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

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

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

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

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

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey that would protect individuals from being financially responsible for costs associated with rental agreements due to the death of a loved one. < Back March 4, 2025 Bipartisan Bill Prevents Landlords From Going After Family Members When Someone Dies DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey that would protect individuals from being financially responsible for costs associated with rental agreements due to the death of a loved one. “I’m excited that we passed our bipartisan bill to prohibit landlords from charging family members for damages and fees for early lease terminations due to a tenant’s death,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “When someone is grieving the loss of their loved one, they shouldn’t be on the hook for covering outstanding costs associated with the deceased’s rental agreement. This legislation helps protect Coloradans by preventing landlords from collecting thousands of dollars in fees and future rent payments after the death of a family member.” HB25-1108 , known as “Letty’s Act”, would prohibit a rental agreement from requiring a person to pay for certain costs if a rental agreement is terminated due to the death of a tenant. These costs include liquidated damages, rent payments for a period that is beyond the end of the month or more than ten business days after the unit is vacated, and the landlord is provided notice, or fees, damages, or penalties associated with an early termination of the rental agreement. A 2024 CBS story reported that a family was charged over $4,000 in fees and rent after their loved one died in her apartment, claiming that the death of the tenant meant that she broke her lease early. HB25-1108, also sponsored by Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, passed by a vote of 53-9. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed bills to protect Colorado agriculture, save farmers money and prevent livestock harm. < Back February 9, 2026 Bipartisan Bills to Protect Colorado Ag, Save Farmers Money Pass Committee DENVER, CO — The House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee today passed bills to protect Colorado agriculture, save farmers money and prevent livestock harm. “As tariffs negatively impact Colorado farmers and cut them off from critical markets, we’re making sure when a product says ‘Colorado Grown’ that it is actually grown in Colorado,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB26-1031. “Coloradans buying San Luis Valley potatoes or Pueblo green chile expect the products to come from those regions of our state. Mislabeled products undercut our farmers and take profits away from the hardworking people who grow the world-class foods our state is famous for. In the midst of federal tariffs and ongoing trade wars, this bill protects the integrity of Colorado-grown products and supports Colorado agriculture.” HB26-1031 , passed committee by a unanimous vote of 13-0, and would protect the integrity of Colorado-made products and ensure Colorado producers aren’t undercut by mislabeled products imported from other states. This bill prohibits identifying an agricultural product as being produced in Colorado when selling, marketing, advertising or distributing the product unless the product is grown in the state. First approved by the interim Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee, HB26-1031 would ensure fairness for local producers by cracking down on deceptive trade practices that allow out-of-state products to carry Colorado-made labeling and take market share away from real Colorado-grown foods. Also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, the bill boosts consumer protections by reassuring Coloradans that their dollars are getting them the local, premium products they expect. The Trump Administration’s tariffs have driven up costs for Colorado’s businesses, farmers, ranchers, and consumers and limited the available international markets for producers to sell their products. HB26-1031 aims to protect Colorado markets for farmers and ranchers to sell their locally-made products and food. “As our farmers and ranchers know, diseases or infections can wipe out an entire herd and spread across the state, which is not only devastating but expensive,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB26-1067. “This bipartisan bill would save farmers and ranchers money by extending the permissible uses of a livestock disease management fund to include preparations and responses to emerging threats to livestock health. Stopping the spread of harmful diseases is good for our greater agricultural ecosystem, and this bill makes it possible for our livestock owners to get ahead of the problem and keep their herds healthy.” HB26-1067 , also sponsored by Representative Ty Winter, R-Trindad, passed committee unanimously by a vote of 13-0. To save farmers money and help prevent the spread of livestock diseases, this bill would authorize the Department of Agriculture to expend money in support of agricultural workers preparing for and responding to certain emerging threats to livestock health. Under current law, the fund can only be used to reimburse a farmer or rancher if they are forced to euthanize their livestock after it was exposed to or diagnosed with an infectious or contagious disease. This bill adds flexibility to the use of the fund so farmers and ranchers can take proactive measures to treat or prevent disease before it damages the herd. This bill also renames the fund to the "livestock health preparedness, response, and diseased livestock indemnity" fund to capture its new role in preventative action and encouraging healthy herds. Last year, the Trump Administration announced that it would quadruple the amount of beef the U.S. imports from Argentina, which drastically undermined Colorado beef producers during peak season. The Colorado Department of Agriculture recently warned farmers and ranchers about the New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly that is “a threat to the livestock industry” in Colorado. Bird flu, formally known as the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, has been negatively impacting livestock in Colorado and across the nation. Previous Next

< Back May 14, 2019 BUENTELLO DELIVERS RESULTS FOR SOUTHERN COLORADO Buentello sponsored bills to help assist students, farmers & address opioid crisis signed by Gov (May 14) – Three bills sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello were signed into law today in Pueblo. First up was Rep. Buentello’s bill sponsored with Senate President Leroy Garcia to provide tuition assistance to the children of firefighters, police officers and soldiers who died on duty, as well as the children of prisoners of war. SB19-174 received bipartisan support at the legislature. “As the wife of an Army Captain and the daughter of Marines, I am humbled by the opportunity to work with my colleagues who served in the armed forces to assist the families of those who serve,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. Next up was Buentello’s bipartisan bill that will establish a grant program in the Department of Education (CDE) to encourage providers that are entitled to federal money for lunches for students to purchase food products from Colorado growers, producers, and processors. The law was signed by Gov. Polis at Peppe’s at Milberger Farm in Pueblo. “Providing incentives to schools to use food grown right here in Pueblo and in Colorado benefits our students, schools and offers much needed support to our local farmers and ranchers, as well as our local economies,” said Rep. Buentello. Earlier in the day, Gov. Polis another Buentello-Garcia bill, SB19-001, to help address the opioid crisis. This new law will expand a Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program that is currently only offered in Pueblo and Routt Counties.. SB19-001 would expand the program to make it available to counties in Southern Colorado, including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Huerfano, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Sagauche, and two additional counties who demonstrate a need. “Two years ago, the legislature created the pilot MAT program. We saw how well that program worked, so it’s time we expand this program to help those in Southern Colorado,” Rep. Buentello said when the bill passed the House. “This bill will save lives and help Coloradans who are struggling with addiction get they treatment they need.” Previous Next

< Back Jamie Jackson Jamie Jackson is a dedicated leader committed to equity, community empowerment, and effective governance. As COO of The Naloxone Project, she expands access to life-saving overdose prevention resources. With a background in nonprofit leadership and policy advocacy, Jamie previously served as COO of the Colorado Children's Campaign and has worked to advance social justice, healthcare equity, and community-driven solutions. She is Vice President of Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA) and chairs the Criminal Justice Committee for the Aurora NAACP. Jamie is committed to policies that uplift working families, protect vulnerable communities, and expand access to equitable healthcare. She brings a people-centered approach to governance, ensuring that House District 41 residents have a strong voice at the Capitol. Rep. Jackson serves on the Transportation, Housing & Local Government and Energy & Environment committees.

Representatives Tammy Story and Judy Amabile today released the following statements on the wildfires burning along Colorado’s Front Range: < Back August 1, 2024 Story and Amabile Statements on Frontrange Wildfires CONIFER, CO – Representatives Tammy Story and Judy Amabile today released the following statements on the wildfires burning along Colorado’s Front Range: Statement from Rep. Story, D-Conifer: “There is almost no mutual aid system in the country as well organized and effective as the state of Colorado. We have done this before and we are in good care. Yesterday I visited an evacuation center in Dakota Ridge organized due to the Quarry Fire. I spoke to authorities on the ground and those who had been evacuated from their homes, and the message I received was a reminder that our community is fearless, strong, and endlessly resistant. I want to personally thank Sheriff Reggie Marinelli for working around the clock to protect our neighbors, as well as the firefighters, first responders, pilots, and support staff working to mitigate the impact this wildfire has on our communities– they have my full confidence. The seriousness of the situation can not be understated. Please sign up for Lookout Alerts and remain vigilant to emergency orders. I urge everyone near the Quarry Fire to follow directions from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.” Statement from Rep. Amabile, D-Boulder: “I am deeply concerned by the ongoing wildfires in our communities. My thoughts are with everyone who has been evacuated, the Coloradans who have lost their homes, and all those who are bravely battling the fires in extreme heat and difficult terrain. I am in close contact with fire response officials, and I am closely monitoring the situation. The Boulder Office of Disaster Management has set up a donation process to assist those in need, and I encourage everyone who can help to do what they can.” To access the Boulder Office of Disaster Management donation form, click here . Previous Next

< Back October 31, 2022 Rep. Michaelson Jenet Statement Condemning Violence Against Paul Pelosi DENVER, CO – Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, a leader in Colorado on addressing hate speech and identity-based violence, today released the following statement condemning the recent acts of violence against Paul Pelosi: "My thoughts and support for a full recovery are with Paul Pelosi and the entire Pelosi family after the brutal attack on his life last Friday. We must stand united in condemning violence and extreme political rhetoric. Free speech is a cherished right in our country, but with freedom comes responsibility. By celebrating, condoning and perpetuating hate speech, under the guise of “freedom,” we contradict the word's very meaning. Hateful and violent rhetoric leads to violence, preventing us all from living in peace and freedoms. We must condemn all violence toward elected officials, their families and loved ones. And we must call for an end to the violent threats that have become far too frequent in our political discourse. The very foundation of democracy depends on it." Previous Next

HB23-1194 invests $15 million to help local communities with closed landfill safety mitigation < Back May 5, 2023 House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Environmental Damage from Landfills DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to help local communities mitigate environmental damages caused by landfills. HB23-1194, passed by a vote of 61 to 2 and would invest $15 million toward a statewide grant program to support communities to reduce environmental risks surrounding closed landfills. “Closed landfills can be dangerous to our health and contaminate our groundwater if they’re not properly maintained,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “Our important bipartisan legislation helps local communities across our state, including southwestern Colorado, mitigate the environmental damage caused by closed landfills. This bill spearheads an important collaboration between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and counties to ensure our landfills are in compliance with federal law, so we can keep harmful contaminants out of our water supply, soil and delicate ecosystems.” HB23-1194 sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Rose Pugliese, would help local governments by supporting their environmental remediation and management of closed landfills. Specifically, this bill allocates $15 million to create the Closed Landfill Remediation Grant Program Fund to help communities mitigate hazardous environments caused by older, unkempt landfills. This bipartisan legislation aims to keep Colorado communities safe and healthy by mitigating the harmful environmental effects of closed landfills. Some environmental risk factors that can be caused by closed landfills include groundwater, soil and farmland contamination, hazardous gas accumulation and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Previous Next