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< Back Rep. Weissman & Rep. Jodeh: If Trump brings his invective to Aurora, he should know we are proud to be the “The Ellis Island of the Plains” Sep 20, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Denver Post here . Presidential candidate Donald Trump declared his intention to visit Aurora in the coming weeks. If the former president’s own words are any indication, we can expect speeches filled with ugly invective and continued falsehoods about our city and its residents. In response to these distortions, as elected officials serving the city of Aurora, we want to make a few things clear. The United States of America became a nation of immigrants well before 1776. Aurora, the city that we all serve and represent, is home to tens of thousands of immigrants from well over 100 different countries. Today as hundreds of years ago, people come to our country and our city to seek opportunity and to flee persecution and poverty. In recent years, many people from Venezuela in particular have sought a new beginning in the United States. This should not be surprising given years of increasingly dictatorial control by the Maduro regime in Venezuela, culminating in that regime’s assertion of victory in an election earlier this summer that it manifestly, in fact, lost. When immigrants from Venezuela, or any other nation for that matter, arrive in Colorado, they are confronted with the same challenges other Coloradans have — foremost, the higher cost of living since COVID and the scarcity of affordable housing. Further, certain landlords may neglect their legal obligations to maintain rental premises in a safe and livable condition. To this point, a Denver Post headline this week correctly notes “ Long before claims of Aurora gang takeover, apartment owners came under fire from inspectors and residents .” In addition, immigrants often face further challenges of learning a new language and culture and being separated from family. These challenges are common to immigrant experiences. Thus they are common to most of our own personal histories and to our history as a country. Unfortunately, for the last several weeks, Venezuelan immigrants in Aurora and our city as a whole have faced another set of entirely avoidable challenges, as certain politicians, influencers, and media outlets have repeatedly mischaracterized basic realities. These blatant mischaracterizations have increased threats of harassment and difficulty in securing housing or employment for our constituents who are Venezuelan. Former President Donald Trump should know that we support the work of law enforcement agencies, from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the city police department, to protect public safety by holding those who commit crimes to account, whether they are affiliated with any gang or not. Recent immigrants are sometimes particularly targeted by would-be criminals, and they deserve to live without fear of victimization just like any other member of our community. Second, targeting anyone in our community because of their actual or perceived national origin is reprehensible and criminal. Colorado law prohibits bias-motivated harassment or other bias-motivated crime that is “in whole or in part” due to nationality or other legally recognized protected characteristics. In bias-motivated crime, the proximate victim may be one individual, but the ultimate victim is an entire community that is put in fear – deliberately – from these kinds of offenses. Third, we remind our fellow elected officials and those aspiring to elected office to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Aurora and the entire metro area are home to a tapestry of non-profit organizations dedicated to assisting those in need, including immigrants, with housing, employment, status adjustment, and access to basics like food and transportation. We know from experience that these organizations appreciate willing partners in state and local government. We also know that their jobs are made harder – and that the lives of those they seek to serve are made harder – by inflammatory political rhetoric. It needs to stop. In particular, we condemn any statements that conflate Venezuelan, or any other, nationality with gang membership or criminality. Over 100 years ago, Emma Lazarus memorialized the Statue of Liberty as a beacon of hope for new Americans arriving at the “sea-washed, sunset gates” of New York. More recently, a former city poet laureate proclaimed Aurora “The Ellis Island of the Plains” in celebration of our unique diversity. This is the real Aurora, Colorado, and we celebrate it too. Rep. Mike Weissman represents House District 36 in Adams & Arapahoe Counties. Rep.Iman Jodeh represents House District 41 in Arapahoe County. The following Aurora elected officials also join this op-ed: Sen. Tom Sullivan (Senate District 27), Sen. Rhonda Fields (Senate District 28), Sen. Janet Buckner (Senate District 29), Rep. Naquetta Ricks (House District 40), Rep. Mandy Lindsay (House District 42), Rep. Eliza Hamrick (House District 61), Aurora City Councilor Alison Coombs (At-Large), Aurora City Councilor Crystal Murillo (Ward 1), Aurora City Councilor Ruben Medina (Ward 3), Aurora Public Schools Director Dr. Anne Keke (Board President), Aurora Public Schools Director Michael Carter (Board Vice President), Aurora Public Schools Director Danielle Tomwing (Board Secretary), Aurora Public Schools Director Tiffany Tasker (Board Treasurer), Aurora Public Schools Director Tramaine Duncan, Aurora Public Schools Director Dr. Debra Gerkin, and Aurora Public Schools Director Vicki Reinhard. Previous Next

Legislation would improve transit system to help housing, climate goals < Back April 10, 2024 Democrats Unveil Bill to Improve Transit, Meet Housing and Climate Goals Legislation would improve transit system to help housing, climate goals DENVER, CO - Colorado Democrats today introduced legislation to better align the Regional Transportation District (RTD) with initiatives to address housing, climate, and workforce issues. The legislation would also increase accountability and improve coordination between transit systems. “We all share the goal of an excellent multi-modal transit system that gets all riders to where they need to go,” said Governor Jared Polis. “The improvements in this bill will help professionalize RTD’s governance, provide more accountability and transparency to taxpayers which will provide the public confidence needed for additional investments, and give transit agencies across our state more tools to deliver more convenient and low cost transit service. I thank the bill sponsors for their work to strengthen transit in our state, meet the needs of Coloradans, and help support more housing near transportation hubs while expanding ridership and improving Colorado’s air quality.” “Colorado Democrats are focused on addressing issues like housing affordability and workforce development, and transit is a critical piece to help make those a reality," said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Policies allowing density and transit-oriented housing are most effective when paired with a strong transit system for commuters and travelers. This bill will improve RTD services and reliability and position the transit system to better meet the needs of our residents by professionalizing the board, increasing accountability and better aligning RTD planning with community needs.” “Coloradans deserve a reliable mass transit system,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “People can’t get to work, find affordable housing, or reduce car miles traveled without a modern and reliable transit system. Our legislation will boost ridership and get Coloradans where they need to go while helping us meet our housing, climate and transit goals.” HB24-1447 requires the RTD board of directors to create a 10-year strategic plan that outlines the RTD's plans to increase ridership, improve transparency, use district-owned land to prioritize the development of affordable housing and mixed-use, walkable developments, and update parking policies. The plan must support the state's climate, housing, and transportation goals and identify potential funding opportunities that would expand transit and improve equity and efficiencies in the transit system. The bill would also require a study to be conducted regarding the most efficient method of delivering service based on the current and future size of the district, including services for transit-reliant riders.. The RTD Board of Directors would be required to consider the study's findings when they develop their 10-year strategic plan. Currently, there are 15 RTD directors who serve 4-year terms. To bring additional expertise and experience to the RTD board, beginning January 1, 2025, this bill would create a new board of directors made up of: Five directors who would be elected by voters of the district, Two directors appointed by the Governor who would represent the district at large, The executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) or the director's designee, who would serve as a non-voting member of the board, and Two additional non-voting directors who would represent the district at large and would be appointed by the Denver Regional Council of Governments. To improve coordination between transit providers and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), the bill requires a transportation provider to: Submit its proposed fixed-route transit service plans to the MPO, Coordinate with the MPO regarding the implementation of these routes, Ensure that the transit provider's service decisions are consistent with the MPO's regional transportation plan, Coordinate transit and land use decisions to ensure that transit services will be provided to new and existing transit-oriented communities, and Acknowledge established transit centers and provide a preference for transit centers when determining transit services and routes. The bill requires CDOT to establish a bus driver training program to support transit systems statewide, ensure transportation safety, and fill workforce shortages that threaten reliability and often force suspensions of service. Under the bill, RTD would be required to create three public accountability dashboards and create, maintain, and regularly update a website containing information about RTD's financial plan. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 NO MORE SURPRISES: BIPARTISAN BILL TO END OUT-OF-NETWORK BILLING GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK (May 2) – A bipartisan bill to address the out-of-control practice of sending consumers out-of-network bills, sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, is heading to the Governor’s desk. “As a legislator, my job is to find a way to ensure Coloradans aren’t dealing with these surprise medical bills through no fault of their own,” s aid Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We are responding to the concerns of families, individuals and seniors who have been hit by these surprise–and often expensive–bills. We think this is a strong bipartisan solution to this problem.” HB19-1174 prohibits out-of-network billing by providers when the patient unknowingly received the care from an out-of-network provider or facility. It also requires providers to inform consumers of their rights regarding bills sent to them by out-of-network providers. The bill does not prohibit patients from incurring out-of-network costs when they intentionally go out-of-network for their care but puts safeguards in place to prevent unexpected medical bills in these situations. Out-of-network bills can be more than 30 times the average in-network rate. Fifty-seven percent of patients who encountered out-of-network bills paid the bills in full because they didn’t know of their right to fight these bills. This legislation is meant to help control costs in out-of-network billing situations by setting a reasonable rate of payment for these providers and facilities. The House re-approved the bipartisan bill on a vote of 54-9. The bill passed out of the Senate with a vote of 31-4. The bill also has bipartisan sponsorship in the Senate with Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, serving as Senate sponsors Previous Next

Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans < Back October 28, 2025 Mauro Statement on GOP Congress Causing Health Premiums to Double in Pueblo, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans DENVER, CO – Representative Tisha Mauro today released the following statement after the Division of Insurance announced that 2026 health care premium rates will increase by 101-percent due to Congress’s failure to continue the enhanced premium tax credits. “With the GOP Congress failing to extend critical tax credits, health care rates are expected to increase significantly in Pueblo, which will have devastating consequences for Coloradans who can’t afford to pay an extra $1,000 a month for health care,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “While only Congress can fix this problem entirely, Colorado Democrats took action and passed a law to blunt some of the sharpest cost increases. Because of our action, premiums in Pueblo are nearly 13 percent lower than they would otherwise be. Still, Pueblo deserves better, which is why Congressional Republicans must act now so Coloradans don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for health care next year.” Statewide health care rates for individuals who purchase their own insurance are expected to increase by 101-percent due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the tax credits. Open enrollment begins this Saturday, and Coloradans who want coverage in 2026 must choose their plan before December 15. Democrats have repeatedly urged Congress to extend the tax credits, which help make health care more affordable for around 225,000 Coloradans. In August, Rep. Mauro signed onto a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were intentionally omitted from the GOP’s H.R. 1. The expiration of these tax credits on December 31 will lead to fewer people having health insurance and higher health insurance costs for everyone, including small businesses and Coloradans with employer-sponsored health insurance. If Congress extended the enhanced premium tax credits, the average premium increase would be 16-percent, instead of 101-percent, and some Coloradans would see no increase. Colorado Democrats have significantly lowered health care costs with the state’s reinsurance program, which has saved consumers over $2 billion, and Colorado Option health care plan, which offered the lowest or second lowest cost plan in Pueblo in 2025. A recent study by Brown University found that the Colorado Option reduced monthly premiums by $101, even for non-Colorado Option plans. The average family of four in Pueblo that chose the Colorado Option plan save d nearly $4,500 in 2025. Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s Megabill and Congress’s failure to extend the ePTCs. Colorado Democrats passed a law that will invest in Colorado’s reinsurance program and blunt some of the most severe cost increases from the expiring tax credits. This law reduces the statewide average premium increase from 174-percent to 101-percent, saving Coloradans $220 million on health care next year and preventing 28,000 Coloradans from being kicked off their health coverage. The law reduced premiums by over 13-percent in the Pueblo metro area. In 2025 in Pueblo County, the reinsurance program saved the average 40 year old individual over $6,600 and a family of four has saved nearly $25,000 from 2020 through 2025 due to the Reinsurance Program. Previous Next

SB26-032 protects consistent, science-backed state vaccine guidance < Back March 27, 2026 Signed! Bill to Safeguard Science-Backed Vaccine Recommendations DENVER, CO – Legislation to protect Coloradans’ access to immunizations and science-backed decision making, regardless of changes to federal guidance, was signed into law today. SB26-032 , sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and Representatives Lisa Feret, D-Arvada, and Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, allows Colorado’s Board of Health to continue using science-backed vaccine guidelines from reputable health professional organizations in addition to federal guidance. It also adds protections to ensure consistent vaccine access and coverage. “As an ER nurse, I know that protecting Coloradans’ access to immunizations is a matter of life and death,” said Mullica. “Vaccines must continue to be widely available and given according to a schedule based on science and evidence. With this new law, we’re standing up to protect Coloradans’ health and safety and insulate Colorado from the dysfunction in Washington.” “Vaccines fight disease, save lives and strengthen public health,” said Feret. “We’re taking action in Colorado to protect the health and safety of our community members, and this new law will standardize state-level vaccine guidance and information while expanding access to this critical health care tool.” “Vaccines are medical miracles,” said Daugherty. “Adults, children, and infants used to die every day from diseases that we have all but eradicated because of immunizations. It is crucial that, regardless of the confusion spreading from RFK Jr. and the White House, Coloradans have access to evidence-based care and the vaccines that keep us and our children healthy.” “Regardless of the dangerous misinformation and junk science touted by Washington and Secretary Kennedy, this law prioritizes data-driven information to protect the health and safety of Coloradans,” said Brown. “ We will not allow the federal government’s misguided vaccine policies to put Coloradans at risk. SB26-032 builds upon our work to safeguard immunization access in Colorado and ensure it’s backed by trusted organizations that follow the science.” The bill also codifies pharmacists’ authority to prescribe and administer vaccines and temporarily expands existing state liability protections to more qualified health professionals who provide immunizations. Under this new law, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will be permitted to purchase certain vaccines for children based on guidance from specified national medical professional organizations. Colorado has traditionally relied on sound federal vaccine recommendations. However, recent shifts in federal vaccine guidance have created uncertainty and confusion, and more states are turning to trusted professional organizations for guidance. The trusted health organizations named in SB26-032 are the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The legislation builds upon last year’s HB25-1027 , sponsored by Senators Mullica and Jodeh and Representatives Brown and Gilchrist, which directed the state Board of Health to consider the recommendations of professional organizations when creating immunization requirements. SB26-032 does not create new vaccine mandates or change medical and non-medical exemptions under Colorado law. Colorado recently joined a 15-state lawsuit against the Trump Administration, alleging the recent changes in childhood vaccine recommendations are not scientifically backed, and therefore could pose a community risk. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed seven key childhood vaccine recommendations for children, including COVID-19, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2021 HOUSE BILL BOOSTS VETERAN EMPLOYMENT DENVER, CO– The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would encourage private employers to hire veterans by establishing a veterans hiring preference. “We have an all volunteer fighting force, and to keep it that way, we need to ensure that veterans have the opportunity to thrive after leaving military service,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Veterans, especially from our recent military engagements, face higher rates of unemployment, which can lead to challenges reentering civilian life. We can ensure that more veterans find good jobs and smoothly transition out of the armed forces by encouraging private employers to hire more veterans, which is a policy already in place in the public sector.” Under HB21-1065 , which is sponsored by Rep. David Ortriz, a private employer can give a preference to a veteran or the spouse of a veteran when hiring a new employee as long as the veterans or spouse is qualified. To address higher rates of unemployment among post-9/11 veterans, the bill allows an employer’s policy to include the preferential hiring of veterans who have been discharged in the last 10 years. Establishing a veterans hiring preference policy would be optional for employers. The bill includes safeguards against discrimination by still allowing a job applicant who is in a protected class to file a discrimination claim. This ensures that the bill will encourage the hiring of veterans without having unintended discriminatory impacts against women and people of color. Furthermore, the bill would offer businesses creating the hiring preference educational tools to help them navigate anti-discrimination laws so they can implement the policy fairly. Previous Next

Legislation would ban weapons of war to save lives in Colorado < Back March 20, 2024 Assault Weapon Ban Passes House Committee Legislation would ban weapons of war to save lives in Colorado DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Representatives Tim Hernández and Elisabeth Epps to prohibit the manufacture, import, purchase, or sale of assault weapons and rapid-fire trigger activators. HB24-1292 passed by a vote of 7-3. “The vast majority of Americans and over 80% of Democrats support an assault weapons ban and are fed up with weapons of war in our communities,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “My entire childhood, I was afraid to die in school because adults wouldn’t be bold enough on guns, and those fears only grew when I became a teacher and I saw my students struggle with those same anxieties. We must take action to protect our communities, especially our students, from the death and destruction assault weapons inflict on so many innocent people.” "HB24-1292 will stem the proliferation of firearms most commonly used in public mass shootings, and takes a powerful step to interrupt the uniquely American epidemic of gun violence," said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. "Colorado is home to too many now infamous sites - schools, theaters, nightclubs, clinics, grocery stores - places now forever associated with mass shootings. Prohibiting assault weapon sales is a necessary step to prevent more tragedies; lessening the spread of these weapons is overdue policy change, not just more thoughts and prayers." Beginning July 1, 2024, HB24-1292 would prohibit the manufacture, import, purchase, or sale of assault weapons and rapid-fire trigger activators. A violation would be a petty offense. Exceptions include: U.S. military members, peace officers, or other government officers or agents, The manufacture, sale, or transfer of an assault weapon from a licensed firearms manufacturer to the U.S. military or entity that employs peace officers, Transfer of an assault weapon to a licensed firearms dealer or gunsmith for temporary maintenance, repair, modification, storage, or permanent disposal. Any federal, state, or local historical society, museum, or institutional collection that is open to the public, as long as the assault weapon is securely housed and unloaded A forensic laboratory or an agent or employee of the laboratory while on duty Armored vehicle entities and their employees, or A licensed gun dealer who has a remaining inventory of assault weapons as of August 1, 2024, and sells or transfers the remaining inventory only to a non-Colorado resident and the sale or transfer takes place out of the state. A study found that over 60 percent of Americans support an assault weapons ban. From 2010-2019, assault weapons were used in 34 percent of mass public shootings. Since 2020, that number has increased to 60 percent . Assault weapons have been used in numerous mass shootings including the Uvalde shooting, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, and the Pulse nightclub shooting. The gunman in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, had multiple guns in his hotel room, including semi-automatic firearms with bump stocks that converted the weapon into a fully automatic firearm. He was able to fire between 400-800 rounds per minute , killing 59 people and wounding hundreds. An AR-15 assault rifle was used in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, killing 20 students and six staff members. There, the shooter fired 154 bullets in less than four minutes . In the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs, a semi-automatic rifle was used to kill five people and injure 19 others. If signed into law, Colorado will join California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington in passing an assault weapons ban. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill on a preliminary vote to give local governments and eligible entities the right of first refusal when multifamily properties are up for sale, creating opportunities to increase and preserve affordable housing stock. < Back March 6, 2023 Bill to Increase and Retain Affordable Housing Stock Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill on a preliminary vote to give local governments and eligible entities the right of first refusal when multifamily properties are up for sale, creating opportunities to increase and preserve affordable housing stock. “The right of first refusal is crucial in preserving and creating affordable housing opportunities in Colorado,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins . “Currently, there are only 30 affordable and available rental units per 100 extremely low-income renter households in Colorado. This bill is a proven tool for local governments to be competitive against corporate developers, allowing sellers to receive market rate compensation for the sale of their property while communities retain long-term affordable housing.” “The right of first refusal can prevent the loss of affordable housing stock at a time when Coloradans need more affordable places to live and hedge funds continue to buy up housing and increase rents,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver . “Housing insecurity is a real threat for many Coloradans, impacting the health and safety of our lower-income communities. Under this bill, local governments will have the option to purchase buildings that go up for sale, providing them an additional tool to prevent the loss of housing that Coloradans can afford.” HB23-1190 would allow local governments and other eligible entities a chance to make an offer on a multifamily or mixed-use property listing before other potential buyers. To qualify under this bill, the property would have to consist of five or more residential units in urban counties and three or more residential units in rural or rural resort counties. If the city or county decides to purchase the property, they must match the sale price and maintain the property as affordable housing for at least 100 years. Sellers would be required to notify local governments of the intent to sell or of a potential sale. The local government would have 14 days to exercise the right to first refusal and another 60 days to make an offer on the property. Data from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development found that the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment across the state is $1,505, however the Colorado minimum wage is $13.56. In 2022, a worker would have to make $28.94 per hour to afford housing that did not surpass 30% of their income. The State Demographer suggests that 40,950 new housing units need to be built every year between now and 2030 for the housing market to return to a healthy level, but projects that we will only build around 35,000 per year between 2020 and 2030, demonstrating the need to maintain existing affordable housing options. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez and Senator Dylan Roberts that creates a refundable state income tax credit for a farm or ranch that uses certain stewardship practices that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health and water efficiency. < Back May 24, 2024 Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Support Farmers and Ranchers Becomes Law ALAMOSA, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez and Senator Dylan Roberts that creates a refundable state income tax credit for a farm or ranch that uses certain stewardship practices that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health and water efficiency. “With the help of this law, we are ensuring that our farmers and ranchers are recognized and benefit from the work that they do to keep our lands thriving and conserving water as they utilize practices that improve soil health,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This tax credit will benefit our agriculture producers who invest in stewardship practices on their lands, saving them money while they produce and support agricultural systems for our state.” “As Colorado continues to face drought, we must ensure we’re balancing the needs of our agricultural industry with stewardship practices that benefit the environment,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “This new law creates tax credits that will help improve soil health and water efficiency while supporting Colorado’s family farms and ranches. I’m proud to see this bipartisan policy – one of many we passed this year to support rural Colorado and our agriculture industry – signed into law today.” HB24-1249 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, and Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, creates a new refundable income tax credit from 2026 through 2030 for farms and ranches that engage in agricultural stewardship practices. These stewardship practices can include rotational grazing, reductions in tilling soil, compost application and other practices that increase soil health, improve water efficiency, or create more diverse and thriving ecosystems while maintaining the productivity of the farm or ranch. Under this law, farmers and ranchers are eligible for a refundable income tax credit determined by the number of stewardship practices that the farm or ranch uses. The tax credit amounts are: Up to $75 per acre for one stewardship practice, with a maximum yearly credit of $150,000, Up to $100 per acre for two stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $200,000, and Up to $150 per acre for three or more stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $300,000. Previous Next

< Back May 16, 2022 BILLS SIGNED TO SAVE PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES MONEY DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will save Coloradans money on housing and gas and allow small retailers to keep more of the sales tax they collect, saving businesses money as well. “The legislation signed today will save Coloradans money on housing and put more money back into the pockets of small retail businesses,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of SB22-146 and SB22-006. “This investment will help build more homes and increase the supply of affordable housing that our communities and businesses need to thrive. I’m also excited that small businesses are going to be able to keep nearly $6 million that they can reinvest in their businesses, employees, and other needs.” Saving Coloradans Money on Housing: SB22-146 , sponsored by Representatives Marc Snyder and Marc Catlin will expand critical middle-income housing so that more Coloradans and communities have access to affordable housing where it’s needed most. The legislation provides $25 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Middle-Income Access Program, which serves middle income families and individuals with incomes too high to qualify for low income housing tax credits. Typically, the “missing middle” is made up of renters whose income is between 80 percent and 120 percent of area median income, which in the Denver area is $55k-88k per year, increasing with family size. To date, the Middle Income Access Program has leveraged $14 million in CHFA-invested funds to support developments comprising over 600 units across the state. Developments leverage significant private sector investment and have brought much needed housing to communities such as Denver, Estes Park, Keystone, Steamboat Springs and Gypsum. Saving Businesses Money: SB22-006 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Marc Snyder, allows retailers with taxable sales under $100,000 per filing period to retain 5.3 percent of the sales tax they collect. Retailers are currently permitted to retain 4 percent of the vendor fee to compensate them for the cost of collecting and remitting sales tax. This new law increases the amount that small retailers can retain, saving retailers $5.9 million over the next two years. “Saving Coloradans money was our top priority this session, and we looked at every way possible, big and small, to put more money back into people’s pockets,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango , sponsor of SB22-006 and HB22-1351. “The bills the governor signed into law today will save Coloradans money at the pump and save small retail businesses nearly $6 million by allowing them to keep more of the sales tax they collect.” “In the last few months, gas prices have been driven up by national and global influences, so at a state level we acted to make sure Coloradans weren’t hit with further price increases,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, sponsor of HB22-1351. “The bill the governor signed today will help Coloradans keep some money in their pockets when they register their cars this year and when they fill up their tanks, all while keeping our state on track to fix our roads.” Saving Coloradans Money at the Pump: HB22-1351 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Barbara McLachlan, will save Coloradans money by lowering vehicle registration costs and delaying the anticipated road usage fees, a two-cent per gallon gasoline fee slated to go into effect in July. This law invests one-time recovery funds to save Coloradans nearly $80 million on transportation costs. Specifically, this will save Coloradans $45 million at the gas pump and nearly $34 million in vehicle registration costs. Previous Next

Laws will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and boost the care worker workforce < Back May 31, 2024 Gov Signs Family Affordability Tax Credit, Bill to Support the Care Workforce Laws will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and boost the care worker workforce DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will create the Family Affordability Tax Credit to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families and create a state income tax credit for care workers to address the care worker workforce shortage. Beginning tax year 2024, HB24-1311 creates the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit. This credit will be available to parents with children 16 and younger with a maximum of $3,200 for each child under 6, and a maximum of $2,400 for each child ages 6 to 16. The credit will be adjusted for income, inflation, economic growth, and unemployment. “This historic effort will significantly reduce childhood poverty in Colorado, boost the incomes of hardworking families, and help millions of Coloradans who are feeling the greatest impacts of the cost of living in our state,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB24-1311. “Tax credit policies that benefit children and families, who could see up to thousands of dollars back under this law, will ensure our tax code works for more Coloradans and help address childhood poverty. I’m proud to have carried this law to help Coloradans afford essentials like rent payments and groceries and boost the incomes of thousands of families across the state.” “Looking out for Colorado families means making sure they don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent or affording other necessities,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield . “It’s no understatement to say that this is one of the more impactful pieces of legislation we’ll pass this year. I am extremely pleased to see this bill get signed into law, because it will cut child poverty in half while making it that much easier for working families to get by in our state.” “There are over 133,000 Colorado kids living in poverty, and this law, coupled with the Earned Income Tax Credit, will dramatically cut our child poverty rate,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB24-1311. “These tax credits boost the incomes of our lower and middle-income families so they can keep their children safe and healthy by accessing quality health care, school supplies, and fresh food. Our law will increase tax credits for Colorado parents and put millions of dollars back into the pockets of families with children.” “Working Coloradans need our support, and I am pleased to say that we have an opportunity to make a real, transformative difference for kids and families,” said Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver. “This bill will provide direct relief for families in our community while making our tax code more equitable, and will help give more Colorado families the resources they need to thrive.” The Governor also signed HB24-1312 which creates a state income tax credit for child care workers and direct care workers to boost incomes and address workforce shortages. Taxpayers must have an income of $75,000 or less for single filers or $100,000 or less for joint filers to be eligible for this state income tax credit. “Care workers are essential in providing care to our loved ones like our children and our parents, and they often do not receive the benefits and recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1312. “This workforce is critical in supporting Coloradans in all industries and they are a crucial component of a thriving economy. This tax credit will allow us to recruit and retain these important care workers while boosting their incomes by over a thousand dollars so they can better afford their bills while staying in the care worker industry.” “Robust access to care work increases workforce participation, creates better care for those receiving it, and supports the emotional and physical health of family members who are providing unpaid care work,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “Care workers are essential but aren’t treated that way. This new law is an important first step to valuing care work appropriately in Colorado.” “Whether you receive support after an accident or have someone who helps your aging relatives, we have all benefited from the work and support that care workers provide,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB24-1312. “This law is a small token of appreciation that we can give care workers, especially our Family, Friend and Neighbor child care providers, so they can continue the important work that they do and encourage our care workforce to grow.” “Forty percent of Colorado’s care workers rely on public assistance – we must do more to support them,” said Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of HB24-1312. “HB-1312 supports the care workforce across their entire lifetimes and provides economic support to all care workers, not just one group. This law will have far-reaching positive impacts on both the stability of this industry and the well-being of Colorado’s families, communities and economy.” For tax years 2025 through 2028, this law creates a refundable state income tax credit of $1,200 for: Direct care workers who are employed by a long-term care employer or provide community-based services and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year, Child care workers who are employed or licensed by an early childhood education program or a licensed family child care home and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year, or Informal family, friend, or neighbor child care providers who provided at least 720 hours of care to children 5 and under, and are registered with the Department of Early Childhood’s Professional Development Information System. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2022 BILL TO SAVE BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS MONEY PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – Legislation to save Colorado small businesses and entrepreneurs money passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today by a vote of 11 to 1. HB22-1001 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tom Sullivan, would reduce business filing fees through a credit applied by the Secretary of State’s office. “This session, we’re laser focused on saving Coloradans money and this bill will do just that by reducing several business filing fees,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “We know Colorado’s small business community has faced significant hardships during the pandemic which is why we’re using every tool available to reduce fees, jumpstart our state’s economic recovery, and put more money back in the pockets of business owners and entrepreneurs.” “This bill is part of our efforts to save Coloradans money, specifically focusing on the business community,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton . “I am a small business owner, and I understand how difficult it is to start a new business. By reducing many of the filing fees, we’re eliminating red tape to help ensure that operating a business in Colorado is as easy as possible. We are an entrepreneurial state — small businesses are essential to our state’s economic recovery and shape our communities. I’m proud to support this effort to help move Colorado forward.” If passed, HB22-1001 would reduce several business filing fees and other costs associated with operating a business to $1.This includes new business registrations, annual renewals and other fees typically paid to the Secretary of State’s Office. The cost savings associated with this bill would be in effect for one year. Previous Next