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< Back June 21, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: COLORADO GAINS JOBS, STRONG ECONOMY MEANS MORE MONEY WILL BE RETURNED TO COLORADANS THROUGH CASHBACK PLAN JBC Dems prioritize saving people money, making Colorado more affordable 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 June economic forecasts. “Today’s forecast shows that our economy is making a bold recovery with unemployment rates falling to pre-pandemic levels, nearly all sectors thriving, and Colorado’s employment gains outpacing the nation,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m proud of the fiscally responsible decisions we made to power the Colorado comeback and position our state to compete. We know that even with our strong recovery, families are struggling with high gas prices and the rising cost of living. Our Colorado Cashback Plan will send every Coloradan a refund check in September to help with everyday necessities, which thanks to our economic growth, will now be at least $750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint filers. From cutting property taxes to creating free universal preschool, we passed dozens of laws this year to help Coloradans and small businesses hold on to more of their hard-earned money.” “Thanks to smart, responsible budgeting, Colorado’s economic recovery is leading the way, which is good news for families that are dealing with surging prices,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Even better, Democrats have worked hard to ensure Colorado remains on a sound fiscal path, and today’s forecast means families will get even more money back – at least $750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint filers – when they receive their taxpayer relief checks this fall. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to invest in our communities, support Colorado’s economy, and move our state forward.” “Despite a geopolitical crisis, supply chain challenges and pandemic-induced inflation leading to higher prices across the globe, Colorado is gaining jobs and beginning to close the gaps in our recovery that disproportionately impact people of color and lower-income communities,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Our recovery has led to a strong budget surplus that we used to save people money on gas, groceries, property taxes, fees, hygiene products, car registrations, sales taxes, child care and so much more. By investing in vibrant communities, increasing access to behavioral health, boosting small businesses, and making housing more affordable, we worked to address the most pressing needs in our communities and protect the Colorado way of life.” “Today’s data makes clear that Colorado’s economy continues to outpace other states when it comes to economic recovery and growth,” said JBC Member Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We crafted a budget that delivers for Colorado families by making investments in K-12 education, reducing fees for businesses and professionals to save people money, and investing in health care for children and pregnant women, and it’s paying off for our families and our communities.” The unemployment rate continued to fall in Colorado to 3.5 percent in May, led mostly by gains in the food and accommodations sectors. The state exceeds pre-pandemic jobs by 35,000 and continues to outpace the rest of the country. Inflationary pressures, however, will impact near term budget priorities and state departments. Geopolitical disruption and monetary policy decisions at the federal level in response to inflation were also presented as risks to the forecast. Extraordinary state and federal action to help Coloradans weather the disruption of the pandemic ensured a stronger and faster recovery than previous recessions. During the 2022 legislative session, Democrats passed the Colorado Cashback Plan to send rebate checks to Coloradans in September to help people with rising costs. Under the new law, the state will refund approximately 85 percent of FY 2021-2022 surplus TABOR revenue through the Colorado Cashback Plan in checks of equal amounts for single filers and double that amount for joint filers. Due to Colorado’s strong recovery, the forecasts now estimate that the checks will be $750 for single filers and $1,500 for joint filers. The Legislative Council staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.43 billion in FY 2021-2022 and $17.42 billion in FY 2022-2023 – a $1.37 billion increase for FY 2021-2022 and a $1.05 billion increase for FY 2022-2023 as compared with the earlier March revenue forecast. The forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.40 billion for FY 2023-2034. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.2 billion for FY 2021-22, which OSPB revised upward by $1 billion relative to its March estimate. For FY 2022-23, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $16.6 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $91.1 million relative to its March estimate. For FY 2023-2024, OSPB estimates that General Fund revenue will be $17.3 billion. Previous Next

< Back April 10, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILL TO HELP COLORADO WORKERS ‘Just Transition’ legislation would ensure state studies and prepares for future (Apr. 10) – The House Business Affairs & Labor committee approved Speaker KC Becker and Rep. Rochelle Galindo’s bill to create the Just Transition Office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to support the livelihood of coal transition workers, their families and their communities, and to help provide these workers access to training and job opportunities. “The time to take action on climate is now, but we cannot work towards a clean energy economy without also working on solutions to support workers who are affected by this transition,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “Workers and communities whose livelihoods are threatened by shifting economic tides and advancements in technology need support. We can support these communities in this transition and that’s the intention of this bill.” Due to market forces, Colorado’s power sector is transitioning toward renewable energy resources and natural gas. This bill would help ensure communities and workers who are going to be impacted by this market driven transition away from coal won’t be left behind. The bill provides critical benefits to workers who are laid off to help them get back up on their feet and provides workforce and economic development grants to communities whose residents and local economies are disproportionately impacted by the decline of coal. “HD-50 is a working class community. I’m the daughter of working people and work in a blue collar job myself. I understand the plight of working people and the struggles they go through every day,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “This bill is about looking out for workers whose livelihoods could be impacted by inevitable market shifts. We need to be responsive, compassionate and proactive for workers when addressing the transition.” The bill was approved on a vote of 7-3. The bill now goes the the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

Congressional Republican tax bill threatens health care coverage for 112,000 Coloradans, increases premiums by over 28-percent statewide < Back August 21, 2025 Bill to Limit Premium Increases, Restore Access to Health Care Passes Committee Congressional Republican tax bill threatens health care coverage for 112,000 Coloradans, increases premiums by over 28-percent statewide DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist to help blunt health insurance rate increases and significantly reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage due to the federal GOP tax bill. “Republicans in Congress just passed the largest cut to Medicaid funding in American history and failed to extend tax credits that are essential for saving people money on health care, threatening health care coverage for over 100,000 Coloradans and drastically increasing the cost of premiums,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Our bill would help stabilize the insurance market to blunt premium increases and protect 20,000 Coloradans’ access to coverage. Only Congress can prevent massive rate increases, and I urge them to act as soon as possible to stop this madness and preserve affordable health care options for all of our constituents.” “While corporations get tax breaks, hardworking Coloradans will see their health care costs skyrocket,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “This much-needed temporary fix will allow us to fight off some of the devastating impacts of the federal GOP budget while we work on a long-term solution that ensures health care is accessible to all Coloradans. When the GOP-led Congress failed to extend the enhanced premium tax credits, they not only threatened health care and increased costs for people on the individual market, but they raised costs for everyone, including small businesses and employers. Only Congress can fully stop these large price hikes from taking effect, but we are doing everything we can to limit cost increases and protect Coloradans.” If the federal enhanced premium tax credit is not extended by December 31, 2025, HB25B-1006 would make changes to the Health Insurance Affordability Act by: Loaning $100 million from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund (UPTF) to the Health Insurance Affordability Cash Fund for the 2026 plan year, Giving the Department of Insurance and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIAE) Board the flexibility to use up to $5 million of the UPTF and up to $20 million of the residual HIAE reserves on HIAE programs, Allowing the HIAE and the Commissioner of Insurance to make changes to the OmniSalud program to maximize the number of Coloradans who can receive insurance coverage, which lowers health insurance premiums for everyone, and Increasing transparency by requiring the HIAE Board to annually report on certain financial metrics. The bill would invest up to $50M to help the reinsurance program buy down premiums and cover the most expensive health care for patients. With Congressional Republicans choosing not to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, average statewide premiums are projected to increase by 28-percent. In the Eastern Plains, premiums are expected to rise more than 33-percent. The Western Slope will see premium increases of about 38-percent. This investment in reinsurance should keep premium increases to a statewide average of only 20-percent. Connect for Health Colorado estimates that Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend enhanced premium tax credits could lead to 112,000 Coloradans losing coverage. HB25B-1006 would invest up to $50 million in the premium wrap program to reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage by 20,000. Eighty-percent of individuals who get their coverage through this program can expect to see their premiums increase 175-percent. OmniSalud reduces health care costs for all Coloradans by connecting Coloradans who are no longer eligible for Medicaid to affordable health insurance. Without this program, there would be an increase in uncompensated care that would increase insurance costs for all Coloradans and force health care providers to close. There are currently over 12,000 Coloradans insured for plan year 2025, and if no action is taken to combat the impacts from the Republican budget bill, nearly 10,000 people will lose their coverage in plan year 2026. When fewer people have health insurance, costs increase for everyone else, and providers struggle to stay afloat. HB25B-1006 passed by a vote of 9-4. Previous Next

< Back March 12, 2020 BUENTELLO BILL TO FACILITATE ENERGY EFFICIENT SCHOOLS ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, to improve energy efficiency in schools today advanced out of the House Committee on Energy and Environment. “This has been a really productive session so far, and I’m proud that so many of my bills have advanced,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “I’ve focused on legislation to improve our schools and public education, assist rural law enforcement and support our veterans and service members. This legislation will help our schools become more energy efficient, potentially saving our schools resources they desperately need while also improving our environment.” SB20-124 , which is also sponsored by Representative Perry Will, R- New Castle, would require public school facility construction guidelines for the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program to include consultations with utility companies regarding the use of energy efficiency and beneficial electrification technologies. The objective of the bill is to facilitate new capital projects at public schools that reduce their energy use, saving local taxpayers money that can be used for other critical investments such as keeping local libraries open or fixing roads and bridges. The bill passed 9-1 out of the Energy and Environment Committee. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to increase access to health care by allowing physician assistants to enter collaborative agreements with a physician licensed to provide care without supervision. < Back March 27, 2023 House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Health Care DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation to increase access to health care by allowing physician assistants to enter collaborative agreements with a physician licensed to provide care without supervision. SB23-083 passed by a vote of 60-2. “Coloradans across our state are struggling to access quality health care in their community,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Our legislation allows collaborative agreements between physicians and physician assistants to create a stronger health care team, increase access to care and reduce costs for patients. We’re working to increase access to health care, especially for Coloradans living in underserved or rural communities.” SB23-083 , also sponsored by Representative Ty Winter, increases access to health care by removing the requirement for physician assistants to be supervised by a physician. This bill allows physician assistants to continue to practice under a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician or a physician group that is in good standing. The collaborative agreement has to include a description of the collaboration, performance evaluation process, and other additional requirements in order to ensure whole health care. If the physician assistant has less than 5,000 practice hours, the agreement must include additional provisions like completing additional practice hours, defining expectations under the collaboration, and requiring a performance evaluation. Physician assistants who have been practicing for under three years must meet certain financial responsibility requirements that they are currently exempt from under the law. Previous Next

< Back August 10, 2021 CO HOUSE LEADERSHIP APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE BILL DENVER, CO– Speaker Alec Garnett and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar released the following statements after the U.S. Senate gave approval to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bill to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in American infrastructure. “I’m heartened to see Washington politicians putting partisanship aside to make a much needed investment in our country’s infrastructure,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “The bill championed by President Biden and passed by the Senate today will direct billions of dollars toward necessary improvements to our roads, bridges, rail, public transit, the electric grid, water systems, and broadband. The work we did at the state level this year, like passing SB-260, will allow Colorado to quickly and sustainably capitalize on this funding. I will continue to monitor the progress of this bill and look forward to its final passage.” “Today’s bipartisan bill passage is a win that every Coloradan can celebrate,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This historic investment in American infrastructure will create jobs, modernize our country’s transportation and keep us better connected. I’m particularly excited to see this bill direct robust funding toward passenger rail, bringing us one big step closer to making projects like Front Range Rail a reality.” Previous Next

The House passed legislation today to help fund housing and nutrition services for those on Medicaid. < Back April 22, 2024 House Passes Bill to Increase Federal Funds for Nutrition and Housing Support DENVER, CO – The House passed legislation today to help fund housing and nutrition services for those on Medicaid. This cost-neutral plan would lay the groundwork for redirecting federal Medicaid funds to help Colorado families access nutritious food options and secure housing. “With this bill, we’re one step closer to securing additional federal funds to help with rental assistance, pantry stocking, housing and nutrition support that will strengthen our communities,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “Everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food and a roof over their heads and this bill will help and uplift our most vulnerable neighbors, such as youth transitioning out of foster care or older adults seeking nutrition assistance.” “By leveraging federal funds for nutrition and housing support, Colorado can help meet the diverse needs of families in our state,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This bill allows Colorado to access Medicaid funding for housing and nutrition programs for existing Medicaid patients. For example, Medicaid funding could be used to help someone afford their rent or put food on the table. This bill saves Coloradans money by leveraging federal dollars and ensures our most vulnerable neighbors are set up to thrive.” HB24-1322 , which passed the House by a vote of 45 to 17 would support Coloradans on Medicaid to afford housing and nutritious meals. Specifically, this bill would direct the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) to conduct a feasibility study and pursue an 1115 Waiver so Medicaid could fund housing and nutrition services. This legislation aims to create a path to redirect Medicaid funding for services that address health-related social needs of Coloradans who already rely on the federal Medicaid program. The feasibility study would determine how Medicaid could pay for specific nutrition-based services such as medically tailored meals and pantry stocking. It could also help with temporary housing, rent, utility assistance, as well as eviction prevention and tenant support. The study would also determine the eligibility requirements to access these services and which populations across the state would benefit the most. Utilizing dollars already spent on housing and nutrition support services through an 1115 Medicaid Waiver would provide Colorado with a federal match and the flexibility to design and improve Medicaid programs to fit the needs of Coloradans. It would also help the state conserve local and state financial resources. This cost-neutral model for redirecting Medicaid funds to housing and nutrition support is successfully being used in more than 15 states across the nation, including Arkansas, California, New Jersey and North Carolina. Previous Next

< Back March 30, 2021 PROTECTIONS FOR RENTERS ADVANCE IN THE HOUSE Critical eviction and rent protections pass the House on second reading DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh’s critical legislation to provide renters with additional protections before facing eviction and limit the frequency of rent increases. “Today we took an important step toward ensuring justice in the renter-landlord relationship and limiting unaffordable rent hikes that can devastate tenants,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “Far too often, renters in Colorado are at the mercy of their landlords. This bill stands up for renters by giving them more time before law enforcement takes action in an eviction, limiting rent increases to once a year, and requiring landlords to give people without a written rental agreement at least 60 days notice before raising rent.” “With so many Colorado families living on the verge of housing insecurity or homelessness, it’s more important than ever to build back stronger and protect Colorado’s renters,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Far too many families and people of color in my community and across the state live in fear of an eviction or a rent hike that will put them out on the street. The bill we advanced today will give renters necessary and common-sense protections under the law, like preventing monthly rent hikes and giving families facing eviction more time to find accommodations.” HB21-1121 would provide renters with additional time before law enforcement can assist in an eviction. It also prohibits residential landlords from increasing rent more than once in a 12 month period and increases the notification timeline for rent increases when there is not a written tenancy agreement, for example, under a month-to-month agreement. Under current law, if a landlord wins a judgement in an eviction action, the court must wait 48 hours to direct the county sheriff to assist in the eviction, which provides a minimum of two days between an eviction order and the actual sheriff-assisted eviction. Under the bill, courts can still finalize an eviction order, but sheriffs may not carry it out for an additional eight days after the initial 48 hours, providing renters with 10 days before they have to move out and find a new home after an eviction has been finalized, instead of two. Under current law, when there is month-to-month tenancy where there is no written agreement, landlords must give 21 days written notice prior to increasing the rent; the bill extends the notice period to 60 days. Previous Next

The House today passed two bills to increase student access to mental health services in schools and support youth who use prosthetics. < Back April 18, 2023 House Passes Bills to Improve Mental Health in Schools and Access to Prosthetics DENVER, CO - The House today passed two bills to increase student access to mental health services in schools and support youth who use prosthetics. “Schools are short on school mental health professionals, putting the responsibility of addressing student mental health struggles onto educators that are already overworked and underpaid,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of SB23-004. “ Teachers, students, and parents throughout Colorado are asking for our help to support our kids. This bill expands Colorado schools’ ability to hire qualified mental health professionals so students have easier access to life-saving mental health services.” “Schools and students are in great need of mental health services to address our youth mental health crisis,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, a school psychologist and sponsor of SB23-004. “Our current laws require licensing through the Colorado Department of Education before a licensed mental health professional is qualified for employment in Colorado schools, despite their expertise in childhood behavioral health and the shortage of mental health providers in schools. SB23-004 will help our schools and students have the mental health services they need to combat depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.” Current Colorado law requires a mental health professional to be licensed by the Colorado Department of Education in order to work in a school, making it more difficult for schools to hire enough professionally-licensed therapists to address students’ mental health needs. SB23-004 allows school districts to employ mental health professionals who hold a Colorado license and have experience working with children and adolescents, but don’t have a special service provider license through the Department of Education, to be school-based therapists. This bill streamlines the hiring process and increases access to mental health resources in schools for Colorado children and youth. SB23-004 unanimously passed by a vote of 62-0. The COVID-19 pandemic increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression among youth. About 40% of Colorado middle and high school students reported feeling depressed in 2020 per the Health Kids Colorado Survey . Additionally, a 2022 study found that Colorado Children’s Hospital saw a 103% increase of patients visiting emergency departments for behavioral health concerns compared to data from 2019. This bill is crucial in reducing and preventing mental health issues for Colorado youth before they reach crisis levels. “Colorado youth with limb loss can’t receive the prosthetics they need to enjoy biking, skiing, hiking, running and everything else Colorado’s great outdoors has to offer because they’re often not covered by their parent’s insurance,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1136. “This bipartisan legislation updates our prosthetic insurance coverage law so Coloradan’s can access the prosthetics they need to participate in their favorite sports and hobbies. This bill saves families money, improves accessibility and breaks down barriers to entering youth sports and countless other physical activities.” HB23-1136 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Anthony Hartsook, would save Coloradans money and support youth by modifying Colorado’s current prosthetic coverage law so health insurance plans will be required to cover an additional prosthetic device necessary for physical or recreational activity. Without health plan coverage, Colorado families can incur expensive out-of-pocket costs to cover additional prosthetics because the alternative prosthetic is considered not medically necessary. HB23-1136 aims to ensure Coloradans living with limb loss or limb difference are able to participate in recreational activities such as youth sports, biking, rock climbing, running, skiing, snowboarding and more. The bill passed by a vote of 62-1 . Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2020 THE LEGISLATURE, BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS UNITE FOR COLORADO HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS Denver, CO. Friday, March 20, 2020 – House Majority Leader Alec Garnett and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, Project C.U.R.E., Colorado Concern and the Denver Broncos announced on Friday that they will host a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) drive to support Colorado healthcare providers at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, March 22nd, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Donations can be dropped off in Lot J on the north side of the stadium. Items will be collected using proper social distancing. Directions can be found here . As medical professionals respond to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) public health crisis, PPE supplies are in critical shortage. The requested supplies will help protect healthcare providers so that they can care for patients in need. Items will be given to Project C.U.R.E. for distribution among Colorado healthcare providers. These supplies are in critical shortage: Sterile and non-sterile gloves – unopened boxes, latex free preferred Hand sanitizer – unopened containers Bleach bottles or sprays – unopened containers Bleach wipes – unopened containers Isopropyl alcohol – unopened bottles Eye protection and goggles – unused in box or wrapper Clear face shields – These look like welders mask but are translucent, unused only Masks – tie, ear loop – unopened boxes only (no cloth masks) Respirator masks – N95, N99, P100 – all sizes in unopened boxes. Extra filters are also needed for these devices. PAPR respirators – 3M or MaxAir – unused. Hoods, filters, batteries, chargers, tubes to go with these units are also needed. Disposable gowns – unused isolation gowns Shoe covers – unopened boxes Biohazard bags – unused “Coloradans have been stepping up left and right to help our state get through this crisis,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Today we’re asking them to step up once again by donating any personal protective equipment they can spare. We will ensure that these critically needed supplies make their way to our hospitals, who are on the front lines of the fight against the spread of COVID-19.” “Our health providers are working overtime to fight COVID—19, but they need help,” said Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock. That’s why I’m asking for all hands on deck to help them by providing protective gear to the cause. We all need to work together to tackle COVID—19.” “Our healthcare professionals and hospitals need our support now more than ever As they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are taking the unprecedented step of reaching out to the community to ask anyone who may have these necessary supplies to get them to our collection point. The need cannot be overstated,” said Mike Kopp, CEO of Colorado Concern, “some hospitals have between three and six days of inventory on hand and will be resorting to using bandanas to protect employees. It is time to step up and give back. Colorado businesses are in a unique position to help and we are proud to be working alongside the legislature and our colleagues at Project C.U.R.E. and the Denver Broncos to support this drive.” “Project C.U.R.E. is a proud member of this community and we’re heart broken by the effects of the coronavirus,” said Dr. Douglas Jackson, CEO of Project C.U.R.E. “The work we do is critical to millions of people and health systems around the world. To the extent that we’re able, we will mobilize our resources to equip medical professionals, first responders here in Colorado and other C.U.R.E. communities against the devastating COVID-19. We will be here for our community and those in need.” Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Javier Mabrey that would streamline the process for religious and educational institutions to build housing on their land to create more housing opportunities that work for every budget. HB25-1169 passed by a vote of 8-4. < Back February 20, 2025 ‘YIGBY’ Bill to Increase Housing Coloradans Can Afford Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Javier Mabrey that would streamline the process for religious and educational institutions to build housing on their land to create more housing opportunities that work for every budget . HB25-1169 passed by a vote of 8-4. “Creating more housing that hardworking Coloradans can afford is one of our biggest priorities at the Capitol, and cutting red tape for places of worship and schools to build affordable housing and community services like child care centers will save Coloradans money on housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “My previous experience as a pastor gives me a unique perspective on this issue, and working closely with religious groups and schools has confirmed the need for legislation that allows them to more easily develop on their land and partner with mission-minded organizations to help reduce the cost of housing across Colorado. This bill is a win-win for our communities by increasing affordable housing options and saving Coloradans money on housing, child care, and other necessary services.” “The housing crisis is making it increasingly difficult for hardworking Coloradans to put a roof over their heads, which is why we’re bringing this bill to expand housing opportunities on underutilized land already owned by religious and educational institutions,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “This legislation would streamline the review process to build new housing on this land, allowing places of worship and schools to help support their communities by building more affordable housing that will help bring down the cost of living. The housing affordability crisis requires multiple solutions, and this bill is one piece that can create a more affordable Colorado for all.” Beginning December 31, 2026, HB25-1169 would streamline the process for faith-based organizations, school districts, and state colleges or universities to build housing and other community services on their land, regardless of current zoning laws. Under the bill, local governments could not reject the construction of a residential development due to height, as long as the development is no taller than three stories or 45 feet or adheres to the height standards of the zoning district. Additionally, local governments could not restrict the construction based on the number of units, with some exceptions. If zoning allows, these residential developments could also include childcare centers and facilities that provide recreational, social, or educational services to residents. HB25-1169 would greenlight over 5,000 acres of land to be developed into housing in Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties alone. California passed a law in 2023 that makes it easier for higher education and religious institutions to build housing on their land, opening up over 170,000 acres of land to be developed into affordable housing or other uses. A church in Washington DC built 99 units for low-income families in addition to amenities like office space, a gym, and a culinary arts training program. An Atlanta church plans to build 300 affordable housing units , two schools, and 10,000 square feet of new retail space on their property. A recent Denver Post article reported that average Denver rents fell 1.5 percent from the end of 2023 to the end of 2024 due to new housing units doubling the typical pace in recent years. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2022 VOTE WITHOUT FEAR ACT ADVANCES DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Representatives Tom Sullivan and Jennifer Bacon to prevent armed voter intimidation at polling locations advanced in the House today on Second Reading. “Armed intimidation at voting locations is a threat to our democracy,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “The Vote Without Fear Act is common-sense legislation to protect voters against armed intimidation when they cast their ballot. We’ve seen cases of firearms being used to intimidate voters in Colorado; this cannot continue. The Vote Without Fear Act will protect access to the ballot and ensure every Coloradan can exercise their right to vote safely, fairly and freely.” “The Vote Without Fear Act protects voters and election workers from armed intimidation at polling places,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Firearms being used to intimidate voters, especially voters of color and poll workers, is nothing new in this county, but we need to stop the threats towards those exercising their fundamental right to cast their vote. We’re serious about protecting our democracy, and that means prohibiting armed voter intimidation at polling places.” HB22-1086 which passed the House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee by a vote of 7-4, protects the right to vote by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling places. Incidents of armed voter intimidation are rising across the country, and there have been several well-publicized situations where armed individuals have attempted to dissuade people from voting. These incidents have not just been targeted at voters, but also have attempted to intimidate nonpartisan election officials from doing their jobs. The legislation advanced today would extend protections that already exist for settings such as government buildings and legislative hearings to polling places, as well. Last year in Littleton, two men, one of whom was armed, filmed people dropping off their ballots, leading some voters to feel unsafe. Similar laws to prohibit the open carry of firearms at polling places have been adopted in Michigan in an effort to protect voters from armed intimidation. Previous Next