Bill to Support Colorado’s Educator Workforce Clears Committee!

Zenzinger receives bipartisan support for legislation that will work to recruit and retain quality teachers

DENVER, CO - Today, a bill sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger was approved with bipartisan support from the Senate Education Committee. SB21-185 would help reduce the teacher shortage in Colorado by empowering local leaders to recruit subject matter experts into the educator workforce, supporting the development of a workforce that more closely reflects the diversity of Colorado’s students, and expanding pathways into the profession.

“We need to support our students by recruiting and retaining more quality teachers, teachers that will reinvigorate our schools as bright, inspiring leaders for our kids to look up to,” said Senator Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “This bill will work to attract talented educators into the profession by bringing people in from multiple entry points, including young students, new graduates, career changers, veterans, and content experts – ensuring all students have access to great teachers and role models.” 

Colorado has suffered from ongoing teacher shortages for a matter of years – seeing a 17 percent decrease in teacher preparation program enrollment over the last decade. The state also has poor diversity in its teacher workforce, with only 9 percent of teachers being people of color while 46 percent of students identify as being from BIPOC communities. Such shortages have a particularly detrimental effect on rural schools, which face even tougher challenges in recruiting and keeping teachers.

In an effort to address this ongoing challenge, the Keystone Policy Center and the Public Education & Business Coalition worked with leaders to form the Education System Resiliency and Innovation Initiative (ESRII), a broad coalition and research initiative focused on strengthening the teacher workforce, improving educator supports for teacher practice and instructional delivery, and identifying additional systemic shifts that could build off of learning from the current disruption. 

From June 2020 - January 2021, more than 80 stakeholders from across Colorado’s education ecosystem and private sector met to identify opportunities to learn from the challenges presented by COVID and innovations developed by leaders across the state responding to their local communities’ needs. In February of 2021, the group published Rebuilding Stronger which consists16 recommendations for action at the state and local levels.

SB 21-185 draws on several recommendations from this collective work as well as the previous work of the legislature, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), and the state’s broad education ecosystem.

Specifically, the bill will:

• Allow a school district or charter school to employ a person who holds an adjunct instructor authorization to teach in all content areas in order to address recruiting challenges and establish a diverse workforce.

• Create the educator recruitment and retention program (ERR) in CDE to provide support to members of the armed forces, nonmilitary-affiliated educator candidates and local education providers to recruit, select, train, and retain highly qualified educators across the state. Eligible ERR program participants may receive up to $10,000 for the tuition cost of participating in an educator preparation program.

• Create the teacher recruitment education and preparation program (TREP) program with the aim of increasing the number of students entering the teaching profession and creating a more diverse teacher workforce to reflect the ethnic diversity of the state. 

• Require the state board for community colleges and occupational education, the department of higher education, and the deans of the schools of education in Colorado institutions of higher education, to collaborate and design a teaching career pathway for individuals to enter the teaching profession.

The legislation now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Information and updates regarding the bill can be found at leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-185.

Senate Expands Access to Reproductive Healthcare

Bill to repeal restrictions on abortion care for the most vulnerable Coloradans passes upper chamber

DENVER, CO - Today, the Senate passed SB21-142, a bill sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Kerry Donovan that would allow sexual violence survivors on Medicaid to access all reproductive care options closer to home by removing restrictions on the types of buildings where care is covered as well as physician requirement barriers.

“Under current law, victims of sexual violence are forced to travel long distances in order to receive abortion care,” said Senator Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “But this bill ensures that survivors of rape and incest have access to the health services they need in Colorado, no matter their income level or where they live.”

“If you become pregnant as a result of sexual violence, you should not have to travel across the entire state to just one specific location in Denver to receive medical care. Rural sexual violence survivors are entitled to the same care and access as victims in the metro area,” said Senator Donovan (D-Vail). "This bill ensures that in the most traumatizing of times, women are supported rather than burdened."

Current law only allows public funding to be used to pay for abortion care in certain health care facilities – generally hospitals – and requires that they only be performed by a physician – despite the fact that safe abortion care is offered in several out-patient care facilities across the state, including primary care offices, OBGYN offices, abortion clinics, etc. and are routinely performed by other kinds of certified healthcare providers like nurse practitioners.

These restrictions solely and exclusively impact Medicaid-eligible sexual violence survivors because people with private insurance are not subject to facility or physician-only restrictions when seeking abortion care. As a result, sexual violence survivors on Medicaid have no options for care outside the Denver metro area. By repealing this restriction, this bill would expand this coverage to Medicaid recipients across the state, and allow survivors of sexual violence to seek the care they need closer to home.

The legislation now moves to the House for further consideration. Information and updates regarding the bill can be found at leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-142.

With a Large Roster of Bills in Play, the State Legislature Marches Toward Another Busy Week

Bills on greenhouse gas reductions, building the educator workforce, behavioral health, cultural equity, and reducing recidivism all head to committees this week

DENVER, CO - As the legislative season continues, there are many priority bills that are hoping to score in committee this week. Highlights include:

SB21-185: Supporting Educator Workforce In Colorado, sponsored by Senators Zenzinger & Rankin.

• Colorado is facing a teacher shortage. Additionally, shortages of school psychologists, school physical therapists, school social workers and school speech-language pathologists are all too common across the state. This bill seeks to address the teacher shortage in Colorado, empower local leaders in recruiting subject matter experts into the educator workforce, develop a workforce that more closely reflects the diversity of Colorado’s students, elevate the teaching profession, expand pathways into the profession and raise the profile of all pathways into the education workforce.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Education Committee upon adjournment of morning floor work on Wednesday, March 31st in Senate Committee Room 357.

SB21-137: Behavioral Health Recovery Act, sponsored by Senator Pettersen.

• The pandemic has exacerbated many issues, but particularly behavioral health problems, as both our minds and bodies have been significantly burdened over the last year. Overdose deaths and suicides have skyrocketed because of the lack of access to services and a disconnection to people. This bill seeks to rectify these issues by creating various behavioral health grant programs to assist local governments and rural municipalities address substance abuse, maternal & child health, & other behavioral health prevention and treatment programs around the state.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee at 1:30PM on Wednesday, March 31st in Senate Committee Room 352.

SB21-116: Prohibit American Indian Mascots, sponsored by Senator Danielson.

• Though we have made great strides in equity, diversity, and inclusion, we still have a long way to go. This bill is a common sense proposal that prohibits the use of Native Americans as mascots--because no one’s culture or ancestral history should be a tokenized costume.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Education Committee at 1:30PM on Thursday, April 1st in Senate Committee Room 357.

SB21-146: Improve Prison Release Outcomes, sponsored by Senator Lee.

• In Colorado we must do a better job of providing former inmates with the tools necessary to reintegrate back into normal life and find pathways to seek education, employment, and ultimately, success. SB21-146 will help provide those pathways. This bill will require the Colorado Department of Corrections to develop a recommended parole plan for every inmate prior to release from prison, as well as procedures for special needs parole -- a more carefully crafted parole plan with additional support and resources for inmates with severe physical, mental, or behavioral health issues. This will not only decrease the likelihood of recidivism, but will help continue the work on the long road ahead of untangling mental health support systems and correctional facilities.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee at 1:30PM on Thursday, April 1st in Senate Committee Room 352.

HB21-1106: Safe Storage Of Firearms, sponsored by Senators Bridges & Hansen.

• Every year, thousands of gun deaths nationwide and hundreds of gun deaths in Colorado occur because of improperly and unsafely stored firearms. Additionally, people who live in homes with guns stored in an unsafe manner are more likely to commit suicide. This bill seeks to reduce gun deaths by requiring that firearms be securely stored when not in use, and requiring licensed gun dealers to provide a storage device with the purchase of firearms.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee at 1:30PM on Thursday, April 1st in Senate Committee Room 352.

In addition to the bills above, SB21:176: Protecting Opportunities And Workers' Rights Act & SB21-181: Equity Strategic Plan Address Health Disparities, which were originally on the calendar last week have been rescheduled for committees this week.

To listen to committee hearings, visit leg.colorado.gov/watch-listen. The full Senate calendar for the week can be found at http://leg.colorado.gov/session-schedule?type=senate

Senate Approves Bills to Address COVID-related Learning Loss, Improve Juvenile Justice​

Denver, CO -- Today, the Senate approved two pieces of legislation that would direct the Department of Education to prioritize filling in student learning gaps caused by the pandemic as well as make necessary improvements to Colorado’s juvenile detention system.

SB21-013, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, requires CDE to identify and create a resource bank of educational products, strategies, and services that have demonstrated effectiveness in reversing student learning loss. CDE must also provide info about nonprofit entities that school districts, boards, and charter schools can work with to improve student outcomes following the pandemic.

“With the chaos of this past year, public schools have tirelessly navigated the ever-changing needs of students and teachers – redesigning methods of instruction, dealing with ongoing health risks, and providing comprehensive community support,” said Senator Fields (D-Aurora). “But despite their best efforts, our K-12 students are now months and months behind, with low-income kids and students of color struggling even more. This bill will help fill in these gaps and make sure no student is left behind.”

SB21-066, sponsored by Senator Pete Lee will instruct the Division of Criminal Justice to instill a greater focus and emphasis on diversion programs that give troubled youth a pathway to find help, rather than just pushing them into the detention system.

“For many Coloradans, a life in and out of the criminal justice system begins as a child,” said Senator Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs), Judiciary Committee Chair. “Unfortunately in this state, we do not provide our youth with adequate support services they need to improve their lives and avoid the revolving door of jail. This bill would provide juveniles with opportunities for education, reconciliation and -- ultimately -- reformation, so that they can successfully reintegrate back into their community.” 

Bills to Expand Preventative & Reproductive Health Care Clear Committee!

Legislation would protect health coverage outlined under the ACA & expand access to critical family planning services and preventative care

DENVER, CO – Last night, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved two pieces of legislation that would permanently protect preventative health benefits covered by insurance carriers, and expand access to vital care. 

SB21-016, sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Dominick Moreno, would enshrine provisions already established by federal law under the Affordable Care Act, solidifying their place in Colorado law and ensuring that Coloradans will be protected – regardless of potential national rollbacks of insurance coverage. 

“Persisting barriers within our healthcare system keep patients from accessing the treatment they need,” said Senator Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “With this bill, we will be able to break down some of these barriers while expanding access to preventative care to ensure that our residents can get the vital services they need to stay healthy.”

The bill would also mandate an expansion of covered preventative healthcare benefits to include osteoporosis screening, urinary incontinence screening, and the screening and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

SB21-025, also sponsored by Senator Pettersen, would expand eligibility requirements for family planning services to allow more low-income Coloradans to access reproductive care – make it easier for women particularly those most marginalized, to access contraceptives.

“Reproductive health care should be a fundamental right, not a privilege. Yet countless low-income women from marginalized communities are unable to access this critical care due to cost,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood. “We need to ensure that all women, regardless of financial resources, are able to receive the family planning services they need to decide if and when they want to start a family - helping ensure financially secure and healthy families.”

As of 2019, there were 58,000 women in Colorado without health insurance coverage for family planning services, and more than 21,000 of them fell between 139% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Line.

As such, the bill would increase income eligibility limits for family planning services up to 260 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Currently, adults are eligible for these services with incomes up to 133% FPL, but tens of thousands of Coloradans lack access to needed family planning services. The legislation would also support the health and well-being of families and children by reducing unintended pregnancies, empowering people to attain their education goals, help create financially secure and strong families, and reduce the number of people who need to use Medicaid and CHP+ for pregnancy and postpartum coverage.

Both bills now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Legislation to Expand Access to Reproductive Healthcare Advances

Bill to repeal restrictions on abortion care approved by Senate Health & Human Services Committee

DENVER, CO - This afternoon, the Senate Health & Human Services Committee passed  SB21-142, a bill sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen and Senate President Pro Temp Kerry Donovan that would allow sexual violence survivors on Medicaid to access all reproductive care options closer to home by removing restrictions on the types of buildings where certain care is covered and removing the physician requirement barriers.

“Under current law, victims of sexual violence are forced to travel long distances in order to receive abortion care,” said Senator Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “But this bill ensures that survivors of rape and incest have access to the health services they need in Colorado, no matter their income level or where they live.”

“If you become pregnant as a result of sexual violence, you should not have to travel across the entire state to just one specific location in Denver to receive medical care. Rural sexual violence survivors are entitled to the same care and access as victims in the metro area,” said Senator Donovan (D-Vail). "This bill ensures that in the most traumatizing of times, women are supported rather than burdened ”

Current law only allows public funding to be used to pay for abortion care in highly specific locations and requires that they only be performed by a physician – despite the fact that safe abortion care is offered in several out-patient care facilities across the state, including primary care offices, OBGYN offices, abortion clinics, etc. and are routinely performed by other kinds of certified healthcare providers like nurse practitioners. 

These restrictions solely and exclusively impact Medicaid-eligible sexual violence survivors because people with private insurance are not subject to facility or physician-only restrictions when seeking abortion care. As a result, sexual violence survivors on Medicaid have no options for care outside the Denver metro area. By repealing this restriction, this bill would expand this coverage to Medicaid recipients across the state, and allow survivors of sexual violence to seek the care they need closer to home.

The legislation now moves to the Senate Committee of the Whole for further consideration. Information and updates regarding the bill can be found at leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-142.

Bill to Support Seniors, Increase Health Care Access Passes Committee Unanimously!

Legislation would expand access to medical providers in certain regions of the state to make it easier for seniors to access care

DENVER, CO -- Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson and Senator Brittany Pettersen that would expand access to healthcare for seniors throughout Colorado. 

“Throughout Colorado, seniors struggle to access the care they need, which is not only dangerous to their health but indicative of unacceptable neglect of our community elders,” said Senator Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “By increasing medical providers, seniors will be able to get treatment without having to travel long distances or being forced to forego care altogether. We owe it to our parents and grandparents to provide them the support they need.” 

The bill, SB21-158, would make modifications to the Colorado health service corps program to expand the availability of geriatric care providers for seniors in shortage areas in the state.

“Limited access to medical providers in certain regions of the state keep vulnerable Coloradans -- especially seniors -- from getting the care they need,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood. “Our senior population is set to increase by 40% over next decade, so with provider shortages already crippling the state, it’s imperative that we fill in these gaps – ensuring that aging Coloradans can access the dignified care they deserve.”  

Having passed the Senate Health and Human Services committee, the bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee for consideration. Track the progress of the bill here.

Bill to Establish Financial Empowerment Office Clears Committee

Senator Julie Gonzales’ bill to provide financial literacy resources and promote an equitable economic recovery passes through Senate Finance

DENVER, CO - This afternoon, Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee gave initial approval to SB21-148, a bill sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales that would create the Financial Empowerment Office in the Department of Law.

Specifically, the Office would be tasked with promoting methods to increase access to affordable financial products and resources like safe and secure banking, credit counseling, debt management, and access to capital. These tools improve Coloradans’ financial management opportunities, promote fiscal stability, and center community-informed strategies that dismantle systemic barriers for low-income Coloradans and communities of color.

“Today, leaders from the Black and Latino communities, as well as urban and rural residents, and even the banking and lending industries all testified in support,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Although Colorado’s economy appears to be on its way to recovery, a closer look reveals that low-wage workers are still very much on the margins. To ensure an equitable recovery, we must do more to level the playing field and provide everyday Coloradans with the tools they need to break out of cycles of poverty and become economically resilient. I will continue to work to ensure that the American Dream of economic freedom is accessible to all Coloradans.”

In addition to the tasks assigned, the Office will be required to collaborate with other state agencies in supporting the creation of community-based efforts and helping to build financial education and well-being in communities across the state so as to foster grassroots support and ensure community-driven results.

Having passed the Senate Finance Committee, the bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee for consideration. Track the progress of the bill here.

Boulder Senators Grieve the Senseless Loss of Life After King Soopers Shooting

Ten fatalities from mass shooting event spark pain and outrage in Colorado community 

DENVER, CO –  Following the mass shooting at a King Soopers in Boulder's Table Mesa neighborhood, senators from the community, including Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Senator Tammy Story, released the subsequent statement: 

"Yesterday our community suffered a horrifying and excruciating loss. Innocent lives were cut brutally short. Running to grab a carton of milk with their kids, or a soda on a lunch break, they were met with deadly, senseless violence. Violence that has become all too common in America. A country where 100 people are killed every day by guns and yet our federal legislation has remained painfully inadequate. We need fundamental change, or we’ll be back here again and again, in never-ending cycles of unnecessary loss and pain. Our hearts are sickeningly heavy for the families of the victims, and while we send them all our love and support, we also call on our national leaders to do more than sympathize, we need them to act. In the meantime, Colorado will continue to lead by example —passing meaningful gun safety legislation in the hopes that no family has to face this ever again.”

As Seasons Change, Senate Democrats Maintain Spring in their Step with Another Busy Week in the Legislature

Bills on financial empowerment, reproductive health care, health equity, preventative health care coverage, and worker’s rights all head to committees this week

DENVER, CO - As the Senate calendar continues to grow, several legislative priorities hope to blossom in committee this week. Highlights include:

SB21-148: Creation Of The Financial Empowerment Office, sponsored by Senator Gonzales.

• Our economic system is constructed in a way that perpetuates cycles of poverty and continues to inhibit economic mobility for the most vulnerable Coloradans. As we rebuild our economy, we must do more to lift up our most marginalized communities and give them the tools to reach economic prosperity. This bill will establish the Financial Empowerment Office to grow the financial resilience and well-being of Coloradans through specified community-derived goals and strategies. The Office will provide tools and resources that improve Coloradans’ financial management, promote financial stability, expand access to financial counseling, increase access to affordable banking and low-cost credit, and identify barriers to financial empowerment.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Finance Committee at 1:30PM today, Monday March 22nd in the Old Supreme Court Chambers.

SB21-009: Reproductive Health Care Program, sponsored by Senator Jaquez Lewis.

• Starting a family is no small decision, and it is one that should be done with careful and calculated planning. This bill seeks to assist those who are thinking of starting a family by establishing the Reproductive Health Care Program to provide a 12-month supply of contraceptives and counseling services without prior authorization or co-pays to eligible individuals, regardless of citizenship status. 

This bill will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee at 1:30PM today, Monday March 22nd in Senate Committee Room 357.

SB21-181 Equity Strategic Plan Address Health Disparities, sponsored by Senators Fields & Coram.

• Last year, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment declared racism a public health crisis. Social determinants such as zip code, ethnicity, income, food, and housing too often lead to significant health disparities and result in people of color being disproportionately impacted by sickness and instability. We must address these systemic inequities and racial biases baked into our institutions. This bill establishes the Health Disparities and Community Grant Program, which will award money for the purposes of positively affecting social determinants of health – reducing the risk of future disease and health conditions in underrepresented populations.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee at 1:30PM today, Monday, March 22nd in Senate Committee Room 357.

SB21-016: Protecting Preventive Health Care Coverage, sponsored by Senators Moreno & Pettersen.

• Although preventative healthcare screenings can significantly increase life expectancy and reduce potential insurance costs, many screenings aren’t covered by typical health plans, leaving consumers to bear the burden of cost. This bill requires the addition of several preventative health care services--including osteoporosis screening, urinary incontinence screening and STI health care--to be covered by health plans so that everyone can get the preventive care they need, regardless of cost.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee at 1:30PM on Wednesday March 24th in Senate Committee Room 357.

SB21-176: Protecting Opportunities And Workers' Rights Act, sponsored by Senators Winter & Pettersen.

• For too long, individuals – particularly women – have faced workplace harassment and discrimination without proper protections, leaving bad actors unchecked, providing no incentive for employers to address bad behavior, and allowing abuse to endure without real repercussions. The POWR Act establishes caregivers as a protected status and ensures that employers don’t discriminate against those caring for children or loved ones – a crucial provision if we are going to fully recover from this pandemic both socially and economically.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee at 1:30PM on Thursday March 25th in the Old Supreme Court Chambers.

To listen to committee hearings, visit leg.colorado.gov/watch-listen. The full Senate calendar for the week can be found at http://leg.colorado.gov/session-schedule?type=senate

JOINT RELEASE: Colorado is Bouncing Back But Long-term Challenges Remain

DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the March economic forecasts, both of which project higher General Fund revenue compared to earlier estimates, but warn of likely budgeting challenges in years to come, as structural deficits remain and the potential for TABOR refunds re-emerge. 

“Today’s budget forecast is a breath of fresh air. After a year of discouraging news and depressed projections, we are finally seeing our state’s upward trajectory materialize,” said JBC Chair Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “Thanks to the diligent efforts by this committee and an accelerated economic rebound, Colorado’s recovery is looking even more promising. At the same time, we must remember that these are one-time funds. Beyond the current fiscal year, long-term budget issues persist – making it imperative that we keep one eye on the horizon and prepare for other potential storms”

“I’m thrilled that today’s forecast shows our economy is recovering stronger than initially predicted last year and that our state and the federal stimulus efforts are starting to make a big difference for Coloradans,” said JBC Vice-Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “While our state finances are looking up, too many people in our communities are still unemployed and struggling to pay for basic needs. This better-than-expected recovery of state revenues has created an opportunity to use the one-time dollars we have to further boost our economy and help Colorado build back stronger.”

"While this revenue forecast is certainly a relief, the economic situation continues to leave many low-income families behind," said JBC Member Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. "As we move forward, particularly with our state stimulus package, we must be diligent in prioritizing equity and inclusion as well as funding for essential programs that help the most vulnerable Coloradans recover and support robust job growth."

“While we know we’re not back to where we were pre-pandemic, today’s forecast is good news for Colorado and shows we’ll have significant one-time resources to boost our economy and help Coloradans get back to work,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Federal and state stimulus efforts have kept the bottom from falling out of our economy, and as a result, we have one-time funds we can use to help Colorado recover even faster and build back stronger. I’m committed to working with the governor and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass an innovative stimulus package and a balanced budget that will forge an inclusive recovery that helps those hit hardest by the pandemic.”

The Legislative Council staff (LCS) March forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $12.7 billion in FY 2020-21 and $13.8 billion in FY 2021-2022 – a $570.9 million and $665.4 million increase from the December revenue forecast respectively. These persistent improvements in the state’s economic outlook are due in large part to federal and state stimulus dollars, which have allowed Colorado to invest in struggling industries and insulate from the most severe potentialities. However, Colorado is still seeing inequitable recovery trends, marked by severe differences between industries and income levels. This means that while some sectors and households are bouncing back to pre-recession levels, others continue to struggle. 

The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $12.9 billion for FY 2020-21, which OSPB revised upward by $425 million relative to its December estimate. For FY 2021-22, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $13.9 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $390.6 million relative to its December estimate. OSPB predicts that revenue subject to TABOR will come in below the Referendum C cap in FY20-21 and FY21-22, but TABOR refunds are forecasted to potentially return in FY22-23.

Both LCS and OSPB also identified upside risks to the forecast driven by anticipated near-term, economic booms – increasing spending, employment, incomes, and tax revenue. However, downside risks to the estimate were also identified, including the possibility of inflation, financial market volatility, and interest rate hikes as the effects of federal and state stimulus funds fade. 

Senate Democrats Address Inequities in School Funding Formula, Bolster K-12 Education

Bill would fix long-standing property tax issues and strengthen Colorado schools in every community

DENVER, CO - This afternoon, the Senate Education Committee gave bipartisan approval for HB21-1164, a bill sponsored by Education Committee Chair, Senator Rachel Zenzinger and Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, with the goal of securing adequate funding for K-12 education.

“Education funding in our state has long been an issue, and has been complicated by the entanglement of numerous property tax provisions,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “This bill moves us significantly closer to resolving the structural inequity in Colorado’s property tax system that must be fixed to ensure our schools have the funding they desperately need.”

“All Colorado students and taxpayers deserve a fair share of our public education budget,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “Funding our K-12 schools is no easy task, but it’s critical that we find equitable revenue solutions to make sure every student has access to the quality of education they deserve.”

In Colorado, K-12 education funding is largely dictated by the School Finance Act, which in 1988 set a uniform school district mill levy -- a property tax applied based on the assessed value of the property -- so that theoretically, each resident would contribute the same proportion of local property taxes to school funding. 

However, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights imposes a cap on school district tax revenue. So between 1994 and 2002, voters in 174 of 178 school districts in Colorado chose to permanently waive TABOR’s revenue limitations (“De-Bruce”) in order to fill in the gaps caused by its arbitrary restrictions on public school funding. Despite those votes, the Colorado Dept. of Education continued to require school districts to reduce their tax rates (total program mill levy) to remain under TABOR’s revenue limits – even though they were legally no longer subject to those limits. There is strong reason to believe that these forced reductions were illegitimate and the source of serious structural inequity.

Due to this error, some property owners pay tax rates that are 16 times higher than that of taxpayers in neighboring school districts on properties of the same value, which forces the state to send disproportionately high state funding to our wealthiest districts, subtracting from what would otherwise be distributed to all districts.

Following the bill’s passage on second reading in the Senate, an accompanying Supreme Court interrogatory resolution will be introduced. The Colorado Supreme Court will then review the state’s authority to align our property tax system with original voter intent, without requiring additional local elections. 

HB21-1164 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration, and should it pass, a full debate by the Senate will take place.

Bill to Improve Juvenile Justice Clears Committee!

Senator Lee champions effort to keep kids out of detention and in the process of rehabilitation

Denver, CO – Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Pete Lee that would make necessary improvements to Colorado’s juvenile detention system so that it is more equitable, just and fair.

"For many Coloradans, a life in and out of the criminal justice system begins as a child,” said Senator Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs), bill sponsor and Judiciary Committee Chair. “Unfortunately in this state, we do not provide our youth with adequate support services they need to improve their lives and avoid the revolving door of jail. This bill will increase opportunities for diversion to community-based restorative justice programs so that they can successfully reintegrate back home and become productive members of society.”

This bill will direct the Division of Criminal Justice to instill a greater focus and emphasis on diversion programs that give troubled youth a pathway to find help, rather than just pushing them into the detention system.

SB21-066 now moves to the Committee on the Whole for consideration. To track the progress of the bill, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.

JOINT RELEASE: Lawmakers, Consumers, and Small Biz Unveil Colorado Health Insurance Option

DENVER, CO – Representative Dylan Roberts, Representative Iman Jodeh, and Senator Kerry Donovan today joined Colorado health care consumers, an ER physician, and small business owners to unveil legislation to lower health insurance costs and if needed, create Colorado’s Health Insurance Option and save people money on health care.

“Now is the time for bold, necessary reforms--we’re going to lower the cost of healthcare for Coloradans and increase options for consumers in every county in our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Our bill welcomes and encourages collaboration from hospitals, health insurance companies, and prescription drug manufacturers to save Coloradans money on their health care but if the industry cannot or will not achieve a reasonable goal of lower insurance premiums, the Colorado Health Insurance Option would start in 2025 and give consumers a new, more affordable choice on the individual and small group markets.”

“We refuse to accept that there is nothing that can be done to change the status quo. As legislators, it's our job to come to the table and find solutions even when it seems impossible,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “Year after year, I hear devastating stories from my constituents whose lives have been forever altered because they and their families couldn’t afford the care that they so desperately needed, or paying for the care that saved their lives bankrupted them. The Colorado Health Insurance Option is a targeted and thoughtful approach, and it’s our best chance in years to increase access and lower the cost of health care across the state - for everyone.”

“The pandemic has only exacerbated health disparities that have long been prevalent in communities of color,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “People of color have disproportionately higher medical debt, face higher uninsured rates, and are forced more often to go to the ER for expensive care because they can’t afford the cost of health insurance. We’re going to change that. This bill will offer Coloradans a health care plan they can rely on, especially for people of color who are struggling to find quality access to affordable care.”

"Affordable and accessible health insurance furthers health and wellbeing and increases economic security for Coloradans, their families, and their businesses. By offering insurance carriers the opportunity to negotiate to meet premium reduction targets, the Colorado Health Insurance Option allows for private sector innovation, and holds the unique potential to add competition to the market to deliver meaningful results for Coloradans,” said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera who leads the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. “The Colorado Health Insurance Option is a balanced approach to bring more affordable health insurance options to Coloradans and small businesses."

Before the pandemic, 20 percent of Coloradans struggled to afford the cost of health care or went without care because they couldn't afford it. One in six Colorado counties has only one health insurance carrier on the individual market. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in the state’s health system and exacerbated existing inequities that have only made it harder for Coloradans to access affordable care.

The legislation unveiled today will bring more affordable health insurance options to Coloradans in the individual and small group market. This proposal provides the health care industry an opportunity to work collaboratively to reduce their premiums by a certain percentage each year, but allows them to innovate and figure out how to do that with minimal government intervention. If the healthcare industry doesn’t find a way to reach premium reduction targets, the State of Colorado would then step in and offer the Colorado Health Insurance Option that is more affordable than the plans currently being offered by private health insurance companies. The Colorado Health Insurance Option would be available to consumers in every county. The Colorado Option would be a standardized and affordable plan that keeps out-of-pocket costs low and drives competition across the market.

Bill to Establish Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Clears Committee with Unanimous Support

Legislation would establish a pilot program to increase access to behavioral health treatment for veterans and their families

Denver, CO – Today, the Senate Committee on State, Veteran’s and Military Affairs unanimously approved Senate President Leroy Garcia’s bill to establish a veteran suicide prevention pilot program.

The bill, SB21-129, would require the Colorado Department of Human Services to establish a veteran suicide prevention pilot program to reduce the rate of suicide and suicidal ideation among veterans. To do this, the pilot program would partner with established non-profit organizations to provide no-cost, stigma-free, confidential and effective behavioral health treatment for veterans and their families.

"Colorado’s rate of veteran suicide is higher than the national average, ” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “As a Marine Corps and Iraq war veteran and a lawmaker, those numbers are hard to hear. This bill will ensure that Colorado upholds our end of the bargain by providing critical services for veterans when they return home from service.”

This bill would first establish a program in El Paso County, the region of Colorado with the highest population of veterans. At any time, the Department of Human Services would be able to expand this program to other areas of the state. 

“Veteran suicide is a difficult challenge in this state, but the data is clear: we can prevent this tragic loss of life if we make sure our service members have access to preventative care,” said Garcia, a United States Marine Corps Veteran. “Veterans and their families have made immeasurable sacrifices to keep us safe. This bill puts Colorado on a path to ensuring that veterans who are struggling have the support they need and deserve.”

SB21-129 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for consideration. To track the progress of the bill, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.

Senate Committee Approves Bill to Establish Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board

Bill seeks to reduce costs and increase affordability of life-saving prescription drugs

DENVER, CO - In today's early hours, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved SB21-175, sponsored by Senators Jaquez Lewis and Gonzales, which would establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board.

“No one should have to choose between buying food or the prescriptions they need,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County, a pharmacist and prime sponsor of the legislation. “If we truly want to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all, then we need to find ways to lower the cost of prescription drugs. This affordability board will set an affordability standard for high-cost drugs so that more Colorado patients can access the medications they need at a price they can afford.”

1-in 3 Coloradans struggle to afford their prescriptions and must skip doses, stretch the length of their prescriptions, or delay filling prescriptions as a result. As established in the bill, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board will convene a panel of experts to investigate prescription drug cost increases, and set guardrails on cost increases for the most expensive prescription drugs in the state. 

“Prescription drug costs have risen astronomically, forcing patients to ration their medications or forego them all together,” said bill sponsor Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “This dangerous trend must end -- every Coloradan should be able to maintain their health without breaking the bank. With this bill, we can lower the ever-increasing costs of pharmaceuticals as well as address ongoing health disparities, bringing our state a step closer toward creating a healthcare system that prioritizes patients over profit.” 

The affordability board would be able to set upper payment limits for prescription drugs that meet certain cost increase thresholds. These payment limits would apply to all purchasers in the state, but will only be placed on the highest cost drugs, with purchasers continuing to be able to negotiate rates for the vast majority of drugs. The board will collect and evaluate the data necessary to review the affordability of prescription drugs and make policy recommendations to legislators. The board will be made up of nonpartisan, unpaid experts who are free from conflicts of interest. 

A recent poll from the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative found that 77% of Coloradans supported the idea of establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to analyze and act to lower the cost of certain prescription drugs -- and this bill seeks to answer their call.

SB21-175 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for consideration. To track the progress of the bill, visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-175.

Bills to Support Veterans & Improve Prison Recidivism Clear Committee

Veterans mobile support program and identification for former inmates legislation passes with bipartisan support

DENVER, CO - This afternoon, the Senate State, Veteran, & Military Affairs Committee unanimously approved two bills focusing on bolstering veteran support programs and assisting former inmates as they reintegrate back into society.

SB21-032, sponsored by Senate President Pro Temp Kerry Donovan, would establish a grant program to fund a veteran-owned and focused organization. The grant will fund the creation of a mobile support unit that will act as a point of contact to veterans outside of metropolitan areas who are experiencing homelessness or are unable to access essential services. Those essential services may include distribution of supplies, direct healthcare services, and transportation assistance.

“Veterans are over-represented in unhoused populations. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 10% of people experiencing homelessness in Colorado are people who have fought for our country,” said Senator Kerry Donovan, (D-Vail). “For many veterans experiencing homelessness, accessing essential services and care is incredibly difficult, but with this bill service providers will be able to meet people right where they are – supporting those who have sacrificed for us.”

SB21-153, sponsored by Senator James Coleman, would require the Department of Corrections to assist former offenders with acquiring state-issued identification cards and other documents so that they can overcome other barriers that a lack of identification can present for recently-released inmates.

“Without the adequate resources to integrate back into society, recently released inmates are set up to fail,” said Senator James Coleman, (D-Denver). “If we want to reduce the rate at which people return to our criminal justice system, we need to equip them with basic necessities like identification so they can seek employment, healthcare, education, and ultimately, find success.”

SB21-032 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee while SB21-153 heads the Senate floor for further consideration.

Bipartisan Measure to Enhance Electric Grid Reliability & Reduce Consumers Costs Moves Forward

Committee passes Hansen bill to establish the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority & encourage regional grid coordination

DENVER, CO - This afternoon, the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee gave bipartisan approval to SB21-072, a Hansen bill that would transition Colorado toward a regional transmission organization while simultaneously interconnecting the grid, enhancing grid reliability, decreasing costs for utilities and ratepayers, and increasing capacity for renewable energy that will help us reach out statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

“As Colorado works to navigate this inevitable transition of our energy sector, we cannot do it alone,” said Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “By interconnecting Colorado’s grid to our neighboring states through a regional transmission organization, we will not only be able to increase competition and ensure low-cost power delivery, but we’ll also be able to enhance grid reliability and more easily achieve our statewide clean energy goals."

Currently, Colorado’s grid is controlled by just a few utilities and transmission owners, which allows monopolies to dominate regions and inhibit economic competition, resulting in high-cost electricity for consumers. This bill would streamline new transmission investments and create the Colorado Energy Transmission Authority to independently develop projects that support ratepayers.

Additionally, the bill would require utilities to move toward a regional transmission organization. Our current system operates where a few power providers share resources, but they must constantly negotiate and barter with one another to sell power back and forth in bi-lateral, short-term agreements. In a regional transmission organization, that interstate commerce is instantaneous.

A recent analysis from nonpartisan Legislative Council Staff found that the bill will “facilitate and potentially accelerate the state’s ongoing transition to clean energy by alleviating constraints in transmission and market access” which will “lead to greater greenhouse gas emissions reductions than are currently projected for the electric power sector under current law.”

The legislation now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Information and updates regarding the bill can be found at leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-072.

Despite The Weekend Blizzard, Senate Democrats Plow Ahead With Legislative Work This Week

Bills on preventative health care coverage, prescription drug affordability, K-12 education, and post-incarceration transitions all head to committees this week

DENVER, CO -  With the legislative session in full swing, a flurry of bills are scheduled for Senate committees this week. Several of the legislative priorities include:

SB21-016: Protecting Preventive Health Care Coverage, sponsored by Senators Pettersen & Moreno.

• Although preventative healthcare screenings can significantly reduce life expectancy and potential insurance costs, many screenings aren’t covered by typical health plans, leaving consumers to bear the burden of cost. This bill requires the addition of several preventative health care services--including osteoporosis screening, urinary incontinence screening and STI health care--to be covered by health plans so that everyone can get the preventive care they need, regardless of cost.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee upon adjournment of floor work today, Tuesday, March 16th in Senate Committee Room 357.

SB21-153: Department of Corrections Offender Identification Assistance Program, sponsored by Senators Coleman & Cooke.

• On average, 4 out of 10 Americans that are released from prison will return. In Colorado, that number is 5 in 10. We must do a better job of providing former inmates with the tools to reintegrate back into normal life so that we can reduce the likelihood that they reenter the prison system. This bill requires the Department of Corrections to assist offenders with acquiring state-issued identification cards and other documents so that they can more easily seek employment, healthcare, education, and overcome other barriers that a lack of identification can present for recently-released inmates.

This bill will be heard by the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee at 2:00PM on Tuesday, March 16th in the Old Supreme Court Chambers.

SB21-175: Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board, sponsored by Senators Jaquez Lewis & Gonzales.

• As prescription drug costs continue to skyrocket, Coloradans are having to make impossible choices between buying their prescriptions or paying rent and buying groceries. At a time when Coloradans are already struggling with the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must do more to ensure that all Coloradans - particularly communities of color - have access to affordable health care. This bill establishes the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board, which will convene a panel of experts to investigate prescription drug costs and set guardrails on price increases for the most expensive prescription drugs in the state.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee at 1:30PM on Wednesday, March 17th in Senate Committee Room 357.

SB21-013: Reversing COVID-related Learning Loss, sponsored by Senator Fields.

• Throughout the chaos of the last year, public schools have navigated the ever-changing needs of students and teachers – having to redesign methods of instruction, address technology needs, and provide social, emotional, and food support for students, all while dealing with illness and quarantining requirements amongst pupils and staff. Despite their best efforts, our K-12 students are now somewhere between 3-9 months behind, and it’s even worse for our students of color and lower socioeconomic status. This bill seeks to fill in these gaps by directing the Department of Education to prioritize reversing student learning loss, which will urgently address our children’s educational needs and ensure no student is left behind.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee at 1:30PM on Thursday, March 18th in Senate Committee Room 357.

SB21-066: Juvenile Diversion Programs, sponsored by Senator Lee.

• For many, a life in and out of the criminal justice system begins as a child. Every child makes mistakes but some mistakes carry life-altering consequences that can hamper a young person's potential forever.  We must reverse this devastating trend and provide juvenile delinquents with social services that provide them opportunities for education, reconciliation, and ultimately, reformation. This bill will direct the Division of Criminal Justice to instill a greater focus and emphasis on diversion programs that give troubled kids a pathway to find help, rather than just pushing them into the detention system.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee at 1:30PM on Thursday March 18th in the Old Supreme Court Chambers.

To listen to committee hearings, visit leg.colorado.gov/watch-listen. The full Senate calendar for the week can be found at http://leg.colorado.gov/session-schedule?type=senate

Senate Passes Bipartisan Bills To Support & Strengthen Colorado Schools

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved two pieces of bipartisan legislation to strengthen and support Colorado schools. One bill aims to reduce the standardized testing burden on students and teachers this year, while the other addresses the administrator shortages in Colorado's education system.  

HB21-1161 would direct the Colorado Department of Education to ask the federal government to waive the many required standardized tests for Colorado students in 2021. Instead, schools would administer abbreviated testing to students – ensuring districts still have access to valuable assessment information while maintaining critical learning time.  

“Students and teachers have already endured more than their share of difficulties in the last 12 months, and we don’t need to add unnecessary burdens to them as they continue to recover,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “This bill will reduce the number of standardized assessments given this spring, offer maximum flexibility to districts administering the tests, and still meet the federal testing requirements.”

SB21-058 will combat school administrator shortages by authorizing public school districts, charter schools, non-profits, and other educational organizations to create alternative principal programs to streamline and bolster the pipeline for educators to become certified principals.

“In many cases, a quality education emanates from the top down," said Senator Story, D-Golden. "We must attract and maintain quality educators to teach our kids, but we must also work to ensure we have principals and school administrators that foster open, effective, and inclusive learning environments for our teachers and students."

Both bills now move to the House for consideration. To track their progress, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.