Search Results

Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December quarterly economic forecasts. < Back December 20, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Colorado Economy Remains on Solid Footing DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December quarterly economic forecasts. “Today’s forecasts show Colorado’s economic growth and low unemployment rate remain steady and are projected to continue,” said JBC Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “We are committed to fulfilling our promise to students and educators by eliminating the K-12 public school funding deficit, which will put more money into Colorado classrooms to increase teacher pay, reduce class sizes, and ensure students have what they need to thrive. I’m excited to craft a balanced budget that sustains our economic growth, boosts middle class families, and invests in the critical services Coloradans need.” “While Colorado’s economy continues growing at a steady pace, we are entering a more normal - and restrained - fiscal period, which will require cautious, responsible budgeting to ensure we meet our priorities,” said JBC Vice Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “As we prepare next year's budget, we remain committed to maintaining this growth while delivering the critical services families and communities rely on. We’re looking forward to putting forth a responsible budget that fully funds our schools, supports working families, and meets the needs of our growing state.” “As Colorado’s economy continues to grow and perform better than other states, we are focused on addressing the rising cost of living and making sure that everyone can afford to live in our state,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Even with our strong economy, Colorado’s unique fiscal constraints mean we will have limited resources this year for new investments. Our goal this year is to significantly increase funding for our public schools, support working families, and prioritize the Coloradans who are feeling the brunt of our cost of living crisis.” “Today's forecast makes me cautiously optimistic that our Colorado economy continues to head in the right direction," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "I look forward to working on a balanced budget for next year that fully funds education, lowers the cost of health care, and helps make Colorado a more affordable place to live." Colorado’s economy continues to grow, with an unemployment rate of 3 percent and total employment growth clocking in at around 2.3 percent. Personal income growth for Coloradans has remained steady, at 5.6 percent, and consumer demand continues to outpace expectations. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.52 billion in FY 2023-2024 and $18.58 billion in FY 2024-2025, a 6 percent increase year-over-year. The LCS forecast anticipates the General Fund to end FY 2023-24 with a 15.3 percent reserve, $49.6 million above the statutory requirement. TABOR refunds will be $800 for single filers and $1,600 for joint filers. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) revised its General Fund revenue expectations up $247.3 million in FY 2023-24, while FY 2024-25 revenue was revised down $78.1 million. OSPB anticipates General Fund revenue will grow 4.6 percent to $19.1 billion in FY 2025-26, due to stable growth in income and sales revenue. The forecast anticipates continued growth as Colorado stands well positioned to fare better in the case of a downturn and that the risk of a near-term recession has dissipated. Factors that could improve the forecast include slowing inflation, an expanded labor force, and a rebound in real wages boosting consumer spending, and more accommodative monetary policy from the Federal Reserve. Risks that could negatively impact the forecast include persistent inflation leading to further restrictive monetary policies, deteriorating household finances limiting consumption and continued geopolitical and trade uncertainty. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2021 ‘ISABELLA JOY THALLAS ACT’ PASSES THE HO Lost and Stolen Gun Safety bill, renamed ‘Ana Thallas Act’, passes the House DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Tom Sullivan and Leslie Herod’s bill to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands by requiring responsible gun owners to report to law enforcement within five days of realizing their firearms have been lost or stolen. After a Third Reading amendment, the bill was renamed the Isabella Joy Thallas Act, after a Denver woman who was murdered last summer with a stolen weapon that was never reported. The bill passed by a vote of 41-24. “Bella Thallas’ young life was cut short in a tragic, senseless and random act of violence,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “I’m proud that we were able to honor her life with this small gesture, and I’m incredibly grateful to Bella’s mother, Ana, and her family for their strength and testimony in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy.” “Lost and stolen firearms end up in crime scenes across the country every day,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “By requiring that lost or stolen guns be reported in a timely way, this bill will give law enforcement the information they need to prevent crime and track down perpetrators when crimes are committed. Renaming the bill after Isabella is the least we could do to honor her memory and her family today.” Isabella Joy Thallas was murdered on June 10, 2020 while she and her boyfriend were walking their dog outside of their apartment in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood. The high-powered semi-automatic rifle used in the killing was stolen. SB21-078 requires an individual who owns a firearm and has reasonable cause to believe that the firearm has been lost or stolen to report that firearm to a law enforcement agency within five days after discovering that the firearm is missing. A first offense for failure to make such a report is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine, and a second or subsequent offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $500 fine. The bill requires a law enforcement agency that receives a report to enter information about the lost or stolen firearm into the National Crime Information Center database and report the information to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Previous Next

< Back January 12, 2022 SPEAKER GARNETT: LET’S MOVE COLORADO FORWARD, TOGETHER Speaker Delivers Opening Day Speech as House Convenes for Second Session of 73rd General Assembly DENVER, CO– House Speaker Alec Garnett today delivered his Opening Day speech and outlined his vision for the 2022 legislative session and how the House can help save people money and move Colorado forward, saying: “For far too many families across our state, the going has gotten tougher and tougher in the last few years. Despite the incredible work we’ve done to make health care more affordable, create a more fair tax code, and support small businesses during their times of need, life in Colorado has gotten more and more expensive. That’s why my number one priority this session is to bring down the cost of living in Colorado and make life more affordable for families in our state.” In his speech, Speaker Garnett also outlined his plans to focus on more than just saving people money, explaining what it means to move Colorado forward: “We all know what drives Colorado forward: good jobs, healthy and safe communities, successful small businesses, well-funded schools and a thriving workforce. This session, we will deliver transformational changes that position Colorado for that future. Together, we’re going to build a safer, more affordable and healthier Colorado for all.”. Speaker Garnett made his commitment to public education plain and vowed to make the largest investment in K-12 in the state’s history: “I want to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication of every educator in the state who has bent over backwards to ensure that our students can continue their education despite the turmoil. Recognizing their heroic efforts and sacrifices, I vow to fight tooth and nail to ensure that we don’t divert a single dime away from public education. In fact, I’m proud to say that this session we are planning the largest investment in K-12 education in the state’s history.” The Speaker laid out the challenges facing Colorado and vowed to protect Coloradans’ democracy and fundamental rights, saying: “We cannot stand idly by while extremism threatens our liberty, our fundamental rights, and our democracy. As some continue to deny that the 2020 election was free, fair and decisive, we in Colorado will keep holding up our state-of-the-art elections system as a model for the rest of the country to increase voter participation while guaranteeing electoral integrity. As states across the country outlaw abortion, threaten reproductive rights and criminalize doctors who only seek to do right by their patients, we in Colorado will work overtime to ensure that the right to access a full range of reproductive health care, including abortion, is never infringed upon.” Tomorrow, the House and Senate will meet in a joint session to hear the governor’s State of the State address. ### The speaker’s full remarks are below: Opening Day Speech 2022 As prepared for delivery by Speaker Alec Garnett You know, it’s a bittersweet feeling, looking out on all of you today. Daneya, Patrick, Susan, Terri, Kevin, Kim: Today marks our last first day of session. Congratulations to all of you for serving your full 8 years, it’s certainly been an honor for me. We’ve come a long way since we were baby legislators. I’ve added a few grey hairs, a few pounds, and a few kids. All in all, I’m blessed to have served with each one of you and love you dearly. As Speaker, I am humbled by the opportunities we have this session to govern on behalf of every Coloradan. From the very beginning, our tenure has been shaped by the hands of history. Who would have guessed something as microscopic as a virus could hold the planet, and our fate, in a vice grip, shaping the way we govern. In a way, the challenge of this virus is fitting. As many of you know, viruses are ultimately determined by a term that is now firmly in our daily conversations: DNA. The structure, known as the double helix, is what we are used to seeing: two strands, intertwined, working together. I might offer, we across both parties, are the DNA of this building. Let us work together, to find solutions, to make progress, to deliver results People need and deserve a government that listens to them and makes their lives easier when they confront unforeseen challenges as individuals, families and businesses. The problems Coloradans are facing are dynamic. They are moving fast and changing quickly, so we as a government have to respond in kind. The unique situation we find ourselves in, not only because of COVID but also because of issues like the constant threats against our democracy, the rapidly changing economic landscape that has put enormous pressure on Colorado families, and the creeping menace of climate change, are a true test of all of us. Of how well our government can run when the going really gets tough. The issues we face are always in flux but the one constant that remains is this institution. I challenge each of you to put this institution first, like the thousands of legislators who served before us. In doing so, we’ll set an example for the thousands that will come after us. Speaking of those who have served in this chamber before our time, I’d like to take a moment to recognize the loss of former representative Mike McLachlan, a dear friend and a giant of Southern Colorado who dedicated his entire life to making our state and his home a better place for all. Barbara, we love you and we’re all here for you. There’s a lot we can learn from the legacy of Mike McLachlan. Despite serving in a fiercely competitive district, he was always willing to work across the aisle and collaborate with anyone on a good idea. This year, I’m proud to announce that I will once again appoint Marc Caitlin as Vice Chair of the Agriculture, Livestock and Water committee. To me, this is common sense: we all know Rep. Caitlin as an expert on these policy issues. But it’s more than that to me. The appointment is also symbolic. It’s a clear and resounding representation of my belief that in this building we work best when we work together. For far too many families across our state, the going has gotten tougher and tougher in the last few years. Despite the incredible work we’ve done to make health care more affordable, create a more fair tax code, and support small businesses during their times of need, life in Colorado has gotten more and more expensive. That’s why my number one priority this session is to bring down the cost of living in Colorado and make life more affordable for families in our state. As your Speaker, this will be the lens through which I will evaluate legislation: will this bill make life in Colorado more affordable or more expensive? How will this proposal improve life for everyday families struggling to make ends meet? With these questions as our north star, I’m confident we can move Colorado forward. Thankfully, we will not be starting from scratch. Far from it. For years now, this body has been hard at work ensuring that the future of Colorado is affordable. Our historic investments in education and the workforce development programs we instituted will ensure that Coloradans are ready to fill the high-paying jobs we’ve attracted to forge our state’s future. The early childhood education agency we created last year will get us closer to universal pre-K and, coupled with our work to provide full day Kindergarten across the state, we’re already helping young parents to save money on child care at a time when, on average, childcare costs almost as much as college. Our work to guarantee an affordable health insurance option in every county of the state means Coloradans will be better cared for and will keep more money in their pocket to spend when times are tough. The prescription drug affordability board we set up last year will help rein in the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs and prevent Coloradans from having to decide between buying life saving medication and putting food on the table. As a firm believer in government’s ability to get good work done despite the political muck, it brings me great satisfaction to know that many of these laws and programs were created in a cooperative and bipartisan way. I’m grateful to each of you, on both sides of the aisle, for the great effort you’ve made. But this year, as high costs of living continue to tighten their grip on the budgets of families in Alamosa, Denver, and Larimer County alike, it won’t be enough to cooperate on just ‘some’ of these solutions. So what more perfect time to come together than now? Coloradans need everyone in this chamber coming together to move Colorado forward. We all know what drives Colorado forward: good jobs, healthy and safe communities, successful small businesses, well-funded schools and a thriving workforce. This session, we will deliver transformational changes that position Colorado for that future. Together, we’re going to build a safer, more affordable and healthier Colorado for all. As I mentioned earlier, my top priority is to save Coloradans money. The people of Colorado deserve to do more than just get by. That’s why we have a plan for them to do better. Our investment of federal dollars will save Coloradans money by directing nearly $500 million into innovative affordable housing solutions. With your help and hard work, we’re going to create a Revolving Loan Fund to leverage private and local dollars to rapidly finance the development of affordable housing units. We’re going to deploy thousands of ready-to-go affordable homes quickly, especially in more rural parts of our state. And because housing costs are far from the only concern weighing on Coloradans’ minds, we’re going to keep working to lower prescription drug costs, ensuring that drug rebates are passed along to consumers, saving people money on health care. We’re going to save people money on child care by expanding universal preschool. We’re going to reduce fees associated with starting a business, or obtaining a professional license for nursing and other front line jobs. All of these innovative ideas will mean more money in Coloradans pockets, but they also mean a stronger, more resilient economy. Of course, this session will be as long as any other, so we’ll work on more than just saving people money. We are going to make smart public safety investments to prevent crime and reduce recidivism to make our communities safer. We want to stop crime before it happens, and will continue fighting to ensure that every Coloradan can feel safe in their community. We want to stop people, especially young people, from entering the system in the first place, and to provide those who do with the tools they need to turn their lives around. This means pursuing community-based solutions to homelessness and substance use disorders, working with local governments to address and prevent pandemic-induced crime, and investing in resources to break up crime rings. We will not go back to the failed policies of the past that overpopulated our prisons, wasted taxpayer dollars, and left us with high recidivism and not nearly enough rehabilitation. Instead, it’s time to make Colorado safer and forge a more compassionate, more effective criminal justice system. As events over the last year laid bare, climate change is an urgent, immediate threat to our state, and our communities. We’ve taken steps to significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and position our state toward a cleaner, greener future. But as last year’s ozone pollution days showed us, we have more to do. So we are going to better invest in our air and water by cracking down on polluters, improving our permitting and monitoring systems and reducing emissions on high ozone days like the ones we all suffered through last summer. We’re going to invest in cleaning our air now. COVID has been hard on all of us and we’ve all had to make enormous adjustments and sacrifices in the past couple of years. But few Coloradans have been tested and pushed to the brink the way that our educators have. Across the state, the job of educators has gone from tough to damn-near impossible. Classrooms have gone virtual, lesson plans have gone out the window, the mental health of our children has suffered, and teachers have been left to pick up the pieces while earning half of what they deserve. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication of every educator in the state who has bent over backwards to ensure that our students can continue their education despite the turmoil. Recognizing their heroic efforts and sacrifices, I vow to fight tooth and nail to ensure that we don’t divert a single dime away from public education. In fact, I’m proud to say that this session we are planning the largest investment in K-12 education in the state’s history. Health care and public health will continue to guide many of the decisions we make in this building. Despite our exhaustion and fatigue, COVID has not relented yet. The Omicron variant is spreading through Colorado and our hospitals and their staff are still feeling the pressure. While vaccines are working and keeping those who have gotten the shot out of the hospital, the situation in Colorado and around the country remains dire. I’d like to take this moment to thank the frontline health workers, like our own Representatives Caraveo and Mullica, who have not rested to ensure the health and wellbeing of their fellow Coloradans. The best way to show our gratitude to these brave Coloradans is to keep doing our part. Get your booster shot, keep wearing masks, and look out for one another. When speaking of the duties of a citizen in a democratic Republic, Teddy Roosevelt said more than one hundred years ago that, in the long run, the success or failure of said nation would depend on the way in which the average man or woman does their duty, first in the ordinary, every-day affairs of life, and next in what he dubbed those great occasional cries which call for heroic virtues. This is one such moment. Colorado needs the heroism of every man and woman who wishes to see our state succeed. In the past few weeks, I have personally been reminded of the strength and resiliency of the people of Colorado. As we prepared to enter the new year, thousands of our friends and neighbors in Boulder county were displaced by the Marshall fire. I know the thoughts and prayers of everyone in this room remain with all those affected by the fire. Seeing people from every corner of the state step up to offer places to stay, items and funds to donate, reminded me of how tough every day Coloradans are. Of course, some take this a bit further and have made being “Colorado tough” a part of their job description. I’m talking about every single first responder who helped out that day, in particular Sheriff Joe Pelle and his team, whose ability to quickly execute the evacuation orders saved lives. It’s up to us to do our part to support first responders by continuing to tackle climate change head-on. There is no doubt that the severity and the devastation of the Marshall fire were intensified by our changing climate. Last year’s low precipitation, coupled with hurricane level winds, made for a perfect firestorm. What began as a suburban grass fire that would have raised little concern a decade ago ended as a destructive inferno and a reminder that climate change is a clear and present danger. We cannot let up our fight. Threats to our Colorado way of life are not only coming in the form of fires and pandemics. We cannot stand idly by while extremism threatens our liberty, our fundamental rights, and our democracy. As some continue to deny that the 2020 election was free, fair and decisive, we in Colorado will keep holding up our state-of-the-art elections system as a model for the rest of the country to increase voter participation while guaranteeing electoral integrity. As states across the country outlaw abortion, threaten reproductive rights and criminalize doctors who only seek to do right by their patients, we in Colorado will work overtime to ensure that the right to access a full range of reproductive health care, including abortion, is never infringed upon. Government works best when we look ahead and anticipate the problems of tomorrow. That’s why I’m so proud of this body, of each and every one of you, for the forward-thinking policymaking that we’ve done since the beginning of the pandemic. After we acted swiftly in 2020 during the special session to send relief to families and businesses, we pivoted in the middle of session to focus on allocating the federal relief dollars. We shored up our state’s reserves and we set aside hundreds of millions of dollars to make lasting, transformational change in the areas where help was needed most. Those areas for transformational change: affordable housing, workforce, mental and behavioral health and economic recovery are more important now than they were a year ago. Throughout our legislative interim, members have been working diligently in those areas to come up with legislative solutions to the second wave of pressing needs brought on by COVID. The bills that will come out of the interim task force processes won’t solve these problems overnight. But I am confident – as you all should be – that making historic investments in our state’s affordable housing, and mental and behavioral health infrastructure will address the root causes of crime, homelessness, and high costs of living in Colorado. If we do our jobs as well as I know we can, then we will be treating the underlying causes of the afflictions that face our state, not just managing the symptoms. Every year since I’ve been in this building, we sit here on Day One and lay out a laundry list of goals for ourselves. The task at hand seems monumental, even impossible at times, especially when you consider that the 120 day countdown has already begun. Yet, somehow, through many long nights, many challenging committee hearings, many heated debates, we always find a way to get things done. I’d like to take a moment here to talk about how I believe we should go about getting this done. Politics, as we all know, has always been a rough business. But we cannot allow ourselves to use any of this as an excuse to act in a way that is disrespectful or that dishonors this institution and the people who sent us here to govern. Don’t put your ambition before the decorum of this institution. Don’t use the well of this chamber as your twitter handle. Park your politics outside these hallowed doors. Being elected to this office is a tremendous responsibility, I don’t have to tell you that. That responsibility includes acting with respect, practicing compassion, and extending understanding to all of our fellow representatives. It’s impossible to know what each of your colleagues is going through, but I personally know of several members in this chamber who will be showing up to work this session while facing challenging and tragic situations in their personal lives. In times as tough as these, we must be graceful, kind, and dignified as we work with each other. I talk about respect for the institution and the importance of upholding decorum a lot. Some of you may be tired of hearing it from me, but the longer you spend in this building the more respect you have for the institution. It’s important to clarify that a failure in decorum is not you failing me. It’s you failing the people of Colorado. If you are not engaged in working on policy solutions, you are wasting the people’s time. We were not elected to bicker or squabble. We were elected to govern and lead. It’s up to us to restore people’s faith in government. As I mentioned when I began, governing through a pandemic has changed the way I think about our responsibilities as lawmakers. When we campaign, we all come in knowing what we want to focus on during our time in the legislature. We pull from our experiences, examine our own problems and aspirations, and decide the areas of public life we want to improve. Hopefully, when we are elected, we also know a little bit about what our constituents would like us to focus on. We have deep roots in our communities and spend time going door to door, hearing what people want and need from their government. What we don’t know is what hand we’ll be dealt while we’re in office. Societal unrest, global pandemics, economic downturns – as we all know, the focus of a legislative body can change in an instant. So our duty as Representatives is to do the best we can with the trust we’ve been given. It is to listen and problem solve. To work together and find nimble fixes to thorny problems. We owe it to our constituents, to this institution, and to ourselves to stay humble, stay flexible, and stay steadfast in our commitment to making life in this state a little bit better every single day. Let’s move Colorado forward, together. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BILL TO SAVE PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES MONEY PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Marc Snyder to save people and businesses money and improve unemployment insurance in Colorado. The House also passed a bill to help small businesses save money when they collect sales taxes. SB22-234 , which passed the House by a vote of 48-17, would infuse the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund (UITF) with $600 million in pandemic relief funds while expanding eligibility and improving benefits to better support Colorado’s working families. “This bipartisan legislation is supported by businesses and workers because it saves employees and employers money and improves how Colorado delivers critical unemployment assistance,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Under this bill, businesses will avoid cost increases since we will be able to pay back our federal loan to the unemployment insurance fund by the end of next month. We’re also extending a successful policy that encourages workers to accept part time work and reenter the workforce without being penalized.” “I’m proud the House passed two of my bills that will save businesses money and help our economy continue to grow,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “Replenishing the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund was one of businesses’ top priorities this session at the legislature, and I’m proud that we delivered this critical relief. Small businesses and workers are the backbone of our economy, and we are doing everything we can to save them money.” SB22-234 invests $600 million to shore up the solvency of the UITF and protect against potential future economic downturns. This will save businesses money on premiums and surcharges and provide certainty to workers who depend on unemployment benefits to continue paying for essentials like food, rent, and transportation while they search for new work. By extending the suspension of the solvency surcharge, a fee placed on employers until the Unemployment Trust Fund reaches solvency, the bill saves businesses money while they continue recovering from the economic conditions created by the pandemic. The bill makes further improvements to ensure the unemployment system works better for Colorado families. It raises the benefit amount part-time workers can receive from 25 percent to 50 percent of the weekly benefit amount, in order to make it easier for workers who are laid off to find part-time employment while seeking a full-time job. It also creates a Benefit Recovery Fund to ensure that workers in Colorado who lack work authorization receive the benefits they already contribute to and their employers pay premiums into. The bill also eliminates the one-week waiting period to help workers access their benefits as quickly as possible once the Fund reaches a sustainable level, clarifies what constitutes an overpayment to ensure workers are not unnecessarily penalized for errors or miscalculations made by administrators or their employer, explores the feasibility of a dependency allowance to better support primary caregivers as they return to work, and requires employers to inform all workers of their unemployment benefit eligibility upon separation. SB22-006 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Snyder, allows retailers with taxable sales under $100,000 to retain 5.3 percent of the sales tax they collect. Retailers are currently permitted to retain a 4 percent vendor fee to compensate them for the cost of collecting and remitting sales tax. This bill increases the amount small retailers can retain, saving retailers $5.9 million over the next two years. The bill passed 60-5. “Many small businesses could use just a little extra help, and that’s what the bill we passed today will do by saving small retailers nearly $6 million,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Small retailers face costs when they have to collect and remit sales taxes. This bill allows them to keep even more of the money they collect to cover those costs and avoid price increases or cuts to wages or hours.” Previous Next

< Back March 22, 2021 SPEAKER, BOULDER DELEGATION STATEMENT ON TABLE MESA KING SOOPERS SHOOTING DENVER, CO– House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, and lawmakers representing Boulder County in the Colorado House today released the following statement on the shooting at the Table Mesa King Soopers. “We are closely monitoring the tragic situation unfolding in our beloved city of Boulder this afternoon. We are heartbroken and enraged at what has become all too common in our country: a mass shooting in a peaceful and loving community. As we wait for more details to emerge, we at least know this much: gun violence is an epidemic that has stolen far too many sons, daughters, sisters, brothers and loved ones from families across Colorado. We must continue our fight to reduce gun violence and save lives. Inaction is not an option.” The Boulder County delegation includes Representatives Edie Hooton, Karen McCormick, Tracey Bernett, and Judy Amabile. Speaker Alec Garnett, who sponsored the 2019 Extreme Risk Protection Order law, grew up in Boulder County. Previous Next

Colorado became one of the first states in the nation to implement new federal Summer EBT Program < Back November 28, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Reduce Child Hunger, Support Working Families DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Lorena Garcia’s, D-Unincorporated Adams County, legislation to take advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and provide students with nutrition assistance during summer break. Under SB23B-002 – which passed with bipartisan support – Colorado children will receive an estimated $35 million to help their families purchase groceries while school is out for summer – a time when child hunger typically spikes. The Summer EBT benefits can be used to purchase food from SNAP retailers. Families will receive $40 a month per eligible child for the summer benefit in 2024, to be adjusted for inflation in following years. “In Colorado, far too many children, through no fault of their own, face nutritional challenges—a problem that becomes exacerbated in the summer when they are not in school and they don’t have access to free and reduced meals,” said Zenzinger. “I’m proud of our bipartisan work to deliver these federal funds, making Colorado a national leader on this issue.” “Today, we’re taking an important step to combat childhood hunger,” said Bird. “This law utilizes federal funds to feed more children during the summer months when child hunger rises. We’re working to make it easier for hardworking Coloradans to make ends meet and feed their children.” “Ensuring kids have access to meals all year round is a great thing, full stop,” said Bridges. “Passing this legislation now means more than 300,000 Colorado kids will get meals for next summer, when they’re not receiving meals at school. Our bipartisan bill means Colorado will be a national leader in utilizing the federal funding available to us, and I’m proud to see it get signed into law.” “No child in Colorado should go hungry, and we’re taking significant steps to combat child hunger during the summer,” said Garcia. “This law will help feed more children and provide some much needed breathing room in the grocery budgets of thousands of families. Taking advantage of federal funding to feed our kids during the summer upholds the dignity of families and protects the health of the over 300,000 children in Colorado." The Summer EBT Program was established in December 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 , with the program beginning in the summer of 2024. After California, Colorado is the next state to opt into the program for the 2024 year. Sixteen other states indicated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that they intend to do so next year, which would postpone their program’s start until 2025. Colorado became one of the first states in the nation to implement new federal Summer EBT Program Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2019 SECOND CHANCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM GETS APPROVAL IN HOUSE COMMITTEE (Apr. 23) – The House Education committee passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Tony Exum and Rep. Kerry Tipper that creates the Colorado Second Chance Scholarship program to award scholarships to people who have previously served in the Division of Youth Services (DYS) and are pursuing their higher education. “This bill is personal to me because I have a Division of Youth Services facility in my district. If we can get these young people the help they need to get a higher education after they’ve gone through the rehabilitation process, then we can lower the recidivism rate and they’ll be more productive members of society,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. SB19-231 will award scholarships of up to $10,000 each to youth offenders exiting the DYS system to pursue a higher education. It will create a five person advisory board consisting of four people appointed from various state agencies and one person who previously served in a DYS facility to award the scholarships based upon need. “These are kids that made some mistakes early on in their lives, but are now just trying to get back on track to invest in their future and create a better life for themselves. This program might be the only opportunity many of these kids will have to get a fresh start,” said Rep. Tipper, D-Lakewood. “ It will cost a lot more to keep these kids in corrections and perpetuate the cycle than it will to improve their lives with education and give them a more fulfilling life.” Both the advisory board and scholarship program will expire in 2022. SB19-231 passed with a vote of 8-5. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. 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

Several new tax credits will go into effect on January 1, 2024 that will save Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment. < Back December 22, 2023 Laws to Save Coloradans Money, Protect the Environment, and Reduce Emissions To Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Several new tax credits will go into effect on January 1, 2024 that will save Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment. HB23-1272 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, incentivizes the advancement and adoption of clean transportation such as electric vehicles (EV), high-efficiency heat pumps, geothermal electricity development, and measures to reduce industrial emissions. Coloradans and businesses will save an average $65 million each year with specific tax credits ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies and economic conditions. “This new law will save Coloradans and businesses money on electric vehicles, e-bikes, clean energy sources, and energy efficient technologies like heat pumps in order to improve our air quality and help us meet our climate goals,” said Weissman. “We’re committed to combating climate change, and this monumental legislation invests in clean, sustainable energy sources that will jumpstart Colorado’s clean energy economy.” “Colorado has become a national leader in promoting clean energy technologies, but there’s much more we can do,” Fenberg said. “In order to further our commitment to our climate goals, we must do more to make adopting clean energy technology a feasible and attractive option for Coloradans – no matter their zip code or income level. The tax credits we passed this year will save Colorado residents and businesses money, help us meet our climate goals, and improve Colorado’s air quality.” “Under this law, we’re reducing the cost of clean energy technologies so more Coloradans can use them in their everyday lives – from commuting to work to heating or cooling their homes,” said Joseph. “Starting in January, Coloradans and businesses will be able to claim an expanded tax credit for electric vehicles, heat pumps and energy efficient technologies. Through these smart investments, we’re boosting Colorado’s clean energy economy, creating jobs, and saving people money on the technologies we need to deploy to address our climate crisis.” “Many Coloradans want to make the switch to electric vehicles or install heat pumps, but costs stand in the way,” Cutter said. “With these tax credits, we will lower the prices of clean energy technologies for Colorado families and business owners, helping us to improve our air quality, meet our climate goals, and bolster our economy. I’m proud to see this important legislation go into effect.” A portion of HB23-1272 took effect earlier this year, including increasing the income tax credit for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles to $5,000 and will decrease over time. Some of the specific EV tax incentives going into effect on January 1, 2024 include: An additional $2,500 tax credit for electric or plug-in vehicles with a retail price of $35,000 or lower; Boosting the tax credit for light-duty trucks to $5,000 (will decrease over time); and Boosting the tax credit for medium-duty trucks to $12,000 (will decrease over time) HB23-1272 also outlines specific tax incentives to encourage large-scale reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through new and innovative technologies. Some of the specific tax incentives going into effect on January 1, 2024 include new refundable tax credits for: Geothermal energy project expenditures that meet certain criteria; The production of geothermal electricity; The installation of heat pump technology or a thermal energy network that meets certain industry standards; and The creation of a sustainable aviation fuel production facility. On April 1, 2024, an additional element of HB23-1272 will go into effect. It creates a $500 tax credit for e-bikes retailers. Of the $500 tax credit, $450 will be passed along to the consumer. SB23-016 , sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Emily Sirota, D-Denver, aims to save Coloradans money by expediting electrification and updating Colorado’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science. It would add interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of 100 percent emissions reduction by 2050.The portion of the SB23-016 going into effect on January 1 will help Colorado meet those goals by reducing the cost of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snow blowers with a new income tax credit available to retailers and provided to purchasers as a discount. “As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is obvious we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” Hansen said. “Coloradans are demanding we act, and we are tackling this challenge head on by implementing policy that will speed up electrification so we can reduce emissions and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “This tax credit will save Coloradans money on battery-powered lawn equipment to encourage their use over noisy and polluting gas powered equipment,” said McCormick. “This law will help keep Colorado on a strong path forward to combat climate change and bring us closer to meeting our state’s climate goals.” “Coloradans are demanding climate action, and we’re committed to doing our part to protect the planet for future generations,” said Sirota. “With this law, we can help mitigate the effects of climate change and improve air quality by reducing the cost of electric lawn equipment including lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other tools. Electrifying lawn equipment is one piece of this important legislation that protects our environment and saves Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy that reduces greenhouse gas pollution.” To help meet Colorado’s emissions goals, SB23-016 also requires the Public Utilities Commission and local governments to consider and prioritize upgrades and additions to the state’s electrical transmission infrastructure system, and conduct a study on transmission capacity to pave the way for electrification across the state. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2020 HOUSE COMMITTEE TACKLES YOUTH VAPING Bipartisan legislation would prohibit sales to those under age 21, license retailers, close the online sales loophole and prohibit electronic advertising in stores, which targets teens DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Health and Insurance today passed critical legislation to address the youth vaping epidemic in Colorado. HB20-1001, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Mullica and Colin Larson would raise the age of sale to 21, require cigarette, tobacco and nicotine product retailers to obtain a license and increase enforcement to prevent underage sales. “The youth vaping epidemic in Colorado is threatening lives and risks reversing the decades of progress we’ve made reducing teen smoking,” said Rep. Mullica (D-Northglen). “These electronic smoking products are dangerous and extremely appealing to minors. There’s a lot more we can do to keep them out of the hands of our youth, and this bill takes several bold steps forward to do just that.” The bill would significantly enhance underage sales enforcement by requiring retailers to obtain a state license. Under current law, fines are often too low to dissuade retailers from cracking down on underage sales, and no process exists to take away a retailer’s ability to sell nicotine products if they repeatedly sell products to minors. Under HB20-1001, the state could suspend a retailer’s license for repeatedly violating state law. The bill would also mandate more frequent compliance checks and moves that responsibility to the Department of Revenue (DOR). In addition to raising the age of sale, increasing compliance checks and creating a robust enforcement mechanism, the bill would close a loophole that allows for the sale of vaping products online. The online loophole makes it far easier for Colorado youth to purchase vaping products and then sell them in schools. During the committee hearing, a nine year old testified about how easy it is for a fourth grader to buy vaping devices online and have them delivered directly. In an effort to further combat youth nicotine use, the bill would prohibit flashy advertising in stores that appeals to youth. It would also prohibit new tobacco product retailers from opening within 500 feet of a school. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and many youth who begin using vaping products transition to combustible tobacco products, such as cigarettes. Colorado has the highest rate of youth e-cigarette use in the nation, and 27 percent of Colorado high school students report that they use these products, a rate twice the national average. E-cigarettes contain cancer-causing chemicals and toxic heavy metal particles such as zinc, lead and nickel. Furthermore, nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that can harm adolescent brain development, including working memory, attention and learning. Previous Next

< Back January 6, 2020 SPEAKER BECKER ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT CHANGES DENVER, CO — Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) today announced the following changes to House committee assignments for the 2020 legislative session: Finance Committee: Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada) replaces Rep. Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) and Rep. Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) becomes the Vice-chair. Health & Insurance Committee: Rep. Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) replaces Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder). Public Health Care & Human Services Committee: The committee will expand to 13 members – 8 Majority members, 5 Minority members. Rep. Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder) will replace Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) and Rep. Mary Young (D-Greeley) will join the committee. Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee: Rep. Mary Young (D-Greeley) will replace Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) . Transportation and Local Government Committee: Rep. Jovan Melton (D-Aurora) will join the committee, filling a vacancy. State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee: Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) will replace Rep. Jovan Melton (D-Aurora). The Judiciary Committee will become a 9 member committee – 6 Majority members, 3 Minority members. House committee leadership and majority caucus appointments are at the sole discretion of the speaker of the House. The 2020 session begins Wednesday. Appropriations Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Business Affairs and Labor Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Vice-Chair, Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Education Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice-Chair, Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Energy and Environment Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Vice-Chair, Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Health and Insurance Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Judiciary Committee (6-3) Chair, Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice-Chair, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Public Health Care and Human Services Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont Vice-Chair, Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley Rural Affairs Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Vice-Chair, Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee (6-3) Chair, Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Vice-Chair, Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont Rep. Monica Duran, D-Lakewood Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Transportation and Local Government Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Vice-Chair, Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Previous Next

Tax credits will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and save families money < Back April 30, 2024 House Democrats Advance Two Family Affordability Bills Tax credits will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and save families money DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills on a preliminary vote that would expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit and create the Family Affordability Tax Credit to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families. Beginning tax year 2024, HB24-1311 would create the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit. This credit would be available to parents with children 16 and younger. The maximum credit amount would be $3,200 per child and would 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 bill, will ensure our tax code works for more Coloradans and help address childhood poverty. I’m proud that we are passing legislation to help Coloradans afford essentials like rent payments and groceries and boost the incomes of thousands of families across the state.” “There are over 133,000 Colorado kids living in poverty, and this bill, 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 bill would increase tax credits for Colorado parents and put millions of dollars back into the pockets of families with children.” Under this bill, the amount of the new, refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit is a maximum of $3,200 for each child under 6, and a maximum of $2,400 for each child ages 6 to 16, and adjusted incrementally downward for income, inflation, economic growth, and unemployment. Currently, the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is 38 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024, 25 percent for tax year 2025, and 20 percent for tax years beginning 2026. HB24-1134 would permanently expand the state EITC by setting it to a baseline of 50 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024, 35 percent for tax year 2025, and at least 30 percent for tax years beginning 2026, and allowing it to increase up to 50 percent in years of strong economic growth in 2025 and beyond. “A recent analysis found that the top 1 percent of households receive more tax breaks than the bottom 80 percent combined,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1134. “Colorado’s tax code should work for hardworking families, which is why we are putting thousands of dollars back in the pockets of the people who are most impacted by rising costs. Our bill would make our tax code more fair by boosting tax refunds for low and middle-income taxpayers and helping to reduce childhood poverty.” “Growing up, the Earned Income Tax Credit rescued my family from the worst consequences of poverty. The EITC is one of the most important anti-poverty tools to help Colorado families make ends meet, pay for the car repairs that help them get to school and work, pay off their credit cards, and keep a roof over their heads,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB24-1134. “With this bill, we’re providing financial relief to hardworking Coloradans by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, increasing the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and closing corporate tax loopholes so parents can provide a more stable life for their families.” In addition to permanently expanding the EITC for Colorado families, the bill would merge the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Low-income Child Care Expenses Tax Credit to create the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) with an adjusted gross income cap of $60,000. HB24-1134 would expand the scope of qualified dependents to match the federal definition, by including dependents in addition to children under the age of 13. It would also increase the CDCTC to 70 percent of the federal credit. Additionally, the bill would modernize Colorado’s corporate tax laws, making them more consistent with other states’ laws. Previous Next