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< Back August 11, 2020 GOVERNOR POLIS, STATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP CALL ON U.S. SENATE TO TAKE REAL ACTION IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC DENVER – Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado’s legislative leadership today called on the U.S. Senate to pass a real relief package that provides support to Colorado schools and state and local governments and extends unemployment insurance for Coloradans in response to the challenges created by the COVID-19 global pandemic. “Hardworking Colorado families need real relief and our schools and local governments need additional resources to effectively respond to the unique challenges of this pandemic. Without new federal support, our economy and small businesses will continue to teeter on the edge of a cliff,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We appreciate the collaborative, bipartisan efforts our federal delegation has taken to this point and urge the Senate to move quickly on a real relief package.” The country is facing mounting challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. House approved a COVID-19 relief package weeks ago but the U.S. Senate is currently on recess for the next few weeks. “Congress must quickly approve a meaningful coronavirus relief package, as thousands of hardworking Coloradans agonize over their economic security and wonder how they will make ends meet,” said House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Without additional aid to states and local governments, an extension of unemployment assistance, and support for our schools, Colorado will be forced to reduce services for those who need them the most, school districts will face crippling budget shortfalls, and hardworking families will be left behind.” “Colorado has no time to waste–-we need Congress to pass a robust COVID relief package as soon as possible,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “The Federal support that our state has received so far has made an enormous difference in the lives of teachers, students, and everyday Coloradans dealing with the fallout of this pandemic. But it has not been enough. Today we’re calling on Congress to deliver a relief package that includes significant direct aid to state and local governments, robust education funding, and an extension of the unemployment benefits that have kept many Colorado families afloat over the past few months.” “Playing power games with people’s lives is unacceptable,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “The US House passed a bill to help working families, schools, and small businesses months ago, but this critical legislation has been completely stonewalled. Now, everyday that goes by more and more people and institutions are at risk of collapse. We need true, selfless leadership that puts the wellbeing of hardworking Americans above political agendas. That means immediately boosting federal pandemic response efforts and renewing key programs like unemployment assistance. Otherwise, the consequences borne by our most vulnerable will be excruciating and potentially unrecoverable.” Last week before the Senate recessed, Gov. Polis and State Treasurer Dave Young sent a letter to Colorado’s Congressional Delegation calling on them to support a number of key areas that are critical to Coloradans, to act on a bipartisan relief package that addresses these issues instead of President Trump taking executive measures that increases pressure on state and local governments. “Untold numbers of people are facing homelessness, food insecurity, and utility shut-offs because Congress refuses to act,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “The funds already allocated have been incredibly helpful in lessening the blow for so many families, but the truth is, they are not nearly enough. Our schools are struggling, our businesses are underwater, and our residents are unable to make ends meet. State relief is the only way we will be able to survive this devastating downturn. It’s time to put politics aside and pass a comprehensive stimulus package that America needs to weather this storm.” House and Senate Democrats have repeatedly called on Congress to provide additional aid to states and local governments, including in a July 31 letter to the Colorado congressional delegation in which the caucuses also urged Washington to extend unemployment assistance, support school districts, and provide housing, utility, nutrition, and small business assistance. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law administratively to support children and youth in the foster care system who have complex behavioral health care needs. < Back June 7, 2024 ICYMI: Bipartisan Rep. Young Bill to Increase Behavioral Health Care Access for Foster Youth Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law administratively to support children and youth in the foster care system who have complex behavioral health care needs. “The need for more residential treatment centers and beds is clear, especially for our foster children and youth with complex behavioral health care needs,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Our bipartisan legislation is a product of the child welfare interim committee and works to strengthen the system of care specifically by increasing the availability of residential care and investing in more treatment beds. We’re also taking steps to reduce bed reliance by increasing treatment options for foster care youth and assuring staff have the training they need. This law works to boost Colorado’s behavioral health care resources and streamline care to our foster children and youth who need it the most.” HB24-1038 , also sponsored by Representative Brandi Bradley, R-Roxborough, outlines a new system of care designed for youth and children with complex behavioral health needs who are in foster care, or at risk of out-of-home placement. Specifically, it requires state agencies to create a care plan that includes the implementation of a standardized assessment tool, intensive-care coordination, increased supportive services and expanded access to treatment in foster care. The law aims to make it easier for youth with complex behavioral health needs to receive the care they need, when they need it. In order to meet the needs of foster youth, the law creates a training academy to develop high-quality residential child care providers who will ensure effective, safe, and responsible care. The legislation requires the state to monitor quality standards for residential child care providers at all levels of care. This law originated from the Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee , chaired by Rep. Young, and was unanimously approved by the committee in October 2023. Previous Next

< Back May 14, 2021 HISTORIC DAY FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION IN COLORADO AS HOUSE ADVANCES THREE LIFESAVING BILLS DENVER, CO– The House today advanced three bold new gun violence prevention measures, all of which will help to curb the epidemic of gun violence and save lives. Two bills, focused on expanding and improving our background check system and creating the Office of Gun Violence Prevention advanced on Second Reading, while a bill to strengthen enforcement of laws that keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers passed on Third Reading. “When Boulder was devastated by yet another mass shooting last month, my community was left reeling and asking for change,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Today, we moved to create an office dedicated to gun violence prevention, expand background checks to prevent people like the Boulder shooter from buying a firearm, and strengthened the process that prevents domestic abusers from accessing them as well. As a staunch mental health advocate, I’m also proud that we are working to pass bills to get Coloradans the support they need to address their mental health. All of these efforts will help us prevent tragedies and save lives.” “Keeping guns out of the hands of people with violent criminal pasts is a common sense way to curb the gun violence epidemic that has taken far too many lives in our state, and it’s no surprise that a majority of Coloradans support it,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Colorado is demonstrating that it is possible to take bold, substantive action to curb gun violence. I hope Congress is taking notes.” HB21-1298 , sponsored by Reps. Woodrow and Amabile, prohibits a person who has been convicted of certain violent misdemeanor offenses from purchasing a firearm for five years. These specific criminal offenses show a propensity for violence or illegal usage of a weapon and include charges like child abuse, hate crimes, cruelty to animals, sexual assault and third degree assault. The bill also closes the “Charleston loophole”, which allows an individual who may not have otherwise passed a background check to obtain a firearm if the results of said background check take longer than three days to process. This bill avoids that by creating a state requirement for a firearms dealer to receive approval from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation prior to transferring a firearm. “Today is a groundbreaking and hopeful day in the history of the Colorado House,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “In a single day, the House advanced three bills that will help us get to the root causes of gun violence and make our state a safer place to live. As we take these lifesaving steps, I’m particularly excited about the creation of the Office of Gun Violence prevention, which will ensure our gun violence prevention efforts are centralized and working as efficiently as possible.” “Coloradans have become intimately acquainted with the horrors of gun violence, whether they manifest in mass shootings, suicides, or the everyday community and domestic violence that takes loved ones from families across the state far too often,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The Office of Gun Violence Prevention will channel our efforts to promote safety and mental health resources into one place while also funding the type of innovative community-driven violence interruption programs that will help us end this public health epidemic.” HB21-1299 , sponsored by Reps. Bacon and Sullivan, establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention under the Department of Public Health and Environment. The Office would be responsible for conducting public awareness campaigns about gun violence prevention. It would educate the public about existing state resources and laws, including how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order, how to access mental health resources and how to store firearms securely. The office would also fund proven community-based violence intervention programs that are focused on interrupting cycles of gun violence through competitive grants. Finally, the Office would be tasked with promoting research and presenting gun violence prevention tools and resources that would be available to the public and to create and maintain a database of research regarding gun violence in Colorado. HB21-1255 , sponsored by Reps. Monica Duran and Matt Gray, would strengthen and streamline procedures for the relinquishment of firearms by someone who has a domestic violence-related protection order issued against them. Current law already requires domestic violence offenders who are subject to a protection order stemming from an act of domestic or intimate partner violence to forfeit their firearms and refrain from possessing or purchasing firearms for the duration of the order. This bill simply clarifies the way in which defendants must comply with this requirement, and establishes requirements for courts. The bill passed the House on Third Reading by a vote of 39-23. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 MULLICA’S BILL TO BOOST HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE WINS COMMITTEE APPROVAL Legislation invests $61 million toward education training, recruitment and retention of nurses and health care workers DENVER, CO – The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed Representative Kyle Mullica’s bill to bolster Colorado’s health care workforce. SB22-226 allocates $61 million in federal economic relief funds toward education, training, recruitment and retention of nurses and other health care workers. “I cannot stress this enough, Colorado needs more nurses and health care workers,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton . “Pandemic pressures and staffing shortages have taken their toll on our health care workers, and my bill invests more than $60 million to train and recruit more nurses. To build a healthier Colorado, we are directing funds toward getting more dedicated nurses and health care professionals into hospitals and clinics. I am proud to champion this legislation, not only for my nursing colleagues in the ER but for the millions of Coloradans who depend on our health care workers each and every day.” Boosting Health Care Workforce : SB22-226 sponsored by Representative Kyle Mulica passed the House Health & Insurance Committee by a vote of XX to XX. This bill would address the shortage of health care workers by assisting with tuition and fees to help people get into high-demand health care fields. These programs require clinical hours at health facilities, currently, a major limiting factor in how many students schools can accept. To address this, the bill would also provide funding for health care facilities to increase training slots to build long-term capacity to train new and existing employees. Additionally, the bill would create the Health Care Workforce Resilience and Retention Program in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to develop employee well-being programs and support the retention of health care workers. The bill also extends funding for the School Nurse Grant Program and invests in measures to recruit and re-re-engage health care workers who may have left the profession during the pandemic. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2021 OVERDOSE PREVENTION BILL PASSES HOUSE Bipartisan proposal to ensure Coloradans suffering from opioid addictions have access to lifesaving drugs passes Third Reading DENVER, CO– The House today passed Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan bill to make lifesaving overdose reversal drugs more widely available to individuals filling high dosage opioid prescriptions. The bill passed by a vote of 48-15. “As we work to address the root causes of the opioid epidemic, we need to ensure that Coloradans have the tools and knowledge they need to avoid tragedy from striking,” said Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn. “Naloxone has the power to reverse overdoses and save lives. Today we voted to ensure that the Colordans who are most likely to need it can more easily access it.” SB21-011 would require pharmacists to offer an opioid antagonist, such as Naloxone or Naltrexone, when filling a high-dose opioid prescription or an opioid prescription alongside another medication that could place the patient at risk of an overdose. This will ensure that people have life-saving medicine on hand in case of an overdose or when experiencing symptoms of an opioid addiction. The bill would also ensure that patients have the information they need to protect themselves and stay safe. Previous Next

< Back March 30, 2021 BIPARTISAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILL BOUNDS FORWARD Committee advances Rep. Mary Young’s proposal to create a comprehensive behavioral health crisis response training DENVER, CO– The House Public Health and Insurance Committee today advanced Representative Mary Young’s bipartisan proposal to develop a comprehensive care coordination and treatment training model for people who work with persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. The bill passed unanimously “Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities face enormous obstacles accessing the unique behavioral health care they need,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Far too often, people with disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health needs end up in mental health institutions, emergency rooms, and even prisons because of the lack of adequate care. Our bill will ensure that providers across the state are aptly trained in crisis response and comprehensive behavioral health care treatment for this population. Conducting the training remotely and prioritizing underserved areas will ensure that we provide training where it’s needed most.” HB21-1166 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will (R-Garfield County), would require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to locate and contract a vendor to provide virtual training on a comprehensive care coordination and treatment model for professionals who work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health needs. Once the vendor is secured and the training is set up, the bill would require behavioral health service providers including case management agencies, mental health centers, and other approved service agencies to nominate one provider to be trained in the model. Up to 20 providers may be selected for training on a regional basis, and an additional 10 providers from underserved areas will be selected by HCPF with coordination from case management agencies. Previous Next

< Back June 28, 2021 SIGNED! $75M FOR BROADBAND DENVER, CO– Governor Polis today signed legislation that will invest $75 million of federal stimulus funds to increase access to broadband in Colorado. “Broadband has never before been more important for commerce, education and daily life, but too many Coloradans don’t have high speed internet,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Today, we are making a historic investment to bring broadband to communities, businesses, schools and homes across Colorado. This funding will boost businesses, create jobs, grow our economy and connect more Coloradans to broadband.” HB21-1289 , sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Mark Baisley, R-Roxborough Park, codifies the Colorado Broadband Office to help coordinate the planning of broadband deployment throughout the state and creates different grant programs to support infrastructure development. It provides $75M to increase internet access across Colorado through the deployment of devices, and the development of middle and last mile infrastructure to support services that have become a necessity during the pandemic, like telehealth. The bill specifically includes $20M for broadband deployment by the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Tribes. Previous Next

Two bipartisan bills to manage and mitigate impacts of gray wolf reintroduction pass committee < Back April 25, 2023 McCluskie, Lukens Bipartisan Wolf Mitigation Bills Pass in House Committee Two bipartisan bills to manage and mitigate impacts of gray wolf reintroduction pass committee DENVER, CO - The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed two bipartisan bills sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Meghan Lukens to mitigate the impacts of Wolf reintroduction and support Western Slope ranchers. “Voters approved Proposition 114 with the commitment to compensate livestock owners who lose livestock or working animals to wolves,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB23-255. “This bipartisan bill will help us fulfill that promise to compensate ranchers and farmers who suffer damages from gray wolf reintroduction. I’m working hard to pass this bill because our communities are looking to state lawmakers to ensure the reintroduction of wolves succeeds in meeting the will of voters, but does not hurt our local economies or damage livestock or working animals.” SB23-255 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, passed by a vote of 12 to 1. It would ensure Colorado Parks and Wildlife has adequate resources to mitigate wolf conflict and fairly compensate livestock owners for their losses. Under the bill, the “Wolf Compensation Fund” would be created within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to compensate livestock owners who suffer the loss or injury of their animals from wolf predation. The bill strengthens a core commitment of Proposition 114 by ensuring money is available for livestock owners to be compensated for any losses. “Our bill is part of a bipartisan Western Slope effort to respond to the reintroduction of gray wolves and the impacts of this policy on our communities,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of SB2-256 . “This bill gives us options for how we manage the reintroduction of wolves, specifically the 10(j) rule of the Endangered Species Act, to prevent harmful outcomes for ranchers and the Western Slope way of life. I’m proud to bring this legislation to help provide solutions for our rural communities.” SB23-256 is a bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, that would ensure that prior to the reintroduction of wolves, a 10J Rule has been granted to Colorado from the U.S. Department of Interior. When the gray wolf was listed as an endangered species in February 2022, proper management tools for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Colorado livestock owners were restricted. A 10J Rule would allow the state to manage wolves in cooperation with the USFWS as an “experimental population” with more flexibility than typically afforded to listed species. It would permit ranchers and property owners to utilize lethal action as a method of last resort if their livestock or working animals are in immediate danger. CPW is already in the process of requesting a 10J Rule from the federal government with hopes of its approval by December 2023. This bill works to ensure there are proper tools and resources available to manage gray wolves before their reintroduction. SB23-256 passed by a vote of 11 to 2. SB23-255 and SB23-256 are accompanied by HB23-1265 in a bipartisan package of bills to reduce the negative impacts of wolf interaction for farms, ranches, and communities. Previous Next

Five new laws to improve access and reduce the cost of prescription drugs go into effect August 7 < Back August 3, 2023 New Bipartisan Laws Save Coloradans Money on Prescription Drugs Five new laws to improve access and reduce the cost of prescription drugs go into effect August 7 DENVER, CO - On August 7, five laws to save Coloradans money on prescription drugs go into effect. The new laws create pharmacy dispensing machines, allow psychologists to prescribe certain mental health medications, expand access to contraception, improve oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers to reduce prescription drug costs, and expand the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to lower out-of-pocket costs. “Transportation, work hours, and other barriers often make it difficult to access prescription medication due to typical pharmacy hours,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB23-1195. “With the implementation of our new law, Coloradans will be able to access their essential medication through pharmacist-monitored dispensing machines on a timeline that works for their busy schedule.” “Coloradans who depend on prescription medications can’t always make it to a pharmacy to pick up their drugs during business hours,” said Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB23-1195 . “This new law will make it easier for Coloradans to get medications they need by removing unnecessary roadblocks and will help more people access their prescriptions without compromising important pharmaceutical safeguards.” HB23-1195 , also sponsored by Republican Representative Matt Soper and Republican Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, allows pharmacies to operate automated prescription dispensing machines so patients can access their medication outside of regular pharmacy business hours. The machines would only be placed in pharmacy-licensed locations and would be live monitored to prevent theft. The medication would be stocked in the machine and patients would be able to discuss the prescription with a live remote pharmacist. “When someone is in a mental health crisis, they need to be able to quickly access remedies that protect themselves from harm, but getting a doctor’s appointment can often take weeks,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1071. “By allowing psychologists to undergo additional training to be able to prescribe certain mental health medications, we’re reducing costs for patients and helping them get the care they need when they need it.” “Across the state, we are seeing a prolonged mental health crisis, particularly among our youth," said President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1071. “Every day, Coloradans battling mental health struggles face prohibitively long wait times to receive help and a lack of providers who can prescribe them with medication they need, only worsening our crisis. Expanding prescriptive authority to specially trained psychologists will help Coloradans access the life-saving medications that they need on a timeline that makes sense.” HB23-1071 , also sponsored by Republican Representative Mary Bradfield and Republican Senator Cleave Simpson, establishes rigorous standards and education requirements that a psychologist must undertake before being able to prescribe medication to treat mental health illnesses. Starting August 7, psychologists can begin the process to obtain their required education, training, and certificates in order to begin prescribing certain mental health medications. Currently, if medication is part of the patient’s care plan, the patient must meet with a doctor or psychiatrist to have the prescription issued. Patients often struggle to find an available psychiatrist within their insurance network and few of only 800 psychiatrists across Colorado accept Medicaid, forcing patients to choose between large out-of-pocket costs or waiting months for the medication they need. Allowing psychologists limited prescribing authority to provide immediate access to medication can save the patient time and money. Psychologists work closely with their patients to determine how to best address their mental health needs. When patients meet with a doctor or psychiatrist, it’s often their first time discussing their mental health issues and telehealth appointments can make it difficult to accurately assess the patient’s condition. Allowing licensed psychologists who meet monthly or even more frequently with patients will streamline access to effective health care and lead to more appropriate care. “No one should have to ask for permission every month from their insurance company to not get pregnant,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, sponsor of SB23-284. “I spoke with a woman during the election who spends more than an hour on the phone every month just getting her birth control prescription refilled. That's absurd. Our new law protects the freedom of Coloradans to make health care choices on their own timeline.” “Whether folks live in rural areas or work odd hours, trips to the pharmacy can be inconvenient and difficult to make,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB23-284. “With SB23-284, we’re tightening up restrictions so insurance companies and PBMs can’t skirt our laws, ensuring patients can access 12 months of birth control. This new law will expand and improve access to reproductive health care across Colorado.” Starting on August 7, SB23-284 requires both insurance plans and Pharmacy Benefit Management firms (PBMs) to cover a year's supply of contraception, which can be dispensed at one time or in smaller amounts if requested. SB23-284 builds off HB17-1186 , a bipartisan bill that allowed Coloradans to access 12 months of birth control. However, legal loopholes have allowed insurers and PBMs to not comply with the law. SB23-284 ties up loose ends, and ensures that Coloradans can easily access a twelve-month supply of contraceptives using their medical insurance. Research shows that dispensing one to three months of birth control at a time increases the likelihood of contraceptive discontinuation and can make it harder for people to plan their pregnancies. Additionally, access to 12 months of birth control can prevent unplanned pregnancies. “Barriers to receiving medication, like contraceptives and prescription drugs, make it harder for Coloradans to receive the remedies they need to meet their health care needs,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-284 and HB23-1227. “With our new laws going into effect soon, we can save Coloradans money on prescription costs and require insurance coverage for 12 months of contraception, expanding access to effective reproductive health care.” “Our new law cracks down on players in the health care industry that are not acting in accordance with the cost-saving measures that Colorado Democrats have fought for to save you money on your medication,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, HB23-1227 . “Affordable access to medication keeps our communities healthy and thriving. We now have the tools to hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers accountable, which will improve prescription accessibility and cut down on medication costs.” Starting on August 7, HB23-1227 ensures that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) follow through on critical cost savings reforms that the legislature has passed in recent years to save consumers money. This law provides the Division of Insurance (DOI) with more direct oversight over PBMs by requiring them to register and specifying that the DOI has the ability to enforce those reforms. “As a pharmacist I know firsthand how critical it is for Coloradans to be able to afford their prescription drugs, but too many of our families are still getting squeezed by high costs of medication,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB23-1227 and HB23-1225 . “The new laws taking effect are part of a multi-year effort to save people money on prescription drugs. I’m proud to see how these essential tools will continue to keep Colorado prescription drug prices affordable and save families even more money on their life-saving medications.” “Every Coloradan deserves access to essential medication at a price they can afford,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB23-1225 . "Too many people ration their medication or skip refills because they can’t cover the cost. The implementation of HB23-1225 will help more Coloradans afford the prescriptions they rely on and put more money back into the pockets of hardworking families.” “House Bill 1225 makes important changes that will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1225. “Too many Colorado families are forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for life-saving medication, and that has to change. I’m proud to be a part of the effort to continue saving Coloradans money on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.” “The Prescription Drug Affordability Board will now be able to implement more cost-saving measures that drive down prescription drug prices to save Colorado patients money,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1225 . “I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished this session to save Coloradans money on health care, and this law is one of many steps we’ve taken to ensure that more Coloradans can access affordable, quality health care.” HB23-1225 increases the effectiveness of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to help lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans. In 2021, lawmakers passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to evaluate and place upper payment limits on the highest cost prescription drugs. The legislation implemented today will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to save people money on out of pocket prescription drug costs. It increases the limit on setting no more than 12 Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) per year in the first three years of the PDAB to 18 UPLs, and improves the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review. Previous Next

< Back April 8, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES HEROD-BECKER BILL TO PUT COLORADO KIDS ON PATH TO SUCCESS Children with college savings accounts are three times more likely to enroll in college (Apr. 8) — The House Finance committee passed a bill sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Rep. Leslie Herod that would create a new strategy to incentivize and streamline the college savings process for every child born in Colorado. “Creating college savings accounts for our kids has been highlighted as an important wealth-building tool that can tremendously help address the economic and racial barriers to building wealth in this country,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver . “If we know there is a tool that is going to help pull many of our students and families out of poverty and into higher education, why wouldn’t we try it?” Children with college savings accounts are twice as likely to expect to go to college. With HB19-1280, a program will be created to help and encourage Colorado parents to open a College Savings Account (CSA) for their children. Beginning in 2020, $100 of seed money will be contributed to the CSA if an account is opened within the first five years of the child’s life. “The College Kickstarter program will create funding for a college savings accounts for every child born in Colorado,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “This will help give Colorado’s kids a head start and help us invest in our future. Helping families and individuals save for higher-ed is a win-win for our students and our state.” Research has shown that even having $50 in a college savings account has many long-term benefits related to educational and financial success. A 2018 report found that 35 percent of US parents aren’t saving for college for their children. Kids with CSAs are three times more likely to enroll in college and four times more likely to graduate. CSAs also help reduce student loans. One study found that college graduates whose parents had a college savings account borrowed on average $3,209 less in student loans. State Treasurer Dave Young testified in support of the bill. “I’m singularly focused on the financial health of Colorado and therefore in strong support of College Savings Accounts, ” Treasurer Young said. The bill was unanimously approved by the committee and now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2020 COVID RELIEF PACKAGE ADVANCES Bills to boost small businesses, provide direct housing and utility assistance, protect workers from retaliation and prevent outrageous price gouging on essential goods passed the House on second reading DENVER, CO – The House today advanced several bills included in the Democratic package of COVID relief legislation on second reading. The bills included proposals to establish a small business recovery loan fund, prevent price gouging, provide housing and utility assistance to hardworking Coloradans, and protect against retaliation on workers who raise public health concerns . “Colorado’s small businesses and hardworking families are hurting, and we’re committed to taking the steps we need to get everyone in Colorado back on track responsibly,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB20-1413 and HB20-1412. “The small business recovery loans we approved today will go a long way towards supporting Colorado’s entrepreneurs and business owners as they bounce back from this crisis and help our economy recover. Meanwhile, we’re providing Colorado families with direct assistance to help them keep the lights on and make ends meet.” “It’s unacceptable that certain bad actors are charging exorbitant prices for necessary goods as hardworking Coloradans rebuild after the COVID-19 crisis,” said Brianna Rep. Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB20-1414. “This bill will create a pathway for the state to crack down on unfair practices and ensure Coloradans don’t face yet another hurdle on the path to recovery.” “My constituents and hardworking Coloradans across the state are worried about how they’ll be able to make ends meet and stay in their homes,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB20-1410 . “Today the House advanced a proposal that will provide these families with millions in direct housing assistance during these uncertain times.” “While COVID19 has brought enormous physical health challenges that we’re all keenly aware of, it is imperative that we also take on the behavioral health effects of this crisis,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB20-1411 . “Mental health and substance use programs need our support more than ever. I’m proud that we moved forward on this proposal to channel federal dollars towards supporting Coloradans who have felt the devastating behavioral health impacts of this pandemic.” “Public health is a collective effort, and we need workers to feel empowered to bring attention to workplace conditions that could put the health and safety of Coloradans at risk,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB20-1415 . “As we work to get Colorado back to work as safely and responsibly as possible, we want workers to know that we’ll have their backs if they choose to speak out.” HB20-1413 : Small Business Recovery Loans (Reps. Shannon Bird and Lisa Cutter, Sens. Rachel Zenzinger and Kerry Donovan) : Colorado’s small businesses are critical to our state economy and too many are struggling to pay their employees or their bills during this public health emergency. This bill establishes a small business recovery loan fund that consists of $250 million of state and private dollars for first loss capital on loans to small businesses over the next two fiscal years. This establishment of this fund will help stimulate loans to Colorado small businesses and support the state’s economic recovery and resiliency. HB20-1410 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for Housing Cash Assistance (Reps. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Tony Exum, Sens. Julie Gonzales and Rachel Zenzinger) : Housing security for both renters and homeowners during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to preserving the health and economic security of Colorado families. The bill provides $20 million in direct rental and mortgage assistance to Coloradans experiencing a financial need during these turbulent times, including $350,000 for legal aid for renters at risk of eviction. HB20-1411 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment (Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Sens. Brittany Pettersen and Rhonda Fields) : The need for behavioral health services are compounded by the challenges associated with COVID-19 and the more than half a million individuals who have filed for unemployment in Colorado. Young people have been especially impacted–teachers are reporting an increased need for mental health support for students struggling with schooling at home. The bill allocates $15 million to critical mental health programs and substance abuse treatment within the Colorado Department of Human Services and Department of Public Health and Environment. HB20-1412 : Coronavirus Relief Funds for Utilities (Reps. Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter, Sens. Tammy Story and Rachel Zenzinger) : While most utilities have implemented a moratorium on utility disconnections, the moratoriums do not address the difficulty that a household facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will have paying its utility bill once a utility’s disconnection moratorium is lifted. The bill allocates $10 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which helps low-income Coloradans who are at risk of having their service shut off. HB20-1414 : Protections Against Price Gouging (Reps. Mike Weissman and Brianna Titone, Senators Brittany Pettersen and Mike Foote) : Unfortunately, during times of emergency unscrupulous individuals sometimes try to take advantage of scarcity to raise prices on necessary goods to exorbitant levels. This bill establishes that a person engages in an unfair or unconscionable act or practice if they increase the cost of certain necessary goods or services an excessive amount, and empowers the Attorney General or local District Attorneys to enforce these consumer protections. HB20-1415 : Whistleblower Protection for Public Health Emergencies (Reps. Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, Senator Pettersen) : The vast majority of businesses are being responsible to keep people safe during this pandemic, but there are workers who have been fired simply because they raised concerns about safety procedures in their workplace. This policy protects workers who raise health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic from retaliation and requires employers to allow their workers to wear personal protective equipment, such as masks. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is charged with managing complaints. Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2019 HOUSE MOVES TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE Establishing science-based goals & taking action to meet them are critical to Colorado’s future (Apr. 15) – The House gave preliminary approval to a bill sponsored by Speaker of the House KC Becker, D-Boulder, and Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, to take meaningful action to address climate change. Acting on climate will help protect clean air and water, and spur clean energy jobs, innovation, business development, and economic growth for Colorado. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans support climate action. “We can address climate change, create clean energy jobs, reduce carbon pollution and help our economy all at once,” said Speaker Becker. “Air pollution doesn’t respect county or governmental boundaries and in Colorado we take pride in the fact that we address environmental health challenges head on. This bill sets goals to reduce carbon pollution and some utilities have already set carbon-free goals. The economic consequences of inaction are too high.” “We too frequently see the smog, and the hazy, bad air quality impacting the air we all breathe. Pollution is changing how we live our lives and threatening the things we love about Colorado,” Rep. Jackson, chair of the House Energy and Environment committee. “We’ve all heard the stories about elderly individuals who have been physically harmed because they couldn’t cool their home. Our seniors, low income people and especially communities of color are more likely to bear the impacts of climate change. Let’s preserve our Colorado way of life today.” Coloradans are already seeing the negative impacts of climate change on a daily basis: Coloradans are experiencing poor air quality affecting our health; mountain residents are seeing more frequent and destructive wildfires; increased drought is harming our farms; smaller snow packs are resulting in shorter ski seasons; and shallower rivers for fishing and rafting are threatening our thriving outdoor economy and the Colorado way of life. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans support climate action. This reasonable, science-based legislation directs the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to develop rules limiting carbon pollution, ensuring Colorado lead on climate action. HB19-1261 puts pollution reduction goals into statute to reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas pollution by 26 percent by 2025, 50 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050 of 2005 levels. The AQCC will hold an extensive stakeholder process throughout the rulemaking period. House Republicans remain in denial about the economic and moral impacts of climate change and voted the bill. A recorded vote on HB19-1261 will be taken at a later date. Previous Next