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Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro, to attract businesses, create good-paying jobs and support local economies. < Back May 19, 2025 SIGNED! Mauro’s Bipartisan Bill to Attract Businesses and Jobs to Colorado PUEBLO, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro, to attract businesses, create good-paying jobs and support local economies. “This law will drive more business to Colorado and create good-paying jobs by lowering electrical utility rates for businesses,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Our bipartisan law allows more businesses to save money with lower rates by increasing the eligible project size and the number of projects that can benefit from the Economic Development Rate. By attracting more businesses to operate in Pueblo and other Colorado communities, we can create more good-paying jobs, lower electric rates for businesses and boost local economies.” The legislature created the Economic Development Rate in 2018, which allows electric utilities to offer lower rates for up to 10 years to commercial and industrial users who do business in Colorado. HB25-1177 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, will make adjustments to the Economic Development Rate ( EDR) Tariff to expand competitive electric rates to businesses by: Increasing the maximum project size without requiring approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from 20 megawatts to 40 megawatts, Expanding the maximum timeframe for rate eligibility from 10 years to 25 years, and Establishing 120-day deadlines for PUC action for projects larger than 40 megawatts to ensure timely review and approval. To be eligible for the EDR, businesses will have to undergo a societal economic benefit test, which takes into account the economic benefits that the EDR provides for the surrounding community. Additionally, businesses would be required to have an evaluation of the marginal cost to ensure other ratepayers in the utility’s territory aren’t negatively impacted. Previous Next

< Back June 19, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: BUDGET OUTLOOK STILL BLEAK, ECONOMY SLOWLY STARTING TO REBOUND AS CO SAFELY REOPENS DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the June quarterly economic forecasts, both of which project slightly higher General Fund revenue compared to earlier estimates in May. “We’re seeing that as we work to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy is slowly beginning to rebound,” said JBC Chair Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We had to pass a balanced budget with an over $3 billion shortfall, and we worked as hard as we could to mitigate the harm to our most vulnerable. We prioritized our students and teachers and the services hardworking Coloradans need the most right now. The truth is, there’s still a lot of uncertainty with how the virus will progress in the coming months and how that will impact our economy and our budget.” “As Colorado begins to open up and recover, we’re seeing our revenue forecast gradually improve as well,” said JBC Vice-Chair Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “But we are not out of the woods yet. COVID-19 remains a real threat to our communities and the economic impacts of the shutdown will have dire consequences for years to come. We need the federal government to step up and provide states with flexible funding while we continue to weather the storm, or there will be irreversible damage Colorado’s infrastructure.” “In the budget the General Assembly just passed, we prioritized education and our most vulnerable as we responsibly balanced the budget with hard choices and cuts that no one wanted to make,” said JBC Member Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We closed special interest tax loopholes and put that money toward education and toward boosting incomes for hardworking Coloradans. That’s had a positive impact on our budget, and while revenues may increase a little next year, we’ll have fewer resources and face an even worse budget crisis if Congress doesn’t provide states with additional and flexible funding to protect our schools and core services.” “Facing an unprecedented blow to our state’s budget, I am incredibly proud of the way we were able to protect the priorities that matter most to Coloradans, including K-12 education and critical human services,” said JBC Member Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Unfortunately, despite modest improvements in our economy, our state revenue is set to see even bigger losses next year. We need to continue coming together to find creative solutions that help us navigate these difficult times, which is exactly what we are committed to doing.” The updated June forecast from Legislative Council staff (LCS) estimates that revenues will fall by 12.3 percent in FY 2020-2021 from the projected revenues for the current fiscal year. General Fund revenues are now expected to be $320.9 million more in FY 2019-2020 and $526.1 million more in FY 2020-2021 than anticipated in the May revenue forecast, due in part to tax policy changes enacted by the General Assembly in the 2020 legislative session and higher economic expectations. LCS anticipates lawmakers will have $10.8 billion available for the General Fund in FY 2020-2021, a 10 percent drop from anticipated revenue for FY 2019-2020. The June forecast from the governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting anticipates General Fund revenues will fall by 12.7 percent in FY 2020-2021 from projected revenues for the current fiscal year. General Fund revenue forecasts relative to the May estimate are up by $311.2 million for FY 2019-2020, and down by $82.3 million in FY 2020-2021. The OSPB estimates that $11.8 billion will be available for the General Fund next year, $1.6 billion less than what is projected for FY 2019-2020. The LCS estimate indicates there is downside risk to the forecast from a prolonged economic recovery or a double-dip recession due to the resurgence of COVID-19 this fall or “vicious cycle.” There is upside risk to the estimate from a faster economic recovery. Previous Next

< Back October 10, 2019 REP. MCCLUSKIE: FAMILIES IN THE MOUNTAINS WILL SAVE OVER $10,000 ON HEALTH CARE NEXT YEAR Savings are largely attributable to Rep. McCluskie’s reinsurance legislation, premiums for plans sold on the individual market will fall by 20.2 percent statewide DENVER, CO– Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, today released the following statement after Governor Polis announced that the final health insurance rates for plans sold on the individual market will fall by 20.2 percent and that families living in the mountains and some rural areas will save over $10,000: “This is big news. Health insurance rates sold on the individual market will be falling dramatically, and the typical family of four living in the mountains and some rural areas of our state will see a savings of over $10,000 next year. Every Coloradan deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care services close to home, and the General Assembly worked tirelessly this past year to deliver on this basic human right. From colorado hospitals and insurance carriers, to the lawmakers who cosponsored this legislation, I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of all the partners and stakeholders who helped secure this reduction in health care costs.” Rep. McCluskie was the prime sponsor of HB19-1168, State Innovation Waiver Reinsurance Program, which was signed by Governor Polis last May. The bipartisan legislation establishes a state reinsurance program, which has successfully lowered health care premiums for plans sold on the individual market. Rep. McCluskie and Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, were also the co-prime sponsors of SB19-004, a bill that facilitated the establishment of the Peak Health Alliance, a health care cooperative that aims to lower costs in rural parts of the state. After starting successfully in Summit County, Peak Health is now expanding into several other counties, including Grand, Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan counties. In the announcement today, Governor Polis said that the typical family of four living in the mountains who purchase their insurance on the individual market will see a yearly savings of $10,302, and that health care premiums for plans sold on the individual market will fall by 20.2 percent statewide. Previous Next

< Back May 21, 2021 E&E INVESTS IN COLORADO’S CLEAN ENERGY COMEBACK The Energy and Environment Committee today advanced Representative Alex Valdez and Tracey Bernett’s bipartisan bill to put $40 million toward financing clean energy projects DENVER, CO– The House Energy and Environment Committee today advanced a bill to invest in clean energy projects through the Colorado Energy Office. 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 Colorado’s economy becomes cleaner and greener, we’re working to ensure that innovative clean energy projects can access the private capital entities looking to fund them,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Clean energy is a booming industry, and as we work to build back a stronger Colorado it makes sense to use proven models to encourage investment in a cleaner future for our state.” “Transitioning to clean energy in Colorado is good for the environment, good for future generations and good for our economy,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Longmont. “As we help Colorado bounce back from the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic, we have an opportunity to invest in the industries of the future, and that’s exactly what we’re doing today. Our bill will help more clean energy projects get off the ground, save residents and businesses money through energy efficiency and also help to meet our state greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.” SB21-230 invests $40 million in clean energy finance initiatives through the Colorado Energy Office. The majority of the funds will go to the Colorado Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), which uses the “ green bank ” model already in operation in over a dozen states to finance clean energy projects and bridge the gaps between businesses and private capital providers. By leveraging limited public funds, the CCEF can draw over $120 million of total investment and create over 2,000 in Colorado communities most impacted by climate change. The remaining funds will be allocated to proven programs within the Colorado Energy Office that support clean energy retrofits, energy-efficient new construction, clean energy lending and funding for the installation of EV charging stations at facilities across the state. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES PAID FAMILY LEAVE BILL (Apr. 30) – The House gave final approval to Rep. Matt Gray and Rep. Monica Duran’s bill, SB19-188 Family Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI), that will ensure a seamless implementation of the best possible FAMLI policy for Coloradans. The plan creates an outline and execution schedule that lays the groundwork for the implementation of a strong, robust paid family leave policy for Colorado workers and businesses by 2024. “We’ve got consensus across all political spectrums that paid leave should be a reality,” said Rep. Matt Gray. “This is the biggest next step we can take and look forward to taking bigger ones in the future that will help make life better for the majority of workers in our state who don’t have access to paid leave.” “I escaped domestic violence and battled homelessness to keep my son safe but I lost a job and home, and in that moment I made a promise to myself that if I was ever in position to make a difference and be a voice for others, I would,” said Rep. Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This bill will help offer safe leave. Whether you’re a server, a nurse, a fast food worker, or a lawyer, you should have access to paid leave. Over 90 percent of Coloradans don’t have access to leave to care for a sick loved one or a newborn.” The implementation plan is comprised of a number of analyses that will ensure the program is administered efficiently, effectively, and fiscally responsible, including: A family and medical leave implementation task force, which will be appointed by July 1, 2019 . A report prepared for the taskforce with results from a third-party study and recommendations from experts in the field by October 1, 2019 . An independent actuarial analysis completed by December 1, 2019 . The implementation plan also requires an analysis of the feasibility of contracting with a third party to administer parts of the program as an alternative to administration by the state. The plan does not change the timeline for when Coloradans can start receiving benefits from the program. These analyses will assist in the preparation of legislation in the 2020 legislative session establishing paid family leave in Colorado. Following the establishment of the program, education and outreach will begin on January 1, 2022, the funding stream will be established on January 1, 2023 and benefits will be provided beginning on January 1, 2024. The bill does require that the General Assembly grant permission for implementation of the program by legislation. Eighty eight percent of Coloradans do not have access to paid family leave, and even unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act is inaccessible for 64 percent of working people. That means most Coloradans do not have time off to recover from a serious illness, to care for a sick family member or to welcome the birth of a child. They are often forced to choose between their jobs or taking care of sick loved one. SB19-188 passed by a vote of 40-24. It goes back to the Senate for approval of amendments. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Javier Mabrey and Judy Amabile that would increase the success of eligible individuals referred from the criminal justice system by connecting them to an individualized care coordination plan in an effort to divert them from incarceration. HB24-1355 passed by a vote of 55-8. < Back April 26, 2024 Legislation to Reduce Competency Waitlist, Connect Coloradans to Mental Health Services Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Javier Mabrey and Judy Amabile that would increase the success of eligible individuals referred from the criminal justice system by connecting them to an individualized care coordination plan in an effort to divert them from incarceration. HB24-1355 passed by a vote of 55-8. “The waitlist for competency services is so long that people who have not yet been found guilty of a crime are in jail longer than people who are convicted,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “This legislation will help address Colorado’s broken competency system so we can provide mental health services to people who need them. Not only will this better serve our most vulnerable, but it will also make our communities safer.” “People with mental health struggles are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, and they desperately need services,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “When a mental health disorder is left untreated, Coloradans are often sent to jail for a relatively low offense, limiting their ability to rehabilitate. Routing people to diversion programs instead of the competency system connects them to mental health services that can help prevent a crisis and reduce recidivism.” HB24-1355 would create the Bridges Wraparound Care Program to refer eligible individuals with mental health struggles from the criminal justice system into wraparound care services. A defendant can be eligible for the Bridges Wraparound Care Program if they consent to participate in the program, the district attorney and defense counsel agree that there is a reasonable cause to believe that the defendant will be found incompetent, and the defendant is not charged with a class 1, 2, or 3 felony, a level 1 and 2 drug felony, a sex offense, a crime of violence, or any offense described in C.R.S. 24-4.1-302 (1), unless the district attorney waives this requirement in the interest of justice. If the defendant is eligible and agrees to enter the program, the court will assign a coordinator within the program who will screen and access the defendant to create a plan for the defendant. After 182 days of care, the care coordinator will review the defendant’s progress and if the court finds the defendant is compliant with their care plan, the charges must be dropped. If the defendant has not complied with the individualized care plan but is engaged in the process, the court may continue the case for up to 91 more days. If the defendant is not engaged, the district attorney may end the defendant’s placement in the program and begin prosecuting the case. The bill would also require each judicial district to enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the Bridges Wraparound Care Program with district attorneys, public defenders, the Department of Human Services, the Behavioral Health Administration, treatment providers, local behavioral health case management programs, and local behavioral health case management programs to come up with how they will provide treatment to individuals found eligible for this program. Previous Next

< Back October 30, 2019 PRISON POPULATION MANAGEMENT INTERIM STUDY COMMITTEE ADVANCES PROPOSALS TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON PRIVATE PRISONS AND REFORM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM DENVER, CO — Today the Prison Population Management Interim Study Committee advanced three legislative proposals to reduce Colorado’s dependence on private prisons and lay the groundwork for criminal justice reforms to come. This is the first step in the process for the legislature to review these proposals during the next session. “I’m fully committed to moving away from Colorado’s dependence on private prisons and lowering our state’s incarceration rate in a way that improves public safety and decreases recidivism,” said Prison Population Committee Chair Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver). “The legislation we passed over the last few years has slowed the tide of incarceration in Colorado. Now, we’re focusing on transitioning away from private prisons and on finding ways to reintegrate incarcerated people in a safe and effective way. These bills can provide a roadmap towards a more effective and humane criminal justice system, and I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders on these proposals.” “Our committee today advanced important proposals to reform the way young adults are treated in the correctional system and reduce the use of private prisons in Colorado,” s aid committee member Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (D-Denver). “These bills are an important first step towards making change and providing a national example for criminal justice reform. I look forward to working with stakeholders including District Attorneys, Victim’s Rights Groups, Public Defenders, and others involved in this process to make sure the legislation is airtight in ensuring justice is carried out. We have a great deal of work left to do, but I remain optimistic and am very pleased with our committee’s progress.” 1. Young Adult Criminal Justice Reforms. The committee advanced a bill that creates a process for adults between the ages of 18 and 25 to petition to have certain types of felony criminal cases transferred to juvenile court. Research shows that young adults’ brains do not mature fully until after the age of 25. The bill proposes a new sentencing grid for felonies committed between the ages of 18 and 25; would create broadened probation guidelines for nonviolent, first-time felony offenders and would create a process for courts to consider vacating a felony and entering a misdemeanor conviction for these types of offenses. The bill would better align the state’s criminal justice system with what researchers are reporting on brain development in young adults. Sponsors: Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, Sen. Gonzales, Sen. Rodriguez 2. Prison Population Reduction and Management. The committee also advanced an important piece of legislation to transition Colorado away from the use of private prisons. If enacted, the Department of Corrections (DOC) may use the Centennial Correctional Facility (CSP II) to house close custody inmates, but for each state inmate housed at CSP II, one inmate must be removed from one of the three private prisons used by the state to house inmates until CSP II reaches full capacity. The bill would also create efficiencies in the Parole Board’s review measures when the prison vacancy rate falls below 3 percent for 30 consecutive days. Importantly, the bill would also require a DOC study on ending the use of private prisons in Colorado by 2025. Sponsors: Rep. Herod, Sen. Gonzales 3. Criminal Justice System Operational Processes Study. Finally, the committee approved a bill that would require the DOC to take a deep look into how individuals proceed through the stages of the criminal justice system. It lays out parameters for the DOC study and sets a strict time period for the study to be completed. This would allow the state to identify roadblocks in the system to improve efficiency. The study would also make recommendations on best practices found both in Colorado and in other states for creating more efficient operational and technological systems and procedures for use in the criminal justice system. Sponsors: Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, Sen. Gonzales, Sen. Rodriguez Previous Next

< Back September 16, 2021 JOINT RELEASE: AURORA DELEGATION REACTS TO AG REPORT ON AURORA POLICE PRACTICES The Attorney General’s Office released the findings of a patterns and practices investigation into the Aurora Police Department launched following protests surrounding Elijah McClain’s death in 2019 DENVER, CO – Today, members of the Aurora delegation in the Colorado state legislature, including Senators Rhonda Fields and Janet Buckner as well as Representatives Dominique Jackson, Naquetta Ricks, Iman Jodeh, Mike Weissman and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, released the subsequent joint statement in response to Attorney General Phil Weiser’s patterns and practices investigative report released today, which found that the Aurora Police Department consistently breaks the law through racially-biased policing and excessive force: “Today’s report is a glaring picture of how the Aurora Police Department operates, and gives us a full understanding of the gaps that must be filled in order to protect vulnerable families from racist, violent and inhumane police practices within the Department. Thanks to our efforts in 2020 to pass a landmark police reform bill here in Colorado, instances of police violence, prejudice and bad behavior can no longer be swept under the rug. We will no longer tolerate bad actors going unchecked and this report, though disturbing, serves as a path toward dismantling systemic racism and bias within an institution that has lost the trust of our communities. We are incredibly grateful for Attorney General Weiser’s commitment to addressing this ongoing issue in our state and commend him for the work he and his team have put in to come to this conclusion. We remain committed to our collective goal of reforming the way we police in Colorado, advancing racial justice within our communities and working toward a system that is fair and just, one that truly values Black and Brown lives – and having the attorney general and Aurora enter a consent decree agreement is another step toward that goal.” Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS HIT THE HOUSE FLOOR Affordable housing, creative industries, and small businesses who hire former inmates to get significant boost under state stimulus bills advanced today DENVER, CO– House committees today advanced three Colorado Comeback state stimulus proposals that would provide significant funding for affordable housing; offer grants to artists, venues, and Coloradans in the creative industries, and expand a program that creates jobs by helping formerly incarcerated individuals learn finance skills and start a business. 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 McCluskie and 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. The bill passed the Transportation and Local Government Committee by a vote of 9-2. “Coloradans across the state continue to tell lawmakers that housing is too expensive and access to affordable places to live is becoming harder and harder to find,” said Rep. Iman Joden, D-Aurora. “I believe in the American Dream, and for many, secure and safe housing or homeownership is a part of realizing that dream. Allowing this dream to come to fruition shouldn’t be a luxury, but rather something within the reach of all. That’s why we’re giving local governments the tools they need to develop more affordable housing and offering financial incentives to make that happen.” “Many of our rural and mountain town economies depend on access to affordable housing as rising costs are forcing out long-time locals and making it harder for businesses to find workers,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We have an affordable housing crisis in Colorado and local governments need additional tools and funding to create more housing. I’m excited to see the legislature tackle this issue and take action to foster construction of more affordable places to live for Coloradans.” HB21-1215 , sponsored by Representatives Ortiz and Holtorf, expands an existing pilot program known as the Community Crime Prevention Initiative that provides grants to community-based organizations to reduce crime and recidivism and promote community economic development. The program also trains formerly incarcerated people in business, finance and entrepreneurship and those who graduate receive access to loans to start their own small business. The program was created by the bipartisan bill HB17-1326, establishing the pilot program in North Aurora and Southeast Colorado Springs. HB21-1215 expands the program sites to Grand Junction and Trinidad. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6-5. “The Justice Reinvestment Crime Prevention Initiative has successfully created jobs and lowered recidivism rates because it focuses on community-led solutions to the root causes of crime,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Let’s keep up the good work! This bipartisan bill uses state stimulus funds to expand the program to Trinidad and Grand Junction to provide further opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals to learn business, finance, and entrepreneurship skills and find employment, reducing the chance they reoffend and return to prison.” Venues, artists, and so many other culturally vital organizations have struggled to make it through the last year. HB21-1285 , sponsored by Representatives Benavidez and Herod, provides $10M to support artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state. This includes funding for the performance based film incentive, cultural facilities and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. The bill passed the Business Affairs and Labor Committee by a vote of 8-5. “For community cultural centers and festivals, artists and so many others in Colorado’s creative economy, this last year has been devastating,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City. “Our state stimulus plan provides $10 million to help Coloradans in the arts industry get back on their feet, creating jobs in communities all across our state. I’m proud that this bill will target historically marginalized businesses and individuals to provide them the resources they need to recover financially and thrive.” “The pandemic’s impact on concerts, art festivals, and so much more has meant lost income and wages for tens of thousands of Coloradans,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “By boosting this critical industry, we can help Coloradans recover faster from the pandemic and build back stronger.” Previous Next

< Back May 23, 2019 KRAFT-THARP’S BIPARTISAN SALES AND USE TAX BILL SIGNED INTO LAW (May 23) – Gov. Polis signed Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp’s bill to update the way the state collects sales taxes to comply with the South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision “This new law will help small businesses and our economy stay on the path to success,” said Rep. Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada. “I will continue working help simplify our tax system and am thankful to all of the stakeholders involved in getting this bill signed into law.” Rep. Kraft-Tharp has been a staunch advocate for tax reform at the legislature. Kraft-Tharp is chair of the Business and Labor Affairs Committee and chair of the Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force Interim Committee. HB19-1240 codifies the Colorado Department of Revenue rule applying destination-based sourcing to all retailers. Online retailers will now be required to collect taxes based on the buyer’s address, and marketplace facilitators, such as Amazon and Etsy, are required to collect and remit sales taxes for the sellers on the platform. Smaller retailers would be able to continue to calculate sales taxes based on their business location until an online system is available to calculate tax rates for addresses. The bill is a result of the 2018 United States Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v.Wayfair, which expanded the ability of states to collect sales taxes on online purchases. Previously, the standard was that a business had to have a physical presence in a locality in order to pay local sales taxes there. Rep. Kraft-Tharp is also the co-prime sponsor of SB19-006 which requires the development of an electronic sales and use tax simplification system. This new system will help address the patchwork of sales and use tax across the state and help small businesses thrive. This law will require the Office of Information Technology to develop the electronic sales and use tax simplification system following a stakeholder process conducted with the Department of Revenue. It then authorizes the Department of Revenue to accept any returns processed through the new system and also provides a dedicated funding stream to fund and maintain the system. SB19-006 was signed into law this April. HB19-1240 was signed in the Governor’s office today. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2021 HOUSE ED PASSES BILLS TO ADDRESS LEARNING DISRUPTIONS, PREVENT BULLYING IN SCHOOLS DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today passed SB21-013 and HB21-1221, legislation that would address COVID-19 related learning disruptions and prevent bullying in schools. “Building back stronger means making sure that every child in our state gets through this school year and the next with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive,” said Denver Public Schools Director Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Every student in Colorado should have the opportunity to address their specific learning needs. I’m proud of the package of bills we’ve developed to address the disrupted learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” “Students have been through so much the last year; we have to do everything we can to ensure learning loss related to COVID-19 and the disruption of in-person learning is reversed,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “This bill will help school districts across the state access the best practices they’ll need to work with students and help them get where they need to be.” SB21-013, which is sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Meg Froelich, directs the Department of Education to identify and collect resources to help school districts address learning disruptions. It will include products, strategies, and services that have been demonstrated to identify and address learning disruption experienced as a result of disruptions to learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also directs local education providers to expand students’ access to online courses currently provided on the Colorado Digital Learning Solutions platform, and to communicate the availability of these learning recovery opportunities to students’ families. The bill passed 7-2. “Bullying harms one in five students, often leading to tragic outcomes that are avoidable,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “We can do more to prevent and stop bullying, and that’s what this bill would do. It asks school districts to adopt a model bullying prevention policy and ensures that policy is effective by including parent voices and addressing cyberbullying.” “The wellbeing of our students must be a top priority, which is why we are always looking at how we can better keep them safe and healthy both at school and at home,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “The bill we advanced today will do that by strengthening schools’ bullying policies and ensuring that educators have the tools and strategies they need to prevent both in-school and cyberbullying that can happen anywhere.” HB21-1221, which is sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Mary Young, would ensure important changes for when the Department of Education’s model bullying policy is updated next year, including making a crucial distinction between conflict and bullying which are often conflated. The bill would ensure parents of students who have been bullied are involved in developing the policy, and extend the policy to cyberbullying that occurs during online instruction. It requires districts to implement the model bullying policy and report bullying incidents. Approximately 15 percent of students in high school in Colorado experience bullying, and nationwide, 20 percent of middle and high schoolers experience bullying. Persistent bullying can lead to feelings of isolation, rejection, exclusion, and despair, and they can also lead to suicidal behavior. The committee also passed HB21-1273, which is sponsored by Representative Cutter and would require CDE to report on the total number of licensed school psychologists in Colorado who work in schools across the state. Yesterday the committee passed HB21-1259, another bill in the package to address COVID-19 related learning loss, which streamlines the application process and reporting requirements for school districts seeking to access stimulus funding to provide students with extended learning opportunities. Previous Next

Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s funding freezes and employee layoffs at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and their drastic impact on farmers and ranchers in rural Colorado. < Back February 26, 2025 Rep. Stewart’s Statement Regarding USDA Funding Freeze Impacting Southern Colorado DENVER, CO – Representative Katie Stewart today released the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s funding freezes and employee layoffs at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and their drastic impact on farmers and ranchers in rural Colorado. Representative Katie Stewart, D-Durango: “A sweeping funding freeze and employee layoffs at the USDA have jeopardized the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers in Southern Colorado. Freezing federally-supported USDA grant programs is bad for hardworking farmers and ranchers, hurts rural Colorado, and will raise food prices for everyone. "From conservation efforts to localized infrastructure projects, farmers and ranchers were promised funding to improve farming and ranch operations and strengthen our food supply – but this bait and switch could leave them on the hook for unexpected costs. “I urge the federal government to strongly reconsider the federal looming funding cuts at the USDA because rural Colorado’s economy, and the farmers and ranchers who feed us, rely upon it.” Representative Katie Stewart represents HD-59 in Southwest Colorado which includes Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan counties and parts of Montezuma County. Previous Next