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< Back June 19, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: BUDGET OUTLOOK STILL BLEAK, ECONOMY SLOWLY STARTING TO REBOUND AS CO SAFELY REOPENS DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the June quarterly economic forecasts, both of which project slightly higher General Fund revenue compared to earlier estimates in May. “We’re seeing that as we work to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy is slowly beginning to rebound,” said JBC Chair Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We had to pass a balanced budget with an over $3 billion shortfall, and we worked as hard as we could to mitigate the harm to our most vulnerable. We prioritized our students and teachers and the services hardworking Coloradans need the most right now. The truth is, there’s still a lot of uncertainty with how the virus will progress in the coming months and how that will impact our economy and our budget.” “As Colorado begins to open up and recover, we’re seeing our revenue forecast gradually improve as well,” said JBC Vice-Chair Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “But we are not out of the woods yet. COVID-19 remains a real threat to our communities and the economic impacts of the shutdown will have dire consequences for years to come. We need the federal government to step up and provide states with flexible funding while we continue to weather the storm, or there will be irreversible damage Colorado’s infrastructure.” “In the budget the General Assembly just passed, we prioritized education and our most vulnerable as we responsibly balanced the budget with hard choices and cuts that no one wanted to make,” said JBC Member Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We closed special interest tax loopholes and put that money toward education and toward boosting incomes for hardworking Coloradans. That’s had a positive impact on our budget, and while revenues may increase a little next year, we’ll have fewer resources and face an even worse budget crisis if Congress doesn’t provide states with additional and flexible funding to protect our schools and core services.” “Facing an unprecedented blow to our state’s budget, I am incredibly proud of the way we were able to protect the priorities that matter most to Coloradans, including K-12 education and critical human services,” said JBC Member Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Unfortunately, despite modest improvements in our economy, our state revenue is set to see even bigger losses next year. We need to continue coming together to find creative solutions that help us navigate these difficult times, which is exactly what we are committed to doing.” The updated June forecast from Legislative Council staff (LCS) estimates that revenues will fall by 12.3 percent in FY 2020-2021 from the projected revenues for the current fiscal year. General Fund revenues are now expected to be $320.9 million more in FY 2019-2020 and $526.1 million more in FY 2020-2021 than anticipated in the May revenue forecast, due in part to tax policy changes enacted by the General Assembly in the 2020 legislative session and higher economic expectations. LCS anticipates lawmakers will have $10.8 billion available for the General Fund in FY 2020-2021, a 10 percent drop from anticipated revenue for FY 2019-2020. The June forecast from the governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting anticipates General Fund revenues will fall by 12.7 percent in FY 2020-2021 from projected revenues for the current fiscal year. General Fund revenue forecasts relative to the May estimate are up by $311.2 million for FY 2019-2020, and down by $82.3 million in FY 2020-2021. The OSPB estimates that $11.8 billion will be available for the General Fund next year, $1.6 billion less than what is projected for FY 2019-2020. The LCS estimate indicates there is downside risk to the forecast from a prolonged economic recovery or a double-dip recession due to the resurgence of COVID-19 this fall or “vicious cycle.” There is upside risk to the estimate from a faster economic recovery. Previous Next

The Colorado Office of Economic Development recently announced recipients of the Community Revitalization Tax Credit to support projects that provide housing, childcare, retail or other community spaces. < Back June 26, 2025 Stewart Praises Grant Award for Durango Childcare Center, Community Services DURANGO – The Colorado Office of Economic Development recently announced recipients of the Community Revitalization Tax Credit to support projects that provide housing, childcare, retail or other community spaces. “The Powerhouse is an important pillar of the community in Durango, and this tax credit will make improvements that all Southwestern Coloradans can benefit from,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “From child care to live music and weekly trivia, the Powerhouse provides a broad range of community services and activities. With the help of this tax credit, we can open up even more child care services and drive new investments that will benefit our community and create jobs.” The Powerhouse in Durango was awarded $1,080,000 in tax credits to make improvements to the museum, including: Renovating the child care center to meet statewide standards and build an outdoor playground, Developing a community gathering place and outdoor performance venue on the property. Adding indoor restrooms, multi-purpose meeting rooms and a storage space to the entryway in the museum, and Restoring the historic facade. The Community Revitalization Tax Credit (CRTC) was established by a 2024 law to create jobs and support local economies. Eligible projects can receive up to $3 million in tax credits. The tax credit will provide up to $50 million total, allowing up to $10 million a year in available tax credits for tax years 2025-2029. Learn more about the Community Revitalization Tax Credit here . Previous Next

< Back July 6, 2020 GOV SIGNS BILLS TO DRIVE DOWN HEALTH COSTS AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO CARE New laws continue the successful reinsurance program, facilitate health insurance enrollment, continue access to telehealth and protect health care for working older Coloradans Silverthorne, CO– Today, Governor Jared Polis signed four bills into law that will make health care more easily accessible and help Coloradans save money on critical services during a time when they need it the most. SB20-215 , sponsored by Reps. Kennedy and McCluskie, extends the state’s reinsurance program for an additional five years and creates a sustainable, long-term funding source for the program as its success has drastically lowered premiums for Coloradans who purchase their insurance on the individual market. The reinsurance program resulted in approximately 17 percent premium reductions along the Front Range and up to 30 percent premium reductions in Western Colorado. The bill also addresses premium costs for those who receive tax credits to purchase their insurance as well as Colorado families who cannot access affordable care due to the “family glitch” problem. “These are tough times for Coloradans, and we need to ensure that everyone in our state has access to affordable health care,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “The reinsurance program has lowered the cost of healthcare for Colorado families, often by thousands of dollars a year, bringing significant relief to our rural areas that have some of the highest costs in the country. I’m grateful Coloradans will continue to see these savings and that we were able to expand access to health care coverage for hard working families who will see lower premiums and costs.” “Access to affordable health care is vital during the COVID-19 pandemic and driving down insurance rates means more Coloradans have a little extra money to spend on essential goods,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood . “This law extends the successful reinsurance program, which is saving Coloradans money on their insurance premiums and increasing access to life-saving care. During these times, none of us can afford to be uninsured, nor should we have to make that choice.” The Governor also signed a number of other bills intended to facilitate enrollment for health coverage and expand access to care. Sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Perry Will, HB20-1236 facilitates ‘Easy Enrollment’ in health insurance for Coloradans who are uninsured. If they choose to opt-in to the program, the bill gives household members who filed taxes information about ways in which they could receive subsidized healthcare coverage. During the COVID crisis, telehealth has been a lifeline to many Coloradans who cannot see their doctor in person. SB20-212 , sponsored by Representatives Lontine and Matt Soper, continues critical access to telehealth services. The governor also signed SB20-033 , sponsored by Representative Lontine, which expands the state’s Medicaid buy-in program for working, disabled seniors who are 65 or older. “All Coloradans should have access to the affordable healthcare that they need, especially during this unprecedented public health emergency,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver . “These new bipartisan laws will help Coloradans enroll in affordable health coverage and also continue to access essential telehealth services, which lower costs and allow people to get the care they need while staying safe.” Previous Next

< Back January 11, 2023 SPEAKER MCCLUSKIE MAKES COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today made additional committee appointments for the 74th General Assembly. The appointments were necessitated in part by the resignation of Rep. Adrienne Benavidez. “I'm excited to make these new committee assignments and kick off our work to help more people in our state live their Colorado dream,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Each and every lawmaker in their respective committees will help us achieve our legislative priorities of building a Colorado everyone can afford, protecting our air and water, investing in education, improving public safety and protecting our freedoms. Now, let’s get to work!” Majority Committee Assignments for the 74th General Assembly. Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee Chair, Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Representative Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Appropriations Committee Chair, Representative Emily Sirota, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Business Affairs and Labor Committee Chair, Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Vice Chair, Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Education Committee Chair, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice Chair, Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Energy and Environment Committee Chair, Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Vice Chair, Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Representative Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee Chair, Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Vice Chair Representative Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Health and Insurance Committee Chair, Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Vice Chair, Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Judiciary Committee Chair, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice Chair, Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Representative Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Representative Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee Chair, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Vice Chair, Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair, Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee Chair, Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Vice Chair, Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Representative Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Previous Next

< Back March 23, 2021 A DAY AFTER BOULDER TRAGEDY, GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION ADVANCES Previously scheduled hearing on Lost & Stolen Bill moves forward DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today advanced Representative Tom Sullivan and Leslie Herod’s bill to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands by requiring responsible gun owners to report to law enforcement when they realize their firearms have been lost or stolen. The committee hearing, scheduled weeks ago after the legislation had moved through the Senate, comes a day after a tragic mass shooting that took the lives of 10 people in Boulder, Colorado. The bill passed by a party line vote of 7-4. “This bill is about as commonsense and straightforward as gun safety legislation gets,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “By simply requiring that responsible gun owners alert law enforcement when a firearm may have made its way into the hands of a criminal, we truly can save lives. This piece of legislation is overwhelmingly supported by our constituents. 87 percent of Coloradans are in favor of reporting lost and stolen firearms — that includes 81 percent of Republicans and 86 percent of gun owners. This shouldn’t be a Democratic or Republican issue. It’s a life and death issue.” “Reporting lost and stolen firearms to law enforcement is a simple way to prevent crime and save lives,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “As we are tragically reminded of today, gun violence is a plague that we must work to end in Colorado and in our country. While gut wrenching mass shootings like the one that took place near my alma mater yesterday make headlines and capture the nation’s attention, everyday instances of gun violence quietly take lives in our communities every single day. That’s what this bill seeks to remedy. I refuse to offer victims of gun violence only thoughts and prayers. I offer them my action.” SB21-078 requires an individual who owns a firearm and has reasonable cause to believe that the firearm has been lost or stolen to report that firearm to a law enforcement agency within five days after discovering that the firearm is missing. A first offense for failure to make such a report is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine, and a second or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine. The bill requires a law enforcement agency that receives a report to enter information about the lost or stolen firearm into the National Crime Information Center database and report the information to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. < Back May 28, 2024 Signed! Right to Repair Electronic Equipment DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. HB24-1121, sponsored by Representative Brianna Titone and Steven Woodrow and Senators Jeff Bridges and Nick Hinrichsen, would extend the current right to repair laws to certain electronic equipment, including cell phones, gaming systems, computers and televisions. “Cell phones are a part of our daily lives, we should have more choices on how to fix them when they break,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “This new law will give consumers more options to fix their broken electronics, saving them money and time on costly repairs. Right to repair laws, like this one, are important for empowering consumers and keeping e-waste out of our landfills. From tractors to mobility devices, I’m proud to carry another consumer-focused right to repair law through the legislature and save Coloradans money.” “Accidents happen, people drop their phones and break their screens every day, but because of ‘parts pairing’ and repair restrictions, owners aren’t allowed to fix their devices,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County . “Colorado has led the nation in expanding right to repair laws, from agricultural equipment to wheelchairs to now electronics. This legislation is good for consumers, small businesses, and our economy.” “Consumers should have the right to fix their stuff—computers and cell phones included,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver . “This law strengthens our state’s right to repair laws so that consumers can access the tools and tech they need. This law saves Coloradans money while reducing waste and pollution.” “Manufacturer-imposed repair restrictions affect a wide variety of products from tractors to cell phones, resulting in surging costs, monopolistic business practices, and thousands of electronic devices thrown out every day,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you can’t repair something that’s yours, do you really own it? I would argue no, which is why this legislation is so important. Right to repair laws are essential for empowering consumers and ensuring a fair market.” HB24-1121 will require certain digital electronic equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. Specifically, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and others would need to provide software and physical tools to consumers and independent repair providers upon request so they can fix their broken electronics. Under this law, OEMs can charge a fee for physical tools but software tools must be made available free of charge for the consumer. This law aims to save electronics consumers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. HB24-1121 also prohibits parts pairing, a technology used by manufacturers to program certain parts together which restricts the consumer's ability to independently repair their devices and allows OEMs to monopolize replacement parts. Last year, Rep. Titone championed a first-in-the-nation law for the right to repair agricultural equipment. This law saves farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs. In 2022, Representatives Titone and Ortiz passed two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. These laws require wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts and software to consumers and eliminate the need for prior authorization to repair powered wheelchairs and other complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients. These laws provided the framework for HB24-1121. Previous Next

Representative Eliza Hamrick today hosted a bipartisan group of lawmakers and more than 45 business and industry leaders on a tour of House District 61. < Back September 11, 2024 Rep. Hamrick Hosts District Tour for C3 Lawmakers CENTENNIAL, CO – Representative Eliza Hamrick today hosted a bipartisan group of lawmakers and more than 45 business and industry leaders on a tour of House District 61. The tour was part of the Colorado Competitive Council (C3) Business Basecamp. “Welcoming C3 lawmakers to my district was such a treat, I greatly enjoyed showing my colleagues some of our community gems,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial . “From the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus and the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office to City Hall, HD-61 is filled with vibrant areas of growth and opportunity, especially for our youth. I’m proud to be a part of the C3 Basecamp because not only does it allow me to showcase my own community, but I can also learn about and experience different districts across the state.” The Centennial portion of C3’s tour included a visit to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office where lawmakers learned about therapy K-9s, the mounted unit, and the special response team. Lawmakers also visited the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus, which is a college and career preparedness facility for high school students and met with local lawmakers at Centennial City Hall. During the 2024 legislative session, Rep. Hamrick championed a number of bills designed to uplift education opportunities and local communities. This includes legislation to boost apprenticeship programs and expanding community-based behavioral health care grants . Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2024 SAVING Coloradans Money on Housing! House Advances Transit-Oriented Housing, ADUs Bills would save Coloradans money on housing by encouraging housing near transit options, increase housing options Coloradans can afford to help meet demand DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills on preliminary votes to save Coloradans money on housing. HB24-1313 encourages more housing near public transit, cycling and walking corridors, places of employment, and other centers of community. It would also provide financial support to cities, counties, and municipalities that meet their housing goals. HB24-1152 would create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). “Colorado’s housing crisis is making it nearly impossible for Coloradans to buy their first home, which is why we have to prioritize building denser housing near transit and job centers so we can reduce the cost of housing,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1313. “Our bill encourages local governments to build transit-oriented housing by offering a menu of options to choose from and incentives to meet their housing goals. By legalizing smart and attainable housing development, we can make it easier for our community members to afford housing.” “The vast majority of Coloradans support legislation that makes it easier to build housing near jobs and transit hubs and saves people money,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1313. “Our bill seeks to make housing more affordable near jobs and transit centers, protect vulnerable communities from displacement, reduce water use and traffic, and build the homes Coloradans want. Coloradans need us to act now so we can address our housing and climate crises.” HB24-1313 would increase affordable housing options and help prevent Coloradans from being displaced from their communities by encouraging strategic housing development near transit and job centers. The bill empowers local governments to address Colorado’s housing needs and incentivizes them to build more housing by providing financial assistance to help meet their housing goals. It also aims to conserve our natural resources and improve our air quality to protect vulnerable communities from pollution-related health issues. Of the approximately 30 jurisdictions that would qualify under this bill, most are along the I-25 corridor. The bill would establish Housing Opportunity Goals in areas close to transit services where qualifying cities and counties could build more housing. Subject jurisdictions would have the flexibility to decide where it makes sense to build more housing to ensure they are meeting the diverse needs of their communities. Jurisdictions could meet the Housing Opportunity Goals a number of different ways including increasing the maximum building height in multi-family and mixed-use zones, or allowing multi-family residences in commercial-only or single-family zones. Communities that meet their Housing Opportunity Goals would benefit from a new Transit-Oriented Communities Tax Credit and the Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Fund to support their efforts in increasing housing opportunities near public transit, employment centers, safe biking and walking corridors. A recent poll found that 95 percent of Coloradans say the cost of renting or buying a home is a problem, with 70 percent saying that local governments aren’t doing enough to address this issue. Nearly 70 percent of Colorado voters also support a state law, like HB24-1313, to require cities and counties to allow more housing to be built near public transit and businesses and shopping areas while providing financial assistance for these projects. HB24-1152 , sponsored by Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder and Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would allow homeowners in subject jurisdictions to build an ADU and create a new state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote and streamline the construction of ADUs. “Coloradans are relying on us to pass effective legislation to tackle the housing crisis, and this bill gives homeowners the tools to create more housing opportunities,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1152. “From housing aging relatives to renting out extra space, ADUs offer alternative housing options that can save Coloradans money on housing and legalize alternative home-care placements. This is an important bipartisan bill that makes it easier for Coloradans to live near their jobs, schools, and loved ones.” The bill would provide local governments with access to grants to support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate and the construction of accessible ADUs. Finally, the bill includes funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners build ADUs, including with down payment assistance, affordable loans, and buying down interest rates on loans for the conversion or construction of ADUs. Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single-family home properties. ### Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2019 COMPREHENSIVE SEXUAL EDUCATION BILL MOVING THROUGH HOUSE Bill to allow students to access the skills and information they need to keep themselves & their peers safe approved on second reading (Feb. 15) – The House approved Rep. Susan Lontine and Rep. Yadira Caraveo’s bill on second reading to expand the content in the comprehensive sexual education that many students in Colorado already receive. This bill does not require schools to teach sex education, however, existing law requires that if they do provide sex education it must be comprehensive. The bill adds consent, defining a healthy relationship, and sexual orientation to the current standards. “Colorado’s students deserve access to age-appropriate, accurate and comprehensive information regarding sex education to keep themselves and their classmates healthy and safe,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver. “It’s important that students are taught about consent at a young age so they can advocate for themselves.” Colorado does not have a mandatory sex education requirement. However, existing law does provide a set of standards if school decides to teach about sex education. This bill would increase the ranges of topics to include birth control and pregnancy, abstinence, STD prevention, consent, healthy relationships and sexual orientation. “As a doctor in a clinic, I only have the ability to affect one child and one life at a time,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Denver . “Schools have the ability to improve the health of hundreds of kids at a time through the ability to provide comprehensive sex ed that will prevent countless young people from facing life altering illnesses or unplanned pregnancies.” This bill would also allocate $1 million in funds to an existing grant program administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for teaching comprehensive sex education. Rural schools and public schools that do not have the resources to offer sex education will be prioritized for receiving this grant money. Some of the common misconceptions about this legislation are around the opt-out options already in place, the content around LGBTQ inclusion, and the definition of a healthy relationship. “I think about this bill and I think about all of the unnecessary hurt that this could have prevented for my mother. That if she had the opportunity in school for somebody to talk to her about healthy relationships, to answer questions about what she was going through. To show her that she’s normal – that nothing is wrong with her – . what could that have done for her?” said Rep, Kyle Mullica, D- Northglenn during a moving speech on the House floor. “And I think about what this bill can do for our LGBTQ students today and the unnecessary pain that it can prevent today.” House Republicans attempted to sabotage this bill on the House floor by introducing a number of politically charged amendments that would have gutted the bill and reflected how out of step they are with everyday Coloradans and students. The bill was approved in an initial House floor vote 35-20 and now will need to be approved by a recorded vote on third reading in the House. ATTACHED: Headshots of Rep. Lontine, Rep. Caraveo and Rep. Mullica ### About the Colorado General Assembly House Democrats Colorado’s 65-member House of Representatives includes 41 Democrats. For current and past House proceedings, go to Comcast Channel 165 or coloradochannel.net . Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/COHouseDems , on Twitter @COHouseDem , and on Instagram @COHouseDemocrats or visit our website at cohousedems.com Previous Next

< Back June 13, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO REFER CIGARETTE AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS TAX TO BALLOT DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB20-1427 by a vote of 40-25. Sponsored by Representatives Yadira Caraveo and Julie McCluskie, the bill refers to voters a ballot measure to increase cigarette, tobacco and nicotine products taxes, and to tax electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and nicotine liquids, in order to fund K-12 schools and boost early childhood education. “As a pediatrician, I’ve seen firsthand how youth nicotine use is devastating the health of our kids,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “The people of our state should have the opportunity to take meaningful action to reduce our highest-in the-nation youth vaping rates and invest in the future of our children. I’m grateful for the work of so many who came together to craft this proposal and send it to the people for approval.” “We need universal early childhood education so that every four year-old in Colorado can be ready for kindergarten and prepared to succeed,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Referring this measure to the ballot is the responsible path forward to protect our kids from the dangers of vaping and provide our schools and early childhood education providers with the additional funding they so badly need.” In Colorado, over 5,000 people die each year from smoking related illnesses. More than 90,000 Colorado kids currently under 18 years old will die prematurely from smoking. Colorado has the nation’s highest rate of teen nicotine vaping, with over 27 percent of high school students using electronic nicotine vaping products. Research shows that for every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes, smoking rates among youth and kids drops by six or seven percent. HB20-1427 refers a ballot issue to voters for the November 2020 election. If passed, the ballot initiative would increase the per cigarette tax from one cent to nine cents by 2027. It would, for the first time, place a tax on nicotine products like e-cigarette and vaping nicotine liquids that would start at 10 percent and increase to 22 percent by 2027. At first, the revenue will be used to protect the state’s budget, but starting in 2023, the measure would raise nearly $190 million for early childhood education and nicotine products cessation programs. This funding would provide access to prekindergarten for at least 10 hours a week to every child in the state. It also provides additional preschool programming to lower-income families to promote school readiness. Children who participate in the Colorado Preschool Program are 26 percent less likely to have a significant reading deficiency in kindergarten, half as likely to be held back a grade level, and more than 10 percent more likely to graduate on time. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Manny Rutinel that would improve Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing. < Back March 4, 2025 Committee Passes Bipartisan Bill to Increase Affordable For-Sale Housing DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Manny Rutinel that would improve Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing. “Coloradans sent us to the Capitol to help make our state more affordable, and that is especially true when it comes to the housing crisis ,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “This is a bipartisan solution that will save people money on housing and open up additional funding to build homes that work for every budget. We’re boosting more ‘starter homes’ in our communities, supporting local workforces and making it easier for hardworking Coloradans to become homeowners.” SB25-006 would allow the state treasurer to invest up to $50 million in Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) bonds to buy down the construction and mortgage costs of affordable for-sale housing that would otherwise not be built. These funds would give low interest rates to builders in exchange for long-term affordability restrictions and low mortgage rates to first-time buyers to ease their way into the housing market. The $50 million would finance homeownership for 175-200 new low- and middle-income residents. SB25-006, also sponsored by Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, passed by a vote of 9-3. Previous Next

< Back February 7, 2023 Bill to Offer Youth Mental Health Screenings Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed a bill to conduct mental health screenings in schools to help determine the mental well-being of students and continue the successful I Matter program. “In 2021, almost 70% of Colorado students reported that they experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet. “We created the I Matter Program to provide six free therapy sessions to Colorado youth, a successful tool in addressing mental health issues for over 5,000 kids so far. This bill would use a mental health screening within our schools to more easily identify students that could benefit from resources like the I Matter Program.” HB23-1003 would permit public schools to participate in a voluntary mental health screening program for sixth through twelfth graders. The school would be required to notify parents of the date and time that the mental health screening is scheduled, the purpose, and information about the licensed mental health screener. Parents would have the option to opt their child out of participating, although students over 12 years old could still be screened due to Colorado law . The screening would be conducted via a questionnaire and evaluated by a licensed mental health screener. If a student is at-risk for attempting suicide, physical self-harm, or harming others, the screener would immediately notify the parents as well as the school and the school would react according to school crisis response policy. If the screener finds the student in need of further help, they will contact the parent about additional treatment options, including information or a referral to the I Matter program. The I Matter Program was created with the passage of HB21-1258 , sponsored by Rep. Michaelson Jenet, and expanded by HB22-1243 . The program received $15 million dollars in funding from the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions to provide a mental health screening followed by six free therapy sessions to youth across the state and is available virtually and in person. Students use a screening tool through the program’s website to match them with licensed mental health professionals that best fit their needs, including bilingual services. If the student needs additional services or shows signs of needing immediate help, their assigned care navigator connects them to long-term mental health care providers or crisis support, including Colorado Crisis Services. Since the program started in October 2021, over 5,500 Colorado kids have utilized the free therapy services, with almost 44% attending at least four sessions. The participating 5,655 students come from 59 of the 64 counties across Colorado. Previous Next