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< Back June 30, 2022 HAPPY FISCAL NEW YEAR, COLORADO! House Dems highlight critical investments to move Colorado Forward in countdown to the new fiscal year that begins July 1, 2022. DENVER, CO – House Democrats today released a countdown to the Fiscal New Year, highlighting critical investments for FY 2022-2023 in K-12 education, behavioral health and housing, and wildfire mitigation and prevention. “Happy Fiscal New Year, Colorado!,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m excited that school districts will receive nearly $550 more per student this year to improve K-12 education and that we are increasing state funding for schools that serve more at-risk and special education students. From saving people and businesses money to increasing access to behavioral health care and affordable homes, we’re making critical investments to meet the most pressing needs in our communities and protect the Colorado way of life. ” House Democrats’ Countdown to the Fiscal New Year: 10. $10 million for rural hospitals to improve health care services, increase access for rural patients, modernize health IT systems, and save people money on health care. ( SB22-200 ) 9. Nearly $900 million combined investment to save Coloradans money on housing and increase access to mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. ( Behavioral Health ; Housing ) 8 . Eight new laws that fund wildfire mitigation, response and recovery efforts in communities across Colorado and save homeowners money on wildfire mitigation. 7 . $700 million over two years for property tax relief for homeowners and businesses, helping save families money on housing and cutting costs for businesses statewide. The average homeowner will save $275 on their property taxes and many small businesses won’t see any increase at all. ( SB22-238 and SB21-293 ) 6. $600 million to save businesses money by replenishing the state Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund that provided crucial benefits to workers during the pandemic. ( SB22-234 ) 5 . $550 more on average per student in state funding for K-12 public schools. This year, Colorado Democrats took a massive – and sustainable – step towards eliminating the budget stabilization factor and fully funding public K-12 education. The 2022 School Finance Act increases funding for public education by over $430 million. ( HB22-1390 ) 4 . Four million Coloradans will receive Colorado Cashback checks later this summer – $750 for single filers, $1,500 for joint filers! ( SB22-233 ) 3 . Three percent increase in funding for health care providers to help retain and attract the health care workforce Colorado needs. ( HB22-1329 ) 2. $200 million to respond to homelessness across the state, including investments in housing and services that help people find and maintain safe and stable living situations. 1 . One balanced budget investing in critical priorities to save people money, improve public education and protect the Colorado way of life! Previous Next

< Back January 17, 2019 EDUCATION COMMITTEE CLEARS MCLACHLAN BILL TO ADDRESS TEACHER SHORTAGE Judiciary Also Approves McLachlan Sponsored Human Trafficking-related training bill (Jan. 17) – The House Education Committee approved Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to create a pilot program that provides professional development training for school principals to build strong leadership in our education system and provide better support for teachers and students. “Ensuring our educators have the leadership support they need to be at their best will ultimately help our students get the best education,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “We need to make sure teachers in our state, especially in our rural districts, stay in the classroom.” Rep. McLachlan is the chair of the House Education Committee and is a former public school teacher in Durango. HB19-1002 represents the latest effort by Colorado lawmakers to implement the state’s blueprint to reducing Colorado’s teacher shortage. It builds upon a McLachlan led bill, HB17-1003, which required the Departments of Higher Education (DHE) and Education (DOE) to put forth relevant policy recommendations to address the teacher shortage. The pilot program will provide preliminary analysis on the efficacy of providing professional leadership and development training to Colorado principals, an effort supported by strong academic and statistical research. Because it is a pilot program, lawmakers in both chambers will have the opportunity to review the pilot’s results and make a decision for how to move forward following its conclusion. “As a teacher, I think one of the best figures was my very first principal who fostered my development as a teacher, who ensured I could be the absolute best I can be,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, who is Vice-chair of the House Education Committee. “This bill is going to do a lot to make sure there are more of those types of principals.” The bill passed 11-1. It now heads to the Appropriations Committee. In other committee action today, the bipartisan HB19-1051 which is sponsored by Rep. McLachlan was approved by the Judiciary committee 11-0. The bill would require the Division of Criminal Justice to provide human trafficking training to law enforcement agencies. It now goes to the Appropriations Committee. Previous Next

Senator Dylan Roberts, Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Representative Karen McCormick, Chair of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement in response to a comment made by President Trump to purchase more Argentine beef.  < Back October 21, 2025 Roberts, McCormick Statement on Trump Administration’s Comments to Purchase More Argentine Beef DENVER, CO – Senator Dylan Roberts, Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and Representative Karen McCormick, Chair of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, today released the following statement in response to a comment made by President Trump to purchase more Argentine beef. Senator Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative McCormick, D-Longmont: “President Trump’s so-called ‘America First’ policies and his reckless trade wars are hurting Colorado’s hardworking farmers’ and ranchers’ bottom line. Trump’s latest suggestion to purchase more Argentine beef will only cause chaos and confusion in the U.S. beef markets, undercut cattle producers and do nothing to lower the cost of beef. Flooding the market with Argentine beef will harm cattlemen and women in Colorado, who have worked tirelessly to produce high-quality beef for, in some cases, generations. “Colorado has a rich history of cattle production, and we will not stand idly by while the Trump Administration continues to prioritize trade wars over Colorado farmers and ranchers. We call on President Trump to put American farmers first and allow our domestic cattle industry and rural communities to thrive.” Over the weekend, President Trump suggested the U.S. should purchase more Argentine beef to lower costs for American consumers. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics , beef prices in the U.S. have hit record highs, partially due to smaller herds, disease and tariffs. Trump’s trade wars have also affected soybean farmers. China, which was one of the largest buyers of U.S. soybeans, imported no soybeans from American farmers in September due to the high tariffs and trade tensions. The Trump Administration’s economic policies continue to raise prices for consumers. As outlined in the September economic forecast by Legislative Council Staff, tariffs paid soared to a near-century high of 8.2 percent in Q2. According to the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, cattle production is Colorado’s number one agricultural commodity , with 2.7 million head of cattle being raised by families in every county of Colorado. In total, direct and indirect impacts from this loss in beef exports are estimated to result in a loss of 265 jobs and $80 million of economic output in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES JACKSON-GALINDO BILL TO HELP RENTERS Colorado ranks among lowest when it comes to renters rights (Feb. 27) – The House Transportation and Local Government committee approved Rep. Dominique Jackson and Rep. Rochelle Galindo’s bill to allow sufficient time for tenants to make their rent payment or remedy a lease violation before getting evicted. “This bill will give people time to find the resources they need to stay in their homes, and that helps the renter as well as the landlord,” said Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora. “Rental assistance is available, but people need more time to get that assistance. Homelessness is already a problem. Let’s help keep people housed.” Current state law does not allow sufficient time for tenants to make their rent payment or remedy a minor lease violation. Right now, Coloradans can have an eviction filed against them within three days of missing a payment. Three days is not enough time to find a new place to stay, to move out, or to find pro-bono legal resources to help postpone an eviction and leads to instability and homelessness or even job loss. Forced moves or evictions have a domino effect in communities across Colorado leading to homelessness, poverty and job loss. Housing instability benefits no one and often destabilize families, children’s education and local communities. “Hardworking families and individuals struggling to get ahead are being evicted for owing as low as $40. This bill ensures a tenant has sufficient time to make their rent payment,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “ This bill will help prevent the downward spiral into poverty that is so often associated with an eviction.” Under HB19-1118, tenants will now receive 10 days to pay their rent or address a minor lease issue before an eviction is filed against them, up from three days. Having an eviction record can make it close to impossible for an individual or family to secure housing in the future. Twenty-eight states give more notice before eviction than Colorado in the case of unpaid rent and 36 states provide more notice in the case of other lease violations. The bill passed committee on a vote of 7-4 and now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back March 15, 2019 EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVES BIPARTISAN LONTINE BILL TO REDUCE SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS (Mar. 14) – The House Education committee voted in favor of Rep. Susan Lontine’s bipartisan bill to reduce preschool and early elementary out-of-school suspensions and expulsions. In Colorado and across the country, young children are being removed from pre-school and early elementary grades at alarming rates “Suspensions and expulsions disproportionately impact children of color and children with disabilities,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver. “This bill addresses a civil rights issue for our youngest learners.” Suspensions and expulsions result in the loss of valuable learning and enrichment time for Colorado’s kids. Young students, when they return to school, are often behind their classmates and more likely to be disruptive. In 2014 the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released data showing that black students are suspended and expelled at three times the rate of white students. That year, the Obama administration issued discipline guidelines aimed at reducing school suspensions of students of color. In 2018, the Trump administration and Sec. Betsy DeVos rescinded those guidelines. Suspensions and expulsions of students increase the likelihood of dropouts, academic failure and an increased likelihood of entry into the criminal justice system. The bill is aligned with national recommendations that seek to limit school removal for young children while promoting thoughtful exceptions that ensure school safety. The bill is supported by a number of stakeholders, including the Arc of Colorado, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Padres Jovenes Unidos, Colorado PTA and Colorado Education Association. HB19-1194 was approved on a bipartisan vote of 11-2 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

< Back January 6, 2023 Duran Statement on the Increase of Domestic Violence Deaths in Colorado DENVER, CO – Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statement regarding the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board’s report which revealed an increase in domestic violence deaths in 2021. Statement from Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge: “The annual report from the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board has confirmed one of my worst fears – domestic violence deaths surged in 2021 and are now at an all-time high in Colorado. “This is frightening, and I am keeping those who have lost a friend or loved one to domestic violence very close to my heart. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and communities. For a time in my life, I was not safe in my own home. I know the feeling of displacement and the struggle of navigating your next move to keep you and your children safe. “Today, and every day, I am deeply committed to ensuring Colorado’s crime victims and survivors receive the support and services they deserve. While the rise of domestic violence deaths is troubling and we have a lot to work to do, we have been able to secure multi-year funding that will enhance services for victims of crime. This year, we will make improving public safety a top priority and continue our focus on providing the services that survivors need.” In Colorado, domestic violence deaths are at an all-time high since the state began tracking this information in 2016. Majority Leader Duran, a domestic violence survivor, has spent her career at the capitol advocating for survivors' rights and services. In 2022, Majority Leader Duran spearheaded SB22-183 which invested $48 million toward providing critical resources, programs and support to victims of crime, including domestic violence. She has also sponsored bills to protect survivors of domestic violence by strengthening enforcement of requirements that certain domestic violence abusers relinquish their firearms. If you need help in Colorado, call (800) 799-7233 to be connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or visit violencefreecolorado.org . Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to save Colorado seniors money. < Back May 3, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Save Seniors Money Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to save Colorado seniors money. HB24-1142, sponsored by Representative Junie Joseph, would increase tax deductions for Coloradans ages 55 to 64. This bill passed the House by a vote of 56 to 6. “The rising cost of living has been tough on our seniors with fixed incomes or those planning to retire soon,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder . “This bipartisan bill would save seniors, aged 55 to 64, money by allowing them to deduct all federally taxed social security income on their state taxes. By increasing the cap of non-taxable social security income, we’re helping ensure our seniors are receiving more of their hard-earned benefits and have more money in their pockets. This bipartisan bill saves seniors money on taxes allowing them to afford groceries, rent or other necessities.” HB24-1142 , also sponsored by Representative Richard Holtorf, R-Akron, would save seniors money when filing their taxes. Under current law, taxpayers ages 55 to 64 may deduct up to $20,000 of pension and annuity income, which includes federally taxable social security income, when calculating their taxable income. For taxpayers 55 to 64 years of age and making $75,000 or less starting in 2025, this bill would allow all federally taxed social security income to be deductible in Colorado. Taxpayers over the age of 65 may already deduct the full amount of federally taxable social security income, or other forms of pension and annuity income up to $24,000. This bill would lower the age to ensure eligible Coloradans aged 55 to 64 can benefit from the full deduction. The current cap still applies to all other forms of pension and annuity income, and the cap may only be exceeded when social security income specifically is higher than the cap. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2021 SIGNED! BILLS TO CREATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMIN. AND PREVENT SUICIDE DEATHS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will expand access to behavioral and mental health services for Coloradans and reduce suicide deaths. “The tragedy and devastation of a suicide death or attempt is something that far too many Coloradans have endured,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “Today, we’re taking a great step forward with a comprehensive approach to reduce youth suicide deaths and ensure our communities have the resources they need in the aftermath of a suicide attempt to prevent future tragedies.” “Far too many of us have seen firsthand just how devastating and widespread the impact of a suicide can be on a community,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “This bill empowers the Suicide Prevention Commission to proactively prevent, intervene, and react to suicide in Colorado by recognizing and addressing the full scope of the problem. We are meeting the moment with the urgency it requires and I’m proud to see the bill signed into law.” HB21-1119 , which is sponsored by Representatives Daugherty and Rich and Senators Donovan and Coram, expands the Crisis and Suicide Training Grant Program to include “‘train-the-trainer” programs at public schools and funds peer-to-peer specialist programs that help students support their classmates. The bill incorporates postvention and follow-up care into the state’s comprehensive suicide prevention approach to support individuals and communities in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Importantly, CDPHE will update the department’s suicide prevention resources to include region-specific information for primary care providers on how to recognize and respond to suicidal patients, including information that can be shared with patients and information for health facilities to share upon a patient’s release. Research shows that people who have known someone who died by suicide were 1.6 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, 2.9 times more likely to have a plan for suicide themselves, and 3.7 times more likely to have attempted suicide. Suicide has become a far more common cause of death among peace officers, medical professionals, and school-aged children. Children or adolescents who know about a friend’s suicide attempt are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide themselves. “Too many Coloradans have suffered because our state has not addressed gaps in our behavioral health system that prevent people from accessing the care they need,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley. “Today, Governor Polis signed legislation to create the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, bringing about critical reforms to address gaps and access challenges in our health system to ensure that Coloradans can get the mental health care services they need. This new administration will oversee and administer behavioral health programs in Colorado, creating a more comprehensive approach to connect services with those who need them.” “Mental and behavioral health is critical to Coloradans’ wellbeing, but too often it is treated as a luxury rather than a necessity – with prohibitive costs restricting access to those who need care the most,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “HB-1097 sets the groundwork for a more connected, convenient mental health system in our state so that people can receive high-quality, professional help no matter their income level. I am incredibly proud to see this bill signed today and look forward to the difference it will make for our state.” HB21-1097 , sponsored by Representatives Young and Pelton and Senators Fields and Gardner, would create the Behavioral Health Administration to ensure that every Coloradan experiencing behavioral health needs has access to timely, high-quality services in their communities that they can afford. It tasks the Department of Human Services with creating a plan for a single state entity that would be responsible for administering and overseeing behavioral health programs in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back March 8, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES CUTTER-WEISSMAN BILL TO EXPAND DISCLOSURE OF FUNDING IN CAMPAIGNS House Republicans vote to allow mystery ads to continue flooding campaigns (Mar. 8) — A bill sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County and Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora to require expanded disclosure of funding behind campaign communications passed the House today. “I’ve had a twenty-five year career in public relations and communications, and have been a strong advocate for fair and ethical communications, ” said Rep. Cutter. “A healthy and functional democracy depends on transparency, so let’s do everything we can to ensure Colorado voters are fully informed.” The bipartisan SB19-068 would require listing the name of any person or entity that spends more than $1000 per year on electioneering communications on the communication itself, be it a television ad, mailer, or a distributed flyer. It would also increase transparency and accountability in elections by including electioneering communications that occur at any point between the primary and general election. “Voters get bombarded by political ads and mailers during elections from mystery sources, making it difficult for Democrats, Republicans and Unaffiliated voters to properly weigh the issues,” said Rep. Weissman. “Today, we took an an important step toward improving campaign disclosure laws. Coloradans deserve all the proper facts when they fill out their ballots.” The bill passed with a final vote of 39-23 with nearly every House Republican voting against it and now heads to the Governor’s desk. The bill is sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada and Sen. Jack Tate, R-Centennial. It passed the Senate with bipartisan support on a vote of 23-12. Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2022 $10 MILLION BIPARTISAN BILL TO EXPAND ACCESS TO RURAL HEALTH CARE, CREATE A HEALTHIER COLORADO INTRODUCED SB22-200 will help support rural hospitals, improve accessibility and affordability of lifesaving services DENVER, CO – General Assembly Democrats introduced bipartisan legislation to support rural hospitals and improve access to quality, affordable health care throughout rural Colorado. Sponsored by Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins), Sen. Bob Rankin (R- Carbondale), Rep. Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon), and Rep. Matt Soper (R-Delta), the legislation will create a $10 million Rural Provider Access and Affordability Stimulus Grant Program to provide grants to rural hospitals aimed at increasing access to, and improving the affordability of, the lifesaving care rural Coloradans depend upon. “Every Coloradan deserves quality and affordable health care, but that care is too often hard to come by, especially in the rural and underserved parts of our state,” Ginal said . “That’s why I’m proud to support this bill to better support Colorado’s rural hospitals and give them the tools and resources they need to reach even more patients. By increasing access and driving down costs, we can get more Coloradans the lifesaving care they need to thrive.” “This legislation will save Coloradans money on health care in rural areas by expanding access and reducing the cost of care,” McCluskie said . “By investing $10 million of our economic recovery and relief funds to bolster our rural health care infrastructure, we will save people money on health care, lower costs, improve the sustainability of rural hospitals and clinics, and increase access to critically needed health care services, including behavioral health.” “This is an incredibly important opportunity that will provide much-needed funds to our rural hospitals to ensure that all Coloradans have access to reliable medical coverage,” said Rankin. “I’m proud to be working to make sure that rural hospitals are treated as equal partners in our recovery.” SB22-200 will provide millions to improve affordability by expanding access to telehealth services, supporting coordination and referral mechanisms between providers, and enabling coordinated and shared care management between rural providers. The bill also provides millions to improve access through extended hours for primary care and behavioral health settings, dual track emergency department management, telemedicine, and the replacement of unused inpatient hospital beds with in-demand inpatient services such as long-term care, skilled nursing facility recovery days, and mental health and substance use care. According to the Colorado Rural Health Information Hub , many rural Coloradans lack access to primary care and other critical health care services such as basic surgeries, chemotherapy, and advanced imaging services which results in poorer health outcomes, higher costs and, higher acuity conditions at time of treatment. SB22-200 will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE . Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO JOIN NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE INTERSTATE COMPACT Eleven states & Washington, D.C. have already joined the compact (Feb. 12) — A bill sponsored by Rep. Jeni Arndt and Rep. Emily Sirota to enter Colorado into the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact was approved by a House committee tonight. “This idea is not new and hasn’t been a traditionally partisan issue,” said Rep. Arndt, D-Fort Collins. “Twelve battleground states receive more federal disaster aid, more revenue for education and more presidential campaign visits than other states. This bill and this change are a modernization that our founders provided for our country.” If adopted and if enough other states join the compact, the bill would ensure all of Colorado’s electors are awarded to the presidential winner of the National Popular Vote. Each state has the power to allocate their electors however they choose under Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution. “This bipartisan movement enhances our democratic values and ensures that every person’s vote has equal value,” said Rep. Sirota, D-Denver. “Coloradans shouldn’t allow a few battleground states like Florida or Ohio to be the deciders for our entire country when electing the next President of the United States.” Once enough states totalling 270 electoral votes join the popular vote compact, the agreement would go into effect. States that are considered battleground states will no longer possess that title if this compact is adopted. Rather, SB19-042 would ensure each voter has an equal voice in a presidential election. The bill does not get rid of the electoral college. The Colorado legislature approved the compact through one chamber in 2006. The National Popular Vote Compact is an agreement, supported by Americans on both sides of the aisle, and entered into already by eleven states including Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, California, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington and the District of Columbia, to award all of their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the national popular vote. Rural states are not traditional battleground states in presidential elections. The current winner-take-all method of awarding electoral votes diminishes the influence of rural states. States and entities who have joined the compact have done so through their respective legislatures. Five out of our country’s forty-five presidents have finished in second place in the popular vote but assumed the presidency. Supporters from across the country, including two former Republican presidential candidates – Tom Tancredo and Newt Gingrich – have endorsed the change to the popular vote. Colorado has led the nation on efforts to restore faith in our democracy. Voters just supported Amendments Y and Z to protect against partisan gerrymandering. Democrats at the legislature are stepping up efforts to fix our broken campaign finance system and to get mystery money out of politics to ensure every citizen’s voice is truly heard and isn’t drowned out by powerful special interests. SB19-042 passed the committee by a vote of 6-3 and now heads to House floor. The Colorado Secretary of State’s office and the members of the League of Women Voters testified in support of the bill. The bill is also sponsored in the Senate by Senator Mike Foote, D-Lafayette. Listen to Rep. Sirota and Rep. Arndt discuss the importance of the national popular vote with Majority Leader Alec Garnett here. Previous Next

HB23B-1001 will provide $30 million in additional funding to existing rental assistance programs < Back November 28, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Support Renters and Reduce Evictions Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Legislation that will boost rental assistance and prevent evictions for Coloradans was signed into law today. Sponsored by Reps. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, HB23B-1001 allocates $30 million for rental assistance through the existing Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) administered by the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), increasing the statewide assistance to a total of $65 million, which includes $35 million from previously allocated federal funds. The program will serve individuals who are residential tenants living in Colorado, have a household income less than 80 percent of Area Median Income and are at risk of eviction or displacement. “Rental assistance keeps Coloradans housed, landlords paid, and helps combat cycles of poverty, homelessness and family disruption,” said Herod. “Coloradans need help now, and I’m beyond proud of this legislation that will prevent thousands of evictions across our state. This law invests an additional $30 million in emergency rental assistance, bringing the statewide total to $65 million to keep renters housed. We’re doing more to protect our most vulnerable families as we work toward more long-term affordability solutions.” “The housing crisis is impacting us all, and we must utilize every opportunity to help out hardworking renters," said Gonzales. “We hear Coloradans loud and clear: we love our state, but the rising cost of living and housing is making it hard for working folks to get by — both for homeowners and renters. I am proud to see my bill to direct $30 million in rental assistance to keep Coloradans housed and provide responsible relief to support Coloradans who need it most get signed into law.” “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and this law will help thousands of renters avoid eviction and get back on their feet,” said Lindsay. “The need for rental assistance is clear as evictions rise in our state. This law takes action today to provide an additional $30 million total emergency rental assistance, bringing the statewide total to $65 million. More than 34-percent of those living in our state are renters, and this law steps in to provide assistance and keep Coloradans housed in the communities where they live, play and work.” “Renters in my district are struggling to keep up with the high cost of living and continual rent increases,” Buckner said. “Allocating additional funding for proven successful rental assistance programs means more Coloradans will stay housed. While we continue to work on long term solutions to lower housing costs and reduce evictions, this is a critical way we can get immediate relief directly to the families that need it most.” Evictions are on the rise in Colorado. This year alone, 43,899 evictions have been filed according to state courts and Denver County court filing data, threatening the housing of more than 100,000 people across the state. Under ERAP, tenants who apply through DOLA are then connected to a nonprofit partner within their area that can provide direct assistance. Rental assistance dollars may be used to pay for: overdue past rent, rent presently owed, up to two months of future rent, utility bills, late fees, costs associated with preventing an eviction such as court costs and reasonable attorney fees, and relocation costs like security deposits if a tenant has already been evicted. Previous Next