Search Results

< Back March 30, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO CREATE NEW RIGHTS FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT A day after voting to remove the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault, House votes to give sexual assault survivors new rights. DENVER, CO– The House today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich to give new rights to survivors of sexual assault seeking access to rape kit evidence. The vote was 64-0. “Survivors of sexual assault who have come forward and subjected themselves to a forensic exam deserve timely answers and control over how the evidence in their case is used,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill will ensure that survivors have a say in how and when rape kit evidence is processed and disposed of, and will guarantee that they stay informed throughout the process. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to stand with survivors this week.” HB21-1143 creates new rights for survivors of sexual assault. Under the bill, survivors would have the right to be notified when forensic medical evidence is submitted for testing, when law enforcement has received the results of the analysis, and 60 days prior to the destruction of the evidence. Survivors would also have the right to object to the destruction of the evidence, to be informed of whether a DNA sample was obtained from the analysis and matched to any DNA profiles in state or federal databases, and to receive physical documentation describing their rights under the law, as well as nearby resources, after the exam has been completed. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2022 BILL TO BOOST HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE ADVANCES DENVER, CO – The Health and Insurance Committee today passed legislation that would boost the health care workforce by extending a tax credit for health care “preceptors,” mentors who coach and encourage new providers to enter the health care workforce. The bill passed committee by a vote of 9 to 2. “We’re working hard to boost Colorado’s health care workforce this legislative session,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie D-Dillon . “This tax credit will help build healthier, safer communities, especially in rural areas, by encouraging talented individuals to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, counseling, behavioral health and other frontline health care positions. If we learned anything from the pandemic it’s that we can’t do this alone, we need a strong health care workforce to help Colorado recover.” HB22-1005 builds on the existing state tax credit offered to preceptors working in rural communities by increasing the number of health care preceptorships eligible for the credit. This major expansion includes addiction counselors, pharmacists, registered nurses, clinical social workers and other high demand areas in Colorado’s health care workforce. The health care workforce shortage in Colorado has been exacerbated by the pandemic. This is especially true in rural communities that struggle to fill critical medical positions, including doctors and behavioral health professionals. The legislation increases the overall number of preceptors allowed to receive the credit and extends the credit until 2033. It is currently set to expire next year. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2019 REP. MCCLUSKIE’S BIPARTISAN REINSURANCE BILL TO HELP LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR COLORADANS PASSES COMMITTEE McCluskie joined by Gov. Polis, Republicans, county commissioners in support of bill (Feb. 27) – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, that will lower health care costs for Coloradans across the state passed in the Health and Insurance committee. Earlier in the day, Rep. McCluskie was joined by Gov. Polis, county commissioners and Coloradans struggling to keep up with the out-of-control costs of health care at a press conference in support of this legislation. Reinsurance is a proven approach to helping cut health care costs “I’m proud to partner with Democrats, Republicans, Governor Polis and Coloradans who are focused on driving down the cost of health care on the Western Slope and in every corner of our state,” said Rep. McCluskie. “ We must work together to protect our Colorado way of life and fix a broken healthcare system for the working people in our state.” Rising health care costs are driven in part by the underlying cost of care but are exacerbated by an insurance market that assigns the highest risks and highest costs to the individual market. This is particularly the case on the Western Slope and in rural Colorado, causing families and individuals to choose between putting food on the table and paying for their health insurance coverage. Rep. McCluskie introduced the bipartisan bill in the House with Rep. Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction. Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail and Senator Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale are the Senate sponsors. This bipartisan bill aims to reduce insurance premiums for individuals and families by January 2020 to provide much-needed relief to Coloradans, many of whom are paying up to a third of their income on monthly premiums. Our state, especially the Western slope, has some of the highest health insurance costs in the country. Gov. Polis joined the bipartisan group of lawmakers this afternoon in a press conference and offered his support. “This has been done in red states and blue states and that’s why it’s a proven method to bring down rates in the individual market,” Gov Polis said. Reinsurance can be considered insurance for Colorado’s health insurers. The bill will establish three tiers, from the highest cost areas of the state to the lowest cost areas, in order to pass savings on to Coloradans. The first tier, consisting of regions in the state with the highest costs, will experience the greatest reduction in premiums, by 30 to 35 percent. The second tier will experience reductions in premiums by 20 to 25 percent. Finally, the third tier, regions with the lowest costs, will experience reductions in premiums by 15 to 20 percent. The bill passed through committee with a vote of 8-2. It now goes to the Appropriations committee. Here’s how a reinsurance program works: The reinsurance program will pay a percentage of claims, also known as the coinsurance rate, once the claim reaches the minimum amount required in order to be eligible for reinsurance coverage. This minimum amount is called the attachment point. Claim costs that exceed a certain dollar amount, called the reinsurance cap, are not eligible for reinsurance coverage. By insuring this middle range of claims the bill will help reduce risk in the market and drive down healthcare costs. The initial premium savings for Coloradans comes from a reduction in the amount paid to hospitals and other providers, which leads to a reduction in the amount paid by health insurers. These savings are then passed along to people insured on the individual marketplace through reduced premiums. The state will request a section 1332 waiver from the federal government to implement and help fund the reinsurance program, like eight other states have done to implement similar programs. The text of HB19-1168 can be found here . Previous Next

< Back May 6, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO INVEST IN COLORADO’S JUST TRANSITION ADVANCES Majority Leader Esgar’s bipartisan bill to support coal workers and communities passes committee DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today advanced Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s bill to invest millions into helping communities transition. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 10-3. “As market forces, consumer choices, and environmental policies move our economy toward renewable energy, we can’t leave workers and communities behind,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “As a representative of Pueblo, I know firsthand how much support will be needed to help my community transition into the clean energy economy of the future. The bold investment we’re making today lays the groundwork for a smoother and more equitable transition.” The Office of Just Transition was created by the legislature in 2019 to support coal workers, employers, and communities as they plan for the future closings of coal plants and mines upon which their communities depend. As market shifts, consumer choices and environmental policies move our state toward renewable energy, the Office and the Just Transition Action Plan were created to ensure a smooth adjustment for our coal transition communities . HB21-1290 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-Garfield County, would invest $15 million of state stimulus funds into the Office of Just Transition. Of that amount $8 million will go to the Just Transition Cash Fund and $7 million to the newly created Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program account within the fund. The bill requires the Office of Just Transition to use these funds to implement the Just Transition Action Plan and provide funding for existing programs that make targeted economic development investments in coal transition communities for business retention, creation, expansion and attraction; infrastructure investments; and strategies for attracting increased investment in these communities. In turn, the Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program’s share of the funding will be allocated to programs that directly assist coal transition workers, including apprenticeship programs, financial planning support, tuition reimbursements, job search assistance, on the job training, or other strategies to help workers transition to as prosperous a future as possible. Previous Next

< Back January 14, 2019 FROELICH SWORN IN TO THE HOUSE (Jan. 14) – Upon the vacancy of Senator Jeff Bridges, Meg Froelich, a former Greenwood Village council member, was sworn in today at the state capitol as the next representative for House District 3. A vacancy committee selected Rep. Froelich to replace state Sen. Bridges in the House. “I am excited for to join the House and am thankful to be chosen for this position,” said Rep. Meg Froelich. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to invest in education, transportation and ensure more people can participate equally in our wonderful Colorado way of life.” Rep. Froelich will sit on the Energy & Environment and the Transportation & Local Government Committees. HD3 includes Englewood, Sheridan, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village and northern Littleton. Rep. Froelich is a documentary filmmaker, she sat on the board of NARAL-Pro Choice Colorado and Emerge Colorado. She was also the executive director of the Colorado Institute of Leadership Training. She lives in Englewood with her son Ozzie, a senior at Littleton High School, and their dog Molly. She also has two children in college, Katrina and Annalise. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BIPARTISAN BILLS TO INVEST IN STUDENT AND WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS Legislation includes nearly $91 million in federal pandemic relief funds to align postsecondary credential programs with today’s jobs and expand in-state tuition for more students DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills to better align postsecondary programs, save students money on higher education tuition and improve educational outcomes for Coloradans. HB22-1350 was crafted based on recommendations from the Student Success and Workforce Revitalization Task Force . “Every Coloradan should have access to educational opportunities that set them up to thrive, and these new laws prioritize our workforce needs and students’ success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m incredibly proud to stand behind two bills Governor Polis signed into law to address workforce needs in the high country and across Colorado by creating high impact postsecondary credential programs and reducing the cost of higher education for Colorado high school graduates. When given the right tools, our students can grow, achieve and secure better paying jobs, and that’s what this legislation is designed to do.” “Industries across the state continue to face workforce shortages as they recover from the pandemic’s effects on the economy,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “Investing in our workforce will have a transformational effect on workforce shortages today and well into the future. We are delivering Colorado the workforce it needs to continue moving our economy forward.” The Regional Talent Development Grant Program, HB22-1350 , establishes a $91 million grant program to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions to fill good jobs in growing industries. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative McCluskie and Senator Bridges, as well as Representative Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, utilizes federal pandemic relief dollars to foster regional talent development initiatives to fill good jobs in growing industries. The program takes a regional approach to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions. These partnerships will create new pathways into high-skilled and high-demand industries, especially in industries with staffing shortages. Governor Polis also signed HB22-1155 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Perry Will, R-New Castle and Senators Dominick Moreno and Julie Gonzales, to expand access to in-state tuition for Colorado high school students. “The cost of higher education shouldn’t deter Colorado’s students from pursuing a postsecondary degree at one of the excellent colleges and universities in the state,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “By expanding the pool of students who qualify for in-state tuition, we lower the cost of education and empower students to make decisions for their future based on their goals rather than the price tag.” “We know that access to higher education can be transformational for a young person’s life, but during the pandemic we saw a significant decrease in enrollment,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Immigrant Colorado high school graduates should be able to access our public higher education institutions in the same manner as their U.S. citizen friends and neighbors. This is a common sense, bipartisan measure, and it also has the benefit of being good for our economy, particularly in corners of the state that are desperate for young, educated workers. I was honored to work alongside a broad coalition of business groups, higher education institutions, and immigrant rights organizations to get this bill signed into law.” Under current law, students must reside in Colorado for at least three years before they are eligible for in-state tuition. This bipartisan legislation changes the requirement to allow any student who graduates from a Colorado high school and has resided in the state for one year to receive in-state tuition. The bill would expand in-state tuition to more Colorado students and families, saving them money on higher education tuition. Previous Next

The Colorado Energy Office yesterday announced the recipients of the third round of the Colorado Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering (GETCO). Over $7.3 million was awarded to support thermal energy network projects, including $6.8 million for Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs and Vail. < Back October 16, 2025 Reps. Lukens, Paschal Applaud Nearly $7 Million in Grants to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Costs DENVER, CO – The Colorado Energy Office yesterday announced the recipients of the third round of the Colorado Geothermal Energy Tax Credit Offering (GETCO). Over $7.3 million was awarded to support thermal energy network projects, including $6.8 million for Colorado Springs, Steamboat Springs and Vail. “This investment in the Western Slope will help us harness renewable energy to protect our environment while saving Coloradans money," said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Colorado is leading the way in these geothermal technology projects, and we’re showing the country that geothermal energy can be used to meet the heating needs of rural communities like Steamboat Springs and Vail. It is exciting to see policy in action in our communities that will save Coloradans money and provide reliable energy.” “Focusing on geothermal energy advances our commitment to clean, affordable energy and drives down our reliance on fuels that harm our environment,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “Geothermal technology utilizes the heat beneath our feet to reduce energy costs, which saves businesses and Coloradans money. This $5 million award gives Colorado Springs District 11 Schools the resources to break ground on this innovative project that will reduce energy costs for the district, improve air quality and create renewable energy jobs.” GETCO is funded through a 2023 law passed by Colorado Democrats to save Coloradans money, create good-paying jobs and help the state meet its climate goals. HB23-1272 created a refundable tax credit to help communities advance and adopt geothermal electricity development. The following projects were announced as grant recipients in the third round of GETCO funding: The Town of Vail was awarded over $1.7 million to install a thermal energy network between the Vail Public Library and the Dobson Ice Arena, with the possibility of extending the network to the ski area and nearby facilities in the future, Steamboat Springs was also awarded grant money to conduct a feasibility study on a ground source loop thermal energy network to heat and cool municipal buildings, and Colorado Springs District 11 was awarded $5 million to install a thermal energy network at Palmer High School. Last year, Rep. Paschal passed a bipartisan law to encourage more geothermal energy production, establish a long-term funding mechanism to ensure the safety of carbon storage operations and save consumers and businesses money on energy costs. Previous Next

< Back June 13, 2020 HOUSE GIVES PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO PAID SICK LEAVE, PASSES TELEHEALTH EXPANSION DENVER, CO — The House today gave preliminary approval to legislation that would provide paid sick leave and passed on third reading legislation to expand access to telehealth by a vote of 64-1. “House Democrats are working to help our state get back to work safely by protecting workers when they get sick, so they can stay home and get better without hurting their coworkers or customers,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “No one should have to choose between their paycheck and going to the doctor or caring for a sick child. As a mother of two young boys, I know how important it is to be able to care for them when they are sick.” “As a pediatrician, I know how important it is for Coloradans to get the care they need when they are sick,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “It shouldn’t matter what industry you work in. All workers should be able to care for themselves or a child or family member. We won’t be unprepared the next time we face a health emergency like COVID-19. With this bill, Coloradans will be able to take time off when they get sick and protect their colleagues without giving up their livelihoods.” SB20-205 , sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Representative Yadira Caraveo, would allow workers to earn paid sick leave. Currently, 40% of Colorado’s workforce is not afforded the opportunity to earn paid sick days –– creating a “work while sick” culture that increases the transmission of deadly viruses such as COVID-19. 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. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has allowed Coloradans across the state to get the care they need without risking their lives,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “Telehealth is critical for our rural communities, improves access to health care and lowers costs. This bill extends access to these critical services so they won’t go away when the public health emergency expires.” 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

HB25-1146 increases the emergency detention bed cap and funds deflection programs < Back June 26, 2025 Bill to Improve Youth Justice System Goes Into Effect HB25-1146 increases the emergency detention bed cap and funds deflection programs DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to allocate $10 million to support youth justice sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, goes into effect on July 1, 2025. “This new law funds crucial programs to help kids get on the right path after a mistake and get connected to a community of support,” said Amabile. “The grant program aims to address the underlying causes of juvenile crime and treat them effectively – which is good for young people, their families, and our state. HB25-1146 is a balanced approach to keep Colorado communities safe while holistically supporting our youth.” “This bipartisan law will make Colorado a safer place,” said Bird. “We know that many youth who commit violent crime often lack the support and guidance that they need to build a bright future for themselves. This law invests in programs to reduce recidivism and keep youth out of the justice system in the first place while also protecting our communities from harm by allowing more flexibility in the use emergency beds in detention centers.” HB25-1146 is also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Representative Dan Woog, R-Erie. The new law increases the number of emergency detention beds available under the statewide juvenile detention bed cap from 22 to 39, and allows more flexibility on when the beds may be used. It enhances transparency by requiring the Colorado Department of Human Services to publish a monthly report including the number of youth in detention and the number awaiting services. To address concerns about staff interactions with detained youth, the law also establishes a pilot program for Department of Youth Services (DYS) staff at one facility to wear body-worn cameras during interactions with youth. Additionally, the new law allocates over $3 million for deflection and community programs. The law creates the Deflection and Community Investment Grant Program in the Colorado Department of Public Safety to provide grants to eligible applicants to implement trauma-informed health and development deflection programs for youth, including Native American youth. Finally, the law makes procedural changes to the juvenile justice system to repeal infrequently-used provisions and streamline case dismissal for some low-level charges, improving efficiency and fairness. DYS operates 14 secure youth centers serving youth between the ages of 10 to 21. DYS also administers juvenile parole services. In 2023, HB23-1307 allowed DYS to administer 22 temporary emergency beds that did not count toward the detention cap of 215 beds. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES COLORADO COMEBACK PACKAGE TO SUPPORT WORKERS, STUDENTS, BUSINESSES, FAMILIES, AND MORE House advances five state stimulus proposals on second reading DENVER, CO– The House today gave preliminary approval to five Colorado Comeback state stimulus proposals to give restaurants a leg up, invest in jobs training, close the COVID learning gap, and boost affordable housing opportunities. The bills are part of the $800 million package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. “Restaurants, bars, and other food service businesses took quite a hit during the pandemic, but many are on the mend as our economy continues to safely reopen,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn. “Extending a crucial tax break that has served as a lifeline for many of these businesses will help our restaurant industry build back stronger. I hope and expect that the summer months will be a boon for small businesses across the state, and I’m proud to say that many of them will be able to take thousands of dollars in additional deductions. HB21-1265 , sponsored by Reps Kyle Mullica and Kevin Van Winkle R-Highlands Ranch, continues a successful sales tax assistance effort passed during the 2020 special session. It allows restaurants, bars, caterers, and food service contractors (such as airline food service contractors and food concession contractors at sporting events) to deduct up to $70,000 in net taxable sales from their monthly state sales tax return for five different locations and retain the resulting sales tax revenue during the months of June, July, and August 2021. “Coloradans who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 are eager to get back to work,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “By investing in the SNAP Employment First initiative, we’re making sure that the Colorado comeback extends to low-income workers across the state. The skills and jobs training provided by this proven program will go a long way toward helping Colorado’s workers find rewarding employment that will support them for years to come.” The SNAP Employment First initiative has successfully helped Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits obtain new skills to thrive and reenter the workforce. HB21-1270 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Yadira Caraveo, leverages $3 million in state funds to draw down an additional $3 million in federal funds to provide a total of $6 million for jobs and skills training services to SNAP recipients. The funds may also be used to support work based learning opportunities and expanding 3rd party partnerships to expand the SNAP employment and training program’s reach. “Affordable housing has long been a top priority for myself and my colleagues in the legislature,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The pandemic only heightened the need to take bold action to ensure that Colorado families can keep a roof over their head despite the economic turmoil. As we work to build back a stronger Colorado, we’re giving local governments the tools and the funding they need to meet the unique affordable housing needs of their rural, rural-resort, suburban and urban communities.” Local governments are on the forefront of building affordable housing, but often lack the tools and resources to increase the available housing stock. HB21-1271 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Iman Jodeh, provides $13 million in incentives and technical assistance to local governments to provide for the rapid deployment of affordable housing projects and to also ensure local communities have the tools and resources they need to help them identify and meet their unique housing needs. HB21-1234 , sponsored by Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, would create and fund the Colorado High Impact Tutoring Program. Data consistently demonstrates that high-impact tutoring, when administered during the school day to groups of four of fewer students by the same qualified tutor at least three times per week, is one of the most effective interventions to raise student achievement. This program would be administered under the Colorado Department of Education and would provide grants to local education providers for high impact tutoring programs designed to address COVID-related learning loss. The bill outlines the process and requirements for applying for funding, and establishes that rural education providers and schools serving low-income or underserved students must be among the criteria taken into consideration in awarding grants. Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2021 OH SNAP! STIMULUS PROPOSAL TO INVEST IN JOBS AND SKILLS TRAINING PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today advanced Representatives Tony Exum and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to invest state stimulus funds and draw down millions of federal funds for jobs and skills training through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment First initiative. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed committee by a bipartisan vote of 10-2. “The pandemic has left more Coloradans than ever relying on state support to make ends meet and put food on the table,” said Representative Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “Understanding that most Coloradans are eager and ready to get back to work, our bill channels state and federal dollars towards a proven program that will help build Colorado back stronger by preparing people to re-enter the workforce and get back on their feet.” “The savvy proposal we advanced today makes a state investment to leverage federal funds for a grand total of six million dollars going toward getting Colorado back to work,” said Representative Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “By investing in the SNAP Employment First program, we’re ensuring that the Colorado Comeback provides training and skill building opportunities for Coloradans who were hit hard by the pandemic.” The SNAP Employment First initiative has successfully helped Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits obtain new skills to thrive and reenter the workforce. HB21-1270 leverages $3 million in state funds to draw down an additional $3 million in federal funds to provide a total of $6 million for jobs and skills training services to SNAP recipients. The funds may also be used to support work based learning opportunities and expanding 3rd party partnerships to expand the SNAP employment and training program’s reach. Previous Next

Laws will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and boost the care worker workforce < Back May 31, 2024 Gov Signs Family Affordability Tax Credit, Bill to Support the Care Workforce Laws will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and boost the care worker workforce DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will create the Family Affordability Tax Credit to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families and create a state income tax credit for care workers to address the care worker workforce shortage. Beginning tax year 2024, HB24-1311 creates the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit. This credit will be available to parents with children 16 and younger with a maximum of $3,200 for each child under 6, and a maximum of $2,400 for each child ages 6 to 16. The credit will be adjusted for income, inflation, economic growth, and unemployment. “This historic effort will significantly reduce childhood poverty in Colorado, boost the incomes of hardworking families, and help millions of Coloradans who are feeling the greatest impacts of the cost of living in our state,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB24-1311. “Tax credit policies that benefit children and families, who could see up to thousands of dollars back under this law, will ensure our tax code works for more Coloradans and help address childhood poverty. I’m proud to have carried this law to help Coloradans afford essentials like rent payments and groceries and boost the incomes of thousands of families across the state.” “Looking out for Colorado families means making sure they don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent or affording other necessities,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield . “It’s no understatement to say that this is one of the more impactful pieces of legislation we’ll pass this year. I am extremely pleased to see this bill get signed into law, because it will cut child poverty in half while making it that much easier for working families to get by in our state.” “There are over 133,000 Colorado kids living in poverty, and this law, coupled with the Earned Income Tax Credit, will dramatically cut our child poverty rate,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB24-1311. “These tax credits boost the incomes of our lower and middle-income families so they can keep their children safe and healthy by accessing quality health care, school supplies, and fresh food. Our law will increase tax credits for Colorado parents and put millions of dollars back into the pockets of families with children.” “Working Coloradans need our support, and I am pleased to say that we have an opportunity to make a real, transformative difference for kids and families,” said Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver. “This bill will provide direct relief for families in our community while making our tax code more equitable, and will help give more Colorado families the resources they need to thrive.” The Governor also signed HB24-1312 which creates a state income tax credit for child care workers and direct care workers to boost incomes and address workforce shortages. Taxpayers must have an income of $75,000 or less for single filers or $100,000 or less for joint filers to be eligible for this state income tax credit. “Care workers are essential in providing care to our loved ones like our children and our parents, and they often do not receive the benefits and recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1312. “This workforce is critical in supporting Coloradans in all industries and they are a crucial component of a thriving economy. This tax credit will allow us to recruit and retain these important care workers while boosting their incomes by over a thousand dollars so they can better afford their bills while staying in the care worker industry.” “Robust access to care work increases workforce participation, creates better care for those receiving it, and supports the emotional and physical health of family members who are providing unpaid care work,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “Care workers are essential but aren’t treated that way. This new law is an important first step to valuing care work appropriately in Colorado.” “Whether you receive support after an accident or have someone who helps your aging relatives, we have all benefited from the work and support that care workers provide,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB24-1312. “This law is a small token of appreciation that we can give care workers, especially our Family, Friend and Neighbor child care providers, so they can continue the important work that they do and encourage our care workforce to grow.” “Forty percent of Colorado’s care workers rely on public assistance – we must do more to support them,” said Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of HB24-1312. “HB-1312 supports the care workforce across their entire lifetimes and provides economic support to all care workers, not just one group. This law will have far-reaching positive impacts on both the stability of this industry and the well-being of Colorado’s families, communities and economy.” For tax years 2025 through 2028, this law creates a refundable state income tax credit of $1,200 for: Direct care workers who are employed by a long-term care employer or provide community-based services and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year, Child care workers who are employed or licensed by an early childhood education program or a licensed family child care home and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year, or Informal family, friend, or neighbor child care providers who provided at least 720 hours of care to children 5 and under, and are registered with the Department of Early Childhood’s Professional Development Information System. Previous Next