Search Results

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Shannon Bird to strengthen our workforce and reduce recidivism by ensuring Coloradans who have served their time can re-enter our workforce, acquire professional credentials, support their families, and succeed in their careers. HB24-1004 passed by a vote of 64-0. < Back May 1, 2024 House Passes Bills to Boost Colorado’s Workforce DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Shannon Bird to strengthen our workforce and reduce recidivism by ensuring Coloradans who have served their time can re-enter our workforce, acquire professional credentials, support their families, and succeed in their careers. HB24-1004 passed by a vote of 64-0. The House also passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Jenny Willford that would create a refundable state income tax credit and grant programs to boost registered apprenticeship opportunities. HB24-1439 passed by a vote of 45-19. “This legislation is crucial in bridging the gap between workforce shortages and Coloradans with a criminal history who are trying to break their way out of cycles of incarceration,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1004. “Current Colorado law makes it difficult for Coloradans with criminal records or histories to qualify for certain careers, reducing their ability to find a good-paying job. With this legislation, we’re streamlining the process for the consideration of Coloradans in these careers to make it easier for them to successfully re-enter our communities and to reduce recidivism.” “We’re committed to addressing workforce shortages in critical industries, which is why we’re passing this legislation to make it easier for people with criminal records to qualify for careers in crucial sectors like health care and construction,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB24-1004. “This bill would build on our previous laws that strengthen processes for regulators so we can employ previously incarcerated Coloradans in key areas. With this legislation, previously incarcerated Coloradans will have an easier path to success and industries will have more qualified candidates to choose from to fill job vacancies.” HB24-1004 establishes a uniform process for considering criminal records in occupational registration, certification, and licensure applications. The bill includes a wide range of careers from the construction and banking industries to IT. The bill prohibits regulators from automatically refusing to grant or renew a license based on an applicant’s criminal record unless the applicant’s conviction is directly related to a specific element that is still relevant at the time of an individual’s application. Reps. Bacon and Bird passed a 2022 law to ensure that when pursuing a credential, applicants were only denied based on their criminal history if that history would hinder their ability to do their job safely and competently. HB24-1439 , also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would create a refundable state income tax credit for eligible employers starting in tax year 2025. “Colorado has made a lot of progress in our efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities, and this bill would help employers offset the costs of creating high-quality registered apprenticeships to connect Coloradans with on-the-job experience and address workforce shortages,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB24-1439. “By creating a tax credit for employers in new and emerging industries, they can offer apprenticeships that pay a wage so Coloradans can earn money while they learn the ropes of their chosen industry. This legislation would allow us to help local businesses keep their doors open and create a stronger workforce with in-demand skills to keep our communities running.” This income tax credit is available to businesses operating in a new and emerging industry with a registered apprenticeship program. HB24-1439 would also create the Scale-Up Grant Program to start new or expand existing registered apprenticeship programs and the Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant Program to connect employers or apprenticeship program participants to registered apprenticeship programs. Previous Next

HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory < Back March 22, 2023 Two Bills Advance to Boost Colorado’s Workforce, Save People Money on Degree Programs HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory DENVER, CO – Two bills to help Coloradans get connected to in-demand careers and boost Colorado’s workforce passed committee today. HB23-1246, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would break down financial barriers for aspiring professionals to enter new, high-demand careers through a zero-cost credentials program. SB23-146, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Regina English, would update the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for apprenticeships. “Zero-cost credentials save Coloradans money, help critical industries meet workforce demands and offer Coloradans the training and education they need to succeed,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB22-1246. “Whether you’re an aspiring early childhood educator, nurse or firefighter, our bill breaks down financial barriers to entering these and many other in-demand fields so Coloradans can get a jumpstart on the career of their dreams. New, free pathways help us build strong talent pipelines and connect Coloradans to careers that allow them to live and serve in their communities.” Zero-Cost Credentials for Aspiring Professionals: HB23-1246 passed the House Education Committee unanimously. This bill would invest $45 million over the span of two years and pave the way for aspiring professionals in high-demand fields to receive free training toward associate degrees and industry certificates in eligible industries. Eligible industries would include elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management, short-term nursing programs, and construction trades. For programs that are already zero cost to students, such as Registered Apprenticeship Programs, funding will be provided to cover the costs associated with the training, like instructor time and instructional materials. The funding to assist Registered Apprenticeship Programs in HB23-1246 is projected to train more than 3,000 students in the construction trades. HB23-1246 builds off our success in the Care Forward Colorado Program to cover the costs associated with reskilling and upskilling, such as tuition, books, and additional instructional training, and expands the number of eligible career fields to include six foundational areas of the workforce. Since its launch in 2022, the Care Forward Colorado Program has successfully trained approximately 1,500 students as certified nursing assistants, emergency services professionals and other high-demand health care careers. “In Colorado, there are many high-demand industries looking for qualified workers,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB23-146. “This legislation works to improve the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so we can help our critical industries meet their hiring demands and get Coloradans connected to a career they can be proud of. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experiences in the field, and our bill makes finding a path to a new career easier.” “Many of Colorado’s critical industries are facing workforce shortages, and we're doing everything we can to streamline qualified individuals into open careers,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of SB23-146. “We’re taking steps to not only improve Colorado’s workforce shortage but also ease the transition for Coloradans seeking new, in-demand careers. Our bill modernizes the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so Coloradans can spend less time searching for the career of their dreams and more time in the field.” Updating the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory: SB23-146 passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to collect and make publicly available more useful information on apprenticeship programs, including each program's registration information and credentials that a worker may earn or become eligible for through the apprenticeship. The Colorado Apprenticeship Directory provides a comprehensive, searchable list of registered apprenticeship program sponsors that operate in Colorado. This bill aims to update the online directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for registered apprenticeship opportunities in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back January 14, 2019 BENAVIDEZ ELECTED HOUSE CO-WHIP (Jan.14) – Following the recent vacancy from Sen. Jeff Bridges who also served as House co-whip, an election was held today to elect a new co-whip for the House Democrats. Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County, was unanimously elected by her Democratic House colleagues to serve as co-whip alongside Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver. “I’d like to thank my colleagues for their support and I look forward to working with co-whip Rep. Coleman on behalf of the members of the Democratic caucus,” said Rep. Benavidez. “We are focused on lowering the cost of health care, investing in education and expanding opportunity for people across our state.” Rep. Benavidez serves on the House Judiciary and Finance committee. Rep. Adrienne Benavidez represents House District 32, which includes Commerce City and parts of unincorporated Adams County. This is her second term serving in the state legislature. Previous Next

< Back April 16, 2019 HOUSE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BIPARTISAN PROPOSAL TO BETTER FUND SCHOOLS, TRANSPORTATION & HIGHER-ED The bipartisan proposal would go to the 2019 ballot (Apr. 16) – The House approved a bipartisan proposal by Speaker KC Becker and Rep. Julie McCluskie to better fund public schools, higher education and transportation. Colorado has one of the best economies in the country but the arbitrary TABOR cap severely restricts the state budget, preventing the investment of revenue already generated from growth in the economy. The cap also limits Colorado’s ability to invest in basic functions of government. As a result, Colorado’s investment in public schools, higher education, and transportation and infrastructure consistently rank at the bottom of the nation. “Colorado’s state budget should be able to grow with the economy so we can make important investments in our future,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “It’s commonsense to simply ask voters whether the state can keep and spend the money collects in taxes and that’s what we’re proposing. We are not investing enough in K-12, higher-ed and transportation. This bipartisan proposal won’t solve all our problems but it will help protect our way of life.” “When times are good, we have a responsibility to invest in the things we care about most – public schools, higher education, and transportation. This is about giving voters a say in protecting our Colorado way of life,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. Witness after witness testified in support of the bills at an April 1st House Finance committee hearing. This effort is supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition. Click here to see the current list of supporters. Colorado’s TABOR amendment restricts the amount of revenue all levels of government (state, local and schools) can retain, preventing the state from benefiting from economic growth and making critical investments. All but four of the 178 school districts in Colorado have obtained voter approval to retain and spend excess revenue. Of the state’s 272 municipalities, 230 municipalities have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all or a portion of excess revenue collected. Of the state’s 64 counties, 51 counties have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all excess revenue. The state has not yet followed suit, having only temporarily suspended the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) limit because of budget constraints through the voter-approved Referendum C in 2005. In the last 27 years since TABOR was voted into Colorado’s Constitution, our state population has increased 50 percent – more than 2.3 million additional people live in our state in 2019 than in 1992. For decades, Colorado has not been able to keep up with the demands of growth because of the outdated fiscal restraints imposed on the state by TABOR. There is a $9 billion project backlog at the Colorado Department of Transportation. Investing in our state’s infrastructure and transportation system is critical for economic development, especially in rural Colorado. HB19-1257 refers a measure to the Fall 2019 statewide ballot asking voters to authorize the state to annually retain and spend all state revenues in excess of the TABOR cap. HB19-1258, a companion bill, contingent on voters approving the referred measure. It splits up the revenue retained due to the measure to be spent 1⁄3 each on public schools; higher education; and roads, bridges and transit. At a news conference when the bill was introduced in March, Speaker Becker read a statement from Gov. Jared Polis about the measures: “Governor Polis supports allowing the state to keep the tax revenue it already collects. This common sense policy does not alter the right of citizens to vote on taxes but allows Colorado to keep pace with a growing economy. The governor is engaging bipartisan civic leaders across the state because he believes broad bipartisan support is essential to win in November.” HB19-1257 was approved by a vote of 41-23 and HB19-1258 was approved by a vote of 41-23. Both measures now head to the Senate. Previous Next

Representative Brianna Titone will participate today in a White House event on state actions to protect reproductive health care rights. < Back June 15, 2023 Titone Attends White House Event on Reproductive Rights WASHINGTON DC - Representative Brianna Titone will participate today in a White House event on state actions to protect reproductive health care rights. “Colorado is leading the way as a safe haven for Americans that live in neighboring red states and need access to reproductive health care, including abortion and gender-affirming care,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “While some states have passed dangerous anti-abortion and anti-trans legislation, Colorado passed legislation I sponsored that protects Americans from being prosecuted for traveling here to receive abortion or gender-affirming care. We’ve also passed new laws to crack down on deceptive advertising of abortion services and make reproductive health care more accessible. In a post-Roe America, people are relying on state legislatures to protect reproductive freedom, and Colorado is demonstrating exactly what states should do across the country.” The White House hosted over 80 state legislators, including Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Representative Brianna Titone, ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision that made abortion rights a state-level issue. The legislators came from 41 states to discuss legislation that protects and expands access to abortion care following state-level attacks on reproductive rights after the Dobbs decision. In the 2023 legislative session, Colorado Democrats passed three laws that ensure abortion and gender-affirming care are accessible to both Coloradans and those who travel to Colorado to receive the care they need. SB23-188 , sponsored by Representative Brianna Titone, prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected reproductive health care that are without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. SB23-189 works to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion, by limiting surprise medical billing and removes patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment. The last law in the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package is SB23-190 . This new law makes it a deceptive trade practice to share information or advertise for abortion care, emergency contraceptives or referrals of either of these services when the service is not actually provided. This law also clarifies it is a deceptive practice to advertise providing a “medication abortion reversal”. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists describes “medication abortion reversal” as “unproven and unethical,” and says that “claims regarding abortion ‘reversal’ treatment are not based on science and do not meet clinical standards'' of care. Previous Next

Legislation would refer a constitutional amendment to voters on the November 2024 ballot to remove bail eligibility for people accused of first-degree murder < Back March 4, 2024 Removing Bail Eligibility for First-Degree Murder Cases Passes House Legislation would refer a constitutional amendment to voters on the November 2024 ballot to remove bail eligibility for people accused of first-degree murder DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran to refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to make first-degree murder defendants ineligible for bail. “Without this constitutional amendment, people who commit first-degree murder will continue to be eligible for bail,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HCR24-1002 and HB24-1225. “Victims and their families deserve justice, and removing the possibility of bail for defendants with strong evidence against them is crucial in keeping Colorado communities safe. With the passage of these bills in the House, Coloradans are one step closer to voting on whether to remove bail eligibility for first-degree murder cases.” In 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in People v. Smith that defendants of capital offenses are eligible to be released on bail per language in Colorado statute. HCR24-1002 , also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, would refer a constitutional amendment to Colorado voters on the November 2024 ballot to exempt the right to bail for first-degree murder cases when the proof is evident or the presumption is great. Voters would have to approve the constitutional amendment by at least 55 percent for it to be adopted into the Colorado Constitution. HCR24-1002 passed by a vote of 59-5. HB24-1225 , also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, would make the conforming changes in Colorado statute if the voters adopt the constitutional amendment, exempting defendants who are charged with first-degree murder from bail eligibility when the proof is evident or presumption is great. HB24-1225 also aligns jury procedures for first-degree murder cases with other capital cases to allow 10 peremptory challenges during jury selection for the first defendant and an additional three for every defendant after. The bill, which also passed by a vote of 59-5, is contingent on the adoption of a state constitutional amendment created by HCR24-1002. Previous Next

< Back June 12, 2020 SECURE SAVINGS PASSES THE HOUSE! DENVER, CO – The House today passed Speaker KC Becker and Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp’s bill to tackle Colorado’s growing retirement savings crisis. The bill would make it easier for hardworking Coloradans to invest in their futures and take their retirement savings with them when they change jobs, or if they work multiple jobs. The bill passed by a vote of 41-24. “This bill will give small businesses the option of providing a retirement savings program to their employees without breaking the bank,” said Rep. Kraft Tharp, D-Arvada. “I’m proud of the work we did to come up with a modern, pro-worker, pro-business solution to the retirement crisis facing our state.” “Our country is barreling towards a retirement crisis, and it’s up to us to ensure hardworking Coloradans have the tools they need to save for their future,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “The Secure Savings program will benefit our state’s small businesses and hardworking Coloradans alike. Today we voted to create a modern, flexible retirement savings system to reflect Colorado’s 21st century economy.” Currently, nearly half of Coloradans in the private sector aged 25 to 64 don’t have retirement plans at work . SB20-200 would create a state-facilitated retirement savings program to be managed by private firms chosen through a competitive solicitation process. This program would give workers the ability to invest through pooled, professionally managed accounts with low fees to save a portion of their wages through automatic payroll deductions. There is also an opt-out provision for workers who already have a retirement plan of their own or who are not in a position to deduct a portion of their wages. This system would give small businesses the opportunity to provide their employees access to a retirement savings program at a low cost to the business. It would also allow hardworking Coloradans to move from job to job or work multiple jobs and contribute to the same account. Previous Next

< Back February 11, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES VALDEZ BILL TO IMPLEMENT SAFE PRODUCE SAFETY STANDARDS (Feb. 11) — A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara, that would provide the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) the authority to monitor the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption passed the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee today. “This bill is so important for our farmers, our ranchers, and our next generation of producers,” said Rep. Valdez. “It is vital that we continue knowing where our food comes from.” Currently, food is inspected by the federal government under the Food Safety Modernization Act. HB19-1114 will bring the food inspection to the CDA Produce Safety Program once the federal program expires in two years. CDA wants to take over food inspections because they will have a better understanding of Colorado and the needs of Colorado farmers and consumers. After hearing testimony in support from farmers the bill will directly impact, HB19-1114 unanimously passed the committee 11-0 and now heads to House floor. Previous Next

< Back March 24, 2022 SPEAKER GARNETT, GOVERNOR POLIS, COOKE, PETTERSEN, LYNCH, DAS, AND PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS UNVEIL BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO PREVENT FENTANYL DEATHS AND SAVE LIVES DENVER, CO – Speaker Alec Garnett, Governor Jared Polis, Senators Brittany Pettersen and John Cooke, Representative Mike Lynch, Colorado district attorneys, public health experts and state lawmakers today unveiled comprehensive bipartisan legislation to combat the fentanyl crisis, remove fentanyl from Colorado communities and save lives. “We are taking bold, comprehensive action to get fentanyl off our streets and save lives,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Working with Colorado’s district attorneys and public health experts, we’ve crafted a proposal that will crack down on the dealers peddling death in our communities and provide treatment options to individuals who need help. By focusing on the root causes of overdoses and going after dealers, this solution will stem the tide of fentanyl deaths in Colorado and protect our communities from this dangerous drug.” “We are acting now to make Colorado neighborhoods and communities safer and we welcome the legislature’s action to save lives and address the dangers of fentanyl. The introduced bipartisan legislation, crafted in partnership with legislative leadership, law enforcement, district attorneys, and public health experts provides a better comprehensive solution that will save lives and improve public safety,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Sheriffs and law enforcement need new tools to hold dealers accountable for distributing deadly fentanyl, and we’re going to give them what they need,” said Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley. “This bill treats fentanyl seriously and significantly strengthens the criminal penalties for dealing it. Going after the dealers will crack down on fentanyl and prevent more people from dying.” "All over the state, Coloradans are struggling with substance use disorder, our kids are accidentally overdosing on pills, and families are trying as hard as they can to cope and keep on going. This is a heart-wrenching crisis that has traumatized families, destroyed lives and impacted entire communities, an epidemic that requires a thoughtful, forward-thinking and empathetic response,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, chair of the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “That’s why I spent the last several months working with behavioral health experts, law enforcement, community leaders and others on the Behavioral Health Task Force to help develop the evidence-based policy solutions presented in this bill. This legislation represents an important step forward to combat this crisis so we can get fentanyl off our streets, help people access care they need, and most importantly save lives.” “I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will crack down on dealers of fentanyl and support our law enforcement as they work to stop these drugs from being sold on our streets,” said Rep. Mike Lynch, R-Wellington. “ We’ve come together with a bipartisan solution because fentanyl doesn't care if you’re a Democrat or a Republican. This bill is going to prevent overdose deaths and hold dealers accountable when they spread death in our communities.” Fentanyl is a drug unlike any other in its potency, lethality and addictiveness, and people across the country are dying from it at alarming rates. A comprehensive approach including both proven public health solutions and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers will save lives and get fentanyl off Colorado streets. This response was crafted in partnership with law enforcement, district attorneys and public health experts. The bill will strengthen criminal penalties for individuals distributing fentanyl to get dangerous dealers off Colorado streets. In line with other models for substance use convictions, the bill will also integrate mandatory SUD assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing to ensure people get the treatment they need. The bill focuses on compound fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with other drugs, and will provide law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers while providing treatment options to individuals with an SUD. Individuals who are dealing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl and it leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties. “I’m proud of the work of Speaker Garnett and Colorado’s district attorneys to craft this new approach that will crack down on fentanyl dealers, remove this deadly drug from our communities and save lives,” said Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein. “This crisis demands the comprehensive response we’ve developed, which will provide prosecutors with the tools needed to put dealers in prison and protect our communities. Through this legislation, we will be able to respond aggressively to dealers taking lives when distributing this deadly drug.” The bill gives law enforcement tools to require treatment for individuals with a substance use disorder. Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and required to complete an education program developed by the Office of Behavioral Health in CDPHE. Individuals assessed to have a substance use disorder will have to complete mandatory treatment. This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will address the root causes and keep people alive. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves from this more deadly drug. The legislation directs $29 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement recommendations from the Behavioral Health Task Force on effective harm reduction strategies and increased access to substance use disorder treatment in the criminal justice system. “Fentanyl is finding its way into nearly every street drug in Colorado, so we are taking a multi-pronged approach that focuses on public safety and public health,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “The public health strategy emphasizes education, treating addiction, and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves and others. We will increase penalties for drug dealers and deploy proven harm reduction strategies to save lives, help cut off the supply of fentanyl and get people the help they need without turning addicts into felons.” While public awareness of fentanyl has risen, education campaigns that promote effective overdose prevention tools will save lives. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will develop, implement and maintain an ongoing statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that no amount of fentanyl is safe. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl. The proposal makes opiate antagonists more widespread, which will help save lives by preventing overdoses. “I am extremely supportive of, and grateful for, the bipartisan bill offered today to combat the fentanyl scourge that has plagued our communities,” said 19th Judicial District Attorney Michael Rourke. “This bill addresses both of the top priorities of Colorado’s prosecutors: increasing the penalties for the possession with intent to distribute, manufacture, dispense or sell this poison in our communities, and holding accountable those who peddle this poison when such conduct results in the death of our fellow citizens.” “Throughout Colorado and across the nation, there have been many tragic deaths and countless lives ruined due to fentanyl,” said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty. “We need greater penalties for those who seek to profit from this crisis by intending to distribute or selling fentanyl -- especially for those that lead to a death. Individuals who are poisoned by fentanyl deserve justice and this bill is a positive step forward. And, for those struggling with addiction, this proposal would provide resources and treatment that is long overdue in the State of Colorado. This crisis requires a comprehensive response and that’s what we see in this bill.” “This bill is a crucial step forward in holding accountable those who distribute fentanyl in our community,” said 17th Judicial District Attorney Brian Mason. “Fentanyl is killing our kids. Drug distributors are selling this poison to unsuspecting buyers, leading to tragedy and death. This bill will give us important new tools to prosecute those who are selling this drug and will help us get more fentanyl off the streets.” "In my more than 30 years in law enforcement, I've never seen a drug with such devastating consequences as illicit fentanyl. Too many Coloradans are dying from illegal use of this potent drug, and too many families are being changed forever. Every step we can take to reduce the presence of fentanyl on our streets is a step in the right direction,” said Stan Hilkey, CDPS Executive Director. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO ADDRESS OPIOID CRISIS House Democrats have long been working on solutions to the opioid the opioid crisis (May 2) – The House approved Rep. Bri Buentello and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s bill to require certain health care providers who have prescriptive authority to complete substance use disorder training as part of their continuing education and prohibits a physician or physician assistant from accepting any direct or indirect benefits for prescribing a specific medication. “This is an important bill that will help us address the opioid crisis that is devastating parts of Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “ This bill will help our neighbors, our friends and any Coloradan who is struggling with addiction get the treatment they need.” SB19-228 requires a prescription for an opioid for outpatient use to bear a warning label; creates several grant programs to improve public awareness of the dangers of substance use disorders and improves youth treatment and pre-and-postnatal care for women. In addition, the bill introduces several other measures aimed at substance use disorder prevention. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont. “This bill will ensure local community agencies and medical professionals can help divert Coloradans from addiction before it starts.” The bill was approved on a bipartisan vote of 43-20. The bill goes back to the Senate for approval of amendments. Previous Next

< Back March 21, 2019 JBC JOINT RELEASE: DEMOCRATS WORKING TO DELIVER FOR COLORADO (Mar. 21) – The Joint Budget Committee completed negotiations on the budget recently and approved the “Long Bill” package for introduction. Democrats are focused on responsibly managing tax-payer dollars while taking care of the priorities of the entire state. Democratic members of the committee released the following statements: “I am confident that this budget will enable us to address the needs of Coloradans across this great state in a fiscally responsible manner,” said JBC Chair Senator Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “We won Democratic majorities because we had a strong, clear vision for solutions to issues like rising healthcare costs and a lack of education and transportation funding. I am confident that this budget will enable us to make necessary investments to help hardworking Colorado families while also protecting our state’s long-term finances.” “I’m proud of the bipartisan and responsible budget we are putting forward that addresses our state’s most pressing needs and reflects the values of all Coloradans, ” said JBC Vice-Chair Representative Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Families and individuals in Southern Colorado will be better served by the responsible investments we are making in health care, transportation and other priorities by having more access to full-day kindergarten.” Several highlights of the budget package completed today are: Increases K-12 education funding by $335.9 million, including an additional $77 million buy-down of the budget stabilization factor and a $185 million set-aside for a bill that would begin to implement full-day Kindergarten Invests in higher education to keep tuition flat for students Frees up preschool slots for Colorado’s youngest learners Increases funding towards the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities waitlist so more people can access the services they need Invests an additional $30 million General Fund in transportation, on top of $200 million already budgeted this year for transportation Adds $10 million for implementation of the Colorado Water Plan Adds $1 million for family planning services Makes critical investments in mental health care services “We were able to balance many competing priorities because of the JBC’s commitment to writing this budget in a bipartisan and fiscally responsible way,” said Senator Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “These decisions were difficult, but I believe that we have drafted a budget that will address many of our state’s biggest needs and ultimately improve the lives of Coloradans in every corner of our state.” “In the face of needless trade wars, a poorly targeted federal tax change and uncertainty from Washington, we are still able to put forward a budget that is responsible and works for all ,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This an historic opportunity for all of us here in Colorado to put more kids on the path to receiving a strong education and I’m happy we have a found a way to invest in Colorado’s students and education that carefully manages tax payer dollars.” The Joint Budget Committee staff will complete drafting on the Long Bill package that was approved today, and the package will be introduced in the Senate for consideration next week. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to waive Colorado's state park entry entry fees for Ute tribe members. < Back February 24, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Provide Free State Park Entry to Ute Tribes Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to waive Colorado's state park entry entry fees for Ute tribe members. “The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe were the original stewards of the land in our state parks long before Colorado was a state – this bill ensures Ute Tribal members can enter state parks for free,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “Ute tradition, oral history and stewardship of these lands date back to time immemorial. From Mancos State Park in Southwest Colorado, to Staunton State Park in the foothills, this bill supports ancestral land reconnection for the oldest continuous residents of our state.” HB25-1163 passed committee by a vote of 13-0, and is also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction. This bill would waive the entrance fee to all of Colorado’s state parks for enrolled Tribal members of The Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. There are 43 state parks in Colorado located in communities across the state. This bill aims to formally recognize the profound cultural and spiritual connections Ute Tribal members have to the land. HB25-1163 will reduce barriers to accessing outdoor space while modifying governmental systems which have historically excluded Indigenous people. The bill is supported by Ute Tribal Leaders, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources. Previous Next