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< Back March 22, 2021 DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CAUCUS OF COLORADO ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST CO CHAIRS DENVER, CO– The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado today announced that Rep. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge) would serve as the inaugural Co Chairs of the organization. “I’m proud to have founded the Democratic Women’s Caucus along with my wonderful colleagues in the legislature, and I’m honored and humbled to have been chosen to lead it in our first year,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Our caucus will work hard to support policies that seek to improve equity, justice and the economic wellbeing of women in Colorado.” “It’s an honor to serve as the inaugural Co Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus,” said Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County . “Our organization is dedicated to advancing the policy priorities of Democratic women legislators, ranging from increasing safety, wellness and justice in our communities, to forging an equitable economic recovery that puts families first, and so much more. As Co Chair, I’ll work to listen to and elevate the voices of our members and make lasting change for the women of Colorado.” The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado is a newly formed policy organization made of Democratic women members of both chambers of the General Assembly. Members of the organization include Senators Faith Winter, Brittany Pettersen, Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Julie Gonzales, Rhonda Fields, Tammy Story, Janet Buckner, and Kerry Donovan, as well as Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, Representatives Adrienne Benavidez, Cathy Kipp, Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Edie Hooton, Iman Jodeh, Jennifer Bacon, Judy Amabile, Karen McCormick, Naquetta Ricks, Brianna Titone, Barbara McLachlan, Sharon Bird, Yadira Caraveo, Emily Sirota, Meg Froelich, Lindsey Doherty, Julie McCluskie, Mary Young, Gonzales-Gutierrez, Susan Lontine, Tracey Bernett, and Kerry Tipper. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would fund transportation infrastructure projects to improve road safety, save Coloradans money on car insurance premiums and prevent accidents. HB25-1303, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Meghan Lukens, passed by a vote of 38-25. < Back April 21, 2025 House Passes Bills to Reduce Housing and Auto Insurance Costs DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would fund transportation infrastructure projects to improve road safety, save Coloradans money on car insurance premiums and prevent accidents. HB25-1303, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Meghan Lukens, passed by a vote of 38-25. The House also passed legislation to make it easier to build more affordable housing across Colorado. SB25-002, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesensecker and Representative Rebekah Stewart, passed by a vote of 40-23. “Too many Coloradans have suffered from or mourned the loss of a loved one due to a vehicle collision, and this bill would use data-driven methods to make our roads safer for all Colorado road users,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25-1303 and SB25-002. “Vehicle collisions drive up car insurance costs across the board. By making our roads safer, we can save lives and reduce insurance costs.” “Rural Coloradans are acutely aware of how common and expensive wildlife collisions can be, which is why I’m sponsoring legislation to reduce costly accidents and save lives by implementing successful road safety strategies,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB25-1303. “We know that infrastructure improvements like protected bike lanes, wildlife crossings, and sidewalks have made travel safer for all road users. This investment will save lives, protect Colorado wildlife and reduce the chances of expensive road accidents that drive up auto insurance costs.” HB 25-1303 would fund transportation infrastructure projects that improve road safety and prevent collisions between vehicles, vulnerable road users and wildlife. Projects that would qualify for funding under this bill include enhancing sidewalks and bike lanes, implementing traffic circles or other speed-reducing strategies, animal detection systems and other safety projects. A Smart Growth America report stated that every dollar invested in active transportation saves $24 in averted medical costs. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, for every hour the I-70 mountain corridor is closed, surrounding communities lose up to $2 million in economic activity. Additionally, the estimated annual cost of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado is $313 million and the average cost of hitting a deer is over $23,500. SB25-002 would increase the stock of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers to the construction, installation, and inspection of factory-built structures like tiny homes and other types of modular housing. Modular housing is usually less expensive than traditional, stick-built homes constructed on-site and can be assembled faster, which can help expand permanent housing opportunities and build more affordable housing options. “Our legislation would improve coordination between state and regional partners and cut down on duplicative steps to build more affordable housing in our communities,” continued Boesenecker. “Modular homes are a high-quality alternative to traditional housing construction methods and are faster to assemble and cheaper to build. This legislation will unlock more affordable housing options for hardworking Coloradans.” “Modular homes are a creative and proven solution to drive down housing costs, allowing more Coloradans to realize their dream of homeownership,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of SB25-002. “Construction costs, miscommunication and patchwork regulation have been a significant barrier to building affordable housing, and this bill aims to address these issues. With this bill, we can make high-quality housing more affordable across Colorado by fully leveraging the economy of scale that modular housing provides.” This bill would direct the State Housing Board in the Department of Local Affairs to develop regional building codes for factory-built structures by July 1, 2026. The new building codes would supersede current regulations only for factory-built structures. The General Assembly passed a bipartisan law in 2022 to create the Innovative Housing Incentive Program to invest in companies pursuing innovative construction methods, such as modular housing, to create more affordable housing options. So far, the program has invested over $10.5 million with 13 businesses that are contracted to produce over 2,500 units and $20 million in loans to four businesses that will create over 3,300 units per year once their factories are up and running. In 2024, the town of Breckenridge built a 54-unit modular housing project. They saved 13-percent and completed the project six months faster when compared to quotes for traditional housing construction. The bids for a 37-unit affordable housing project in the town of Granby were 21-percent cheaper than stick-built homes and allowed for the construction to be completed within the seasonal six-month building window. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Meg Froelich that would bolster housing protections for Coloradans who receive support through housing vouchers and other government housing subsidies. HB25-1240 passed by a vote of 37-22. < Back March 11, 2025 Housing Protections for Vulnerable Coloradans Pass House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Meg Froelich that would bolster housing protections for Coloradans who receive support through housing vouchers and other government housing subsidies. HB25-1240 passed by a vote of 37-22. “Coloradans who receive housing vouchers and disability assistance are especially vulnerable to housing instability, and our bill would reduce barriers to housing for those who are the most vulnerable to homelessness,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “The rising cost of living has been tough on Coloradans, especially for the seniors, young families, and people with disabilities who rely on financial assistance. With this bill, we’re improving access to stable and affordable housing so all Coloradans can have a safe place to live, regardless of whether or not they live on a fixed income.” “We’re strengthening the CARES Act to protect Coloradans from housing discrimination to keep Coloradans safely housed,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The 127,000 Coloradans who rely on anti-poverty assistance to afford housing are often survivors of domestic violence, people with disabilities, or marginalized communities. This legislation extends Colorado’s housing discrimination safeguards to reduce costly and traumatic evictions, protecting thousands of Colorado households from being denied housing opportunities due to rental assistance.” HB25-1240 would add protections for Coloradans who receive housing subsidy support by making it an unfair housing practice for any landlord who fails to: Make reasonable efforts to timely respond to requests for information and necessary documentation for a rental assistance application process, or Cooperate with tenants and rental assistance administrators in good faith regarding applications, including by refusing to provide documents that are required by a state government agency, a local government agency, or other administrating entity to support the tenant’s application. The bill would require a landlord who owns four or more units to comply with the eviction notice requirements under the CARES Act. Additionally, landlords would be required to reimburse tenants for the difference between rent paid and the fair rental value when a breach in the warrant of habitability is proved, regardless of if a tenant uses a housing subsidy. HB25-1240 would also direct the Division of Housing to compile and publish a list of resources for landlords, including helping determine if a landlord’s property is covered under the bill and outlining financial resources available to them. Colorado Democrats passed a law in 2020 that prevents housing discrimination for Coloradans who receive government subsidies like housing assistance programs, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and veterans benefits. Previous Next

< Back April 18, 2022 GOV. POLIS, STATE LEGISLATORS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS & CABINET MEMBERS DISCUSS TRANSFORMATIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LEGISLATION, VISIT INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC Polis Administration in partnership with state legislature continues to take bold steps to improve access to and delivery of quality behavioral health care services across Colorado DENVER — Today, Colorado Governor Jared Polis joined Rep. Serena Gonzales-Guiterrez, Senator Chris Kolker, Rep. Perry Will, Senator Faith Winter, Rep. Judy Amabile, cabinet members, and community leaders to discuss comprehensive legislation to elevate Colorado’s behavioral health system and address Colorado’s most pressing needs made possible by historic funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Governor Polis and the group then visited the Tepeyac Community Health Center in Denver and participated in a roundtable discussion about Colorado’s successful and continued integration of physical and behavioral health care to support efficient, streamlined health care services for Coloradans. “We are saving Coloradans money on behavioral health care and improving access to quality services to ensure every Coloradan can thrive,” said Governor Polis. “I was proud to visit the innovative Tepeyac Community Health Center and see firsthand the transformative impact of our investment in providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable care that Coloradans deserve.” A bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Gonzales-Gutierrez and Naquetta Ricks ( Community Behavioral Health Continuum of Care Gap Grants: HB22-1281 ) will ensure Coloradans across the state — including children, youth and families — have access to the behavioral health care they need. This bill will invest $90 million in grant funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of filling regional gaps across the continuum of care and transforming behavioral health outcomes for families, children and youth living in Colorado. The bill passed the House Public and Behavioral Health Committee unanimously earlier this week. “This year, we are making the single largest investment in our state’s history, nearly $450 million, to expand access to behavioral health care,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “The Tepeyac Community Health Center in Denver shows first hand how our transformational investments will allow more Coloradans to access the care they need to thrive. Our package of behavioral health legislation, crafted over the course of many months with experts across the state, will boost access to care, substance use disorder treatment, residential and outpatient services, and save Coloradans money on behavioral health care.” “As someone who has experienced mental health challenges myself, I know how difficult it can be to seek out treatment and get the care you need,” said Senator Chris Kolker (D-Centennial), member of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “I was lucky because I was able to get help, but too many Coloradans can’t say the same. I’m proud to be working to help more people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders get the care they need and deserve. We have a lot more work to do, but this package of transformational bills represents an important first step toward expanding access to critical care, ending the stigma around behavioral health, and saving more lives.” Senator Kolker is the sponsor of the bipartisan and Senate passed Behavioral Health Services for Children: SB22-147 which is also sponsored by Senator Jerry Sonnenberg and Representatives. Mary Young and Rod Pelton. The bill aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families. The bill directs $4.6 million for the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program, $5 million for the Behavioral Health Care Professional Matching Grant Program, and $1.5 million for the School-based Health Center Grant Program. Additional Behavioral Health Legislation moving through the legislature: Youth and Family Residential Care: HB22-1283 sponsored by Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Mary Bradfield and Senators Janet Buckner and Kevin Priola, will make it easier for families and youth to access residential and outpatient care in Colorado. This bill will invest $54M to support intensive youth and family residential and outpatient care, ensuring that children, youth, and families can access behavioral health treatment and services they need right here in Colorado. The bill passed the House Public and Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee unanimously. Adult Inpatient and Residential Care: HB22-1303 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Shane Sandridge and Senators Faith Winter and Jim Smallwood, invests $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options for individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occuring conditions or in need of civil commitment. The bill supports the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state. HB22-1303 passed the House Public and Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 9 to 1. Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care: HB22-1302 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola, invests $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. HB22-1302 passed the House Public and Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 10 to 1. Behavioral Health Care Workforce Development: SB22-181 , sponsored by Senators. Jeff Bridges and Cleave Simpson and Representatives. Lisa Cutterand Tonya Van Beber , directs the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to invest $72 million to bolster and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce, which will help more Coloradans access the critical care they need to thrive. Investments in Statewide Care Coordination Infrastructure: SB22-177 , sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Bob Rankin and Representatives. Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield , invests $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The bill also seeks to cut red tape associated with provider enrollment and credentialing for navigators and care coordination providers, so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. Behavioral Health Care for Colorado Native American Tribes: SB22-148 , which has passed the Senate and is sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan and Representative Barbara McLachlan , provides $5 million to Colorado land-based Tribes to support building or renovating a tribal behavioral health facility for inpatient services and transitional housing. The package of legislation is based on the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force recommendations to increase access to affordable care, bolster the behavioral health care workforce, expand residential care for youth and families, and increase support for pediatricians and school counseling programs. The Polis Administration continues to take bold steps to increase access to affordable, high-quality behavioral health care across Colorado, and to create an efficient behavioral health care system that Coloradans deserve. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to build more condos now and reduce the cost of housing. < Back May 12, 2025 SIGNED! Construction Defects Reform Bill Becomes Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to build more condos now and reduce the cost of housing. “From building equity and generational wealth to lowering housing costs, condos offer numerous benefits to Coloradans looking to buy their first home,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Rising rent and housing prices have made it nearly impossible for hardworking Coloradans to save enough money to buy a home at the median price tag of $550,000. After years of hard work, I'm thankful for everyone who worked closely with us to help craft this new law so we can spur new housing options that Coloradans can afford and offer more Coloradans a fair shot at the American Dream.” “HB25-1272 will make fair and balanced reforms to our construction defects laws, ensuring that high-quality homes are built, problems are fixed before sale and excessive costs that deter development can be reined in,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “This law is a proactive solution that incentivizes responsible development, making it a win-win for homeowners and builders alike. It’s intended to meet the demands of our communities, respond to changing demographics, and provide housing that is adaptable to different housing sizes and needs. With this new law, we can create more attainable housing opportunities and ensure that more Coloradans can achieve the dream of homeownership.” “With a shortage of over 100,000 homes across our state and a decrease in condominium development, it's becoming increasingly difficult for first-time homebuyers to find housing they can afford,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Offering a variety of housing options is a critical piece in making homeownership a reality for more Coloradans. Our new law will help increase the availability of high-quality starter homes in the market to create more affordable housing options that work for every budget.” “In Colorado’s mountain and rural communities, there are teachers, police officers, small business owners, nurses, and other crucial working folks who desperately want to be able to buy a home and put roots down, but there’s not any housing available for them to purchase,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco . “For years, construction defects laws have stunted the development of condos and townhomes, generally more affordable housing options for first-time buyers. This new law will change that and help ensure that we have a healthy mix of housing units, allowing more Coloradans to achieve their dream of homeownership.” HB25-1272 reforms construction defect laws by encouraging condo builders to work with third-party inspectors to help identify and correct any construction issues upfront, establishing clear guidelines for construction defect claims, and adjusting the statutes of limitation for construction defect claims. Beginning January 1, 2026, the law creates the Multifamily Construction Incentive Program. Builders will be able to opt into this program if they offer a warranty for any defect and damage and hire a third-party inspector to periodically review the construction throughout the building process. In exchange for providing these additional safeguards upfront, builders in the program will receive additional protections against construction defect actions, which can be costly to litigate and discourage condo development. Under HB25-1272, a homeowner who purchased a property built under the program will have six years to bring an action for damages. The homeowner will have a duty to mitigate damage alleged to be caused by a defect and notify the builder, who must offer a fix to any defect claims. If the issue is not resolved through this warranty process, the homeowner may proceed with a defect claim. The law exempts a construction professional participating in the program from liability for a damage or defect if they can prove the damage or defect was caused by: Certain weather conditions, an act of war, terrorism or vandalism, A homeowner’s unreasonable failure to timely mitigate damages or complete ongoing home maintenance, or Misuse, abuse, or neglect after the sale to the claimant. From 2007 to 2022, the number of condo developers working in Colorado declined by 84-percent in part due to the potential for expensive lawsuits. Meanwhile, the median age of first-time homebuyers in Colorado rose from 35 to 38 in the past year. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023. The bill passed the House by a vote of 39-20. < Back November 18, 2023 House Passes Bill to Put $185M Back into the Pockets of Hardworking Coloradans DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023. The bill passed the House by a vote of 39-20. “The Earned Income Tax Credit helps hardworking families that are the most at-risk for housing insecurity and poverty due to the rising cost of living in Colorado,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Boosting this credit will put more money back into the pockets of the people who need it most right now, who are disproportionately people of color, women, and people with a disability. Our legislation will bolster the economic security of the Coloradans feeling the brunt of our affordability crisis and make it easier for all Coloradans to call our state home.” “This bill will boost the incomes of over 400,000 hardworking Colorado families, making it easier for them to afford rent, groceries, childcare, and other costs,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Getting $185 million out to hardworking Coloradans will help grow our economy, support local business owners and enable more Coloradans to afford to live in Colorado.” HB23B-1002 would expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for tax year 2023 to one of the highest state matches in the country. With the current state EITC at 25 percent, the average tax credit is $521 . By increasing the EITC, families could see hundreds of additional dollars back in their wallets next year. The bill builds on legislation passed by Colorado Democrats in recent years to make Colorado more affordable for working-class families. The General Assembly passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which more than doubled the state's EITC and funded the Child Tax Credit for the first time in Colorado, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. Additionally, Colorado Democrats passed HB23-1112 last session to increase the Colorado EITC from 25 percent to 38 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024. The bill’s demographic note showed that EITC recipients were more likely to be women, people of color, and people living with disabilities. Previous Next

< Back March 3, 2020 HELPING COLORADO FAMILIES GET AHEAD ACT PASSES COMMITTEE HB20-1203 would double tax benefit for working families and fund the state’s Child Tax Credit Denver, CO– The House Committee on Finance today passed Representatives Emily Sirota and Matt Gray’s bill to double the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and fund the state Child Tax Credit (CTC) while closing a tax loophole that primarily benefits the top earning taxpayers in the state. The bill passed 7-4. “The Helping Colorado Families Get Ahead Act is an opportunity to right the wrongs of an unfair system that holds too many hardworking Coloradans back from the benefits of the booming economy they’ve helped create,” said Rep. Sirota, D-Denver. “The Helping Colorado Families Get Ahead Act will help tens of thousands of Colorado families who are struggling to make ends meet,” said. Rep. Gray, D-Broomfield. “By simply closing a loophole that disproportionately benefits upper-income earners and redirecting that money toward helping families put food on the table and afford the rising cost of child care, we can start moving Colorado away from the stunning inequities we all know exist.” The Earned Tax Credit (EITC) lifts 5.6 million Americans out of poverty each year, including nearly 3 million children, and helps over 22 million working families and individuals each year. It is a refundable tax credit calculated based on a recipient’s earned income, number of qualifying children and other factors. Because the EITC is refundable, recipients do not need to have a tax liability to benefit from the credit. The credit is designed to reward work, growing larger with additional earnings. Under current law, Colorado’s state Earned Income Tax Credit provides an additional benefit equal to 10 percent of the federal EITC. HB20-1203 would double the state’s existing Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 20 percent of the federal EITC and fund the state’s Child Tax Credit, which exists in statute but has never been funded. To finance the larger ETIC, HB20-1203 would close a loophole in the state tax code that allows businesses to deduct up to 20 percent of their “pass-through” income. Nearly two-thirds of this existing deduction benefits people who make over $200,000 per year whereas the EITC benefits working families with annual incomes below $56,000. This deduction has only been in place for one year and Colorado is one of only five states that still has it. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to boost public safety by streamlining the process for properly trained armed forces members to become peace officers. < Back February 12, 2024 Martinez Bill to Boost Public Safety Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to boost public safety by streamlining the process for properly trained armed forces members to become peace officers. HB24-1093 passed by a vote of 59 to 5. “This bipartisan legislation will improve public safety and help our communities fill open positions in law enforcement,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista . “This bill removes barriers for qualified members of the armed forces to become peace officers in Colorado. Peace officers in the armed forces are trained professionals, and this legislation streamlines the process to becoming a Colorado peace officer and creates a strong career path for those who served our country.” HB24-1093 , also sponsored by Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would streamline the process for qualified members of the armed forces to become peace officers in Colorado. Under current law, the Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board has the authority to grant a provisional peace officer certification to individuals that were authorized as peace officers in a federal jurisdiction, excluding the armed forces. This bill removes the armed forces exclusion so that members in the armed forces can transition to Colorado peace officers. Previous Next

Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, announced the Democratic members who will serve on the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates < Back February 22, 2023 Senate & House Democrats Announce Appointments to Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, announced the Democratic members who will serve on the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates : From the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate: President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County From the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives: Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista President Fenberg will serve as Chair of the Committee and Representative deGruy Kennedy will serve as the Vice Chair. “The recent spikes in energy prices have sent Coloradans’ utility bills through the roof, and it’s costing too many working Colorado families an arm and a leg just to heat their homes,” Fenberg said. “Democrats are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, and our work on this critical committee will help us uncover the root cause behind high prices. I look forward to teaming up with my colleagues to find solutions that will better protect consumers, improve stability, and save people money on their energy bills.” “We owe it to Coloradans to get to the bottom of what is causing skyrocketing utility costs, and I’m honored to be appointed to a Joint Select Committee that is committed to making our state more affordable for everyone,” said deGruy Kennedy “We know many Coloradans are stuck paying higher-than-normal energy bills this year, and our role in this Joint Select Committee is to better understand pricing inconsistency, uncover other factors that lead to high prices and hopefully help prevent future price hikes.” “Coloradans are struggling to make ends meet and skyrocketing utility bills are only making matters worse,” Cutter said. “Before us is a unique opportunity to hear from utility companies, regulators, advocates, and every day Coloradans about what role the state can, and should, play in protecting consumers and ensuring Colorado remains an affordable place to live. I’m honored to serve on the Joint Select Committee and I’m committed to working diligently to get Coloradans the answers they deserve.” “Many Coloradans were prepared for snow and ice this winter season, but many weren’t prepared for the inconsistent and expensive energy bills they received,” said Martinez. “I’m ready to get to work as a member of the bipartisan Joint Select Committee that’s dedicated to uncovering what is leading to higher energy costs for hardworking families across Colorado. Our goal is to look at multiple factors that could be causing the rise in utility prices and explore ways to save Coloradans money on their energy bills.” Fenberg and McCluskie convened the Joint Select Committee to investigate the causes of Coloradans’ rising utility rates and explore potential actions to prevent future price hikes, saving Colorado’s working families money on their energy bills. The Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates will seek expert testimony from utility companies, relevant agency staff, regulators, consumer advocates, and policy experts in order to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2021 DEMS DEFEAT ANTI-WORKER, “RIGHT TO WORK” FOR LESS BILL Legislation would strip workers of their rights to collectively bargain for better wages and safe conditions DENVER, CO– Democrats on the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today defeated union-busting legislation sponsored by Republican Representatives Tonya Van Beber and Kim Ransom. The legislation would have made it nearly impossible for workers in Colorado to collectively bargain for better conditions and wages. “There couldn’t be a worse time to pass the anti-union legislation that Republicans brought forward today,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, a strong union supporter and sponsor of the Colorado WINS legislation. “We’re here to help Colorado Build Back Stronger. These policies, which are being pushed by thriving corporations and a minority party that doesn’t care about working people, would make it nearly impossible for Coloradans to bargain for better wages and safer conditions. We’re eager to work with the minority on proposals to stimulate our economy and strengthen our workforce, but we won’t let them tear down a fundamental path to success for hardworking people.” “Make no mistake, this bill would hurt workers when they are some of the Coloradans already hurting the most right now,” said Business Affairs and Labor Committee Vice Chair Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, a member of the AFL-CIO Colorado Board of Directors and a union member. “Can you imagine if the workers at the meatpacking plant didn’t have a union to fight for them? During the pandemic we’ve seen more and more workers rally behind forming a union to protect themselves and their families. Unions create good paying jobs, grow our economy, and have been essential partners in keeping our economy open while keeping workers and consumers safe during this pandemic. Today, Democrats stood up for workers in the face of powerful corporate interests that will do anything to avoid paying an acceptable wage or provide safe conditions.” HB21-1049 would prohibit unions from recovering any costs for mandatory representation of non-union members in collective bargaining procedures. It would deal a death blow to unions and make it nearly impossible for them to negotiate for better wages, benefits and safer working conditions for workers. The average worker in a “Right to Work” state makes 16.6 percent less than in non-right to work states. Right to work states have higher poverty rates , higher uninsured rates , and significantly larger wage gaps between men and women. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to promote semiconductor manufacturing in Colorado, attracting new businesses and creating good paying jobs. < Back May 3, 2023 House Passes Bill to Boost Semiconductor Production, Create Good-Paying Jobs DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to promote semiconductor manufacturing in Colorado, attracting new businesses and creating good paying jobs. HB23-1260 passed by a vo te of 54 to 9. “From our cars and cell phones to emerging clean energy technology, we need more semiconductor research, development and production to meet economic demands,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This bipartisan legislation helps Colorado attract new semiconductor businesses, which will create jobs, boost our economy and position Colorado to lead the way on semiconductor manufacturing. We’re working hard to draw down federal investments so Colorado can stand out in this growing industry and secure new business for years to come.” HB23-1260 , sponsored by Representatives Alex Valdez and Matt Soper, would create tax incentives to maximize investments in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing in Colorado. This bill increases Colorado’s ability to access federal investments in Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) technology and attract new businesses and good paying jobs across the state. This bill would allow local governments to designate new areas, or CHIPS Zones, to attract manufacturers and boost local economies across Colorado. HB23-1260 would also create a task force to study the effectiveness of financial incentives to promote and develop STEM companies in Colorado. The federal CHIPS and Science Act will invest $280 billion over five years, with $50 billion more immediately available through the CHIPS for America Fund created within the U.S. Department of Commerce, withColorado poised to receive upwards of $5.5 billion. As emerging technology becomes more and more essential in our daily lives, the need for high-powered, efficient semiconductors rises . Semiconductors are used in advanced medical equipment, computers, vehicles, clean energy technology and more. Previous Next

The bipartisan Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee today advanced bills to improve health outcomes for Coloradans. < Back October 1, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Improve Treatment for People with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal Justice System Advance DENVER, CO – The bipartisan Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee today advanced bills to improve health outcomes for Coloradans. This includes bills to streamline juvenile justice services and support for Coloradans with behavioral health care needs in jail and those experiencing a mental health crisis. “Coloradans seeking help deserve well-resourced and widely available care,” said Chair Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of Bills 1, 4, 5. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will improve services for Coloradans in the juvenile justice system, provide behavioral health supports for people incarcerated in jails, and ensure Coloradans deemed incompetent by the judicial system have access to the behavioral health resources they need. These are all important ways we can support some of our most vulnerable Coloradans and equip them with the resources they need to heal.” “We know the criminal justice system can only exacerbate mental health crises, and these bills aim to intervene and provide Coloradans with the behavioral health care they need,” said Vice Chair Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of Bill 2. “The bills we advanced today work to streamline behavioral health care services, treatment, and support to those who need it the most, including juveniles and those considered incompetent. Healing and recovery is not possible without proper treatment and these bills work to improve access, build confidence in our justice system, and hopefully improve outcomes for those in our criminal justice systems.” “Too often, Coloradans in the criminal justice system who seek out behavioral health support are woefully underserved,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of Bill 4. “The more we can do to aid in the healing and recovery of folks in the criminal justice system, the better. That’s why I’m sponsoring legislation to bolster behavioral health resources for people incarcerated in jails and ensure they’re getting the support they need, when and where they need it.” “Without the correct treatment, medication and support – the mental and behavioral health of those in the criminal justice system can rapidly decline,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bill 1, 4, and 5. “The bills we passed today will help streamline services for our youth in the juvenile justice system, including treatment, rehabilitation and diversion, so they can spend time healing. Another bill we passed would extend behavioral health care services to those considered incompetent by a judge to ensure they’re receiving the treatment they need. This committee is focused on reducing recidivism and bringing the support directly to the people who need it the most, and I believe these bills bring us closer to that reality.” Bill 1 , sponsored by Sen. Michaelson Jenet, Rep. English, and Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, aims to support Colorado youth in the juvenile justice system by streamlining services. Specifically, this bill would improve juvenile justice diversion services, rehabilitation, the competency process and establish presentence credits. Bill 1 would also establish a community grant program to implement a mixed-delivery system of trauma-informed health and development deflection programs for youth. The goal of Bill 1 is to boost community intervention before youth become involved in the juvenile justice system, provide youth with better mental and behavioral health care resources if they are in the juvenile justice system and streamline support services. Bill 4 , sponsored by Rep. English, Rep. Bradfield, and Sens. Michaelson Jenet and Cutter would roll existing grant program funding in the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to provide complementary behavioral health services to Coloradans in jail. Bill 4 aims to improve behavioral health outcomes for Coloradans in jail by connecting them with the services, support and treatment they need on-site. Bill 5 , sponsored by Sen. Michaelson Jenet, Rep. English, and Rep. Bradfield would help connect Coloradans in the criminal justice system with the behavioral health care services they need, specifically if they are considered incompetent by a judge. This bill would clarify what courts must consider when setting bail for defendants declared incompetent to proceed. Additionally, under this bill, defendants would receive inpatient services from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) for additional time after charges are dropped. If criminal charges are dropped against a defendant receiving inpatient services from the CDHS, the bill would allow the defendant to receive inpatient services for an additional 90 days. The committee also advanced two other pieces of legislation, including two more bills to create a crisis subcommittee and update technical language surrounding a ruling of Not Guilty by Reasoning of Insanity . The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the standard legislative process. Previous Next