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Today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law two pieces of legislation to reduce insurance premiums and the cost of prescription drugs. < Back May 10, 2023 Signed! Legislation to Reduce Insurance Premiums, Costs of Prescription Drugs AURORA, CO - Today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law two pieces of legislation to reduce insurance premiums and the cost of prescription drugs. HB23-1224 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Reps. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, lowers insurance premiums and makes it easier for consumers to shop for high value standardized health plans that work for them and their families. The bill strengthens the Department of Insurance’s (DOI) ability to hold carriers accountable for the premium rate reduction requirements on Colorado Option Standardized Plans by granting the DOI the authority to: Limit factors such as as excessive profit and administrative expenses; Structure the public hearing process efficiently while ensuring all parties have the opportunity to participate; Help consumers easily find and compare plans that could lower their out-of-pocket costs. “Too many Coloradans are forced to choose between preventative health care services and paying the bills,” Jodeh said. “By reducing premium rates for Colorado Option plans and strengthening cost-saving requirements over Pharmacy Benefit Managers, our new laws will protect Colorado patients, pharmacies, and businesses from unfair practices while saving them money on health care.” “Every Coloradan, no matter where they live, deserves to have access to the life-saving health care they need,” said Roberts. “Colorado has led the way in lowering costs of health care by creating the Colorado Option. This bill builds on the first year of success of that plan and makes changes that will ensure that next year and in the years to come, even more Coloradans, particularly in the rural communities like those I represent, will be able to access more affordable and higher quality insurance options.” “The Colorado Option has been very successful, creating $14 million in savings for Colorado patients on health care plans, in its first year in the market,” Brown said. “With this new law, we’re making improvements to the Colorado Option to save Coloradans even more money on health care. I’m proud of the work that we’ve done to cut down on health care costs and pass savings down to Colorado consumers.” The second bill, HB23-1227 , ensures that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) follow through on critical cost savings reforms that the legislature has passed in recent years to save consumers money. Sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Perry Will, R-New Castle, and Reps. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, and Jodeh, the bill provides the DOI with more direct oversight over PBMs by requiring them to register and specifying that the DOI has the ability to enforce those reforms. “As a pharmacist I know firsthand how critical it is for Coloradans to be able to afford their prescription drugs, but too many of our families are still getting squeezed by high costs of medication,” said Jaquez Lewis. “HB1227 is part of a multi-year effort to keep Colorado prescription drug prices affordable. I’m thrilled to see this critical bill to save families even more money on life-saving medications signed into law.” “Addressing the cost of prescription drugs is a critical part of creating an equitable and accessible health care system,” said Ortiz. “This new law will give us the tools to hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers to the cost-saving measures that Colorado Democrats have passed to improve access to affordable, quality health care for all.” The bipartisan bill grants the Insurance Commissioner the power to investigate and impose penalties on PBMs for failing to comply with consumer protections such as charging pharmacies fees to adjudicate claims, clawing back money from pharmacies inappropriately, and discriminating against independent pharmacies versus PBM-affiliated pharmacies. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would stabilize Colorado’s homeowner insurance market to create more affordable property insurance options. < Back April 22, 2025 House Advances Bill to Make Property Insurance More Affordable DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would stabilize Colorado’s homeowner insurance market to create more affordable property insurance options. “Finding insurance has been increasingly difficult for Colorado property owners, especially on the Western Slope, and this legislation would stabilize the insurance market to create more affordable coverage,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “From catastrophic wildfires to hail storms that cause billions of dollars of damage in minutes, extreme weather events can upend entire communities. This legislation would create more competition in the insurance market to drive down costs and save Coloradans money on their property insurance." “Colorado is one of the least affordable states for homeowners insurance, which is why we’re bringing this bill to make insurance more accessible and affordable for Colorado homeowners,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “After the Marshall Fire devastated my community, many Coloradans found it difficult to find affordable home insurance. Through this legislation, we’re helping Colorado homeowners protect their properties from damage and expanding insurance coverage options that work for hardworking Coloradans.” HB25-1302 would stabilize the insurance market by transferring a portion of catastrophic wildfire insurance risk to the Wildfire Catastrophe Reinsurance Enterprise, reducing volatility in the insurance market that drives up costs. The enterprise would also provide reinsurance payments to eligible insurers to mitigate their risk and losses in the event of a wildfire disaster. Colorado’s insurance market is statewide, however, competition is lagging. To boost competition and drive down costs, this bill would require insurance companies benefiting from the reinsurance program to provide coverage to homeowners living in high-risk areas. Additionally, the bill would provide grants to homeowners to help them protect their properties from hail damage by installing fortified roofs, which are better able to withstand hailstorms than traditional roofs. Speaker McCluskie passed a 2023 law creating the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan Association to ensure Coloradans with homes and commercial properties located in wildfire zones or otherwise subject to high-risk factors can receive homeowners or commercial property insurance. Previous Next

Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the Pueblo City Council voting down an ordinance that would have outlawed abortions in Pueblo: < Back October 16, 2024 Rep. Mauro Statement on Pueblo City Council Vote on Abortion Access PUEBLO, CO - Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the Pueblo City Council voting down an ordinance that would have outlawed abortions in Pueblo: “Women in Pueblo deserve access to reproductive health care and the freedom to make their own choices. Last night, our city council defeated a dangerous ordinance that would have banned abortion in Pueblo and put women’s health at risk. I am committed to doing everything I can at the state capitol to protect Coloradans’ freedoms and the right to choose from extreme politicians who would take us backwards.” Previous Next

House Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement ahead of the rally in support of workers being held tomorrow at the State Capitol: < Back May 22, 2024 Duran: When Workers Thrive, Colorado Thrives DENVER, CO – House Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement ahead of the rally in support of workers being held tomorrow at the State Capitol: “Colorado’s workers are the backbone of our economy, and when they thrive, our state thrives as well. As the granddaughter of immigrant farmworkers, I stand with the Coloradans who are rallying at the Capitol tomorrow to advocate for economic justice, better wages, fair workplace practices, and an economy that works for all. “The bills I sponsored this session would have protected some of our most vulnerable people from having their hard earned money stolen by unscrupulous contractors, and would have prohibited retaliation against workers who don’t want to participate in required anti-union, political or religious meetings. “These bills were top priorities for labor advocates and would have made a real difference for many workers in Colorado, predominantly people of color. But the fight does not end here. I will continue advocating for working families, and will be back at the table next session to achieve these goals.” Previous Next

< Back March 31, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS CLEARS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed a bill that would allow 529 account funds to be used on post-secondary apprenticeships and programs. This switch would save Coloradans money on pursuing post-secondary learning beyond traditional higher education models. “This bill will save Coloradans money on apprenticeship programs and boost our growing workforce,” said Cathy Kipp, D-Ft. Collins. “Expanding the usage of 529 funds to include apprenticeships makes it easier for Coloradans to enter high-demand careers as carpenters, plumbers, and electricians among other skilled trades. Career paths aren’t set in stone and this bill gives Coloradans the choice to pursue their own educational path, whether it guides them to an apprenticeship program or traditional higher education.” HB22-1310 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Colin Larson, passed committee unanimously. This bill would allow 529 funds to be spent on post-secondary opportunities beyond higher education, including apprenticeships. 529 accounts operate similarly to Roth retirement accounts, they grow tax free for the purpose of investments in future education or retirement. However, under current law, qualified education expenses only include certain post-secondary education, such as higher education and college. This bill would extend the use of 529 funds to be used for other post-secondary education, such as apprenticeships and trades work. If signed into law, 529 funds can be spent on fees, books, supplies and equipment for certain apprenticeship programs. Previous Next

Representative Jamie Jackson, Chair of the Joint Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee, released a statement today on the committee’s efforts as it concludes its work in 2025. < Back October 31, 2025 Jackson Highlights Success of Treatment Interim Committee DENVER, CO – Representative Jamie Jackson, Chair of the Joint Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee , released a statement today on the committee’s efforts as it concludes its work in 2025. Representative Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora: “This interim, we focused on fostering healthier, safer communities by examining access to treatment in Colorado’s criminal justice system. Throughout the interim, we looked at how we can reduce recidivism by improving outcomes for incarcerated adults and juveniles, especially those living with behavioral and mental health conditions. I want to thank the committee members and everyone who participated in this process for their hard work to fill critical gaps in access to treatment.” The committee advanced bills to support Coloradans who may be experiencing behavioral health challenges or are in the criminal justice system. Bill 1 would help improve the safety and treatment of young adults and juveniles in the Youthful Offender System within the Department of Corrections. Bill 2 expands Medicaid reimbursement for certain transportation providers, giving people in crisis more choices. Bill 3 expands community-based treatment and rehabilitation options for those deemed not guilty by reason of insanity. The committee is comprised of Rep. Jackson, Chair, Senator Judy Amaible, D-Boulder, Vice Chair, Representatives Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton and Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet , D-Commerce City and Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: BILLS SIGNED TO ADDRESS AND PREVENT HOMELESSNESS Laws direct $155 million to create a statewide grant program and regional navigation campus in the Denver-Metro area DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will provide $155 million to address and prevent homelessness across Colorado. HB22-1377 , sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Tony Exum and Senators Chris Kolker and Julie Gonzales, directs $105 million in flexible grant funding to local governments and nonprofits that are pursuing innovative measures to address the needs of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. These initiatives may include emergency shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and property conversion, as well as wraparound services and care coordination. “This package of legislation works to address and prevent homelessness across Colorado by funding innovative measures that provide shelter and help people transition to permanent housing,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Local governments and nonprofits can’t fill this need on their own, so the state is stepping up to fund the programs and projects we know will help provide the housing and supports people need to get back on their feet and thrive.” “The crisis of unhoused Coloradans has only grown, and we must take action,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “This law will enable local communities to better tackle this crisis, and arm them with resources to implement innovative, community-driven strategies that address and prevent homelessness and get more Coloradans the help they need.” “Too many Coloradans, including over 1,000 veterans, are experiencing homelessness across our state,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This legislation provides funding for critical services and shelter for people in immediate need of a safe place to sleep and will also help people transition out of homelessness. We worked to ensure that each community in Colorado would have an opportunity to access this funding. From reducing the cost of housing and increasing access to behavioral health care to making Colorado more affordable and boosting skills training programs, we’re doing everything we can to address the root causes of homelessness and create opportunity for everyone in Colorado.” “We’ve seen clearly over the past few years that crisis exacerbates inequality. As our state’s housing issues have worsened significantly, even more Coloradans find themselves without a place to call home,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force . “This new law is critically important, and will help local communities connect unhoused Coloradans to essential support and resources. It’s only a start – but providing these resources will help folks get back on their feet by expanding access to the housing, care and support services that they need.” HB22-1378, sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Tom Sullivan and Senators James Coleman and Chris Hansen, directs $50 million to local governments and nonprofits in the Denver-Metro area to build or acquire and then facilitate a regional navigation campus to holistically respond to and prevent homelessness. This campus will integrate emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing with behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, medical care, case management, employment and skills training and more – all in one location. “The homelessness crisis in our communities demands an innovative approach that will deploy best practices and comprehensive strategies, and that’s what we’re doing by creating a central location where people can get the wraparound services they need to avoid homelessness,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “I am proud of this legislation that creates and funds a regional navigation campus in the Denver-Metro area that will integrate health care, job services and housing supports – some of the best practices available to reduce and prevent homelessness.” “The homelessness crisis has hit our communities hard, and addressing it requires all hands on deck, which is exactly the approach this legislation takes,” said Senator James Coleman, D-Denver . “This law will connect folks without stable housing to the services, care and housing they need, and give more Coloradans support to help them move forward and thrive.” “As a veteran, it is deeply troubling to see so many people who served our nation struggle to find safe and stable housing and access to the job services and health care they need,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “I’m proud Governor Polis has signed our legislation into law to invest in proven strategies that will reduce and prevent homelessness. This new regional campus will be a one-stop-location for people experiencing homelessness to be connected with behavioral health care, job training, housing options and other critical services that we know help people find long-term housing and employment.” “Too many of our neighbors are struggling to find a place to call home, and they need assistance,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver . “This law will provide significant new resources to support folks experiencing homelessness, and give nonprofits and local governments more capacity to address this crisis and help more Coloradans get back on their feet.” Previous Next

< Back June 26, 2020 BILLS TO SUPPORT FOOD PANTRIES AND AT-RISK YOUTH SIGNED INTO LAW Denver, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law to facilitate donations to food pantries, expand access to critical housing services for at-risk youth and permanently allow remote notary services. SB20-090 , sponsored by Representatives Daneya Esgar and Brianna Titone, helps at-risk Colorado youth by allowing youth over the age of 15 to consent to receive shelter or other services from a licensed homeless youth shelter. SB20-106 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Brianna Titone, allows food pantries to expand their sources for goods by allowing food donations from correctional facilities and agricultural producers. “With our state facing devastating budget cuts, we should do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable Coloradans during this pandemic,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The bills signed today will help ensure that at-risk Colorado youth have a roof to sleep under and can access the services they need, and will expand options for food pantries to help them meet the needs of our communities.” “Too many at-risk youth who end up homeless in our state don’t have access to shelter or services,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This new law will mean more of our youth have the housing and support they need to stay safe.” “With over half a million Coloradans seeking health insurance and unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is clearly a serious need in our communities for food support, and our food pantries are stepping up to help,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We’re making it easier for our food pantries to get food donations so they can help Coloradans through this crisis.” As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to necessitate the limitation of public interactions, SB20-096 , sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Terri Carver, facilitates the process for individuals who need to have documents notarized. Rather than requiring an individual to show up in person, the bill allows for remote notarization via video as an option, and includes guardrails to protect consumer privacy. “The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over, which means it’s still important to social distance and reduce unnecessary interactions,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Notarization is an important service that people rely on, and this bill will make it easier and safer for Coloradans to have their documents notarized.” The governor also signed SB20-042 , sponsored by Representative Jonathan Singer, which extends the Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning the Treatment of Persons with Mental Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems and broadens its focus to include behavioral health and thus treatment for substance use disorders. “I’m proud of the important work this committee has done to improve mental health services in our criminal and juvenile justice system,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. “It’s clear there’s more work to do, and I am grateful that the legislature and community partners will continue to work together and reduce our recidivism rate by expanding access to critical behavioral health services.” Previous Next

Legislation includes a taskforce to study issues that impact Coloradans living with a disability, expansions to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and public employee protections < Back April 24, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Support Coloradans with a Disability, Expand Workers Protections Legislation includes a taskforce to study issues that impact Coloradans living with a disability, expansions to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and public employee protections DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee passed legislation to support Coloradans living with a disability and expand worker’s rights and protections. “Twenty-percent of Coloradans live with a disability, yet we’re failing to meet their right to access basic services,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “Our legislation creates a diverse taskforce that will bring forward meaningful ways we can improve basic access to housing, employment, governmental services and the outdoors for those living with a disability. Basic access is a right, not a privilege, and we’re working toward achieving basic access for each and every Coloradan.” “When it comes to participating in government, securing housing, starting a new career or getting outside to enjoy the beautiful landscapes our state has to offer, Coloradans living with a disability often face significant accessibility barriers,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “From housing to employment, our legislation creates an innovative taskforce to dig into the accessibility issues faced by the disability community and work toward solutions. Securing basic access for those living with a disability is just the beginning, and we’re committed to developing solutions that work for everyone.” HB23-1296 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Leslie Herod, passed committee unanimously. This bill would create the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force to study issues concerning Coloradans’ with disabilities. This important task force would include four different subcommittees focused on state and local government, the rewrite of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and accessibility in housing and the outdoors. This legislation aims to ensure basic civil rights of individuals with disabilities in these four key areas by providing essential research and information to make Colorado more accessible for all. 20-percent of Coloradans live with a disability and this legislation works toward protecting civil liberties and expanding basic access to housing, employment, recreation and government services. “When we passed the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act in 2019, Colorado made significant strides toward equity in the workplace, however, more must be done to ensure women are paid fairly for their work,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-105. “We’re working hard to fight inequity, and this legislation strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to further address the wage gap. This legislation combats wage discrimination that keeps our mothers, sisters, aunts and friends from earning less; if men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is law, yet women in Colorado are still earning less than men for doing the same job, and the wage gaps between Black women and white men are staggering,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-105 . “This important legislation would require the state to investigate, take action, and follow up when wage discrimination cases are filed so we can come closer to achieving pay equity. This bill requires that job opportunities and their salaries are posted and shared with employees. Not only does this improve wage transparency, but fosters an environment for women to advocate for better, fairer wages as we build back from the pandemic to uplift communities hit the hardest. When women succeed, we all succeed, and creating stronger communities begins with equal pay for equal work.” SB23-105 , sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would strengthen Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. Specifically, this bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to promulgate rules to further prevent wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive and the resources and staffing to back it up. This bill would also require CDLE to investigate complaints or other leads concerning wage inequality, and to address the situation if the complaint is found to be valid as well as requiring employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings. SB230-105 would also extend the maximum period for which a person pursuing a wage discrimination complaint may receive back pay to six years, doubling what is currently allowed under state law. “Plain and simple, public sector employees deserve the same workplace protections already offered to private sector employees,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, Chair of the House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee and sponsor of SB23-111. “Colorado’s public workers – firefighters, teachers, public defenders – keep our communities safe and thriving. Public workers should be allowed to discuss workplace issues, join an employee organization and participate in our political process without the fear of losing their job, and this legislation guarantees them that right.” SB23-111 , sponsored by Representative Woodrow, passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill aims to extend employee protections and rights for Coloradans working in the public sector. This legislation would give public employees the right to discuss views on employee representation or workplace issues, engage in mutual aid, participate in the political process while off duty and out of uniform and organize, join or assist in an employee organization. Private sector employees already have the concerted activity protections outlined in this legislation. SB23-111 aims to align public and private sector employee benefits to ensure every Colorado worker has equalized protections and rights. Previous Next

Representative Javier Mabrey was recognized by the Council of State Governments as part of their annual 20 Under 40 Leadership Award recipient class. < Back December 6, 2024 Mabrey Receives the 2024 CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award DENVER, CO – Representative Javier Mabrey was recognized by the Council of State Governments as part of their annual 20 Under 40 Leadership Award recipient class. “I am honored and humbled to receive the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “We have been able been able to have a true impact for working class Coloradans by improving renter protections, fighting against corporate price-gouging for life-saving medicine, and standing with working people to improve working conditions. These policy victories show us that we can stand by our values and stand up for working people and win. We can be decent to one another and still fight for and win meaningful and progressive change. It is a privilege to serve the people of Colorado and I am committed to continuing in the fight for working families.” The CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award was created in 2020 to recognize young leaders in state policy for their commitment to bipartisan and innovative solutions. Since its creation, 100 emerging elected and appointed state officials have been recognized for their work. Representative Mabrey was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2022. In his first term, he tackled the affordability crisis by capping the cost of Epi-Pen 2-packs to $60 , expanding housing options that work for every budget, strengthening eviction protections for renters, and creating new protections to improve transparency and fairness for delivery drivers. He has also championed gun violence prevention legislation that will make it easier for law enforcement to identify dangerous firearm purchasing patterns and create new avenues for victims of gun violence to pursue justice . Nominated for the award by Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, Representative Mabrey joins past recipients from the Colorado legislature: President-Designate James Coleman, D-Denver, Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to improve educator safety in classrooms across the state. < Back June 6, 2024 ICYMI: Gov. Polis Signs Bill to Protect Educators DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to improve educator safety in classrooms across the state. “As a teacher, I know how important it is for students and educators to feel safe at school – and this law is a big step forward toward creating a safe learning environment for everyone,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Educator safety should be a top priority, and unfortunately, Colorado educators have reported an increase in targeted violence. Ensuring our educators feel safe and comfortable in the classroom will help recruit, retain and strengthen our educator workforce for years to come.” “This legislation will help identify actions schools can take to keep educators safe so they can focus on teaching our students,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “By creating a task force to study this issue, we can examine the role that unequal access to resources and restorative justice play in staff safety issues. Feeling safe in school is essential to fostering a positive educational environment that is more equitable.” HB24-1320 seeks to generate recommendations on improving safety for educators and school staff through the creation of the Educator Safety Task Force. Members of the task force will represent school support professionals, teachers, administrators, nonprofits, and students and families from various communities who are impacted. In making their recommendations related to school safety, the task force will look at the impact of funding needs, wraparound supports, staffing ratios, incidents of student behavior, and resource inequality. The 2023-2024 State of Education report conducted by the Colorado Education Association found that nearly a third of respondents, 32 percent, experienced physical abuse by a student in the two years prior to taking the survey . Previous Next

< Back May 12, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK FUNDS WEATHERIZATION GRANTS Reps. Weissman and Hooton’s state stimulus bill to put funds towards the Weatherization Assistance Program DENVER, CO — The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed a bill to put $3 million of state stimulus funds toward the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which provides grants to help qualified Coloradans save money, increase comfort, and better their homes and environment through proven energy conservation solutions. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of . “The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low income families across Colorado lower heating costs, become more efficient energy consumers, and increase safety in their homes,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “Hundreds of thousands of Colorado homes are currently eligible for this program, and these state stimulus funds will help us ensure that a few more low income families can reap the benefits.” “Today we voted to invest in a proven and badly needed program that is already helping thousands of Coloradans every year,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Ensuring that more low income families can access the support that the Weatherization Assistance Program provides will help lower costs, and ensure more homes are as energy efficient as possible. It’s win-win.” The Colorado Energy Office’s Weatherization Assistance Program offers free weatherization support for Colorado’s low-income residents. WAP works to maximize energy cost savings for each client by providing them with cost-effective energy efficiency services. The program’s services focus on the home as a system and include a variety of measures that improve the home’s energy efficiency. These cost-effective services reduce wasted energy and lower heating bill costs, while improving the overall comfort and safety of a home year-round, they include things like air sealing, furnace safety testing, LED light bulb retrofits, and more. SB21-231 provides $3 million in additional funding to supplement the program’s $20 million budget. Under its current budget, the program only serves about 2,000 homes per year, although about 500,000 Colorado households could qualify. Previous Next