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Representative Eliza Hamrick today toured the South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) to learn more about the nearly 300 square miles of coverage under their emergency protection. < Back September 26, 2024 RELEASE: Rep. Hamrick Tours South Metro Fire Rescue CENTENNIAL, CO – Representative Eliza Hamrick today toured the South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) to learn more about the nearly 300 square miles of coverage under their emergency protection. ‘Thank you to the South Metro Fire Rescue for hosting me today – your unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe means so much to us all,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial . “At the legislature, we’ve worked to pass legislation that encourages wildfire mitigation efforts and improves the safety of our communities. SMFR serves and protects nearly 600,00 community members, and as wildfires become more destructive, I’m glad to have them in our corner.” Rep. Hamrick learned more about SMFR which serves 564,000 residents, and nearly 35,000 people who enter the district for work. Rep. Hamrick also learned more about SMFR’s 2021-2035 strategic planning process , which works to protect property, businesses and people living in parts of Arapahoe, Douglas and Jefferson Counties. SMFR’s coverage area includes Bow Mar, Castle Pines, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine Valley, Foxfield, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Pines, Village Highlands Ranch and Louviers in addition to the Centennial Airport, the Denver Tech Center, Inverness and Meridian Office Park. In 2024, Rep. Hamrick supported legislation to expand local outreach efforts and educate those living in the wildland-urban interface about how they can stop the spread of wildfires. In 2023, she also supported a bipartisan law to supply the state with a second Firehawk helicopter for wildfire suppression efforts. Previous Next

On August 8, new laws to increase awareness of the Colorado Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and fund food assistance programs to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income communities go into effect. < Back August 2, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Laws to Bolster Tax Credit Awareness and Boost Food Assistance Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On August 8, new laws to increase awareness of the Colorado Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and fund food assistance programs to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income communities go into effect. “The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit can boost workers’ incomes by thousands of dollars, making it easier for them to afford housing costs or everyday necessities, yet many Coloradans don’t know how to file for these tax benefits,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB23-1006. “This law will help connect families with the tax credits they qualify for, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans and boosting local economies.” “Colorado working families’ budgets are stretched thin, and they deserve a helping hand – but too many folks aren’t taking full advantage of the benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1006 . “Requiring clear, consistent information on how to access tax credits means Coloradans will be able to keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets. I will always fight for Colorado’s working families and I’m proud to see this important bill advance.” “Colorado families will now be informed of the tax credits available to them to make it easier to file for up to thousands of dollars in tax credits,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB23-1006. “Our new law will provide employers with detailed tax credit information that they can easily share with their employees. With the implementation of this law, we’re improving access to critical tax credits to save Colorado families money.” Starting August 8, HB23-1006 instructs employers to provide information about federal and state earned income tax credits and child tax credits to their employees. The notice must be provided at least once a year in English or any other language typically used to communicate with the employee. This bill builds on legislation passed by the General Assembly in recent years to increase the state Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Senator Chris Hansen and Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty previously passed SB22-182 to help Coloradans file for and receive their earned income tax credits and child tax credits. Colorado Democrats passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which doubled the state's Earned Income Tax Credit and funded the Child Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. Representative Mary Young also passed HB23-1112 with Representative Shannon Bird and Senators Hansen and Chris Kolker to expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which is expected to return over $170 million more to hardworking families. On August 8, HB23-1008 will go into effect, allocating $250,000 to the Department of Public Health and Environment to connect low-income communities throughout the state with healthy eating program incentives and improve access to fresh, Colorado-grown produce. “Your ability to access healthy food should not be based on your income,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1008. “About 33% of Coloradans do not have reliable access to nutritious food, which leads to chronic health issues and expensive health care bills. With our new law going into effect, everyday Coloradans across the state will soon have better access to fresh produce and groceries, making it easier for Coloradans to purchase healthy foods closer to home and boosting our agriculture industry.” “Working people in my district and across the state don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and too many of them don’t have enough to eat at all," said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1008. “I am happy to close this tax loophole that only benefits the wealthiest Coloradans, and redirect the funds toward addressing food insecurity so that more Coloradans can afford to put food on the table.” “Family owned farms and food retailers need our support more than corporate boardrooms," said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB23-1008. “This new law will reduce hunger and strengthen local supply chains in urban and rural parts of Colorado, with a minimal impact on state finances.” This law builds off bipartisan legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2022 to save Coloradans money on healthy foods. The funding allocated by the 2022 legislation supports programs including the Community Nutrition Incentive Program, which assists women, children, and older Coloradans in subscribing to weekly produce deliveries from a local farm; the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits in participating markets and stores for fruits and vegetables; and the Community Food Access program, which allows more small retailers to acquire equipment to store and sell produce and supports small family farms in connecting their crops to market demands. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2020 BILL TO ADDRESS RISING COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS PASSES COMMITTEE Democrats’ bill would reveal the financial relationships that drive up the cost of drugs and ensure rebates lower premiums for consumers DENVER, CO – The House Committee on Health and Insurance today passed Representatives Dominique Jackson and Dylan Roberts’ landmark legislation to increase transparency in prescription drug pricing. The bill would also ensure that manufacturer rebates are passed along to consumers in the form of lower insurance premiums. The vote was 7-3, with House GOP members standing with billion-dollar pharmaceutical corporations instead of Colorado consumers. “With multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical corporations making record profits, it’s time to finally hold these companies accountable for all the factors that are making prescription drugs unaffordable for far too many Coloradans,” said Rep. Jackson (D-Aurora). “Access to life-saving medication is a right. This bill will bring badly needed transparency to the complex and secretive deals between drug manufacturers, insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers that are driving up the cost of drugs.” “It’s clear that pharmaceutical corporations and drug middlemen are using rebates to get their drugs to market and to drive consumers to high-cost drugs, but these rebates aren’t being passed along to save people money,” said Rep. Roberts (D-Avon). “Rebates are being traded back and forth between manufacturers, drug middlemen and insurance companies behind closed doors with no public accountability. This bill will give us the data we need to make sure that rebates actually do what they are intended to do; save Coloradans money on their prescription drugs.” Colorado’s Medicaid program has seen its expenditures on prescription drugs increase 73 percent in the last five years. Nearly 11 percent of Coloradans did not fill a prescription last year because of cost concerns. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that total US spending on prescription drugs will grow 60 percent from 2019-2027 to $576.7 billion. These increases are forcing Coloradans to pay more for both prescription drugs and health insurance. The ten largest American pharmaceutical corporations made nearly $69 billion in profits in 2018–some of the largest profit margins in corporate America. The Colorado Prescription Drug Price Transparency Act of 2020, HB20-1160 , would address two primary concerns. First, it would provide the state and policymakers with critical data needed to understand and address the factors that are driving up the cost of prescription drugs by shining a light on the the financial relationships between drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), insurance companies and consumers. Second, it would provide immediate relief to consumers by ensuring that the rebates insurance companies receive from drug manufacturers are passed along directly to reduce premiums across the board. Under the bill, health insurers will have to submit detailed information to the commissioner of insurance starting in 2021 about the top 50 most costly and most used prescription drugs in Colorado covered under their plans, any rebates they receive from drug manufacturers and how drug costs and rebates are accounted for in insurance premiums. Drug manufacturers will have to notify the commissioner when they increase the price of certain drugs, the specific reasons for the price change and if the price change was necessitated by a change or improvement to the drug. The drugs that would fall under this category are drugs with a price of more than $50 per course of therapy and for which the price has increased by 10 percent or more over the prior year. Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 BILLS TO PREVENT SUICIDE DEATHS, IMPROVE 2-1-1 HOTLINE PASS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today passed two bills that would better connect Coloradans with critical behavioral health support. SB21-154 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Matt Soper, would implement the 988 national suicide prevention lifeline network in Colorado. By calling this number, individuals will be provided with crisis outreach, stabilization, and acute care that aims to prevent suicide deaths. The bill aims to establish the new hotline by January 20222. The bill passed unanimously. “This is such an important bill, and setting up this hotline will make a real difference for people in crisis,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This hotline will allow every Coloradan to directly access crisis services that can prevent suicide deaths and life-saving behavioral health care.” SB21-239 , sponsored by Representatives Judy Amabile and Mary Young, would improve the 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System. The bill appropriates $1 million to expand referral services authorized by the Colorado 2-1-1 collaborative to include referrals for behavioral health services and other resources in the state. By doing so, the 2-1-1 hotline will be able to connect more Coloradans with the mental health services they need. The bill additionally focuses on connecting Coloradans who are unemployed or who do not have health benefits to mental and behavioral health services. “We have a behavioral health crisis in Colorado, and one of the highest barriers people face is not being able to connect and access critical services,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “The 2-1-1 hotline already helps Coloradans access state services. The bill we advanced today would simply add behavioral health referrals to what they are already doing so that when people call and need help, they are connected to providers and the state services they need.” “Too many Coloradans are left without options or without even a phone number to turn to when they need mental health care,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We’re going to change that. Soon, the 2-1-1 hotline will be able to refer callers to behavioral health services to help more Coloradans get connected with life-saving health care.” Previous Next

Bills would increase access to care for youth in foster care with complex behavioral health care needs and expand treatment options for Coloradans with substance use disorder (SUD) < Back April 29, 2024 House Passes Bipartisan Bills to Expand Behavioral Health Care and SUD Treatment DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bipartisan bills from legislative interim committees to support children and youth in the foster care system and expand treatment options for Coloradans with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). “The need for more residential treatment centers and beds is clear, especially for our foster children and youth with complex behavioral health care needs,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB24-1038 . “Our bipartisan legislation is a product of the child welfare interim committee and works to strengthen the system of care specifically by increasing the availability of residential care settings and investing in more treatment beds. We’re also taking steps to reduce bed reliance by increasing treatment options for foster care youth and assuring staff have the training they need. This bill works to boost Colorado’s behavioral health care resources and streamline care to ou r foster children and youth who need it the most.” HB24-1038 , also sponsored by Representative Brandi Bradley, R-Roxborough, outlines a new system of care designed for youth and children with complex behavioral health needs who are in foster care, or at risk of out-of-home placement. Specifically, it would require state agencies to create a care plan that includes the implementation of a standardized assessment tool, intensive-care coordination, increased supportive services and expanded access to treatment in foster care. HB24-1038 passed by a vote of 57 to 6. The bill aims to make it easier for youth with complex behavioral health needs to receive the care they need, when they need it. In order to meet the needs of foster youth, the bill creates a training academy to develop high-quality residential child care providers who will ensure effective, safe, and responsible care. The legislation requires the state to monitor quality standards for residential child care providers at all levels of care.This bill originated from the Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee and was unanimously approved by the committee in October 2023. “Too many of our neighbors are dying from preventable overdoses, this bill expands treatment options in our state so more people struggling with substance use disorder can receive the care they need,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB24-1045. “During the interim, I worked alongside a bipartisan group of legislators to identify important policy changes that would help us address our state’s growing opioid overdose crisis. As a result, we’ve crafted this bill to streamline treatment for Coloradans who need it the most, including in the rural corners of our state and those in jail or prison. The demand for substance use disorder treatment has outpaced what is available in our state – expanding treatment options will undoubtedly save lives.” HB24-1045 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would expand treatment options for Coloradans with SUD. This bill passed by a vote of 52 to 11. Specifically, this bill would: Direct the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to apply for federal Medicaid waivers (1115) to cover health care services for people in jail or prison and to cover a partial-hospitalization level of care in our communities Reduce insurance barriers to accessing substance use disorder treatment Expand the treatment workforce by increasing clinical supervision opportunities for addiction counselors under qualified licensed professional counselors,licensed clinical social workers, and licensed marriage and family therapists Authorize pharmacists to, prescribe medical-assisted treatment (MAT) Create a contingency management grant program, funding the best evidence-based practices to help people with stimulant use disorders stay sober Invest in behavioral health diversion programs to provide adults charged with a minor offense a substance use treatment option Continue the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee through the 2025 interim session During the 2023 interim, ten bipartisan lawmakers served on the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee . This interim committee advanced four bills, including HB24-1045, for the general assembly to consider this year. These bills would bolster prevention efforts, improve treatment programs, promote harm reduction strategies, and support Coloradans in recovery to prevent overdose deaths and save lives. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to exempt small businesses from paying the retail delivery fee (RDF), saving them and consumers money. < Back March 20, 2023 Bipartisan Bill to Save Small Businesses Money Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to exempt small businesses from paying the retail delivery fee (RDF), saving them and consumers money. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Matt Soper, makes the RDF more equitable to smaller businesses, saves consumers money and allows all businesses more flexibility in how they implement the fee. “Colorado’s small businesses are integral to our economic recovery and growth,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “We’re committed to making it easier for small businesses to not only get by in our state, but to thrive. This bipartisan bill works to save small businesses and consumers money on retail delivery fees while simplifying the fee collection process and maintaining critical funding for our roads and clean transportation programs.” SB23-143 , which passed committee unanimously, would exempt small businesses that have $500,000 or less in retail sales from paying RDFs. This would apply retroactively to July 1, 2022, to when RDFs were first imposed. Established by SB21-260 , the RDF is a 27-cent fee imposed on all deliveries made by motor vehicles to ensure that our transportation systems account for all types of users. However, this legislation did not create distinctions for small businesses that have minimal delivery impacts on Colorado’s transportation system. SB23-143 modifies the RDF to exempt small businesses and offers all businesses flexibility in how they implement the fee, including allowing businesses to pay the fee on behalf of their customers. Previous Next

< Back March 12, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES JACKSON-GALINDO BILL TO HELP RENTERS Colorado ranks among lowest when it comes to renters rights (Mar. 11) – The House gave preliminary approval to Rep. Dominique Jackson and Rep. Rochelle Galindo’s bill to allow sufficient time for tenants to remedy a lease violation before getting evicted. “This bill will give hardworking people additional time to find the resources they need to stay in their homes, and that helps the renter as well as the landlord and could help prevent homelessness,” said Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora. “Rental assistance is available, but people need more time to get that assistance. Homelessness is already a problem. Let’s help keep people housed.” Current state law does not allow sufficient time for tenants to remedy a late rental payment or minor lease violation. Right now, Coloradans can have an eviction filed against them within three days of missing a payment. Three days is not enough time to find a new place to stay, to move out, or to find pro-bono legal resources to help postpone an eviction and leads to instability and homelessness or even job loss. Forced moves or evictions have a domino effect in communities across Colorado leading to homelessness, poverty and job loss. Housing instability benefits no one and often destabilizes families, children’s education and local communities. “Hardworking families and individuals struggling to get ahead are being evicted from their homes for owing as little as $40. This bill ensures a tenant has sufficient time to make their rent payment,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “ This bill will help prevent the downward spiral into poverty that is so often associated with an eviction.” Under HB19-1118, tenants will now receive 10 days to pay their rent or address a minor lease issue before an eviction is filed against them, up from three days. House Republicans offered many amendments to gut the bill and perpetuate the cycle of evictions that is plaguing so many Coloradans and their families. They frequently sided with those landlords that look to make a profit rather than ethically housing people. Having an eviction record can make it close to impossible for an individual or family to secure housing in the future. Twenty-eight states give more notice before eviction than Colorado in the case of unpaid rent and 36 states provide more notice in the case of other lease violations. The bill passed by a voice vote. It still requires a final vote in the House before going to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back November 1, 2021 JBC CHAIR MCCLUSKIE, JBC MEMBER HEROD STATEMENTS ON GOVERNOR’S BUDGET REQUEST FOR FY 2022-2023 DENVER, CO – JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie and JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod today released the following statements on Governor Jared Polis’ budget request for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. “The governor’s budget request makes smart investments in critical priorities to continue Colorado’s recovery while fulfilling our future budget obligations,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, “I appreciate the governor’s dedication to saving money for future buying down of the Budget Stabilization Factor, and I share his commitment to crafting a budget that reflects the diverse priorities of communities all across our state. I look forward to reviewing the details of the governor’s request and to working with my colleagues on the Joint Budget Committee to craft a balanced budget that powers the Colorado Comeback and boosts our state’s economic recovery.” “The governor’s budget proposal suggests responsible one-time investments in Colorado’s immediate needs while allocating funds for critical state services in the long term,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “I’m proud to see that the governor and the General Assembly remain aligned in our intent to invest in an equitable recovery for Colorado. I look forward to working together to craft a budget that prioritizes the full recovery of those who are on the front lines of responding to this pandemic and those who haven’t been able to get back on their feet as quickly as other Coloradans.” Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation aimed to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 10-0. < Back January 25, 2024 Amabile Suicide Prevention Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation aimed to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 10-0. “It is far too easy for people to access sodium nitrite products, which has unfortunately contributed to many suicide deaths in Colorado,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Suicide by sodium nitrite is becoming increasingly common, and hundreds of sodium nitrite-related suicides have been linked to a single private seller. Regulating sodium nitrite purchases will prevent suicide across our state, saving countless Colorado lives.” Sodium nitrite “suicide kits” are easily accessible online and have been reported to be used by Colorado residents, especially youth, in recent years. Websites that sell these kits often have step-by-step instructions on how to use sodium nitrite to commit suicide. HB24-1081 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, would regulate the sale or transfer of products that contain 10 percent or greater of sodium nitrite. Sellers would be required to verify that commercial businesses require the product before a transaction could be made, and records of sales or transfers must be kept for three years. Violators could see $10,000 in civil penalties for a first violation, with up to $1 million for a second violation. Previous Next

New law to improve housing affordability and options goes into effect < Back June 27, 2024 Law to Make Housing More Affordable, Remove Unnecessary Occupancy Limits Goes Into Effect New law to improve housing affordability and options goes into effect DENVER, CO - On July 1, 2024, legislation goes into effect to prohibit local governments from implementing or enforcing residential occupancy limits except for health and safety reasons. “Colorado has a housing shortage across the state, forcing people to live paycheck to paycheck just to have a roof over their head,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Discriminatory housing limits often prevent Coloradans from living with friends or distant family members, reducing housing options and pushing people out of their communities. Now, we’re allowing more Coloradans to legally share living spaces, which will make housing more affordable and help ensure that more Coloradans have a place to call home.” “Ending discriminatory occupancy limits is a great way to break down housing barriers and create a more equitable market,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “These limits disproportionately affect historically marginalized communities that may have diverse family structures. It’s time we lift outdated occupancy limits and give Coloradans a wider range of housing options.” “Occupancy limits that are not genuinely necessary for health and safety limit the ability of Coloradans struggling to get by to find affordable housing,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “At a time when Coloradans face a shortage of housing supply, our governments should not be limiting the supply of housing. This legislation will expand housing options for all and allow people to make their own housing choices that benefit their families and save them money.” “Strict occupancy limits can reduce housing options and push folks out of their communities,” said Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “Prohibiting occupancy limits would give residents the freedom to choose their living situations and who they live with. With this bill, we can allow families to live in a structure that’s best for them – without the interference of occupancy limits.” HB24-1007 prohibits local governments from limiting the number of people who can live together based on family status. Limits are only permitted if they are based on affordable housing program guidelines or demonstrated health and safety standards, such as fire code regulations, wastewater and water quality standards, or international building code standards. Occupancy limits typically cap the number of people that can live in a residence based on whether or not they are not related, even if the residence has more bedrooms than the occupancy limit standard. In 2023, there were over 14,000 Coloradans experiencing homelessness. More than 50 percent of renters in the Denver Metro Area, as well as counties like Boulder, El Paso, Larimer, Pueblo, Summit, Eagle, and Mesa, are cost burdened. Previous Next

Providing opportunities to all Coloradans to finish their education and fill in-demand jobs < Back January 22, 2024 Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education Celebrate First Graduates of CORE Initiative Providing opportunities to all Coloradans to finish their education and fill in-demand jobs DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and The Colorado Department of Higher Education celebrated the first 300 graduates who received diplomas through the Colorado Re-Engaged (CORE) Initiative on December 5, 2023. Created on June 29, 2021, when Governor Polis signed bipartisan House Bill 21-1330, High Education Student Success , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie, and Naquetta Ricks, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Barbara Kirkmeyer, CORE enables four-year higher education institutions in Colorado to award associate degrees to students who stepped away before earning a bachelor’s degree after earning at least 70 credit hours. “CORE is a great opportunity for Coloradans to get a degree and advance their careers. So many Coloradans who are forced by their circumstances to step away from education, have invested so much time and money, yet don't have the degree to reflect their hard work. I am proud that Colorado is providing students and institutions with the tools they need to help Coloradans get degrees and fill in-demand, good-paying jobs,” said Governor Polis. CORE applies to students who left their degree up to 10 years before the current semester. To support four-year institutions in implementing CORE, Governor Polis and the Colorado legislature appropriated $1 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). “It is vital that students get credit for the work they have done post-high school,” said CDHE Executive Director Dr. Angie Paccione. “Each degree and certificate are a stepping stone to a better career, a better future, and a better life. We’re thankful to the legislature, governor, and our participating colleges and universities for helping these individuals reach their goals.” More than 25,000 Coloradans may currently be eligible for an associate degree under CORE, with several thousand more becoming eligible each year. By offering qualifying students an earned associate degree for credits already completed, institutions participating in CORE can: Enable degree recipients to obtain higher-paying jobs and more secure employment, which improves economic prospects for these former students and their communities. Increase the number of Coloradans with academic credentials and degrees, which strengthens the state’s workforce and supports the economic recovery of the business community. Better position degree recipients to return to higher education to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are currently seven institutions participating in the CORE Initiative: Colorado State University-Fort Collins Colorado State University-Pueblo Fort Lewis College Metropolitan State University of Denver University of Northern Colorado University of Colorado Colorado Springs University of Colorado Denver Western Colorado University, joining in 2024 "Sometimes life gets in the way of education plans, but students who have earned their academic credits should be recognized with a degree that will advance their careers," said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of the legislation . "I congratulate the first round of graduates to receive their degree through the CORE initiative. They are now one step closer to a stronger future for themselves and their families. Through legislation we passed, we're making it possible for Coloradans to earn their higher education degrees and get a jumpstart on the career of their dreams." "The COVID-19 pandemic altered lives in all four corners of the state. This is in part why it was so critical to create a program where Coloradans may be awarded a postsecondary credential for the credits they already earned,” said Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, sponsor of the legislation. “In receiving their degrees, we hope these individuals will have the confidence and skills to fill Colorado's in-demand jobs, earn a livable wage, and realize their career and educational goals.” “I am thrilled to see that students are already benefiting from the CORE program and receiving formal recognition for work they have invested,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, sponsor of the legislation. “The COVID pandemic devastated Colorado; but we derived a sliver of good in the form of associate degrees for people who would otherwise have nothing.” “Nearly 75% of jobs in Colorado require some sort of postsecondary credential or degree, making the passage of this bill a key step in increasing Coloradans' earning potential,” said Representative Naquetta Ricks, sponsor of the legislation. “Our hope is that earning one encourages not only upwards economic mobility for these individuals, but also, gives them further motivation to earn a bachelor's and continue pursuing their postsecondary goals.” On December 5, 2023, the University of Colorado Denver held an inaugural convocation ceremony to award the first associate degrees in the state under CORE. Chancellor Michelle Marks and CDHE Executive Director Dr. Angie Paccione presented degrees to graduates. Of the 147 eligible students, 69 opted in to receive an associate of general studies degree in fall 2023. Ayiela, a UCD student receiving an associate degree on Dec. 5 said, “It was mentioned at the ceremony that other colleges may follow our lead with this initiative. I 1000% agree that they should and believe that sharing my voice will help make that happen. This ceremony wasn't just about getting a degree, it was about healing, self-love and triumph over hardship.” "The initiative is doing what it was designed to do. It's putting credentials in the hands of former students,” said Shaun Schafer, associate vice president of Curriculum, Academic Effectiveness and Policy Development and professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. “We’ve had many students asking about returning to the university and a handful of other former students checking to see if they are eligible." “Receiving the earned associate of general studies degree is a major milestone for our former CU Denver students who stopped out of college due to life circumstances without completing the bachelor’s degree they were pursuing,” said Beth Myers, associate vice chancellor for Academic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness at the University of Colorado Denver. “I heard one graduate tell her mother, that her coursework wasn’t for nothing; it was worth the investment. We look forward to seeing how the acknowledgment of their learning impacts their longer-term career opportunities.” For more information on the CORE Initiative visit the CDHE website. About the Colorado Department of Higher Education Working with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, we support students, advocate and develop policies to maximize higher education opportunities for all. The Department believes every Coloradan should have an education beyond high school to pursue their dreams and improve our communities. Read the strategic plan , Building Skills in an Evolving Economy . Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2022 BILLS TO PROTECT WHEELCHAIR USERS AND IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY ADVANCE Representative David Ortiz sponsored four bills to improve accessibility for wheelchair users and Coloradans with a disability DENVER, CO – Bills to protect the rights of wheelchair users and improve adaptive mobility today moved forward. “My wheelchair provides more than just mobility, it’s tied to my health and safety too,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “These bills are designed to affirm the rights of wheelchair users so we can rent a car, get our mobility device repaired in a timely manner and save money. Without a functioning mobility device, some could be faced with a life or death situation and I’m working to help solve some of the accessibility issues faced by the adaptive mobility community. We’re leading Colorado in the right direction towards improving accessibility for wheelchair users and folks who use mobility aids while building more equitable communities in the process.” HB22-1290 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Brianna Titone, would improve existing Medicaid rules for repairing wheelchairs, adaptive seating systems and other mobility devices. Specifically, this bill would eliminate the need for prior authorization for any repair of complex mobility devices, including powered wheelchairs. If passed, this bill would save Coloradans money on costly wheelchair expenses and repairs and expand access to an urgently needed service. HB22-1290 passed the House Health & Insurance Committee by a vote of 8 to 3 and works in tandem with HB22-1031. “The right to repair wheelchairs in a prompt, less costly way is imperative for equality, health and safety,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Many wheelchair users can only turn to manufacturers to repair or perform routine maintenance on their mobility devices, which drives up costs and wait times. Our bills cut the red tape surrounding wheelchair repairs and gives more repair options to save Coloradans money and hassle. We’re working to break down barriers that hinder accessibility and leave wheelchair users with limited options for fixing their necessary mobility device.” HB22-1031 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Brianna Titone, would require powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts, software and tools to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners. Typically, wheelchair owners and users can only seek repair, modification and maintenance of their wheelchair from manufacturers. This market monopolization drives up costs for Coloradans and leaves them without their mobility device for longer. Under this bill, independent repair providers and owners would have the tools and manuals to perform regular maintenance, diagnostic or repair service themselves. This will save Coloradans money and allow them to get their mobility devices repaired sooner. HB22-1031 passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 11 to 1. Representative Ortiz also sponsored HB22-1253, which unanimously passed the House Transportation & Local Government Committee. HB22-1253 would require rental car companies to provide leasers with an online option to secure a vehicle with adaptive equipment such as hand controls, pedal extenders, left foot accelerators and spinner knobs upon request. This bill would also protect disabled vehicle leasers by allowing the recovery of damages if rental car companies violate the adaptive equipment requirement in the bill. In addition to the three bills advanced by committees, the House passed a bill to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities by a vote of 56 to 8. HB22-1255 , sponsored by Representative David Ortiz, would create an advisory committee in the Department of Education that will develop a report with recommendations to improve outcomes for students with disabilities attending state institutions. Higher education completion rates for students with a reported disability are significantly lower than students without reported disabilities. This bill aims to level the playing field to make it easier for students to succeed. Previous Next