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Latest press releases and op-eds from Colorado House Democrats. NEWSROOM PRESS RELEASES > OP-EDS > Democratic Leadership, JBC Members Release Statement After Trump Freezes Child Care, Social Services Funding January 7, 2026 Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released a statement responding to the Trump Administration’s freeze of more than $300 million of funding for child care and social services for the state’s most vulnerable. Democratic Leadership, JBC Members Release Statement After Trump Freezes Child Care, Social Services Funding Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Continuation of Committee Video Streaming December 31, 2025 The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Continuation of Committee Video Streaming Colorado Budget Squeezed by Federal Tariffs and H.R.1, Economy Facing Headwinds December 19, 2025 Data challenges add to uncertainty driven by erratic federal policies Colorado Budget Squeezed by Federal Tariffs and H.R.1, Economy Facing Headwinds

Press Releases Jan 7, 2026 Democratic Leadership, JBC Members Release Statement After Trump Freezes Child Care, Social Services Funding Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released a statement responding to the Trump Administration’s freeze of more than $300 million of funding for child care and social services for the state’s most vulnerable. Read More Dec 31, 2025 Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Continuation of Committee Video Streaming The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. Read More Dec 19, 2025 Colorado Budget Squeezed by Federal Tariffs and H.R.1, Economy Facing Headwinds Data challenges add to uncertainty driven by erratic federal policies Read More Dec 17, 2025 Right to Repair Electronic Equipment Law Goes Into Effect On January 1, 2026, legislation goes into effect to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. HB24-1121 extends Colorado’s right to repair laws to certain electronic equipment, including cell phones, computers and televisions. Read More Dec 17, 2025 Trio of Bills to Improve Access to Affordable Health Care Go Into Effect Three new laws to preserve access to affordable health care will go into effect on January 1, 2026. Read More Dec 16, 2025 New Law to Address the High Cost of Child Care Goes Into Effect Legislation sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, to address the high cost of child care goes into effect January 1, 2025. Read More Dec 15, 2025 Bills to Increase Price Transparency, Protect Colorado Renters and Consumers Go Into Effect On January 1, 2026, a slate of consumer protection legislation goes into effect to crack down on surprise junk fees and increase access to stable housing for renters. Read More Dec 15, 2025 Bill to Improve Building Accessibility for Coloradans with Disabilities Takes Effect HB25-1030 requires local governments to ensure building codes incorporate accessibility standards in new and renovated buildings Read More Nov 26, 2025 McCluskie and Duran Statement on Passing of Sen. Faith Winter Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, today released the following joint statement on the passing of Senator Faith Winter: Read More Nov 24, 2025 Speaker Pro Tempore Boesenecker, Elected Officials, and Community Organizations Unite in Support of Joint Service and Passenger Rail to Northern Colorado A broad coalition of elected officials, community organizations, environmental advocates, and transportation leaders today announced the release of joint letters urging Governor Jared Polis, the Regional Transportation District (RTD), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the Front Range Passenger Rail District (FRPR) to advance the Northern Front Range Joint Service Passenger Rail (“Joint Service”). Read More Nov 20, 2025 Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Shoshone Water Rights Decision Speaker Julie McCluskie today released the following statement after the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) voted to approve the Shoshone water rights acquisition. Read More Nov 14, 2025 Speaker McCluskie Highlights Success of Committee Video Streaming Pilot Project Viewers accessed the live streamed committee video more than 15,000 times this interim Read More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 ... 202

Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released a statement responding to the Trump Administration’s freeze of more than $300 million of funding for child care and social services for the state’s most vulnerable. < Back January 7, 2026 Democratic Leadership, JBC Members Release Statement After Trump Freezes Child Care, Social Services Funding Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released a statement responding to the Trump Administration’s freeze of more than $300 million of funding for child care and social services for the state’s most vulnerable. Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, JBC Chair Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder: “The Trump Administration’s callous decision to freeze more than $300 million will only make life more expensive for hardworking families. “Gutting programs that equip tens of thousands of Coloradans with resources to provide and afford child care is a direct attack on working families. The Colorado Works program directly helps low-income Coloradans afford everyday necessities, including food and clothing, and get ahead through job training. Federally supported programs strengthen Colorado’s economy and create strong pathways for workers to earn more and thrive. “We stand ready to work with Governor Polis and partners in our federal delegation to resist this lawless effort to freeze funding, and we sincerely hope that our Republican colleagues will put politics aside, get serious about making life in Colorado more affordable, and put families first.” This week, the Trump Administration froze funding for Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, known here as Colorado Works , which supports thousands of families across the state. The basic cash assistance component alone supports over 50,000 children. The Administration also froze funds for the Child Care and Development Fund and Social Service Block Grants, which are used to Previous Next

43 House Democrats fighting for hardworking Coloradans at the Capitol and across our state by saving you money, building a healthier Colorado and preparing our students for success. COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS Colorado Democrats fighting for hardworking Coloradans at the Capitol and across our state LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS LATEST NEWS MEET YOUR COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS CAREERS During the productive 2025 Legislative Session, we passed legislation to save people money, improve public safety and protect the Colorado way of life in the face of threats from the Trump Administration and significant budget constraints. 2025 LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS Latest News Democratic Leadership, JBC Members Release Statement After Trump Freezes Child Care, Social Services Funding January 7, 2026 Democratic Leadership and members of the Joint Budget Committee today released a statement responding to the Trump Administration’s freeze of more than $300 million of funding for child care and social services for the state’s most vulnerable. Read All Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Continuation of Committee Video Streaming December 31, 2025 The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. Read All Colorado Budget Squeezed by Federal Tariffs and H.R.1, Economy Facing Headwinds December 19, 2025 Data challenges add to uncertainty driven by erratic federal policies Read All Right to Repair Electronic Equipment Law Goes Into Effect December 17, 2025 On January 1, 2026, legislation goes into effect to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. HB24-1121 extends Colorado’s right to repair laws to certain electronic equipment, including cell phones, computers and televisions. Read All Visit Our Newsroom Press Releases WE ARE COLORADO HOUSE DEMOCRATS CONTACT US FIND MY REP SEARCH

Learn more about how to contact the Colorado House Majority team. Contact Chief of Staff Rebecca Kisner rebecca.kisner@coleg.gov Deputy Chief of Staff Jarrett Freedman jarrett.freeman@coleg.gov COMMUNICATIONS Media Relations Director Mallory Feeney mallory.feeney@coleg.gov C ommunications Advisor Kaitlin Begin kaitlin.begin@coleg.gov OPERATIONS Advisor to the Speaker Elizabeth Brawn elizabeth.brawn@coleg.gov Legislative Aide Program Manager Feliz Sanchez Garcia felizsanchez.garcia@coleg.gov Advisor to the Majority Leader Gina Kelble gina.kelble@coleg.gov POLICY Senior Budget Policy Analyst Carl Plant carl.plant@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Jaclyn Davison jaclyn.davison@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Daniel McDonald daniel.mcdonald@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Miranda Martinez-Mundo miranda.martinez-mundo@coleg.gov Policy Analyst Colton Arciniaga colton.arciniaga@coleg.gov Legislative Coordinator Lenlee Davis lenlee.davis@coleg.gov

< Back January 14, 2021 HOUSE GIVES INITIAL APPROVAL TO TIME-SENSITIVE BILLS DENVER, CO — The House today gave initial approval to legislation that would modify the COVID-19 relief program for small businesses, extend limitations on debt collection actions, and recreate the Occupational Therapy Practice Act. Final passage of the legislation in the House is expected tomorrow morning. SB21-001: Modify COVID-19 Relief Programs For Small Business. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Shane Sandridge, R-El Paso County, makes minor tweaks to the COVID-19 small and minority business relief program that was established in last year’s special session. The legislation will help small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, especially minority owned businesses, receive timely relief through the program. SB21-002: Extending Limitations on Debt Collection Actions. This bill, sponsored by Representative Herod, would extend the debt collection protections enacted last session through June 1of this year. Without action, these critical protections for consumers who are facing tremendous hardship due to COVID-19 will expire in two weeks with our nation still in the midst of a public health and economic crisis. SB21-003: Recreate Occupational Therapy Practice Act. This bill, sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz, D-Littleton, and Colin Larson, R-Ken Caryl recreates the Occupational Therapy Practice Act to allow continuity in occupational therapy regulations to ensure that these professionals have the tools and guidance they need to be successful and serve the community. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2019 GOV SIGNS BILLS TO HELP WITH MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR COLORADANS WHO NEED IT THE MOST Colorado is ranked near the bottom for behavioral health care (May 20) – Gov. Polis signed two bills today at the Colorado Mental Wellness Network to address the current mental health crisis facing Colorado. SB19-222, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, expands community based services, providing a safety net of comprehensive mental health care that could cover the entire state. “SB 222 is about implementing a vision for a system that can serve everyone, so Colorado’s jails don’t have to. When people with serious behavioral health disorders cannot access the treatment they need, other parts of our system are negatively impacted as we’ve directly seen in Pueblo,” said Rep. Esgar. “These new laws are about helping the people in our communities who are the hardest to serve.” Rep. Esgar’s bill requires access to civil beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institutes at Fort Logan and Pueblo. It also requires a robust collaboration with all local enforcement jurisdictions and counties in the service area. SB19-223, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, was also signed today, and improves the process and provision of services for individuals who have been ordered for competency evaluation and restoration in the criminal justice system. “This bill will ensure that our criminal justice system adheres to constitutional requirements when questions of competency are raised,” said Rep. Weissman. “We can, we must, and with SB19-223, we will address competency evaluations and restorations more quickly and efficiently. Together with SB19-222, this bill will help keep individuals with behavioral health issues from becoming entangled in our justice system.” Rep. Weissman’s bill is the primary legislative mechanism to codify the reforms set forth by the taskforce. It includes a series of reforms to help the Colorado Department of Health Services come into compliance with a mandated timeframe for providing competency services. It also requires the Department of Human Services to implement policies to prioritize in-patient treatment for those with the greatest need while providing community-based services for other patients. Both bills were co-sponsored by Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Fountain. Previous Next

The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. < Back December 31, 2025 Speaker McCluskie Celebrates Continuation of Committee Video Streaming DENVER, CO – The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council today voted to continue video streaming for all legislative committee hearings on a year-round basis beginning in January 2026. “By greenlighting the video streaming of committee hearings, we’re opening up more opportunities for Coloradans to engage in the legislative process,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “A recent report found that the committee video streaming pilot project was accessed over 15,000 times between 35 committee hearings this interim. Coloradans are already using this option to tune in to our state government. I am excited the legislature has expanded video livestreaming and will continue to stream committee hearings in the 2026 legislative session and beyond.” Speaker McCluskie has repeatedly advocated for video streaming of legislative committee hearings and proposed the pilot program that began in June 2025. The pilot program ran from July 30 to November 5 in five committee rooms, including the Old State Library, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, House Committee Room 0112, Senate Committee Room 357 and Committee Room A in the Legislative Services Building. According to a report by the Legislative Council Staff, viewers accessed livestreamed video a total of 15,251 times, with nearly 60-percent of the views related to or occurring during August’s special session. Viewers accessed the live streams for the 10 committees of reference that met during the special session 4,500 times. The live stream was accessed more than 2,500 times for the July 30 Executive Committee, where state economists and departments presented on the impacts of HR. 1. The LCS report says the informal feedback has been “very positive” and that viewers “were especially happy to be able to see slide presentations live.” Previous Next

Package boosts funding for at-risk students, child care, behavioral health care and services for older Coloradans < Back February 7, 2024 House Advances Supplemental Budget Package DENVER, CO - The House today advanced the FY 2024-2025 Budget Supplemental Package on a preliminary vote. The package of bills includes $4.6 million for at-risk students, $11 million for child care and $69.4 million toward expanded access to behavioral health care treatment, including residential beds. Other top priorities in the package include funding for autism care for children, workforce housing, victims of crime, and senior services including Meals on Wheels. “From boosting child care to investing in public safety, this supplemental package delivers on our promise to Coloradans,” said JBC Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “These adjustments to our budget will make it easier for Colorado families to not only just get by, but thrive, and they increase support for at-risk students, children with autism spectrum disorder and healthy school meals. I’m proud of our bipartisan work to put Coloradans first and continue to responsibly balance our budget.” “This year’s supplemental package shows our dedication to building a Colorado that meets the needs of its people while responsibly working with the limited budget that we have,” said JBC Member Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “I’m proud that our supplemental package makes critical investments to support our behavioral health workforce, boost education funding, save Coloradans money on energy efficient lawn equipment, and advance critical measures that will help us better fund our schools.” Each year, the legislature adopts a budget supplemental package to make mid-year adjustments to the 2023-2024 budget based on changes to caseload, pupil counts and other considerations. Supporting Education, Setting Students Up for Success HB24-1183 Boosting Funding for At-Risk Students . To support at-risk students in their educational journey, this bill funds over $4.6 million from the State Public School Fund. This bill helps school districts meet the needs of their at-risk students to help them succeed and graduate. HB24-1183 Reaching Educational Goals . To ensure that Colorado schools have the funding they need, HB24-1183 sets aside $2.8 million for two adequacy studies required by SB23-287 to better understand the level of funding Colorado schools need to provide the education students deserve. HB24-1205 Improving Youth’s Access to Books. This bill helps get more books into the hands of our youngest Coloradans by helping the Imagination Library reach its goal of providing one, no cost, book a month to children under the age of five. This bill specifically allows the Imagination Library of Colorado program to partner with other nonprofit organizations and book publishers to reach its goal. HB24-1206 Expanding the Healthy School Meals program . This bill would expand the Healthy School Meals program to include facility schools as well the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind. This bill aims to ensure all youth have access to healthy, nutritious food during the school day. Boosting Childcare HB24-1182 Saving Families Money on Child Care. HB24-1182 allocates over $11 million of federal Child Care Development Funds money to the Child Care Sustainability Grant Program and the Early Care and Education Recruitment and Retention Grant and Scholarship Program. Increasing Access to Behavioral Health HB24-1187 Behavioral Health Services in the Criminal Justice System. This bill devotes $58 million to properly staff hospitals that house patients with pending criminal charges that require competency evaluations and services. HB24-1187 Boosting Mental Health Care. This bill supports mental health care by funding $13.1 million to Pueblo’s Colorado Mental Health Hospital so they can fill staff openings with contract staffers. HB24-1203 Increase Residential Treatment Beds. To ensure Coloradans can receive the behavioral health care treatment they need, when they need it this bill allocates $11.4 million for inpatient treatment beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan. HB24-1185 Provider Rate Increase for Child Autism Therapy. This bill meets the recommendations of the Medicaid Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee by offering $10.4 million to increase rates for child behavioral therapies with autism spectrum disorder. Improving Public Safety HB24-1214 Supporting Victims of Crime. This bill aims to support survivors of crime by boosting the Community Crime Victims Grant Program with a $4 million investment. This fund directly supports qualified victims of crime through assisting with emergency housing, child care and medical visits. HB24-1197 Protecting Places of Worship. To aid local places of worship, such as churches, synagogues, and mosques, in ramping up their security measures, this bill allocates $1 million toward the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program. HB24-1181 Increase Workforce Housing for Correctional Staff. The bill allocates an additional $120,000 to the Department of Corrections to secure housing for up to 50 correctional employees in the greater Buena Vista area. HB24-1197 Boosting School Security. To help schools keep their students safe through improved physical security measures as well as advanced security training for their staff and teachers, this bill sets aside more than $200,000 in grant funding for local education providers and eligible nonprofits to apply for. Uplifting Communities HB24-1187 Providing Services for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind. Allocating $500,000 for the Colorado Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind allows the state to meet the rising demand for the long-term needs of Coloradans and maintain accessibility services these communities rely on. Supporting Services for Older Coloradans HB24-1211 Ensuring Older Coloradans have Access to Nutritious Meals. Due to interruptions in federal funding, older Coloradans who use the popular Meals on Wheels food delivery program could experience a lapse in service. This bill offers $2 million in supplemental funding to the Meals on Wheels program and other senior services to ensure the thousands of Coloradans who rely on these programs can have access to healthy, nutritional meals. Reaching our Climate Goals HB24-1196 Saving Coloradans Money on Lawn Equipment . To save Coloradans money on electrifying their lawn equipment, this bill includes a $1.3 million grant renewal to help Coloradans transition to eco-friendly, electric lawnmowers, leaf blowers and other lawn equipment. HB24-1196 Protecting Colorado’s Water. The Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court decision left Colorado’s wetlands vulnerable to pollution and destruction. This bill allocates over $214,000 to ensure the state can educate on and protect Colorado’s water and ecosystems. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2022 HOUSE PASSES TWO BILLS TO PROTECT WHEELCHAIR USERS DENVER, CO – Two bills to protect the rights of wheelchair users and improve adaptive features in rental vehicles today passed the House. “My wheelchair provides more than mobility, it’s a critical part of my health and safety,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “I’m proud we’ve passed two accessibility rights bills that affirm the rights of wheelchair users. These bills focus on transparency and accountability for providers so we have the right to repair our chairs in a timely manner and rent a car that’s accessible for us. The accessibility issues faced by the community that lives with a disability are real, challenging and place us and our families at risk. We’re taking the lead on breaking down accessibility barriers so we can create a safer, more equitable and healthier Colorado.” “We’re looking out for the rights of Coloradans who use wheelchairs,” 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. Our bill would expand repair options beyond the manufacturing companies, 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 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Brianna Titone, passed by a vote of 44 to 21. This bill would require powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts, software and tools to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners. Typically, wheelchair owners and users can only seek repair, modification and maintenance of their wheelchair from manufacturers. This market monopolization drives up costs for Coloradans and leaves them without their mobility device for longer. Under this bill, independent repair providers and owners would have the tools and manuals to perform regular maintenance, diagnostic or repair service themselves. This will save Coloradans money and allow them to get their mobility devices repaired sooner. HB22-1253 , also sponsored by Representative Ortiz, passed by a vote of 42 to 23. This bill would require rental car companies to provide leasers with an online option to secure a vehicle with adaptive equipment such as hand controls, pedal extenders, left foot accelerators and spinner knobs upon request. This bill would also protect disabled vehicle leasers by allowing the recovery of damages if rental car companies violate the adaptive equipment requirement in the bill. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2021 HOUSE DEMS PASS BIPARTISAN BUDGET TO HELP COLORADO BUILD BACK STRONGER DENVER, CO– The House today passed the Conference Committee Report on FY 2021-2022 Long Appropriations Bill (SB21-205) by a vote of 39-24. With the Senate repassing the budget by a vote of 28-6, it now heads to the governor. All House Republicans opposed the bipartisan budget, which passed the Senate with near unanimous support, and which helps Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The budget restores cuts to essential services, significantly boosts support for K-12 and higher education, and provides critical funding for the state stimulus package that will create jobs, boost rural Colorado, and grow our economy. “This bipartisan budget will help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “I’m so proud of the work we did this year. By making historic investments in K-12 education, mental health services, and our state’s economic recovery, we’re enshrining our values in our budget and setting Colorado up for sustained economic success. This budget is a labor of love, the product of months of work from our colleagues, JBC members and, of course, our wonderful JBC staff.” “The state budget we gave final approval to today meets the moment and makes careful and robust investments to craft an equitable economic recovery for Colorado,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “After a year of economic uncertainty and turmoil, this budget truly charts the course for the Colorado Comeback- investing $800 million in our state stimulus plan and increasing funding for K-12 education by over $480 million. As we work to build Colorado back stronger, we are proactively ensuring that low income folks and communities of color aren’t left behind. This budget meets that goal.” Colorado’s $35.9 billion budget funds core state services, such as education, corrections, health care, and human services. A significant portion of the state budget comes from federal matching funds, with lawmakers having direct control of the state’s $13.1 billion General Fund. Last year, budget forecasts estimated the state would face a significant revenue decline, leading lawmakers to enact historic reductions while still prioritizing critical services and education. With the economy and state revenues recovering faster than anticipated, the budget returns funding to pre-pandemic levels while responsibly setting aside historic reserves for the future. Putting Students, Teachers, and Parents First Restores K-12 Funding, Cuts Budget Stabilization Factor Nearly in Half: The FY21-22 Long Bill brings the budget stabilization factor back to its pre-pandemic level of $572 million by increasing K-12 education funding by over $480 million. Resumes and Accelerates State Support for Institutions of Higher Ed: After being forced to nearly eliminate state support for institutions of higher education, lawmakers boosted funding in this year’s budget by $494 million to restore the prior year’s reduction. The bill also allocates an additional $100 million to be used for recruitment and retention including additional financial support for first generation, underrepresented minority, and pell eligible students. Increased Resources for Students: This budget prioritizes accessible teaching and learning resources for students to succeed including $3 million for state grants to public libraries and over $1 million to CDHE’s Open Educational Resources program which provides grants to institutions to develop educational programs using 100 percent publicly available teaching materials. The budget also appropriates $7..2 million to restore K-12 education grant programs including the behavioral healthcare professionals grant program, the K5 social and emotional grant program, the 9th grade success program, the school leadership success program, the AP exam fee grant program and the automatic enrollment in advanced courses program. Invests $160 Million in School Infrastructure (BEST Fund) and an additional $100 Million for the State Education Fund (SEF): After nearly eliminating funding last year for the Building Excellent Schools Today grant initiative, lawmakers this year will invest $160 million to construct, renovate, or maintain school facilities and structures. The SEF funds teacher recruitment, full-day kindergarten, early literacy programs, and helps finance public school systems across Colorado. Prioritizes the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation program: The JBC set aside $13.4 million for a teacher recruitment toolkit to be established in collaboration with the departments of education and higher education. The set aside includes restorations to CDE’s Quality Teacher Recruitment program and CDHE’s Educator Loan Forgiveness program. In addition, the budget restores CDHE’s teacher mentor grants program and the rural teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development program. Creating Jobs, Getting Colorado Back on Track, and Building Back Stronger $800 Million State Stimulus: The budget sets aside $800 million for the Colorado Recovery Plan , which will create jobs and boost the Colorado Comeback. Creating Jobs Through Investing in Capital Construction Projects: The bill tackles a substantial portion of the state’s capital project backlog by nearly doubling the long bill appropriation for capital construction, creating jobs through creating, maintaining and improving capital construction projects. The bill includes $217.4 million for the capital construction fund, initiating shovel-ready projects at institutions of higher education and across state government. Expanding Job and Skills Training Initiatives: The budget prioritizes workforce and training opportunities through a variety of programs including restoring CDHE’s Colorado First Customized Job Training program, DOC’s Transitional Work Opportunity program, and DHS’ Colorado Works Subsidized Training and Employment Program. Investing in IT Infrastructure & Transportation: This budget package makes significant investments in IT infrastructure including funding for the Office of eHealth Innovation’s Rural Connectivity project, updates to the states unemployment insurance system, and numerous investments in higher education equipment and technology to support increased virtual learning opportunities. In addition, with $124 million set aside for transportation, the budget sets Colorado on a path to address CDOT’s $9 billion project backlog. Addressing Health Disparities: The budget helps Colorado build back stronger by providing over $5 million to combat racial and income-based health disparities that are hurting Colorado communities. Boosting State’s Wildfire Response: After a historic wildfire season and with another one on the way, the budget appropriates $26.2 million for firefighting contracts, aircraft, personnel and state assistance for local response efforts. Building the Reserve and a New Rainy Day Fund: The budget sets aside historic reserves to mitigate downside risks to the forecast and creates a new rainy day fund to provide an additional safety net should state revenues collapse or should the state see a surge in caseload and demand for services. Supporting the Judicial Branch: Recognizing the rise in court cases once trials resume, the budget responsibly allocates funding to increase staffing within Judicial courts and probation as well as within the offices of the public defender, child protection ombudsman, and the public guardianship. The budget also sets aside funding to expand the Senior Judge program to help address the backlog of cases anticipated. Supporting Colorado’s Most Vulnerable Veterans: The budget provides $500,000 in Marijuana Tax Cash Fund to provide grants to enhance workforce center services for veterans, an increase of $200,000 over last year. The Colorado Recovery Act will provide $30 million for a start up loan fund, which will support veteran-owned small businesses. The budget includes $59.4 million for the veteran community living centers, and $425,000 for National Guard tuition assistance. Supporting Hospitals that Treat Uninsured Patients: The bill provides $48.2 million for hospitals that serve a higher share of low-income or uninsured patients. This funding draws down $27 million in federal funds. The funding supports several rural hospitals. Ensuring Coloradans Have Access to the Care They Need: With access to health care essential for every Coloradan, the budget affirms the state’s commitment to Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program. It provides $460.1 million for medical care and long-term services such as nursing homes and community-based services. The funds pay nursing home care, senior dental programs, behavioral health, and vaccine administration. Expanding Access to Mental and Behavioral Health: The bill provides nearly $60 million in additional funding to behavioral health programs, providing critical funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery services, wrap around services for children in crisis, and investments in IT systems to streamline eligibility and claims processing. Addressing the IDD Waitlist: The JBC allocated $22 million to protect essential Medicaid benefits including $15.5 million to the Adult Comprehensive Waiver to fund 667 spots on the comprehensive waiver waitlist for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2022 TRANSFORMATIONAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILLS ADVANCE HOUSE Legislation would fund the responsible gaming program and water preservation efforts DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee passed Speaker Alec Garnett’s bill today to promote responsible gaming and support Colorado’s watersheds. HB22-1402 would allocate more than $3 million to create a grant program to provide services to Coloradans experiencing problem gaming and boost funding for the Colorado Water Plan. “In the last two years, Colorado’s gaming industry has experienced significant growth and the excitement of sports betting has raised limits and boosted state revenue,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “As Colorado’s gaming industry adapts, it is our responsibility to make sure Coloradans have the recovery and treatment resources they need to combat a gaming problem – this bill does that and more. It takes us one step closer to the original goal of legalizing sports betting in Colorado which is to provide proper funding to the Colorado Water Plan; and thanks to the increase in revenue, we can direct millions toward preserving Colorado’s watersheds and building a safer, healthier Colorado for everyone.” Responsible Gaming Grant Program: HB22-1402 , sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett, passed committee by a vote of 9-2. The introduction of sports betting in Colorado in 2020 has led to major growth in the gaming industry, partly due to higher limits and additional games. This bill provides more funding for the responsible gaming grant program in the Department of Revenue (DOR) to promote responsible gaming and address problem gaming. The grant program will distribute funding to help Coloradans struggling with gaming problems with prevention, recovery and treatment resources. The grant funding can also be used for research purposes to aid the DOR in providing better support for Coloradans recovering from a gaming problem. The bill also allocates more funding for the Colorado Water Plan by limiting the number of free bets that Sports Betting Operators can offer tax-free. Under the bill with fewer tax-free bets, the additional money raised from taxes on gaming will be allocated toward improving Colorado’s watersheds and environment. Previous Next