Garcia Congratulates Ken Salazar on Confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico

DENVER, CO – Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) congratulated Ken Salazar on his confirmation as United States Ambassador to Mexico:

"Mi compadre Ken Salazar has made the entire state of Colorado proud for decades, and this morning his record of excellence continued when he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Ambassador to Mexico. I can't think of a better person to represent the United States in such an important role. Congratulations Ambassador Salazar!"

Colorado Senate Leadership Lauds Passage of Bipartisan Federal Infrastructure Plan

DENVER, CO – Senate President Leroy Garcia and Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg released the subsequent statements following the U.S. Senate’s passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

“With today’s passage of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Colorado is on track to upgrade our transportation system, create a generation of good-paying union jobs, and improve the lives of millions in this state,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “Thanks to the Biden – Harris administration’s dedication to improving our infrastructure, Colorado is one step closer to Front Range Passenger Rail, broadband internet expansion, bridge replacement, and more. I am encouraged to see our elected officials in Washington put aside partisan differences to get the job done, and I look forward to seeing these investments in our infrastructure pay off for Coloradans across the state.”

“Today’s Senate vote on the bipartisan infrastructure package is a momentous day for Colorado and our country,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “I’m encouraged to see that our federal partners are taking serious investments in clean energy, public transit, and broadband – essential components to healthy infrastructure in our state. Building on our transportation investments in SB 260, this package puts us on the road towards a more connected Colorado and a more sustainable future.”

Garcia, Fenberg Statements on the Passing of Governor Dick Lamm

DENVER, CO – Senate President Leroy Garcia and Majority Leader Steve Fenberg released the subsequent statements following the passing of former Governor Dick Lamm: 

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Governor Lamm and send my heartfelt condolences to his family,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “Colorado is forever grateful for his dedication to public service and the impact he had on our great state. He will always be remembered as a devoted leader who never let political differences get in the way of doing the right thing for the people of Colorado.” 

“Governor Lamm served Colorado with the intention of improving the lives of every Coloradan, and he will be sorely missed by all,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “He brought people together, took on difficult challenges, and led with poise, grace, and compassion. Despite this difficult loss, his legacy will live on and his work he did as governor will continue to inspire us. My thoughts are with his loved ones during this challenging time.”

Senator Zenzinger Awarded CASE Policy Leader Award for Dedication to Public Education

DENVER, CO – Today, Senator Rachel Zenzinger was awarded this year’s Policy Leader Award by the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) for her “exemplary contribution to public education.”

Senator Zenzinger was selected for her work on HB21-1161, a bipartisan measure she sponsored to ease the standardized testing burden that was particularly strained this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m so honored to have been selected as a recipient of the CASE Policy Leader Award for my work on this important bill,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada), Chair of the Education Committee. “This year, it was a major goal of mine to provide teachers and students with the ability to prioritize in-person instruction time that had been compromised over the past year due to COVID-19. While there is still more work to do in our ongoing recovery, I’m proud of the progress we made this session in addressing the unique needs of our students and teachers during a challenging year.”

In addition to her work on this initiative, Senator Zenzinger championed several other education bills this session to: make a long-term fix to Colorado’s school funding system; restore budget cuts made last year due to the pandemic; and provide increased support to the educator workforce.

Garcia, Garnett Appoint Experts to ARPA Affordable Housing and Behavioral Health Subpanels

DENVER, CO – Senate President Leroy Garcia and Speaker Alec Garnett on Friday appointed subject matter experts and representatives of local governments and nonprofits to the subpanels advising the task forces established under HB21-1329 and SB21-137, legislation which set aside $850 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for housing and behavioral health. 

The subpanels will work with the task forces to craft and examine policies to make housing more affordable, expand opportunities to build wealth through homeownership, address homelessness and improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services. 

“As we work to address the housing crisis and improve the delivery of care for Coloradans with behavioral health needs, we need the expertise necessary to get to where we want to go,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “The individuals we’ve appointed bring a wealth of knowledge to the table and will help us decipher how best to spend federal funds to support our efforts in the most efficient, meaningful and deliberate way possible. With this diverse team of experts, we will be able to make smart and thoughtful investments into our state as we continue to meet the needs of our communities and build a Colorado that works for everyone.” 

“This broad and diverse group of people will help craft recommendations for how Colorado can use federal funds to make housing more affordable and improve access to behavioral health,” said Speaker Alec Garnett (D-Denver). “The experts I’ve appointed represent diverse communities, local governments and nonprofits across our state and have extensive experience working in housing and behavioral health. The investments we’ll make in these areas will not only grow our economy, they’ll help Colorado build back stronger, recover more equitably, and start to address some of the most pressing issues facing our communities.”  

During the 2021 legislative session, lawmakers worked collaboratively with Governor Polis to develop and advance the Colorado Comeback Roadmap to Building Back Stronger, which envisions investing nearly $1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds to make housing more affordable and improve Colorado’s behavioral health system. HB21-1329 sets aside $400 million of ARPA funds for future housing efforts, and SB21-137 sets aside $450 million of ARPA funds for future behavioral health investments. 

Under resolutions approved by the Executive Committee in June, the behavioral health and housing subpanels will consist of experts selected by the Speaker, President, and House and Senate Minority Leaders. The resolutions specify areas of expertise for each appointment. 

The following individuals were appointed to the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force Subpanel:

• Chair, Brian Rossbert, Executive Director of Housing Colorado, an appointment by the president representing a nonprofit advocacy group with an expertise on low and moderate income housing issues;

• Vice-Chair, Cathy Alderman, Chief Communications & Public Policy Officer of Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, an appointment by the speaker with expertise in homelessness, administering support to homeless individuals, or other relevant experience related to homelessness and continuum of care

• Steven Cordova, Executive Director of the Tri-County Housing Authority (Bent, Crowley, Otero), an appointment by the speaker representing a local housing authority;

• Kinsey Hasstedt, State & Local Policy Director, Enterprise Community Partners, an appointment by the speaker with expertise in nonprofit housing development;

• Appointments by the speaker representing local governments: 

  • Tamara Pogue, Summit County Commissioner

  • Adam Paul, Mayor of the City of Lakewood

• Tawny Peyton, Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Home Association, an appointment by the speaker representing an organization focused on the deployment of factory-built housing;

• Aaron Miripol, President & CEO of Urban Land Conservancy, an appointment by the president representing a land trust;

• Roberto Rey, Associate State Director of AARP Colorado, an appointment by the president with knowledge of developing affordable, accessible, integrated housing for people who are aging or have disabilities;

• Wanda Harrison, Director of Residential Services at the Second Chance Center, an appointment by the president with expertise in homelessness, experience administering support to homeless individuals, or other relevant experience related to homelessness and continuum of care; and

• Eric Leveridge, Strategic Research Analyst at Colorado Jobs with Justice, an appointment by the president representing workers.

The following individuals were appointed to the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force Subpanel: 

• Chair, Vincent Atchity, President & CEO of Mental Health Colorado, an appointment by the speaker representing a statewide organization that develops and advocates for mental health policy;

• Vice-Chair, Dr. Lesley Brooks, Chief of Addiction Medicine at SummitStone Health Partners, an appointment by the president representing behavioral health practitioners or providers;

• Candie Burnham, Executive Director of Atlantis Community, Inc., an appointment by the speaker representing individuals, either patients or caregivers, with lived experience navigating the behavioral health care system;

• Appointments by the speaker representing community-based organizations representing communities that experience disproportionate health impacts:

  • Nadine Bridges, Executive Director of One Colorado 

  • Ana Vizoso, Director of Behavioral Health at Servicios de La Raza, Inc. 

  • Lorez Meinhold, Executive Director of Caring for Denver Foundation

  • Harry Budisidharta, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Development Center

• Beauclarine Thomas, Legislative & Policy Advocate of Colorado Municipal League, an appointment by the speaker representing a local government representing a municipality; 

• Heidi Williams, Director of Opioid Response Unit in the Department of Law, an appointment by the speaker representing the Department of Law, the Judicial Branch, or a member of the judiciary; 

• Lisa Raville, Executive Director of Harm Reduction Action Center, an appointment by the president with knowledge of evidence-based harm reduction strategies;

• Meghan Baker, Facilities Team Leader Attorney at Disability Law Colorado, an appointment by the president representing a disability advocacy or policy organization;

• Terri Hurst, Policy Coordinator at Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, an appointment by the president with expertise in the needs of the criminal justice population;

• José Esquibel, Associate Director of the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, an appointment by the president from the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention;

• Dr. Patrick Fox, an American Psychiatric Association Assembly Representative for the Colorado Psychiatric Society, an appointment by the president representing behavioral health practitioners or providers;

• Heather Hankins, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Health Solutions, an appointment by the president representing behavioral health practitioners or providers;

• Colleen Casper, Executive Director of Colorado Nurses Association, an appointment by the president representing the behavioral health needs of frontline and low-income workers; and

• Dr. Christian Thurstone, Medical Director of the Substance Abuse Treatment, Education and Prevention program at Denver Health, an appointment by the president representing a hospital that has demonstrated experience working with the behavioral health community or treating patients with complex behavioral health needs.

The task forces will convene in early August for organizational meetings. The subpanels will then begin meeting to analyze and discuss policies for consideration by the task forces. The task forces will start convening regularly during the late fall to discuss policies and ultimately approve recommendations that will be included in a final report and sent to the legislature and Governor. The timelines for taskforce and sub-advisory panel meetings are flexible and intended to serve as a guideline.

JOINT RELEASE: Garnett, Garcia Appoint Lawmakers to ARPA Housing and Behavioral Health Task Forces

DENVER, CO -- Speaker Alec Garnett and Senate President Leroy Garcia today appointed lawmakers to the task forces established under HB21-1329 and SB21-137, legislation which set aside $850 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for housing and behavioral health. The task forces will make recommendations on policies to make housing more affordable, expand opportunities to build wealth through homeownership, address homelessness and increase access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services.

“The lawmakers I appointed today have extensive knowledge of housing and behavioral health policy, carry invaluable experiences with them and are dedicated advocates for their communities,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “There is a clear need across Colorado for transformational changes to make housing more affordable and behavioral health care more accessible. We listened to our communities and created a responsible, transparent and bipartisan process to allocate $1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds to create more affordable housing, reduce homelessness and increase access to mental health. I’m proud to make these task force appointments today.”

“After our statewide listening tour, communities across Colorado directed us to get to work on the issues they care about most. With $1 billion in American Rescue Plan funds, we have the opportunity to ensure that we can make transformational changes in Colorado that will impact our state for decades," said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. "The Senators I have appointed today will bring critical leadership skills and valuable policy knowledge to the table as we work to tackle the ongoing housing crisis and improve behavioral health access for Coloradans in need, and I look forward to the progress they make in the coming months.”

Democrats appointed to the Housing Transformational Task Force:
Rep. Dominique Jackson, Chair
Sen. Julie Gonzales, Vice Chair
Rep. Dylan Roberts
Rep. Steven Woodrow
Sen. Jeff Bridges
Sen. Rachel Zenzinger

Democrats appointed to the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force:
Sen. Brittany Pettersen, Chair
Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Vice-Chair
Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet
Rep. Judy Amabile
Sen. Faith Winter
Sen. Chris Kolker

During the 2021 legislative session, lawmakers worked collaboratively with Governor Polis to develop and advance the Colorado Comeback Roadmap to Building Back Stronger, which envisions investing nearly $1 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds to make housing more affordable and improve Colorado’s behavioral health system. HB21-1329 sets aside $400 million of ARPA funds for future housing efforts, and SB21-137 sets aside $450 million of ARPA funds for future behavioral health investments.

Under resolutions approved by the Executive Committee in June, the behavioral health and housing task forces will consist of legislators and members of departments, with each task force supported by its own sub-advisory panel of stakeholders and experts. Lawmakers on the task forces are appointed by the Speaker, Senate President and House and Senate minority leaders, who will also make appointments to the sub-advisory panels by July 23.

The task forces will convene by early August for organizational meetings. The subpanels will then begin meeting to analyze and discuss policies for consideration by the task forces. The task forces will start convening regularly during the late fall to discuss policies and ultimately approve recommendations that will be included in a final report and sent to the legislature and Governor. The timelines for task force and sub-advisory panel meetings are flexible and intended to serve as a guideline.

Senator Gonzales Named All-Star by Denver Westword

DENVER, CO – The Denver Westword has named Senator Julie Gonzales as an All-Star among nine other individuals who are considered “game-changers” for the Denver community. 

“I ran for office to lift up the voices of those typically excluded from power,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “So while I’m honored to be recognized for the wins that we’ve earned for working-class folks and Coloradans of color, the truth is that there’s just so much more work to do. Being recognized with this All-Star crew is a reminder that there are folks doing the work all across our city, and I’m proud to be included in that.”

During this year’s legislative session, Sen. Gonzales championed several bills to: address the housing crisis; uplift low-income Coloradans and communities of color; advance immigrants’ rights; address the student loan debt crisis; lower the cost of prescription drugs; achieve environmental justice; reform our criminal justice system; combat gun violence; and strengthen our elections. 

SIGNED! Another Round of Priority Health Care Bills Become Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed several health care bills into law that aim to lower the cost of life-saving medication, support seniors in need, expand access to mental health care, and protect consumers’ health care data. 

HB21-1307, sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, increases access to insulin by clarifying that the current $100 cap on a person’s monthly insulin supply applies regardless of the number of prescriptions a person may have. It also allows eligible consumers to access one emergency prescription insulin supply for no more than $35 per 12-month period. 

“Over the past ten years, insulin costs for patients in Colorado have risen 262%,” said Senate President Pro-Temp Kerry Donovan (D-Vail). “Those price increases have very real and severe consequences - in 2020 nearly 74,000 Coloradans who rely on insulin for diabetes, reported rationing their medication, or fasting to manage their blood sugar because they couldn’t pay for their prescription. Big pharma is concerned with their profits, while patients for whom insulin is like oxygen, suffer. In Colorado we are saying no more. This law means immediate access to insulin for everyone who needs it in every corner of the state.”   

“Insulin is a necessary, life-saving drug that should be accessible regardless of income,” said Senator Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County). “As a Pharmacist, I have seen the pain in people’s eyes when they can’t afford their medications – forced to choose between providing for their family and caring for their own health. It's time that we prioritize people over corporations and ensure that everyone, no matter their socioeconomic status, can access the prescriptions they need.”

SB21-158, a bill sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson and Brittany Pettersen, would expand access to medical providers in certain regions of the state to make it easier for seniors to access medical care. 

“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 Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge). “By increasing medical providers in certain areas of the state, seniors will be able to get treatment without having to travel long distances or be forced to forego care altogether. We owe it to our parents and grandparents to provide them with the support they need.” 

“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 the 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.”  

HB21-1068, sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno, would require health insurance plans in Colorado to cover an annual mental health wellness exam by a qualified mental health care provider. Under the bill, coverage for the annual exam must be comparable to coverage for an annual physical exam, and insurance plans may not require deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance for the annual mental health wellness exams.

“It is incredibly difficult for Coloradans to navigate our mental health care system due to lack of access, high costs, and stigma. We need to break down barriers to this vitally important care so that more people can get the treatment they need and deserve,” said Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City). “By mandating that insurance companies cover annual mental health exams for our residents, we can increase access to much-needed services while taking important steps to end the stigma surrounding mental health.” 

And finally, SB21-169, sponsored by Senator Janet Buckner, would prohibit considering someone's race, color, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender status in any insurance practice, as well as using any external consumer data, algorithm or predictive model that unfairly discriminates against someone based on those factors.

“Coloradans should not be charged more for insurance based on their skin color, ethnicity, educational background or zip code, however, this is the reality for too many marginalized groups throughout our state,” said Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora). “This law will take an important step to ensure that insurance companies do not discriminate against people of color and other underserved populations in Colorado, which will ultimately increase access to vital health care for all of our residents.”

SIGNED! Bills to Increase Health Care Access, Address Inequities & Support Colorado Families Become Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a slate of bills into law that aim to protect preventative health care coverage, address health disparities in underrepresented communities, expand access to vital reproductive care, and make diaper essentials widely available to low-income families in need.  

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 includes an expansion of covered preventative healthcare benefits to include osteoporosis screening, urinary incontinence screening, and STI screening and treatment. 

“Persisting barriers within our health care 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.”

SB21-181, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, would establish the Health Disparities and Community Grant Program, which will award money for the purposes of positively affecting social determinants of health to reduce the risk of future disease and health conditions in underrepresented populations.

“Marginalized communities are disproportionately impacted by health issues. From lack of access to care to over exposure to toxins, low income families and people of color face tremendous burdens when it comes to their health,” said Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora). “In order to achieve health equity in our communities, we need to take steps to create social and physical environments that promote the health and well-being of all, no matter their socioeconomic status.” 

SB21-025, sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen, would make it easier for women – particularly those most marginalized – to access vital reproductive care by increasing income eligibility limits for family planning services up to 260 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 

“Financial barriers inhibit the ability of many marginalized women throughout Colorado from accessing family planning services,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “The money in your pocket should never determine whether you can access health care. This law will expand eligibility for family planning services so that more Colorado women can afford contraceptive care, ultimately addressing health disparities as well as enhancing health equity in our most vulnerable communities.”

SB21-027, sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Jessie Danielson, would ensure that diaper essentials are made available to Colorado families in need amid the COVID-19 public health crisis. 

“We are the wealthiest nation in the world and yet some of our parents can’t afford diapers – that’s just unacceptable,” said Senator Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge). “It costs at least $80 per month to provide diapers for a child, which is simply unfeasible for families who have lost their jobs and struggle to afford rent, pay their bills, or buy food. Our families have suffered enough over the last year – providing access to diapers is the least we can do to help lessen the stress parents are already facing.”

SIGNED! Climate Bill to Protect Environment & Support Disproportionately Impacted Communities Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a bill into law that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance environmental justice in disadvantaged communities, and set Colorado on a pathway to meeting the climate targets established in HB19-1261. 

HB21-1266, sponsored by Senators Janet Buckner and Faith Winter, was strengthened with amendments to direct more resources to communities in transition away from fossil fuels, increase the focus on disproportionately impacted populations, set firm enforcement mechanisms for the electricity, oil and gas, and industrial and manufacturing sectors, and advance environmental justice in executive branch rulemakings.

“Today is a historic day for Colorado,” said Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora). “With this law, we can build a sustainable future that supports the health and well-being of our residents, regardless of zip code, as well as the longevity of our environment and precious natural resources. Our efforts to act on climate do not stop here, but this is a major step in the right direction.”

In order to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, the bill establishes clear enforcement mechanisms for the reduction of greenhouse gases in the electricity sector – requiring the oil and gas sector to reduce emissions 48% by 2025 and 60% by 2030, and mandating the industrial and manufacturing sector to reduce emissions at least 20% by 2030.

To support the just transition of fossil fuel communities, the bill requires an audit of best value employment metrics used by the Public Utilities Commission to better understand if this important policy is actually ensuring that clean energy jobs are good jobs and requires the Office of Just Transition to develop a long-term budget based on federal, state, and other funding sources, outlining the resource needs of the office.

“Although this bill has been on a long journey, our aim from the beginning was to put the pollution reduction targets from the Governor’s Climate Roadmap into law,” said Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “This law takes vitally important steps to hold our state accountable to our climate targets, creating meaningful and lasting measures to support those most affected by the impacts of global warming.”

Specifically, the bill advances environmental justice by eliminating the polluter pay loophole that exempts greenhouse gas emissions from pollution fees. In addition, the bill establishes the Environmental Justice Action Task Force – consisting of members from local communities, tribal governments, government agencies, and organizations – to determine how Colorado will embed equity in all environmental decision-making, including rulemakings, policy development, and facility permitting. It also creates an independent ombudsperson.

Lastly, the bill requires, for the first time, that polluters pay for their climate pollution – closing a loophole that has existed for decades and adding a new provision that requires the social cost of carbon to be included in economic impact analyses at the Air Quality Control Commission. 

Bill to Create Front Range Passenger Rail District Becomes Law

New law outlines plan to create a district tasked with constructing a passenger rail line from New Mexico to Wyoming Border

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a bill into law that will create the “Front Range Passenger Rail District.” SB21-238, sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia and Senator Rachel Zenzinger, would lay the groundwork for an interconnected, high-speed passenger rail system spanning from Trinidad to the Wyoming border – allowing residents all along the Front Range to travel more efficiently and effectively.

"SB21-238, my bill laying the groundwork for high speed passenger rail along the Front Range Corridor, is a monumental investment in the long term health of Pueblo, Southern Colorado, and rural communities," said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). "Now that the Governor has officially signed this bill into law, we are one step closer to having the state of the art public transit system that delivers the economic development the region needs to truly thrive."

“For the last twenty years, I have worked tirelessly on transportation and transit issues, and I could not be more proud to see our bill to create a Front Range Passenger Rail District become law,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “Our residents need increased transit access to get to where they need to go. This vital law will lay the groundwork for planning, designing and constructing a transportation solution that will provide a safe, sustainable and reliable travel option for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans all along the Front Range.”  

The bill proposes creating a Front Range Passenger Rail Board to research, develop, construct, operate, and maintain the rail system and instructs them to work collaboratively with RTD as well as Amtrak to ensure interconnectedness and compatibility with existing services and projects. SB21-238 also outlines different modes of funding  for example federal investment.

Governor Signs Bill to Make Historic $15 Million Investment to Help Fossil Fuel Communities Transition to Renewable Energy

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a Colorado Comeback bill into law that aims to support communities transitioning away from fossil fuels. HB21-1290, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, will invest $15 million to help communities shift away from fossil fuels to more renewable sources of energy.

“While clean energy projects are cementing their place in Colorado’s future, it’s on us to make sure traditionally coal dependent communities aren’t left behind,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “The Office of Just Transition is taking the lead on supporting fossil fuel dependent communities through the transition to our clean energy future. I’m so proud to sponsor legislation to support the office, as well as the workers and communities it serves.”

Of the $15 million included in the bill, $8 million is dedicated to economic development in specific communities and $7 million is dedicated to workforce initiatives to directly assist coal transition workers and their families.

As our state transitions to renewable energy, we must also make critical investments in the workers and communities whose jobs and livelihoods are impacted as a result of this shift in the energy economy.

In 2019, Democrats in the legislature created the Office of Just Transition to guide communities transitioning from coal toward economic resilience. This bill builds on that progress by providing significant funding for workforce programs, local capacity grants, transition-related economic development grants, and critical infrastructure investments to boost economies that have been dependent on coal. 

Major Education Bills to Support Colorado Students & Enhance Equity Become Law

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the governor signed three major education bills into law that will protect student loan borrowers, invest $50 million to support higher education, and study improvements to Colorado’s school funding formula.

SB21-057, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Julie Gonzales, will provide protections – similar to the protections granted for federal loans – to students who take out private loans to be used for postsecondary education.

“Private student loan lenders have been using predatory practices to take advantage of borrowers for years. As people struggle to find work during the economic downturn, this issue has only been exacerbated,” said Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “If we are going to successfully recover following this devastating pandemic, we need to provide protections for the hundreds of thousands of Coloradans who are crippled by student debt and allow them the space to forge a path towards financial freedom.”

“The growing student debt crisis is hurting people of color the most,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “Paying back student loans should be fair and transparent, yet student borrowers and their families are continually exploited by predatory lending practices, exacerbating racial disparities and inequity. This law will protect vulnerable and marginalized borrowers in Colorado – giving people a chance to fight for their economic future.”

Colorado borrowers currently owe $9.1 billion in private student loan debt and that number is growing. As the cost of college has risen, it widens an already large intergenerational debt and wealth gap between families of color and white families. Black, Latinx, and low-income borrowers use private student loans less, compared to white and higher-income borrowers, but frequently face higher levels of challenges in repayment. 

HB21-1330, sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, utilizes federal stimulus dollars to invest a historic $50 million in the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative, Colorado Department of Education programs to incentivize students to re-enroll and complete postsecondary credentials and degrees, and a grant program to assist students in completing applications for financial assistance.

HB21-1325, also sponsored by Senator Zenzinger, establishes a bipartisan interim committee process to recommend additional changes to the school finance formula. Many of the original provisions in the bill were adopted in this year’s School Finance Act, such as updating the school funding formula to include a factor for English Language Learners (ELL) to provide additional resources to schools that have a higher ELL enrollment and adjusting the definition of “at-risk pupils” to include students eligible to receive reduced-price lunch.

“These bills will help students on every level,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “HB21-1325 builds upon the important work that the school finance interim committee was accomplishing, in the effort to make school funding most equitable. And HB21-1330 will help keep higher-ed students in school and on track toward appropriate degrees, despite the continued economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Bill to Enhance Equity for Marginalized Communities in Colorado Becomes Law

New law would eliminate the sub-minimum wage for those with intellectual & developmental disabilities 

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the governor signed a bill into law that aims to protect Colorado’s intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community.

SB21-039, sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, would eliminate the sub-minimum wage in Colorado – an unlivable wage that is legally allowed to be paid to employees with IDD.

“Individuals with disabilities are valuable members of our communities and our economy, yet they are currently paid lower wages than their counterparts for doing the same work. This is an unfair and discriminatory practice that must end,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “This law will address this inequity while ensuring that the individuals in these programs are successful in transitioning to competitive employment by enhancing employment supports overall."

Currently, some employers hold certificates that authorize them to pay people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a sub-minimum wage – currently set at 15% lower – which can be as low as 10 cents per hour up to a few dollars per hour. Starting this summer, the bill would prohibit any employer from hiring employees at the sub-minimum wage, and would require those with sub-minimum wage employees to submit a plan to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) detailing how they plan to phase out the sub-minimum wage by 2025. 

Major Education Bills to Support Colorado Students & Enhance Equity Become Law

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the governor signed three major education bills into law that will protect student loan borrowers, invest $50 million to support higher education, and study improvements to Colorado’s school funding formula.

SB21-057, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Julie Gonzales, will provide protections – similar to the protections granted for federal loans – to students who take out private loans to be used for postsecondary education.

“Private student loan lenders have been using predatory practices to take advantage of borrowers for years. As people struggle to find work during the economic downturn, this issue has only been exacerbated,” said Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “If we are going to successfully recover following this devastating pandemic, we need to provide protections for the hundreds of thousands of Coloradans who are crippled by student debt and allow them the space to forge a path towards financial freedom.”

“The growing student debt crisis is hurting people of color the most,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “Paying back student loans should be fair and transparent, yet student borrowers and their families are continually exploited by predatory lending practices, exacerbating racial disparities and inequity. This law will protect vulnerable and marginalized borrowers in Colorado – giving people a chance to fight for their economic future.”

Colorado borrowers currently owe $9.1 billion in private student loan debt and that number is growing. As the cost of college has risen, it widens an already large intergenerational debt and wealth gap between families of color and white families. Black, Latinx, and low-income borrowers use private student loans less, compared to white and higher-income borrowers, but frequently face higher levels of challenges in repayment. 

HB21-1330, sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, utilizes federal stimulus dollars to invest a historic $50 million in the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative, Colorado Department of Education programs to incentivize students to re-enroll and complete postsecondary credentials and degrees, and a grant program to assist students in completing applications for financial assistance.

HB21-1325, also sponsored by Senator Zenzinger, establishes a bipartisan interim committee process to recommend additional changes to the school finance formula. Many of the original provisions in the bill were adopted in this year’s School Finance Act, such as updating the school funding formula to include a factor for English Language Learners (ELL) to provide additional resources to schools that have a higher ELL enrollment and adjusting the definition of “at-risk pupils” to include students eligible to receive reduced-price lunch.

“These bills will help students on every level,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “HB21-1325 builds upon the important work that the school finance interim committee was accomplishing, in the effort to make school funding most equitable. And HB21-1330 will help keep higher-ed students in school and on track toward appropriate degrees, despite the continued economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Colorado Comeback Bills to Support Agriculture Industry Become Law

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the governor signed two Colorado Comeback bills into law that aim to support our state’s agriculture industry. The first bill will provide funding for the National Western Stock Show, the Colorado State Fair, and other local/county agricultural events throughout the state. The second bill includes funding to implement the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program to support first-time farmers, ranchers and businesses.

HB21-1262, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia, that invests $25 million into the National Western Complex to ensure the Stock Show remains in Colorado – a staple to the state’s agricultural economy and Denver’s economy – and provides $3.5 million to the National Western, $5 million for the State Fair, and $2 million to agricultural events and organizations across the state.

“Pueblo has hosted the Colorado State Fair since its inception nearly 150 years ago. It isn’t just a statewide tradition, it is an opportunity for economic development in Pueblo and Southern Colorado,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “An economic recovery would be incomplete without making strong investments in the financial health of Southern Colorado and the agriculture industry, which is why I’m proud to see that my bill to invest $5 million to support the State Fair is officially the law of the land!” 

SB21-248, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senate President Pro Temp Kerry Donovan, allocates $30 million to create and implement the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program. This program will provide low-interest loans to beginning farmers and ranchers as well as farm-to-market infrastructure loans for businesses – putting Colorado on a pathway toward a sustainable and prosperous future for the agriculture industry.

“The most pressing challenges that lie ahead for Colorado – water and drought, wildfires, and labor shortages – all have a major impact on the agriculture industry,” said Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail). “By transferring this $30 million into the Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program we invest not only in the present recovery of the industry, but in the long-term success of agriculture in our state. The program will empower and support a new generation of farmers and ranchers in Colorado who will shepherd the industry forward.”

Although Colorado’s vibrant agricultural sector has served as the backbone of the state’s economy for decades, the industry must navigate a tumultuous future in which an estimated 64% of Colorado producers will exit farming, and over 20 million acres of Colorado’s agricultural land will need a new farmer. This bill will negotiate these challenges, invest in the future of Colorado agriculture, and provide incentives to build capacity for beginning farmers and ranchers.

Colorado Comeback Bill to Enhance Broadband Development Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a Colorado Comeback bill into law that aims to expand access to broadband in communities throughout Colorado. HB21-1289, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, provides $75 million to increase internet access across Colorado to support services that have become a necessity during the pandemic, such as telehealth.

“Especially after this last year, more and more of our economy is online, and we have an obligation to make sure every Coloradan can participate in that economy,” said Senator Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village). “Connecting unserved and underserved communities to high speed reliable internet creates more opportunity for everyone, and increases statewide equity and prosperity for all of our families.”

It specifically includes $20M for the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Tribes. Colorado has an opportunity to help bridge the digital divide exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing broadband access for our students, communities and businesses, and this bill takes a big first step.

SIGNED! Bill to Expand Multilingual Ballot Access Becomes Law

New law will expand voter access among non-English speakers & strengthen our democracy 

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a bill into law that will make it easier for non-English speakers to vote in Colorado. 

HB21-1011, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales and Dominick Moreno, acknowledges the need for improvement and expansion in supporting Colorado citizens who struggle to speak or read English by requiring certain counties to provide multilingual ballot access.

“Even with Colorado’s gold-standard election system, there’s still work to be done so that everyone can make their voice heard,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “With thousands of Spanish-speaking citizens across the state, it is critical that we provide multilingual ballot options – ensuring that every eligible Coloradan has the resources they need to fully participate in our democracy.”

Additionally, the bill tasks the Secretary of State with creating a multilingual ballot hotline that provides translators and interpreters, intended to apply to all general elections beginning for the November 2022 election and for every state-wide odd-year election.

“Colorado has some of the most free, fair, and open elections in the country, however, we cannot confuse eligibility with access,” said Senator Moreno (D-Commerce City). “This common-sense law will enfranchise countless voters and ensure our governing institutions more accurately reflect the will of the people.”

Bills to Grant In-State Tuition to American Indians & End the Use of Discriminatory Mascots Become Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed two bills into law that aim to support Colorado’s American Indian population. The first would require certain colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition to American Indians, and the other would ban the use of discriminatory mascots in public schools. 

SB21-029, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, would require public state colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition to students who are a member of an American Indian tribe with historical ties to Colorado.

“Today brings us one step closer to ensuring educational opportunities are accessible to American Indian students with tribal ties to the land we now know as Colorado,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “This is an important step in appreciating the tribal nations historically tied to Colorado, as well as acknowledging Colorado’s painful history and the forced removal that has had a severely negative impact on Native nations.”

The Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs as well as History Colorado maintain the list of tribes with historic ties to Colorado – including at least 50 distinct communities. According to the United States Census Bureau population survey, approximately 19% of college-aged American Indian tribe members were enrolled in college in 2016, compared to 41% of the total college-aged population – the lowest percentage of all race and ethnicity groups surveyed.

SB21-116, sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson, would prohibit the use of American Indians as mascots in Colorado public schools.

“Not only have Indigenous Peoples had their homeland stolen but their culture has been continually trivialized and appropriated,” said Senator Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge). “For decades, schools and sports teams have used degrading imagery as mascots – calling themselves the ‘Savages,’ ‘Reds,’ or ‘Indians.’ Not only is this practice harmful and offensive, but it is in direct defiance of requests from Indigenous Coloradans who have demanded for years that these derogatory mascots be discontinued. It’s time that we listen to Native leaders and end this practice.”

Specifically, the bill prohibits any K-12 school or institution of higher education in Colorado from using an American Indian mascot after June 1, 2022. A failure to comply would result in a one time $25,000 fine for the school district or charter school institute and subsequent monthly fines for institutions of higher education. These fines would then be collected in the State Education Fund.

SIGNED! Critical Mental Health Initiatives to Support Coloradans in Need & Address Opioid Crisis Become Law

New laws would create an official statewide mental health crisis hotline, help reduce the over-prescription of opioids, and expand access to mental health & substance use disorder services

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a slate of priority mental health legislation into law that will expand access to behavioral health services to help Coloradans in need. 

SB21-154, sponsored by Senator Chris Kolker, would establish the 988 hotline, which will be used as an essential resource for people facing suicide ideation. Last year, Congress passed legislation to designate "988" as the national suicide prevention lifeline. This bill will align Colorado with the nationally designated three-digit response number.

“As far back as I can remember, I have struggled with depression and the suicide ideation that comes with it, and I have over 39 years found ways to cope on my own until I finally was able to seek professional help as an adult,” said Senator Chris Kolker (D-Centennial). “By establishing this mental health and suicide prevention hotline, countless Coloradans will be able to get the help and resources they need and deserve, before it’s too late.”

This will improve quality and access to behavioral health crisis services – especially for underserved populations – as well as reduce stigma surrounding suicide, mental health, and substance use conditions by providing intervention and crisis services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

HB21-1276, sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen, requires a health benefit plan to provide coverage for non-pharmacological treatment as an alternative to opioids. It also seeks to limit the supply of benzodiazepines, sedatives commonly prescribed for anxiety and as a sleep aid. Further, the legislation aims to improve education around prescribing benzodiazepines and the potential harm of inappropriately limiting prescriptions to chronic pain patients. 

“The culture of over-prescribing opioids has created a public health crisis that has resulted in widespread exposure to highly addictive narcotics for far too many Coloradans,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “If we truly want to prevent substance use disorders in our state, we need to limit over-prescribing while covering alternative treatments so patients are able to treat their pain without taking an addictive pill. And that’s exactly what this law seeks to do.” 

SB21-137, also sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen, would expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services for Coloradans. 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 help local governments and rural municipalities address substance use disorder, maternal and child health, and other behavioral health prevention and treatment programs around the state.