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Learn more about the Colorado House Democrats, including meeting minutes and locations. Meetings & Minutes Meeting minutes and notices prior to August 22, 2024 can be found in the archive. April 20, 2026 8:00 AM State, Civic, Military, & Veteran Affairs Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 16, 2026 8:30 AM Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 16, 2026 8:00 AM Appropriations Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 15, 2026 8:00 AM Education Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 14, 2026 8:00 AM Judiciary Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 14, 2026 8:00 AM Health and Human Services Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 14, 2026 8:30 AM Transportation, Housing, and Local Government Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 9:00 AM House Democrats Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 8:00 AM Finance Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 13, 2026 8:00 AM State, Civic, Military, & Veteran Affairs Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 7, 2026 8:00 AM Judiciary Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes April 7, 2026 8:15 AM Transportation, Housing, and Local Government Caucus Meeting Meeting Notice Meeting Minutes

43 House Democrats fighting for hardworking Coloradans at the Capitol and across our state by saving you money, building a healthier Colorado and preparing our students for success. COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS Colorado Democrats fighting for hardworking Coloradans at the Capitol and across our state LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS LATEST NEWS MEET YOUR COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS CAREERS During the productive 2025 Legislative Session, we passed legislation to save people money, improve public safety and protect the Colorado way of life in the face of threats from the Trump Administration and significant budget constraints. 2025 LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS Latest News ICYMI: Bill to Protect Vulnerable Workers Passes Committee April 16, 2026 HB26-1283 would prohibit employers from confiscating and sharing an employee’s ID with federal law enforcement agencies Read All ICYMI: Hamrick Bill to Protect Student Athletes, Boost Awareness of Mental Health Passes Committee April 16, 2026 The House Health and Human Services Committee yesterday passed legislation to require youth coaches to receive training on the mental health risks from concussions, including depression, anxiety and suicide. Read All Martinez, Mauro Bill to Improve Funeral Home Transparency Passes April 16, 2026 The House today passed legislation to improve transparency with county coroners and their potential financial interests in funeral homes and mortuaries. SB26-105, sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Tisha Mauro in response to the incident with the Pueblo County Coroner, passed by a vote of 62-0. Read All Bill to Support Survivors of Crimes Passes Committee April 14, 2026 SB26-095 would update Colorado law to improve transparency, strengthen survivor rights, and bolster trauma-informed procedures in court and law enforcement response Read All Visit Our Newsroom Press Releases WE ARE COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS CONTACT US FIND MY REP SEARCH

The House today passed legislation to improve transparency with county coroners and their potential financial interests in funeral homes and mortuaries. SB26-105, sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Tisha Mauro in response to the incident with the Pueblo County Coroner, passed by a vote of 62-0. < Back April 16, 2026 Martinez, Mauro Bill to Improve Funeral Home Transparency Passes DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to improve transparency with county coroners and their potential financial interests in funeral homes and mortuaries. SB26-105, sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Tisha Mauro in response to the incident with the Pueblo County Coroner, passed by a vote of 62-0. “The tragedies that have been uncovered in death care companies are heartbreaking for Coloradans and their families. Our bill is one of many steps that we are taking to ensure that these injustices never happen again,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “County coroners’ financial ties to funeral homes and mortuaries should be disclosed. Our legislation would make the death care industry more transparent, giving Coloradans the certainty that their loved one is being treated respectfully.” “The Davis Mortuary incident last summer, among others in Colorado, has made Coloradans question who they can trust to handle the remains of their loved ones, ” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “We should be able to trust that funeral homes are using proper protocol, but these recent events have shaken that trust. Requiring county coroners to be transparent with their financial interests in death care businesses would aid in potential investigations and help rebuild trust in Colorado’s death care industry.” SB26-105 would require a county coroner to disclose if they own, work for, manage, contract with, or otherwise have a financial interest in a death care business. Under the bill, county coroners would post a notice on the coroner’s website and would be prohibited from taking official actions that would impact that business. The bill also changes the county population threshold for the certification requirements for coroners from at least 150,000 to at least 300,000 people. This would help alleviate problems for smaller counties where there may not be enough residents eligible to serve as their county coroner, according to current law. In 2022, the Colorado General Assembly passed a law directing the state to inspect and investigate funeral homes and crematories for malpractice based on complaints. A 2024 law requires regular inspections of Colorado’s funeral homes and crematories. When the state conducted an annual inspection at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo in August 2025, it found several mishandled bodies , some of which had been decomposing for over 15 years. The mortuary was owned by then-Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter, who is alleged to have used his position to direct deceased people without next-of-kin to his mortuary. The investigation is ongoing. Previous Next

Latest press releases and op-eds from Colorado House Democrats. NEWSROOM PRESS RELEASES > OP-EDS > ICYMI: Bill to Protect Vulnerable Workers Passes Committee April 16, 2026 HB26-1283 would prohibit employers from confiscating and sharing an employee’s ID with federal law enforcement agencies ICYMI: Bill to Protect Vulnerable Workers Passes Committee ICYMI: Hamrick Bill to Protect Student Athletes, Boost Awareness of Mental Health Passes Committee April 16, 2026 The House Health and Human Services Committee yesterday passed legislation to require youth coaches to receive training on the mental health risks from concussions, including depression, anxiety and suicide. ICYMI: Hamrick Bill to Protect Student Athletes, Boost Awareness of Mental Health Passes Committee Martinez, Mauro Bill to Improve Funeral Home Transparency Passes April 16, 2026 The House today passed legislation to improve transparency with county coroners and their potential financial interests in funeral homes and mortuaries. SB26-105, sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Tisha Mauro in response to the incident with the Pueblo County Coroner, passed by a vote of 62-0. Martinez, Mauro Bill to Improve Funeral Home Transparency Passes

Press Releases Apr 16, 2026 ICYMI: Bill to Protect Vulnerable Workers Passes Committee HB26-1283 would prohibit employers from confiscating and sharing an employee’s ID with federal law enforcement agencies Read More Apr 16, 2026 ICYMI: Hamrick Bill to Protect Student Athletes, Boost Awareness of Mental Health Passes Committee The House Health and Human Services Committee yesterday passed legislation to require youth coaches to receive training on the mental health risks from concussions, including depression, anxiety and suicide. Read More Apr 16, 2026 Martinez, Mauro Bill to Improve Funeral Home Transparency Passes The House today passed legislation to improve transparency with county coroners and their potential financial interests in funeral homes and mortuaries. SB26-105, sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Tisha Mauro in response to the incident with the Pueblo County Coroner, passed by a vote of 62-0. Read More Apr 14, 2026 Bill to Support Survivors of Crimes Passes Committee SB26-095 would update Colorado law to improve transparency, strengthen survivor rights, and bolster trauma-informed procedures in court and law enforcement response Read More Apr 14, 2026 Legislation to Create More Affordable Home Ownership Opportunities Passes Committee SB26-040 would modernize the Prop 123 Affordable Homeownership Program to better meet the needs of hardworking Coloradans Read More Apr 14, 2026 Mobile Home Park Protections Bill Advances The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s Mobile Home Park Act to make mobile home park sales more fair and transparent. Read More Apr 13, 2026 Bill to Reduce Human-Bear Conflicts Passes Committee The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to keep Coloradans, visitors and the state’s bear population safe. Read More Apr 11, 2026 House Advances FY 2026-2027 Budget Lawmakers protect K-12 education, universal preschool and core health care services amidst a $1.2 billion deficit while making difficult cuts to balance Read More Apr 8, 2026 SIGNED! Bill to Prevent Out-of-State Farms from Using Pueblo Green Chile, Palisade Peach Labels HB26-1031 protects the integrity of Colorado’s agriculture industry, protects Colorado farmers from unfair competition Read More Apr 7, 2026 Lawmakers Unveil Legislation to Make Property Insurance More Affordable Today Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, highlighted new legislation to stabilize Colorado’s homeowners insurance market and make property insurance more affordable through the creation of a grant program to fortify roofs against costly wind and hail damage. Read More Apr 7, 2026 Signed! Bill to Expand and Improve Colorado’s Red Flag Law SB25-004 builds on past legislation to prevent gun violence and save lives Read More Apr 2, 2026 Bill to Protect Colorado Nonprofits from Federal Threats Passes SB26-009 would allow Colorado nonprofits that have had their federal tax-exempt status revoked for political reasons to maintain their exemption from state sales tax Read More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 ... 213

The House Finance Committee today passed a bill to drive down housing costs and save Coloradans money. HB26-1065 would fund transit infrastructure improvements and transit-oriented housing. < Back February 23, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Reduce Housing Costs, Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed a bill to drive down housing costs and save Coloradans money. HB26-1065 would fund transit infrastructure improvements and transit-oriented housing. “Affordable housing is crucial for Coloradans’ success, and creating housing and transit investment zones would help communities across the state build affordable housing near transit centers,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “By creating a funding mechanism to spur affordable housing and connective infrastructure near transit hubs, we’re making transit ridership a more attractive option for travel and encouraging more rental opportunities that Coloradans can afford. Our bill would provide this financial tool to local governments across the state, supporting both Front Range transit hubs and rural projects like mountain passenger rail and commuter routes on the Western Slope. This bill would make it easier to call Colorado home so everyone can enjoy the Colorado Way of Life.” “Colorado Democrats’ top priority is saving Coloradans money, especially when it comes to housing,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “From encouraging transit-oriented communities to removing parking minimum mandates, the legislature has passed laws to build in a strategic way that reduces our carbon footprint while reducing housing costs. This bill would build on our work to create more eco-friendly transportation options and boost housing that Coloradans can actually afford.” HB26-1065 , The Transit Investment Area Act, would create a new financing tool to improve transportation infrastructure and establish a tax credit to build more transit-oriented affordable housing. The bill would use tax-increment financing to allow local governments to invest state sales tax revenue into transportation infrastructure. Local governments, in partnership with transit agencies, would be able to apply to create a transit and housing investment zone. These zones would fund transportation infrastructure projects within 2 miles of a transportation facility, like safety improvements and centering transit stops within the community to increase ridership. Local governments would be required to suggest an annual limit on the amount of revenue that could be allocated to the transit investment project in the application process. Under the bill, the Colorado Economic Development Commission would also set an annual limit of the amount of revenue that can be allocated for a transit investment project. The bill would allow up to three transit investment projects to be approved in a calendar year, with no more than six projects funded through the bill in total. HB26-1065 would also create the Colorado Affordable Housing in Transit Investment Zones Tax Credit. This tax credit is reserved for projects that serve low- and middle-income housing within newly created transit and housing investment zones. The bill would allow up to $50 million in these tax credits per calendar year from 2027 to 2033 for a total investment of $350 million by 2038. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES JACKSON-GALINDO BILL TO HELP RENTERS Colorado ranks among lowest when it comes to renters rights (Feb. 27) – The House Transportation and Local Government committee approved Rep. Dominique Jackson and Rep. Rochelle Galindo’s bill to allow sufficient time for tenants to make their rent payment or remedy a lease violation before getting evicted. “This bill will give people time to find the resources they need to stay in their homes, and that helps the renter as well as the landlord,” said Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora. “Rental assistance is available, but people need more time to get that assistance. Homelessness is already a problem. Let’s help keep people housed.” Current state law does not allow sufficient time for tenants to make their rent payment or remedy a minor lease violation. Right now, Coloradans can have an eviction filed against them within three days of missing a payment. Three days is not enough time to find a new place to stay, to move out, or to find pro-bono legal resources to help postpone an eviction and leads to instability and homelessness or even job loss. Forced moves or evictions have a domino effect in communities across Colorado leading to homelessness, poverty and job loss. Housing instability benefits no one and often destabilize families, children’s education and local communities. “Hardworking families and individuals struggling to get ahead are being evicted for owing as low as $40. This bill ensures a tenant has sufficient time to make their rent payment,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “ This bill will help prevent the downward spiral into poverty that is so often associated with an eviction.” Under HB19-1118, tenants will now receive 10 days to pay their rent or address a minor lease issue before an eviction is filed against them, up from three days. Having an eviction record can make it close to impossible for an individual or family to secure housing in the future. Twenty-eight states give more notice before eviction than Colorado in the case of unpaid rent and 36 states provide more notice in the case of other lease violations. The bill passed committee on a vote of 7-4 and now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2023 Legislation to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote that would improve Colorado’s air quality and reduce harmful emissions. HB23-1294 would strengthen measures to reduce ozone and increase opportunities for public engagement to improve the permitting process. “Whether in Denver or along the Front Range, high levels of ozone are dangerous for our health, and it’s vital we address this problem and center the most impacted communities in our work,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our legislation works to improve transparency around Colorado’s air quality issues and gives Coloradans a stronger voice when sounding the alarm on poor air quality in their communities. This bill is a step forward in our ongoing work to cut back harmful emissions and improve the air we all breathe.” “Ozone season brings poor air quality that makes it difficult for Coloradans to breathe, especially those with underlying health conditions or asthma,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “We’re stepping up to strengthen our permitting and enforcement processes so we can combat harmful emissions and prioritize Coloradans’ health. This legislation works to give Coloradans more input when it comes to the air quality in their own neighborhood through strengthening the public complaint process. We’re committed to helping Colorado reach its climate goals and cleaning up our air.” HB23-1294 works to protect communities from air pollution by bolstering the procedures and requirements for emissions permits in Colorado. There are thousands of “minor” sources - including many oil and gas wells - that are significant contributors to Colorado’s ozone problem.The American Lung Association recently ranked metro Denver’s ozone pollution as the sixth worst in the United States. The Denver Metro and Front Range area was recently downgraded by the Environmental Protection Agency to “severe” nonattainment status and a majority of Coloradans live in an area that fails to comply with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQs) for ozone. This bill works to improve public engagement in the permit enforcement process by elevating complaints by impacted communities and setting clear timelines for agency action in response to these complaints to better protect communities. The bill also strengthens consideration of cumulative impacts of oil and gas operations during the permitting process and would create the Legislative Interim Committee on Ozone Air Quality to investigate the factors contributing to ozone pollution and identify policy solutions to improve air quality in the state. ### Previous Next

< Back January 31, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES REP. KENNEDY’S BILL TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY IN HOSPITAL HEALTH CARE COSTS Bipartisan bill will help lower health care costs (Jan. 31) – The House approved Rep. Chris Kennedy’s bill to increase transparency for health care costs in Colorado’s hospitals. “The high cost of health care is impacting consumers and businesses alike. It’s been a real struggle for people to keep up with the rising cost of health care, particularly in rural Colorado where we’re seeing some of the highest premiums in the country,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “By requiring hospitals to be transparent about their spending, we can increase competition in a way that will reduce costs for all hard-working Coloradans.” According to data collected by the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), hospital costs account for 39% of health care spending nationwide. Physician and clinical services account for 26%, and prescription drugs and other non-durable medical products account for 11%. HB19-1001 will require hospitals to disclose more information about spending on patient care, administration, capital construction, and acquisitions of physician groups; and will require hospitals to show how they’re shifting costs onto the backs of families and businesses. By identifying inefficiencies and wasteful spending, businesses and payers will be able to choose more efficient and lower cost hospitals for their networks. In addition, the data provided to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will inform the supplemental payments made to hospitals through the Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise (CHASE) to incentivize value, not volume. The bill passed with bipartisan support with a vote of 39-22. HB19-1001 now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2023 Bills to Advance Climate Goals Pass Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy & Environment Committee passed two bills to accelerate Colorado's clean energy transition and save consumers money on their energy bills. HB23-1161 and HB23-1210 are part of a broader package unveiled by Colorado Democrats to meet our state’s climate goals. “Colorado is leading the way on clean energy as we develop new tools to reduce our emissions and save families money,” said Chair of the Energy & Environment committee, Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB23-1161. “This bill updates Colorado’s energy and water efficiency standards for household fixtures so Coloradans have access to the cleanest, greenest devices that reduce their utility bills, save water and improve indoor air quality. Our legislation is part of a broader package to meet our state’s climate goals, reduce harmful emissions and invest in renewable energy sources that create jobs and lower costs for Coloradans.” “Coloradans are invested in our state’s transition to clean energy, and this bill makes it easier for them to obtain high-efficiency and cost-effective household appliances,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB23-1161. “This bill ensures we are stretching our precious energy and water resources as far as they can go by updating standards so consumers benefit from the latest technology. Through this and other bills moving through the legislature, Colorado Democrats are committed to putting forward smart policies that are good for the planet and our wallets.” HB23-1161 , passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would update energy and water efficiency and emissions standards for appliances and fixtures. This bill would make it easier for Coloradans to access the cleanest high-performance models of appliances, including heating and plumbing fixtures. “This bill will create funding and develop a strategic plan to manage one of the biggest climate change culprits – carbon dioxide,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1210 . “Colorado has many innovative thinkers and emerging technologies surrounding carbon capture, removal, use, and storage. This bill strategically positions our state to be a global leader in carbon management. We need innovation and entrepreneurship to reach our climate goals, and this bill is a great step to combat climate change and boost the economy." HB23-1210 , passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and would direct the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. The bill will also identify early investment opportunities to de-risk projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. Previous Next

Four bills would close corporate tax loopholes to lower taxes for hardworking people < Back February 17, 2026 Colorado Democrats to Create Tax Code that Puts Hardworking Coloradans First DENVER, CO - Colorado Democrats today unveiled four new bills to rebalance Colorado’s tax code and put working people first after Congress passed H.R. 1, which granted massive tax breaks to corporations and the ultra-wealthy that cut off tax relief for families. The bills would create a new tax credit, modeled after the highly successful Family Affordability Tax Credit, to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families. In recent years, Democrats in Colorado have expanded the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) and created the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families and lift children out of poverty. A 2026 report found that the EITC, CTC and FATC cut child poverty by 37-percent and family poverty by 32-percent. These tax credits were turned off for the next two tax years due to H.R. 1. “We have a choice– we can give taxpayer-funded handouts to mega-corporations and the Jeff Bezos’ of the world or we can update Colorado’s tax code to benefit the hardworking people of our state,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “When the federal GOP passed H.R. 1 last year, most of the tax breaks went to corporations and the ultra-wealthy. This eliminated Colorado’s state tax breaks for working people, which have slashed child poverty by nearly 40-percent. Colorado Democrats are now closing special interest corporate tax breaks and handouts to boost the incomes of hardworking Coloradans.” “Colorado’s tax code should work for the people of Colorado, not provide special treatment for monied interests that aren’t effective in advancing state goals,” said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Recent tax and other law changes at the federal level have been devastating. We must use this moment as an opportunity to examine our tax code and re-balance the scales toward working people. Cleaning up our tax code is a critical way we can mitigate the harms taking place in Washington and put Coloradans first.” Beginning for 2026 taxes, the three bills that will be introduced today would create a new Family Affordability Credit that could be taken in addition to the CTC, EITC and FATC. The credit is revenue neutral – it will adjust based on available revenue, so that families receive all the benefits from modernizing the tax code. Three bills that will be introduced today will create the new credit. The first bill prioritizes working families and ensures corporations and high-earners pay their fair share by closing tax loopholes that offer deductions for top executives’ salaries. A second bill mitigates the harm of H.R. 1 and would decouple Colorado’s tax code from four new federal tax deductions to rein in these corporate tax breaks, especially for out-of-state investments. A third bill would tax software the same, regardless of how it is acquired. Additionally, a fourth bill will be introduced in the coming days and would modernize and simplify the tax code by repealing ineffective or unnecessary special tax exemptions and deductions to expand and extend tax credits for wildfire and beetle kill mitigation, job creators, and investments in clean energy. Prioritizing Working Families , Reps. Yara Zokaie and Emily Sirota, Sens. Judy Amabile and Katie Wallace: This bill would close a tax loophole that allows corporations to deduct the salaries of their CEO, CFO and the next eight highest-paid executives—up to $1 million each—as ‘operating expenses,’ even if the executive doesn’t reside in Colorado. “We’re closing tax loopholes for the ultra-wealthy and corporations so we can create a more fair tax code that puts money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans and lifts families out of poverty,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “When people are struggling to juggle their rent, groceries and utility bills, Trump’s corporate tax breaks for million-dollar salaries are a slap in the face for hardworking Coloradans. With this bill, Colorado Democrats are cracking down on taxpayer funded corporate giveaways to restore the balance toward middle and lower income people.” “Tax credits for working families and children are a lifeline, and they’re at risk because of the chaos from Washington,” said Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “H.R. 1 devastated our ability to fund tax credits that lift families out of poverty and give Colorado kids a chance to succeed. This bill is about setting Colorado’s tax code on Colorado’s terms, closing corporate tax loopholes, and putting everyday Coloradans first.” “Colorado is at a crossroads– we can build an economy where everyone has a fair shot or we can protect tax breaks for CEO salaries and loopholes that allow the very wealthy to avoid paying their fair share,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “The tax credits we created are helping families put food on the table, but if we don’t pass these bills, the largest corporations and wealthiest individuals will see their taxes cut while families pay more. This legislation is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to rebalance Colorado’s tax code toward working people so we can drive down child poverty and put more money back into families’ pockets.” “Just because the federal government sold out working families for huge corporate tax breaks, it doesn’t mean Colorado should do the same,” said Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “This legislation closes tax loopholes to balance the scales back toward everyday Coloradans and ensure that corporations pay their fair share in our state. By doing so, we can mitigate the harms caused by H.R. 1 and uplift more of Colorado’s working families.” The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) requires some high-income earners to pay a minimum amount of tax, regardless of how many deductions they are eligible for, but there is a state tax credit that reduces what they are required to pay under the AMT. The bill would repeal this credit, which only exists in three states. The bill would also lower the percentage of net operating loss deductions that corporations can deduct from their Colorado taxable income and shorten the length of time that they can carry those losses forward before claiming them, a technique that corporations use to avoid paying taxes year after year, even while making significant profits. Mitigating the Harm of H.R. 1 , Reps. Lorena García and Karen McCormick and Sen. Cathy Kipp: This bill would de-couple Colorado’s tax code from four business tax breaks created or expanded by H.R. 1, including certain write-offs and deductions for interest expenses on debt, especially for multi-national corporations. “Colorado Democrats are focused on building an economy that rewards hardworking people in Colorado, which is why we’re limiting corporate tax breaks so we can lower taxes for middle and lower income people,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “H.R. 1 has already had devastating impacts on our state, and Colorado Democrats are taking every step we can to undo the harm and put working families first. Our legislation would end corporate handouts paid for by Colorado taxpayers, especially for out-of-state investments, so that our tax code rewards hardworking people and uplifts families, not the largest corporations.” “The Federal H.R. 1 – the big, bad billionaires bill – included tax deductions for corporations that were automatically placed into our state tax code, whether or not they benefit Colorado businesses and workers,” said Senator Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “The changes proposed in this bill keep Colorado from spending our tax dollars on development outside of Colorado, instead putting those benefits toward the well-being of families and children in our communities.” Updating and Simplifying the Tax Code , Reps. Lorena García and Kyle Brown and Sen. Weissman: This bill, which will be introduced in the coming days, would repeal ineffective or unnecessary tax exemptions and deductions and modify others to make Colorado’s tax code more consistent and efficient. “We’re updating Colorado’s tax code to prioritize hardworking Coloradans, create jobs and reduce costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “H.R. 1 rigged Colorado’s tax code in favor of corporations and the 1%, leaving us to pick up the pieces to lessen the blow on hardworking Coloradans. With this bill, we’re leaving no stone unturned by closing tax loopholes and eliminating ineffective tax breaks to extend and expand tax credits for small businesses, wildfire mitigation and renewable energy that create jobs, boost incomes and save people money.” The bill would repeal ineffective tax exemptions for metal bullion, coins and purchases regarding space flight. It would also eliminate vendor discounts for cigarettes, nicotine and tobacco products. It also makes changes to existing tax credits, including: Increasing access to the Community Food Access Tax Credit that offers small food retailers and family farms a refundable tax credit; Renewing the Renewable Energy Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credit to reward businesses that invest in projects that generate renewable energy; and Expanding the Wildfire Mitigation Tax Credit by making it a refundable tax credit and increasing eligibility to boost wildfire mitigation efforts. Expanding a tax credit for businesses that rehabilitate vacant properties. Downloadable Software , Rep. Steven Woodrow, Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Sen. Matt Ball: This bill would repeal the downloadable software exemption to ensure taxes on these products are consistent, no matter how or where they are purchased. “We’re creating a more equitable tax code for Coloradans,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This tax exemption on downloadable software has been inconsistently applied, so we’re bringing this legislation to prevent Coloradans from being taxed differently due to the way the product is being delivered. Our legislation equally applies sales tax across the board to modernize Colorado’s tax code and prioritize tax relief for working people.” “After Congress changed our tax code to favor the wealthy, we’re stepping in to support working families with a new Family Affordability Credit,” said Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver. “This legislation will also modernize our tax code to treat downloadable software the same as software you’d purchase in store, which will enable us to put money back into the hands of families who need it.” “Our bill would ensure sales tax on software isn’t being applied arbitrarily,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Whether someone purchases Microsoft Word online or in person, they should not be taxed differently. This bill would ensure that Coloradans could expect to pay the same taxes, no matter what zip code or manner in which they purchase software.” The Colorado Office of the State Auditor reported that the antiquated sales tax exemption for certain downloadable software was being applied unevenly across the state, with 14-percent of vendors not applying the exemption at all. Previous Next