means extra money for gas to get to work or school, extra money to pay your rent and to keep food on your table. While it’s not enough, this bill moves us in the right direction, and I’m committed to doing more next session to help Coloradans struggling to get by.” “Issuing TABOR refunds in equal amounts is a popular and equitable proposal to help Coloradans with the rising cost of living. It will raise the TABOR refunds for millions of people and put more money back into the pockets of working people,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial. “We are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, and our bill delivers crucial relief to people who are feeling the greatest impacts of our cost of living crisis.” SB23B-003 would change the TABOR refund mechanism for the 2023 tax year to provide equal refunds for all taxpayers. Over sixty percent of filers and everyone making under $100,000 per year would receive higher TABOR refunds under this bill, with the majority of working families seeing an increase of hundreds of dollars. Previous Next

Lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee today approved two budget requests from Governor Jared Polis to fund critical food access programs during Republicans’ federal government shutdown. < Back October 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: JBC Members Swiftly Approve Emergency Funding to Boost Food Banks and Pantries During GOP Government Shutdown DENVER, CO – Lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee today approved two budget requests from Governor Jared Polis to fund critical food access programs during Republicans’ federal government shutdown. The first budget request allocates $10 million to support Colorado food banks and pantries in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) directive to suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting November 1. The second budget request extends previously approved funding for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition access through November. “The Republican shutdown is hurting Colorado families,” said JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County . “Regardless of what’s happening in Washington, Colorado is stepping up to keep families fed and kids healthy. This is what responsible budgeting looks like. Focusing on results, not rhetoric, and doing what’s right for the people we represent. For the sake of families across our state and nation, I wish DC would act a bit more like Colorado.” “While Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration play political games with Coloradans’ health care, hundreds of thousands of people in our state are now at risk of losing their SNAP benefits as a result,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Today, Colorado Democrats stepped up to fill the gap and ensure that hardworking families in our communities receive the support they need to put food on the table. Half of the 600,000 Coloradans who benefit from SNAP are children; this emergency budget request pushes past the dysfunction in Washington to help families access food pantries and food banks.” “The JBC’s approval of an additional $10 million to food banks and pantries, plus an extension of funding for WIC, was a no-brainer,” said JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities who have lost their lifeline to afford groceries this month because of chaos in Washington. Regardless of your circumstance, everyone should have the basic right to feed themselves and their families.” “The federal SNAP program keeps children from going hungry, which is why we’re stepping up to protect hardworking families from the GOP Congress and Trump Administration’s cuts,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We are boosting funding for our food pantries and food banks as well as extending WIC because with SNAP benefits ending, families are depending on us. Unfortunately, kids in our communities are suffering from the fallout of the Congressional Republicans’ government shutdown. In Colorado, we’re acting now to ensure families can put dinner on the table.” SNAP is fully funded by the federal government and administered by the state. On October 10, the USDA informed regional and state SNAP directors that if the federal government shutdown continues, states are to pause funding for November. This means the Colorado Department of Human Services will be unable to issue approximately $120 million of November SNAP benefits. To help families that rely on nutrition assistance, the JBC voted to direct additional funding to food banks and food pantries so they can fill some of the need communities will see when the federal government stops SNAP payments. On Tuesday, Colorado joined 22 other states in a lawsuit to force the Trump Administration to restore SNAP benefits by tapping into an emergency reserve. SNAP provides food assistance to more than 600,000 Coloradans across 330,000 households; more than half of the recipients are children. Additionally, 10-percent of SNAP recipients are older Coloradans and 15-percent are Coloradans living with a disability. WIC supports food access for nearly 100,000 pregnant women, new mothers, and young children in Colorado. Previous Next

SB25-167 creates a down payment assistance program for public school employees < Back June 4, 2025 Signed! New Law Creates Path to Homeownership for Teachers DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, to create the Educator First Home Ownership Program to provide down payment assistance for public school employees. SB25-167 , also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, creates a Community Investment Portfolio within the Public School Fund to be used for a shared equity down payment assistance program and other community investments. The law unlocks at least $100 million by 2028 and $200 million by 2030 to assist public school employees in buying their first home. “SB25-167 uses financial tools already in our toolbox to help teachers and other public school employees afford a down payment,” said Amabile. “This new program will allow teachers, who give so much to our communities, to put down roots, build generational wealth, and have a safe and stable place to call home. It is a win-win, letting participants keep most of their equity if they sell, while sustaining the program and paying it forward for others." “For first-time homebuyers, the initial down payment can be financially intimidating or seemingly impossible,” said Rep. Bird. “This law makes it easier for our teachers to afford to purchase their very first home, making it possible for them to build generational wealth and put down roots in the communities they teach in. Together, we’re investing in our teachers.” “With this law, we’re making owning a home a reality for more Colorado teachers,” said Rep. Lukens. “The lack of affordable housing, especially in rural mountain communities like mine, can be a significant barrier for first-time homebuyers. By creating a new program to help public school teachers afford a down payment, more educators can afford to live in the communities where they teach.” The down payment assistance program will be managed by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) who will establish criteria for participation, prioritizing first-time homebuyers using the home as their primary residence. The new law establishes reporting requirements to the House and Senate Education Committees, the Public School Fund Investment Board (PSFIB), and the Colorado Department of Education. The PSFIB will manage the portfolio. They may contract with investment advisors to provide support and expertise, and one member must have experience in community investments. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to improve high-speed internet access. < Back May 22, 2024 Polis Signs Bills to Improve High-Speed Internet Access FORT COLLINS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to improve high-speed internet access. HB24-1334 and HB24-1336 aim to make broadband internet more widely available to Coloradans, especially those living in mobile home parks, multi unit homes, and rural and underserved areas. “Whether you’re working remotely, writing an essay for school, or you rely on the internet for telehealth services – everyone deserves access to high-speed internet,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “However, many Coloradans living in apartment buildings or mobile home parks are not connected to high-speed broadband internet. This law ensures that broadband providers, including infrastructure teams, are not turned away by owners of multi unit buildings or mobile home parks, and tenants aren’t denied access to broadband. We’re stepping up to ensure underserved areas of our state can more easily access the high-speed internet for work, school, health care or leisure.” “When it comes to broadband grants and applications, the process can be tedious and confusing for our rural broadband providers,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie . “This law revamps the state-operated broadband grant program to make it easier for eligible recipients to find and apply for grants to install high-speed internet, especially in rural or underserved neighborhoods.” HB24-1334 prohibits a property owner of a multi unit building or mobile home park from denying a broadband internet service provider access to the property to install infrastructure to provide high-speed broadband service. The broadband service provider would be required to provide at least 60 days of notice to property owners prior to accessing the premises, and a property owner would maintain the right to manage access to the property, including the ability to make requirements of the provider to protect the safety, security, appearance and condition of the property. This law aims to improve high-speed internet access to those living in apartments, mobile home parks and other multi unit buildings. HB24-1336 , also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would streamline broadband grants, expand eligibility and target underserved areas. Specifically, this law transfers the duties of administering the High-Cost Support Mechanism (HCSM)to the Colorado Broadband Office to make it easier for applicants to apply for and secure grants to install broadband. Additionally, this bill modifies the types of projects that are eligible for HCSM funds, emphasizing middle mile infrastructure projects and projects in underserved areas. This law removes some of the red tape surrounding state-run broadband grants by allowing the Colorado Broadband Office to be the main office in charge of grant distribution and eligibility requirements until September 1, 2030. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2021 HOUSE DIRECTS FUNDING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SENIORS, AND WORKFORCE PROGRAMS DENVER– The House today passed legislation to allocate American Rescue Act Funds to programs that serve survivors of domestic violence, seniors, and programs that help provide workers with the tools they need to find good jobs. “One of the most troubling and heartbreaking consequences of the pandemic was that it put victims of domestic violence in even greater danger,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB21-292. “As a survivor of domestic violence, I know firsthand how dire the need to fund support programs already was before the pandemic began. The federal funds we received this year gave us a unique opportunity to provide successful programs a boost and give survivors the support they need and deserve.” Sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Terri Carver, SB21-292 , allocates $15 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to several different victims services programs that assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Among these programs are the Domestic Abuse Program in the Department of Human Services, the Forensic Nurse Examiner Telehealth Program in the Department of Public Safety, and the Victims and Witnesses Assistance and Law Enforcement Fund, which will make its way to each judicial district. The bill passed 54-9. These programs help survivors hold property while keeping their addresses confidential and their homes secure, promote rapid rehousing so survivors can pay for the costs associated with moving, and provide flexible financial assistance for a variety of basic needs. Funds also pay for attorney fees in domestic violence court cases, and are channeled to anti-sexual assault and gender-based violence organizations across the state to provide community-based crisis intervention services and counseling. “Colorado’s population is aging, and our seniors were among the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB21-290. “Building back stronger means ensuring that Coloradans of all ages have their basic needs met. The bill we passed today will help Colorado’s seniors stay housed, have better access to medical care, and obtain the nutrition support they need.” SB21-290 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, dedicates $15 million to support Colorado’s aging population. These funds will go towards a variety of senior-focused programs that will expand housing assistance, increase access to health services, subsidize nutrition programs, and improve transportation opportunities to medical appointments. The bill passed 50-13. “I’m proud of the responsible and forward-thinking process we’ve created to allocate American Rescue Plan Act funds,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “The recovery roadmap we developed will both help people in need now while also giving us time to seek input from experts and craft thoughtful proposals that will make the transformative changes our communities are asking for.” SB21-288 , which is sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar and Representative Alex Valdez and passed 42-21, creates the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2021 Cash Fund to hold the funding the state is receiving from the federal act. It also details how the fund will operate. SB21-232 passed by a vote of 50-13. Sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Shannon Bird, the bill provides $15 million in grants through the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), which is estimated to serve at least 3,000 Colorado workers across the state who have completed a portion of their higher education but have not earned a credential. The program was established last year to support workers through the worst months of the pandemic. These grants under COSI provide workers who were laid off or furloughed, experienced decreased wages, or had a job offer rescinded with the skills, supports and credentials necessary to secure good jobs. The bill also helps institutions of higher education scale high-demand programs, helping to sustain a resilient state economy. Previous Next

< Back March 16, 2020 JBC MEMBERS: ECONOMIC FORECAST SHOWS DIFFICULT BUDGET DECISIONS AHEAD DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the March economic forecasts, both of which project lower general fund revenue compared to earlier estimates and which signal some tough budgetary decisions to come. “We knew this would be a difficult budget year, and it’s clear that uncertainty in the economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic will make an already tight budget even tougher than we had anticipated just a few months ago,” said JBC Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We remain committed to delivering a bipartisan and balanced budget that supports critical priorities for Coloradans in every part of our state, and will also be highly attuned to the immediate needs of the state as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health and safety are a key priority at this time.” “Like the rest of the nation, Colorado’s economy is taking a hit from the spread of COVID-19,” said JBC Vice-Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “But we have worked under similar budget restrictions before and will continue to prioritize the most pressing concerns of Coloradans. The important thing to remember is that we are all in this together. No matter what happens, we will find budgetary solutions that address critical health concerns and support our community.” “We have had one of the strongest economies in the country, and I know that Colorado will get through the difficult months that lie ahead as we confront the COVID-19 pandemic,” said JBC Member Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The state of the economy is changing quickly, and it’s clear we’ll have significantly less revenue than we expected due to the pandemic. The committee will need to make hard decisions about what we can fund and how to support our critical priorities as we closely watch the state’s financial stability.” “As we continue to navigate this public health crisis, the JBC is committed to formulating strong budgetary plans that reflect the most urgent needs of working families,” said JBC Member Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Now is the time to come together and build a budget that meets the moment—ensuring that those who are hit the hardest by this pandemic are able to access the relief they need. Looking forward, we will also be cognizant of how our state needs may shift and change in the coming year.” The forecast from Legislative Council staff estimates that General Fund revenue will grow by 1.4 percent in FY 2020-2021 over the previous fiscal year, a figure that was revised down from 4.1 percent in the December forecast. Relative to the December forecast, General Fund revenues are now expected to be $396.1 million less in FY 2019-2020 and $749.9 million less in FY 2020-2021 than anticipated in the December forecast. The new forecast also estimated that revenue will be below the Referendum C Cap by $247.7 million in FY 2019-20, $629.6 million in FY 2021-22 and $142.7 million in FY 2021-22, so TABOR refunds are no longer expected in these years. The forecast from the governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting anticipates General Fund revenues will grow by 3.3 percent in FY 2020-2021 over the previous fiscal year, a drop from four percent projected in the December forecast. The OSPB forecast estimates that revenue will be below the Referendum C Cap by $22.1 million in FY 2019-20 and $33.7 million in FY 2020-21, and will be above the cap again by $216.6 million in FY 2021-22. Revenue forecasts relative to the December estimate are down by $300 million for FY 2019-20, $400 million for FY 2020-21 and $370 million for FY 2021-22. Both forecasts acknowledge additional downside risk to the estimates due to the spread of COVID-19 and the rapidly changing nature of the pandemic. While the fundamentals of the state’s economy are strong, the forecast estimates near-term contraction of economic activity and an elevated risk of recession. The pandemic is anticipated to impact hospitality and tourism as well as service industries that drive state and local tax collections. Previous Next

< Back October 15, 2019 REP. TRACY KRAFT THARP WINS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF COLORADO’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Lawmaker was recognized for her efforts to foster economic development and promote small business growth DENVER, CO– Representative Tracy Kraft Tharp last Thursday received the Economic Development Council of Colorado’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her efforts to simplify tax rules for businesses and promote economic development. “Driving economic growth in our communities has been one of my top priorities, and I’m honored to have received this lifetime achievement award,” said Rep. Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada). “From simplifying our tax code to creating and bolstering tax credits that drive investment, the laws we’ve passed have had tremendous and positive impacts on Colorado businesses. I am grateful to the Economic Development Council of Colorado and proud of the accomplishments that we’ve secured. Just like a rising tide lifts all ships, a growing economy has improved the of Coloradans across the state. Let’s keep it that way.” Kraft Tharp Receives 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from Economic Development Council of Colorado “The Economic Development Council of Colorado is proud to honor Representative Kraft-Tharp for this special recognition,” said Tammy Fields, Board Chair, Economic Development Council of Colorado. “Colorado is privileged to have legislators that demonstrate collaboration and strong leadership by advocating for important public policy which supports industry and economic development initiatives that strengthen Colorado’s economy.” Kraft Tharp was nominated for her work on several Colorado laws that simplified tax rules and promoted economic development and innovation. She was the prime sponsor of legislation to promote investment in advanced manufacturing companies, extend the state’s economic development commission and improve state sales and use tax rules. She also passed legislation to create a sales and use tax refund for clean technology and medical device firms with 35 employees or less (HB15-1180). In 2018, she sponsored and helped pass HB18-1350 , which expanded the state sales and use tax exemption to include products derived from scrap metal or end-of-life-cycle materials for remanufacturing or recycling into new metal stock. In 2017, Kraft Tharp sponsored HB17-1090 , which extended the Advanced Industry Investment Tax Credit, which allows a qualified investor to claim an income tax credit for investments in companies in the advanced manufacturing industry. In that same year, she sponsored legislation, HB17-1270 , which now allows state agencies additional discretion when imposing fines for minor violations on small businesses to take into account efforts they may have undertaken to cure the violation. With the Economic Development Commission set to expire, Kraft Tharp sponsored SB17-280 , which extended the commission until 2025 and provided $5 million for the Colorado office of economic development. Previous Next