Bill to Strengthen Colorado's Opportunity Scholarship Initiative Passes Senate

2020 COSI bill aims to align scholarship initiatives with financial aid best practices

Denver, CO – Today, the Senate passed SB20-006, Senator Zenzinger's bill to strengthen the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) program. The bill would broaden COSI’s assistance approach to a more holistic and inclusive model–– tying scholarships to the rising costs of attendance rather than to tuition alone. It also improves student success and support services and allows more institutions to receive funding. The vote was approved by the Senate unanimously and now moves on to the House for consideration.

"Going to college is becoming more of a workforce necessity, yet higher education costs are growing exponentially–making it less and less accessible," said Senator Zenzinger (D-Arvada). "Our college students need scholarships and wrap-around support programs like the ones offered in COSI so that they have opportunities to pursue their goals without being saddled with a lifetime of debt."

A 2013 Georgetown study predicted that by 2020, Colorado’s economy will require the second-most educated workforce in the nation, with 74% of jobs needing some kind of postsecondary degree. But right now, only about half of Colorado adults have a degree or certificate. 

What SB-006 does:

• Changes "tuition assistance" to "financial assistance" tied to cost of attendance

Changing this definition allows funds to be utilized for wraparound services, and would provide clarification around eligible expenses for financial aid administrators.

• Removes funding cap requirement to improve student success and support services

Removing the cap will allow for the expansion of wraparound support programming, which directly impacts COSI recipients by increasing student retention and degree completion.

• Allows more government agencies such as colleges, universities, and school districts to receive funding directly, in addition to community organizations and related foundations

"As a result of the proposed changes, COSI will be administered more efficiently to allow the program to align with research and national best practices and aid the Department in reaching 66% educational attainment by 2025. I'm proud to see how far COSI has come since our early days working on the program, and can’t wait to achieve even more success," said Sen. Zenzinger.

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative is Colorado’s premier scholarship program– serving over 75,000 students in 61 counties across the state since 2014. Program participants also graduate at a 15% higher rate than their peers and are largely composed of students of color. 

Senate Dems Condemn Hateful GOP Attacks on LGBTQ Community

Denver, CO – Today several dangerous and misguided GOP bills will be heard in the House, including attempts to harm transgender, intersex and nonbinary youth rights and prevent loving LGBTQ families from adopting children.

“These bills would cause active harm to communities in Colorado, and indicate how far some Republicans are willing to go to restrict LGBTQ rights,” said Sen. Dominick Moreno (D-Denver). 

This year, we're building on LGBTQ wins we achieved last session, like protecting community members from harmful and misinformed practices like conversion "therapy." Sen. Moreno is sponsoring legislation to simplify Jude's Law to allow minors to obtain a new birth certificate that aligns with their gender identity —without requiring surgery or clinical care.

"As a member of this community, these bills are caustic attacks on LGBTQ rights. I will always stand up for LGBTQ equality and everything that we have fought so hard to achieve," said Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins).

Senate Dems Advance Innovative Program, Kill Dangerous GOP Bills

SB 20-31 passes Senate Education committee

Denver, CO – Today the Senate Education committee passed SB-031: Improve Student Success Innovation Pilot. The bill helps students pursuing postsecondary credentials and degrees through encouraging institutions to collaborate together to work on programs to retain students, boost Colorado's adult workforce and fill shortages in much-needed positions.

"It's clear there's need for more skilled workers here in Colorado. Workers are traveling here from other states because Colorado can't provide the skilled workforce," said Sen. Tammy Story (D-Littleton). "This bill is to allow institutions to collaborate in order to get students there, keep them there, graduate them and ensure they have a sustainable future — the whole pathway."

The bill allows for collaboration to identify barriers to postsecondary education, with four goals to increase attainment: increase credential completion, erase equity gaps, improve student success and invest in affordable & innovative programs. The program incentivizes institutions to address barriers like financial aid, housing or food insecurity, and mental and behavioral health.

Also up in committee today: three dangerous GOP-sponsored bills that would have targeted equity in neighborhood schools, undermined teachers' unions and dismantled education frameworks and protections.

Read more about Sen. Story's bill here: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB20-031

Bill Incentivizing Recycling Efforts in Colorado Moves Forward

Colorado Senate Democrats work to protect our environment for generations to come

DENVER, CO  – Bipartisan legislation that aims to protect Colorado’s environment by incentivizing recycling was approved by the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee yesterday. This bill would improve recycling rates in Colorado by supporting the development of end-market recycling businesses. 

“Colorado is our home, and we must do everything in our power to protect it,” said Senator Story (D-Conifer). “By investing in our future and incentivizing recycling, we can further protect our environment and ensure our children, and their children will be able to call Colorado home for generations to come. ”

Colorado is falling behind when it comes to recycling. In 2018, Colorado’s recycling rate was almost half the national average, while only 50% of counties even had recycling services available. Currently, Colorado lacks the infrastructure to handle its recycling needs and is forced to send recyclables elsewhere. This can create unsustainable costs for business and a pressing need for more in-state solutions.  

SB20-055, sponsored by Senators Tammy Story and Kevin Priola, would incentivize the creation of more recycling facilities by lessening the property tax burden on eligible business owners. The bill would also direct the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to create a pollution prevention advisory board, educate Colorado residents concerning recycling, and conduct a literature review of what other states are doing in terms of recycling.

For additional information about SB20-055, please click here.  

Bill to Increase Cost of Living Adjustment for CO Works Advances

SB 20-029 passes the Senate Finance Committee unanimously

Denver, CO – Today the Senate Finance committee advanced legislation to increase the cost of living adjustment for Colorado Works program participants. Colorado families of all backgrounds work hard to provide a better life for their children. But  poverty rates among children in Colorado vary by race and ethnicity, as a result of policies and practices that have created and maintained inequitable opportunities in areas like housing and employment. SB-029 helps bridge those gaps.

"When we as a community remove barriers to financial security for families experiencing the most obstacles, we ensure kids start off on a strong path," said Sen. Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora). 

"Studies show that increases in family income – including through direct financial assistance programs – can lead to improved outcomes for kids living in poverty and even increase a child’s future earnings," said Sen. Dominick Moreno (D-Denver).

In 2018 the Colorado Works program saw its first cost-of-living increase in a decade. SB-29 would increase the amount of Basic Cash Assistance payments to make up for the lack of adjustment for inflation since the program was created in 1996. It would implement an annual cost-of-living adjustment so that the Basic Cash Assistance value keeps up with actual living expenses.

Bill to Pay Student Athletes Passes Education Committee Unanimously

SB 20-123 allows for compensation and legal representation

DENVER, CO – SB 20-123 to pay student athletes passed the Senate Education Committee unanimously today. The bill, sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields and Jeff Bridges, would allow student athletes to receive compensation when their identity is used.

“This bill is all about doing what's best for the students,” said Senator Fields (D-Aurora). “Student athletes are waking up early in the morning, training for hours all while maintaining a full schedule of classes and good grades — and they deserve to be fairly compensated for that.”

"This is about the Colorado values of fairness and opportunity," said Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Littleton). "Universities and the NCAA make hundreds of millions of dollars from the efforts of our student athletes. They deserve the right to control the use of their own name, image and likeness."

The bill establishes college athletes' rights to earn compensation from the use of the student's name, image, or likeness, and allows for them to obtain professional and legal representation. Additional information about SB20-123 can be found here.

Senate Education Committee Passes Training Supports For Educators

SB 20-001 heads to Senate Appropriations committee

Denver, CO – Today the Senate Education committee passed SB-001 to expand behavioral health training for K-12 educators. Our teachers, administrators, and school personnel are on the frontlines of the growing mental health crisis in our schools, and this bill establishes programs to support them in supporting our students. The statistics speak for themselves:

• America’s teen suicide rate is increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2013 and 2017, suicide was the leading cause of death among Colorado youth ages 10 – 18.

• A report recently published by the United Health Foundation found that half of Colorado children aged 3 to 17 do not receive the mental health counseling that they need.

“Teachers are in many ways, the mental-health first responders for our kids. They exist on the frontlines of our child suicide crisis, and they need our help,” said bill sponsor Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora). “We must give educators the necessary tools to support students when they desperately need it, or we will continue to see kids struggle in silence."

SB20-001 will provide funding to expand professional development opportunities via the Colorado Department of Education for school personnel related to youth behavioral and mental health issues. Prevention, early intervention, and stigma reduction are key factors in improving mental health and wellness.

“My son Robbie died by suicide October 11, 2018. He was 15 years old. We were at a parent teacher conference and came home to our worst nightmare," said Keri Eckert founder of Robbie’s Hope Foundation. “Mental illness is treatable, yet many teens struggle silently alone. It’s time we give teachers and students what they are asking for and need.”

This bipartisan bill will establish a network of qualified trainers in schools across the state. These trainers will be able to instruct their colleagues in the skills they need to identify students facing behavioral health or substance use issues and provide them with the tools and resources they need address this challenge. Learn more about the bill here.

Bill To Make Biking Safer Advances to State House

DENVER, CO – February 6 – On Thursday, the Colorado State Senate voted to advance SB20-061, Yield to Bicycles in Bicycle Lanes, on a 22-11 vote. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Foote and Speaker K.C. Becker, intends to help make bike lanes safer and clarify who is at fault for crashes that occur within bike lanes.

Injuries to bicyclists are becoming increasingly common. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), who supports SB20-061, cyclist fatalities in Colorado have increased by 31% over the last five years.

“We have seen instances where a cyclist is in the bike lane obeying the law but still given a ticket after being hit by a motorist,” Sen. Foote said. “Enforcement varies across jurisdictions and police departments so we want to make sure the law is clear.”

The bill will create a class A traffic offense for failing to yield in a bike lane and sets a penalty for individuals cited for that offense. The bill will now move to the Colorado State House, where Speaker K.C. Becker is the prime sponsor.

More information on SB20-061, including the text of the bill, can be found at: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb20-061

Bill to Support Our State Military Forces Passes Unanimously

SB 20-091 increases the minimum pay for service members

Denver, CO – Sen. Rachel Zenzinger's bill SB-091: Minimum Pay For State Military Forces passed the Senate on Friday. The bipartisan bill increases pay for our military members who are called into service by the governor.

"Our state military forces leave paying jobs to protect and defend Colorado in the event of a disaster or emergency to work 12-hour shifts on less than $2 an hour," said bill sponsor Sen. Rachel Zenzinger. "This bill brings the minimum pay for our members into the 21st century."

Right now, the minimum pay for our service members called up to active duty is just $20 a day. When Colorado experiences natural disasters or emergencies, our members deserve pay that has kept pace with today's inflation and living costs.

SB-091 passed the Senate State Veterans & Military committee and the full Senate unanimously. The bill now heads to the House.

Learn more here.

Senate Democrats Protect Access to Reproductive Health Care

GOP bills target access, emergency contraception

Denver, CO – Today is Reproductive Freedom Day at the Colorado StateCapitol, and right now, Senate Democrats are defending all aspects of reproductive health care in our state, including abortion access.

Caucus members on the State, Veterans & Military Affairs committee voted down an incredibly misleading bill on Monday, SB-077, which is a dangerous attempt to limit reproductive care in some of the most tragic and deeply personal cases.

At least two other extremely troubling anti-choice bills have been introduced in the legislature, including attempts to make Plan B a felony and a 22-week abortion ban, which would actively harm those needing urgent care in cases of fetal anomalies, genetic disorder or severe medical problems.

And right now, 87% of Colorado counties have no access to necessary reproductive services, including abortion care. With the fate of Roe v. Wade hanging in the balance at the Supreme Court, we're fighting to make sure that all Coloradans can make these important and personal decisions without restrictions or government intrusion.

“Government doesn’t have a place in these kinds of personal decisions," said Sen. Jeff Bridges. "I’m committed to ensuring access to reproductive health care for everyone in Colorado.”

In light of Reproductive Freedom Day today, it's essential to ensure that Coloradans, regardless of geography, age, or income deserve access to the full spectrum of reproductive rights and health care, including emergency contraception, maternity care, and birth control — without shame or stigma.

“Reproductive freedom is a cornerstone of our democratic commitment to access and privacy in health care, and these deeply personal decisions should only ever be between families and their doctor,” said Sen. Jessie Danielson.

Food Donations, Courthouse Access & Workers Compensation for Dispatchers Bills Pass Senate

Denver, CO – Three critical bills passed an important hurdle Tuesday on their way to becoming law: 

• SB-090 to ease restrictions for organizations looking to donate food passed unanimously. This bill helps clear the way for individuals and nonprofits looking to donate wholesome foods to assist those facing hunger and poverty.
   

• SB-026, which supports the mental health of our emergency responders and dispatchers also passed the Senate with bipartisan support. Our emergency response centers, highway patrols and officers protect us every day while being subject to extreme and taxing situations. The bill expands workers' compensation to include psychological audible trauma.
   

• SB-083 also passed with bipartisan support and ensures access to justice for all Coloradans by outlawing civil arrests in our courthouses. By protecting that access, we uphold our commitment to justice for all.

  
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Bill to Increase Health Providers for Colorado Seniors Passes Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Denver, CO – The Senate Health & Human Services committee passed SB-022: Increase Medical Providers for Seniors on a 4-1 vote today. SB-022 tackles one of Colorado’s most pressing issues — the lack of health care available to our state’s aging population. This bill aims to increase the number of medical providers available to senior citizens by offering education incentives for geriatric care providers. 

With a sharp rise in Colorado’s aging senior population in the coming decades, Colorado faces a severe shortage of geriatric medical providers available to take care of their growing medical needs. Without health care readily available for this aging population, it can often mean the difference between life and death for them.

“Our growing senior population deserves compassionate and capable health care, but right now Colorado simply doesn’t have enough physicians to care for them,” bill sponsor Sen. Jessie Danielson said. “We need to work proactively to stem this growing issue now. This bill helps address the problem by incentivizing great providers to pursue great careers in geriatric care.”

Colorado’s 65+ population will increase by 40% between by 2030, and will only continue to grow from there. There’s already a shortage of at least 200 medical care providers trained to work with seniors, and that gap will only continue to grow. SB-022 helps address this gap.

This bill aids critical shortages in Colorado by expanding the Colorado Health Service Corps loan repayment program to advanced practice nurses, physicians assistants, and other providers who practice geriatric primary care in our state’s shortage areas, including rural areas and underserved parts of our state. 

For more information about SB20-022, please click here.

Alcohol Beverage License and Permit Expiration Passes Senate Business, Labor + Tech

DENVER, CO — The Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee passed SB20-086: Alcohol Beverage License and Permit Expiration unanimously. This bill gives the State Licensing Authority and Liquor Enforcement division authority to set a renewal application fee by rule and the ability to allow online renewals and payment of fees. Per statute, all fees must be set at an amount to cover the direct and indirect costs of the LED operations.

“SB20-086 helps solve a fundamental problem in the funding structure that has been getting worse instead of better. By altering the funding structure while also allowing for online renewal and fee payments, both the Liquor Enforcement Division and the businesses that work with them will be able to function more efficiently,” said prime sponsor Senator Angela Williams (D-Denver). 

Co-sponsor Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert said that “application fees have changed 6 times since 2016. This inconsistency has affected the market and makes the job more challenging for both licensing authorities and licensees. Stabilizing the fees gives the Liquor Enforcement Division the resources they need to do their jobs and provides the predictability small businesses need to take part in Colorado’s economy."

Allowing the Liquor Enforcement Division to set renewal fees stabilizes the new application fee and spreads the cost of licensing across all licensees. LED anticipates a $50 renewal application fee for all licensees as well as stabilizing the new application fee at $1,300. Additionally, current statute requires renewal to be done by mail. This bill eliminates that language in order to provide flexibility for licensees to adapt to changing technology, though mail will always be an option. The bill now heads to the Senate floor.

To learn more about this bill, please visit:

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb20-086

Consumer & Employee Dispute Resolution Fairness Act Passes Senate Judiciary Committee

SB 20-093 promotes transparency and protections for consumers & employees

Denver, CO – Today the Senate Judiciary advanced legislation to increase transparency for Colorado consumers and employees with the passage of SB-093. The bill now heads to the Senate floor. 

“The forced arbitration clauses that we are dealing with, partially, in this bill are everywhere, on virtually everything,” bill sponsor Senator Mike Foote said. “I can guarantee you that everyone in this room, as a matter of fact, has used product or service today that has a forced arbitration clause attached to it."

In the last 20 years, the number of workers in arbitration clauses has more than doubled. After Wells Fargo manipulated consumers with fake accounts, forced arbitration clauses prevented over 64,000 Coloradans from seeking justice in a class action suit. Millions of workers and consumers are forced into these clauses with little ability to defend themselves against corporations with endless resources.

"By 2024, it's estimated that more than 4 in every 5 workers will be forced to sign an arbitration agreement in their hiring process. It can be used to silence victims of sexual harassment in the workplace, and can impact students who take out private loans for their education," Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg said. "This issue touches all Coloradans, and we all deserve a fair process when we have a dispute."

The Consumer And Employee Dispute Resolution Fairness Act addresses the need for ethics, fairness and transparency in arbitration and other agreements so everyday consumers or employees can hold corporations responsible.

SB-093 would:

• Establish ethics and conflicts of interest standards for arbitrators similar to those followed by judges and others in the legal profession to prevent bias and discrimination

• Create basic public transparency requirements for arbitrators so consumers, employees and the public are able to identify bad behavior and prevent corporate concealment

• Addresses unenforceable terms that discourage people from bringing their claim forward, such as forcing out-of-state arbitration and waiving rights under other areas of law

Rural Economic Development Initiative Grant Program Passes Senate!

Sen. Kerry Donovan's bipartisan bill stimulates job creation and rural growth

Denver, CO – Big news: The REDI grant program passed the Senate with bipartisan support today. SB-002 directs REDI grant money towards applicants like small businesses, beginning farmers and local governments to support job creation in rural communities. Grant requests have exceeded the programs budget each year, illustrating its success and the increased need to stimulate rural economies through job creation.

"I am proud that this bill passed today with bipartisan support," said bill sponsor Sen. Kerry Donovan (Vail). "This sends a clear message that the Senate wants to invest in rural Colorado and support job creation that will build economic opportunity in rural communities for years to come."

REDI targets rural counties with populations of 50,000 residents or smaller and will create new jobs in rural Colorado. The Department of Local Affairs, in conjunction with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, oversee the allocation of grant funds.

REDI is a program that was established in 2013-2014 as a response to closed correctional facilities and job loss in rural Colorado. SB20-002 strengthens the REDI grant program and promotes job creation in rural economies for a sustainable economic future. 

Senate Education Advances Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Adult Education

More than 300,000 Colorado adults lack a high school diploma. But 74% of jobs in Colorado now require some level of postsecondary education. Today the Senate Education committee advanced bipartisan legislation to expand adult education grant programs. SB-009 strengthens our current workforce as well as future ones: adult education supports families through increasing likelihood of childhood academic success, improved health outcomes and reducing recidivism rates.

"Basic education should be a right for all citizens, no matter their age," said sponsor Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). "We need strong, supportive programs that equip our residents for a rapidly changing workforce and also give them the tools necessary to be active partners in their children's education and participants on our democracy."

SB-009 expands grant funding to adult education providers who partner with K-12 schools, not just providers who partner with postsecondary and job placement programs. This helps improve literacy and livelihoods for not just today's adult students, but future generations as well. It's anticipated that SB-009 will raise the number of adult learners served by 50%.

Military + Veterans' Support Bills Pass Unanimously

Two bills passed unanimously out of Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs committee this afternoon to honor and recognize our military members & veterans:

SB-091: Minimum Pay for Military Forces
Sen. Rachel Zenzinger

Right now the minimum pay for a member called to service by the governor is just $20 per day. Under existing law, the governor may activate the state military forces, including National Guard units, for state active duty to protect and serve during natural disasters and civil emergencies. A member's pay is determined by the member's rank and years of service, but this bill increases the minimum pay and establishes the standard that enlisted members receive pay equal to E-4 rank with over six years of service.

SB-082: Department Of Military And Veterans Affairs Awards
Sen. Nancy Todd

This bill creates the Colorado Legion of Merit Medal to honor our exceptional service members and those who exhibit unprecedented acts of heroism. The bill makes changes regarding eligibility and criteria for certain medals awarded by Dept. of Military & Veterans Affairs.

Both bills are now moved to second reading to be approved on the consent calendar.

JOIN US FOR #COSIDay AT THE CAPITOL

Denver, CO – A 2013 Georgetown study predicted that by 2020, Colorado’s economy will require the second most educated workforce in the nation, with 74% of jobs needing some kind of postsecondary education. But right now, just over half of Colorado adults have a degree or certificate. We're tackling higher education affordability and access this session to expand funding and opportunities to all Coloradans in a number of ways:

The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) is Colorado’s premier scholarship program. Since 2014, COSI has served over 75,000 students in 61 counties across the state. Join sponsor Sen. Rachel Zenzinger and stakeholders tomorrow to kick things off: 
 

Wednesday, January 22, 2020
West Foyer, 8:15 - 8:45
Meet & Greet Breakfast

What SB-006 does:

• Changes "tuition assistance" to "financial assistance" tied to cost of attendance

Changing this definition allows funds to be utilized for wraparound services, and would provide clarification around eligible expenses for financial aid administrators.

• Removes funding cap requirement to improve student success and support services

Removing the cap will allow for the expansion of wraparound support programming, which directly impacts COSI recipients by increasing student retention and degree completion.

• Allows more government agencies such as colleges, universities, and school districts to receive funding, in addition to community organizations and related foundations

COSI currently provides funding to colleges, universities, school districts and community organizations. Many of the agencies that receive funding and provide services are likely governmental agencies, but the law requires district or college foundations to receive the funding when in some cases the district or college itself may be a more appropriate recipient.

"As a result of the proposed changes, COSI will be administered more efficiently to allow the program to align with research and national best practices and aid the Department in reaching 66% educational attainment by 2025. I'm proud to see how far COSI has come since our early days working on
the program, and can’t wait to achieve even more success," said Sen. Zenzinger.

In addition to COSI, Sen. Zenzinger's bill (SB-009) expands grant programs for existing and new adult education. Better investment in Colorado's adult education systems bolsters our economy and improves the workforce while supporting the families and communities who need it most.

40 General Assembly Democrats Call on Colorado's Congressional Delegation to Resolve the Immigration Crisis

Denver, CO – In response to reports about the Trump administration's detention of asylum seekers in abysmal conditions, 40 Democrats in the General Assembly wrote the following letter calling on Colorado's Congressional delegation to resolve the immigration crisis facing our country:We, the undersigned members of the Colorado General Assembly, are appalled to read reports about the Trump administration’s detention of asylum seekers in abysmal conditions, and the recent reports of ICE’s plans to conduct deportation raids this week across the country and here in Colorado. These actions are meant to stoke fear and undermine the community’s trust, which will make us all less safe. We remind Colorado’s immigrant and refugee families that the U.S. Constitution protects us all, regardless of our immigration status. To that end, we share Know Your Rights [link: https://www.informedimmigrant.com/how-to-prepare-yourself-for-an-immigration-raid/] resources so that families can avail themselves of Constitutional protections. We also invite Coloradans to call the Colorado Rapid Response Hotline at 1-844-864-8341 to document and report concerns about ICE activity. Lastly, we call on our Colorado Congressional delegation — both Republicans and Democrats, in both the House and Senate — to stop pointing fingers and to get to work to resolve this immigration crisis. Coloradans elected us all to solve real problems, and we need you, our partners in Congress, to support common-sense and humane solutions that align with the American public’s support, including reforming our broken immigration system, ensuring greater accountability of ICE, and ending the separation of families by ensuring fair asylum processes. Respectfully, [In alphabetical order by last name] Speaker KC BeckerRepresentative Adrienne BenavidezRepresentative Shannon Bird Senator Jeff BridgesRepresentative Yadira CaraveoRepresentative James Rashad Coleman Senator Lois Court Representative Lisa Cutter Senator Jessie DanielsonRepresentative Monica DuranRepresentative Tony ExumRepresentative Daneya EsgarSenator Steve Fenberg Senator Rhonda Fields Senator Mike FooteSenator Joann Ginal Senator Julie Gonzales Representative Serena Gonzales-GutierrezRepresentative Chris HansenRepresentative Leslie HerodRepresentative Edie Hooton Representative Dafna Michaelson JenetRepresentative Cathy KippSenator Pete LeeRepresentative Susan LontineRepresentative Julie McCluskie Representative Barbara McLachlan Senator Dominick Moreno Senator Brittany Pettersen Senator Robert RodriguezRepresentative Jonathan Singer Representative Emily Sirota Senator Tammy Story Representative Brianna Titone Senator Nancy ToddRepresentative Alex Valdez Representative Mike Weissman Senator Angela WilliamsSenator Faith WinterSenator Rachel Zenzinger

President Garcia’s Bills Supporting Colorado’s First Responders and Service Members Signed into Law

May 14, 2019

Pueblo, CO - Two of Senate President Leroy Garcia’s bills to support first responders and the families of service members were signed into law by Governor Jared Polis today.SB19-65, Peer Assistance Emergency Medical Service ProviderSenate Bill 65 will give EMS providers the support and resources they need to face the challenges and traumas of their everyday work.“I have personally seen the toll that such a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding career can have, both over the years and following particularly dark incidents. In the past, EMS providers have lacked the support systems that could help them face such challenges. But that changes today with the signing of this new law,” said President Garcia.84 percent of first responders – including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and nurses – had experienced a traumatic event on the job, according to a 2017 study by the University of Phoenix. The peer assistance program will give EMS providers critical education, support, and counseling when they face chemical dependency, mental illness, or anything else as a result of their work.For more information on SB19-065, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-065.SB19-174, Dependent Tuition Assistance Program EligibilitySenate Bill 174 would make it easier for dependents of certain service members and first responders (including deceased or disabled National Guardsman, prisoners of war, those missing in action, police officers, firefighters, and sheriffs) to be eligible to receive state tuition benefits before receiving federal benefits.“Both of these bills give back to the people who put their lives on the line to protect us all,” said President Garcia. “Today we have made it easier for dependents who have lost a parent protecting our nation to receive tuition assistance, and this is one of the biggest ways we can support them.”For more information on SB19-174, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-174.