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< Back June 3, 2020 PASSED! DEMOCRATS STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR ENERGY CONSUMERS DENVER, CO — The House today passed Representative Daneya Esgar’s bill to increase and improve protections for energy consumers by a vote of 55-12. The bill includes specific protections for low-income Coloradans and those who have an increased electricity use due to a medical condition. “Far too many Coloradans are feeling the economic strain of this pandemic and even struggling to keep the lights on,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This bill will go a long way towards guaranteeing protections for low-income Coloradans who may face having their power disconnected. It will also provide more support to those who use a considerable amount of power due to a health condition. This bill is the result of years of work and advocacy in Southern Colorado, and I’m proud to see it swiftly pass the House.” SB20-030 imposes various requirements on public utilities and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) related to information reporting, billing, and customer interactions. Specifically, the bill would require utilities under the PUC’s authority to report data related to customers who receive the medical exemption from tiered electricity rates, including information related to efforts the utilities have undertaken to enroll qualified individuals into the medical exemption program. SB20-030 also nearly doubles the level of income that the PUC may use to means test the medical exemption, allowing more Coloradans with medical needs to take advantage of the program. Among several other protections, SB20-030 includes a provision that directs the PUC to standardize practices for electric and gas utilities to use when disconnecting service due to nonpayment. This process must include providing the consumer with information regarding energy-assistance programs, prohibiting disconnection during extreme weather periods, allowing customers the opportunity to have their service reconnected on the same day, among other protections. Finally, SB20-030 puts in place guardrails to ensure that the PUC does not approve rate change mechanisms that disproportionately impact low-income residential communities, deeming these changes to be contrary to the public interest. Previous Next

< Back February 15, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL TO ADDRESS RETAIL CRIME AND THEFT ADVANCES DENVER, CO – A bill to address the rise in retail crime and protect Coloradans from fraudulent online marketplace sellers advanced today in the House on Second Reading. HB22-1099, sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts, would require online marketplaces to verify personal seller information and allow buyers to report suspicious activity. “This is a smart-on-crime bill that will make it harder for thieves to resell stolen goods online and it will reduce theft from Colorado businesses,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts D-Avon . “This bill attacks the root cause of large-scale retail theft requiring online marketplaces to verify personal seller information which would knock down suspicious online sellers. This common-sense bill works to build a safer Colorado for everyone by protecting businesses from theft and consumers from purchasing stolen or counterfeit goods.” If passed HB22-1099 would require online marketplaces to verify the bank account information, tax identification number, and contact information from high-volume third-party sellers. This bill would also require sellers to disclose personal contact information to buyers, such as their name and address to assist in the authentication process for purchasing goods online. Previous Next

On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. < Back August 2, 2024 McCormick’s Laws to Increase Access to Veterinary Care Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – On August 7, two laws sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick will go into effect to increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved Colorado communities. “We must take a responsible approach to address Colorado’s shortage in veterinary medicine that ensures the best care for our beloved pets and animals and our public health,” said Veterinarian and Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1047 and HB24-1048. “The two laws going into effect soon will expand access to veterinary care in a responsible, safe way by outlining best practices for telehealth for animals and for allowing the expansion of scope of practice for both Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Technician Specialists. Under our new law it’s clear – these highly trained, credentialed mid-level professionals are legally allowed to care for animals on Colorado veterinary teams.” HB24-1047 helps address Colorado’s veterinary storage by allowing veterinarians who have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship to delegate certain tasks to veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. This law allows a new designation of a veterinary technician specialist, and aims to elevate the veterinary technician profession as mid-level providers. One piece of the puzzle toward addressing the workforce shortage of veterinarians is to fully utilize the education, skill-set, and expertise of veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists in providing care to animals in our state. Additionally, to ensure Colorado’s animals are receiving high-quality care, HB24-1047 establishes a framework for supervision and delegation by veterinarians and requires continuing education for veterinary technicians and veterinary technician specialists. “From dogs and cats to the livestock on our farms and ranches, the increasing shortage of veterinarians threatens the health and safety of our animals and the livelihood of many in our communities,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB24-1048. “With this new law going into effect, we’re increasing telehealth veterinary services to ensure rural Coloradans can receive quality and timely help for their livestock and household pets.” HB24-1048 establishes a framework to increase telehealth services while also ensuring that high standards of care and ethical practice are provided to both pets and agricultural animals in Colorado. The law allows a licensed veterinarian to provide veterinary services via telehealth after they have established a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, may refer a patient to a veterinary specialist who can provide services via telehealth. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed two commonsense gun violence prevention bills to strengthen Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law and create new avenues for gun violence victims to pursue justice. < Back March 23, 2023 Bills Advance to Expand Red Flag Law, Allow Victims of Gun Violence to Seek Justice DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed two commonsense gun violence prevention bills to strengthen Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law and create new avenues for gun violence victims to pursue justice. “The data is clear; Red Flag laws are effective in saving lives and preventing gun violence,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-170 . “Colorado’s Red Flag law currently allows family members, roommates, or law enforcement officers to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order. Our bill expands the law so district attorneys, other law enforcement agents, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators can file an order to keep our communities safe and remove firearms from dangerous individuals.” “Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law has shown to be a successful tool in preventing guns from ending up in the hands of people who pose a threat to themselves and others,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-170 . “Expanding the types of professionals who can file a petition will further reduce suicides and homicides throughout the state. Allowing more qualified individuals to file a petition for removal will increase use of this effective tool to keep our communities safe from gun violence.” Originally passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Polis in 2019, the Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act is a tool used to temporarily remove firearms from a person who a judge determines is a threat to themselves or others. Currently, a petition for removal can only be filed by a family member or a law enforcement officer. SB23-170 will expand the list of individuals eligible to file an ERPO to include district attorneys and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators. The bill passed by a vote of 9-4 . According to the Associated Press , Colorado has one of the lowest use rates of its Red Flag law. Colorado issued only 3.3 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents through 2021, ranking the sixth lowest among 19 states that have Red Flag laws. In comparison, Florida issues 33.6 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents. Researchers have found that for every 10 to 20 protection orders, one suicide might be averted. With SB23-170 expanding eligible individuals that can file a petition for removal, more lives can be saved by gun violence. “Current Colorado law gives gun sellers and manufacturers legal immunity that far exceeds what is reasonable and just,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-168 . “By removing Colorado's extreme gun industry immunity law, gun violence victims’ will be able to pursue accountability for the pain and suffering they experienced due to the gun industry’s firearm law violations. Colorado gun violence survivors deserve their day in court.” "I believe deeply in the idea that we are all responsible for our behavior and may be held accountable when our actions cause harm to others, " said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, sponsor of SB23-168. "Currently under Colorado law, the gun industry benefits from excessive legal protections that other businesses in other industries do not enjoy. This legislation ensures that Coloradans who are harmed by any irresponsible or dangerous business practice may seek redress in our state courts and will encourage actors in the industry to follow the laws that keep us safe." Right now, gun sellers and manufacturers enjoy broad protections under federal law from most types of civil lawsuits - and Colorado law goes even further by including a punitive provision that makes victims of gun violence who sue the gun industry pay the company’s legal fees in dismissed cases. SB23-168 would remove Colorado’s overly-broad immunity protections for gun sellers and manufacturers and allow legitimate lawsuits against the gun industry to move forward. The bill passed by a vote of 9-4. After their daughter was killed in the Aurora theater shooting, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips sued four online retailers that irresponsibly sold magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and body armor to the murderer. Under Colorado’s immunity law, they were forced to pay around $200,000 in legal fees to bulk ammunition sellers. They ended up selling their house and declared bankruptcy. Civil liability plays an important role in promoting consumer safety, and lawsuits can help incentivize industries to take reasonable steps to prevent their products or business practices from causing foreseeable risks to human life and wellbeing. Removing Colorado’s gun industry shielded liability will allow survivors like the Phillips and countless others to seek appropriate justice and fair remedies via civil actions, and will give survivors the legal opportunity to hold gun sellers and manufacturers accountable for their actions. Previous Next

SB25-130 would ensure that emergency abortion and miscarriage care remain protected < Back May 2, 2025 House Advances Legislation to Strengthen Emergency Protections for Reproductive Health Care DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for emergency reproductive health care. SB25-130 would safeguard emergency care for pregnant patients since the Trump administration announced they were no longer enforcing the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). “Federal protections for reproductive healthcare have been deeply eroded by the Trump administration, and it’s our responsibility to protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant people in Colorado,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill ensures that emergency providers have the clarity they need to do their job and save lives. This bill rules out all ambiguity so pregnant people can receive the life-saving emergency care they need, including an abortion. Abortion is safe, legal and protected in Colorado.” “Our state has been a leader in abortion care because Coloradans understand that access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care saves lives,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “As the federal EMTALA law crumbles under the Trump administration, this bill stands up to protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant patients. In states where reproductive health care is restricted, pregnant people are being denied emergency abortion or miscarriage care until it’s too late; we won't let that happen in Colorado.” SB25-130 would ensure emergency access for pregnant people who need abortion or miscarriage care without discrimination based on financial need or the type of care required. It would also create clarity for providers by defining employment protections for individual health care providers, treatment log requirements, and guidelines for transfers and discharges. The federal EMTALA is a nearly 40-year-old law that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment, including abortion and miscarriage care, regardless of ability to pay. However, the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Moyle vs United States has allowed states to deny pregnant people abortion care in life-threatening emergencies. In addition, the Trump administration recently dropped the federal lawsuit against Idaho for refusing to provide abortion care in the emergency room. In response to these federal actions, this bill would ensure that life-saving emergency care will be protected in Colorado. The federal landscape surrounding abortion care has been under attack. States with strict abortion bans argue that their state laws override their federal EMTALA law. Without access to care, pregnant people risk miscarriage, sepsis, or even death. Previous Next

Legislation would limit insurer-required prior authorization, improve health care transparency and remove barriers to accessing care < Back March 11, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Health Care Access Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to streamline access to health care. HB24-1149, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird, would modify requirements for prior authorization of certain procedures and prescription drugs so Coloradans can receive the care they need. “Insurance companies’ prior authorization requirements often delay care and cause health conditions to worsen or completely discourage Coloradans from seeking the health care they need,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Our bipartisan bill eases some of the current prior authorization requirements and keeps healthcare decisions between patients and providers. We’re also focused on improving health insurer transparency so patients will know what procedures, medications and prescriptions are covered.” HB24-1149 , also sponsored by Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, passed by a vote of 55-6. It would improve Colorado’s prior authorization requirements to streamline health care services, and procedures, and increase access to prescription drugs for patients. Due to health care insurer requirements surrounding prior authorization, 94-percent of physicians report care delays because of prior authorizations. This also leads to an overall increase in treatment abandonment by patients. This bill would help improve access to care by eliminating repeated prior authorizations for some patients, extending prior authorizations up to one year or the course of treatment and protecting patients from denials for approved care. To help improve consumer transparency, the bill also requires carriers, private utilization review organizations, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to: Publicly disclose information online about current prior authorization requirements including data on request determinations, exemptions, approvals, denials and prescription drug formularies Annually review and eliminate prior authorization requirements for services and drugs that are commonly approved Adopt a standard template to help patients understand their benefits Additionally, this bill would also streamline care by alerting prescribers about what preferred medications are covered, including the specific prior authorization criteria. The goal of HB24-1149 is to reduce barriers to accessing health care by reducing the prior authorization requirements, especially for patients seeking medication or treatment they have already been prescribed. Previous Next

< Back March 10, 2022 REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT PASSES COMMITTEE Legislation will protect the right to an abortion in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act. “Time and time again GOP politicians have tried to take away abortion rights; it’s not going to happen in Colorado,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Their dystopian vision of our post Roe world would see the government control women's bodies and put politicians in charge of the health care we’re allowed to access. Over 560 abortion restrictions have been introduced in the last year in all but three states, and nineteen states have enacted 106 restrictions, including 12 abortion bans. That’s why we are going to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act now to protect access to abortion in Colorado.” "Tonight, we're one step closer to enshrining access to abortion in Colorado law," said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo . "Politicians have no place in deciding whether or not someone is ready to be a parent, but that's exactly what's happening in states across the country. In Colorado, we trust patients to make their own choices. With the Reproductive Health Equity Act, we're taking action now to protect the fundamental right to reproductive health care, regardless of what happens at the federal level. We’re committed to keeping abortion safe, legal and protected in Colorado.” HB22-1279 , sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, would update Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights. The bill establishes a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. The proposed law comes as states across the country propose and enact new bans and restrictions on abortion access. The legislation is supported by: Cobalt, COLOR, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Anti-Defamation League of the Mountain States, the ACLU of Colorado, ONE Colorado, New Era Colorado, Catholics for Choice and dozens of other organizations. In Texas, Republicans passed legislation banning abortion after six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant. Republican lawmakers in Missouri have proposed legislation that would allow private lawsuits against individuals who help women obtain an abortion out of state. Democrats have already defeated three GOP anti-choice bills so far this session. HB22-1079 , sponsored by Representative Williams, was an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal courts and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. It would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. HB22-1047 , sponsored by Representative Neville, would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have imprisoned providers who perform an abortion. HB22-1075 , sponsored by Representative Luck, would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

< Back April 1, 2021 CLEAN ENERGY CAREER PATHWAYS ‘SPARC’ COMMITTEE’S INTEREST Colorado Comeback proposal would invest millions in training for the renewable energy jobs of the future DENVER, CO– The House Energy and Environment Committee today advanced Representative Dominique Jackson and Brianna Titone’s bill to invest $5 million into job training and workforce development for the energy sector. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $700 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The committee vote was 8-5. “We’ve set bold renewable energy targets in Colorado, and this bill puts the state’s money where our goals are,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “Market forces, consumer choices, and the pressing reality of the climate crisis are moving Colorado’s energy economy towards a cleaner, greener future. This bill will help us build back stronger by making sure that Coloradans, especially communities of color and those who lost jobs due to COVID-19, are prepared to take on the clean energy jobs of the future.” “As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, exciting and profitable new jobs will continue to be created in our energy-rich state,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “As we come out of this devastating pandemic and work to build the Colorado Comeback, this bill will ensure that our workforce is able to capitalize on these new jobs and get started on the path toward a fulfilling and sustainable career. I’m confident that the SPARC program will give our economy just the jolt it needs to build back a stronger workforce.” HB21-1149 calls on the Colorado Workforce Development Council to work with local workforce boards, school districts across the state, the Colorado Department of Education, community colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning to create and implement a career pathway for students in the renewable energy sector. The bill invests $5 million into the career pathway so institutions of higher learning and workforce development authorities can implement what is known as the Strengthening Photovoltaic and Renewable Careers, or SPARC, program. Previous Next

< Back May 8, 2023 Daugherty Bill to Lower Health Care Costs Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Lindsey Daugherty to increase price transparency for health care services to save Colorado patients money. “A report released last month found that roughly half of hospitals across the state do not comply with a federal hospital transparency law that provides patients with expected prices for the medical care they are seeking,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This transparency law allows patients to budget for inpatient, outpatient, surgery, and prescription drug costs so they can receive the care they need without being blindsided by an unmanageable hospital bill. We’re building the federal transparency requirement into Colorado law and that will save patients money on health care.” SB23-252 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, passed the House by a vote of 61-3. In 2022, the General Assembly passed legislation to prohibit hospitals from pursuing debt collection action against a patient if the hospital failed to comply with federal hospital price transparency laws during the patient’s treatment. Under the federal Hospital Price Transparency Rule, hospitals must publicly post standard charges and provide an out-of-pocket cost estimator tool for patients. This bill would build on the federal transparency requirements by having hospitals post their Medicare reimbursement rates and requiring the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to conduct performance assessments on Colorado hospitals to check for compliance. Violations of SB23-252 would be a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act . ### Previous Next

< Back May 14, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEMS DEMAND FEDERAL RELIEF; SEND LETTER TO CONGRESS DENVER, CO–– General Assembly Democrats today sent a letter to Congress following Tuesday’s devastating economic and revenue forecast, calling on Congress to prioritize flexible state funding to protect communities from revenue shortfalls caused by COVID-19. “Colorado is facing a desperate budgetary situation. With a more than $3 billion deficit, many of our critical programs that Coloradans have come to count on are facing crippling cuts,” said Senator Dominick Moreno, Joint Budget Committee (JBC) Vice-Chair. “We need the federal government to step up and use our tax dollars to bail out people rather than corporations, or we will suffer severe consequences for years to come.” “With a severe budget shortfall, we are doing everything we can to protect education and critical health-and-safety services,” said JBC Chair Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We have spent the last several weeks reviewing options for how we can balance the budget responsibly, and it’s clear that without more federal aid, our state will see heartbreaking cuts to essential services. We need our leaders in Washington to come together and support our communities through this crisis.” The letter asks Congress to pass several bills being supported by members of the Colorado delegation including The Coronavirus Relief for States Act , sponsored by Rep. Ed Perlmutter, and co-sponsored by Rep. Joe Neguse, Rep. Jason Crow, Rep. Diana DeGette, and Rep. Scott Tipton; as well as The State Operations Stabilization (SOS) Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Perlmutter, Rep. Neguse, and Rep. Crow. Coloradans can add their name to the letter here . The full text of the letter is below: Dear Members of Congress, Our state, like so many others, is experiencing extreme hardship due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Not only have more than 1000 of our residents died of this disease so far, but hundreds of thousands have lost their jobs and are in desperate need of assistance. However, these are still only the immediate and obvious impacts of the crisis. The longer, more insidious effects are those that will ripple out for years to come, as our state infrastructure crumbles from inadequate funding. Currently, we are facing a revenue shortfall of at least $3 billion due to the COVID crisis. This represents a massive reduction of our fiscal resources and it spells catastrophe for many of our already-underfunded institutions. Schools, law enforcement offices, health clinics, and correctional facilities all face extreme financial pressures, while literacy, suicide prevention, child welfare, and job training programs will likely need to be eliminated. Urgent transportation projects that would ensure the safety of our roads are also on hold, and public employees face potential pay cuts, furloughs, and benefit reductions. These fiscal losses are particularly poised to decimate the people who are helping get us through this crisis––mainly our first responders, healthcare workers, teachers, and state personnel. These professionals have been working tirelessly under immense pressure to cope with the needs of their patients, students, and service users. But now with draining funding reserves, our community servants are set up to receive even less support. Our situation is devastating and far exceeds that of any downturn we have ever faced. So you can understand our outrage when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would rather let state governments declare bankruptcy than receive more federal funding. He also had the audacity to claim that it’s not Congress’ job to help states who didn’t save for a recession. This kind of sentiment is unacceptable and blatantly disregards the severity of this crisis. Real people are suffering and more will in the coming weeks, months, and years if we do not receive adequate assistance. The federal funding so far, while much appreciated, has come with painful restrictions that prevent state or local governments from fully addressing their dwindling resource pools. So now, after hundreds of billions of tax dollars have gone towards bailing out big business and buying down corporate debt, states are completely unable to care for their own people. This issue is further compounded by the fact that COVID’s revenue impacts will last multiple budget cycles, and Colorado is uniquely unable to make up for revenue shortfalls due to TABOR. Our state needs the funding and the flexibility to backfill lost revenue, or we will be left with huge fiscal gaps in essential governmental functions. Therefore, in recognition of this immense and continuing revenue decline, we seek your help in working to ensure that any forthcoming federal stimulus package addressing the COVID-19 outbreak includes substantial aid for state revenue shortages. There are presently three congressional bills we would urge you to support: The Coronavirus Relief for States Act , sponsored by Rep. Perlmutter, and co-sponsored by Rep. Neguse, Rep. Crow, Rep. DeGette, and Rep. Tipton provides $500 billion to states and tribal governments affected by the COVID-19 pandemic for FY 2020-21. These funds could be used to cover costs accrued from the public health emergency, to replace revenue lost as a result of COVID-19, or to contribute to economic recovery of the state or tribe. The bipartisan proposal for a State and Municipal Aid for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Fund is set to be formally introduced in the Senate shortly. The bill calls for an additional $500 billion in COVID-19 state stabilization funds to support state and local governments. The funds would be split 3 ways: one-third would be provided to all 50 states and the District of Columbia; one-third to state and local governments based upon the number of COVID-19 cases in each place; and one-third to state and local governments based upon state revenue loss from COVID-19. The State Operations Stabilization (SOS) Act , co-sponsored by Rep. Perlmutter, Rep. Neguse, and Rep. Crow, authorizes a state, tribal government, or unit of local government to use funds made available under the Coronavirus Relief Fund to cover expenditures related to COVID-19 or to reduce a budget deficit due to loss of revenue related to COVID-19. All three of these initiatives would greatly assist Colorado’s ability to recover and maintain vital services for our residents. Fortunately, some of you have already begun the critical work necessary to secure flexible funding for Colorado, and for that, we are exceedingly grateful. Going forward, as Congress begins to consider the next phase of national relief, we implore all of you to protect our state’s future by advocating for such measures. We are currently just over a week away from passing a budget with dire consequences and request that you also act urgently. Colorado will need billions of dollars in direct aid to survive the extreme and continued loss of revenue or we will be forced to cut essential services in the midst of a pandemic and potentially crippling economic recession. Thank you for your leadership and continued support. We appreciate you rising to the challenge of today’s unprecedented public health emergency with courage, compassion, and commitment. We hope we can rely on you to secure the resources we need to protect the health and wellbeing of Coloradans and we look forward to working with you to craft our state’s path to recovery. Sincerely, President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) Senator Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) Senator Mike Foote (D-Lafayette) Senator Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver) Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) Senator Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver) Senator Tammy Story (D-Golden) Senator Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) Senator Angela Williams (D-Denver) Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster) Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) Senator Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) Senator Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs) Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) Majority Leader Alec Garnett (D-Denver) Representative Jeni Arndt (D-Fort Collins) Representative Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) Representative Janet Buckner (D-Aurora) Representative Bri Buentello (D-Pueblo) Representative Yadira Caraveo (D-Thornton) Representative James Coleman (D-Denver) Representative Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) Representative Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge) Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo) Representative Tony Exum, Sr. (D-Colorado Springs) Representative Meg Froelich (D-Englewood) Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (D-Denver) Representative Leslie Herod (D-Denver) Representative Edie Hooton (D-Boulder) Representative Dominique Jackson (D-Aurora) Representative Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D- Boulder) Representative Chris Kennedy (D-Lakewood) Representative Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada) Representative Susan Lontine (D-Denver) Representative Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) Representative Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) Representative Jovan Melton (D-Aurora Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City)) Representative Kyle Mullica (D-Northglenn) Representative Dylan Roberts (D-Avon) Representative Jonathan Singer (D-Longmont) Representative Emily Sirota (D-Denver) Representative Marc Snyder (D-Manitou Springs) Representative Tom Sullivan (D-Centennial) Representative Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) Representative Brianna Titone (D-Arvada) Representative Donald Valdez (D-La Jara) Representative Mike Weissman (D-Aurora) Representative Steven Woodrow (D-Denver) Representative Mary Young (D-Greeley) Previous Next

Congressional Republican tax bill threatens health care coverage for 112,000 Coloradans, increases premiums by over 28-percent statewide < Back August 21, 2025 Bill to Limit Premium Increases, Restore Access to Health Care Passes Committee Congressional Republican tax bill threatens health care coverage for 112,000 Coloradans, increases premiums by over 28-percent statewide DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist to help blunt health insurance rate increases and significantly reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage due to the federal GOP tax bill. “Republicans in Congress just passed the largest cut to Medicaid funding in American history and failed to extend tax credits that are essential for saving people money on health care, threatening health care coverage for over 100,000 Coloradans and drastically increasing the cost of premiums,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Our bill would help stabilize the insurance market to blunt premium increases and protect 20,000 Coloradans’ access to coverage. Only Congress can prevent massive rate increases, and I urge them to act as soon as possible to stop this madness and preserve affordable health care options for all of our constituents.” “While corporations get tax breaks, hardworking Coloradans will see their health care costs skyrocket,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “This much-needed temporary fix will allow us to fight off some of the devastating impacts of the federal GOP budget while we work on a long-term solution that ensures health care is accessible to all Coloradans. When the GOP-led Congress failed to extend the enhanced premium tax credits, they not only threatened health care and increased costs for people on the individual market, but they raised costs for everyone, including small businesses and employers. Only Congress can fully stop these large price hikes from taking effect, but we are doing everything we can to limit cost increases and protect Coloradans.” If the federal enhanced premium tax credit is not extended by December 31, 2025, HB25B-1006 would make changes to the Health Insurance Affordability Act by: Loaning $100 million from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund (UPTF) to the Health Insurance Affordability Cash Fund for the 2026 plan year, Giving the Department of Insurance and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIAE) Board the flexibility to use up to $5 million of the UPTF and up to $20 million of the residual HIAE reserves on HIAE programs, Allowing the HIAE and the Commissioner of Insurance to make changes to the OmniSalud program to maximize the number of Coloradans who can receive insurance coverage, which lowers health insurance premiums for everyone, and Increasing transparency by requiring the HIAE Board to annually report on certain financial metrics. The bill would invest up to $50M to help the reinsurance program buy down premiums and cover the most expensive health care for patients. With Congressional Republicans choosing not to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, average statewide premiums are projected to increase by 28-percent. In the Eastern Plains, premiums are expected to rise more than 33-percent. The Western Slope will see premium increases of about 38-percent. This investment in reinsurance should keep premium increases to a statewide average of only 20-percent. Connect for Health Colorado estimates that Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend enhanced premium tax credits could lead to 112,000 Coloradans losing coverage. HB25B-1006 would invest up to $50 million in the premium wrap program to reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage by 20,000. Eighty-percent of individuals who get their coverage through this program can expect to see their premiums increase 175-percent. OmniSalud reduces health care costs for all Coloradans by connecting Coloradans who are no longer eligible for Medicaid to affordable health insurance. Without this program, there would be an increase in uncompensated care that would increase insurance costs for all Coloradans and force health care providers to close. There are currently over 12,000 Coloradans insured for plan year 2025, and if no action is taken to combat the impacts from the Republican budget bill, nearly 10,000 people will lose their coverage in plan year 2026. When fewer people have health insurance, costs increase for everyone else, and providers struggle to stay afloat. HB25B-1006 passed by a vote of 9-4. Previous Next

< Back March 26, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO STREAMLINE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve Coloradans’ access to behavioral health services today passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee. This bipartisan bill is designed to streamline behavioral health care access for Coloradans through the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). “Building a healthier Colorado begins with improving access to critical behavioral health care,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We understand that Coloradans often experience barriers to accessing behavioral health care services and treatment. Our bipartisan, transformational bill is designed to knock down those barriers and streamline the process so Coloradans can swiftly receive the behavioral health services they need. Together, we’re making access to behavioral health care more transparent and accountable in Colorado.” HB22-1278 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, would establish a comprehensive, accountable behavioral health safety net system available in every region of Colorado. This includes 15 different critical behavioral health services including substance use, crisis services, criminal justice diversion, trauma informed care, youth services and more. HB22-1278 passed out of committee by a vote of 10 to 1. The BHA will reduce bureaucracy by consolidating fragmented behavioral health networks into one behavioral health administrative services organization (BHASO) per region. The push for this legislation stems from patient frustration surrounding disjointed behavioral health care services. With this bill, patients would be able to more easily access behavioral health services in their community. Previous Next