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< Back October 30, 2019 TAX EXPENDITURE EVALUATION INTERIM STUDY COMMITTEE ADVANCES BIPARTISAN PROPOSALS Bills would improve the state’s ability to evaluate tax expenditures for effectiveness, make changes to some existing provisions DENVER, CO– The Tax Expenditure Evaluation Interim Study Committee today advanced five bills to better evaluate tax expenditures and refine existing tax provisions in order to improve the state’s tax code. “Today, we advanced proposals to modify certain tax expenditures and improve how our state evaluates and enacts tax expenditures to ensure these policies achieve their intended outcomes,” said Tax Expenditure Evaluation Interim Study Committee Chair Rep. Adrienne Benavidez (D-Adams County). “The state is facing challenges when evaluating the effectiveness of all of our tax expenditures, which makes it difficult for lawmakers to consider changes to exemptions, deductions and other tax provisions,” said Rep. Marc Snyder (D-Colorado Springs). “The proposals we moved forward today will improve this process significantly by ensuring each new tax expenditure includes clear metrics we can use to evaluate its effectiveness and by creating a committee that can continue this work.” The committee has been hearing presentations and drafting legislation this interim to study changes to tax expenditures recommended by the Office of the State Auditor in its ongoing review of the state’s various tax expenditures. Given the large number of expenditures, this review is expected to take five to six years, and current estimates show the state loses over $6.5 billion in revenue each year through tax expenditures. 1) Creating a Tax Oversight Committee: The committee passed legislation that would create both a legislative oversight committee concerning tax policy to make changes to the state’s tax code, and a task force to study and recommend potential changes to the current system of state and local taxation. The committee would be required to consider the policy changes recommended by the Office of the State Auditor and would be responsible for oversight of the task force. It can also recommend legislative changes that would be treated as bills recommended by an interim legislative committee. Sponsors: Sen. Court, Sen. Tate, Rep. Snyder, Rep. Benavidez 2) Improving Evaluations of Tax Expenditures: Currently, it can be challenging for the state auditor to evaluate the effectiveness of all the state’s tax expenditures, leading to inefficiencies in tax policy and outcomes that are difficult to monitor. To help address this issue, the committee advanced a proposal that would require the bill sponsors of all future tax expenditure legislation to include additional information on their proposals. Under the bill advanced today, future tax expenditure legislation will have to include a repeal of the expenditure after a specified period. They will also have to include a statement of the intended purpose of the tax preference that contains clear, relevant, and ascertainable metrics and data requirements that allow the expenditure to be measured for effectiveness in achieving its purpose. Sponsors: Sen. Court, Sen. Tate, Rep. Snyder, Rep. Benavidez 3) Changes to Net Operating Loss Deduction: Under current law, taxpayers can claim a deduction for net operating losses on their state tax returns. The deduction is allowed in the same manner that a similar deduction is allowed under federal tax law, meaning taxpayers can carry forward their net operating loss deduction for the same number of years allowed under the Internal Revenue Service code. However, in recent years, that was limited to 20 years, but the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in 2017 allowed taxpayers unlimited years to carry forward the net operating loss. The legislation advanced today returns the state’s net operating loss deduction carryforward period to 20 years, maintains that net operating losses cannot be carried back, matches the federal law to allow a net operating loss to offset 80 percent of taxable income, and it would also treat financial institutions the same as other businesses. Sponsors: Rep. Benavidez, Rep. Snyder, Sen. Moreno 4) Modifications to Energy Used for Industrial and Manufacturing Purposes Exemption: Under current law, there is a sales tax exemption for the purchase of energy products used for industrial purposes. The legislation would modify the exemption so that it only applies when the energy is used by a metered machine. Sponsors: Rep. Benavidez, Rep. Snyder, Sen. Tate, Sen. Court 5) Repeal of Long Term Lodging Exemption: There is currently a sales tax exemption for long-term lodging stays for 30 days or more at hotels, apartment hotels, lodging houses, motor hotels, etc. This exemption has remained largely unchanged since 1959, and was meant to provide equal tax treatment for people who sign residential leases of 30 days or more and people who stay for more than 30 days at lodgings typically used for short-term stays. The Department of Revenue has allowed the exemption to be claimed when multiple people stay at the same place, each for less than 30 days, but when one person pays for at least 30 days. This application expands the use of the exemption beyond its presumed original purposes of providing equal tax treatment. With an amendment, the committee voted to have the sales tax exemption apply only to natural persons to ensure people who are in need of housing who stay in these types of facilities for longer than 30 days are not adversely impacted.. Sponsors: Rep. Benavidez, Rep. Snyder, Sen. Moreno Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to increase funding for the Colorado Water Plan. < Back April 28, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Colorado’s Water Future Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to increase funding for the Colorado Water Plan. HB25-1311, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed the House by a vote of 52-13. “Colorado is losing significant tax revenue that could go to conserving and protecting our water,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “From the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains, we’re prioritizing Colorado’s water future. This bill brings sports betting companies closer to the voter-approved effective tax rate of 10 percent, which means our state can capture more revenue to fund essential water conservation and preservation projects.” HB25-1311 would phase out sports betting tax incentives to capture more revenue for water conservation and protection. When voters approved Proposition DD in 2019, it legalized sports betting and an effective tax rate of 10 percent on betting to be used for industry regulation, gambling addiction services, and water projects. More than 90 percent of tax revenue ($97 million) from sports betting goes to the Colorado Water Conservation program, which has helped fund hundreds of projects in every corner of the state. However, Colorado is missing out on revenue because sports betting companies are only paying an effective 5.89 percent tax rate due to allowable deductions for pay-outs to customers, federal excise tax, and “free bets”. This bill would bring sports betting companies closer to the voter-approved effective tax rate of 10 percent by prohibiting sports betting operators from deducting “free bets” as a tax write-off. Colorado’s 10 percent tax rate is significantly lower than the national average of 18 percent. In 2024, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition JJ, which removed the overall cap on sports betting revenue the state could collect. Previous Next

New law establishes a study on the impacts of systemic racism on Black Coloradans < Back June 4, 2024 Governor Signs Bill to Uncover and Define Systemic Racial Inequities in Colorado DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed into law legislation to create a study examining racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. Sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, and Representatives Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, SB24-053 creates the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission to determine and make recommendations surrounding the lasting effects of systemic racism in Colorado’s practices, systems, and policies. “Black Coloradans have been living with the impacts of systemic and historic racism – and the structural inequities that have resulted from it – for decades,” Coleman said. “Studying that painful legacy is the first step towards addressing it, and will give us a deeper understanding of the impacts of past and current racial discrimination and policies on our community. This is an important opportunity for our state, and I am looking forward to continuing this conversation so we can begin to repair the damage and create a better and more equitable future for all Black Coloradans.” “Generations of systemic racism cannot be eliminated by a few policy changes – we need data-driven research to define the structural inequities Black Coloradans are still experiencing to this day,” said Herod . “From redlining to limited educational opportunities, we know Black Coloradans have combated blatant discrimination and racism for decades. This important, community led legislation will help Colorado develop a deeper understanding of the impacts of past and current racial inequities and give us the tools we need to craft forward-thinking policy that will support Black Coloradans into the future.” “Uncovering the historical harm done against Black Coloradans is an important step forward in our healing and creating a more equitable future for us all,” said Ricks . “This new law instructs History Colorado to research decades of systemic inequalities in our schools, our neighborhoods and in statewide policies that will help us better understand their lasting impacts on Black Coloradans today. While painful, this racial equity study will help us craft future policies that uplift Black families instead of putting barriers in front of them.” SB24-053 establishes a commission to direct History Colorado to conduct historical research across areas like economic mobility, housing, K-12 education, health care and the criminal justice system. Racial equity studies can be used as tools to qualify and quantify past discrimination and recommend certain corrective measures. The study will also include an economic impact analysis of the racial discrimination determined by the study. Under the new law, History Colorado will submit the study to the commission and any recommendations within two-and-a-half years. The work of the commission and the study will rely on receiving adequate gifts, grants, and donations to fund it. Previous Next

< Back April 2, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES WEISSMAN’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING BILL 76% of extremely low income families spend more than half their income on housing (Apr. 1) – The House Finance committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, that would put more money into the Housing Development Grant Fund within the Department of Local Affairs. This can then be used to improve, preserve, or expand the supply of affordable housing in Colorado. “Supporting a family, maintaining a job, living a healthy life, the whole foundation starts with housing,” said Rep. Weissman. “This bill is a calibrated approach that would benefit all of Coloradans – especially our most vulnerable families and individuals. This is the first significant and meaningful approach to our under-addressed affordable housing crisis in a while.” Under current law, a business can keep 3 ⅓ percent of sales tax that it collects for administration purposes. With this new bill, vendors can retain up to four percent of the vendor fees up to a one thousand dollar monthly cap. This minor statutory change will result in roughly $23 million in revenue. A third of these funds would be used to provide affordable housing to extremely low income families in the first year and would invest $45-50 million per year afterwards. Across Colorado, there is a shortage of 114,071 rental units affordable and available to extremely low income families. The hourly wage needed to afford housing in Colorado without being cost-burdened is $23.93 per hour, which is more than double the state’s minimum wage. HB19-1245 was approved on a vote of 7-4. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2021 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY VOTES TO UPDATE CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION STATUES DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Dylan Roberts’ bipartisan bill to ensure Colorado’s prosecutors are better prepared to go after criminals who sexually exploit children. The bill passed unanimously on third reading. “As technology has advanced, so have the perverse tactics criminals use to sexually exploit children,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Our statutes have not kept up with the times on this front and as a prosecutor myself, I know how difficult it can be to hold heinous criminals accountable when our legal tools lag behind. I’m proud of the unanimous bipartisan support we received to protect our children today.” HB21-1069 takes several steps to address child sexual exploitation in Colorado. The bill makes sexual exploitation of a child an extraordinary risk crime, increasing the maximum potential sentence in the presumptive sentencing range in certain circumstances. It also creates a new surcharge for child sexual exploitation offenders, and directs the majority of the funds recouped from these charges toward the Sexual Exploitation of Children Fund, which supports the effective investigation and prosecution of computer-facilitated sexual exploitation of children. Finally, the bill updates statutory definitions to ensure that certain actions, including those used by criminals to sexually exploit children using technology, fit under the definition of sexual exploitation of a child. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Tim Hernández that would provide support for K-12 justice-engaged students by establishing a Student Bill of Rights, collecting graduation data, setting standards for credit transfers, and creating a hotline for legal and educational resources. HB24-1216 passed by a vote of 45-18. < Back April 30, 2024 Bill to Support Justice-Engaged Youth Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Tim Hernández that would provide support for K-12 justice-engaged students by establishing a Student Bill of Rights, collecting graduation data, setting standards for credit transfers, and creating a hotline for legal and educational resources. HB24-1216 passed by a vote of 45-18. “Ensuring that all Colorado youth have access to quality education is a priority, which is why we’re bringing this legislation to better support our justice-engaged youth,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our legislation would reduce recidivism by creating a Student Bill of Rights that prioritizes and ensures student success. This bill would allow us to better serve our students by giving them the tools and resources to develop the skills they need to graduate, move on to postsecondary education opportunities, and build a thriving career.” “I’ve had students who were involved in the juvenile justice system, and it can be difficult to be successful in school after becoming justice-engaged,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “This bill has the potential to help change their educational trajectories by connecting students and their families with legal and educational resources, expediting the re-enrollment of students back into school, and ensuring they can participate in extracurricular activities. These student rights are instrumental in developing agency and a sense of self for all young people, and through this bill, we’ll position our young people to forge strong futures for themselves.” HB24-1216 would establish rights for students who are involved in the juvenile justice system, including the right to alternative solutions for general education, prompt enrollment with a local education provider, appropriate credit for coursework that was completed while being justice-engaged, a graduation plan, education while committed, and participation in gifted and talented and college readiness programs. The bill requires school districts to publish available resources on their websites and designate a person to serve as a point of contact for justice-engaged students. The bill also encourages courts to delay sentences to commitment to the Division of Youth Services if the student did not commit a physical offense or cause bodily injury, and directs the Department of Education to create a statewide hotline for justice-engaged students to seek legal advice, school options, and other necessary services and support. Previous Next

SB25-014 would repeal unenforceable language from Colorado Statute that states that a marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman < Back March 25, 2025 Protecting the Freedom to Marry Passes Colorado House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to implement Amendment J and remove language from the Colorado Constitution banning same-sex marriage. SB25-014 passed by a vote of 45 to 14. All House Democrats voted in favor of the bill and 14 House Republicans voted against it. “This legislation will implement the will of the voters and protect marriage equality in Colorado,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “As the Trump administration continues to blatantly attack and demonize the LGBTQ+ community, this bill upholds marriage equality in Colorado. With the passage of this bill, we’re now one step closer to protecting the freedom to marry who we love.” “Colorado voters have spoken; they want marriage equality constitutionally protected in our state,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “In an era where the Trump administration continues to take aim at critical protections and rights for the LGBTQ+ community, Colorado is standing up to protect marriage equality. With this bill, we’re fulfilling the will of the voters and taking steps to protect marriage equality now and into the future.” SB25-014 will implement the will of the voters by repealing the provision in Colorado statute that states that marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman. That provision has been unenforceable since the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 and is now in conflict with the State Constitution. Voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment J in the 2024 election. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2021 DEMOCRATS DEFEAT ANTI-WOMAN, ANTI-CHOICE BILLS Health and Insurance Committee Democrats put a swift end to GOP proposals to limit reproductive health care access and stigmatize women who choose to have an abortion. DENVER, CO — The House Health and Insurance Committee today voted down two dangerous GOP proposals to ban abortion, criminalize doctors who perform them, and create a registry of women who have had them. The proposals were both voted down by party line votes of 8-5. “Months after Colorado voters overwhelmingly rejected a dangerous ballot initiative to limit abortion access, Republicans are at it again,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Between proposing that doctors who perform abortions be charged with a class one felony and demanding that women who undergo the procedure face probing and intimate questions about their personal lives, Republicans have shown how out of touch they are with our state.” “We’ve seen some heinous anti-choice proposals introduced in the past, but today’s bill was truly something out of a Handmaid’s Tale fever dream,” said Health and Insurance Chair Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “Proposing the creation of a registry to include the personal information of women who have decided that abortion is the right choice for them is dystopian, cruel, and frankly confounding. The voters in this state have been loud and clear: women in Colorado must have access to a full range of reproductive health care options, including abortions. We won’t allow the will of the voters to be overturned, and we won’t allow these brazen attacks on women to go any further.” HB21-1183 , sponsored by Representative Stephanie Luck, would require healthcare providers that perform abortions to investigate and report personal information about the women obtaining the procedure. This information would then be reported to CDPHE and made public in a report. In addition to compiling the age, race, and marital status, the bill would also require providers to inquire about the number of previous abortions a woman has had, the potential opposition of a partner to obtaining an abortion, the number of children the woman currently has, the reason for the “failure of family planning”, the stage of pregnancy, and the woman’s “reason” for obtaining an abortion, among many other probing questions. The bill was sponsored by 20 out of 24 House Republicans. HB21-1017 , sponsored by Representative Patrick Neville, defines human life at the point of conception and would make it a class one felony for doctors to provide abortions, with no exception for pregnancies that come as a result of rape or incest. In November 2020, Colorado voters defeated proposition 115, a ballot measure to ban abortion after 22 weeks, by an overwhelming 18 point margin. Previous Next

< Back August 31, 2020 $20M IN SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE DENVER, CO– Lawmakers, joined by OEDIT Director Betsey Markey and officials from the Energize Colorado Gap Fund, today formally launched the $20 million small business assistance grant program created by SB20-222 . Small businesses may be eligible for a grant of up to $15,000. The Energize Colorado Gap Fund, which is operating the program, will also offer loans of up to $20,000, increasing the assistance available through the program to $25 million to date. “Boosting Colorado small businesses is essential for our state’s economic recovery and will help hardworking families make ends meet while strengthening our communities,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, House sponsor of the legislation. “Economic assistance has kept thousands of Colorado businesses open, but too many haven’t been able to access this critical lifeline and need just a little help to stay afloat. That’s why we set aside $20 million to help business owners who have been left behind. I encourage any small business owner who may need assistance to reach out to the Energize Colorado Gap Fund.” “Small businesses’ survival is fundamental to our own. Not only do they represent community pillars, but they stand central to the American dream as well,” said Sen. Faith Winer, D-Westminster. “Something has happened in this country where large corporations are deemed too big to fail while the aspirations of everyday Americans are left to wither in the cold. We need to throw a life raft to those who need it most and work to preserve the great commercial diversity we have in our state. I would encourage any small business who is struggling right now to reach out to Energize Colorado for help applying. The process is fast and accessible– requiring only 15-20 minutes for most businesses to complete! “Colorado’s small businesses are the heart of our state’s economy,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “So much of our hardworking, creative, entrepreneurial spirit is thanks to these unique local shop owners and service providers. But sadly, many have been hit hard by the pandemic and are in desperate need of relief. That’s why I am so proud to be a part of launching the new Energize Colorado Gap Fund program. Now, struggling small businesses can get critical support when they need it most – protecting the prolific beauty of our state’s rugged ingenuity. Go to energizecolorado.com to apply and we will continue working for the strong Colorado comeback.” “We are grateful to Colorado’s General Assembly for allocating $20M of CARES Act funding directly to Colorado’s distressed small businesses,” said OEDIT Executive Director Betsy Markey . “These funds provide essential support to help our small businesses during their time of need that enables them to maintain operations and allow our small businesses to join our continued economic recovery.” After resuming the legislative session in May, the General Assembly passed SB20-222, which set aside $20 million in federal CARES Act funding to establish a grant program to boost small businesses with 25 or fewer employees. All sole proprietors, businesses and nonprofits with 25 or fewer employees are eligible and welcome to apply to the Energize Colorado Gap Fund. Preference will be given to businesses located in rural areas; veteran, women or minority-owned businesses; and those that have not been successful in pursuing and/or receiving funds from other federal, state and local assistance programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program. Applicants must be able to show the economic hardship their business is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Energize Colorado has a mentorship program for small businesses that are interested in applying for the Gap Fund. The Mentorship Program is available to help small businesses ready the documentation and other materials they will need to successfully apply. Mentors may be reached by phone, email and online chat from the Gap Fund website . Previous Next

Climate change denial legislation would have jeopardized Colorado’s environment < Back March 13, 2024 Dems Defeat Bill to Roll Back Colorado’s Climate Goals DENVER, CO – Democrats on the House Energy & Environment Committee today defeated a bill rooted in climate change denialism. HB24-1246, sponsored by Representative Ken DeGraaf, would have jeopardized Colorado’s efforts to address climate change. “The spread of climate change denialism is dangerous, we need policies rooted in scientific fact that will help create a safer, healthier Colorado for us all,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee, D-Fort Collins. “Colorado is working hard to address our climate crisis and policies, like the one we heard in committee today, roll back our legislative efforts. We’re committed to reaching our state’s climate goals because Coloradans are counting on us to champion policies that rein in planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, not deny it altogether.” “Climate change is real, and it’s a threat to our way of life now and for future generations,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, Vice Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee, D-Northglenn. “Legislation, like the one presented in committee today, is rooted in climate change denialism and would have dramatically pushed back our state’s goals, running out the clock on the time we have left to act. Colorado Democrats are on a path forward to addressing climate change, not rolling back regulations for scientifically-proven air pollutants, including carbon dioxide from the excessive burning of fossil fuels.” HB24-1246 would roll back Colorado’s climate goals of a 80-percent reduction in carbon dioxide emission in the utility sector by 2030 and 100 percent by 2040, and consequently undermine the climate-focused work championed by Democrats over the years. Specifically, this bill would have extended the climate goals to 2040 and 2060. Additionally, HB24-1246, as introduced, would have prohibited the classification of carbon dioxide as an air pollutant and eliminated its regulation by state agencies. Carbon dioxide emissions caused by burning fossil fuels are a driving contributor to air pollution and climate change. Over the years, Colorado Democrats have stepped up to push forward climate-friendly laws to help clean up our air and increase protections for disproportionately impacted communities, encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and public transit options , streamline energy-efficient options for homeowners, and support businesses transitioning toward more eco-friendly heating and cooling options. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2021 HOUSE DIRECTS FUNDING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SENIORS, AND WORKFORCE PROGRAMS DENVER– The House today passed legislation to allocate American Rescue Act Funds to programs that serve survivors of domestic violence, seniors, and programs that help provide workers with the tools they need to find good jobs. “One of the most troubling and heartbreaking consequences of the pandemic was that it put victims of domestic violence in even greater danger,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB21-292. “As a survivor of domestic violence, I know firsthand how dire the need to fund support programs already was before the pandemic began. The federal funds we received this year gave us a unique opportunity to provide successful programs a boost and give survivors the support they need and deserve.” Sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Terri Carver, SB21-292 , allocates $15 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to several different victims services programs that assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Among these programs are the Domestic Abuse Program in the Department of Human Services, the Forensic Nurse Examiner Telehealth Program in the Department of Public Safety, and the Victims and Witnesses Assistance and Law Enforcement Fund, which will make its way to each judicial district. The bill passed 54-9. These programs help survivors hold property while keeping their addresses confidential and their homes secure, promote rapid rehousing so survivors can pay for the costs associated with moving, and provide flexible financial assistance for a variety of basic needs. Funds also pay for attorney fees in domestic violence court cases, and are channeled to anti-sexual assault and gender-based violence organizations across the state to provide community-based crisis intervention services and counseling. “Colorado’s population is aging, and our seniors were among the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB21-290. “Building back stronger means ensuring that Coloradans of all ages have their basic needs met. The bill we passed today will help Colorado’s seniors stay housed, have better access to medical care, and obtain the nutrition support they need.” SB21-290 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, dedicates $15 million to support Colorado’s aging population. These funds will go towards a variety of senior-focused programs that will expand housing assistance, increase access to health services, subsidize nutrition programs, and improve transportation opportunities to medical appointments. The bill passed 50-13. “I’m proud of the responsible and forward-thinking process we’ve created to allocate American Rescue Plan Act funds,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “The recovery roadmap we developed will both help people in need now while also giving us time to seek input from experts and craft thoughtful proposals that will make the transformative changes our communities are asking for.” SB21-288 , which is sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar and Representative Alex Valdez and passed 42-21, creates the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2021 Cash Fund to hold the funding the state is receiving from the federal act. It also details how the fund will operate. SB21-232 passed by a vote of 50-13. Sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Shannon Bird, the bill provides $15 million in grants through the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), which is estimated to serve at least 3,000 Colorado workers across the state who have completed a portion of their higher education but have not earned a credential. The program was established last year to support workers through the worst months of the pandemic. These grants under COSI provide workers who were laid off or furloughed, experienced decreased wages, or had a job offer rescinded with the skills, supports and credentials necessary to secure good jobs. The bill also helps institutions of higher education scale high-demand programs, helping to sustain a resilient state economy. Previous Next

< Back March 9, 2020 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO BOOST RURAL ECONOMIES Legislation would extend and improve the Rural Jump-Start Program and cement the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office DENVER, CO– The House today passed two bipartisan bills to boost rural economies. HB20-1003, which passed 51-13, would extend and expand the rural Jump-Start program, and HB20-1191, which passed 44-20, would promote the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado. “The Rural Jump-Start Program helps small businesses open and creates jobs in rural areas across our state, including right in Routt County, and this bill will improve and extend this successful program so that more businesses can participate,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon. “We need to make sure that we have an economy that works in all parts of Colorado, and this bipartisan legislation brings us closer to that important goal.” HB20-1003, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Janice Rich, would eliminate provisions that limit eligibility for the Rural Jump-Start Program in order to enable more businesses to take advantage of the incentives and benefits offered in economically distressed areas of rural Colorado. It also extends the program for five years and allows economic development organizations to form Rural Jump-Start Zone programs to authorize new businesses to participate. The Rural Jump-Start Program incentivizes businesses to create and maintain jobs in rural parts of Colorado by providing tax relief both to the businesses themselves and to their employees. These businesses must be located in designated economically distressed areas of Colorado known as Rural Jump-Start Zones. “Outdoor recreation creates jobs, fosters businesses and is critically important for economic growth in our state’s rural communities,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “Today, we passed bipartisan legislation to promote the outdoor recreation industry and ensure that it continues to grow while we also protect our state’s natural beauty.” HB20-1191 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Matt Soper, calls for the cultivation, promotion, and coordinated development of the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado and for the protection and conservation of public lands, waters, air, and climate. It asks the state to partner with the outdoor recreation industry to ensure that the industry serves as a good steward of Colorado’s natural beauty. The Office would support the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado by working with state, federal, local governments and nongovernmental organizations to promote economic development, conservation, stewardship, education, workforce training, and public health and wellness. The outdoor industry accounts for 10 percent of Colorado’s economy, with $37 billion in consumer spending supporting more than 511,000 jobs. Since 2015, the outdoor recreation office has worked to attract and retain businesses, offered workforce training programs, fostered product manufacturing and entrepreneurialism, and brought high-tech and advanced industries to the state. The Office created the Rural Technical Assistance Program, which leverages state partnerships to further economic development in rural Colorado. It also sponsored the 2019 Colorado Classic, the only all-women professional bike race in the Western Hemisphere. Previous Next