< Back Rep. Joseph: Rethink the Kids Online Safety Act to balance safety, freedom Aug 20, 2024 See more This story was originally published in Colorado Politics here . As our children and teenagers become increasingly intertwined with social media and online platforms, ensuring their safety has become a pressing issue. The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which recently passed the Senate and now awaits action in the House, reflects a unified concern for the well-being of our youth. This cross-party collaboration is a hopeful sign we are collectively invested in protecting our children and promoting their rights. However, as with any legislation, it is crucial to examine both its potential benefits and its possible downsides. KOSA aims to impose a "duty of care" on social media companies to regulate content deemed “harmful to minors.” At first glance, this seems like a prudent step toward safeguarding young users. Yet, the implementation of such regulations could have unintended consequences that might undermine the very protections the bill seeks to enforce. For marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and individuals seeking reproductive health information, online platforms are not just sources of social interaction but essential lifelines. Research shows more than 70% of LGBTQ+ individuals find online communities are pivotal in shaping their understanding of their identities. This digital connection is particularly crucial for transgender youth, who benefit from supportive online networks, contributing to lower rates of attempted suicide among those with access to these spaces. Similarly, the online realm has become a critical source of information and support for those seeking reproductive health care, especially in the wake of the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. Social media platforms provide vital resources and community support for navigating reproductive health, which can be overshadowed by harassment and legal challenges in other forums. However, KOSA's broad mandate to regulate content could lead to overzealous moderation by social media companies. Much like the SESTA/FOSTA legislation from the previous administration, there is a risk platforms may excessively censor content to avoid legal repercussions, potentially erasing valuable resources and support networks for marginalized communities. This overreach could silence crucial conversations and support systems, leaving these communities vulnerable. Moreover, there are concerns KOSA could be weaponized for political or ideological agendas. Some sponsors of the bill, like Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), and affiliated groups have expressed intentions to use KOSA to suppress specific types of content, such as information related to transgender issues. This opens the door for extremist figures, like certain state attorneys general, to exploit the legislation against those they target, further entrenching the suppression of constitutionally protected speech. In Colorado, we have made strides in safeguarding the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. However, many other states have moved in the opposite direction, highlighting the need for vigilance. The bipartisan nature of KOSA brings a glimmer of hope, reflecting a shared commitment across party lines to protect our children. It is a testament to our collective desire to ensure the safety and well-being of the next generation. As a legislator, this bipartisan effort reassures me there is a common goal to safeguard our youth, and I believe we can find a balanced approach. I urge policymakers to consider amendments to KOSA or explore alternative measures that effectively protect young users while preserving the essential freedoms and support systems that many rely on. By working together, we can ensure our online spaces remain both safe and inclusive for all. Colorado state Rep. Junie Joseph is a child welfare and family law attorney. Previous Next

Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. < Back December 19, 2023 New Laws to Improve Access to Housing, Support Renters Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock. HB23-1186, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Iman Jodeh and Senators Tony Exum and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, allows individuals in residential eviction cases to participate in county court proceedings remotely. “Under this law, Coloradans can attend their eviction hearings remotely, which will drastically reduce the number of no-show, default evictions and keep families housed,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Whether it be unreliable transportation, inflexible work schedules, lack of child care, health conditions or something in between, there are many reasons why someone may not be able to attend their eviction proceedings in person. This important law will help vulnerable Coloradans retain their housing.” “Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis, and it’s critical we do everything we can to alleviate it and keep folks housed,” said Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmon t. “There are lots of reasons someone may be forced to miss their eviction proceedings, including lack of transportation or child care or a sudden emergency - but that doesn’t mean they should be evicted. This new law will prevent no-shows, improve accessibility, and keep more Coloradans housed.” “Remote eviction proceedings will improve no-show rates and prevent the displacement of Coloradans who can least afford to lose their homes,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “From lack of reliable child care to work obligations, we know these situational burdens disproportionately fall on low-income Coloradans. Through remote eviction hearings, we’re breaking down barriers to give more Coloradans a fair shot to avoid eviction and the cycles of poverty and economic instability that often follow.” “We’re working hard to make sure more Coloradans can find and stay in homes, and this new law to provide improved protections for folks facing evictions is a big step towards that goal,” said Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Breaking down barriers to participation in eviction proceedings will make it easier for Coloradans to defend themselves and avoid being evicted simply for not being able to attend a hearing.” Under this law, individuals must communicate with the courts 48 hours prior to their hearing if they would like to participate remotely or in-person. HB23-1186 aims to improve accessibility for attending eviction proceedings especially for those living in rural areas, Coloradans with disabilities and those with additional circumstances that make it difficult to take time off work. Data collected from courts in other states shows that by expanding ways to participate in eviction cases reduces “no-show” rates and improves court procedures. HB23-1186 is expected to decrease the number of Coloradans with a no-show default eviction by over 7,800. HB23-1184 , sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts, expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations that build and sell affordable housing and increases the Area Median Income to qualify for this housing from 80% to 100% or 120% for rural resort communities. It also extends the exemption period from five years to ten years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The law creates a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other nonprofit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. This exemption only applies to the land and not the home. “Expensive land costs means it's more difficult for non-profit housing developers to secure land and begin building affordable housing that every community needs,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield . “Our new law will expand property tax exemptions for non-profit affordable housing developers. Coloradans are counting on us to create more affordable housing options so our teachers, child care providers and health care workers can afford to stay in their communities, and this law is a step in the right direction.” “The cost of land is often the biggest barrier that keeps affordable housing projects from getting done, especially for nonprofit homebuilders who build housing for our state's workforce,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco . “This new law represents a huge step forward for nonprofit homebuilders and will make it easier for nonprofit developers to do what they do best: build more housing for working Coloradans so that families can afford to live in the communities they call home. Previous Next

Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released a statement responding to the Trump Administration’s freeze of more than $300 million of funding for child care and social services for the state’s most vulnerable. < Back January 7, 2026 Democratic Leadership, JBC Members Release Statement After Trump Freezes Child Care, Social Services Funding Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released a statement responding to the Trump Administration’s freeze of more than $300 million of funding for child care and social services for the state’s most vulnerable. Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, JBC Chair Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder: “The Trump Administration’s callous decision to freeze more than $300 million will only make life more expensive for hardworking families. “Gutting programs that equip tens of thousands of Coloradans with resources to provide and afford child care is a direct attack on working families. The Colorado Works program directly helps low-income Coloradans afford everyday necessities, including food and clothing, and get ahead through job training. Federally supported programs strengthen Colorado’s economy and create strong pathways for workers to earn more and thrive. “We stand ready to work with Governor Polis and partners in our federal delegation to resist this lawless effort to freeze funding, and we sincerely hope that our Republican colleagues will put politics aside, get serious about making life in Colorado more affordable, and put families first.” This week, the Trump Administration froze funding for Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, known here as Colorado Works , which supports thousands of families across the state. The basic cash assistance component alone supports over 50,000 children. The Administration also froze funds for the Child Care and Development Fund and Social Service Block Grants, which are used to Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. < Back April 10, 2025 Funding Boost for Mass Shooting Response Signed Into Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services. “Mass shootings have a ripple effect on Colorado communities, and trauma-informed services for survivors and victims require funding,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Victims deserve every resource available to help them heal and move forward. This law will help bring in grant funds to boost victim support across our state, helping Colorado communities who have been devastated by gun violence.” “Colorado families like mine have experienced an unimaginable amount of trauma and heartbreak because of the scourge of gun violence in this country, and it’s our job as lawmakers to support them however we can,” said Sen. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This law clarifies the definition of a mass shooting in order to obtain every possible resource to financially and emotionally support our communities and quantify data analysis to shore up our response in the aftermath of senseless tragedies.” “It’s the unfortunate truth that mass shootings are a part of the American experience, and this law is one of many efforts that Colorado Democrats are taking to reduce gun violence and support victims,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “There are federal grant programs that support responses to mass shootings and improve crisis training for first responders, and we should take advantage of any opportunity to strengthen our response. I’m proud to have sponsored this new law that protects Colorado communities, especially our schools, from gun violence.” SB25-059 directs the Division of Criminal Justice to apply for, accept, and utilize federal grant money or other grant funds to improve Colorado’s mass shooting response. The law also defines “mass shooting” as a shooting where at least four people, other than the perpetrator, are injured or killed with a firearm. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2021 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES BILL TO PREVENT EXTORTION, PROTECT IMMIGRANTS, WORKERS AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS DENVER, CO– The House today passed a bipartisan bill to prevent the extortion of undocumented immigrants by closing a gap in current statute. The bill was passed by a vote of 64-0. “This simple bill will ensure that everyone in our communities, regardless of citizenship status, is protected from extortion by our laws,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “The current gap in statutes has left immigrants, especially workers and victims of domestic and sexual violence, vulnerable. By expanding the definition of extortion in our laws, we’re giving prosecutors a crucial tool to make our communities safer.” “While this bill specifically protects immigrants from extortion, advancing the cause of justice and public safety is a goal we should all work towards together,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “The bill we passed today will give prosecutors like me the tools we need to protect vulnerable members of our communities from extortion and hopefully prevent some of these crimes from happening in the first place. I’m proud of the step we took to make our communities safer.” The current definition of criminal extortion already includes the practice of threatening to disclose a person’s immigration status to law enforcement in order to force them to give up something of value. HB21-1057 expands this definition to include coercing another person to either engage in or refrain from engaging in what would otherwise be a legal act. This expanded definition would address instances of wage theft, domestic violence and other instances where a person’s immigration status is used to deny them what is lawfully theirs. Previous Next

New laws aim to address Colorado’s housing crisis, save Coloradans money on housing < Back May 30, 2024 Laws to Save Coloradans Money on Housing, Plan for Growth Signed Into Law New laws aim to address Colorado’s housing crisis, save Coloradans money on housing ARVADA / BROOMFIELD, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will save Coloradans money by making housing more affordable, identifying state housing needs and strategically planning for future growth in Colorado. HB24-1434 is a bipartisan law that will increase Colorado’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit (AHTC) by $816 million over the next eight years. The state AHTC is paired with federal incentives to create a greater statewide impact. “These impactful bills will help steer Colorado into an environment where people can more easily afford their homes,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1435 and SB24-174. “Colorado’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit in its previous form was so successful;, we had three applicants for every one that we could satisfy. So now we are building on that success. Additionally, partnerships between the state and local governments will push communities to identify their unique housing needs and plan for growth in a strategic and inclusive way. Together, these new bipartisan laws will make planning resources available to our communities, spurring long-term, affordable housing growth.” “The Affordable Housing Tax Credit has been the most successful affordable housing program in our state, and I’m proud this bill is now law so we can expand on the relief that this tax credit provides to hardworking Coloradans,” Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB24-1434 and SB24-174. “SB24-174 was also signed into law today, which allows us to leverage Colorado’s resources to work in partnership with local governments to help them build in a smart, strategic way as our population continues to grow. These bipartisan efforts will continue to boost affordable housing projects and provide strategic growth planning resources for our communities so more Coloradans can access housing that works for their budget.” The AHTC Program became permanent in 2014 to support affordable housing developments across the state and has been renewed numerous times since then. From 2015 to 2021, the program aided the development of over 10,700 housing units, supported more than 36,000 jobs, and had an economic impact of $5.5 billion . Also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, and Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, the law invests $150 million in new tax credits to incentivize the development of affordable housing in transit-oriented communities. This incentive would ensure Colorado communities can plan for the future and increase the housing supply near existing, new, or expanded public transit, jobs and job centers, and safe biking and walking corridors. SB24-174 , also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, requires the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to conduct a statewide housing needs assessment and provide grants and technical assistance to local governments to conduct their own local or regional housing needs assessments, followed by housing action plans to address the identified needs. Under the law, most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 residents are required to either conduct and publish a local housing needs assessment by December 31, 2026 or participate in a regional housing needs assessment. By November 30, 2027, DOLA must conduct an analysis and publish a report analyzing existing and future statewide housing needs. The law requires new housing assessments to be published every six years. SB24-174 also requires most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 to create a housing action plan that details their commitment to address their specific housing needs by January 1, 2028, and to update the plan every six years thereafter. Additionally, the law: Requires local governments who submit a Housing Action Plan to DOLA to submit a progress report to DOLA three years after publication, Requires DOLA to publish a statewide strategic growth report which will analyze land use scenarios and their impacts, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental effects; and assess state policies on development and sprawl, Requires county and municipal master plans to include new water supply and strategic growth elements that compare the long-term costs of infill and greenfield development, and Prioritizes state agency grant funding for housing or land use programs for local governments who have complied with the requirements in this bill. HB24-1316 creates the first Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit Pilot Program in the nation to boost the development of rental housing for middle-income Coloradans. This pilot program would direct the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to award up to $10 million per year in five-year state income tax credits for tax years 2025 through 2029. A total of $200 million in tax credits may be allocated through this program. “Housing affordability is a top priority for Colorado Democrats, and this legislation will increase our housing stock for middle-income Coloradans,” Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB24-1316. “The middle class is not immune to the rising cost of housing. Our new law will save Coloradans money on housing by building more homes for our teachers, first responders, and other essential workers so they can afford to live in the communities where they work.” “Every Coloradan should have the opportunity to live where they work, but our housing market is completely broken,” Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of HB24-1316, said. “We’ve had low-income housing tax credits for a very long time, but this is the first middle-income housing tax credit in the country. We need this right now because even people with good-paying jobs like nurses, teachers, and firefighters can’t afford to live here. This bill will help to fix that by providing tax credits for housing that’s affordable for folks earning an average wage—80 to 120 AMI in technical terms.” “Colorado Democrats have passed a variety of laws that encourage the development and preservation of affordable housing options, but we also need more housing for middle-income Coloradans that don’t qualify for housing support,” Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1316. “Coloradans need more housing options that work for their budget and allow them to live in the community where they work and raise their kids. With this law, we can add more middle-income housing opportunities throughout Colorado to support our workforce and address the housing crisis.” Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 HOUSE DEMS PASS BILLS TO HELP TEACHERS & STUDENTS (Apr. 27) – The House gave preliminary approval to two bills that will help provide more resources for Colorado’s teachers and students. “This bill ensures that all teachers who are trained in Colorado are taught best practices through mentorship. Across the board, every department and every teacher should be taught best practices,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “As teachers, we all know what best practices are for teaching, but it’s often not shared with new, incoming teachers. Through this bill, we can have really a great education for our kids that is consistent across the board no matter which Colorado school you graduate from.” Rep. McLachlan is chair of the House Education committee and is a former school teacher. SB19-190 will create the “Growing Great Teachers Act” to prepare more Coloradans for the experience of teaching in our public schools. This bill would allow institutions of higher education to offer approved educator preparation programs of alternative teacher programs through a contract with the Department of Higher Education. This bipartisan bill passed with a voice-vote. A final vote will be taken at a later date. The House also approved SB19-216, sponsored by Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, which incentivizes for local education providers to provide innovative learning opportunities for high school students. “We live in a dynamic and evolving economy. Making sure our students are well prepared for college or entering the workforce requires every student we educate to have a rich educational experience,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “We need strong teachers teaching a strong curriculum in the classroom. We also need innovative learning opportunities like apprenticeships outside of the classroom. This bill gives incentives to school districts to expand opportunities for students so that every child receives a quality education.” The bill creates the high school innovative learning pilot program to support school districts, boards of cooperative services, and charter schools in providing innovative learning opportunities to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12. Each local education provider that is selected to participate in the pilot program can count high school students who participate in innovative learning opportunities as full-time pupils, for purposes of school finance. SB19-216 passed by a voice-vote. A final vote will take place at a later date. Previous Next

HB25-1021 implements an income tax credit for employee-owned businesses < Back May 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Incentivize Employee-Owned Businesses Signed Into Law GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, to create tax incentives for employee-owned businesses was signed into law today. “Employee-owned businesses create a higher quality of life for workers, including higher wages, lower turnover, and better benefits and job security,” Bridges said. “Investing in employee ownership means investing in a more secure future for Colorado’s working families, and I’m proud to have championed this policy to encourage business owners to invest in their employees’ futures, too.” “Employee-owned businesses are good for Colorado and make it easier for your favorite locally-owned businesses to stay in your neighborhood,” said Rep. Lindstedt. “This law creates new tax credits specifically for employee-owned businesses, saving them money and encouraging other businesses to convert to an employee-owned business model.” Transitioning to an employee-owned model helps small businesses focus on investing in their employees and serving their communities. Cosponsored by Senator Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park, and Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, HB25-1021 creates several new tax deductions and credits for businesses with an employee ownership model. In addition to the new tax incentives, the legislation extends the existing Employee Ownership Tax Credit within the Office of Economic Development and International Trade through tax year 2031. The Employee Ownership Tax Credit , created by HB21-1311 , was previously equal to 50 percent of the conversion costs for a business that converts to a worker-owned cooperative, an employee stock ownership plan, or an employee ownership trust. HB25-1021 makes the tax credit equal to 75 percent of the conversion cost, up to $167,000. The income tax credit is fully refundable. Previous Next

HB26-1058 ensures children featured in online content are paid for their work < Back May 4, 2026 Gov Signs Bipartisan Bill to Protect the Financial Security of “Kidfluencers” HB26-1058 ensures children featured in online content are paid for their work DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation into law to protect the financial security and right to privacy of minors who appear in monetized online content. “In a digital age, we need to be doing more to prioritize the safety and financial security of children featured in online content, which is why this legislation is being signed into law today,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This bipartisan law steps up to protect ‘kidfluencers’ by requiring parents to establish a trust for their child when videos earn thousands of dollars. It also provides the right to remove online content once a child reaches adulthood. I’m proud to have sponsored this new law that helps protect the privacy and personal dignity of Coloradans with online content." “Across Colorado, parents and guardians are increasingly creating content that generates real income, but the children they feature may reach adulthood with nothing, despite years of their image and likeness being used for profit,” said Sen. Matt Ball, D-Denver. “In the early days of Hollywood, states stepped in to ensure that child actors were fairly compensated for their work in adulthood. This legislation would offer the same compensation and protections for children participating in the digital economy.” “Kidfluencers have entertained social media users across Colorado for years, but current law doesn’t require any earnings to be saved or shared with the child,” said Sen. Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “This new bill will make necessary updates to prevent exploitation of Colorado kids online, ensuring the earnings they make as kids will be available to them as adults.” HB26-1058 , also sponsored by Rep. Scott Slaugh, R-Berthoud, establishes new protections and requirements for children featured in online content, also known as “kidfluencers.” To ensure children are paid for their work, parents must establish a trust for their child if all three conditions are met: The content creator earns at least $40,000 a year from online content; The child is featured in 30-percent or more of monetized content in a 30 day period; and The content earns at least $0.10 per view in total compensation, including from sponsorships. This law also allows children featured in monetized online content to request that the videos, pictures or other content be removed from the internet when they reach adulthood. It protects against the sexualization of children for financial gain and establishes avenues to pursue civil action on behalf of children if they are featured in sexualized content. To further stop the sexualization of children online, the law requires social media platforms to develop and implement risk-based strategies that keep children safe. Similar laws to protect child actors are already in place. Established in the late 1930s, California’s Coogan Law requires the earnings of child performers be placed in a protected trust. Colorado joins Illinois, California, Minnesota and Utah in enacting “kidfluencer” protections. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 NEW LAW TO PROTECT BEES FLIES THROUGH COMMITTEE The House Energy and Environment Committee today advanced a bill, sponsored by Representative Cathy Kipp, that will protect bees and other pollinators by regulating the use of certain types of pesticides. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “Bees and other pollinators are incredibly important for our environment and the future health of our state and planet,” said Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “The nature that we enjoy all year round depends on our delicate ecosystems remaining in balance. By regulating the use of these pesticides, we can protect pollinators and our Colorado way of life.” HB20-1180 would protect bees and other pollinators throughout the state by requiring the commissioner of agriculture to regulate the use of neonicotinoid and sulfoximine pesticides. The exception to the regulation would be the use of these pesticides for indoor use as pest control, personal and pet care products as well as for commercial and other qualified applicators or limited uses. If in the future, the commissioner finds a similar product that is comparable to the effectiveness of neonicotinoid and sulfoximine pesticides, the commissioner may adopt rules to disallow the use of neonicotinoid and sulfoximine pesticides for personal, pest control or pet care use. On May 20, 2019, the EPA announced the cancellation of a dozen pesticides that are known to be harmful to bees. This included neonicotinoid pesticides. According to an article by Bloomberg Government , neonicotinoids attack the nervous system of insects. Neonic pesticides are also systemic, meaning they make an entire plant poisonous to pollinators. The European Union has banned the outdoor use of five neonicotinoid pesticides. According to Science Magazine , sulfoximine pesticides also act on nicotine receptors but avoid the pitfalls of neonicotinoid pesticides because they bypass some pesticide resistance in certain insects. A preliminary study conducted by Nature Research found that exposure to reduced “reproductive success” in bees, however, more data is needed to form a definitive conclusion. Previous Next

< Back October 12, 2022 Jodeh Selected for 20 Under 40 CSG Leadership Award Representative Iman Jodeh joins the esteemed list of 2022 20 Under 40 recipients selected by The Council of State Governments DENVER, CO – Representative Iman Jodeh was selected as a 2022 recipient of the The Council of State Governments (CSG) 20 Under 40 Leadership Award . The national organization received countless applications from legislators around the country. Rep. Jodeh was recognized for her strong leadership skills and her commitment to serving Coloradans. “It’s a true honor to be selected as a 20 Under 40 award recipient,” said Rep. Jodeh, D-Aurora . “Since beginning my journey as a representative in 2021, I have focused my legislation and advocacy with one main goal – making Colorado work for the people. To me, at the center of this work, are the families working to live out their American Dream. Thank you, CSG. I am beyond honored to join this year’s class of public servants from across the nation.” During her time at the Colorado State Capitol, Rep. Jodeh has championed the Colorado Option, the largest healthcare bill in Colorado history, established the Office of New Americans for our newest neighbors, protected patients with medical debt forgiveness programs and affordable medication, took evictions from 48 hours to 10 days, and established solutions for the unhoused. According to the Council of State Governments the award, “recognizes the outstanding work of 20 up-and-coming elected and appointed officials from across the country who not only exemplify strong leadership skills but have also demonstrated a true commitment to serving the citizens of their state/territory.” Rep. Jodeh joins a list of former and current Colorado House Democrats honored with the CSG’s 20 Under 40 leadership award. In 2020, Representative James Coleman, now Senator Coleman, and Representative Dylan Roberts were recognized as part of CSG’s inaugural class. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed a pair of bills into law that will save Colorado families millions of dollars a year on housing. < Back May 14, 2024 SIGNED! Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Housing Become Law DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed a pair of bills into law that will save Colorado families millions of dollars a year on housing. SB24-233 , sponsored by the Chair of the bipartisan Commission on Property Tax Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, as well as House Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, ensures that Colorado homeowners won’t see an increase in their property taxes for tax year 2024 and reduces statewide local taxes by more than $1 billion. "Coloradans are depending on us to meet the moment and provide responsible relief that works for them and their families," Hansen said. "These bills will help save Coloradans money by responsibly reducing property tax rates in a way that balances the needs of homeowners with protecting critical funding for schools, and by making the senior homestead exemption portable and giving older Coloradans the freedom to downsize or sell their homes without paying a tax penalty. I am excited about this opportunity to deliver relief for those who need it most." “After months of hard work on the Commission on Property Tax, I’m proud that our long-term, bipartisan solution will be signed into law to save Colorado homeowners and small businesses money on property taxes,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This law will responsibly reduce property taxes in a meaningful way to save people money while protecting school funding. We delivered meaningful results for Coloradans and there is no reason for deep-pocketed special interests to move forward with ballot measures that would devastate our communities, school funding, and public safety resources.” In 2025 and beyond, SB24-233 will reduce property taxes by seven to 10 percent compared to current law for homes valued at $700,000 or less. Annual savings will equal $300-$400 for a home valued at $700,000. Savings depend on local mills and any changes in assessed home values. SB24-233 also reduces the commercial property assessment rate to 25 percent by 2026. To offset revenue loss resulting from property tax reductions, SB24-233 directs nearly $380 million from the State Education Fund to backfill school districts, ensuring public schools remain fully funded. Finally, SB24-233 provides protection against future spikes in property taxes by capping an increase in local property taxes at 5.5 percent starting in 2025, creating more certainty for homeowners and businesses. Polis also signed SB24-111 , sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, alongside Representatives Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, and Mary Young, D-Greeley, which saves older Coloradans money on their property taxes by making the savings from the senior homestead property tax exemption portable. For 2025 and 2026, SB24-111 creates a new subclass of property, the "qualified-senior primary residence real property", for an individual that has previously qualified for a senior homestead exemption but has moved to a new home. “Spiking housing prices are hitting Coloradans hard - and it’s particularly tough for seniors on fixed incomes,” Kolker said. “Our state is number one in the nation for housing instability among people over the age of 65. Allowing seniors to carry this important benefit with them when they move will save older Coloradans thousands of dollars on their property taxes and help them age in place with the dignity they deserve.” “The Senior Homestead Exemption helps seniors, Gold Star families, and veterans afford housing on their fixed income, and our law would expand eligibility so more people save money,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “We’re making the savings from this exemption portable so seniors have the freedom to move or downsize – without losing these important cost-saving benefits. This law is a major priority of mine and I am proud to pass this law that will help address the housing affordability crisis and make larger homes available for new families.” “Seniors want to age at home, and this bill empowers them to do so in a space that works for them,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This is a straightforward, commonsense law that saves seniors money and makes the benefits from the senior tax exemption portable, giving seniors the freedom to move closer to family or downsize without losing eligibility for tax relief.” Starting in 2025, For this new subclass of property—qualified-senior primary residence real property—the bill sets the assessed value of the property as the actual value minus 50 percent of the first $200,000 of that actual value, which is consistent with the exemption under the senior homestead exemption. Under this law, eligible seniors will benefit from this relief during the 2025 and 2026 property tax years. Previous Next