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< Back June 11, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO STOP CORPORATE TAX HANDOUTS, PROVIDE $1B TO K-12 INSTEAD DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB20-1420, sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Matt Gray, by a vote of 39-26, with House Republicans standing with special interests at the expense of Colorado’s teachers and students. HB20-1420 ends state tax handouts for corporations and the very wealthy in order to protect funding for K-12 education. The bill preserves economic relief for hardworking Coloradans and small businesses and invests $1 billion to K-12. “We need to make a choice; we can either give taxpayer funded handouts to corporations and wealthy individuals who don’t need them, or we can protect our students and underpaid teachers,” said Rep. Sirota, D-Denver. “Colorado can’t afford to follow politicians in Washington who want companies making $25 million or more to get economic relief while our schools struggle to retain teachers.” “We had to close a $3.3 billion hole in our $12.5 billion budget, and that has meant painful cuts to education that no one wants to see,” said Rep. Gray, D-Bloomfield. “The Fair Tax Act gives hardworking families a boost and invests $1 billion in our schools to protect our students and teachers from these severe cuts while preserving economic relief for those who need it most.” Several provisions in Colorado’s tax code follow federal law and cost the state hundreds of millions a year, but primarily benefit the wealthy. This legislation makes means-tested changes to eliminate state handouts for special interests and the wealthiest individuals while protecting them for hardworking families to avoid devastating cuts to education. CARES Act Loopholes: Eighty-two percent of the benefits from a provision of the CARES Act that allows for the deduction of excess business losses (CARES Act Section 2304) goes to filers with incomes above $1 million. Only three percent of the benefits go to filers with incomes under $100,000. The bill preserves relief for hardworking Coloradans under that threshold while eliminating it for millionaires. The bill also limits the amount of net operating loss deductions a company can claim in one year to $400,000, preserving the deduction for 98 percent of filers while capping them for the wealthiest businesses. Finally, it rejects a CARES Act hand out of interest expense deductions (CARES Act Section 2306) for corporations larger than $25 million, saving the state $2 million a year. Trump Tax Scam “Pass Through” Loophole: The 2017 federal tax bill, pass-through businesses can take a 20 percent deduction off their qualified business income (QBI), essentially reducing the amount of taxable income. In Colorado, a quarter of the benefit of this tax break goes to households with incomes above $1 million, while households with incomes below $75,000 receive only 11 percent of the benefit. The average millionaire gets nearly a $9,000 break from the state while someone making $30,000 to $40,000 may get $70 or $90. The bill preserves the relief for hardworking Coloradans making under $75,000 while eliminating it for those who don’t need it. Insurance Company Handouts: The bill removes a tax break for insurance companies who maintain an in-state office. Just 85 insurance companies in Colorado get a 50 percent tax break averaging $1 million because of an outdated provision that the State Auditor has found is ineffective at its intended purpose. Capital Gains: Colorado allows a tax break for income on investments in personal property and other capital gains, even if that property isn’t in Colorado. It costs the state $8-$20 million a year, and only 0.2% of all Colorado tax filers get this benefit. The very wealthiest 0.1 percent of Americans—taxpayers with AGI over $2 million—received almost half, or 49 percent, of all capital gains income. Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2020 ENERGY CONSUMER PROTECTIONS BILL PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– Representative Mike Weissman’s bill to ensure that energy consumers who rely on retail electric coops for their power have a neutral, in-state arbiter to make judgements on disputes related to their rates was approved by the House Energy and Environment Committee. The bill would clarify the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) existing jurisdiction to make decisions on certain complaints received by retail electric coops against wholesale electric coops. The bill was approved by a vote of 9-2.. “Retail electric coops provide increasingly greener, more affordable, and more local power to consumers across our state, including many rural Coloradans,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “Our aim is to ensure fairness for energy consumers by clarifying and affirming the PUC’s jurisdiction to make decisions in specific disputes. I was proud to see the committee stand with consumers today.” HB20-1225 would affirm existing statute that gives the PUC authority to hear complaints related to unjust rates, charges, and tariffs. By clarifying this authority, the bill would prevent jurisdictional gaps and ensure that Colorado disputes are handled by Colorado regulators, instead of being taken to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Washington, D.C.. This bill does not impact investor-owned utilities or municipal utilities. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 INTRODUCED! LANDMARK BILL TO EXPAND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS TO OVER 37,000 PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS Building upon the 2020 state workers bill, SB22-230 would more than double the number of public workers with recognized collective bargaining rights DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, today introduced landmark legislation to support workers by extending collective bargaining rights to more than 37,000 county public service employees, marking a historic step in Colorado’s labor and workers rights movement. SB22-230 builds upon the state workers bill from 2020 to extend similar collective bargaining rights to county workers. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would give public service workers who choose to form a union a seat at the table to collectively bargain on issues like working conditions, job safety, pay and benefits, and to collaborate with management to address shared challenges like staff shortages, retention issues, and improving public services. “County workers kept Colorado running through some extremely difficult years of pandemic disruptions and health and safety hazards,” said Fenberg. “These tens of thousands of unsung heroes have more than earned what nearly every private sector and state worker already enjoy — the right to organize and negotiate for fair and safe workplaces. It’s time for county public service workers to be given the choice to form a union.” “County workers have been on the frontlines during the pandemic and often work dangerous jobs to protect our communities and deliver the services Coloradans rely on,” Esgar said. “We depend on these tens of thousands of workers, and now is the time to have their backs. This bill will give county public service workers the right to form a union to negotiate for fair and safe workplaces and to improve the delivery and efficiency of critical services. County workers who fix our roads, staff our public health departments and protect our communities deserve the right to negotiate for a better future for themselves and their families.” “Across Colorado, tens of thousands of county workers perform hazardous jobs and provide the critical services that keep communities running safely and smoothly,” said Moreno. “These public servants deserve to have a seat at the table to negotiate their employment, just like private sector and state employees currently do. By granting Colorado’s 37,000 county workers the right to choose to form a union, this bill will help Colorado take the next step on the path to ensuring collective bargaining rights for every Coloradan.” Right now, only four out of Colorado’s 64 counties recognize public service workers’ right to collectively bargain. The Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would guarantee Colorado statutory county workers have the ability to organize and form a union to advocate for safer workplaces and better public services, if they so choose. Additionally, the Collective Bargaining by County Employees Act would extend protections to workers who are currently vulnerable to retaliation, discrimination, and coercion for exercising basic union rights. Previous Next

The Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee (COYAC) today approved legislation to reduce food waste in schools and promote environmental justice. < Back October 1, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee Advances Legislation to Reduce Food Waste and Promote Environmental Justice DENVER, CO – The Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee (COYAC) today approved legislation to reduce food waste in schools and promote environmental justice. Bill 5 , sponsored by Chair Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, Vice Chair Steph Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would encourage school districts and charter schools to adopt policies aimed at reducing food waste in school cafeterias such as composting and “share tables,” where whole food or beverage items that students choose not to consume may be redistributed to others. Food “share tables” are still required to follow all sanitation and health requirements and cannot be brought from home. Schools are encouraged to seek technical assistance and grant funding for these policies from the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise. “It is always a joy to partner with the bright, young members of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council and develop policies on the issues that matter most to them,” said Marchman, sponsor of Bills 4, 5 and 6. “This year, I am proud to sponsor legislation to improve health literacy for Colorado’s youth, reduce food waste in schools, and incorporate youth voices on the state’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board. I look forward to continuing to partner with COYAC members next session as we introduce these policies and work hard to see them become law.” “Colorado youth are engaging in the legislative process, and it has been an honor to work closely with them to develop policy that will have a deep impact on their daily lives and futures,” said Vigil, sponsor of Bills 4, 5 and 6. “Our youth are our future, and they deserve to have their concerns and input taken seriously. I’m proud to be their advocate at the Colorado Capitol by advancing legislation to reduce food waste in our schools, boost our focus on environmental issues, and provide students with relevant health information.” “Colorado’s young leaders have once again brought forward impressive policy proposals that are the result of meticulous research and extensive community discussions,” said Winter, sponsor of Bills 4 and 6. “ These students are leading the way in saving our planet, both in environmental and health justice. I’m honored to help shepherd legislation to better incorporate youth voices in decision-making about the state’s environmental justice work, as well as legislation to improve health literacy in schools.” Bill 6 , sponsored by Marchman, Winter, and Vigil, would require two youth members to be appointed to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to serve a two year term with one youth voting member and one youth non-voting member who are between 14-21 years old. Additionally, the bill would charge the Colorado Energy Office with compiling guidance and developing best practices for the adoption of clean energy in schools, including the use of solar panels, and understanding how much money schools can save. The committee also advanced Bill 4 , sponsored by Marchman, Winter, and Vigil, which would improve access to educational health literacy materials for school districts. The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2025 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills Previous Next

SB23-105 will further prevent wage discrimination in Colorado < Back June 6, 2023 SIGNED! Legislation to Strengthen Equal Pay for Equal Work Act Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law a bill that will strengthen Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. SB23-105 , sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, strengthens existing law by requiring the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to order compliance when an employer is found to be practicing wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive and the resources and staffing to back it up. “Nobody should be paid less than their peers for doing the same work - but for too many women in Colorado that is still the case,” Danielson said. “We fought to address this inequity through the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, and this measure will build on that success. SB 105 is a concrete step to address the wage gap between men and women, and I am excited to see this bill get signed into law.” “If men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same, but this isn’t the reality for all women living in Colorado,” said Gonzales-Gutierrez. “This law strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, further breaking down wage barriers and helping women succeed in their careers. Despite Colorado’s progress, we’re still fighting to achieve pay equity. This law plays a major role in closing the wage gap, ultimately uplifting women and supporting families.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act has made great strides toward ensuring that every Coloradan is paid equally for their labor,” Buckner said. “But unfortunately we are still seeing women earn less than men for doing the exact same job. It’s unacceptable. By requiring the state to investigate and take action when wage discrimination complaints are filed, we can better ensure that every Colorado worker receives the equal pay they’re entitled to.” “By strengthening Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, we’re doubling down on our commitment to closing the wage gap,” said Bacon. “Women are still earning less than men for doing the same job. This law combats wage discrimination and sets women on track to advocate for better, fairer wages. When women earn fair wages, communities are strengthened, families are supported, and our economy grows.” Additionally, SB23-105 increases the amount of back pay that can be recovered in confirmed instances of wage discrimination. The bill also requires employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings and career advancement avenues to further promote workplace fairness. Previous Next

Legislation will promote responsible gun ownership, safe storage of firearms in vehicles < Back May 15, 2024 Gov Signs Legislation to Reduce Gun Thefts from Vehicles Legislation will promote responsible gun ownership, safe storage of firearms in vehicles CENTENNIAL, CO - Governor Polis today signed legislation into law to help prevent firearms from being stolen from vehicles by requiring them to be secured while unattended in a vehicle. “As a Western Slope legislator, I know how important responsible and safe gun ownership is for our rural communities and our way of life," said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. "This commonsense law helps reduce gun thefts from vehicles while respecting the 2nd Amendment rights of gun owners across the state.” “Safe storage of firearms in vehicles or at home is an effective way to keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people and create safer communities,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “Last year, there were 1,221 guns reported stolen in Denver. This law represents one of this year’s many efforts to reduce gun violence in Colorado and I’m proud to see it signed today.” “When someone steals a firearm, they bypass the protections we’ve put in place that consider factors like mental health struggles and a history of domestic violence before they’re handed a gun," said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. "Gun thefts from vehicles are on the rise, putting our communities at risk of preventable gun crimes. By requiring guns to be securely stored in vehicles when they are unattended, this law will prevent gun owners from losing their weapons to prevent guns from getting into the wrong hands and keep our neighborhood kids safe.” “We have seen alarming rates of firearms being stolen from vehicles in Colorado, including one instance here at the Capitol,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “It’s on gun owners to responsibly and safely store their firearms – whether that’s in their home or their vehicle. This important law promotes a commonsense gun safety practice that will help reduce theft and make our communities safer.” HB24-1348 requires handguns in unattended vehicles to be stored in a locked, hard-sided container that is out of plain view to help prevent them from being stolen. Other firearms must be stored in a hard or soft-sided container. The law also requires the Office of Suicide Prevention to include information for vehicle safe storage on its website and include vehicle safe storage information that must be displayed at gun stores. There are exclusions such as antique firearms, peace officers, military service members, and people engaged in hunting activities. Recreational vehicles and non-handgun firearms in a vehicle on a person’s private farm or ranch are also exempt. According to the Denver Police Department, 846 of the 1,221 guns that were reported as being stolen were stolen from vehicles in 2023. Of those stolen firearms, 61% were stolen without stealing the vehicle itself. Data from 2020 found that Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Colorado Springs had the highest rates of gun thefts from cars in Colorado. Colorado Democrats passed a 2021 law that promotes responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to properly store their firearms when they are not in use, especially when children are present. The law also requires licensed firearms dealers to provide a locking device at the time of sale or transfer of all firearms. Federal law already requires that handguns sold by licensed dealers be sold with locking devices. Finally, the 2021 law created the charge “unlawful storage of a firearm” when a firearm is not stored safely and a juvenile or someone who is ineligible to possess a firearm is present, making it a class 2 misdemeanor. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO PROVIDE HOMELESS YOUTH SHELTER ON THEIR TERMS The House Committee on Public Health Care and Human Services today passed Representatives Cathy Kipp and Brianna Titone’s bill that allows youth who are 15-years-old, or older, to directly consent to receive shelter services from a licensed facility. The bill is also sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal and Rob Woodward. The committee passed the bill by a vote of 10-3. “Homeless youth are one of the most vulnerable populations in Colorado, and it’s up to us to protect them,” said Rep.Titone, D-Arvada . “This bill would remove barriers towards homeless kids receiving the support they need from licensed and regulated services. We can’t have teens falling through the cracks, and this bill puts their safety first.” “When it comes to homeless youth, safety is our concern,” said Rep. Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “This bill would allow homeless teens in our state to advocate for their own safety and well-being, and will no doubt lead to better outcomes.” SB20-106 would allow homeless youth facilities, including foster or family homes, to provide shelter and “crisis intervention” to homeless youths who are 15-years-old. The youths must consent, in writing, to receive these services and do not need the consent of a parent or legal guardian. The bill also states that a person who provides shelter to a homeless child without the consent of a legal guardian must notify the legal guardian and authorities within 24-hours after shelter has been provided. Additionally, if the authorities come to the conclusion that the youth cannot be returned to the legal guardian, they must notify the county so proper living arrangements can be made. The bill passed the Senate 32-1. ### Previous Next

< Back June 23, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: LAWMAKERS CELEBRATE IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD TO FUND COLORADO OPTION Landmark bill will save Coloradans money, improve access to health care COLORADO – Colorado Democratic lawmakers today are celebrating news that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved Colorado’s Section 1332 Innovation Waiver Request for the Colorado Option , a landmark bill signed into law last year that will save Coloradans money and improve access to health care across the state. Sponsored by Reps. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, the Colorado Option will lower health care costs for individuals, families, and small businesses across the state by creating a new standardized health insurance plan for consumers on the individual and small group markets, and by requiring health insurance carriers to bring premiums down by 15 percent over three years. “The Colorado Option will be an affordable and quality insurance plan in every county of the state. Coloradans – especially in rural and mountain communities like mine – have faced soaring health care costs for too long and that is why we worked so hard to make this plan a reality,” Roberts said. “This waiver means we can move forward with the Colorado Option and make quality, affordable health insurance plans for individuals and small businesses in every part of the state a reality.” “I want to thank CMS for their partnership in making the Colorado Option a reality. This groundbreaking idea will cut the cost of health care and increase access for all Coloradans and small businesses – relief we need in Colorado’s high country and across the state,” Donovan said. “I am proud that the Colorado Option will bring more affordable and quality health care to rural communities, people of color and small businesses across our state,” Jodeh said. “We have been working toward this day for a long time, and CMS’ approval of Colorado’s waiver is an important step toward full implementation of the Colorado Option and achieving meaningful cost savings for Coloradans.” Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) permits a state to apply for a State Innovation Waiver (also referred to as a Section 1332 waiver) to pursue innovative strategies for providing residents with access to high quality, affordable health insurance while retaining the basic protections of the ACA. CMS’ waiver approval is a critical step that will allow Colorado to use up to $135 million in federal funding to provide a new, affordable health insurance option that will save consumers money and help more Coloradans access and afford the critical health care they need to thrive. Previous Next

A pair of new laws that will make life safer for Coloradans will go into effect on January 1, 2024. < Back December 20, 2023 New Laws Making Colorado Safer Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - A pair of new laws that will make life safer for Coloradans will go into effect on January 1, 2024. HB23-1222 , sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Senators Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, creates new requirements for domestic violence cases in municipal courts to provide protections for victims. The law ensures provisions of the Victims’ Rights Act are applied in municipal courts, instructs judges to check a defendant for prior charges before issuing a verdict, and ensures all cases in municipal courts have the same resources and safety precautions available that they would in a county court, among other requirements. “As a survivor of domestic violence, I know how hard it is to seek accountability in court which is why support and protections for victims is so important,” said Duran. “Holding municipal courts to the same standard for domestic violence cases as county courts ensures that victims receive identical treatment in the court system. With the implementation of our new law, we can create a safer environment for victims to hold their abuser accountable, no matter where they live.” “I was proud to be a part of multiple pieces of transformative legislation to strengthen autonomy and control for survivors of intimate violence last session,” said Winter. “No survivor should ever have to pay a bill for their forensic exam, or feel unsafe during their court proceedings. This new law signals our commitment to furthering support for survivors of domestic violence in Colorado.” "This law will better support survivors of domestic violence by guaranteeing all Coloradans protections under the Victims Rights Amendment, no matter which court handles their case," said Weissman. "It is crucial for survivors to have support to ensure their well-being and safety. This law requires all courts to provide the same sentencing requirements and victim protections for domestic violence cases so all Coloradans can receive equal treatment." “Keeping Colorado families and communities safe is a top priority of mine,” said Roberts, sponsor of HB23-1222 and HB23-1267. “Previously, county and municipal courts weren’t held to the same procedural standards for domestic violence cases, which is why we passed HB23-1222 to improve the way municipal courts handle domestic violence cases and ensure survivors are given the protections they deserve. HB23-1267 meanwhile will help improve safety on our roads, especially dangerous mountain routes. These are common sense bills that will create a safer state for us all.” HB23-1267 , sponsored by Roberts and House Speaker Julie McCluske, D-Dillon, will make mountain roadways safer by allowing the Department of Transportation to establish enhanced speeding fines on highways where the downhill grade is 5 percent or greater and where there are safety concerns related to commercial motor vehicle drivers exceeding the posted speed limits. “Our Colorado mountain roads can be dangerous, especially in the I-70 corridor that is frequented by commercial drivers who might not have mountain driving experience,” said McCluskie. “This law doubles speeding fines for trucks driving down steep grades, which will help prevent unnecessary accidents, improve traffic and make our roads safer.” Previous Next

Legislation creates apprenticeship programs to help address Colorado’s teacher shortage < Back May 15, 2023 Signed! Bipartisan Legislation to Get More Teachers Into Classrooms LOVELAND, CO - Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Rep. Cathy Kipp’s, D-Fort Collins, bipartisan legislation to get more teachers into classrooms by creating a teacher apprenticeship program. Cosponsored by Sen. Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park, and Rep. Don Wilson, R-Monument, SB23-087 allows the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to create an apprenticeship program that builds on elements of existing alternative teacher licensure programs and would include a bachelor's degree requirement, training programs approved by CDE, and structured on-the-job training. “As a middle school math teacher, I know how critical a quality education is for our kids – but right now there aren’t enough teachers to meet demand, and students and families are suffering as a result,” Marchman said. “This bill will help address those shortages and will provide hard-working Colorado school staff the hands-on training and experience they need to step into teaching jobs and provide our kids with the quality public education they deserve.” “Getting more qualified teachers in classrooms is one of our top priorities, and I’m proud to say we’re knocking down barriers to entering this important career field,” Kipp said. “Our bipartisan law works to address Colorado’s teacher shortage by providing people with paid hands-on training and experience they need to step into teaching roles and provide our students with the high-quality learning opportunities they deserve. Dedicated educators prepare our students for success, and this law creates a pathway for future teachers to begin the career of their dreams.” According to the Colorado Education Association , teacher and staff shortages remain a huge problem in Colorado’s schools, with 85 percent of educators saying that the teacher shortage is significantly or somewhat worse than previous school years. Previous Next

The House today passed a bill to save people money on prescription drugs. < Back March 25, 2024 House Passes Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Prescription Drugs DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill to save people money on prescription drugs. HB24-1010 would streamline prescription drug access for Coloradans with chronic, complex, rare, or life-threatening medical conditions and save them money on life-saving prescription drugs. “Health care decisions should be based on the health and safety of a patient, not dictated by profits for health care insurers,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Doctors are sometimes required to order medications for their patients through specific pharmacies, which leads to delays in care and additional costs for patients. We need to make sure Coloradans can access the medication they need, when they need it and this bill breaks down prescription drug access barriers while saving Coloradans money.” HB24-1010 , also sponsored by Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed by a vote of 48 to 15. The bill would protect Coloradans’ access to critical provider-administered prescription drugs by breaking down unnecessary barriers, including added fees, that make it difficult for patients to access their life-saving medication. The bill would: Prohibit insurance carriers from requiring certain prescription drugs to be available only by specific pharmacies, or only at in-network pharmacies, Prevent insurance carriers from limiting or excluding provider-administered prescription drugs due to the patient’s choice of preferred pharmacy, or Prohibit insurance carriers from imposing additional fees, copayments, or coinsurance due to the patient’s choice of preferred pharmacy or if the provider-administered drug was not provided by a pharmacy in the carrier’s network. Previous Next

< Back June 4, 2021 HOUSE PASSES COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS DENVER, CO– The House today passed two Colorado Comeback bills that will create jobs and help Colorado recover stronger by investing in workforce development initiatives and by improving our state parks. HB21-1330 , which is sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie and Naquetta Ricks and passed by a vote of 44-19, uses federal funds to provide a $50 million boost to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The funding will increase access to robust pathways for workers to obtain news skills, earn higher wages and be prepared for the in-demand careers of the future. The bill seeks to rebuild and revitalize the state’s workforce by supporting students to complete their postsecondary credentials. The funding boost will be used to reverse the significant decline in enrollment in public higher education institutions, high rates of job loss and continuing unemployment, and the overall disruption to the workforce caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides $1.5 million in grant funding to school districts to increase the number of students who complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid applications before graduating high school. “The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative is a proven program that helps students and workers enter into and successfully complete postsecondary degree or certified skills training programs,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With this bill, we are going to invest $50 million into the COSI program so that more workers and students can learn the skill and tools they’ll need to fill good jobs, build thriving careers, and boost our state’s economy.” HB21-1326 , which is sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Perry Will and passed by a vote of 52-10, would invest $25 million in federal funds to improve Colorado state parks. The bill provides: $750,000 to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to support backcountry avalanche safety programs; $3.5 million to the Division of Parks and Wildlife to implement its statewide wildlife action plan and the conservation of native species; $2.25 million to the search and rescue fund for use by the Department of Local Affairs in consultation with the division to support backcountry search and rescue efforts; $1 million to the outdoor equity fund for use by the division to implement the outdoor equity grant program; $17.5 million for state park staffing and maintenance and infrastructure and development projects. “Coloradans love our state parks, and both residents and folks from out of state are visiting and recreating in our parks more and more every year,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “The growth in visitors has led to environmental and conservation issues, as well as strain on park infrastructure. This funding will both repair and maintain existing parks while also making necessary improvements to support the growth we have experienced and expect to continue.” Previous Next