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< Back April 21, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: $80 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR WATER COMPACTS AND WATERSHEDS PASS HOUSE COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee today passed two bills that direct $80 million in economic relief funds to protect Colorado’s water supply, protect the state’s watersheds, and prevent wildfires. “The demands on our state’s water resources are reaching a critical level. That’s why we are taking urgent action to invest economic relief funds in the essential projects that will help water districts manage groundwater use and protect our agricultural community,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Conserving and protecting Colorado’s water is critical for our economic recovery and the long-term resiliency and strength of our state. The legislation we advanced today will rightly direct $80 million towards interstate compact compliance, protecting our watersheds, and preventing and reducing the risk of wildfires.” “Access to clean and safe water is endangered every time wildfires threaten our communities and the landscapes that surround us,” said Sen. Donovan. “We must make sure our communities have the tools they need to mitigate wildfires and protect watersheds. These funds will better prepare us for the work that comes with protecting our water through preventative and restorative efforts.” “Increasingly devastating wildfires are impacting our watersheds, access to drinking water, and the water our agriculture producers need to survive,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “The investments we’re making will reduce the risk of wildfire, mitigate the impacts they have on our water supply, and ensure healthy watersheds to protect this essential resource. Our economy and way of life depends on our watersheds and our access to water. The legislation we advanced today will help protect our most precious resource.” Protecting Colorado’s Water: SB22-028, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Marc Catlin and Senators Cleave Simpson and Jerry Sonnenberg, directs $60 million in economic relief funds to manage groundwater use and ensure the state meets its commitments under interstate water compacts. While Colorado is in compliance with all water compacts, several river and conservation districts have urgent needs in order to meet their obligations and ensure sustainable levels of groundwater remain available. This proposal uses one-time federal economic relief funds to help Colorado’s river and conservation districts meet their obligations. In the event that the funds are not spent in the next two years, any remaining funds will be directed to the Colorado Water Plan. The bill passed the committee 11-0. Preventing Wildfires and Conserving Colorado’s Watersheds: HB22-1379 , sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Marc Catlin and Senators Kerry Donovan and Cleave Simpson, would invest $20 million to protect Colorado’s watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires. HB22-1379 directs $20 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants. The bill includes: $3 million for projects that will help communities address the urgent need to reduce wildfire risks by supporting implementation of risk mitigation treatments that focus on promoting watershed resilience; $2 million to continue the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program within the Department of Natural Resources which supports the Department’s wildfire workforce development partnerships; $10 million to the Colorado water conservation board construction fund for post-fire restoration needs and advance a watershed scale approach to building wildfire ready watersheds; and $5 million to help local governments and other entities apply for federal “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” money and other federally available money for water projects. The bill passed the committee 11-0. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. < Back April 22, 2024 McCluskie’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Colorado Water, Combat Drought Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. Sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, SB24-197 would implement several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force, including tactics to address the worsening drought conditions on the Colorado River. “Securing Colorado's water future is paramount. This bill strategically implements recommendations from the Colorado River Drought Task Force to protect the Colorado way of life,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Drought conditions have jeopardized Colorado’s water future, and this bipartisan legislation works to address some of the challenges facing our water supply while preserving it for our state’s agriculture, outdoor recreation and household needs. I’m committed to tackling Colorado’s water supply challenges head-on, while working alongside our agriculture and coal-transition communities, to protect our water for generations to come.” SB24-197 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, passed committee by a unanimous vote of 10-0. This bill would implement some recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force including: Expansion of the Environmental Instream Flow Temporary Loan Program to allow the owner of a decreed storage water right to loan water to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to preserve or improve the natural environment. Expansion of Colorado’s Agricultural Water Rights Protection Program which creates opportunities for agricultural water rights holders to make water temporarily available for other uses while maintaining water in agriculture. Protection of Industrial Water Rights for Hayden & Craig’s Power Generation Systems through 2050, which will allow the electric utilities or another entity to look into the viability of future energy generation technologies that could advance Colorado’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals while keeping energy-producing jobs in the region. Improved access to Water Plan Implementation Grants for Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nations which would allow the CWCB to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and enterprises. The Colorado River is in the midst of a three-decade drought, the worst in over 1,200 years, and water supplies are decreasing across the state as a result. These diminishing supplies are threatening resources for drinking water, agricultural uses, and environmental and recreational opportunities. In response, lawmakers passed SB23-295 , which created the Colorado River Drought Task Force . Last summer, the task force worked to develop water policy recommendations to be a guideline for new legislation, including SB24-197. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: ECONOMIC AND BUDGET FORECAST SHOWS CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH JBC Dems to 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 (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the March economic forecasts, which will serve as the basis for the state budget for the coming fiscal year. “It’s great to see that our economy is making a bold recovery and that unemployment levels are falling,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our responsible approach to budgeting has positioned us well to craft a balanced budget that saves people money and moves our state forward. Our budget will invest in public schools and higher education to prepare students for success, and it will fund critical efforts to investigate and prevent crime to make our communities safer. I’m excited about where our state is headed, and look forward to the work ahead.” “Today’s numbers prove that, overall, our economy remains very strong,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “We’re back to the strong pre-pandemic levels of employment and wage growth, and the General Fund remains in a solid position. Democrats have worked to support our economy and Coloradans over the past few years, and it’s clearly paying off. We are well positioned to provide working Colorado families critical tax and fee relief while investing in our schools and making Colorado a more affordable place to live.” “Today's economic forecast shows that despite pandemic-induced inflation that is occurring nationally and a geopolitical crisis, Colorado's economic recovery is strong,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Thanks to fiscally responsible decisions that we've made throughout the pandemic and especially this year, I am confident we have positioned Colorado for continued -- and sustained -- growth. The proactive steps we’ve taken to bolster our reserves and our budget will enable us to continue moving forward with critical investments in public schools and efforts to save people money.” “Based on the numbers, it appears that Colorado is financially on track to avert much of the recent disruptions caused by global events,” said JBC Member Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “The challenges will continue, and we can’t lose sight of our obligations and priorities in Colorado. We must remain focused on creating a budget that will work most efficiently and effectively for the greatest number of Coloradans.” The LCS Forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $15.96 billion in FY 2021-2022 and $16.05 billion in FY 2022-2023 – a $59 million increase for FY 2021-2022 and an $344.5 million decrease for FY 2022-2023 as compared with the earlier December revenue forecast. The unemployment rate continued to fall in Colorado to 4.1 percent in January, led mostly by gains in the food and accommodations sectors. The state has recovered more than 98 percent of the jobs lost during the pandemic. Inflationary pressures, however, will impact near term budget priorities and state departments. Geopolitical risk and monetary policy decisions were also presented as risks to the forecast. The OSPB anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $16.2 billion for FY 2021-22, which OSPB revised upward by $205.9 million relative to its December estimate. For FY 2022-23, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $16.6 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $344.7 million relative to its December estimate. The state will exceed its TABOR limit due to higher than anticipated income tax collections, and both OSPB and LCS anticipate the state exceeding the TABOR limit in the upcoming fiscal years as well. In addition, LCS and OSPB identified the uncertainty of the pandemic, evolving fiscal policy, inflation, and supply chain disruptions as risks to the forecast. Previous Next

< Back February 16, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL TO BOOST TEACHER WORKFORCE PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to address the teacher workforce shortage and prepare Colorado students for success. HB22-1057, sponsored by Representatives, Barabra McLauchlan and Mary Bradfield, would waive limitations on the number of days retired teachers can work as substitute teachers when there is a critical substitute teacher shortage. The bill passed by a vote of 63 to 1. “The passage of this bill means we’re one step closer to addressing the critical substitute teacher storage and preparing our students for success,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan D-Durango. “Pandemic pressures have been incredibly tough on teachers in our rural and underserved communities, this bipartisan legislation would temporarily waive PERA limitations on qualified, retired teachers and allow them to return to the classroom without fear of losing their benefits. We’re serious about using every tool at our disposal to prepare our students for success and move Colorado forward.” If passed, HB22-1057 would temporarily waive the limitations set by the public employees' retirement association (PERA) regarding the number of days qualified service retirees can substitute teach. Under current limitations, if retired teachers work over the number of allotted days, their PERA benefits are reduced. The bill temporarily lifts the waiver until July 1st, 2025. Additionally, qualified service retirees can teach in any school district while there is a critical substitute teacher shortage in Colorado. Colorado is facing a significant teacher shortage. During the 2020-2021 school year nearly 13% of teacher positions were filled through a shortage mechanism and more than 200 positions went completely unfilled statewide. This bill aims to incentivize retired teachers to help with shortages by making it possible for them to substitute teach without the fear of losing their PERA benefits. Previous Next

Legislative leaders in the House and Senate released statements following Governor Polis’ call for a special session to address property tax relief for Coloradans: < Back November 9, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Legislative Leadership Statements on Call for Special Session DENVER, CO – Legislative leaders in the House and Senate released statements following Governor Polis’ call for a special session to address property tax relief for Coloradans: “We always knew that if Proposition HH failed, property taxes would rise dramatically for thousands of Coloradans, which would make Colorado’s cost of living even more out of reach for so many,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “The voters had their say about a long-term, comprehensive approach. Our caucus will now be laser-focused on providing short-term relief to those who are most vulnerable to the rising cost of living – which means working families, renters, and those on fixed incomes – while protecting our schools and fire districts.” “We have a responsibility to deliver real results on the issues that matter most to Coloradans, and that’s what we’ll do in this special session as we continue working to address the rising cost of living,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With rising property values leading to unaffordable tax increases, our goal is to responsibly provide real relief to the people who need it most while protecting schools, fire districts and libraries. In this special session, we will work to boost support for renters and working people and deliver urgent property tax relief for Coloradans.” “The cost of living in our state is a top concern for Colorado homeowners and renters alike, and steep property tax increases are stretching budgets even further,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “As we continue our work to make Colorado more affordable and consider the options available to us, we must now determine if a path forward exists that can provide relief while protecting funding for schools and essential community services.” “We have an opportunity to deliver urgent property tax relief and support for working families, especially renters,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Rising property taxes threaten the lifelong investments many lower-income Coloradans and people of color have made to achieve the dream of owning a home. Despite our limited options, we are committed to working with stakeholders to craft a responsible package that protects schools and makes Colorado more affordable. I encourage everyone to come to the table and work with us to provide relief for Coloradans.” Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2023 Bills to Combat Deforestation and Improvement Wildfire Evacuations Advance in the House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to help our forests recover from deforestation and better prepare communities for evacuations following a wildfire or other disaster. “Wildfires have not only devastated Colorado families, ranches, and businesses, but they have also ravaged our forests and caused thousands of acres of deforestation,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer, sponsor of SB23-1060 . “We’re taking steps toward more effective forest restoration by using Colorado-grown nursery seedlings to reforest burned areas and build climate-resilient watersheds. Allocating funding to the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery will help mitigate the risk of wildfires, protect communities and preserve our water resources.” HB23-1060 updates and expands the operations of Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) Nursery to help them meet seedling trees and shrubs conservation demands and increase reforestation efforts. In Colorado, seedlings are used for burned forest restoration, creating climate-resilient watersheds and forests and enhancing carbon storage. $5 million was allocated toward the CSFS Nursery last year from HB22-1323 and additional funding would help complete the upgrades and expectations of shade house structures, improve seed storage and seedling processing, amongst other needs that will help meet growing demand. “While Colorado continues to build more homes to keep up with growing demand, we must consider wildfire risk and evacuation plans to ensure the safety of all Coloradans during an emergency,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of HB23-1075 . “By studying best practices for evacuations, we can gather data to implement effective policy to protect Coloradans from wildfire threats and other dangers to public safety. This bill will help ensure that evacuations are orderly and quick and that communities understand what they’re supposed to do when a major fire breaks out.” HB23-1075 requires the Office of Emergency Management to conduct a study to identify and assess the availability of technology to help with evacuation and clearance time modeling in local emergency management plans. The study will also evaluate the feasibility of requiring developers to perform evacuation and clearance time modeling for proposed developments in a wildfire rise area. The study must be completed by December 1, 2023 and the Department of Public Safety would be required to report the findings during the 2024 legislative session. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2019 REP. MCCLUSKIE INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR COLORADANS Reinsurance is a proven approach to helping cut health care costs (Feb. 1) – Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, introduced a bipartisan bill today to lower health care costs for Coloradans across the state. Coloradans on the individual market are struggling to keep up with the out-of-control costs of health care, particularly in rural areas of the state. By establishing a reinsurance program Colorado can stabilize the individual marketplace, increase health insurance participation and share the risks more broadly. “I heard in my own community–and in mountain and rural communities across the Western Slope–that access to affordable health care is the single greatest challenge for hardworking families,” said Rep. McCluskie. “The time for action is now, and we must continue working across the aisle to help lower the high cost of health care in our state.” Rising health care costs are driven in part by the underlying cost of care but are exacerbated by an insurance market that assigns the highest risks and highest costs to the individual market. This is particularly the case on the Western Slope and in rural Colorado, causing families and individuals to forgo health insurance coverage and putting them at major risk of medical debt if emergencies arise. Rep. McCluskie introduced the bipartisan bill in the House with Rep. Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction. Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail and Senator Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale are the Senate sponsors. This bipartisan HB19-1168 aims to reduce insurance premiums for individuals and families by January 2020 to provide much-needed relief to Coloradans, many of whom are paying up to a third of their income on monthly premiums. Our state, especially the Western slope, has some of the highest health insurance costs in the country. Reinsurance can be considered insurance for Colorado’s health insurers. The bill will establish three tiers, from the highest cost areas of the state to the lowest cost areas, in order to pass savings on to Coloradans. The first tier, consisting of regions in the state with the highest costs, will experience the greatest reduction in premiums, by 30 to 35 percent. The second tier will experience reductions in premiums by 20 to 25 percent. Finally, the third tier, regions with the lowest costs, will experience reductions in premiums by 15 to 20 percent. How a reinsurance program works: The reinsurance program will pay a percentage of claims, also known as the coinsurance rate, once the claim reaches the minimum amount required in order to be eligible for reinsurance coverage. This minimum amount is called the attachment point. The program will continue to pay up to an identified claim amount called the reinsurance cap. Claims costs exceeding the cap are not eligible for reinsurance coverage. By insuring this middle range of claims the bill will help reduce risk in the market. As a result, reinsurance helps drive down costs across the board. The initial premium savings for Coloradans comes from a reduction in the amount paid to hospitals and other providers, which leads to a reduction in the amount paid by health insurers. These savings are then passed along to people purchasing insurance on the individual marketplace. The state will request a section 1332 waiver from the federal government to implement and help fund the reinsurance program, like eight other states have done to implement similar programs. Previous Next

< Back June 13, 2020 HOUSE PASSES PAID SICK LEAVE, PROVIDES RELIEF FUNDS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES DENVER, CO — The House today passed bills to provide paid sick leave to hardworking Coloradans and increase funding for COVID-19 recovery grants given businesses with less than 25 employees. Both bills passed the House on third reading. “While the federal small business grants in response to COVID-19 helped some small businesses persevere, it was clear to us that more needed to be done,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB20-222. “Today we voted to provide $20 million in grants to small businesses, including those who may not have been able to access SBA or payroll protection loans thus far. As we work to recover Colorado’s economy, it’s more important than ever to give our state’s small businesses the tools and support they need to bounce back.” SB20-222 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Perry Will, R-New Castle, would direct $20 million dollars to the Energize Colorado Fund that OEDIT has created to provide assistance to small businesses in Colorado who have suffered hardship as a result of COVID19. This fund will be providing grants to businesses with less than 25 employees, with a preference given to those that did not qualify for, or access, SBA PPP loans. Preference will also be given to businesses owned by veterans, women, minorities, or is located in rural areas. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 65-0. “The need for a robust paid sick program was clear well before COVID-19,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB20-205. “But watching our health care system and our economy ravaged by a pandemic has made it clear that as we rebuild and recover, we’ll have to put in place systems to ensure we’re better prepared for public health emergencies to come. I’m proud that we voted to give Coloradans the ability to earn paid sick days and care for themselves or their loved ones without losing a paycheck.” “I see the devastating public health effects of not having a paid sick leave program in my clinic every day,” said Rep. Caraveo, D-Thornton. “No Coloradan should be forced to choose between foregoing income or going into work sick. Today’s modest proposal will make a real difference in the lives of my patients and will go a long way towards improving the public health of our state.” SB20-205 , sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Representative Yadira Caraveo, would allow workers to earn paid sick leave. Currently, 40 percent of Colorado’s workforce is not afforded the opportunity to earn paid sick days –– creating a “work while sick” culture that increases the transmission of deadly viruses such as COVID-19. The bill allows Colorado workers, including part-time workers, to earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours of work, up to 6 days per year. Sick leave is earned, job-protected time off that workers can use to care for their own health needs or those of a family member. The bill also provides leave during a public health emergency like COVID-19; employees that work 40 or more hours a week will receive at least 80 hours of additional paid sick leave. The bill passed 38-27. Previous Next

The Department of Local Affairs recently awarded $780,000 through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program to rural Colorado communities to boost local economies and support small business owners. < Back June 19, 2025 Democratic Lawmakers Celebrate Funding to Boost Rural Economies COLORADO – The Department of Local Affairs recently awarded $780,000 through the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program to rural Colorado communities to boost local economies and support small business owners. “As a former educator, I’m grateful for this REDI program funding that will help connect San Luis Valley residents with professional development training and boost the educator workforce,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “From staffing quality educators in our schools to creating a skilled workforce for small businesses, these dollars will have a significant impact on rural communities.” Rep. Martinez’s district received nearly $175,000 in funds, including: Over $134,000 to the City of Alamosa Little Learners Early Care and Learning Center to support recruitment, hands-on training and professional development. The goal is to boost the educator workforce by 50 new professionals by 2027. $15,000 to create the Saguache County Civics Lab “Launchpad” that will offer 30 paid high school internships with the purpose of developing workforce skills and boosting economic resiliency in rural Colorado. $25,000 to the San Luis Valley Economic Outreach and Engagement Project to initiate collaboration between economic development organizations in the region and provide resources for businesses to reduce employee turnover and support the long-term success of local businesses. "I’m excited to hear that Moffat and Eagle counties have received funding to boost rural economies and create good-paying jobs," said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. "I’ve proudly sponsored laws to revitalize rural business communities and support just transition for former coal communities. This funding will support our efforts to diversify rural economies and support Colorado business owners on the Western Slope.” The Moffat County Geothermal Equipment Project was awarded over $62,000 to purchase necessary equipment that will help expand operations and support a just transition in former coal mining communities. This will be the first dedicated geothermal drilling service in Northwest Colorado. The Town of Eagle was awarded $100,000 to fund a Business Advancement Program that will provide financial assistance to small businesses to promote growth and establish new locally-owned businesses. "As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Lyons is popular with tourists, and improving the visitor center can drive business to Lyons’ talented art community,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. "With this funding, artists can enjoy a centralized place to sell and create their art, and we can bring more attention to these skilled artists.” The Town of Lyons was awarded $16,500 to create storefronts and art creation in the Lyons Visitors Center for local artists and entrepreneurs. The funding would also allow for future expansion plans that could include workshops, an art studio and more retail space. Learn more about the REDI program here . Previous Next

New law benefits Colorado’s working families < Back November 21, 2023 Signed! New Law to Provide Equal TABOR Refunds and Support Working-Class Coloradans New law benefits Colorado’s working families DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed legislation sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, that creates a flat TABOR refund mechanism to provide an equal refund of $800 for all taxpayers. SB23B-003 puts more money back into the pockets of Coloradans, and increases TABOR refunds by about $500 for the majority of working families by creating a new temporary refund mechanism - identical to what Democrats provided last year - that replaces the sales tax refund mechanism for FY 22-23. Every Colorado taxpayer will receive an identical refund payment, making our tax code more equitable and providing enhanced support for working families. “This special session, I fought to bring relief to middle-income earners, a group that gets hit particularly hard when it comes to taxes,” said Hinrichsen. “My bill to equalize TABOR refunds for all Coloradans will make our tax code more fair, and as a result, more than 60 percent of Coloradans – and even a larger share of Puebloans – will see an increase in their refunds.” “Coloradans are counting on us to address the affordability crisis, and this bill is one of many steps we’re taking to uplift working-class families,” Mabrey said. “Our bill will provide equal TABOR refunds next year, increasing incomes for lower- and middle-income Coloradans by hundreds of dollars. I’m proud that we were able to provide working families relief, and I will continue to fight to make Colorado more affordable for the people who need it most.” “I’m proud to see my bill to equalize TABOR refunds and get money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans be signed into law today,” Marchman said. “With this law, every taxpayer will receive an identical TABOR refund – resulting in an increase for the majority of folks. At a time when workers, families and seniors are pinched by inflation, this will be hundreds of dollars more to help pay for necessities like groceries, gas and housing.” “Equal TABOR refunds put hundreds of dollars back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans, benefiting millions of people throughout our state,” Dickson said. “Making our state more affordable for everyone is a priority for Colorado Democrats. This bill establishes a flat tax refund for all taxpayers, boosting hardworking families and making it easier for them to keep pace with the rising cost of living.” Over sixty percent of filers and everyone making under $100,000 per year will benefit from higher TABOR refunds under this proposal. This law builds on the work of SB23-233 , which provided urgently-needed relief through flat TABOR refunds. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 PROPERTY TAX BILL IMPROVES ASSESSMENT PROCESS DENVER, CO – The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Patrick Neville to make the property tax assessment process more transparent and accountable for all property owners. “From sending every taxpayer $400 or $800 early refund checks to reducing property taxes for families and businesses and free universal preschool, we’re making tremendous progress saving people money,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This week, we announced property tax relief that will save homeowners $274 on average. The bill we passed today makes important reforms to improve the transparency and accountability of the property tax assessment process to protect homeowners and businesses from errors that can cost them money.” “This bipartisan legislation will give homeowners and business owners more information about how their property values are assessed and more time to address errors that can increase their tax bills,” said Rep. Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock. “This effort will protect taxpayers, increase transparency, and improve how property values are assessed and appealed in Colorado.” HB22-1416 , which passed by a vote of 9-0, reforms the property tax assessment process. The bill would provide taxpayers with more information about their valuations and a longer period of time to appeal their values. Under the bill, the timeline to appeal property values would be extended by one week. It requires county assessors to provide property owners an estimate of their tax liability as well as information about how they can protest their assessed property values. Property owners would have the opportunity to fast track their appeal if the assessor is provided all the necessary information. Additionally, the bill would require property tax administrators to publish the assessors’ handbook, which includes appraisals procedures, and allow for public comment and review on the handbook and proposed changes. For commercial properties, the bill improves transparency in how they are valued by requiring the notice of valuation to notify property owners that they can obtain details from their assessor about how their property was valued. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2021 STATE AFFAIRS PASSES BILLS TO SUPPORT VETERANS DENVER, CO– The House State, Civic, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee today advanced two bills sponsored by Rep. David Ortiz that will support veterans in Colorado. “With over 400,000 veterans calling Colorado home, our state is known as a great place for veterans to settle down after military service,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “The bill we passed today recognizes that there’s more work we need to do to ensure that every veteran in Colorado has access to the behavioral health care they need. By creating a suicide prevention pilot program, we can connect more veterans with the critical services they need to thrive.” SB21-129 , sponsored by Representative David Ortiz, would create a veteran suicide prevention pilot program in the Department of Human Services to reduce the suicide rate and suicidal ideation among veterans. The program would provide free, confidential behavioral health treatment for up to 700 veterans and their families. Services would be provided through agreements with nonprofit organizations. Previous Next