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< 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

< Back July 10, 2020 BILLS TO PROTECT VULNERABLE COLORADANS AND IMPROVE 9-1-1 SYSTEMS SIGNED INTO LAW Denver, CO– Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law to protect vulnerable adults, provide equal access to clinical trials for Medicaid recipients and ensure communities across the state have a reliable and modern emergency response system. SB20-129 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Kim Ransom, protects those with court-appointed guardians by ensuring they are notified about court proceedings and understand critical information relating to the case, including their rights as a respondent and the resources available to them. It requires that a court-appointed counsel be appointed to cases where an adult with diminished capacities is involved and requires the counsel submit a report to the court in writing articulating the individual’s existing support community and decision making processes and make recommendations to strengthen the individual’s support network. “Navigating through the judicial system is challenging as it is,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “Individuals with appointed guardians need help as they make huge fiscal decisions that can affect their lives for years to come, but that doesn’t mean transactions or court proceedings should happen without their knowledge or input. This law will go a long way to protect at-risk individuals with appointed guardians.” Sponsored by Representative Susan Lontine, HB20-1302 protects at-risk adults by strengthening existing law requiring employers in Colorado to conduct a CAPS check (Colorado’s Adult Protective Services) if an employee will be directly in contact with an at-risk adult. Employers must also provide counties access to relevant records and persons to investigate potential mistreatment of at-risk adults. “If your business is to serve or work with at-risk adults, then your employees should undergo a proper background check,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver. “No one who has a record of taking advantage of or abusing a vulnerable Coloradan should be hired for a position that works directly with at-risk adults.” HB20-1232 ,sponsored by Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Representative Larry Liston, allows Medicaid patients to have their routine costs of care covered while they are participating in a clinical trial. Without this coverage guarantee for costs associated with clinical trials, Medicaid members face financial barriers to participate in these trials, leaving vulnerable Coloradans without access to new, life-saving medical treatments for rare conditions. “Increasing access to clinical trials for patients of all backgrounds is essential to closing health disparities and ensuring the safety of new treatments,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “This bill protects Medicaid recipients, often members of underrepresented or vulnerable populations, and it levels the playing field so they can equally access breakthrough medical treatments, which is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.” HB20-1293 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Rod Pelton, will provide badly needed resources to help communities upgrade their emergency response systems, especially in rural areas, to ensure all parts of the state have a modern 9-1-1 system. The bill eliminates the cap on 9-1-1 telephone charges and the fee on prepaid wireless phones as well as establishes a new, statewide 9-1-1 surcharge to support local systems. The new funding structure balances local control with state support and is critical to financing 9-1-1 system modernization efforts across the state. “In an emergency, Coloradans depend on a timely and professional response, and that response depends on a modern 9-1-1 system,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Communities across our state, and especially in rural areas, are struggling to fund badly needed upgrades to these critical systems. I’m proud we came together in a bipartisan way to help meet the needs of our communities and keep them safe.” Previous Next

< Back May 8, 2019 STATEMENT FROM HOUSE SPEAKER KC BECKER AND MAJORITY LEADER ALEC GARNETT ON THE HIGHLANDS RANCH SCHOOL SHOOTING (May 8) – House Speaker KC Becker and Majority Leader Alec Garnett issue a statement on the Highlands Ranch School Shooting: “Our hearts break for the victims of the shooting in Highlands Ranch and their families. We are thankful to our first responders but tragically, a life was lost and the lives of many of these children – some as young as five or six – will never be the same. We are still learning more about this situation but what we do know is that Coloradans should not be forced to live with this reality. Students should be concentrating on their education – not active shooter drills. Like many parents, we are deeply concerned about the lasting effects these violent and tragic events will have on our children, their classmates and our communities. And like many parents, we are heartbroken by once again having to talk to our children about mass shootings. Coloradans must refuse to live with the status quo. The state legislature has pursued solutions to gun violence and mental health and will continue to do so to address this crisis, but Washington must also step up to do its job to keep our communities safe.” Previous Next

< Back June 24, 2021 SIGNED! BILLS TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed several bills into law that will save consumers money on utility bills, create jobs, increase energy efficiency and help meet Colorado’s renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions goals. “The benchmarking law Governor Polis signed today will save individuals, families and small businesses money on their utility bills and help Colorado meet our climate goals by increasing the efficiency of large buildings and reducing the consumption of fossil fuels,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “In the process, we’ll create good jobs for workers skilled in energy retrofits, mechanical system upgrades, electrical work and engineering.” HB21-1286 , which is sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Alex Valdez, requires the owners of certain large commercial buildings to collect and report their energy use to the Colorado Energy Office, and by 2026, to demonstrate that they have met new energy efficiency performance standards. The proposal, known as benchmarking, asks building owners to measure their energy use in the first year and then continue to monitor and report their performance and meet new energy efficiency standards. The law helps tenants and businesses save money on their energy costs while creating jobs. In the next eight years, the law is expected to save consumers $447 million on their energy bills, 3,200 gigawatt-hours of electricity, 7,700 billion cubic feet of natural gas, and reduce CO2 emissions by 1 million metric tons. More than one-third of Colorado buildings are already benchmarking, demonstrating that this policy is both widely popular and achievable. Large commercial, multifamily, and public buildings account for roughly 15 percent of all energy used in Colorado, which means that there is considerable opportunity to reduce energy used by increasing the efficiency of these buildings. “With the bills Governor Polis signed today, Colorado is taking a nation leading approach to measuring and using the social cost of carbon dioxide and methane to meet our greenhouse gas reduction goals,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont. “I’m excited to see our state take this important step forward, which will save consumers money, help us use less fossil fuels and reduce emissions that cause climate change and poor air quality.” HB21-1238 , sponsored by Representative Bernett, directs the PUC to establish energy savings targets for natural gas utilities, promoting the adoption of more energy efficient programs as well as clean heat technologies to help the state meet its GHG reduction goals. The law modernizes the standards for demand-side-management (DSM) programs for natural gas utilities by helping utilities more effectively manage the energy consumption of their customers. One of the calculations the PUC will use in evaluating these programs is to count the avoided costs to ratepayers resulting from the reduced consumption of natural gas, also known as the social cost of carbon dioxide and methane. The law also encourages the adoption of new technologies, requires investment in weatherization programs for low-income customers and promotes the use of onsite renewables for everyday uses, like heat pumps. As one step toward meeting our climate goals, SB21-264 seeks to cost effectively meet emissions reduction goals through a Clean Heat Standard, encouraging innovative emission reductions technologies and capturing and utilizing methane that is currently leaking from agricultural operations, landfills, wastewater plants, and coalbeds, and simultaneously reducing the amount of methane leaking into our atmosphere and offsetting the need for additional fossil fuel extraction. Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2020 BUENTELLO BILL TO TRAIN MORE TEACHERS PASSES EDU COMMITTEE Legislation would provide opportunities for concurrent enrollment and apprenticeships that lead to college credit towards degrees & credentials for future educators DENVER, CO– Bipartisan legislation to grow the educator workforce today passed the House Committee on Education 10-3. HB20-1015, sponsored by Representatives Bri Buentello (D-Pueblo) and Jim Wilson (R-Salida), the bill would create a grant program for local education providers to help them establish concurrent enrollment and apprenticeship programs that will help provide credentials for future educators. “Our state is facing a far-reaching and devastating teacher shortage, especially in rural areas, that is leading to severe consequences for students, teachers and school districts,” said Rep. Buentello (D-Pueblo). “We need more quality teachers in our classrooms, and this bill will make it a lot easier for students to get into teaching and complete the degree or certificate programs they need to teach (and stay) in Colorado.” HB20-1015 would create the future educator pathways grant program in the Colorado Department of Education. The program would provide grants to local education providers, such as school districts, to help prepare future educators. The grants would go towards providing students with opportunities for concurrent enrollment and apprenticeships that lead to college credit towards education degrees or certificates. Local education providers must agree to match the state grant money with local resources equal to 25 percent of the grant. The bill would help rural areas of the state that are facing a teacher shortage by increasing the pipeline of new teachers in the state. At least 35 percent of the total grant awards must go to rural local education providers, and grant recipients must demonstrate how they will ensure participants represent the racial and ethnic diversity of a local community. The bill aims to reverse a years-long trend of lower and lower enrollment and completion rates in Colorado educator preparation programs. Under the bill, the Education Department will report each year on the number of students who are advancing towards educator degrees and certificates, among other information. Additional information on the educator shortage in Colorado can be found here. Previous Next

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

< Back May 4, 2019 HOUSE DEMOCRATS DELIVER RESULTS FOR HARDWORKING COLORADANS (May 3) – House Democrats went into the 2019 session focused on building a fair economy that expands opportunity for all no matter what corner of the state you live in, investing in our future, and protecting the Colorado Way of Life. This year Colorado House Democrats were able to turn many of our popular proposals into law, moving forward on measures to build a fair economy, lower the cost of health care, invest in education, address climate change, tackle the opioid crisis, reform our criminal justice system and help hardworking Coloradans get ahead. “Coloradans can be proud of the work that was accomplished this session. We made historic investments in K-12 and higher-ed and delivered results on climate, health care, and economic security,” said Speaker Becker. “Despite unprecedented obstructionism from the other side of the aisle we were able to deliver results for hardworking families in every corner of our state. My colleagues and I will continue working to expand opportunity, invest in Colorado’s future and enhance our quality of life.” EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY & BUILDING A FAIR ECONOMY Colorado’s economy is booming for some but not for all. Too many hardworking Coloradans aren’t seeing the benefit of our state’s progress and feel like they can’t get ahead. House Democrats made important progress on leveling out the playing field for all Coloradans: Women, especially women of color, should be paid equally for equal work. House Democrats are committed to fighting for every Coloradan to be treated with the dignity, fairness and the respect they deserve. That’s why we passed SB19-085 to continue working on solutions to expand opportunity for all. After years of trying, Democrats passed HB19-1210 to allow local governments to adjust their minimum wage up to address the cost of living in their communities, rather than have to adhere to a statewide standard when local real estate markets and health care costs vary dramatically. House Democrats renewed our push to ensure access family and medical leave for hardworking Coloradans who need to take care of a sick relative or a new child. SB188 will help ensure an effective implementation of the best possible family leave policy for Coloradans. INVESTING IN COLORADO’S FUTURE Fighting for historic investments in K-12 and Higher Education: House Democrats passed bills to fund full-day kindergarten for Colorado’s youngest learners, invest in skills for Colorado’s emergingworkforce, help retain early childhood and rural educators , and allow school capital construction funding to be used for career and technical education projects in public schools. House Democrats also added an additional $100 million to buy-down the budget stabilization factor and better invest in our K-12 schools. Democrats also kept higher-ed tuition flat and provided more oversight for student loans. Helping to lower the cost of health care: This session Democrats passed legislation to increase transparency for health care costs in Colorado’s hospitals , prohibit budget busting out-of-network billing , reduce the price of insulin and lower prescription drug costs by allowing for the importation of prescription drugs from Canada. House Democrats also reached across the aisle to create a new affordable and competitive health care option in the state of Colorado that will be available to families and individuals when purchasing health insurance. Colorado will become the first state in the nation to ever set in place a process for offering a public health insurance option. Democrats also passed a bill that will strengthen Colorado’s laws to allow healthcare cooperatives to incorporate consumer protections like coverage for preexisting conditions and allow the State Insurance Commissioner to work with groups seeking to create co-ops so that they can get up and running as soon as possible to provide health care cost relief for Coloradans. PROTECTING & ENHANCING THE COLORADO WAY OF LIFE Protecting Colorado’s Environment Coloradans are concerned about the impacts of climate change on our economy and environment. That’s why Democrats passed reasonable, science-based legislation directing the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to develop rules limiting carbon pollution, ensuring that Colorado leads 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 Democrats also passed SB181 to update Colorado’s antiquated oil and gas laws to protect families and individuals from residential drilling by putting health and safety first, empowering local communities, and protecting our clean air and clean water. Democrats also took steps to deploy more renewable energy, protect clean water and mitigate the impacts of wildfires on Colorado’s mountain communities. Addressing the Opioid Crisis: The opioid epidemic in the United States has claimed more lives than the entire Vietnam War. House Democrats continued to pass bipartisan bills to help battle this epidemic by getting people the care and treatment they need and addressing prescribing practices. Delivering Transportation Solutions: Coloradans are tired of the lack of investment in roads, bridges, and transit. House Democrats worked on creative and collaborative solutions to our transportation problems. House Democrats worked to secure more than $300 million for transportation funding without jeopardizing education or higher-ed funding. In November, voters will decide on a bipartisan ballot measure better fund public schools, higher education and transportation. Standing Up for Rural Colorado: Legislators on both sides of the aisle have worked to address the unique needs of rural Colorado. House Democrats passed legislation to deploy more broadband infrastructure, lower the cost of health care, improve access to mental health resources, increase affordable housing , address the rural teacher shortage , and combat the opioid crisis . Supporting open and transparent government, fair campaigns, and access to the ballot: House Democrats passed bills that would significantly increase access to the ballot and make our elections more secure through the passage of the Colorado Votes Act , Restore Voting Rights to Parolees , and Automatic Voter Registration . House Democrats also took on transparency and fairness in lobbying disclosures , campaign finance reform , electioneering communications disclosure , outreach for a complete count in the upcoming census , and more. House Democrats also delivered on bipartisan efforts to reform Colorado’s criminal justice system and passed life-saving gun safety legislation , put a measure on the ballot to protect Colorado’s water , banned the dangerous and discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy’ and cut through red tape for transgender and non-binary Coloradans to have access to identity documents that reflect their authentic selves. Previous Next