Newsroom
Looking for something specific? Search through our press releases by keyword:
Colorado Secure Savings Plan Board Bill Passes Senate Finance Committee
March 14, 2019
Denver CO – The Senate Finance Committee today voted 4-to-3 to pass SB19-173, Colorado Secure Savings Plan Board, a bill sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) and Brittany Pettersen (D-Jefferson County) to help find ways to increase Colorado’s private sector workers’ retirement savings. The bill will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
More than 75 percent of Coloradans believe it is only going to get harder to prepare for retirement, according to the Bell Policy Center. SB19-173 would establish the Colorado secure savings plan board to study ways to help Colorado’s private sector workers save for retirement. The board would work to increase the number of Colorado businesses that offer retirement savings and determine the feasibility of creating the Colorado secure savings plan.
“People work two or three jobs in my district, but none of them have traditional retirement benefits. This bill will look at options to let those people save for the future,” said Senator Donovan. “We know how people work is changing and we can play a role in making sure they can retire in the place they call home.”
“Younger Coloradans are being offered work-based retirement options at a much lower rate than previous generations. The lack of retirement options coupled with crushing student loan debt and rising home prices is putting the financial future of our families and our state at risk,” said Senator Pettersen.“We know the problem – and this study will ensure we create a solution that will empower more Coloradans to achieve the retirement goals they have worked their entire lives for.”
The board would conduct assessments to determine approaches to increasing retirement savings for private sector employees in low-cost and self-sustaining ways, and then it would recommend a plan to the Governor and General Assembly to implement these findings.
To learn more about SB19-173, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-173.
###
Warranty of Habitability Legislation Advances through the Senate Local Government Committee
March 14, 2019
Denver, CO – The Senate Local Government Committee today voted 4-to-1 to advance HB19-1170, Residential Tenants Health And Safety Act, a bill sponsored by Senators Angela Williams (D-Denver) and Jeff Bridges (D-Arapahoe County). This legislation would protect renters whose landlords are slow to fix vital repairs, putting the health and safety of their tenants at risk. The bill now heads to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
“Our goal is to protect tenants without harming the businesses of reputable landlords,” said Senator Williams. “Every Colorado tenant should be guaranteed a safe living space so they can focus on the important things in life like family, school, and careers – without having to worry about serious issues such as water leaks or broken heating systems.”
“I believe that every Coloradan deserves a fair shot at success, and a safe place to call home is the foundation of that chance to get ahead,” said Senator Bridges. “Protections for Colorado’s renters haven’t been updated in over a decade, and it is time to put the health and safety of our renters in every corner of this state first.”
HB19-1170 would give renters greater control when facing problems like insect infestations and maintenance issues. The legislation would require landlords to house tenants in a comparable unit or pay to have them moved while repairs are underway. It would also allow tenants to more easily withhold rent if repairs are not made, while giving landlords a time limit on making such repairs.
To learn more about SB-1170, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1170.
###
Senator Bridges’ Bill to Allow Creation of Early Childhood Development Service Districts Unanimously Passes Senate Local Government Committee
March 14, 2019
Denver CO – The Senate Local Government Committee unanimously voted today to advance HB19-1052, Early Childhood Development Special District, a bill sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges (D-Arapahoe County) to allow the creation of early childhood development service districts. The bill now moves to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.
“Every kid deserves a fair shot at success no matter where they come from,” said Senator Bridges. “Early childhood dollars are the most impactful education dollars we can spend. This bipartisan bill will make it easier for families throughout Colorado to get their kids a high-quality education, and for every child in our state to reach their full potential and contribute to our economy.”
The creation of early childhood development service districts would support children up to eight years of age with educational and developmental services as well as physical and mental healthcare. HB19-1052 would not only encourage the creation of such districts, but would also allow local communities to vote on how they would pay for early childhood development services.
For more information on this bill, please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1052.
###
Senate Passes Senator Moreno’s Bill to Expand Driver’s License Program for Undocumented Coloradans
March 14, 2019
Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 25-to-10 to advance SB19-139, More Colorado Road And Community Safety Act Offices. The bill, sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City), would expand the driver’s license program for undocumented Coloradans to at least 10 state Department of Motor Vehicles offices. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives
“This program has been critical for thousands of undocumented Coloradans, but it has faced major roadblocks because of inefficient administrative processes and too few locations,” said Senator Moreno. “The expansion of this program means that no Coloradan will have to drive hours away just to get an ID. It may seem small, but this legislation will have far-reaching, positive impacts for tens of thousands of hardworking Coloradans. I am confident that this will easily pass the House and will be signed into law by the Governor.”
Colorado’s undocumented driver license program became law five years ago, but the program’s success has been limited by a shortage of locations causing a high demand for appointments. SB19-139 would expand administration of the program from four offices to ten by 2020 and ensure that these new locations are spread out across the state.
To learn more about SB19-139, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-139.
###
Senator Moreno’s Bipartisan Hospital Transparency Bill Clears the Senate
March 14, 2019
Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 34-to-1 to pass HB19-1001, Hospital Transparency Measures to Analyze Efficacy, a bill sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) to increase hospital spending transparency and reduce healthcare costs. This bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Roughly 40 percent of Colorado’s total healthcare costs come from hospital care – and although hospitals receive hundreds of millions of dollars from state and federal governments, particularly in rural areas, privately insured individuals still face increasing costs.
“Coloradans have made it clear that lowering healthcare costs should be a top priority this session,” said Senator Moreno. “Today, the Senate delivered on this effort by passing an important bill that will finally address the high costs of hospital care and I look forward to Governor Polis signing it into law.”
HB19-1001 will require hospitals to provide annual reports tracking their costs and spending. By understanding hospitals’ financial expenditures, this legislation will help Colorado determine why costs are so high and help us hold hospitals accountable for lowering costs.
The bill was sponsored by Representative Chris Kennedy (D-Jefferson County) in the Colorado House of Representatives where it passed with bipartisan support with a vote of 39-22 on January 31, 2019.
To learn more about HB19-1001, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1001.
###
Senate Unanimously Passes President Garcia’s Bill to Create Peer Health Assistance Program for Emergency Medical Service Providers
March 14, 2019
Denver, CO – The Senate today voted unanimously to advance SB19-065, Peer Assistance Emergency Medical Service Provider, a bill from President Leroy M. Garcia (D-Pueblo) that would create a peer health assistance program for Colorado’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers. The bill now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.
“Working in Emergency Medical Services can be both physically and mentally strenuous. As a paramedic, I understand some of the challenges they face – and as a legislator, I’m proud that the Senate has advanced my bill that will give EMS providers the support they need to serve our state,” said President Garcia.
According to a 2017 study by the University of Phoenix, 84 percent of first responders – including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and nurses – have experienced a traumatic event on the job. Roughly 34 percent have faced mental health disorders such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, and nearly half of those diagnosed with depression cited work incidents as the leading cause.
EMS practitioners also suffer from a high rate of suicidal thoughts. In fact, a 2015 survey of EMTs and paramedics published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) found that 37 percent reported contemplating suicide (nearly 10 times the rate of American adults) while 6.6 percent reported having attempted suicide (compared to .5 percent of all adults).
“I know the courage and sacrifice it takes to do such strenuous work, day in and day out, and the passage of Senate Bill 65 will help our hardworking first responders continue to keep our communities safe and healthy,” added President Garcia.
This legislation would offer education, support, counseling, and treatment to EMS providers who struggle with chemical dependency, mental illness, or any other personal, emotional, or psychological problems. The program would be overseen by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and funded through fees on each new license and renewal.
To learn more about SB19-065, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-065.
###
Senate Passes Senator Donovan’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Water Quality in Mining Reclamation
March 14, 2019
Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate voted this morning 22-to-13 to pass HB19-1113, Protect Water Quality Adverse Mining Impacts, a bill from Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) that will hold new mining operations accountable for their impact on water quality standards. The bill is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
“I’m excited that the Senate voted this morning to protect Colorado’s water quality from some of the harmful effects of mining operations,” said Senator Donovan. “This legislation will ensure that Colorado prioritizes the protection of our rivers and streams for generations to come. I am proud that HB19-1113 is on its way to becoming law.”
HB19-1113 will protect water quality around mining operations by requiring most reclamation plans to demonstrate an end date for any water quality treatment necessary to ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards. It also requires all reclamation bonds to include proof they will be able to afford the costs of protecting water quality, including for any necessary treatment and monitoring costs.
For more information on HB19-1113, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1113.
###
Senate Unanimously Passes President Garcia’s Expand Medication-assisted Treatment Pilot Program
March 14, 2019
Denver, CO — The Senate this morning voted unanimously to pass SB19-001, Expand Medication-assisted Treatment Pilot Program, a bill from President Leroy M. Garcia (D-Pueblo) to expand the Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program currently offered in Pueblo and Routt Counties to 10 additional counties across the state, including the counties in the San Luis valley and 2 additional counties in which a need is demonstrated. The bill now moves to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.
“Today, the Senate came together to pass a bill that will save lives by helping Coloradans who are struggling in the face of the opioid epidemic get the treatment they need,” said President Garcia. “We have seen incredible success from the pilot program, and by expanding it to additional high-need counties, we can help even more Coloradans who are battling drug abuse and addiction.”
In 2017, there were 558 opioid overdose deaths in Colorado from both prescription opioids and illegal opioids such as heroin. SB19-001 will expand the MAT program to 10 additional high-need counties throughout the state by providing $5 million in funding over two years.
In addition to expanding and increasing funding for the MAT program, this bill would also shift the administration of the program from the College of Nursing to the center for research into substance abuse disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery support strategies – expanding the work that the College of Nursing is doing and adding more disciplines and communities from around the state and on the Anschutz Campus.
To learn more about SB19-001, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-001.
###
Family and Medical Leave Passes Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee
March 13, 2019
Denver, CO – The Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee voted this afternoon 3-to-2 to advance SB19-188, FAMLI Family Medical Leave Insurance Program, a bill sponsored by Senators Faith Winter (D-Adams County) and Angela Williams (D-Denver) that would guarantee all Coloradans up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for themselves and their families. The bill now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.
Because most Coloradans don’t have paid leave to recover from a serious illness, care for a sick family member, or welcome the birth of a child, they are often forced to choose between work and family. With FAMLI, Coloradans would no longer have to make these hard choices.
“We’ve heard too many heartbreaking stories of Coloradans who can’t be at their dying parent's bedside, who go back to work too soon after the birth of a child, or skip necessary medical treatments because they can’t afford to lose their paycheck,” said Senator Winter. “No one should have to make those decisions, and soon they won’t have to. After five years of working hard for paid family leave in Colorado, I am confident that it will become law this session.”
“Paid family leave is good for both Coloradan families and businesses. Coloradans will be able to take care of themselves and their families while businesses can save money by reducing turnover,” said Senator Williams. “With a paid family leave program in place, small businesses could more easily compete with large companies and Coloradans could be there for their families in times of need.”
The bill would create a division within the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment that would provide wage replacement for employees who worked at least 680 hours in the previous year when they take leave to care for a family member, to recover from a serious injury or illness, or to welcome a newborn or adopted child. The program would replace between 65 and 90 percent of the majority of worker wages, with lower-income Coloradans receiving a larger percentage of their wages. Employees would also be guaranteed their same or equivalent job when returning from leave, and would be protected from discrimination or retaliation from their employer.
For more information on SB19-188, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-188.
###
Bill to Increase Access to Dental Care for Pregnant Women Unanimously Passes Senate Health and Human Services Committee
March 13, 2019
Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously voted today to advance HB19-1038, Dental Services For Pregnant Women On Children's Basic Health Plan Plus, a bill from Senators Tammy Story (D-Jefferson County) and Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) that will increase access to dental care for children and pregnant women. The bill will now move to the Committee on Appropriations for consideration.
Unfortunately, hundreds of pregnant women who are insured through the Child Health Plan Plus – a state public low-cost health insurance program for children and pregnant women – do not have access to dental healthcare. HB19-1038 will expand access to dental care to all enrollees, including children and pregnant women.
“This bill will help pregnant women and vulnerable children access the healthcare they need,” said Senator Story. “As a mother, I understand just how critical prenatal care can be and, as a Senator, I am committed to supporting Colorado families, including children and mothers, all across our state.”
“As a former healthcare professional, I can tell you that dental care is an important part of overall health, particularly for pregnant women and children,” said Senator Ginal. “I am hopeful that this bill will increase access to dental care that Colorado women and children need.”
For more information on this bill please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1038.
###
Senator Moreno’s Bill to Simplify Gender Re-Designation on Birth Certificates Passes the Senate Judiciary Committee
March 13, 2019
Denver, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee voted this afternoon 3-to-2 to advance HB19-1039, Identity Documents for Transgender Persons, legislation sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) that would make it simpler for transgender Coloradans to obtain birth certificates with their correct gender designation. The bill now heads to Senate Committee on Appropriations for consideration.
“Everyone deserves to live their true life without government standing in their way. The current process for transgender Coloradans to be correctly represented on their birth certificate is complicated and time consuming,” said Senator Moreno. “This bill will remove a great deal of red tape so that transgender individuals can more easily obtain a birth certificate that actually reflects who they are.”
Currently, transgender individuals must obtain a court order stating they have had a sex change by surgical procedure to have their birth certificate amended. HB19-1039 will no longer require a court order for Coloradans to secure a legal name change when seeking an updated birth certificate to accurately reflect their correct gender designation. The bill also makes it simpler for people born out of state to have their birth certificate amended in Colorado.
“Requiring a serious medical procedure in order to change one’s gender on a birth certificate is expensive and violating,” said Senator Moreno. “I am proud to see my bill to support the transgender community of Colorado take this important step forward out of committee.”
HB19-1039 would also exempt transgender individuals from having to submit a public notice of name change. Additionally, it makes transgender Coloradans eligible to be issued a new driver’s license or identity document with the proper gender denotation.
For more information on HB19-1039, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1039.
###
Senator Kerry Donovan’s Companion Bills to Address the High Cost of Healthcare Pass the Senate Health and Human Services Committee
March 13, 2019
Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today voted to advance two bills sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) that address the high cost of healthcare in Colorado, particularly in rural communities. Both bills now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
“Coloradans demanded action on healthcare this past November, and these bills present innovative Colorado solutions to reign in the high cost of health insurance,” said Senator Donovan. “These bills will deliver affordable options so Coloradans can get the treatment they need without having to choose between paying for healthcare or paying a mortgage.”
SB19-004, which passed committee with bipartisan support, addresses the high cost of healthcare in Colorado by modernizing laws that allow healthcare cooperatives to incorporate consumer protections, such as coverage for preexisting conditions, and encourages consumers to negotiate rates on a collective basis directly with providers.
“Coloradans take care of each other, and cooperatives will empower people to come together and take action to address the high cost of healthcare. Co-ops are member owned, so the focus isn’t on profits, but on getting people the care they need,” said Senator Donovan.
HB19-1004, which has a Republican co-sponsor in the House and passed that chamber with bipartisan support, would study how to leverage existing state infrastructure to create a publicly supported health insurance option, delivering affordable health insurance to hardworking Coloradans across the state.
“This is a reset for healthcare in Colorado. No state in the nation has implemented a statewide public option, but Colorado has taken an innovative and responsible approach to do so that will increase competition and deliver affordable, accessible healthcare to Coloradans all across this state,” added Senator Donovan.
A lack of competition is a major reason why residents in rural and mountain communities pay about $500 more per month for similar healthcare plans offered elsewhere. While Coloradans living in urban areas have several options to choose from on the individual market, there are 14 counties in Colorado that only have one health insurance provider.
“Too many Coloradans, particularly those in rural communities, are struggling to afford the care they need. These bills will provide relief to those living in areas with little competition and high insurance premiums while we work towards a statewide public option that will help people in every corner of Colorado,” added Senator Donovan.
SB19-004 and HB19-1004 are both sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts (D-Avon) in the Colorado House of Representatives. HB19-1004 passed the House by a vote of 46-17-1 on March 4, 2019.
For more information about SB19-004, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-004.
For more information about HB19-1004, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1004.
###
Majority Leader Fenberg’s Effort to Prioritize Health and Safety of Coloradans, Empower Local Communities Passes the Senate
March 13, 2019
Denver, CO -- Majority Leader Steve Fenberg’s top legislative priority this session, SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations, today passed the Senate by a vote of 19-15 (one excused).
In addition to a robust stakeholder process with all sides, the legislation was debated for more than 30 hours over three public committee hearings and two Senate floor debates. The legislation now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives where it will also undergo three committee hearings that are open to the public and two floor debates.
"This is a giant step forward for local governments and the health and public safety of all Coloradans," said Majority Leader Fenberg. "I'm extremely proud of all the progress we made to make this bill better through hearings, debate, and conversations with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. We are long overdue for meaningful reforms to our oil and gas regulations in this state, and today we passed a commonsense solution that will empower local governments and prioritize public health and safety over industry profits."
The bill is the most significant and meaningful reform to oil and gas regulations that have passed the Senate in over 60 years. The bill seeks to provide peace of mind for Coloradans by clarifying that the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s mission is to regulate, not foster, the industry. It will empower local governments to take control over what is happening in their backyards and equip them with the tools they need to stand up for their community’s best interests.
To learn more about SB19-181 and the bill’s amendments, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-181.
###
Statement of Senate President Leroy Garcia on Legal Action from Senate Republicans
March 12, 2019
Denver, CO — In response to legal action taken by Colorado Senate Republicans, President Leroy M. Garcia released the following statement:
“When I accepted the gavel, I said that the people of Colorado did not elect us to engage in political gamesmanship. In that spirit, I have given every bill a fair hearing and have been committed to working across the aisle.
But Senate Republicans have decided to employ unprecedented partisan tactics, abuse taxpayer dollars, and waste time that could be spent working for the people of Colorado. This political gamesmanship is more fitting of Washington, D.C. than Colorado — we are better than this.
It is not too late. My door is open, and my colleagues are welcome to discuss how we can come together to ensure we pass the best policy for Coloradans - like we were elected to do.”
###
Senate Passes Bipartisan Criminal Justice Sentencing Reform Bill
March 8, 2019
Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate this morning voted 24-to-11 to pass HB19-1148, Change Maximum Criminal Penalty One Year to 364 Days, a bill from Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) that will reform our sentencing laws in order to reduce deportations for minor crimes. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature.
“HB19-1148 simply reduces the maximum potential sentence for second degree misdemeanors and municipal offenses from one year to 364 days. Due to a quirk in immigration law, visa holders were subject to deportation— even for exceptionally minor offenses,” said Senator Gonzales. “This bill will help lawful permanent residents and visa holders in Colorado to resolve their county and municipal offenses quickly.”
Colorado is in the minority of states with penalties for misdemeanor crimes so harsh that they trigger deportation. HB19-1148 changes the maximum jail sentence for class 2 misdemeanors, misdemeanors without a fixed statutory penalty, and municipal ordinance violations from one year to 364 days, addressing a critical deportation issue that is triggered upon a 365-day statutory sentence. This legislation would also increase court efficiencies.
“I am so proud that the Senate has voted to make this small change that will have a big impact on people’s lives,” added Senator Gonzales, “and I look forward to the day when HB19-1148 is signed into law.”
For more information on HB19-1148, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB19-1148.
###
President Garcia’s Healthcare Bills Unanimously Pass Senate Appropriations Committee
Two healthcare bills sponsored by Senate President Leroy M. Garcia, including SB1, pass through Senate Appropriations Committee
March 8, 2019
Denver, CO – SB19-001 and SB19-065, two priority bills sponsored by Senate President Leroy M. Garcia (D-Pueblo), today unanimously passed through the Senate Appropriations Committee. The two bills now move to the Senate floor for consideration.
- SB19-001, Expand Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Pilot Program, is a bill that would provide $5 million in funding over two years to rapidly expand the MAT pilot program across the state to help Coloradans battling opioid addiction in the highest-need counties.
- SB19-065, Peer Assistance Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Provider, is a bill that would help EMS providers who are struggling get the treatment they need to safely return back to service. It would do so by creating a peer assistance program to offer education, support, counseling, and treatment to EMS providers who struggle with chemical dependency, mental illness, or any other personal, emotional, or psychological problems related to their work.
“Senate Bills 1 and 65 are more than just a critical component of improving our healthcare system – they are also important to me personally as an Emergency Medical Service provider,” said President Garcia. “I am proud that these bills are on their way to becoming law so we can support individuals struggling with drug abuse and the first responders who help them.”
To learn more about these bills, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-001 and https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-065.
###
Senate Education Committee Passes Senator Story’s Bill to Regulate Online Schools
March 8, 2019
| Denver, CO – The Senate Education Committee recently voted 3-to-2 to advance SB19-129 , a bill sponsored by Senator Tammy Story that would require online schools to collect and report data to the online division within the Department of Education. The bill now moves to the Committee of the Whole for consideration. “As more students enroll in non-traditional schools, we need to level the playing field – and that means holding schools accountable,” said Senator Story. “This bill is about ensuring that every student in Colorado, regardless of the format in which they are educated, gets the best education possible and has a fair shot at success.” SB19-129 would require the online division of the Department of Education to collect information biannually concerning students who withdraw from enrollment in an online school, including whether that student enrolls in another school and whether they complete a high school equivalency examination. The Department of Education would summarize this information and then present it to the State Board of Education and the House and Senate Education Committees. Under existing law, an online school is subject to the same accountability requirements as other public schools. The bill states that if an online school is on performance watch and changes authorizers, the online school remains on performance watch. If an online school is closed because of actions taken as a result of accountability, the online school must apply for new certification before it can operate again either as the original online school or as a successor school, regardless of whether the online school changes authorizers. To learn more about SB19-129, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-129. |
###
Senator Williams’ Electric Motor Vehicle Bill Passes the Senate
March 8, 2019
Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 18-to-17 to pass SB19-077, Electric Motor Vehicles Public Utility Services, a bill sponsored by Senator Angela Williams that will allow investor-owned utility companies to own and operate electric motor vehicle charging stations as part of their regulated services in an effort to expand the use of electric cars in Colorado. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“I am proud that the Senate passed this bill which will encourage electric vehicle usage in our state, benefiting our economy, our businesses, and our environment,” said Senator Williams. “This is a commonsense solution that will ensure Colorado continues to be a leader in environmental protection and economic growth.”
SB19-077 encourages electric vehicle use in Colorado by giving energy companies and the Public Utilities Commission a common goal: to encourage more electric charging stations throughout the state. This bipartisan bill improves our state’s infrastructure and economy in the short-term and will help our entire state move toward a future of electric vehicles in the long-term.For more information about SB19-077, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-077.
###
Majority Leader Fenberg’s Effort to Prioritize Health and Safety of Coloradans When Regulating Oil and Gas Operations Moves Forward
March 7, 2019
Denver, CO -- After over seven hours of testimony, SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations, today passed the Senate Finance Committee with a vote of 4-3. In response, Majority Leader Steve Fenberg released the following statement.
“Changes to Colorado’s regulatory framework around oil and gas development are long overdue. I’m proud that so many Coloradans have come to the Capitol this week to voice their support for our effort to prioritize their health and safety. We’ve offered amendments every step of the way and continue to have substantive conversations with stakeholders everyday to make this bill better. l look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to pass legislation that will empower local communities across Colorado.”
To learn more about SB19-181, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-181.
###
Senate Health and Human Services Committee Unanimously Passes Senator Moreno’s Hospital Transparency Bill
March 7, 2019
Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today voted unanimously to advance HB19-1001, Hospital Transparency Measures to Analyze Efficacy, a bill sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) to help increase hospital spending transparency and ultimately save Coloradans money on healthcare costs. This bill now heads to the Committee of the Whole with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar for consideration.
While hospitals are receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from state and federal governments, particularly in rural areas, privately insured individuals are somehow paying more for care. In fact, hospital care appears to make up roughly 40 percent of Colorado’s total healthcare costs.
“I’m proud that we have the support of not just Colorado voters, but the hospitals as well, as we work to get a better understanding of hospital spending,” said Senator Moreno. “By allowing a closer look into hospitals’ finances, we will be able to find new ways to lower healthcare costs for every Coloradan.”
HB19-1001 will require that hospitals provide annual reports tracking their spending, allowing state officials to get to the bottom of where this money is going. The final expenditure report would be available online to all Coloradans, as well as presented to the Governor and certain legislative committees.
The bill passed the Colorado House of Representatives on January 31, 2019 with a vote of 39-22 with 3 abstaining.
To learn more about HB19-1001, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1001.