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< Back April 17, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES ROBERTS-MCCLUSKIE BILL TO HELP LOWER THE COST OF HEALTH CARE WITH STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT (Apr. 17) – This morning, the House approved a bill with strong bipartisan support to address the high costs of health care in Colorado. The bill is sponsored by Western Slope state Representatives Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. SB19-004 will strengthen Colorado’s laws to allow healthcare cooperatives to incorporate consumer protections like coverage for preexisting conditions. It will also allow the State Insurance Commissioner to work with groups seeking to create co-ops so that they can get their co-op up and running as soon as possible. “The formation of health insurance co-ops across our state where Coloradans collectively negotiate rates directly with providers will help lower the cost of health care,” said Rep. Roberts. “Let’s get this bill to the Governor’s desk so we can start saving people in Colorado money on health care.” This bipartisan bill will authorize the formation of these co-ops across the state which could result in plans that are significantly cheaper than those available today. The bill will also help lower healthcare costs by encouraging consumers to negotiate rates on a collective basis directly with providers and offer plans to individuals, business, and other groups that are more affordable than what currently exists on the market. “Without any action on the federal level to the health care crisis, Colorado communities are finding creative, innovative approaches to making health care more accessible,” said Rep. McCluskie. “This bipartisan bill will help provide solutions to the complicated health care challenges hardworking families face everyday.” Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, is the Senate sponsor of the bill. The Senate approved the bill on a bipartisan vote of 34-to-1 earlier this month. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 61-2. The bill now heads back to the Senate to approve amendments adopted in the House. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2020 STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS WINS PRELIMINARY HOUSE APPROVAL Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs & Services Act would allow state employees to join together to bargain for better pay and terms of employment DENVER, CO — The Colorado House today gave preliminary approval to the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act. HB20-1153 , sponsored by Representative Daneya Esgar and cosponsored by the entire House Democratic Caucus, would allow state employees to collectively bargain on matters of pay, benefits, and terms of employment. “This bill would enshrine in our laws the Colorado value of empowering workers to fight for a better life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo, the prime sponsor of HB20-1153. “Across Colorado, our dedicated state employees serve our veterans, keep our prisons safe, plow our roads in winter storms and protect our air and water, but their pay and benefits haven’t kept pace. It’s time to rewrite the rules so that our state workers can innovate on the job to improve state services and negotiate for fair wages and working conditions.” The legislation would allow state employees to collectively bargain on pay and benefit issues. It would foster new partnerships between frontline workers and the state that will lead to innovation and better state services. Furthermore, by helping to fill the nearly 1 in 5 vacant state positions, the bill will ensure that Colorado has the experienced and talented workforce needed to serve state residents. This legislation is critical to retaining and recruiting the state workforce Coloradans need and deserve. Stagnant wages have led to increased turnover and state employees working multiple jobs, which negatively impacts the delivery of state services. The bill would not permit state employees to strike, which is similar to collective bargaining laws for state employees in the states that have them. Under the bill, the state is required to participate in good faith in the formalized partnership process. All determinations regarding wage and benefit issues reached through the partnership process must be included in the governor’s budget and be approved by the Joint Budget Committee and General Assembly, a transparent process in which the public can engage. Membership in the union would be completely voluntary, but it’s clear that state employees overwhelmingly support union membership in WINS. For more than a decade, WINS has represented state employees who have been united in their desire to be part of an organization that fights to improve their lives. Previous Next

< Back February 4, 2022 BILL FROM REP. YOUNG TO SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS ADVANCES DENVER, CO – The Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services committee today passed HB22-1035, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield to bolster supports for older Coloradans. The legislation passed 10-1. “As the number of older Coloradans rises, we have to rethink how we provide the support and services they need to be productive and live the way they want,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Our legislation updates Colorado law to set clear goals that will guide our state to bolster services for older Coloradans. Our goal is to provide the social services, jobs and skills training programs, health care services and so much more that prepares all Coloradans to live productive lives as they grow older.” HB22-1035 updates the Older Coloradans Act to bolster supports and services to older Coloradans, such as social services, health services, workforce development, digital literacy and the state’s infrastructure for the growing older population in the state. The legislation operationalizes many of the recommendations set forth by the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging and sets clear goals to guide the state as it works to ensure “that Colorado is the best state in which to grow old.” The bill makes it the policy of the state of Colorado to prevent abuse, exploitation and neglect of older Coloradans and recognize “that preparing all Coloradans for the different facets of a longer life is part of the state’s responsibility.” To accomplish these goals, the legislation creates a commission to coordinate and guide state aging programs. Previous Next

< Back February 14, 2022 BILLS TO PREVENT DOXXING OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS PASS HOUSE DENVER, CO – Legislation to strengthen services provided to older Coloradans and to prevent the doxxing of health care workers today passed the House on Third Reading and final passage. “As Colorado’s older population grows, we’re working hard to rethink the type of programs and supportive services they need to live productive lives,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley . “Our legislation updates Colorado law to set defined goals that will guide our state to strengthen services for older Coloradans. This bill aims to provide social services, health services, workforce development, digital literacy programs and much more to make it easier for older Coloradans to lead impactful lives.” HB22-1035 , which passed by a vote of 53-9, updates the Older Coloradans Act to bolster supports and services to older Coloradans, such as social services, health services, workforce development, digital literacy and the state’s infrastructure for the growing older population in the state. The legislation operationalizes many of the recommendations set forth by the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging and sets clear goals to guide the state as it works to ensure “that Colorado is the best state in which to grow old.” The bill makes it the policy of the state of Colorado to prevent abuse, exploitation and neglect of older Coloradans and recognize “that preparing all Coloradans for the different facets of a longer life is part of the state’s responsibility.” To accomplish these goals, the legislation creates a commission to coordinate and guide state aging programs. “No one should feel unsafe when they’re just doing their job, but we’ve seen a significant increase in atrocious threats to health care workers and their families,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Ft. Collins . “This bill would protect our essential workers from doxxing by allowing them to remove their name and address from public databases.” HB22-1041 , which passed by a vote of 52-10, would protect code enforcement officers from doxxing, a practice of sharing someone’s sensitive information online with malicious intent. This bill would also add health care workers, animal control officers, code enforcement officers and more to the list of protected persons whose personal information may be withheld from the public if they receive a threat. HB22-1041 would create a new process for workers to redact their full name and address from online records. Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: BIPARTISAN BILLS INTRODUCED TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY, PREVENT WILDFIRES DENVER, CO – Lawmakers in the House today introduced two bills that will direct federal economic relief funds to reduce the cost of healthy foods and prevent wildfires by improving Colorado’s watersheds. Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton and Senators Jeff Bridges and Don Coram, would direct $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals. “This targeted investment of federal funds will better connect low-income and underserved communities with healthy food and critical services, like SNAP,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “By directing economic relief funds to boost low-income Coloradans, we’ll more equitably grow our economy, support small businesses, and better connect Coloradans to the services they need to thrive.” “Every Coloradan deserves access to nutritious meals, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village . “That’s why we’re working to make it easier for low-income families to put food on the table. With these additional resources, we can help more Coloradans support themselves, their families, and their overall health, all while saving them money.” HB22-1380 $8 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to create the Community Food Access Program. The program will improve access to healthy foods in low-income and underserved areas of the state. The bill supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen infrastructure, and direct payments for pallet, pallet break, distribution, delivery, and other fees. Grants to retailers could be used to purchase expensive equipment and update point of sale systems. An additional one million will be available to help retailers join together to get better prices on wholesale products. The bill also directs $2 million in federal relief funds to efficiently identify SNAP recipients who are also eligible for utility bill assistance, $3 million for a universal high-quality work management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit program; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food retails stores increasing the access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients Preventing Wildfires and Conserving Colorado’s Watersheds: HB22-1379 , sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Marc Catlin and Senators Kerry Donovan and Cleave Simpson, would invest $20 million to protect Colorado’s watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires. “Colorado is seeing increasingly devastating wildfires that are impacting our access to clean drinking water and the water our agricultural producers need to survive,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This investment in our watersheds will reduce the risk of wildfire and mitigate the impacts they have on our water supply. Water is everything to Colorado communities, and we have to do everything we can to protect this critical resource.” “After wildfires, our rivers (and our drinking water that comes from them) have a complicated road to recovery,” said Senator Donovan, D-Vail. “This bill provides the resources needed to recover from wildfire and keep our drinking water safe.” HB22-1379 directs $20 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants. The bill includes: $3 million for projects that will help communities address the urgent need to reduce wildfire risks by supporting the implementation of risk mitigation treatments that focus on promoting watershed resilience; $2 million to continue the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program within the Department of Natural Resources which supports the Department’s wildfire workforce development partnerships; $10 million to the Colorado water conservation board construction fund for post-fire restoration needs and advance a watershed and landscape scale approach to building wildfire ready watersheds; and $5 million to help local governments and other entities apply for federal “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” money and other federally available money for water projects. Previous Next

New law makes reproductive health care more accessible and affordable for all < Back April 14, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Increase Access to Reproductive Health Care, Close Access Gaps New law makes reproductive health care more accessible and affordable for all DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, that improves access to reproductive health care, including abortion, and makes reproductive health care more equitable was signed into law today. SB23-189 is part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package of legislation, and works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion. “Every Coloradan deserves to be able to access the critical care they need, but for too many of our neighbors, barriers still exist that prevent them from accessing that care,” Moreno said. “This new law breaks down those barriers, especially for vulnerable communities, and helps ensure all our neighbors are able to get the life-saving care they need to thrive.” “Under this law, it will be easier for all Coloradans, regardless of zip code or income level, to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care services,” said Michaelson Jenet. “I was privileged enough to pay for my own abortion out-of-pocket, but accessing the life-saving care you need shouldn’t be financially out of reach for Coloradans. Unlike other states across the nation, Colorado is securing and expanding access to reproductive health care, including abortion and STI treatments, not restricting it." “Investing in all aspects of sexual and reproductive health care is the right thing to do, both socially and economically,” said Cutter. “It is in our best interest as a society to help prevent unintended pregnancies, improve maternal health and prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections. I am thrilled to champion this new law that will help build a healthier Colorado for everyone." “Coloradans deserve access to the full range of reproductive health care, but systemic barriers rooted in racism and oppression can stand in the way,” said Garcia. “This law works to break down those accessibility barriers to receiving abortions, STI treatments and other forms of reproductive health care which are disproportionately placed on our most marginalized communities. Securing reproductive justice is vital for Coloradans to lead self-sufficient, prosperous lives and I’m beyond proud to bring us closer to achieving that goal.” SB23-189 limits surprise medical billing and removes patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and abortion care. This bill expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code, and increasing additional family-planning related services. Finally, SB23-189 prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment. Previous Next

< Back February 11, 2020 MORE COMMUNITIES ELIGIBLE FOR WILDFIRE GRANTS UNDER BILL ADVANCED TODAY Legislation would make it easier for projects in lower-income communities to receive grant funding and allow nonprofits and fire districts to also receive grants DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture today passed by a vote of 11-0 Representative McCluskie’s bipartisan legislation to make it easier for lower-income communities, nonprofits and fire districts to receive wildfire risk mitigation grants. “With our changing climate, wildfires are growing more common and more intense, and they don’t discriminate based on how much money a community has,” said Rep. McCluskie (D-Dillon). “This bipartisan legislation will allow more communities, especially those with fewer economic resources, to take advantage of wildfire hazard mitigation grants. These grants fund critical projects that reduce the risk that a wildfire will threaten lives and property.” HB20-1057 , which is also sponsored by Representative Terri Carver, would lower the self-finance threshold for the cost of projects from 50 percent to 25 percent in areas with fewer economic resources. Currently, grant applicants must pay for 50 percent of the cost of a project financed by a grant. By lowering the threshold, more lower-income communities will be able to take advantage of wildfire risk mitigation grants. The bill, which advanced from the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, would also allow nonprofits, entities engaged in firefighting, and fire protection districts to apply for the grants. It extends the grant program until September, 2029. Under current law, the program expires in September, 2022. Wildfire risk mitigation grants are used to finance projects that reduce the risk that wildfire will damage property and infrastructure. Projects typically work to reduce the hazardous materials, such as dead trees and brush, that fuel wildfires and threaten people and property in the wildland-urban interface. Grants sizes have ranged from $4,400 to $152,500. Previous Next

< Back February 8, 2023 House Advances Bill to Streamline Mental Health Treatment DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote allowing psychologists to prescribe limited mental health medications after receiving additional education and training. “If medication is part of a mental health treatment plan, patients often wait months or pay large out-of-pocket costs to find a licensed prescriber to write their prescription,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This bill will improve access to the medication patients need by creating a path for psychologists to prescribe mental health treatment. Psychologists have a close relationship with their patients and a thorough understanding of how to treat mental illness, offering them important insight when it comes to the appropriate treatment.” HB23-1071 establishes rigorous standards and education requirements that a psychologist must undertake before being able to prescribe medication to treat mental health illnesses. Only licensed Ph.D. psychologists who receive an additional master’s degree in psychopharmacology, pass a national board exam, complete a preceptorship for up to two years, 750 hours of practicum work, and spend two additional years prescribing under the supervision of trained licensed prescribing clinicians or specialty provider if wanting to work with the pediatric or geriatric population. Once licensed, psychologists would work in conjunction with the patient’s primary care provider or general practitioner team to ensure that any prescribed medication is being monitored and working effectively for whole care health. Under this bill, these licensed psychologists will not be authorized to prescribe narcotic drugs. Currently, if medication is part of the patient’s care plan, the patient must meet with a doctor or psychiatrist to have the prescription issued. Few of the only 800 psychiatrists throughout Colorado accept Medicaid. Patients often struggle to find an available psychiatrist within their insurance network, forcing them to choose between large out-of-pocket costs or waiting months for the medication they need. Allowing psychologists limited prescribing authority to provide immediate access to medication can save the patient time and money. Psychologists work closely with their patients to determine how to best address their mental health needs. When patients meet with a doctor or psychiatrist, it’s often their first time discussing their mental health issues and telehealth appointments can make it difficult to accurately assess the patient’s condition. Allowing licensed psychologists who often meet monthly or even more frequently with patients and are more familiar with their condition to prescribe medication, streamlines access to effective health care and leads to more appropriate care. Previous Next

BOLSTERED ERPO POLICY WILL HELP DE-ESCALATE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND SAVE LIVES < Back April 28, 2023 SIGNED! LANDMARK LEGISLATION TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE COLORADO’S RED FLAG LAW BOLSTERED ERPO POLICY WILL HELP DE-ESCALATE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND SAVE LIVES DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law landmark legislation that will expand and strengthen Colorado’s “Red Flag” law. SB23-170 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, will expand who is eligible to file for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), which will allow more qualified individuals to intervene before gun violence has a chance to occur. “Red Flag laws are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent gun violence, but unfortunately Colorado’s Red Flag law is tragically underutilized,” Fenberg said. “This new law will strengthen our state’s Red Flag law and increase the number of individuals who can file for an extreme risk protection order, which will create more opportunities for community members to recognize when something is wrong and intervene in a way that will prevent further gun violence and save countless lives across our state.” “This expansion of Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order will improve one of the best tools we have to help prevent more Coloradans from being a victim of the next gun violence tragedy,” Bacon said. “Now, more qualified individuals will be able to file a petition if they believe someone poses a serious threat to the community. This law brings us one step closer to keeping guns out of the hands of those who would do harm to themselves or others.” “Our Red Flag law has already saved lives in Colorado, and this commonsense law will strengthen it so that it can be even more effective,” Sullivan said. “Expanding and improving our Red Flag law will create more opportunities for qualified individuals to assess the danger and act appropriately to prevent further violence and ultimately save more lives.” “Since Colorado passed the Red Flag law in 2019, it has been an effective yet underutilized tool to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals,” Weissman said. “Teachers, licensed mental health professionals, district attorneys, and medical professionals throughout our communities often have insight into the potential dangers that someone poses, making them essential in Colorado’s fight against gun violence. With this bill being signed into law today, we’re improving awareness of this tool and expanding eligibility to file a petition so we can reduce deaths by suicide and protect more Coloradans from the threat of gun violence.” Originally passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Polis in 2019, the Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act is a tool used to temporarily remove firearms from a person who a judge determines is a threat to themselves or others. Currently a petition for removal can only be filed by a family member or a law enforcement officer. SB23-170 will expand the list of individuals eligible to file an ERPO to include District Attorneys and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators. According to the Associated Press , Colorado has one of the lowest use rates of its Red Flag law. Colorado issued only 3.3 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents through 2021, ranking the sixth lowest among 19 states that have Red Flag laws. In comparison, Florida issues 33.6 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents. Researchers have found that for every 10 to 20 protection orders, one suicide might be averted. Previous Next

State departments detail newly updated impacts of the federal budget bill passed by the GOP-led Congress, including increases in health care and energy costs for Coloradans and cuts to Medicaid and SNAP that cause Coloradans to lose access to critical safety net programs < Back July 30, 2025 GOP’s Federal Budget Blows Billion Dollar Hole in State Budget, Slashes Medicaid and Raises Costs for Coloradans DENVER, CO – Today, the Executive Committee of the Legislative Council, comprised of the top legislative leadership of the General Assembly, met to understand the impacts of Congressional Republicans' federal budget bill on Colorado’s state budget. State economists anticipate an over $1 billion hole in the state budget for the current fiscal year that began on July 1. H.R.1 will mean severe cuts to core services and key priorities for Coloradans. “By pushing through H.R.1, Republicans in Washington recklessly slashed programs that Colorado families count on like Medicaid, food assistance, and children’s health care, and they punted the tough decisions to the states,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “With this irresponsible bill, they dealt a billion-dollar blow to our state budget. We have difficult decisions ahead and will do everything we can to minimize the harm, but there’s no avoiding the fact that these cuts will hurt Colorado families.” “When the General Assembly adjourned three months ago we had a balanced state budget, and now we don't,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Republicans' federal budget has blown a billion dollar hole in our state finances and increased health insurance premiums by nearly 40 percent on the Western Slope. Coloradans are now the collateral damage of the GOP's cruel bill, which could have been stopped by just a single Republican in Congress. The consequences for our state are devastating, and Republicans can’t hide the damage their party has caused.” “Coloradans didn’t choose this. Congressional Republicans - including Lauren Boebert, Jeff Hurd, and Gabe Evans – chose tax giveaways for billionaires and blind loyalty to President Trump over the needs of their own constituents,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “In addition to cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, their bill will make life more expensive for all Coloradans, increasing utility bills and health insurance costs and killing jobs. They knew the damage this bill would cause and voted for it anyway, leaving us to deal with the consequences.” “Plain and simple: Coloradans cannot afford the GOP's budget," said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. "Due to the Congressional Republicans’ reckless slashing of core services like Medicaid and SNAP, Colorado is in a far worse budget situation than we were when we adjourned session three months ago. As a result, hardworking families, domestic violence survivors, veterans, and others who rely on critical services might be forced to do without. We'll work hard to minimize the fallout in our communities, but this new $1 billion hole in our state budget will require difficult decisions." H.R.1 Devastates Colorado’s State Budget Preliminary estimates from the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) indicate a revenue reduction of $1.2 billion this fiscal year, FY26, and a reduction of $679 million in FY27 and future years. Forecasts estimate the state will be $914 million below the TABOR cap in this fiscal year (FY26), meaning that taxpayers will not receive TABOR refunds and there will not be surplus revenue available to pay for the Senior Homestead Exemption in FY27, creating additional pressures on the state General Fund. Lawmakers already had to address a $1.2 billion deficit this year, and now face an additional $1.2 Billion hole from H.R.1. The GOP budget additionally shifts $170M in food assistance costs from the federal government onto Colorado, along with hundreds of millions in Medicaid costs as restrictions on provider fee financing phase in. Federal Budget Bill Cuts Medicaid, Kicks Coloradans Off Health Insurance, and Raises Premiums Under H.R.1, up to 193,000 Coloradans are expected to lose Medicaid health insurance coverage, and many more on the individual market will face higher premiums. Eventually, 377,000 Coloradans will be at risk of disenrollment. The federal budget slashes provider payments and cuts federal funding for Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion, programs for Coloradans with Disabilities, and CHP+ coverage for children and pregnant women. It also reduces reimbursements to Colorado hospitals. These cuts are expected to cost the state Medicaid program $2.5 billion by 2032. Due to H.R.1 and Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, premiums for private health insurance are forecasted to go up an average of 28 percent with parts of Colorado, especially on the Western Slope, which will see premium increases of 38 percent. Colorado’s successful, bipartisan reinsurance program will be significantly reduced and as a result, every Coloradan will pay more for their health insurance. Connect for Health Colorado estimates these changes could cost Colorado consumers $620 million from reduced tax credits and lead to a loss of coverage for 112,000 Coloradans. H.R.1’s Impacts Turn Off EITC and FATC for the Next Two Tax Years Reduced revenue means that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion and the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) will be turned off for the next two tax years, increasing taxes for working people and families and taking money away from some of the most vulnerable Coloradans. With the EITC expansion and the FATC in effect, an average family with two children under six-years-old and an earned income of $50,000 would have received approximately $4,870 in tax credits. With the programs turned off, Colorado workers and families will receive $0. Changes to SNAP Will Affect 600,000 Coloradans Who Rely on Food Assistance H.R.1 includes significant reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and shifts the burden to states. Colorado expects to see $170 million in cuts to SNAP, affecting the more than 600,000 Coloradans who rely on SNAP to afford food for themselves and their families. Many participants will lose food assistance or be forced to overcome new administrative hurdles to demonstrate that they meet narrow work requirements. Rollback of Clean Energy Will Result in Higher Costs and Job Losses H.R.1 rolls back, modifies or completely eliminates tax credits for energy-efficient new homes, residential clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs). An analysis of the final language estimates these policies will result in 1,950 jobs lost and a household income loss of $190 in Colorado, as well as increased energy costs for consumers. According to the Colorado Energy Office, H.R.1 is projected to increase residential gas prices in Colorado by 3.4 percent by 2029 and electricity prices by up to 10 percent by 2035. Colorado households could see a $500 increase in annual energy costs by 2035. Tomorrow, Senate and House Democrats will hear from providers and organizations about the impact that Congressional Republicans’ H.R.1 will have on their ability to provide core services to Coloradans. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today passed Representative Martinez’s bipartisan bill to help graduating high school students afford the training they need to land jobs within good-paying, in-demand fields. < Back April 20, 2023 Martinez’s Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Career Pathways, Strengthen Workforce Sails Through Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed Representative Martinez’s bipartisan bill to help graduating high school students afford the training they need to land jobs within good-paying, in-demand fields. “We’re breaking down the financial barriers students face after graduation, boosting our workforce and creating strong pathways to in-demand careers,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This legislation provides a $1,500 scholarship to graduating students for universities and community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training so they can jumpstart the career of their dreams. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan bill that will foster meaningful career planning while helping meet Colorado’s growing workforce needs.” SB23-205 , sponsored by Representatives Matthew Martinez and Don Wilson, passed committee unanimously. This bill would create a Universal High School Scholarship Program to make it easier and more affordable to access postsecondary education and training opportunities for Colorado students. The program will provide each qualifying applicant with a scholarship up to $1,500 to take to any approved training provider in Colorado, from apprenticeships and on-the-job training to trade school, community colleges, and colleges and universities. This transformative financial support has the capacity to serve 15,000 graduating students in the class of 2024, more than 25 percent of all high school graduates statewide. Scholarships are available to Colorado residents who graduated from a Colorado high school or earned a high school equivalency credential in the 2023-2024 academic year, completes the state or federal financial aid application, submits the scholarship application, and has not received a grant or other scholarship. On April 3, the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, visited the Colorado State Capitol to discuss SB23-205 and other pieces of legislation that prioritize workforce training and uplift aspiring professionals to pursue quality career paths by breaking down financial barriers to earning a degree or credential to increase the workforce and grow Colorado’s economy. Previous Next

< Back February 9, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS FROM HOUSING DISCRIMINATION DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB22-1102 , sponsored by Representatives Sullivan and Ortiz, which would establish new housing protections for veterans. The vote was 50-12. “Right now in Colorado, veterans and active service members are facing housing discrimination when they go to rent or buy a home,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton . “This bill will make it illegal for landlords and lenders to withhold housing and discriminate against veterans and active service members. It’s already difficult enough to find affordable housing; with this bill, we’re breaking down barriers to ensure sure discrimination based on military status isn’t one of the hurdles they face.” “Housing discrimination based on veteran or military status is flat out wrong,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial . “This bill makes sure the men and women who served our county aren’t denied a place to live when they return home to Colorado.” Over 400,000 veterans call Colorado home. HB22-1102 prohibits anyone selling or leasing a dwelling from discriminating against an individual based on their veteran or military status. The bill also prohibits someone from refusing to negotiate for housing with a veteran or otherwise denying or withholding housing based on someone’s veteran or military status. The bill would add veteran or military status to Colorado law that currently prohibits housing discrimination because of a person’s disability, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry or familial status. The bill does not extend these protections to those who have been dishonorably discharged. Previous Next