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Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will save people money on housing by updating building codes to only require one stairwell for certain multi-family buildings. < Back May 13, 2025 New Law Will Make Housing More Affordable DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will save people money on housing by updating building codes to only require one stairwell for certain multi-family buildings. “This smart stair policy is safe and will help us create more housing Coloradans can afford,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Firefighting technology and fire protection techniques have significantly improved in the last few decades, and it’s time that we modernize our building codes to account for these safety improvements and reduce the cost of building multi-family housing. This law reduces the cost of building family-sized apartments and condos that will help us meet Colorado’s housing needs and save people money on housing.” “Single-stair buildings are a safe and practical solution that make it far easier to build apartments with enough bedrooms to comfortably house Colorado families,” said Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver. “Single-stair buildings can also be impressive architectural additions to our neighborhoods. This new law modernizes our building codes and positions Colorado at the forefront of innovative solutions to our housing crisis." “Colorado Democrats are committed to passing legislation that will make housing more affordable,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This law eliminates second stairwell requirements for certain buildings to drive down building costs and create more livable space. Coloradans sent us here to pass policy that will make our communities more affordable, and this policy will help open up more housing opportunities that work for every budget.” “Colorado is facing a housing crisis and we must explore every option to build more homes that families can afford,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “Modernizing outdated building codes to allow for single-stair apartment buildings, where modern technology and building materials makes doing so safe, is a simple and effective solution that will open up opportunities to build more affordable housing and revitalize our neighborhoods. This policy is a critical way that we can increase housing supply, drive down costs, and ensure that every Coloradan has a safe, affordable place to call home.” Beginning December 1, 2027, HB25-1273 requires a municipality of 100,000 or more residents that is served by an accredited fire protection district, fire department, or fire authority to ensure that their building code allows certain multi-family residential buildings up to five stories to be served by a single exit. Additional requirements to qualify for a single-stairway exit include: Buildings no more than five stories tall with up to four dwelling units per floor, Safety features throughout the building, including an automatic sprinkler system and fire resistance and smoke control systems, Aerial access by the building’s applicable fire department or protection district, and Buildings constructed of non-combustible or fire-resistive construction materials. Under this law, the Department of Local Affairs must consult with the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association on implementation and data collection regarding single stair buildings constructed in each jurisdiction and the reporting of that data to the legislature during annual SMART Act hearings. According to a 2025 Pew Study , there has been no evidence of increased safety risks in New York City, Seattle, the Netherlands, and other jurisdictions that allow single stair apartments. Adding a second stairway to an apartment building can increase building costs by 6- to 13-percent, and single stair apartments can reduce cooling costs by up to 80-percent due to improved window placement, which allows cross-ventilation. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement on GOP efforts to block gun violence prevention legislation: < Back March 26, 2023 Leadership Statement on GOP Efforts to Block Gun Violence Prevention Bills DENVER, CO - Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement on GOP efforts to block gun violence prevention legislation: “Coloradans are demanding action, not delay tactics. An overwhelming majority of Colorado voters elected us to govern responsibly because we made clear commitments to prevent gun violence, make housing more affordable, protect access to abortion and reproductive care, invest in our students, and mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change - and we must deliver. “We take seriously the importance of our democratic process and of authentically engaging with the minority party on bills. At the end of the day, the smallest minority in 60 years does not have the right to stop votes on legislation that the vast majority of Coloradans desperately want to see passed. “The rules of the institution exist to respect the will of the voters. To allow unprecedented obstruction at this scale from a small group of minority party members puts our democracy at risk, and we will not allow that. Too much is at stake.” Previous Next

< Back October 23, 2019 ZERO WASTE COMMITTEE ADVANCES BILLS TO IMPROVE STATE’S RECYCLING RATE Bills will incentivize development of new end-market users of recycled materials, create a public awareness campaign to increase recycling and establish a statewide organics management plan DENVER, CO — The Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Study Committee today advanced two bipartisan proposals to improve the state’s recycling rate. One bill incentivizes the development of new end-market businesses for recycled materials and creates a public education campaign on recycling. The second bill requires the state to develop a comprehensive organics management plan. “The two bipartisan bills we advanced today will put our state on the road to recycling more, trashing less and being better stewards of our environment and natural resources,” said Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Study Committee Chair Rep. Lisa Cutter (D-Evergreen). “Improving Colorado’s recycling rate, which is well below the national average, will continue our state’s progress addressing climate change and divert more waste from landfills. Without action, we will continue filling the ground with thousands of acres of waste, jeopardizing our air and water and risking our state’s reputation as an environmentally friendly place to live and visit.” “Our state’s low recycling rate means we rely heavily on landfills, which can harm our environment and will leave a lasting impact on the natural beauty that in many ways defines our state,” said Rep. Meg Froelich (D-Englewood). “Today, we passed two bipartisan bills and took a big step forward to address this critical issue. Our legislation will reduce waste by helping create new markets for recycled materials, establishing a public education campaign on recycling and increasing compost use in agriculture and other sectors.” “I’m proud that Fort Collins has the best overall recycling rate in Colorado, but we still have work to do to improve our statewide recycling rate, move towards ‘Zero Waste’, and act on climate,” said Rep. Jeni James Arndt (D-Fort Collins). “Our committee made significant progress today, advancing two bipartisan bills to incentivize recycling and ensure Colorado continues taking action to protect our environment.” Last April, Legislative Council approved Rep. Cutter’s request to create the Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Study Committee. Colorado only recycles about 17.2 percent of the state’s waste, a rate that hasn’t increased in recent years and is much lower than the national average of 35 percent. In 2016, the state set a goal of recycling 28 percent of its waste by 2021, which would divert an additional 1.5 million tons of waste from landfills. With the state’s population increasing and Coloradans producing more waste than before, the committee has been hearing testimony, conducting research and traveling to innovative recycling facilities in order to develop a path forward to improve Colorado’s recycling rate. The first bill the committee advanced creates a stakeholder group to study how to establish a recycling market development center. The center would support the development of businesses that process recyclable materials or reuse them in their products sold to consumers. Under the bill, the Pollution Prevention Advisory Board is authorized to create a formula to provide a partial reimbursement of local personal property taxes to businesses that reclaim or recycle materials. The bill also requires CDPHE to administer a statewide recycling education campaign to increase residential recycling across the state. The campaign aims to inform Coloradans about specific recyclable materials and recycling habits that can increase recycling rates and make the state’s recycling efforts more efficient. The second bill would establish a statewide organics management plan. This can help agriculture producers improve soil health, leading to enhanced crop value and production. The CDPHE will consult with stakeholders and submit the management plan by February 1, 2023 to the House Energy and Environment Committee, House Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee, Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to boost science instruction and performance in K-12 schools. < Back April 26, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Boost K-12 Science Performance Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to boost science instruction and performance in K-12 schools. HB24-1446, sponsored by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, would make no-cost professional development programs available to science educators, with an emphasis on programming that supports students who are below grade level, students living with disabilities, and students who are English Language Learners. “As a former teacher, I know how important professional development programs are because they provide insight into new techniques and tactics to engage all students,” said Rep. Barabra McLachlan, D-Durango. “This bill would make professional development programs available to science educators at no-cost so our teachers can better support our students — especially those with a disability or learning below grade level. The key to success in the classroom is a great educator, and this bill makes it easier for our science teachers to brush up on their skills and meet the diverse needs of our students.” HB24-1446 , also sponsored by Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, passed the House by a vote of 57 to 6. This bill permits the Colorado Department of Education to contract with Colorado higher education institutions to develop and provide free, optional professional development training available to Colorado’s science educators. The program would include instruction on interventions for students who are below grade level or struggling in science, children with disabilities, and students who are English Language Learners. Under the bill, teachers who participate in this professional development may earn credit towards license renewal. Additionally, rural school districts must be prioritized if demand for the training exceeds capacity. If passed, the program would be made available beginning in the 2025-26 school year. HB24-1446 aims to improve K-12 science performance for Colorado students by giving teachers the tools and resources they need to foster success among the students who need the most support. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to make state funds more readily available to Colorado communities transitioning away from a coal-based economy. < Back April 16, 2025 Mauro’s Bill to Support Coal-Transitioning Communities, Invest in Jobs Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to make state funds more readily available to Colorado communities transitioning away from a coal-based economy. “As Colorado’s economy shifts toward renewable energy, we’re stepping up to ensure we create jobs and support communities like mine as market forces move us away from a coal-based economy,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “From creating good-paying jobs in renewable energy to economic support, the state has invested millions to boost workers and the economies in these communities. This bill ensures Colorado’s rural communities can take advantage of more grant opportunities to strengthen their economy and build a workforce for the future.” SB25-037 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, passed committee by a vote of 12-0. To support communities' transition away from a coal-based economy, this bill makes existing funding available for coal transition workforce assistance programs for an additional three years. The bill directs the Just Transition Office in the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to also prioritize investments in tier two communities, which are communities that are indirectly impacted by coal closures. This includes programs and grants that help communities with workforce assistance and the construction or maintenance of libraries, town halls, police and fire stations. SB25-037 aims to more effectively distribute state-supported grants and programs to communities whose economy was once or is partially reliant on coal. Additionally, this bill extends the reporting deadline for the study on advanced energy solutions in rural Colorado . Founded in 2019, the Office of Just Transition was established to support coal workers, employers and communities as they plan for the future. Market shifts, consumer choices and the advancement of renewable energy sources have required Colorado to step up and create action plans that allow for a smooth economic adjustment for coal transition communities. Previous Next

< Back May 12, 2021 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE BILL ADVANCES DENVER, CO– The House today advanced HB21-1266, legislation that would define disproportionately impacted communities to ensure that climate policies address environmental justice. “Report after report has shown that low-income communities face dangerous air and water pollution and as a result see higher rates of deadly health conditions,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “It’s clear that climate change and toxic emissions are disproportionately impacting Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. This bill simply asks that we clearly define the terms ‘environmental justice’ and ‘disproportionately impacted community.’ By defining these terms, we can more equitably address climate change and air pollution in a way that directly considers and addresses the needs of the communities that are facing some of the most consequential impacts.” HB21-1266 , sponsored by Representative Dominique Jackson, is designed to ensure Colorado’s climate policies put environmental justice at the forefront. The bill would create an Environmental Justice Action Task Force within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to take community input and develop a government-wide environmental justice strategy. It directs the Air Quality Control Commission to engage directly with disproportionately impacted communities. It would also create a definition for the terms “environmental justice” and “disproportionately impacted community”, ensuring that communities of color, low-income communities, and others who are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change are considered in the state’s climate response efforts. Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bipartisan bills to support Colorado’s water supply and bolster projects that help restore natural streams. < Back June 7, 2023 SIGNED! Pair of Bipartisan Bills to Support Colorado’s Water Supply, Bolster Stream Restoration BRECKENRIDGE, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bipartisan bills to support Colorado’s water supply and bolster projects that help restore natural streams. SB23-177 , sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, funds the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s (CWCB) water projects. This legislation provides the Board, within the Department of Natural Resources, with over $90 million to fund water-supply projects, species conservation and research. The projects aim to take on Colorado’s water crisis, including funding for Water Plan Grants , Water Plan Action Advancement items, water forecasting, and watershed restoration efforts, among other investments. This year’s bill has particular emphasis on conservation of threatened fish in the Platte and Colorado Rivers. “Communities all across the state depend on this crucial funding to protect their water and I am grateful that we are investing more in our water projects through this year’s water funding bill than we ever have before,” said Roberts, sponsor of SB23-177 and SB23-270. “Now more than ever, it’s important that we work collaboratively to develop solutions to conserve our water and improve our water infrastructure. Coloradans know we need solutions, but too often are faced with legal obstacles or a lack of funding for projects. These bipartisan bills will simplify processes to complete stream restoration projects, tap into millions of dollars of state and federal funding, and ultimately help secure our state’s water future.” “Colorado’s watersheds and streams protect us from wildfires, preserve diverse ecosystems and support the livelihood of our local farmers and ranchers,” said McCormick, sponsor of SB23-177 and SB23-270. “The Colorado way of life revolves around water, and with these laws, we’re focused on restoration and preservation of our streams and rivers. This bipartisan legislation makes it easier for communities to leverage federal dollars to complete stream restoration projects and creates a plan for preserving our water resources now and into the future.” The CWCB’s work includes protecting Colorado's streams and lakes, flood mitigation, watershed protection, stream restoration, drought and water supply planning, and water project financing. Many of the Board’s projects focus on the Western Slope, like the Upper Colorado Conservation Project , which is researching the use of water-sharing agreements as ways to enhance water flow and provide temporary municipal water supplies in times of shortage. Stream restoration projects are vital in protecting water supplies, restoring habitats, and recovering from drought, fire, and floods. SB23-270 , sponsored by Senators Roberts and Simpson, and Representatives McCormick and Catlin, creates a more streamlined process for stream restoration projects to move forward. Currently, certain stream restoration projects could be considered an out-of-priority diversion of water, creating an uncertain or impossible path for those projects to proceed. The bill constitutes an important first step by creating a rebuttable presumption that a minor stream restoration project doesn’t impede on downstream water rights – thus allowing smaller projects to move forward without unnecessary enforcement actions while the community continues to explore solutions for larger projects. A rebuttable presumption is an assumption made by a court that is taken to be true unless proven otherwise. The legislation outlines stream restoration projects as those with the purpose of wildfire or flood mitigation; bank stabilization; water quality protection or restoration; habitat, species, or ecosystem restoration; infrastructure protection, and more. Previous Next

Today, Governor Polis and bipartisan legislators, including Speaker Julie McCluskie, Rep. Meghan Lukens, Rep. Matt Soper, Sen. James Coleman, Sen. Jeff Bridges, and Sen. Mark Baisley, announced legislation to continue strengthening Colorado’s workforce and breaking down barriers to lower-cost education and training pathways. < Back March 7, 2024 Strengthening Colorado’s Workforce: Governor Polis and Bipartisan Legislators Unveil Legislative Package to Support Training and Education for Colorado Workers DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and bipartisan legislators, including Speaker Julie McCluskie, Rep. Meghan Lukens, Rep. Matt Soper, Sen. James Coleman, Sen. Jeff Bridges, and Sen. Mark Baisley, announced legislation to continue strengthening Colorado’s workforce and breaking down barriers to lower-cost education and training pathways. “Colorado’s innovative approach to connecting more Coloradans with the training and skills they need to get good-paying jobs is an example for the rest of the country, and we are proud to do more with this legislative package. I want to thank the bipartisan group of legislators who continue working to support Colorado workers and businesses.,” said Governor Jared Polis. Legislation sponsored by Rep. Lukens, Rep. Soper and Sen. Bridges builds on the success of Opportunity Now, a grant program that has awarded $27 million to 46 grantees representing 145 business and 78 education partners in 38 industries . These grants help connect more Coloradans with in-demand, high-skill, high-wage careers. This bill will support a fourth and final round of grants, investing in building and construction trades specifically. It also creates an annual refundable tax credit to increase the capacity of training providers in industries receiving transformative federal investment (IIJA/IRA/CHIPS). Finally, this bill will create regional summits that will improve regional talent planning. “The success of Opportunity Now programs has helped Coloradans across the state secure good-paying jobs while meeting our diverse workforce needs,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This bipartisan bill introduces the final round of funding for this program with an important focus on the construction and building trades. The demand for skilled electricians, plumbers and general contractors is rising, and this bill boosts our construction workforce and helps drive local economies.” “We have seen the success of Opportunity Now in communities across the state, including the Western Slope. I look forward to continuing this work and helping even more Coloradans get training, secure strong jobs, and build a stronger future for themselves,” said Rep. Matt Soper. “Opportunity is a core Colorado value, and every Coloradan should have the opportunity to earn a good life," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "That opportunity often starts with a good education, one that's aligned with good-paying jobs in a person's community. Making sure that what schools teach matches what businesses need is exactly what the Opportunity Now grant does, leading to better wages for workers, a well-trained workforce for our employers, and a stronger Colorado economy for everyone." An effort to expand apprenticeship opportunities through a new tax credit, sponsored by Sen. Coleman and Sen. Baisley, provides $30 million in annual, refundable tax credits to support apprentices in new and emerging industries, $2 million for businesses looking to start or scale an apprenticeship program, and $2 million for qualified intermediaries who support the administration of apprenticeship programs. “I’m committed to paving the way for equitable access to opportunity, so that all Coloradans have the chance to get ahead – and a key way we can do that is by investing in our workforce,” Senate President Pro Tem James Coleman, D-Denver, said . “We’re bringing forward resources that will expand existing programs and increase the adoption of registered apprenticeships. These investments can create more than 8,000 new apprenticeships, and give Coloradans the opportunities they need to succeed.” Legislators are also acting on the recommendations of the 1215 Task Force by introducing legislation to study the cost of streamlining the administration and financing of postsecondary workforce readiness programs to the state and local education providers. It also lays the foundation for a data system to measure the impact and outcomes of education and workforce programs. This bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Speaker McCluskie, Rep. Bacon, Sen. Bridges and Sen. Lundeen. “Investing in our workforce requires us to establish career pathways that will lead to good-paying jobs for Coloradans in communities across the state, especially in our rural and mountain communities,” said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This legislation lays the groundwork to set Colorado learners on a path toward economic success and career mobility by making it easier for them to access the college credits, industry credentials, or quality work-based learning experiences already in place. Together, we’re investing in our workforce, strengthening local economies and making it easier for Coloradans to thrive in the communities that they love.” “Traditional education methods face the challenge of developing curricula that are relevant to industry. Apprenticeships provide direct application for technical training. The Scale Up Grants are a practical way for the Colorado State Government to encourage employers to engage workers with skills that can be directly put to use. An employee who has worked through these apprenticeships will find fulfillment in the tremendous value that they immediately bring to Colorado companies,” said Senator Baisley. Other workforce focused bills introduced in the legislature include: HB24-1231: State Funding for Higher Education Projects, which invests in Colorado's healthcare workforce by providing funding for the UNC Medical School, Metro State’s Health Institute Tower, Colorado State University’s Veterinary Health Education Campus, and expansion and renovation of Trinidad State College’s Valley Campus main building. Sponsored by Reps. Young & Daugherty, Sens. Kirkmeyer & Mullica. SB24-104: Career and Technical Education and Apprenticeships, which connects K-12 students interested in technical careers with workforce opportunities. Sponsored by Sen. Danielson. HB24-1097: Military Family Occupational Credentialing, which would expand the occupational credential portability program to include gold star military spouses and military dependents and broadens the scope to include the Armed Forces Reserve, Ready Reserve, and National Guard. Sponsored by Reps. Taggart & Weissman, Sens. Fields & Gardner. SB24-050: Funding for Workforce Programs, which invests in scaling nonprofit and apprenticeship programs that train Coloradans for in-demand industries. Sponsored by Sen. Exum. SB24-143: Credential Quality Apprenticeship Classification, which builds on previous efforts to develop more stackable credentials. Sponsored by Sens. Zenzinger & Coleman, Rep. Herod. HB24-1264: Supporting the Educator Workforce, which provides various supports for an online career support and pathways portal for educators with access to career incentives, job postings, and applications. Sponsored by Reps. McLachlan & Catlin, Sens. Zenzinger & Simpson. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2020 REP. MCLACHLAN’S COLLEGE CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE BILL PASSES Bipartisan legislation would allow college students to obtain academic credit for work experience DENVER, CO — The House today passed Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to make it easier to obtain academic credit for work-related experiences across all state institutions. The vote was 62-3. “As we take the necessary steps to get our state back to work responsibly, it is critical that we do everything we can to make it easier for Colorado’s students to compete in a 21st century economy,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango). “As a former teacher, I know that some of the most important education a student can receive happens outside of the classroom. This bill would allow students who have had formative educational experiences in the workplace to get the academic credits they need to complete their degrees in a more affordable and expedited way.” HB20-1002, which advanced from the Making Higher Education Attainable Interim Committee, and was approved by the House Education Committee earlier this year, would require the Commission on Higher Education to create a model to award academic credit for work-related experiences. The credits would be acceptable and transferable across all state institutions, improving access and affordability for non-traditional students. The bill also includes a provision that will require state institutions to develop a mechanism through which students can test out of any undergraduate class through an individual assessment or other testing means. Previous Next

SB24-042 will provide outreach and support to individuals living with sickle cell disease < Back June 3, 2024 SIGNED! Legislation to Create a Sickle Cell Outreach Program Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation that will provide outreach and support to Coloradans living with sickle cell disease. Sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs and Assistant House Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, SB24-042 will create the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide support to individuals living with sickle cell disease. Outreach and support services will be administered by a nonprofit organization contracted through CDPHE. “Sickle cell disease is a debilitating condition that takes a toll on an individual’s health and quality of life,” said Fields. “Worse, we see disproportionately high rates of sickle cell disease in Black communities. This important program will provide critical outreach to individuals living with sickle cell disease to help connect folks to supportive health care and community services, and will help address long-standing health inequities that remain far too prevalent in marginalized communities across our state.” “Sickle cell disease can cause blockages in a person’s small blood vessels and be incredibly painful if left untreated,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs . “This law establishes the new, Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program, to provide critical outreach and support to Coloradans living with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts Black communities and this new outreach program will help bridge the gap between needed health care and access to care experienced by marginalized communities. I am proud to carry this legislation forward because it will improve health outcomes for so many in our state.” “Arie P. Taylor was a trailblazer as Colorado's first female Black representative,” Buckner said. “Creating this program in her name honors her legacy and ensures communities she represented have the support they need to thrive – just as Ms. Taylor envisioned. I’m proud to see this bill get signed into law and I look forward to seeing how the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program will support individuals and families and ultimately, change lives.” “Long-standing inequities in our health care system have left many Black Coloradans without access to the care they need, let alone specialized care,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This new law would establish the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program to connect people living with sickle cell disease with resources and support. Sickle cell disease is genetic, and unfortunately, the rates have been much higher among Black communities. Named after Colorado’s first Black female legislator, the new program honors Ms. Taylor’s legacy by providing individualized support to our community and works to bridge the gap in health care access.” Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells that carry oxygen to stick together after the oxygen is released, causing blockages in the small blood vessels, anemia, and severe pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), sickle cell disease occurs among about 1 out of every 365 Black or African-American births and occurs among about 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births. Previous Next

< Back November 10, 2020 MCCLUSKIE AND HEROD APPOINTED TO JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE DENVER, CO — House Speaker-designate Alec Garnett today announced the appointment of Representatives Julie McCluskie and Leslie Herod to serve on the Joint Budget Committee (JBC). Herod will be the first Black woman from the House to serve on the JBC since Wilma Webb , who served in the House from 1980-1992 and on the JBC from 1983-1986. Rep. Julie McCluskie will now serve as the ranking member from the House Majority caucus. “We have so much talent in our caucus. Rep. McCluskie’s leadership through one of the most difficult budgets in state history was a service to the body and to the entire State of Colorado. The decision to reappoint her is a no-brainier as we chart a course to rebound from the pandemic and get Colorado’s economy back on track,” said House Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Rep. Herod has been a leader since the first day she stepped into the Capitol. I’m pleased she will put her policy making skills to work helping the people of Colorado. She’s one of the strongest voices for working families in the state, and I’m glad she will apply those skills to making sure Colorado’s economy works for everyone.” “I’m honored to get back to work on the JBC and to prioritize our students, teachers and critical services as we craft a budget that boosts our economy and helps Coloradans get through this crisis,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion . “Rep. Herod will bring her wealth of experience fighting for Colorado communities to the JBC where I know she will be a force for justice as we work to build an economy where every Coloradan has a fair shot.” “It is an overwhelming honor to be named to serve on the Joint Budget Committee as our state works to rebound from the economic crisis caused by COVID,” said newly appointed JBC member Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Being the first Black woman to serve in the role in decades only heightens how proud I am to be selected. I am eager and excited to dig into our state budget and get to work on behalf of the people of Colorado. It’s time to build back a stronger, more just and equitable economy in our state, and to ensure no one is left behind in our state’s recovery.” The JBC will meet tomorrow, November 11 at 9:00 AM, to formalize the JBC leadership for the upcoming session and begin hearings on the FY 2021-2022 budget request. The JBC schedule can be found here . Previous Next

SB25-002 will increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing < Back May 8, 2025 Signed! Bill to Reduce Housing Costs, Boost Stock of Factory-Built Housing SB25-002 will increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, to reduce housing costs by boosting the stock of affordable factory-built housing was signed into law today. SB25-002 will increase the stock of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers to the construction, installation, and inspection of factory-built structures like tiny homes and other types of modular housing. Modular housing is usually less expensive than traditional, stick-built homes constructed on-site and can be assembled faster, which can help expand permanent housing opportunities and build more affordable housing options. “Right now, the people that keep our communities running – teachers, nurses, and firefighters – can’t afford to live where they work,” said Exum. “Expanding opportunities for them and their families to thrive and grow together in a stable, safe environment is vital to strong, lasting success for Colorado communities.” “Our law will improve coordination between state and regional partners and cut down on duplicative steps to build more affordable housing in our communities,” said Boesenecker. “Modular homes are a high-quality alternative to traditional housing construction materials, but are faster to assemble and cheaper to build. This law allows us to strategically use tools that have proven to create more affordable housing options for hardworking Coloradans.” "Every Coloradan should be able to afford to live where they work," said Bridges. "We have an affordability crisis here in Colorado, and while there's no silver bullet for housing, there are silver BBs. This is one of them. This legislation will increase Colorado's housing stock by bringing down construction costs, giving more folks the opportunity to live where they work, raise a family, and call Colorado home.” “Modular homes are a creative and proven solution to drive down housing costs and allow more Coloradans to realize their dream of homeownership,” said Stewart. “Construction costs, miscommunication and doubling up on regulation have been significant barriers to building affordable housing, and this law aims to streamline regulations to fully benefit from the potential of modular housing. With this new law, we can make high-quality housing more affordable across Colorado.” This bill directs the State Housing Board in the Department of Local Affairs to develop regional building codes for factory-built structures by July 1, 2026. The new building codes supersede current regulations only for factory-built structures. Previous Next