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< Back May 6, 2021 BILL TO LOWER ENERGY COSTS, CREATE JOBS MOVES FORWARD Bipartisan benchmarking proposal would improve energy efficiency of buildings DENVER, CO– The House Energy and Environment committee today passed legislation to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, which will lower energy costs and create jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits. “By passing benchmarking policies like this, we can save consumers and businesses money on their energy bills and lower our energy use,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This bill asks owners of the largest buildings to report on their energy use and then meet new energy efficiency standards that will save their tenant’s money and reduce energy use. It will help us meet our climate goals while saving Coloradans money at the same time.” “We have to make addressing climate change a top priority, and by reducing how much energy commercial buildings use, we can save consumers money and reduce the emissions that are hurting our environment,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Benchmarking is an innovative way to encourage more energy efficient buildings and create good jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits and mechanical system upgrades.” HB21-1286 , which is sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Alex Valdez, would require the owners of certain large commercial buildings to collect and report energy use to the Colorado Energy Office, and by 2026, to demonstrate that they have met new energy efficiency performance standards. The proposal, known as benchmarking, asks building owners to measure their energy use in the first year and then continue to monitor and report their performance and meet new energy efficiency standards. The proposal helps tenets and businesses save money on their energy costs while creating jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits, mechanical system upgrades, electrical work, engineering, and recommissioning. In the next eight years, the bill would save consumers $447 million on their energy bills, 3,200 gigawatt-hours of electricity, 7,700 billion cubic feet of natural gas, and reduce CO2 emissions by 1 million metric tons. More than one-third of Colorado buildings are already benchmarking, demonstrating that this policy is both widely popular and achievable. Large commercial, multifamily, and public buildings account for roughly 15 percent of all energy used in Colorado, which means that there is considerable opportunity to reduce electricity used by increasing the energy efficiency of these buildings. Previous Next

On August 7, two laws that strengthen standards for tissue banks to better protect human remains and require county coroners to have certain qualifications and training to ensure high standards of Colorado’s death investigators go into effect. < Back July 30, 2024 Increased Protections for Human Remains, Coroner Qualifications Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On August 7, two laws that strengthen standards for tissue banks to better protect human remains and require county coroners to have certain qualifications and training to ensure high standards of Colorado’s death investigators go into effect. “When someone is grieving, they deserve to know that their loved one is being treated with respect, dignity, and professionalism,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB24-1254. “Unfortunately, Colorado has made national headlines over the mistreatment in funeral homes, and with this new law going into effect, we will help prevent these occurrences in the future and honor those we have lost.” HB24-1254 continues the regulation of nontransplant tissue banks, updates standards of practice, and prohibits compensating a funeral establishment for human remains. This law expands requirements to disclose that the nontransplant tissue bank may sell all or any portion of the remains and that the donor may choose to limit the sale of the donated remains, including prohibiting sale to a foreign buyer for nonmedical research or military use. “This legislation was long overdue, and will ensure that coroners in large counties have a skill set that matches the critical services those offices provide,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1100. “County coroners' findings have major implications for public health and safety, criminal justice proceedings, and in providing closure for surviving loved ones of the deceased. I'm grateful that El Paso County Coroner Dr. Leon Kelly brought this bill idea to me, so that we can uphold the integrity of this essential public service." HB24-1100 requires a county coroner in a county with a population over 150,000 to either be a death investigator certified by and in good standing with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, or be a forensic pathologist certified by and in good standing with the American Board of Pathology. County coroner is an elected position and under current law, county coroners only need to be residents of the county they serve and have a high school diploma or college degree. This law helps ensure that those who run for a county coroner position are properly trained and certified by national organizations. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will strengthen Colorado’s workforce. < Back May 16, 2023 New Laws Strengthen Colorado’s Workforce, Create Stronger Pathways for In-Demand Industries CENTENNIAL, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will strengthen Colorado’s workforce. HB23-1212 improves access to apprenticeships for graduating high schoolers. HB23-1074 identifies strategies to better prepare Colorado workers for industry changes resulting from technology advances and automation. “We’re taking the necessary steps to boost our workforce by connecting graduating high school students to high-demand careers through apprenticeship programs,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1212. “This law makes it easier for Coloradans to search, apply and participate in apprenticeship programs that will lead to good-paying careers. This law is a win-win for aspiring professionals and critical industries in need of skilled, qualified workers.” “Apprenticeship programs can jumpstart a student’s future toward a good-paying career,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1212. “Our law saves graduates money on educational training and builds stronger pathways toward high-demand industries. Across Colorado there are many industries searching for skilled workers, and our law helps fill workforce demands and strengthen our economy.” HB23-1212 directs the Office of the Future of Work, the Colorado Department Education and other state agencies to collaborate with schools and trade industries to create apprenticeship pathways for graduating students. HB23-1212 also requires the creation of an online job board for students, and the incorporation of apprenticeship opportunities in available career planning tools, including individual career and academic plans to better support job preparation for students. Colorado’s trade and construction industries are still experiencing workforce shortages following economic disruptions from the pandemic. This law helps create a talent pipeline for graduating students to enter good-paying careers after graduation and support Colorado’s workforce. “As our economy and workforce demands shift, we’re preparing now to ensure Colorado workers are not left behind,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1074 . “This law will identify opportunities for workers to use the skills they already have while transitioning to a more forward-looking economy. We cannot control how innovation and automation will change the labor market, but we can ease the workforce transition so more Coloradans can continue to work and thrive in their own communities.” “Our law creates and preserves jobs for workers in Colorado’s oil and gas industry and other skilled industries as we anticipate future workforce changes,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1074. “This workforce study will identify strategies to help workers enter new, up-and-coming career paths as technology-dependent industries adapt and grow with automation. We’re committed to help Coloradans prepare for the career of the future, and this law sets us on a pathway forward.” HB23-1074 creates a workforce study to help better prepare Coloradans for high-demand careers. Through this workforce study, The Office of Future Work (OFW) will partner with research institutions, employers and other stakeholders to explore industry transitions in oil and gas and in industries experiencing disruption due to automation. This law works to ease workforce transitions, identify appropriate interventions and define strategies to help Coloradans prepare and train for careers of the future. Previous Next

HB26-1283 would prohibit employers from confiscating and sharing an employee’s ID with federal law enforcement agencies < Back April 16, 2026 ICYMI: Bill to Protect Vulnerable Workers Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee yesterday passed legislation to prohibit employers from confiscating identification documents. HB26-1238 passed by a vote of 6-5 “We’re taking steps to protect vulnerable workers when they’re on the job,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Without clear legal protections, employees fear retaliation or lack of recourse from their employer, especially if the employer threatens to turn their information over to federal agents. This bill strengthens protections for workers by prohibiting employers from confiscating personal documents and unlawfully sharing them with federal law enforcement agencies.” “From renting an apartment to accessing health care, you need your ID for just about everything,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Employers cannot confiscate employees’ ID indefinitely or for unnecessarily long periods, and this bill establishes important protections for workers. Immigrant workers are often disproportionately impacted by personal document confiscation. No one should experience harassment or threats on the job, and this bill protects workers, especially if their employers threaten to report them to federal authorities.” HB26-1283 would prevent employers from seizing, demanding, confiscating, retaining or otherwise requiring an employee to surrender their government-issued identification card (ID) for more than a short period of time (up to ten hours), and except for lawful purposes like employment verification or when otherwise required by federal law. To enforce these provisions, the bill creates criminal penalties for unlawful confiscation and gives workers the opportunity to pursue civil action if their documents are unlawfully seized. This bill also strengthens protections for employees and protects them if their employer unlawfully turns over their ID to federal immigration enforcement authorities or threatens to do so. If an employer holds an employee’s ID or personal document with the intent of harassing or intimidating the employee, they could be charged with a bias-motivated crime. HB26-1238 helps protect immigrant communities, especially for workers employed in the service industry, hospitality, agriculture and construction. In recent years, Colorado Democrats have passed legislation to strengthen existing data privacy and protections guaranteed to all Coloradans, including SB25-276 , which prohibits public employees from sharing personally-identifying information related to immigration status with federal immigration enforcement. Previous Next

< Back July 20, 2021 GOVERNOR POLIS, SPEAKER GARNETT KICK OFF EFFORTS TO BUILD MEMORIAL STATUE OF ARMY GENERAL & COLORADO HERO MAURICE ROSE DENVER — Governor Polis and Speaker Garnett today held a dedication ceremony to kick off efforts to build and erect a memorial statue honoring Colorado’s 2-star General Maurice Rose. The Speaker signed HJR21-1012 , a resolution he sponsored with Representative Patrick Neville, Senate President Leroy Garcia and Senator Jerry Sonnenberg, which established the process to build the statue honoring General Rose. “We are proud to honor the life and memory of General Maurice Rose, a true hero who sacrificed so much for our country. General Rose is a towering figure in Colorado’s history of military service and we are commemorating his life, achievements, and sacrifice through a monument which will stand tall in Veterans Memorial Park,” said Governor Jared Polis. “General Maurice Rose was one of the most decorated military commanders in our nation’s history, and I couldn’t be more proud to help memorialize a true Colorado hero at our state capitol,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “After attending Denver East, General Rose went on to serve his nation and become the highest ranking and most distinguished Jewish American soldier in United States history. I’m proud that school groups and visitors to the capitol will tour the newly renamed Lincoln Veterans’ Memorial Park and learn about the life and legacy of General Rose.” The project envisions a 10 ft bronze statue to honor Colorado’s 2-star General Maurice Rose, the highest-ranking US serviceman killed as a prisoner of war in WWII, and highest ranking and most distinguished Jewish-American soldier in US history. The most decorated Armored Battlefield Commander in US military history, Major General Rose was awarded: The Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Legion of Merit with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster, French Legion of Honor, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, and the Belgian Croix de Guerre with Palm. Today’s signing of HJR21-1012 kicks off the effort to build, erect, and maintain the memorial of General Rose. Funding is anticipated to be a community-driven initiative via www.RoseMonument.org . Internationally acclaimed sculptor George Lundeen of Loveland is the commissioned artist, and the statue will require approximately six months to complete once funds are raised. Previous Next

< Back May 31, 2019 HISTORIC MOMENT: GOV SIGNS LAWS BANNING ‘CONVERSION THERAPY’ & TO ALLOW COLORADANS TO BE THEIR AUTHENTIC SELVES Colorado becomes the 18th state to ban dangerous practice of ‘conversion therapy’ on young people (May 31) – Gov. Polis signed two historic bipartisan bills led by House Democrats Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet to ban the dangerous and discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy’ and to allow Coloradans to update their identity documents to reflect their authentic selves. The first law signed was sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, banning the harmful and widely discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy’ on young people. The law protects our LGBTQ youth in Colorado from a dangerous and discredited practice that is aimed at changing their sexual orientation or gender identity. “This is a historic moment and this law is about allowing Coloradans to be their authentic selves. Today, we’re putting an end to a practice that makes these young people much more likely to have depression or attempt suicide,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “I’m proud of the work that went into this new law and to everyone who joined this effort.” “We’re sending a strong message to Colorado’s LGBTQ youth and standing up for their rights to be their authentic selves. This ‘therapy’ has been proven to be dangerous and harmful. ” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, co-chair of the LGBTQ caucus. “I’m thankful to every Coloradan who worked tirelessly to finally get this bill signed into law.” HB19-1129 includes disciplinary actions for any licensees with their licensing board if conversion therapy is practiced on young person. The bill is aimed at state-licensed medical and mental health practitioners who falsely claim that being gay, bisexual or transgender is a mental illness. The American Psychological Association found that the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy on young people makes them three times more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, six times more likely to fall into depression, and eight times more likely to attempt suicide. This is the fifth time this bill is being introduced at the legislature and Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s second time bringing it forward. The law makes Colorado the 18th state to ban conversion therapy on minors. The Governor thensigned on the west steps of the state capitol a bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, that will allow transgender Coloradans to change the gender on their birth certificate and other official identification documents without undergoing surgery or appearing in front of a judge, also known as “Jude’s Law.” “This new law is about personal freedom. Not having updated ID documents interferes with the ability of transgender Coloradans to live their lives openly and honestly and to be their authentic selves,” said Rep. Esgar, co-chair of the LGBTQ caucus. The bill was also changed to the title Jude’s law, named after Jude, a transgender student who has testified in support of this bill every year for the last five years. This bill was amended and will now be known as “Jude’s Law.” Jude and her mother were on the House Floor when the amendment to change the name of the bill was passed on a bipartisan vote of 46-17. “We named this bill after Jude because she showed strength and courage to come year after year to the capitol to testify in support of this legislation since she was nine years old. My colleagues and I have watched her grow up in front of our eyes. She has been simply asking this legislature to give her the ability to live her most genuine life. Today we’re making that a reality,” Rep. Esgar concluded. Current law requires transgender Coloradans to undergo surgery and then appear in front of a judge to prove the surgical procedure before they can update the gender on their birth certificate. They are then given an amended version of their birth certificate which can sometimes force a transgender person to out themselves when asked why their birth certificate is amended. This law will grant them an entirely new birth certificate, without going through cumbersome and expensive hurdles like surgery or appearing in front of a judge, to have their documents match their gender identity. HB19-1039 will allow transgender Coloradans to change the gender designation their birth certificate to male, female or X, to correspond with their gender identity. The X gender marker does not stand for intersex, it means that the individual does not identify as male nor female. Current law also requires a person to file legal notice in a newspaper three times and include their current name and proposed new name before they can change it; this law removes that requirement. Previous Next

< Back January 17, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES RENEWABLE ENERGY & WATER CONSERVATION BILLS (Jan. 17) – The House Energy and Environment Committee approved two renewable energy and water conservation related bills today, the first step in the House Democrats’ commitment to protecting our unique quality of life. “Deploying more renewable energy in Colorado is good for our economy and good for our planet,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “It will put more money back into the pockets of Coloradans and ensure we protect our unique environment and quality of life.” HB19-1003 will expand access to renewable energy for communities and individuals across Colorado. It will update Colorado’s community solar statute to allow customers to benefit from clean, low-cost energy even if they don’t have a rooftop solar option. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 7-3 and now heads to Appropriations Committee. The committee also approved Rep. Brianna Titone’s first bill this session on water conservation. HB19-1050 will help promote water-efficient landscaping on property subject to management by local supervisory entities. “In many homeowners associations, water is about a third of their budget,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “It is very important that we are being responsible with the usage of our water, especially on the Front Range and in our rural communities who have been hit hard by the ongoing drought.” Even as Colorado and other western states suffer from drought and severe water shortages, members of homeowners associations as well as residents of some metropolitan special districts often pay exorbitant water bills to satisfy requirements in their by-laws. By-laws can be written in a way that makes changing them time-consuming, burdensome, and cost prohibitive for an association or district. Allowing homeowner associations and special district boards to modify their master landscaping plans, will save water and lower costs. HB19-1050 passed by a bipartisan vote of 8-2. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jennifer Bacon to protect homeowners from construction defects that are covered under warranty. The bill passed by a vote of 35-27. < Back April 4, 2024 Bill to Increase Homeowner Protections Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jennifer Bacon to protect homeowners from construction defects that are covered under warranty. The bill passed by a vote of 35-27. "Buying a home is the biggest investment that most Coloradans will make, and there needs to be protections for homeowners when there are significant problems with how their homes were built,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. “Homeowners shouldn’t have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket to fix builders' mistakes or obtain legal representation just to make their home a safe place to live. Our bill brings more accountability to homebuilders who refuse to honor their warranties and gives Colorado homeowners more tools and leverage when negotiating with their builder on defect claims.” “Communities across our state are building new, affordable housing quickly to combat the housing crisis, but the quality of these homes should not be compromised just to provide more housing,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Coloradans buy homes to build equity and generational wealth, and they typically don’t have the disposable income on hand to pay for large and unexpected repairs caused by faulty construction. Our bill is crucial in allowing homeowners to pursue legal avenues to remedy construction defect issues.” HB24-1230 would improve protections for homeowners in construction defect lawsuits by: Increasing the statutory limitation period for construction defect actions from six years to ten years, Allowing a claim for relief to arise at the time that either the physical occurrence of the defect or the cause of the defect is discovered, Voiding any contractual provision that limits a property owner’s right to bring or join a legal action against a construction professional, Voiding any HOA governing document that conflicts with the bill’s provisions, and Requiring a residential property owner to include specific disclosures related to protections and claims in a contract for the sale of property. Colorado has some of the weakest homeowner protections in the country, with only four states having a shorter statute of limitations for construction defects. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to allow businesses to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after a $1 billion hole was created in Colorado’s budget by recent federal tax changes. < Back August 28, 2025 Signed! Bill to Auction Future Tax Credits at Discount DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to allow businesses to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after a $1 billion hole was created in Colorado’s budget by recent federal tax changes. HB25B-1004 , sponsored by Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and Representatives Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, and Sean Camacho, D-Denver, allows businesses to pre-pay taxes at a discount for future years when Colorado is anticipated to collect more revenue than the state’s spending limit under TABOR. “HB25B-1004 gives Colorado businesses a chance to save on future taxes while helping the state manage this year’s billion-dollar budget shortfall,” said Marchman. “It’s a practical approach that supports local economies, protects essential services, and makes sure businesses and communities both come out ahead.” “The billion-dollar revenue shortfall we’re facing from Congressional Republicans’ corporate tax breaks would require cuts to health care, public education, transportation and other essential services, which is why we took action with this special session to protect Coloradans and core services," said Stewart. “By allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes, we can boost revenue now to fund these services. We’re using all the tools in our toolbelt to address the crisis caused by Trump and Congressional Republicans when they passed a budget bill that hands out corporate tax giveaways at the expense of hardworking Coloradans.” “This new law lets Colorado businesses work with the state to save money now and protect the things we all rely on like K-12 public schools, roads, and health care,” said Snyder. “By prepaying future taxes at a discount, businesses can reduce long-term costs while helping the state weather the budgeting storm caused by Republicans in Congress. This law represents who we are as Colorado, where all of us chip in to keep our communities thriving.” “Unlike Republicans in Congress, Colorado Democrats are demonstrating that we prioritize the needs of our constituents, not the ultra-wealthy,” said Camacho. “Our legislation will allow businesses to pay their future taxes now, at a discounted price, to save them some money while protecting funding for services that all Coloradans rely on. This law is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to blunt the destructive impacts of Trump’s tax bill.” HB25B-1004 allows a one-time auction of future tax credits, giving companies the opportunity to buy tax credits to pre-pay a portion of their future taxes at a small discount. This saves businesses money, allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now, and bolsters our state revenue to offset the immediate impacts of recent federal tax changes. This does decrease revenue in future years, but after 2025-2026 the state budget is forecast to be limited by the TABOR cap, not the amount of revenue collected, so this won’t cut deeper into state services. Previous Next

Democrats in the General Assembly today condemned the recent rise in antisemitism in Colorado and across the country. < Back October 24, 2025 General Assembly Democrats Condemn Rising Antisemitism DENVER, CO - Democrats in the General Assembly today condemned the recent rise in antisemitism in Colorado and across the country. In an open letter, the General Assembly Democrats wrote: We are deeply concerned by the rising prevalence of antisemitism and hatred toward Jews in Colorado and nationally. From the streets of Boulder and the side of a mountain in Jefferson County to private group texts and AI chatbots, attacks on Jews are becoming far too common. We condemn this increase in antisemitism, and we must all do more to stop it. These incidents are all part of a disturbing trend that cannot be brushed off or ignored. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to unequivocally condemn this rise in antisemitism. We are proud that Colorado was recently recognized by the Anti-Defamation League for being a policy leader in combating antisemitism. We must continue this work, and we are committed to doing more to protect all communities in our state. We stand united against hate. The full text of the letter is below: To Our Communities: We are deeply concerned by the rising prevalence of antisemitism and hatred toward Jews in Colorado and nationally. From the streets of Boulder and the side of a mountain in Jefferson County to private group texts and AI chatbots, attacks on Jews are becoming far too common. We condemn this increase in antisemitism, and we must all do more to stop it. Earlier this year, an assailant murdered a woman and injured fifteen people in an anti-Jewish firebombing attack in Boulder during a march calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas. This month, a giant swastika was displayed on the side of a mountain along I-70 for thousands of people to see. Since January alone, there have been several acts of antisemitic vandalism where people either drew or displayed swastikas in public spaces, including in Denver, Jefferson County and Elizabeth. In July, the Anti-Defamation League flagged a social media account to the FBI due to concerns about comments that mimicked neo-Nazi extremist groups. Two months later, the teenager behind those posts opened fire at Evergreen High School and injured two of his classmates before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In a private Young Republicans group chat, elected officials made racist comments and sent antisemitic messages that included pro-Hitler statements and “jokes” about putting opponents in gas chambers. Instead of speaking out against this, Vice President JD Vance downplayed it. A Colorado Libertarian Party leader and candidate for Secretary of State baselessly accused Israel of assassinating Charlie Kirk and President Kennedy and created an antisemitic website and social media account. One of President Trump’s nominees sent several racist texts and bragged that, “I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time.” These incidents are all part of a disturbing trend that cannot be brushed off or ignored. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to unequivocally condemn this rise in antisemitism. We are proud that Colorado was recently recognized by the Anti-Defamation League for being a policy leader in combating antisemitism. We must continue this work, and we are committed to doing more to protect all communities in our state. We stand united against hate. Sincerely, Representative Emily Sirota Representative Steven Woodrow Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet Senator Matt Ball Senator Mike Weissman Speaker Julie McCluskie President James Coleman House Majority Leader Monica Duran Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter Senator Judy Amabile Senator Jeff Bridges Senator Jessie Danielson Senator Lindsey Daugherty Senator Tony Exum, Sr. Senator Julie Gonzales Senator Nick Hinrichsen Senator Cathy Kipp Senator Chris Kolker Senator Iman Jodeh Senator Janice Marchman Senator Kyle Mullica Senator Dylan Roberts Senator Marc Snyder Senator Tom Sullivan Senator Katie Wallace Senator Faith Winter Representative Shannon Bird Representative Kyle Brown Representative Sean Camacho Representative Michael Carter Representative Chad Clifford Representative Cecelia Espenoza Representative Lisa Feret Representative Meg Froelich Representative Lorena Garcia Representative Lindsay Gilchrist Representative Eliza Hamrick Representative Jamie Jackson Representative Junie Joseph Representative Sheila Lieder Representative Mandy Lindsay Representative William Lindstedt Representative Meghan Lukens Representative Javier Mabrey Representative Bob Marshall Representative Matthew Martinez Representative Tisha Mauro Representative Karen McCormick Representative Amy Paschal Representative Jacque Phillips Representative Manny Rutinel Representative Gretchen Rydin Representative Lesley Smith Representative Katie Stewart Representative Rebekah Stewart Representative Tammy Story Representative Brianna Titone Representative Elizabeth Velasco Representative Jenny Willford Representative Yara Zokaie Previous Next

< Back Gretchen Rydin Representative Gretchen Rydin is a social worker, therapist, former Littleton city council member, musician, and advocate working to build a stronger, more inclusive Colorado. She brings a unique blend of expertise in social work, mental health, and public service. Her background as a social worker has equipped her with a deep understanding of community needs, especially in serving vulnerable populations. As a therapist, she has consistently advocated for accessible and comprehensive care, recognizing how essential mental well-being is for both individuals and the community. As a council member, she has experience navigating the complexities of local government and working collaboratively to create policies that improve the lives of our residents, which she will continue in the legislature. As a social worker, Rep. Rydin sees firsthand the outsize impact felt by underserved communities, and wants to bring the thoughtful, data-driven approach learned in her social worker training to the state legislature to make sure no Coloradans get left behind as our state grows. She is a member of the House Business Affairs & Labor and the Health & Human Services committees and represents HD-38.

< Back May 4, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO SAVE CONSUMERS AND STATE GOV $$ ON RX DRUGS DENVER, CO– The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Janice Rich to establish a competitive Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) marketplace, which will lower pharmacy benefit costs for Colorado state government, private employers, and consumers across the state. The bill passed by a vote of 52-11 “By creating a competitive marketplace for pharmacy benefit managers, we can reduce prescription drug costs for Coloradans and save our state money on the prescription drug plans it purchases,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “This innovative policy is saving other states and consumers millions while increasing transparency. House Democrats have made reducing the cost of prescription drugs and health insurance a top priority, and we’re committed to continuing this progress and saving consumers money on their health care.” HB21-1237 would establish a competitive marketplace for PBMs. Under the bill, the state would procure a technology platform that would allow PBMs to bid against each other in a reverse auction to secure state and private pharmacy benefit contracts. The state or private employers would then be able to select the lowest bidder. The bill creates a modern and transparent process to secure PBM contracts and allows for an audit of invoices to ensure PBMs are meeting their contract terms and to prevent consumers from overpaying. PBMs were created to help consumers save money on prescription drugs. However, often the PBMs negotiate discounts, but then keep the savings instead of passing them along to consumers. A reverse auction allows the state or employers to do an apples to apples comparison of each PBM’s pricing proposal. Initial estimates show the state could save between $6.7 million and $10.24 million a year. Previous Next