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< Back February 2, 2023 Bill to Expand Employee-Owned Business Incentives Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today unanimously passed legislation that expands the Employee Ownership Tax Credit. The vote was 11-0. “Employee-owned business models promote higher wages, job security, and better benefit options for hard-working Coloradans,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “The Employee Ownership Tax Credit is an innovative tool for business owners looking to sell or retire and helps address the affordability issues we’re facing in Colorado. This bill builds on the established program by expanding the credit to incentivize more businesses to stay in capable local hands in our communities.” In 2021, Colorado Democrats created a first-in-the-nation refundable income tax credit that incentivizes business owners to move towards employee-owned business models. It allows business owners that are looking to move on from the company to pass the business on to employees, allowing the business to stay within the community and giving hard-working Coloradans a stake in the company. HB23-1081 expands on the Employee Ownership Tax Credit by: Making partially employee-owned businesses eligible to help cover the costs associated with expanding employee ownership; Permitting new methods that businesses are using to transfer equity to employees; and Strengthening incentives for eligible businesses that are transitioning to employee ownership with existing resources. Previous Next

< Back March 4, 2019 ROBERTS’ BIPARTISAN PUBLIC HEALTH CARE OPTION RECEIVES HOUSE APPROVAL Coloradans shouldn’t be forced to choose between paying for their health care or their mortgage (Mar. 4) – The House approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, to create a new affordable and competitive health care option in the state of Colorado that will be available to families and individuals when purchasing health insurance. “The cost of health insurance especially on the Western Slope but all across Colorado continue to skyrocket. This bill is a reasoned, smart approach to try to bring competition to the marketplace to bring down the cost of health care,” said Rep. Roberts. “ This bipartisan bill is a uniquely Colorado solution to the growing health care problems in our state. Too many hardworking individuals and families, especially in rural Colorado, are paying too much for health insurance.” Currently, there are 14 counties in our state with only one option on the individual market and many counties are left with a small number of options for health insurance. This bill will increase competition in the market. The bipartisan HB19-1004 represents significant progress towards developing a publicly supported health insurance option on the market that leverages the efficiencies of our current state infrastructure. This public option will help put affordable health insurance in reach for many hardworking families across our state. “People are deciding whether to pay out-of-control health insurance costs each month or forgo coverage for themselves and their kids,” Roberts said. “Providing families and individuals an affordable option will make a meaningful difference in their lives and ensure they stay in our rural communities. This bill was carefully crafted in a responsible way to create a new, affordable health insurance option in Colorado.” Eagle County has some of the highest health care premiums in the entire country. The bill directs experts at the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Division of Insurance to create a proposal for implementing a public option that leverages already-existing state infrastructure. That proposal must be presented to the Joint Budget Committee, House Public Health and Human Services Committee; House Health and Insurance Committee, Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Joint committees during SMART Act hearings later this year. When exploring the creation of a public option, the departments must consider affordability to the consumer, administrative and financial consideration for the state, ease of implementation and impacts to the market as a whole. The bill was approved by a bipartisan vote of 46-18. It now heads to the Senate. The Proposal For Affordable Health Coverage Option bill is part of a larger package of bills that House Democrats have introduced this year to help lower the cost of health care. The House also approved HB19-1131, sponsored by Rep. Sonya Jaquez-Lewis, D-Longmont, to help with prescription drug cost transparency by a vote of 40-23. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES MULLICA’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO INCREASE HEALTH CARE ACCESS IN SCHOOLS (Apr. 19) – The House final gave approval today to a bill sponsored by Rep. Kyle Mullica to hire more school nurses in schools across Colorado, especially schools in rural areas and in disadvantaged communities. “As a nurse, I see first hand how untrained school staff are administering medication to students with chronic illnesses. This can be dangerous for the staff and especially for the students,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn.“ This bill would ensure Colorado’s kids have access to health care professionals in their schools. School nurses provide a range of health care services to our students while also handling medical emergencies during the school day.” Rep. Mullica is a trained trauma nurse by profession. HB19-1203 would provide grants to improve the ratio of school nurses to students while also prioritizing nurses in rural areas and lower-income communities. This bill also allows school nurses to partner with local public health agencies so that nurse practitioners can also serve in schools. Currently, there are 632 nurses that serve 910,000 school-aged students. That’s roughly one nurse for every 1,500 to 1,700 students. HB19-1203 passed with a bipartisan vote of 51-13 and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back January 14, 2021 SEVENTY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY KICKS OFF; URGENT LEGISLATION MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO — Today, on the first legislative day of the Seventy-Third General Assembly, the Colorado House of Representatives met to address pressing business and to swear in new members. At the end of this week, the General Assembly will go into a temporary adjournment, with the aim of returning to the Capitol tentatively on February 16. After floor debate, House Committees met to consider four urgently needed pieces of legislation. The following bills were heard and passed out of the House State Affairs Committee: HB21-1001 : Ensures the smooth continuation of our democracy by giving leeway to members of a party central committee or vacancy committee to participate in a committee meeting remotely, including by casting the member’s vote by email, mail, telephone, or through an internet-based application if allowed by the party’s rules, through the end of 2021. The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole by a vote of 10-1. HB21-1003: Protects public health by allowing members of the General Assembly to safely participate in legislative proceedings remotely during a declared disaster emergency. The bill also permits joint committees of reference to hold SMART Act hearings remotely any time after the General Assembly convenes, allowing legislative oversight to continue during the temporary adjournment between now and February. The bill was moved to the Committee on Appropriations with a favorable recommendation by a vote of 7-4. The following bills were heard and passed out of the House Finance Committee: HB21-1002: Clarifies the original intent of HB20-1420 to address unintended consequences impacting business and independent tax filers. HB20-1420 aimed to decouple Colorado from federal tax changes in the CARES act, leaving taxpayers no better nor worse off than prior to the passage of CARES. Since the passage of HB20-1420, the bill has been misinterpreted to disallow taxpayers the ability to carry forward various tax benefits over the annual allowable limit to future tax filing years. This bill affirms taxpayers ability to carry forward specified amounts. The bill also allows ITIN filers to claim the Earned Income Tax credit beginning in the 2020 tax year. The bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee by a vote of 8-3. HB21-1004: Protects public health by enacting the “Colorado Uniform Electronic Wills Act,” which ensures that Coloradans can settle their affairs remotely, without putting their health or the health of their loved ones at risk. The bill permits the execution of wills using online platforms designed for the remote notarization of electronic documents. The bill was referred to the Committee of the Whole by a unanimous vote. Previous Next

< Back April 25, 2022 BILL TO INVEST IN LOCAL NONPROFITS ADVANCES HOUSE Legislation would distribute $35 million from the transformative Economic Recovery and Relief Funds to support nonprofits disproportionately impacted by the pandemic DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today to support local nonprofits that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. This bill invests $35 million in federal Economic Recovery and Relief funds to build stronger communities. HB22-1356 passed by a vote of 44 to 19. “When the pandemic hit, our nonprofits adapted to meet the needs of some of our most underserved communities,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “This bill directs $35 million in pandemic recovery funds to Colorado’s local nonprofits so they can continue supporting our marginalized communities. Local nonprofits stepped up to provide services that kept our neighbors fed, safe and well-informed during the pandemic. Our bill is more than a thank you, it’s an investment in our communities.” “We’re one step closer to providing small nonprofits with the financial support they need to continue to serve Colorado communities,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder. “This bill invests in local nonprofits, especially the ones who went above and beyond during the pandemic, so they can keep their doors open and continue to serve our neighbors. Investing federal pandemic recovery dollars in local organizations just makes sense and will foster stronger communities as a result.” During the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly set aside $700 million in federal pandemic relief funds to use for economic recovery and relief initiatives in the years ahead. HB22-1356 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Edie Hooton, will provide $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to nonprofit social service organizations that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Small community-based nonprofits have played an important role in delivering essential services to families and communities that were directly impacted by the pandemic. These organizations continue to fill critical gaps, but face significant challenges as they respond to longstanding community needs that were only exacerbated by the pandemic. Financial constraints often limit these organizations’ ability to serve additional Coloradans and those constraints are more challenging under recent economic conditions. The grants are designed to support small community-based nonprofits that largely serve individuals who were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and experienced significant financial pressures. Eligible entities will be able to apply for grants as large as $100,000 to expand program capacity, foster professional development for employees or engage in strategic planning to grow their organization and maximize the use of funds. Previous Next

< Back July 30, 2021 JACKSON RECEIVES ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM NCEL DENVER, CO – Representative Dominique Jackson was awarded the Leon G. Billings Environmental Achievement Award by the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL). The award was announced at NCEL’s eighth annual National Forum, which took place online July 29-30. “This year, we fought hard to ensure that Colorado continues to lead the nation on a host of critical environmental efforts, and it’s an absolute honor to be recognized by NCEL for this work,” said Representative Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “This year, we worked to protect our air, land, and water, and fought to give communities impacted by pollution a seat at the table where decisions are being made about their future. Environmental justice was my top priority this session, and I’m proud to see national leaders like NCEL supporting these efforts.” NCEL annually presents its Environmental Achievement Award to state legislators in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments on environmental issues. Criteria includes bipartisan support for awardee’s legislation and the impact of policies that they passed. Representative Dominique Jackson was selected for the award by the NCEL Board of Directors, most of whom are state legislators. She is recognized for ensuring environmental justice considerations and communities disproportionately impacted by pollution were centered in various pieces of climate legislation in the Colorado legislature this year. “As an active NCEL member, Representative Jackson always works to ensure that equity is central to the environmental policies she champions,” said NCEL Executive Director Jeff Mauk . “Throughout her time in the legislature, Representative Jackson has led with her passion for undoing the systemic inequities that have resulted in environmental injustices, leading by example for her colleagues across the country.” The NCEL Board of Directors named the Environmental Achievement Award as a memorial to the organization’s founder, former Maryland Delegate Leon G. Billings, who first organized NCEL in 1996. Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,000 environmentally-committed state legislators from all 50 states and both parties. Previous Next

SB25-129 and SB25-130 would protect patients and providers from hostile out-of-state action and ensure that emergency abortion and miscarriage care remain protected < Back February 5, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Democrats Introduce Pair of Bills to Strengthen Protections for Reproductive Health Care DENVER, CO – Colorado Democrats today introduced two bills to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for reproductive health care. SB25-129 , sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, would strengthen Colorado’s shield law to protect patients and providers from out-of-state attacks on accessible reproductive health care. “We have worked hard in Colorado to protect the freedom to decide what to do with our futures and our bodies, and we won’t allow anyone to put these freedoms in danger,” said Cutter. “As attacks on reproductive rights continue across the country, we are working to implement strong and responsive laws in Colorado to shield patients and providers from hostile out-of-state action.” “We’re standing up to protect our patients and providers from far-reaching civil, out-of-state, and Trump administration threats to restrict abortion, and also health care for LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said McCormick. “New legislation will expand Colorado’s shield laws to include telehealth and prescription label privacy. Our bill will also strengthen Colorado’s ability to fight back legally against hostile attacks on reproductive freedoms and health care.” “Colorado is a beacon for reproductive freedom and access to abortion in our region,” said Winter. “Strengthening our shield law would expand protections for patients, providers, and helpers against interstate criminal and civil threats. These measures, like prescription label privacy, telehealth protections, and robust legal safeguards, will ensure that Colorado remains a national leader for reproductive justice and freedom.” “Colorado has consistently led the nation in protecting abortion rights. Now, we are taking further steps to safeguard our providers and patients from external threats that endanger reproductive freedom and access to essential health care,” said Joseph. “By strengthening Colorado’s shield laws, we can enhance protections for both patients and providers, standing firm against any attempts to undermine bodily autonomy. I am proud to be spearheading this legislation to safeguard abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights for the people of Boulder and Colorado. This bill reaffirms our commitment to upholding reproductive health care rights amidst growing challenges.” The bill protects providers by allowing a provider’s name to be excluded from a medication abortion label and requiring subpoena requests to include an affirmation that they do not pertain to legally protected health care. The bill would also prohibit attorneys, Colorado residents and entities, and local agencies from complying with hostile out-of-state investigations. Finally, the bill would protect patients using telehealth and strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms. SB25-130 , sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, would ensure emergency access for pregnant people who need abortion or miscarriage care and create clarity for emergency patients and providers. “The people of Colorado deserve safe and accessible access to abortion and miscarriage care without exception, especially when lives are at stake in emergency situations,” said Gonzales. “We owe it to all Coloradans, and particularly the Coloradans most negatively impacted by barriers to reproductive care, to ensure that emergency care is always granted, no questions asked.” “The Trump administration continues to erode federal protections surrounding reproductive health care, and Colorado must protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant people,” said Froelich. “Since Roe was overturned, hospitals and physicians around the country have been experiencing dangerous ambiguity when it comes to the type of life-saving care they’re legally allowed to provide, specifically for abortion and miscarriage care. In Colorado, we’re ensuring emergency providers have the clarity they need to do their job and save lives.” “States with the most restrictive abortion bans have challenged and disrupted our federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, which has resulted in devastating loss of life,” said Weissman. “As a part of our efforts to protect Coloradans’ fundamental freedoms in volatile times, it is imperative that we clarify to patients and providers alike that emergency care in Colorado will remain comprehensive and accessible.” “In states where reproductive health care is restricted, pregnant people are having a hard time receiving emergency abortion or miscarriage care until it’s too late – we cannot let this happen in Colorado,” said Zokaie. “This bill eliminates any dangerous ambiguity around the physician and hospital duty to provide emergency care to patients so no one is denied life-saving care. Our state has been a long-time leader in abortion care because Coloradans understand that access to reproductive health care saves lives.” The federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a nearly 40-year-old law that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment, including abortion and miscarriage care regardless of ability to pay. However, the Supreme Court is allowing states to deny pregnant people abortion care in life-threatening emergencies by sending cases back to lower courts. In response to threats to these federal protections, this bill would ensure that life-saving emergency care will be protected in Colorado. Both bills have been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be scheduled for hearings in the coming weeks. Previous Next

< Back July 6, 2021 BILLS TO IMPROVE MATERNAL HEALTH, ADDRESS HEALTH DISPARITIES, AND EXPAND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE ACCESS SIGNED DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed seven bills into law to support the health and wellbeing of Colorado families. These include bills to improve maternal health, expand access to family planning services, address social determinants of health, and more. “This year, we set out to tackle one of the most pressing issues in health care: improving maternal health and addressing racial health disparities,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-181, 193, and 194. “The maternal health ‘momnibus’ package signed into law today seeks to improve the subpar perinatal and postnatal care available to American women. Knowing that Black and Indigenous women face even worse care and higher maternal mortality rates, the package addresses the issue with a strong focus on equity and closing the maternal care treatment gap.” “As a woman of color and a pediatrician, improving health equity in Colorado has always been one of my top priorities,” said Doctor Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, sponsor of SB21-181 and 009. “The bills signed today will help Black, Brown and Indigenous communities in Colorado access the care they need. In particular, one of the new laws signed will ensure that low-income women and women of color can access the reproductive health care and contraception options they need to stay healthy and well.” SB21-193 takes several steps to address maternal health inequality in Colorado. It ensures a pregnant person’s advance directive is honored the same way as one coming from a non-pregnant person, addressing what’s known as the pregnancy exclusion clause that was recently found unconstitutional by a federal judge. The bill also requires the Colorado Civil Rights Commission to receive reports regarding culturally incongruent maternal care provided to pregnant women or those in postpartum care, and it adds protections for pregnant people in jails and state correctional facilities. SB21-194 requires insurance carriers as well as state insurance plans to reimburse health care providers for services related to labor and delivery in a way that promotes high-quality, cost-effective care, prevents risk in subsequent pregnancies, and does not discriminate based on the type of provider or facility. Additionally, the bill seeks to amend the State Medicaid Plan, subject to federal approval, to provide 12 months of postpartum medical benefits to people who received these benefits during pregnancy. SB21-181 expands and improves the existing Health Disparities Grant Program and requires the Department of Public Health and Environment to prepare a biennial report on health disparities and how best to address social determinants of health for underrepresented populations. SB21-009 allows more Colorado families to make their own choices about when to start a family. The bill establishes the Reproductive Health Care Program, which would provide a 12-month supply of contraceptives and counseling services without prior authorization or co-pays to eligible individuals, regardless of citizenship status. Women who receive a year’s supply of oral contraceptive are 30 percent less likely to experience an unintended pregnancy than those who receive one or three-month supplies at a time. “Even before the pandemic began, far too many families and parents in Colorado were struggling to afford even the most essential supplies,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, sponsor of SB21-025 and 027. “Today, we’re one step closer to guaranteeing that no baby in Colorado has to go without diapers. We also expanded coverage for family planning services to ensure that all Coloradans are empowered to decide how and when they want to start a family. As a working mom myself, I know how impactful these new laws will be for parents all across the state.” “Diapers are a basic necessity for young parents,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB21-027. “And yet, almost a third of all parents across the country report struggling to afford the amount they need. The law created today will allow struggling families to obtain the diapers they need and focus on other needs for their young families. No baby in Colorado should go without essential supplies. SB21-025 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-New Castle, would expand Medicaid coverage for family planning services to more individuals who are currently prevented from accessing care because they are just above the eligibility limit. The coverage would give more Coloradans the resources and information necessary to make decisions about how and when to start a family by providing counseling services, access to contraceptives, and information regarding available health care coverage. A majority of states across the country have already taken up the option to raise the Medicaid eligibility. SB21-027 would help new and recent parents care for their children by ensuring that diaper essentials are available to all low-income families in Colorado. The bill provides $2 million for this purpose and asks the Colorado Department of Human Services to contract with nonprofit organizations to administer diaper distribution centers. Despite the high cost of diapers and estimates that show about 1 in 3 U.S. families report needing more diapers, diapers cannot be purchased through public assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Woman, Infants, and Children program (WIC). “Early screenings and preventative care can massively improve health outcomes for Coloradans,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, sponsor of SB21-016. “At a time when far too many Coloradans, especially LGBTQ Coloradans, are having difficulties accessing critical health care services, we’re taking a bold step to ensure everyone can get the care they need.” “Preventative care, routine screenings and critical testing can mean the difference between life and death,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB21-016. “As an ER Nurse, I know the importance of diagnosing life-threatening conditions early. I’m proud that starting now, health insurance coverage won’t be a barrier to accessing preventative health care and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, like cervical cancer.” SB21-016 requires health plans to cover several critical preventative health services regardless of cost, such as osteoporosis screening, screenings for urinary conditions and sexually transmitted infection (STI) health care services, such as vaccinations for STIs. The bill would require coverage for diagnosis and treatment of STIs and contraceptive and family planning services. Importantly, it would reduce surprise billing for annual wellness visits by ensuring co-pay free coverage for STI testing and prevention, and closing gaps in family planning coverage. Previous Next

< Back September 27, 2021 HOUSE AND SENATE DEMS RELEASE POWERING THE COMEBACK RESOURCE GUIDE DENVER, CO – House and Senate Democrats today released the Powering the Comeback Resource Guide to help Coloradans, businesses, nonprofits, local governments and education providers access the funding, services and programs created through the 2021 Colorado Comeback State Stimulus Plan , as well as initial investments made from the federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, which together invested roughly $1.3 billion to uplift struggling families, support small businesses, redevelop our workforce and revitalize our economy. “Our top priority in the 2021 session was to provide direct support for the small businesses, individuals and local governments that were ravaged by the pandemic,” said House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “I’m proud to say we delivered on this priority, and now we’re working hard to ensure the aid reaches those who need it most. From individuals to institutions of higher education, and from small businesses to nonprofits, there’s a program available for everyone in this resource guide.” “After a year of devastation, we entered 2021 with a plan to meet the moment and deliver for Coloradans. Thanks to the successful passage of our Colorado Comeback state stimulus plan, we were able to achieve those goals,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo . “Today, we’re thrilled to launch this helpful resource guide that will assist Colorado families, workers, educators, businesses, nonprofits and others as they navigate the resources and funding opportunities we secured for them this session.” “The resource guide we’re unveiling today includes everything from watershed restoration grants that protect our most precious resource to workforce development programs that will help Coloradans find sustainable, fulfilling careers,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo . “I’m immensely proud of the work we did this year to help build our state back stronger, and I’m excited to see these new opportunities become available for businesses, local governments and families across the state. I encourage anyone looking for assistance to look through the guide and find the program that’s right for them.” “Coloradans have been through a lot over the last year, and we know they are looking to us for support,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “As part of our ongoing economic recovery, we’re excited to provide additional tools and resources to help our communities get the vital support they need. With the help of this resource guide, Coloradans will conveniently be able to access the services and grant opportunities available to them that will help them recover and build back stronger.” During the 2021 legislative session, House and Senate Democrats passed a historic stimulus package to boost Colorado’s economy and help the state recover faster from the COVID-19 pandemic. These new programs are now offering services, funding and other supports across Colorado. The Powering the Comeback Resource Guide , which will continue to be updated, is intended to serve as a tool to connect Coloradans with these newly-created programs. The resources and programs in the guide are organized by individuals, businesses, non profits, agricultural producers, early childhood, school districts and higher education, and local governments. Previous Next

< Back March 5, 2021 BILL TO REDUCE CMAS TESTING LOAD PASSES EDUCATION COMMITTEE Legislation would propose to administer one test per student in grades 3-8 this year, with the goal of complying with federal requirements for statewide measures of learning DENVER, CO — The House Education Committee today passed HB21-1161 , sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota and House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, to significantly reduce the standardized testing load for students, parents and teachers this year. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 8-1. HB21-1161 requires the Colorado Department of Education to seek a federal waiver to more than halve the amount of time students will be expected to spend in testing while still seeking to comply with federal guidelines that require the compilation of statewide education data and ensuring parents have access to information on their children’s learning. The data received will also ensure that policymakers have valuable information to support students and schools moving forward. “This year has been extremely challenging for our students and educators, and with this bill, we will make a meaningful difference by easing the testing burden while still complying with federal guidance,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Today, we heard from the education community about why it’s so important to get this right, and with this bill, I believe we have found a solution that works for Colorado.” “This is a solution that will allow teachers and school districts to focus their time on helping students overcome the difficulties of the last year and also provide the data the federal government is asking for,” said House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “I am proud and grateful to all the stakeholders who came together to find a balanced way to help students, parents, teachers and districts during these challenging times.” HB21-1161 requires the administration of the English Language Arts exam in grades three, five, and seven, while students in grades four, six, and eight will take the Math exam. Parents will also have the option to opt their child in to taking whichever exam they did not automatically receive. The legislation also requires the Colorado Department of Education to request a waiver to suspend science exams normally administered in grades 5, 8, and 11, and social studies exams administered in grades 4 and 7. The bill also implements consensus recommendations from a departmental task force last year, including suspending the link between tests, accountability, and educator evaluation. The bill would direct the Colorado Department of Education to seek a waiver from the federal Department of Education to implement these policies as soon as practicable. Previous Next

Republicans in Congress Threaten to Destabilize Individual Health Insurance Market, Leading to a Substantial Cut in Funding for Colorado’s Reinsurance Program < Back June 10, 2025 Congress’ Failure and Devastating, Cruel Bill Could Lead to Tens of Thousands of Coloradans Losing Health Coverage in 2026 DENVER - This week, the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) informed health insurance companies that the agency was revising the expected impact of Colorado’s Reinsurance Program to reflect the Republican controlled Congress’s failure to extend enhanced tax credits for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) market. Governor Jared Polis wrote to Colorado’s Congressional delegation urging them and Congress to help keep thousands of Coloradans on their health care coverage by extending tax credits for those buying insurance off the health exchange. House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senator Dylan Roberts also expressed concerns. Since the inception of the bipartisan reinsurance initiative from 2020 through 2025, Coloradans will have saved over $2.1 billion dollars. Failing to extend these enhanced tax credits that are scheduled to expire at the end of the year, when combined with harmful provisions of the Reconciliation bill, will increase costs on Colorado families and individuals. “On top of the destructive proposed cuts to Medicaid, which will throw hundreds of thousands of Coloradans off of their health care, failure of the Republican controlled Congress to extend these ACA tax credits, which have saved Colorado families hundreds of millions in premiums, will throw even more people off of health insurance who rely on reinsurance and marketplace coverage to save money. While Republicans fight with each other, hardworking Coloradans are focused on keeping health care that is accessible and affordable, and want to see costs go down, not up. The Senate should take action to extend these critical tax credits for hardworking families and start from scratch on the reconciliation bill,” said Governor Jared Polis. The Republican controlled House passed Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” by a one-vote margin, 215 - 214. Representatives Pettersen, Neguse, DeGette, and Crow voted no, while Representatives Hurd, Evans, Crank and Boebert voted yes. Governor Polis wrote to Colorado’s members of Congress today: “Amongst its many failures, the Reconciliation bill passed by the House fails to extend the enhanced tax credits that Coloradans rely on to make their health insurance affordable. If the Republican controlled Congress allows those cuts to go into effect, tens of thousands of Coloradans will no longer be able to afford their health care. Coloradans who receive enhanced tax credits will see net premiums increase on average by 104%, simply due to the expiration of these credits. The end of enhanced tax credits will effectively be a tax increase for Coloradans and, moreover, will usher in the return of the “subsidy cliff” - where Coloradans making more than 400% of the federal poverty level (household income of $84,600 for a family of two) are left paying the full cost of their health insurance premiums without any assistance. The combined effect will disproportionately impact households with enrollees over age 55. The end of the enhanced tax credits would significantly reduce the positive benefits of Colorado’s reinsurance initiative by materially reducing the federal support received to reduce individual market rates. Since the inception of the bipartisan reinsurance initiative in 2020 through 2025, Coloradans will have saved over $2.1 billion dollars. The reinsurance initiative operates under an ACA Section 1332 waiver, and is funded by the dollars that would otherwise flow through premium tax credits without increasing costs for the federal government. If the enhanced tax credits are not extended, state reinsurance initiative would have less funding available to lower premiums for all consumers in the market.” The reconciliation bill would also increase red tape for Coloradans and create new barriers to enrollment. “Between the cuts to Colorado's Medicaid coverage and the cuts to Colorado’s ACA market, this bill will dramatically increase the uninsured rate in Colorado, rip away people’s access to health care, and lead to a substantially higher amount of uncompensated care that must be absorbed by Colorado’s hospitals and health care providers. That, in turn, will mean that employers will see their health insurance premiums rise as well. No corner of our health care system will be safe from the damage that this bill will inflict,” the Governor continued. “I urge you to take action, either through amendments to the reconciliation bill or through standalone legislation, to extend these enhanced premium tax credits and to scrap additional provisions in the reconciliation bill that will further raise health insurance costs and make health care unaffordable for many Coloradans.” “If Congressional Republicans fail to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits, many Coloradans who buy their own health insurance will lose the coverage they rely on and many more will see their premiums go up, especially in the high country and rural parts of our state,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “These premium increases and the loss of insurance coverage, on top of the proposed cuts to Medicaid, will be devastating for families and destabilize rural health care systems that cannot absorb the cost of more uninsured patients at their facilities. In Colorado, we’ve worked together to lower costs for families with the successful reinsurance program. Washington Republicans must extend these ACA credits, or Colorado families will be stuck with the bill.” “It is hard to overstate the negative impact that losing health insurance affordability tax credits would have on Coloradans, especially those in our rural and mountain communities,” said State Senator Dylan Roberts (D-Frisco). “Colorado’s bipartisan leadership in using savings from the ACA to create the Reinsurance and Colorado Option programs has kept insurance rates from spiking and allowed tens of thousands of more Coloradans to have access to the financial security of health insurance coverage. Slashing these tax credits will undermine all of that, spike health insurance rates, and lead to more Coloradans being uninsured, particularly the rural residents our state’s Republican members of Congress represent. It’s truly baffling they’d harm their constituents like this.” Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. HB25-1090 passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 20, 2025 ‘Junk Fees’ Bill to Save Coloradans Money Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Naquetta Ricks that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’. HB25-1090 passed by a vote of 7-4. “It’s becoming increasingly common for Coloradans to see undisclosed fees tacked onto their final bill when they’re checking out or making their first rental payments, and these ‘junk fees’ sometimes add hundreds of dollars to the final cost,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This isn’t fair to consumers who are trying to accurately budget or to honest businesses who are upfront about their prices. I’m bringing this bill to make pricing more transparent, saving Coloradans money and allowing them to make more informed financial decisions.” “Too often, bad-acting businesses use ‘junk fees’ to discretely jack up their prices at the last minute, blindsiding consumers and competitively pushing honest business owners out of the market,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “These costs can add up quickly and are difficult and costly to back out of when the ‘junk fees’ are attached to one’s monthly rent. I’m proud to continue the work to crack down on ‘junk fees’ to save hardworking Coloradans money and make honest business owners more competitive.” HB25-1090 would improve transparency in pricing and save Coloradans money by: Prohibiting pricing information for a good, service, or property being offered, displayed, or advertised unless the total price is disclosed, with the exception of a government or shipping charge, third-party fees, and utilities, Prohibiting the misrepresentation of the nature or purpose of pricing information, Requiring the nature or purpose of pricing information to be disclosed for a good, service, or property that is not part of the total price, and Restricting fees landlords can charge for utilities and third-party services if they comply with legal limits, ensuring that tenants are not charged additional fees. On January 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to Governor Polis to provide information about the efforts they have made to address junk fees and called for the passage of legislation like HB25-1090, that works to combat these unforeseen costs. The FTC and the Colorado Attorney General have announced they are taking action against the nation’s largest multi-family rental property managers for using deceptive advertising and failing to disclose recurring fees. Previous Next