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< Back March 25, 2021 MCLACHLAN BILL KICKS OFF COLORADO COMEBACK Proposal would save thousands of Colorado educators money in license fee renewals DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today unanimously advanced Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to extend the duration for professional educator licenses from five to seven years, to include current five-year licenses that are partially completed. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $700 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. It is the first bill from the package to be considered in the House. “By extending the license renewal period, we’re ensuring that nearly 40,000 educators across the state don’t have to worry about license fees while they have so much else on their plate,” said House Education Chair Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Colorado’s educators have been through the wringer this past year, and as a former teacher myself I know how far a few extra dollars can go during difficult times. Easing some of the many burdens on our educators is a simple way to help build back a stronger Colorado.” HB21-1104 would extend the renewal period for professional educator licenses from five to seven years, without lowering the standards or requirements for licensure. This includes teacher, special services educator, principal, and administrator licenses. The bill would apply to educators who are partially through their current five-year licensing cycle and ensure that those teachers who are approaching the end of the renewal cycle will not have to worry about renewing their license for another two years. Rep. McLachlan’s bill passed the committee by a vote of 9-0. Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE COLORADANS EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF SB22-233 will provide relief to more than 3 million Coloradans DENVER, CO – Democrats in the legislature yesterday introduced legislation to provide working Coloradans with expedited tax refunds. Under the proposed Colorado Cashback plan, individual tax filers will receive a flat amount of $400, and joint filers will receive $800, pushing refunds up to provide relief to Coloradans as soon as possible. SB22-233 , sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, Representative Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, speeds up the timeline for refund checks to help families afford basic necessities like gas and groceries. All full-time residents of Colorado who filed their 2021 income tax returns by May 31st, 2022 will receive a check under the bill as currently drafted. “Coloradans are feeling the pain of inflation, and they need our help,” Hinrichsen said . “That’s why we’re taking action to provide immediate support to families and individuals in the form of direct relief to taxpayers. This relief will put money directly back into Coloradans’ wallets, making it easier for folks to afford everyday necessities like rent and groceries and helping families make ends meet during this challenging time. ” “With Coloradans facing rising costs from pandemic-induced inflation, supply chain challenges and global unrest, pushing for earlier refund checks will provide relief to Coloradans who are hurting now,” said Exum . “We’re accelerating the timeline so Coloradans can receive their $400 or $800 refund checks when they need it the most, putting money back into people’s pockets to help families pay for rent, groceries and other essentials.” “We’ve worked hard this session to save working Colorado families money, and this legislation will do even more to ease the pain we’re all feeling due to rising inflation,” Rodriguez said . “As we continue building back from the pandemic, this relief will help ease the financial burden folks across our state are struggling with when they need it most.” “With everyday essentials costing more, we’re providing Coloradans with financial relief now,” said Daugherty. “Colorado taxpayers will get $400 refund checks this September, which will add some much needed breathing room to their budgets. We know Coloradans are feeling the pinch at the pump and the grocery store, so we’re fast tracking refunds to put money back in people’s pockets as soon as possible.” Colorado Democrats’ state stimulus plan, fair tax reform, and responsible governance combined has led to a robust economic recovery and a record state surplus that is being returned to taxpayers via this tax rebate, in addition to existing refund mechanisms including the senior homestead exemption and a temporary reduction in the rate of the income tax. The expedited tax relief provided by SB22-233 will add to the savings from the comprehensive tax reform legislation and property tax relief passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Polis last year that is already putting money back into Coloradans’ pockets. By repealing tax loopholes for large corporations and millionaires and reducing property tax assessment rates, Democrats have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in economic assistance and tax relief for hard working Coloradans, seniors, and small businesses. Previous Next

< Back July 8, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: GOV. SIGNS HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDE STUDIES BILL DENVER, CO– Today, at Jewish Colorado in Denver, Governor Jared Polis signed into law HB20-1336 , sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Emily Sirota and Senators Steve Fenberg and Dennis Hisey. The bill, which passed unanimously in both the Colorado House and Senate, requires high school seniors in public schools to learn about genocide and the Holocaust as a requirement for graduation. “All Colorado students should graduate with an understanding of the darkest parts of our history so we can work together to stop racism and hatred and ensure that atrocities like the Holocaust never happen again,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We’ve seen a rise in anti-semitism and racist and bigoted language during this pandemic, and it’s important for all our children to learn how hatred and discrimination can lead quickly to genocide.” “By requiring Holocaust and genocide studies be taught in public schools, Colorado has taken a critical step to ensure future generations understand the importance of tolerance and inclusivity,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “At a time when these principles are most needed, this new law will provide students with opportunities to recognize signs of hate, and ensure that the voices of the survivors of these horrific tragedies are never forgotten.” “Teaching Holocaust and genocide education is a necessary and difficult conversation that we need to have with our students,” said Rep. Sirota, D-Denver. “Learning about the mass atrocities of the past will help us stop future horrors and injustice and help our high school graduates identify the warning signs that tell us when history is repeating.” HB20-1336 requires the State Board of Education to adopt standards related to Holocaust and genocide studies. Specifically, it requires that by the 2023-24 school year, local school district boards of education and public charter schools incorporate a Holocaust and genocide studies component into an existing course that is required for graduation. The bill would also create, by 2021, a publicly available educational materials resource bank. The bank will include sample academic content, instruction programs, learning resources, professional educator development materials and case studies related to Holocaust and genocide studies, including but not limited to first-person testimony and materials about the Armenian genocide. Both the standards and resource bank must be developed in accordance with best practices and with input from experts. Previous Next

< Back February 26, 2019 GRAY & JAQUEZ LEWIS ELECTRIC VEHICLE BILL ON THE MOVE Bill will help consumers and reduce carbon pollution emissions (Feb. 25) – The House Energy and Environment committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield, that would extend the Electric Vehicle tax credit from 2022 to 2025 as it is currently set to expire in 2021. “We need to usher these vehicles at a time where they are the rule, not the exception,” said Rep. Gray. “We need to make sure we are supporting these vehicles, getting more of them on the road, and making a cleaner future for our state.” The state innovative motor vehicle income tax credit is intended to reduce the cost of alternative fuel vehicles and incentivize their purchase. This tax credit is especially accessible because customers may work with the auto dealer to receive the tax credit immediately at the time of purchase. Colorado is widely considered to be one of the best states to buy an electric vehicle. “The next several years are a critical time for the adoption of cleaner vehicles. The irrefutable scientific data says we must act now. More people driving cleaner cars will lead to cleaner air, improve public health and help protect our Colorado way of life,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis. “This bill extends the innovative motor vehicle tax credits for the cleanest vehicles on the market. More Coloradans will be able to purchase or lease these vehicles and our communities will benefit from this growing technology.” 2018 was the fourth-hottest year on record and the five hottest years on record occurred in the past five years. Cars and trucks account for one-fifth of the United States carbon pollution emissions. The bill modifies the amount of the tax credit and extends the number of years the credit is available for the purchase or lease of an electric motor vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric motor vehicle, an original equipment manufacturer electric truck and plug-in hybrid electric truck. The Auto Alliance has estimated that Colorado has just over 7,200 electric vehicles registered in Colorado. While small, support from this tax credit will help more drivers make the decision to go electric and thus reduce the amount of harmful carbon emissions in our atmosphere. HB19-1159 was approved by a vote of 7-4 now goes to the Finance committee. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will combat wage theft in all industries, boosting the economic security of Colorado workers by ensuring they are paid for their work. < Back May 22, 2025 Wage Theft Prevention Legislation Signed Into Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will combat wage theft in all industries, boosting the economic security of Colorado workers by ensuring they are paid for their work. “This new law is a huge win for hardworking Coloradans and continues our bold efforts to boost wages and create an economy that works for everyone,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Wage theft is the largest source of theft in our state, with women and communities of color disproportionately becoming victims of wage theft. With this new law, we’re allowing workers to more quickly access their owed wages and strengthening protections for whistleblowers so Coloradans can receive the money they have worked hard to earn.” “Colorado workers lose hundreds of millions of dollars per year in wages due to theft from bad-acting employers," said Sen. Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “Many of these workers are heads of their households already struggling to make ends meet. With this legislation, Colorado’s labor force would more quickly and easily access their owed wages so they are fairly compensated for the work they do.” “When employers refuse to pay their employees for the work they’ve already completed, it is the same thing as stealing money out of their wallet,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Wage theft hurts Colorado workers and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Our new law will help provide better support for workers to ensure they can be fairly paid for the work they do.” “I am committed to making sure every hardworking Coloradan receives the money they earned,” said Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “This new law fights wage theft and protects whistleblowers so all workers can speak up without fear of retaliation.” HB25-1001 helps protect workers who make wage theft claims and prevent wage theft occurrences by holding bad-acting employers accountable and increasing the wage theft claim cap. Currently, wage theft claims are capped at $7,500. This law increases the cap to $13,000 starting July 1, 2026, with that claim amount adjusting for inflation beginning in 2028. Wage theft can include not paying workers minimum wage, non-payment of wages, misclassifying workers as independent contractors or as management to avoid paying overtime, and taking tips that were meant for the employees. The law will expedite the process so the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) can pay wage theft victims more quickly. CDLE can now crack down on worker misclassification, a technique used to avoid providing benefits and overtime wages. To deter employers from stealing wages, CDLE must publish wage theft determinations and update a list of wage theft violators on the division’s website. Under the law, CDLE must report wage theft violations to licensing and permitting bodies if there is a willful violation that is not remedied within sixty days. HB25-1001 allows third parties to bring complaints on a worker’s behalf and extends anti-retaliation and discrimination measures for all workers who raise complaints, allowing for similarly situated employees to speak up for others. A 2022 report by the Colorado Fiscal Institute found that nearly 440,000 low-wage Colorado workers experience $728 million in wage theft annually. Workers of color and women are most likely to be victims of wage theft, and the most common industries for wage theft are retail, construction, and food service. Reps. Duran and Froelich and Sen. Danielson have championed numerous bills to ensure workers receive the wages they’ve earned, including legislation in 2022 that ensures Colorado workers are able to recover legally earned wages. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 COMMITTEE VOTES TO EXTEND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT PROGRAM DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Business Affairs and Labor advanced Representatives Daneya Esgar and Tracy Kraft-Tharp’s bill to support businesses coming to Colorado and incentivize economic growth by extending the successful Transferable Tax Credit program for three years. “I fought hard to create this critical tool for businesses three years ago, and with it we were able to deliver results for Pueblo and keep jobs in our town,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Now we’re ensuring that this successful business development program will continue to keep and create jobs for Colorado for years to come.” “The Transferable Tax Credit program has a track record of success, and I’m proud that we voted to extend it today,” said Business Affairs and Labor Committee Chair Rep. Kraft-Tharp. “We need to do everything we can to bring more jobs to Colorado and keep our state’s economy strong. This program will continue to do exactly that.” HB20-1298 would extend the Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s (OEDIT) performance-based Transferable Tax Credit (TTC) program for three years. The TTC program allows companies that make major capital investments in Colorado of at least $100 million to transfer certain OEDIT tax credits that they would not be able to use otherwise. These are tax credits that are earned in the course of making that investment and they include Colorado’s Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit and the Enterprise Zone (EZ) investment tax, EZ new employee credit, and EZ R&D credit. Since inception, the Transferable Tax Credit program has only been used in two extremely unique economic development opportunities that created and kept well-paying jobs in Colorado and will benefit our economy for decades. The first was the retention of EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel in Pueblo, where the company plans to spend more than $400M to build a steel mill that will be the center of a local manufacturing ecosystem. The second was the relocation of VF Corp’s headquarters from North Carolina to Denver, which will create an estimated 800 new jobs in the Denver area. Previous Next

< Back June 2, 2022 SIGNED! TRIO OF BILLS TO AFFIRM THE RIGHTS OF WHEELCHAIR USERS Legislation includes right to repair and rental vehicles with adaptive equipment DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law to protect the rights of wheelchair users and improve adaptive features in rental vehicles. HB22-1253 championed Representative David Ortiz and Senator Jessie Danielson will require rental car companies to provide leasers with an online option to secure a vehicle with adaptive equipment. “For me and the thousands of wheelchair users across Colorado, the three bills signed into law today go beyond our securing our mobility–they’re about health, safety and affirming our rights,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton . “We’ve taken action to improve transparency and accountability so we can rent a car, get our mobility device repaired in a timely manner and save money. The accessibility issues faced by the disability community are real and it places us and our families at risk. With Governor Polis’ signature, I’m proud to say we’ve taken the lead on breaking down accessibility barriers to create a safer, more equitable and healthier Colorado.” Under this new law, adaptive equipment such as hand controls, pedal extenders, left foot accelerators and spinner knobs will be available in rental vehicles upon request. This law will also protect disabled vehicle renters by allowing the recovery of damages if rental car companies violate the adaptive equipment requirement outlined in the law details. HB22-1031 sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ortiz as well as Senator Rachel Zenzinger requires powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts, software and tools to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners. This is one of the first “right to repair” laws of its kind enacted in the country. “With the right to repair bills signed into law today, we’re making huge advancements towards a more equitable, healthier Colorado for all,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “Many wheelchair users, especially in rural Colorado, face long waits and unpredictability when it comes to repairs and routine maintenance on their mobility devices. The bills signed into law will expand repair options beyond the manufacturing companies and improve existing Medicaid rules, saving Coloradans who use wheelchairs money and time. Mobility isn’t something to take for granted and wheelchair users in Colorado deserve the freedom to repair their mobility aids.” HB22-1031 works in tandem with another bill Governor Polis signed into law today. HB22-1290 , championed by Representatives Titone and Ortiz and Senator Zenzinger, would improve existing Medicaid rules for repairing wheelchairs, adaptive seating systems and other mobility devices. This law eliminates the need for prior authorization for any repair of complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients, including powered wheelchairs. This law will save Coloradans money on costly wheelchair expenses and repairs and expand access to an urgently needed service Previous Next

< Back June 9, 2021 JACKSON CELEBRATES PASSAGE OF MONUMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION DENVER, CO– Rep. Dominique Jackson released the following statement after the passage of HB 21-1266. The bill re-passed in the House by a vote of 37-27. “Colorado leads the nation on many environmental efforts, but to continue our leadership role we need to get serious about meeting our climate goals and we must ensure that disproportionately impacted communities have a seat at the table,” said Representative Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “This bill gives communities that seat at the table and takes real, tangible steps to reduce carbon pollution. There can be no environmental justice in Colorado without significantly improving our air quality, and I’m so proud that we took this bold step forward.” Previous Next

The House Health and Insurance Committee today unanimously passed legislation to improve patient access to necessary prescriptions by limiting the number of drug trials needed in step therapy protocol to receive prescription coverage and allowing for pharmacy dispensing machines so Coloradans can access their prescription outside of a pharmacy’s business hours. < Back February 28, 2023 Prescription Accessibility Bills Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health and Insurance Committee today unanimously passed legislation to improve patient access to necessary prescriptions by limiting the number of drug trials needed in step therapy protocol to receive prescription coverage and allowing for pharmacy dispensing machines so Coloradans can access their prescription outside of a pharmacy’s business hours. “Step therapy, also commonly known as “fail first", requires patients to try treatment options preferred by their insurance company before they can receive coverage and access to medication prescribed by their doctor,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1183 . “This process can take weeks or months depending on the medication and can worsen symptoms and quality of life, especially for patients with a life-threatening or chronic disease. This bill puts doctors and patients in the driver's seat, encouraging prioritization of evidence-based solutions to medical issues over cost-effective drugs preferred by insurance companies.” “This legislation expands step therapy exemptions to include Medicaid recipients so they can access the same quality health care that Coloradans with private insurance have,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1183 . “Last year, we passed legislation to reduce administrative burden, save Coloradans money on unnecessary care, and improve health outcomes. Aligning step therapy protocols will streamline health care, save Coloradans money, and provide quality and immediate patient-focused care.” In 2022, Representatives Iman Jodeh and Emily Sirota passed a bill limiting when a patient has to try and fail a treatment preferred by their insurance company before they can access the treatment originally recommended by their doctor. HB23-1183 would require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to exempt patients with serious or complex medical conditions from the step therapy requirement if the alternative drug would likely cause negative side effects, the alternative drug is unlikely to be effective based on the patient’s history, or if the patient is already using a prescription that has clinical documentation of being effective. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 10-0. The bill is accompanied by HB23-1130 , which prohibits state-regulated insurance plans from requiring patients to try more than one alternative drug before the insurance company can cover the originally prescribed medication for certain mental health conditions. The bill was recently passed by the House Health and Insurance Committee and will be heard next in the House Appropriations Committee. “Rural and lower-income communities often live in “pharmacy deserts'' where they have limited access to pharmacies to receive their essential medication,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB23-1195 . “Many pharmacies are only open during business hours, making it nearly impossible for working class Coloradans to get their prescription due to their work schedule. This bill would allow for pharmacists to remotely dispense prescriptions from a dispensing machine placed within a health care facility, creating more health care jobs and improving patient accessibility.” HB23-1195 would allow pharmacies to operate automated prescription dispensing machines so patients could access their medication when the in-person pharmacist is off-duty. The machines would be placed only in a health care facility and would be live monitored to prevent theft. The medication would already be stocked in the machine and patients would be able to discuss the prescription with a live remote pharmacist. The bill passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. Previous Next

< Back July 8, 2020 COLLEGE CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, CRITICAL SCHOOL SAFETY & MENTAL HEALTH BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW New laws boost higher education attainment, improve school safety and support Colorado teachers and students Arvada, CO– Today at Red Rocks Community College in Arvada, Governor Jared Polis signed seven bills into law to boost higher education attainment, improve school safety and increase access to behavioral health services for students. “The new laws signed today are about making it easier for Coloradans to start and complete a higher education degree,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “We’re giving non-traditional students a leg up and are expanding adult education grants to help Coloradans learn the skills they need to provide academic support to those they care for. We’re also doing away with the unnecessary and often harmful requirement that high schools list standardized test scores on students’ transcripts.” HB20-1002 , sponsored by Reps. Barbara McLachlan and Mark Baisley, requires a plan to award academic credit for work-related experiences that will be transferable and accepted at all state institutions by 2022, improving affordability for non-traditional students. SB20-009, sponsored by Reps. McLachlan and Marc Catlin, increases the number of eligible adult education providers as well as expands the goals of the state’s adult education program to create a two-generation approach to adult and childhood literacy, ultimately increasing educational and employment opportunities for both the adults in the program and their children. SB20-175 , sponsored by Reps. Brianna Titone and McLachlan, prohibits students’ national standardized test score from being included on high school transcripts, which has been required in Colorado. Standardized tests have proven to be a poor measure of a student’s success, and requiring their inclusion on transcripts disadvantages lower-income students who may not have access to expensive test preparation materials and services. HB20-1113 , sponsored by Reps. Titone and Kevin Van Winkle, improves the state’s Safe2Tell program. The new changes align the Safe2Tell program and the crisis hotline more closely to help individuals in crisis rapidly access crisis counseling. It adjusts the annual advertising campaign to improve awareness about the program and reduce its misuse, and it enhances Safe2Tell’s ability to prevent imminent physical harm. “I’m proud of the way we were able to come together in a bipartisan way and put Colorado students first,” said Rep. Titone, D-Arvada. “By getting rid of the unproven, stressful and discriminatory requirement to include standardized test scores on high school transcripts, an idea brought to me by a constituent, more students will have a fair opportunity to succeed after they graduate. These laws will provide educators the tools they need to help our students and will improve the Safe2Tell program so that it better serves our youth, keeps them safe and saves lives.” “The pandemic has changed students’ lives in so many ways; it’s clear we need to keep mental health at the forefront of our response to this public health crisis,” said School Safety Committee Chair Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We made important progress this year, improving the Safe2Tell program, expanding behavioral health training for educators, and allocating significant federal resources for behavioral health services in schools.” HB20-1312, sponsored by Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Titone, includes behavioral health training and awareness of laws and practices relating to educating students with disabilities in the professional development requirements to obtain a teacher’s license. HB20-1407 , sponsored by Reps. Cathy Kipp and Baisley, allows publicly funded colleges and universities the option to waive standardized testing as a requirement for admission for high school students graduating in 2021 in response to the pandemic. The governor also signed SB20-183 , sponsored by Reps. Baisley and Titone, which allows the statewide internet portal authority (SIPA) to serve institutions of higher education, the state department of education, and other state agencies. SIPA provides technology services and products. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO BOLSTER RIGHTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS AND STREAMLINE RAPE KIT TRACKING DENVER, CO — Representative Meg Froelich’s bill to improve how Colorado catalogues and maintains forensic medical evidence of sexual assault, known as rape kits, was passed by the House this morning. The bill would begin the process of creating a rape kit tracking system, add victims’ rights provisions and give them more access to information about the status of their medical evidence. The bill passed the House by a vote of 64-0. “The House stood up to protect the rights of survivors of sexual assault today,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “Improving our rape kit processing and tracking system and making sure that survivors can track the status of their investigation confidentially and efficiently is a crucial step forward.” HB20-1228 would require the Department of Public Safety to research the creation of a system to track forensic medical evidence related to sexual assault cases, known as rape kits. The bill directs the department to develop rules to implement a system that allows victims to access information related to the status of this medical evidence, which must be retained until the assailant may no longer be prosecuted for the crime. If a conviction or plea has not been entered in a case, the bill requires the entity holding the medical evidence to notify the victim prior to the medical evidence being destroyed and to maintain the medical evidence for an additional 10 years if the victim objects to its destruction. It also includes provisions related to the confidentiality of the information in this system and requires medical professionals collecting evidence related to a sexual assault to notify the victim of the contact information for the nearest sexual assault victim’s advocate. The Judiciary Committee had previously approved the bill unanimously. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES COLORADO COMEBACK PACKAGE TO SUPPORT WORKERS, STUDENTS, BUSINESSES, FAMILIES, AND MORE House advances five state stimulus proposals on second reading DENVER, CO– The House today gave preliminary approval to five Colorado Comeback state stimulus proposals to give restaurants a leg up, invest in jobs training, close the COVID learning gap, and boost affordable housing opportunities. The bills are part of the $800 million package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. “Restaurants, bars, and other food service businesses took quite a hit during the pandemic, but many are on the mend as our economy continues to safely reopen,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn. “Extending a crucial tax break that has served as a lifeline for many of these businesses will help our restaurant industry build back stronger. I hope and expect that the summer months will be a boon for small businesses across the state, and I’m proud to say that many of them will be able to take thousands of dollars in additional deductions. HB21-1265 , sponsored by Reps Kyle Mullica and Kevin Van Winkle R-Highlands Ranch, continues a successful sales tax assistance effort passed during the 2020 special session. It allows restaurants, bars, caterers, and food service contractors (such as airline food service contractors and food concession contractors at sporting events) to deduct up to $70,000 in net taxable sales from their monthly state sales tax return for five different locations and retain the resulting sales tax revenue during the months of June, July, and August 2021. “Coloradans who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 are eager to get back to work,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “By investing in the SNAP Employment First initiative, we’re making sure that the Colorado comeback extends to low-income workers across the state. The skills and jobs training provided by this proven program will go a long way toward helping Colorado’s workers find rewarding employment that will support them for years to come.” The SNAP Employment First initiative has successfully helped Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits obtain new skills to thrive and reenter the workforce. HB21-1270 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Yadira Caraveo, leverages $3 million in state funds to draw down an additional $3 million in federal funds to provide a total of $6 million for jobs and skills training services to SNAP recipients. The funds may also be used to support work based learning opportunities and expanding 3rd party partnerships to expand the SNAP employment and training program’s reach. “Affordable housing has long been a top priority for myself and my colleagues in the legislature,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The pandemic only heightened the need to take bold action to ensure that Colorado families can keep a roof over their head despite the economic turmoil. As we work to build back a stronger Colorado, we’re giving local governments the tools and the funding they need to meet the unique affordable housing needs of their rural, rural-resort, suburban and urban communities.” Local governments are on the forefront of building affordable housing, but often lack the tools and resources to increase the available housing stock. HB21-1271 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Iman Jodeh, provides $13 million in incentives and technical assistance to local governments to provide for the rapid deployment of affordable housing projects and to also ensure local communities have the tools and resources they need to help them identify and meet their unique housing needs. HB21-1234 , sponsored by Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, would create and fund the Colorado High Impact Tutoring Program. Data consistently demonstrates that high-impact tutoring, when administered during the school day to groups of four of fewer students by the same qualified tutor at least three times per week, is one of the most effective interventions to raise student achievement. This program would be administered under the Colorado Department of Education and would provide grants to local education providers for high impact tutoring programs designed to address COVID-related learning loss. The bill outlines the process and requirements for applying for funding, and establishes that rural education providers and schools serving low-income or underserved students must be among the criteria taken into consideration in awarding grants. Previous Next