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The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey that would protect individuals from being financially responsible for costs associated with rental agreements due to the death of a loved one. < Back March 4, 2025 Bipartisan Bill Prevents Landlords From Going After Family Members When Someone Dies DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey that would protect individuals from being financially responsible for costs associated with rental agreements due to the death of a loved one. “I’m excited that we passed our bipartisan bill to prohibit landlords from charging family members for damages and fees for early lease terminations due to a tenant’s death,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “When someone is grieving the loss of their loved one, they shouldn’t be on the hook for covering outstanding costs associated with the deceased’s rental agreement. This legislation helps protect Coloradans by preventing landlords from collecting thousands of dollars in fees and future rent payments after the death of a family member.” HB25-1108 , known as “Letty’s Act”, would prohibit a rental agreement from requiring a person to pay for certain costs if a rental agreement is terminated due to the death of a tenant. These costs include liquidated damages, rent payments for a period that is beyond the end of the month or more than ten business days after the unit is vacated, and the landlord is provided notice, or fees, damages, or penalties associated with an early termination of the rental agreement. A 2024 CBS story reported that a family was charged over $4,000 in fees and rent after their loved one died in her apartment, claiming that the death of the tenant meant that she broke her lease early. HB25-1108, also sponsored by Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, passed by a vote of 53-9. Previous Next

< Back April 24, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO LOWER THE COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Democrats working to lower the cost of health care (Apr. 24) –Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis’ bill to reduce the price consumers pay for prescription medications passed in the House Health and Insurance committee. The bill will allow the wholesale importation of prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for resale to Colorado pharmacies. “As a pharmacist, I know there are many Coloradans who are having to choose between feeding their families or the life-saving drugs they depend on,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “We’ve seen drug price increases of nearly 500 percent that are drowning patients. The ability to import prescription drugs from Canada will help lower the cost of health care for struggling families.” Rep. Jaquez Lewis is a licensed pharmacist. As amended in the Health and Insurance Committee, SB19-005 creates the “Colorado Wholesale Importation of Prescription Drugs Act” where the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will apply for a waiver under Federal law to contract with a vendor to design and implement a program to import prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for sale to Colorado pharmacies. The program design must ensure both drug safety and cost savings for Colorado consumers. “The federal government is failing to help lower the cost of health care, this is a commonsense approach that can help Coloradans and cut the cost of medication,” Rep. Jaquez Lewis added. SB19-005 passed on a vote of 7-4. The bill now goes to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. < Back Rep. Cutter: $750 Colorado Cashback Checks coming to your pockets this August Aug 10, 2022 See more The following op-ed was published in The Jeffco Transcript. Sen. Tammy Story, Sen. Jessie Danielson & Rep. Lisa Cutter For Coloradans all across the state, the past few years have been challenging to say the least. We’ve been dealing with the ongoing unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing housing costs, environmental catastrophes right in our backyards, rising inflation, and the war in Ukraine, which has caused soaring gas prices. We are all fighting the economic uncertainty and assimilating to our new reality. Many folks are struggling to stay afloat as they try to support their families and get by on a day-to-day basis – a reality that is hitting hard-working middle class people and communities of color the hardest. Basic necessities like housing, groceries, gas, and child care continue to increase in price, adding financial and emotional strain to our hard-working neighbors and community members. We have listened to your stories and understand you need help which is why we worked hard this year to deliver urgently-needed relief into your pockets through the Colorado Cashback Plan. As early as August, every Coloradan who has filed their income taxes will receive Colorado Cashback rebate checks in the amount of $750 for individuals or $1,500 for joint filers. Rather than waiting an additional year for you to receive these funds, Colorado Democrats – for the first time in state history – proactively passed legislation to expedite the process. That means you will get support now, when it’s most needed, rather than spring 2023. At the start of this year’s legislative session, we promised to fight to make our state a more affordable and accessible place to live, and we continue to deliver on that promise. We passed legislation to save Coloradans money on housing, healthcare fees, car registration fees and starting a business. We implemented free, universal pre-k to support our families and ended the tampon and diaper tax, which will help women and families. We also passed critical measures to close corporate tax loopholes and make our tax system more equitable. In fact, because of the commitment and steadfast leadership of Democrats in the Colorado Senate and House along with our strong economic recovery, 94 percent of single filers will receive even more money through the Colorado Cashback plan than they otherwise would. That means expedited refund checks are going directly to the hard-working Coloradans that keep our state moving forward, helping to alleviate the financial pressure folks are feeling and ensure that Colorado works for all rather than a select few. Coloradans who filed their taxes by June 30, 2022, can expect to receive their Colorado Cashback check in the mail beginning this August. These expedited checks are intended to help ease some financial burden, support your families, and help pay for things like gas, groceries and rent. For any questions related to the Colorado Cashback, please refer to tax.colorado.gov/cash-back. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, don’t worry – it’s not too late! Extended filers with a deadline of October 17, 2022 will receive their refund by January 31, 2023. Make sure you have your current address on record with the Colorado Department of Revenue as the checks will be mailed to your last known address. As your state elected officials, it is our duty to respond to your needs and ensure you have what you need to support yourselves and your families. We know how challenging the last few years have been and recognize the stress many of you have endured – we’ve felt it, too. That’s why we’re excited to deliver these checks directly to your wallets. Now and always, we will work to ensure every Coloradan has what they need to thrive. Previous Next

Legislation includes a taskforce to study issues that impact Coloradans living with a disability, expansions to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and public employee protections < Back April 24, 2023 House Committee Passes Legislation to Support Coloradans with a Disability, Expand Workers Protections Legislation includes a taskforce to study issues that impact Coloradans living with a disability, expansions to the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and public employee protections DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee passed legislation to support Coloradans living with a disability and expand worker’s rights and protections. “Twenty-percent of Coloradans live with a disability, yet we’re failing to meet their right to access basic services,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “Our legislation creates a diverse taskforce that will bring forward meaningful ways we can improve basic access to housing, employment, governmental services and the outdoors for those living with a disability. Basic access is a right, not a privilege, and we’re working toward achieving basic access for each and every Coloradan.” “When it comes to participating in government, securing housing, starting a new career or getting outside to enjoy the beautiful landscapes our state has to offer, Coloradans living with a disability often face significant accessibility barriers,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1296 . “From housing to employment, our legislation creates an innovative taskforce to dig into the accessibility issues faced by the disability community and work toward solutions. Securing basic access for those living with a disability is just the beginning, and we’re committed to developing solutions that work for everyone.” HB23-1296 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Leslie Herod, passed committee unanimously. This bill would create the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force to study issues concerning Coloradans’ with disabilities. This important task force would include four different subcommittees focused on state and local government, the rewrite of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and accessibility in housing and the outdoors. This legislation aims to ensure basic civil rights of individuals with disabilities in these four key areas by providing essential research and information to make Colorado more accessible for all. 20-percent of Coloradans live with a disability and this legislation works toward protecting civil liberties and expanding basic access to housing, employment, recreation and government services. “When we passed the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act in 2019, Colorado made significant strides toward equity in the workplace, however, more must be done to ensure women are paid fairly for their work,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-105. “We’re working hard to fight inequity, and this legislation strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to further address the wage gap. This legislation combats wage discrimination that keeps our mothers, sisters, aunts and friends from earning less; if men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act is law, yet women in Colorado are still earning less than men for doing the same job, and the wage gaps between Black women and white men are staggering,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-105 . “This important legislation would require the state to investigate, take action, and follow up when wage discrimination cases are filed so we can come closer to achieving pay equity. This bill requires that job opportunities and their salaries are posted and shared with employees. Not only does this improve wage transparency, but fosters an environment for women to advocate for better, fairer wages as we build back from the pandemic to uplift communities hit the hardest. When women succeed, we all succeed, and creating stronger communities begins with equal pay for equal work.” SB23-105 , sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill would strengthen Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal Work Act to ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. Specifically, this bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to promulgate rules to further prevent wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive and the resources and staffing to back it up. This bill would also require CDLE to investigate complaints or other leads concerning wage inequality, and to address the situation if the complaint is found to be valid as well as requiring employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings. SB230-105 would also extend the maximum period for which a person pursuing a wage discrimination complaint may receive back pay to six years, doubling what is currently allowed under state law. “Plain and simple, public sector employees deserve the same workplace protections already offered to private sector employees,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, Chair of the House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee and sponsor of SB23-111. “Colorado’s public workers – firefighters, teachers, public defenders – keep our communities safe and thriving. Public workers should be allowed to discuss workplace issues, join an employee organization and participate in our political process without the fear of losing their job, and this legislation guarantees them that right.” SB23-111 , sponsored by Representative Woodrow, passed committee by a vote of 8 to 3. This bill aims to extend employee protections and rights for Coloradans working in the public sector. This legislation would give public employees the right to discuss views on employee representation or workplace issues, engage in mutual aid, participate in the political process while off duty and out of uniform and organize, join or assist in an employee organization. Private sector employees already have the concerted activity protections outlined in this legislation. SB23-111 aims to align public and private sector employee benefits to ensure every Colorado worker has equalized protections and rights. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. < Back June 2, 2025 New Law Helps Identify and Prevent the Sale of Stolen Firearms DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. “This law allows federally licensed firearm dealers to request verification that they are not buying lost or stolen weapons,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “We’re establishing a procedure and expediting serial number checks so firearm dealers have better tools to help keep our communities safe by identifying guns that have been stolen or involved in an unsolved crime.” “SB25-205 comes from concerns raised by firearm dealers in my district, and is a win for both public safety and responsible small businesses,” said Sen. Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “It ensures that when someone wants to trade in or sell a used firearm, dealers have a clear process and safeguards while they check if a gun is lost or stolen. By guaranteeing timely law enforcement checks, we keep firearm transactions aboveboard and help people buy and sell through safe, legitimate channels. This law also protects dealers from making costly, unintentional purchases that could hurt their business.” “We’ve created this law for the firearm dealers throughout Colorado who want to do their part to keep illegal guns off our streets,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Running serial number checks alerts firearm dealers when they come across lost, stolen or crime-involved firearms that they wouldn’t be able to sell anyway. This law helps firearm dealers protect themselves from bad purchases while making their communities safer from gun crimes.” SB25-205 establishes a procedure to allow a federal firearms licensee to request a firearm serial number check before purchasing a firearm from an individual. Under the law, local county sheriff’s offices must complete the serial number check within three business days of the request. If a licensee has a reason to believe that a person sold or attempted to sell a firearm that is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation, they will be required to report the information to law enforcement within 48 hours. Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, including laws to require gun owners to report when their firearm has been lost or stolen and properly store their firearms when not in use, including in their vehicles . The legislature also cracked down on “ghost guns” to keep unregulated, untraceable firearms out of our communities. Previous Next

< Back December 1, 2020 CRITICAL COVID-19 RELIEF ADVANCES Direct Aid for Small Businesses, Housing Assistance, Utility Relief, and Emergency Funding for Colorado’s Public Health Response Pass House Committees; Will See Floor Debate SOON DENVER, CO — House committees this afternoon passed four bills that would provide direct assistance to the Coloradans and small businesses that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. The legislation will next be considered on the floor for Second Reading. “Small businesses have faced some of the most challenging impacts of this crisis, struggling for survival while Washington fails to deliver the relief they desperately need,” said SB20B-001 sponsor Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We are doing everything we can to boost small businesses and help them through the winter months ahead until we have a vaccine and Congress passes additional relief. Cultural venues, artists and minority-owned businesses have been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic. This assistance will help the small businesses that have been hit hardest so that they don’t permanently shutter.” SB20B-001 , sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, would send $57 million in direct aid, grants and annual fee waivers to struggling small businesses – prioritizing those operating in counties experiencing severe capacity restrictions. It will also create grant programs and allocate funds specifically for art and cultural organizations as well as minority owned businesses. Capacity limits have severely impacted small businesses across the state, especially bars, restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues. This bill will help these industries bridge the gap through difficult winter months ahead. The bill passed the House Finance and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “Thousands of Coloradans are struggling to pay their rent or mortgage and are facing agonizing decisions every day about which bills to pay and how to avoid being thrown out of their homes,” said SB2B-002 sponsor Rep. Tony Exum, Sr. D-Colorado Springs. “There is an astounding need for housing assistance to help Coloradans bridge the gap and avoid eviction or foreclosure. This assistance will directly help the Coloradans who have been hit hardest by this pandemic so they aren’t left behind as our state “This assistance will help landlords, tenants, and homeowners who are facing the brunt of the pandemic get through the challenging months ahead,” said SB20B-002 sponsor Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This assistance will help Coloradans across the state avoid foreclosure and eviction and keep from falling farther behind. This critical relief will protect our recovery by preventing Coloradans from falling into homelessness and poverty.” SB20B-002 , sponsored by Reps. Tony Exum, Sr. and Kerry Tipper, would provide $60 million for emergency housing assistance to landlords and households who are in financial need due to COVID-19. Of the funding, $1 million will support the Eviction Legal Assistance Fund, which will help Coloradans stay in their homes this winter by providing critical legal assistance for housing related needs. The impending expiration of federal assistance programs such as enhanced unemployment benefits, leaves millions of Coloradans vulnerable to eviction or foreclosure in the coming months. In fact, according to recent surveys, over 40 percent of Coloradans are living in a household that is behind on their rent or mortgage and at risk of foreclosure or eviction. Finally, the bill puts in place a provision that seeks to ensure tens of thousands of unemployed Coloradans can continue to have access to the federally funded State Extended Benefits Program through December 26. The bill passed the House Public Health and Human Services and Appropriations Committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “We are determined in this special session to help Coloradans make ends meet through the tough winter months ahead,” said SB20B-003 sponsor Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Helping Coloradans heat their homes and keep the lights on will go a long way towards supporting hardworking families across the state. The end of this pandemic is in sight, and this assistance will make an important difference for those who need it most.” SB20B-003 , sponsored by Reps. Monica Duran and Lois Landgraf, would appropriate $5 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund in order to meet the 25 percent increase in applications that Energy Outreach Colorado has seen this year. As unemployment numbers remain high and federal resources have dried up, many Coloradans are at risk of losing their utilities – a dangerous outcome in the winter months. The bill passed the House State Veterans and Military Affairs and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. “With promising vaccine trials shining a light on the end of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to ensure our public health systems are able to care for and protect Coloradans in the months ahead,” said SB20B-004 sponsor Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Ensuring these resources are available is an important investment in our medical professionals and the health and wellness of the people of Colorado.” SB20B-004 , sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie, would allocate an additional $100 million to ensure the state can continue to protect public health while we await additional federal stimulus and reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. With many hospitals across Colorado reaching critical capacity in recent weeks, additional funds are needed to continue the state’s robust public health response. The bill passed the House Public Health Care and Human Services and Appropriations committees and will be debated on the floor this evening for Second Reading. Previous Next

< Back June 11, 2020 PAID SICK LEAVE AND TELEHEALTH EXPANSION ADVANCE DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Health and Insurance today advanced bills to provide paid sick leave and expand access to telehealth. “We’re working to help Coloradans safely get back to work, and that means allowing workers to stay home if they are sick so that they don’t hurt their colleagues or customers,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “As a mother of two young boys, I know how important this policy is for working parents. No one should be forced to choose between earning a paycheck and going to the doctor or caring for a sick child.” “If Coloradans return to work while they are sick, then we may see a second wave of the virus,” said Rep. Caraveo, D- Thornton. “We need to stop incentivising people to go to work sick. As a pediatrician, I know that paid sick leave is essential for a healthy workforce that can stay on the job and help keep our businesses open.” SB20-205 , sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Representative Yadira Caraveo, passed 6-4 and would allow workers to earn paid sick leave. The bill allows Colorado workers, including part-time workers, to earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours of work, up to 6 days per year. Sick leave is earned, job-protected time off that workers can use to care for their own health needs or those of a family member. The bill also provides leave during a public health emergency like COVID-19, employees that work 40 or more hours a week will receive at least 80 hours of additional paid sick leave. “Telehealth has allowed Coloradans across the state to get the care they need during this pandemic,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “If we don’t act, then access to these critical services could expire, so we are advancing legislation to extend and protect Coloradans ability to use telehealth and get the care they need.” SB20-212 , sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Matt Soper, R-Delta, protects access to physical and mental health care via telehealth by continuing policies implemented during the pandemic to expand reimbursement for telehealth services. The bill requires that insurers, including Indian Health Services and Medicaid, continue to reimburse providers for telehealth services. Telehealth coverage helps Coloradans in rural and mountain communities access care without traveling long distances and provides access to care for people served by federally qualified health centers. Previous Next

On January 1, a new law goes into effect to expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans. HB23-1008 also goes into effect, closing tax loopholes in order to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income and under-served communities and help small food retailers and small family farms. < Back December 18, 2023 Laws to Put $170M Back into the Pockets of Hardworking Coloradans, Boost Food Assistance Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On January 1, a new law goes into effect to expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans. HB23-1008 also goes into effect, closing tax loopholes in order to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income and under-served communities and help small food retailers and small family farms. “This bipartisan new law will put $170 million dollars back into the pockets of hardworking families,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB23-1112. “These tax credits will boost the incomes of hundreds of thousands of Coloradans and help vulnerable families afford basic necessities as we continue to tackle the high cost of living in our state. I’m proud of our efforts to create a more fair tax system that supports the Coloradans who need it the most.” “Colorado’s working families deserve a break,” said Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “These critical tax credits will put more money in their pockets, and make it easier to pay for necessities like groceries and rent. I’m proud to champion this legislation that will lift folks out of poverty and will make life easier for Colorado families.” “This law will put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans, boosting our local economies,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB23-1112 . “These extra dollars could make a world of difference for low-income working people. I’m proud that the legislature came together in a bipartisan way to reduce taxes for working families and boost the incomes of the Coloradans who are feeling the brunt of our cost of living crisis.” “Boosting tax credits for hardworking Colorado families just makes sense,” said Sen. Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “This new law eases the burden people across our state face, and will help them build better futures for themselves and their families. I am proud to see this critical support go into effect, and look forward to the benefits and security it will bring to working families all across Colorado.” HB23-1112 expands the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) and returns nearly $170 million more to hardworking families. The law increases the Colorado EITC from 25 percent to 38 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024, an almost four-fold increase from where it stood in 2020. By increasing the EITC and CTC, families will see hundreds of additional dollars back in their wallets. During the 2023 special legislative session, Colorado Democrats also passed HB23B-1002 , which increased the state EITC for tax year 2023 from 25 to 50 percent, one of the highest state matches in the country. A refundable tax credit available to certain families with children under the age of 6, the Colorado Child Tax Credit will now range from $200 to $1,200 depending on income and filing status starting in tax year 2024, with the tax credit ranging from 20 to 70 percent of the federal CTC depending on marital status, number of qualifying children and income. The federal Child Tax Credit has lifted over 57,000 Colorado kids out of poverty and helped over 630,000 families across the state, while the federal Earned Income Tax Credit has helped cut the national poverty rate in half . The bill builds on legislation passed by Colorado Democrats in recent years to make Colorado more affordable for working-class families. The General Assembly passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which at the time doubled the state's Earned Income Tax Credit and funded the Child Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. “All Coloradans deserve access to healthy and nutritious foods, and with this law going into effect, more lower-income and underserved Coloradans will more easily be able to access locally sourced foods,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1008 . “One in three adults living with children have reported missing meals or eating smaller portions so they can provide their kids with enough food. We’re ending a tax loophole that benefited wealthy corporations to connect everyday Coloradans with fresh produce and groceries and support our small Colorado farmers and food producers.” “Working people in my district and across the state don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and too many of them don’t have enough to eat at all," said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “I am happy to close this tax loophole that only benefits the wealthiest Coloradans, and redirect the funds toward addressing food insecurity so that more Coloradans can afford to put food on the table.” “Family owned farms and food retailers need our support more than corporate boardrooms," said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “This new law will reduce hunger and strengthen local supply chains in urban and rural parts of Colorado, with a minimal impact on state finances.” For income tax years 2024 through 2030, HB23-1008 ends the state tax loophole that allows corporations to deduct business meal expenses from their taxes. Ending these tax deductions supports efforts to reduce food insecurity for hard-working Coloradans and fund a tax credit to help our local farmers and food retailers acquire necessary equipment and better access market opportunities. HB23-1008 creates an income tax credit for small food retailers and small family farms worth up to 85% of the cost of new systems, equipment, and food distribution for tax year 2024 and 75% of the costs for subsequent tax years. Partnerships between Colorado food producers and small retailers boost revenue and cycle money into local economies. This law builds off HB22-1380 , a bipartisan law passed by the General Assembly in 2022 to save Coloradans money on healthy foods. The funding allocated by the 2022 legislation supports programs including the Community Nutrition Incentive Program, which assists women, children, and older Coloradans in subscribing to weekly produce deliveries from a local farm; the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits in participating markets and stores for fruits and vegetables; and the Community Food Access program, which allows more small retailers to acquire equipment to store and sell produce and supports small family farms in connecting their crops to market demands. On August 8, 2023, $250,000 was allocated by this law to the Department of Public Health and Environment to connect low-income communities throughout the state with healthy eating program incentives and improve access to fresh, Colorado-grown produce. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to protect Colorado renters from arbitrary, retaliatory, and discriminatory evictions. < Back March 14, 2023 House Advances Eviction Protections DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to protect Colorado renters from arbitrary, retaliatory, and discriminatory evictions. “Evictions are devastating for Colorado renters, leading to an increased likelihood of food instability and lower academic achievement in kids, and even causing me to drop out of high school when my family was evicted,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver . “Landlords should only be able to kick you out of your home for instances like lease violations or refusal to pay rent. Preventing unnecessary evictions ensures that families aren’t frivolously pushed out of their communities.” “Evictions are disproportionately filed against low-income and people of color, creating barriers to qualifying for future housing and perpetuating the cycle of housing insecurity,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “I have seen the impacts to the families I have worked with over the last 20 years who are regularly faced with housing instability. Colorado law has no just cause eviction protections, allowing landlords to evict tenants even when they pay their rent on time and follow the rules. This legislation will help keep more Colorado families from being unfairly pushed out while allowing landlords the tools they need to keep their units profitable and in good condition.” HB23-1171 creates the Just Cause Eviction Policy in Colorado law to prevent an unnecessary eviction when a tenant abides by the lease agreement and keeps up with rental payments. It permits landlords to evict a tenant when a tenant: Fails to pay rent after the landlord provides a written notice of nonpayment, Commits a substantial lease violation and does not cure it within 10 days of receiving written notice of the violation, Refuses to allow the landlord to enter the property after the landlord has given at least 72 hours of notice, unless the lease requires a longer period of notice, or Refuses to sign a new rental agreement with terms that are substantially identical to the current agreement. It also permits some no-fault evictions, which allow a landlord to evict for demolition, conversion, or substantial repairs to a residence, and for the purpose of allowing the landlord or their family to live in the unit as a primary residence. If a landlord moves forward with a no-fault eviction, they must provide two months’ rent worth of relocation assistance. Renters under 18 years old, over 60 years old, low-income, or with a disability qualify for a third month of relocation assistance. The bill includes certain exemptions from the relocation assistance requirement, including small landlords. The bill exempts short-term rentals and properties owned by landlords who rent out a portion of their primary residence, including an accessory dwelling unit. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2021 SPEAKER GARNETT: WE NEED TO BUILD BACK STRONGER; LET’S GET TO WORK House Convenes for First Session of 73rd General Assembly DENVER, CO– House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, today delivered his Opening Day Speech and outlined his vision for the 2021 legislative session and how the House can help Colorado rebuild and recover faster from the COVID-19 pandemic, saying: “Just getting back to normal won’t be enough. We need to build back stronger for ourselves and the people of Colorado. To build back a life that offers true economic opportunity and leaves no one behind. A life that affords us all a little more time to enjoy the things we love, because now, with a year under our belt, and a lifetime worth of empathy, we can all reflect on the things that matter most to us all: Food. Shelter. Safety. Justice. Equality. Prosperity.” In his speech, Speaker Garnett stressed the importance of cooperation and bipartisanship, saying in part: “My door is always open- to all of you. Good ideas have no party affiliation. I want to encourage and challenge all of you to put aside any cynicism you have faced, any fear that you can’t make a difference, any belief that our tools are too limited, too short-lived, too temperamental, and instead to step up.” Speaker Garnett identified the complex economic issues facing Colorado in the wake of the pandemic and outlined his vision for a stimulus package that invests in our state: “I am so determined to build on the progress we made last year and craft additional economic stimulus that is thoughtful, precise and that boosts our economy under the complex conditions we face.” The Speaker said that the legislature’s work would extend beyond COVID recovery work, and touched on a variety of policy areas, including housing, health care, transportation, protecting the environment, veterans issues and education, among several others. He closed by evoking the spirit of Colorado, instilling determination in his colleagues: “Some of our communities may feel battered today, but we are far, far from broken. Colorado is a state of upstarts and underdogs. Of fearless fighters and success stories. In this state, we climb soaring mountains, tame harsh winters and turn arid lands into fields of plenty. The uphill recovery and the many daunting tasks before us may be mighty, but if we keep our hand steady on the tiller, they are no match for us. With urgency and resolve, let’s recommit ourselves to doing the people’s business. Let’s get to work.” Tomorrow, the House and Senate will meet in a joint session to hear the governor’s State of the State address. Thursday, the chambers will convene again to receive the State of the Judiciary from the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court. ### The speaker’s full opening day remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below: Good morning and welcome to your State Capitol. It’s my pleasure to welcome the public, our families, and each of you here in the chamber to the grand opening of the Seventy Third General Assembly. I know this year is different. I know we all feel pressure to lead our State through an unparalleled crisis. I suspect much of the pressure you feel, like the pressure I feel, comes from our own experiences this past year. Like all Coloradans, we have watched friends and family struggle and face severe economic pain. We have seen businesses in our communities close — some temporarily and some for good. Some of our loved ones have faced health challenges. I know I’m not alone in having an immediate family member contract COVID. That was scary. And while hopefully like me, your loved ones have recovered, I know this is not the case for everyone. Even those who did, may be facing long-haul symptoms. Others may be struggling to pay back expenses. Before I go any further, I’d ask you to join me in holding a moment of silence to honor the thousands of Coloradans and hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. Thank you. I also want to take this moment to immediately thank Rep. Caraveo and Rep. Mullica for their service to those directly impacted by COVID. You all put yourselves directly on the front lines. And in a building full of ambition, we are all grateful for your willingness to put others ahead of yourselves in a real, life-risking way. In the last year, we’ve seen countless unsung heroes in every corner of our state step up to protect their communities. Every nurse, administrator, doctor or other health care hero in Colorado deserves every ounce of our gratitude, admiration, and respect. While these heroes have been at the forefront, we’ve all felt the effects of COVID-19, whether physically, financially or let’s face it, emotionally. COVID can be lonely. COVID can be cruel. It does not discriminate based on how good of a person you are – how much karma you’ve built up in your life. For all of us, COVID has taken away the day to day joys we all now so greatly appreciate and miss. There are the daily reminders of things we have had to leave behind. For some that may have been a morning routine at a local coffee shop or gym. For others still, it may have been giving up Sunday worship with our community or a weekly visit to our grandparents. I can’t speak to each of these sacrifices and losses, but I do know that we all want to get back to life as it was as quickly as possible. But just getting back to normal won’t be enough. We need to build back stronger for ourselves and the people of Colorado. To build back a life that offers true economic opportunity and leaves no one behind. A life that affords us all a little more time to enjoy the things we love, because now, with a year under our belt, and a lifetime worth of empathy, we can all reflect on the things that matter most to us all: Food. Shelter. Safety. Justice. Equality. Prosperity. Each of us — collectively — has an opportunity to be a part of something meaningful here. Of creating a new status quo where these values are a reality. But we won’t get far if we go at it alone, if we fixate on the differences between us instead of focusing on all the things that bring us together. Let me say off the bat, I am SO inspired and excited to work with each of you. I truly believe each of us has a unique role to play this session. Because as much as today’s speech is a reflection of the priorities I see for our body, it’s also an invitation to each of you to shape those priorities, to be part of those discussions, and help build back a stronger Colorado, together. My door is always open- to all of you. Good ideas have no party affiliation. I want to encourage and challenge all of you to put aside any cynicism you have faced, any fear that you can’t make a difference, any belief that our tools are too limited, too short-lived, too temperamental, and instead to step up. The question isn’t if we can make a difference. We absolutely can. The question is how we make a difference, and I turn that question to each of you. To think about the difference you want to make this year. And how I, as Speaker, can help you accomplish your goals. For me, the formula for creating lasting change in this building has been the ability to listen to others. Within my party, across the aisle, and with any stakeholder I sat down with. Listening is the most successful trait in almost any relationship, especially legislative ones. You may have heard me say this before, but some of my best friends are in this building. Many of these great friends oppose basically every policy position I have. And I oppose theirs. But that doesn’t mean we can’t work together respectfully. It doesn’t mean there aren’t moments where we can get big things done for the people of Colorado. In fact, learning to appreciate the difference between the politician and the personis what has allowed me to prioritize respecting others over taking policy disagreements personally. We have to make the effort to truly befriend each other and put our trust in our colleagues, even when we don’t see eye to eye on every policy proposal. It’s the only way we’ll conquer the enormous task ahead of us this year. I remember not too long ago, on a pre-COVID trip with a bipartisan group of colleagues, how a moment of exhaustion and vulnerability led to the group sharing things about ourselves, about our beliefs, our personal history, or faith. Representatives Neville, Esgar, and McKean were there, among others. On the first night of our trip, my wife, Emily, decided to share with the group that she was 6-weeks pregnant. This moment of trust brought us all instantly closer and made us not only better friends, but better colleagues as well. Well, sometimes life offers us a sweet chance at poetic repetition. So today in a bid to recreate some of the sense of family we created on that fateful trip, I want to share with you all, for the first time, that Emily is pregnant with our third. My central point is that we can find ways to build lifelong relationships with people in this building. Don’t be afraid to bring them in. To trust. To truly listen. Coloradans expect it, as they should. This session, our top priority will be to see our state out of the public health crisis and to work to usher in a swift economic recovery for Colorado’s hardworking families and small businesses. It’s our job to mend the damage done by COVID – 19 and the economic downturn it caused, but Coloradans rightfully expect us to do much more. Our job as legislators this year is to level the playing field and give Coloradans the tools and resources they need to forge this recovery on their own. To do so, we’ll need to help create a just and inclusive post-pandemic economy where every Coloradan has a fair shot at success. In order to ensure that we guide Colorado towards an economic recovery that is swift, precise and equitable we need to have a detailed understanding of the problem facing our state. And like so much else about 2020, the devastating economic downturn caused by COVID-19 was completely unprecedented . The impacts of this downturn have had disparate effects on individual business sectors and communities. Whereas industries like hospitality and retail were forced to conduct massive layoffs and continue to see their profit margins shrink, other sectors have bounced back much faster, and some even saw their businesses grow as COVID-19 changed the way consumers behave. The recession was different at an individual level too. While many were able to continue their work from home, unprecedented numbers of Coloradans lost their jobs and are still unemployed. Communities of color and low wage workers have been disproportionately impacted by the health effects, as well as the economic effects of this pandemic. People living in multigenerational households, many of whom are Black and Latinx, have had to face the impossible choice between keeping the jobs that help support their families or giving them up because of the health risk. Rural areas and urban centers were not affected in the same way. The Eastern Plains and the Western Slope were not affected in the same way. Fort Collins and Pueblo were not affected in the same way. And it’s our job to make right by every one of these communities. Let’s get to work. Of course, we are limited in our capacity to provide relief. So while we can’t fill every hole, we can certainly aim to provide support that is meaningful and helps hardworking Coloradans and businesses thrive yet again. That’s why I am so determined to build on the progress we made last year and craft additional economic stimulus that is thoughtful, precise and that boosts our economy under the complex conditions we face. I have reached out to all of you, Republicans and Democrats alike, and asked for your input on how we can best help our state build back stronger by investing in job creation, small business assistance, housing, rural economic development, child care, and other areas where equitable relief is badly needed. Thank you for the thought you put into these proposals. Now it’s time to turn common sense ideas into real, tangible change for hardworking families across the state. Today I call on each and every one of us to again put our differences aside and get economic stimulus to the finish line and out to Coloradans as soon as we can. If Representatives Sandridge and Herod can come together to cosponsor a minority business relief bill twice , AND speak kindly and personally about each other here at the well, then I’m confident we can literally do anything together. It feels almost impossible to think back so far in time, but let’s remember that before the pandemic, Colorado’s economy was thriving. New businesses were popping up across the state, big companies were relocating their workforces to our downtowns, and individuals from across the country set their sights on Colorado as a perfect place to live and work. However, our great success was not evenly shared among Coloradans. The economic scramble created by this devastating pandemic has given us a once in a generation opportunity to forge a just and inclusive economy where every Coloradan has a fair shot. But it’s up to us to harness the opportunity and make this equitable economy a reality for all. So building back stronger will mean finding compassionate and measured housing policies that put the interests of renters and working families at the forefront without upending our economy. With the federal eviction moratorium expiring soon, building back stronger will mean striking a compromise and finding a solution that avoids mass evictions, and allows time for the federal assistance to flow into the state to achieve a goal we all share – for people to keep a roof over their heads. We have to step up. To all the parents out there, to all the educators out there, thank you. This year has put teachers, students and parents through the ringer in a way we’ve never seen before. To the countless parents who balanced working remotely full time while also caring for young kiddos or overseeing remote learning, we celebrate you. I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old at home and this year has me thinking that it’s probably easier to run a State Legislature than it is to run a childcare center. Although I bet there are quite a few similarities. Our greatest success in education policy has come when we’ve struck a balance between respecting the needs and interests of local school districts while setting the necessary statewide expectations to narrow the achievement gap, eliminate the COVID gap, and keep all of our students on the same page. This year, let’s listen to our teachers and commit together to restoring the cuts from last year’s budget, which will take a sizable bite out of the budget stabilization factor. And while we’re on the topic of education, it’s time we supported the next generation of Coloradans by making needed investments in higher education. We need to grow our talented workforce by training Coloradans for the jobs of the future instead of importing talent from other states. We need to step up and ensure the colleges and universities who serve our Latinx, Native American, and Black students are equitably funded. It’s long overdue. Building back a stronger Colorado will also mean being thoughtful and conscious about how we grow as a state. We need to make sure our infrastructure is ready to handle the growing crowds trying to make it to work on weekdays and out to the mountains on weekends. That’s why I’m committed to making this the year that we strike a meaningful deal on transportation and make the bold investment that is needed to future proof Colorado’s transportation future. I’m not the first Speaker in recent memory to stand here and say this will be the year we get transportation done, but with your help and hard work, I’m determined to be the last. At least for a while. In order to make sure our transportation deal is a lasting one, we need to invest in our local governments’ multimodal needs, fund CDOT’s ten year plan and get serious about actually repairing roads in our rural communities. At the same time, we’ll have to ensure that the electrification infrastructure is in place for the market based shift quickly moving us towards electric vehicles– we have no time to waste. It’s not only the inequalities in our economy that were brought to the forefront during this pandemic. COVID-19 has also highlighted and heightened the massive disparities created by our health care system. Our complex health care system creates corporations that win and patients that lose. While we have some of the finest physicians and hospitals in the world here in Colorado, far too many families are prevented from accessing this care because of the cost, even when it could save their lives. No parent should have to think about the balance of her bank account before taking her desperately sick child to the emergency room. No small business should face double digit small group cost increases year after year. And no oneshould put their health at risk by rationing prescription drugs because of the cost. The status quo is not working. At a time when a whopping 77% of Coloradans support us taking bold action to lower the cost of prescription drugs, inaction is not an option. That’s why this year we’ll make drug affordability a top priority and why we’ll work to improve our health care system and make quality health care accessible and affordable for all. The effects of a changing climate are no longer a hypothetical threat. They’re a devastating reality. Last year’s fire season consumed more than 625,000 acres of land, destroyed countless homes, threatened our rural communities, and cost the taxpayers upwards of $200 million in fire suppression. This year, we must prioritize funding for wildfire mitigation and prevention, and continue our creative bipartisan work on this issue. The cost of inaction on climate change is far greater than the cost of facing the problem head-on and making lasting change. That’s why I’m determined to build on our progress and continue working towards a clean energy economy that provides opportunities for workers and hope for our children’s future. Climate change is an urgent threat, and we need to treat it like one. And while we’re fighting the growing threat of climate change, let’s make a commitment to look after those who protect us against all other threats: our service members and veterans. Colorado has long been a destination and a haven for members of the armed services, veterans and military families. We have a culture of service here in Colorado, we have state of the art military bases and we have the Colorado quality of life that is so enticing to all. I’m determined to keep Colorado a great place for service members and veterans to live, and to make sure that we look after those who have sacrificed and risked their all to look after us. In the past few years, we’ve passed important, common sense gun safety measures that have no doubt saved lives in our state. In its first year, the Extreme Risk Protection Order law that was endlessly fear mongered has been working just as we intended. Reports show that a majority of the protection orders were filed by law enforcement, that groundless claims were rejected, and that countless Colorado lives were saved because of it. But the epidemic of gun violence persists, so our work must go on. This year, we’ll continue our efforts to promote responsible gun ownership and prevent tragedies and atrocities before they happen in the first place. Let’s get to work. Last year, we led the nation and passed a sweeping, bipartisan police accountability reform bill that is already making an impact across the state and setting an example for the rest of the nation. I’m committed to monitoring the progress of this new law and filling gaps where needed. Building back stronger means advancing justice in our communities through reforms that will ensure integrity and fairness in our criminal justice system, increase opportunity in Black and brown communities, and save lives. I’m proud to say Black Lives Matter. But it has to be more than a slogan, let’s make it a policy priority. The task ahead won’t be easy, but Coloradans still embody the pioneering spirit of the generations that came before us. My family were miners and farmers who moved to Colorado after the Civil War. My great grandfather graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 1912 and mined in Eagle County. The other side were farmers in Brush, Colorado. My great uncle used to tell stories about why Coloradans on the eastern plains had front yards. “It wasn’t to have green grass or to keep up with the Jones. It was to make sure there weren’t rattle snakes within striking distance of the children.” My family, like all of your families, were tough, resilient, never backed down from a challenge and loved Colorado more than any other place in the Union. The challenges Colorado faces are daunting. There’s no denying that. In fact, this may be the most consequential year for this General Assembly in recent memory. But as I look out onto this body and at each of you here today, I’m confident that we’re the right bunch to get it done. This body is diverse in our backgrounds, our characters, our experiences, and our visions for the future of this state. I have always believed that our strength comes from this diversity. To overcome the great obstacles we face, we’ll need the perspectives and experience of rural cattle ranchers like Rep. Holtorf alongside urban entrepreneurs like Rep. Alex Valdez. We’ll need the grit and tenacity of the Pride of Pueblo, Daneya Esgar just like we’ll need the soft spoken Quaker wisdom of Loveland’s own Hugh McKean. And this year, we’re lucky enough to have in our midst certain backgrounds and perspectives that are gracing the Golden Dome for the very first time. Here with us today is Representative Iman Jodeh, the first Muslim lawmaker in Colorado. Representative Naquetta Ricks is here, proudly representing HD40 as the first African Immigrant in the legislature. And of course, Representative David Ortiz, a proud veteran and the first lawmaker in a wheelchair, has already brought change to the legislature, just with his very presence and representation. Last year, as we wrapped up what became known as the ‘COVID Session’ in June, I stood in the well and told you that sometimes we make history and sometimes history makes us. We did what we could to minimize the damage and get relief out the door quickly. History made us. Today, we have a greater understanding of this virus and how to handle it. Coloradans are being vaccinated as we speak and the end of this pandemic is finally in sight. Now, it’s our turn: we have a chance to make history by guiding Colorado towards a more prosperous, more just, and more equitable future. Some of our communities may feel battered today, but we are far, far from broken. Colorado is a state of upstarts and underdogs. Of fearless fighters and success stories. In this state, we climb soaring mountains, tame harsh winters and turn arid lands into fields of plenty. The uphill recovery and the many daunting tasks before us may be mighty, but if we keep our hand steady on the tiller, they are no match for us. With urgency and resolve, let’s recommit ourselves to doing the people’s business. Let’s get to work. Previous Next