SIGNED! Bill to Strengthen Colorado State Parks Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the Governor signed a bill into law that will create a discounted Colorado parks pass to help finance increased conservation of and access to Colorado’s 42 state parks and public lands.

SB21-249, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg and Senate President Pro-Temp Kerry Donovan, will create a discounted, vehicle-displayed “Keep Colorado Wild Pass” – increasing access and investment in state parks and public lands. 

“Our state parks and public lands represent the very fabric of our state and our people. Increasing Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s capacity to maintain our state’s outdoor resources is essential to building a more vast and accessible parks system for all Coloradans,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “The Keep Colorado Wild Pass will ensure we have the necessary resources to take care of our parks, while giving even more Coloradans the ability to enjoy our great outdoors.”

Over the past year, Coloradans have increasingly enjoyed our state parks and public lands as a safe and socially distanced option for recreation. With increased use and a growing demand for outdoor recreation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is struggling to keep up with demand to ensure the benefits of the outdoors and wildlife are sustained for future generations.

“After years of looking for ways to protect and support our public lands, today is an exciting day," said Senate President Pro-Temp Kerry Donovan (D-Vail). “With this new approach, we get to lower the price while creating a long-term funding source to protect the wild places we cherish.”

Revenue from the Keep Colorado Wild Pass will be used to make investments in public lands, outdoor recreation and safety, and wildlife conservation. Passes will be purchased at the time of vehicle registration as well as renewal of registration.

SIGNED! Stimulus Bill to Preserve Over $800 Million for Future Investments to Power the Colorado Comeback Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the Governor signed a bill into law that will preserve over $800 million for future investments, allocating federal stimulus funds from the American Rescue Plan to ensure the state's long-term economic resilience.

SB21-291, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, creates the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 and  its negative economic impacts. Specifically, the bill allocates $848 million for future legislative investments to be made following a robust community stakeholding process over the next six months. 

“Today marks a brighter tomorrow for Colorado. SB 291 immediately invests in Colorado communities, while preserving considerable funding for longer-term investments that will respond to our ongoing needs,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg. “The Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund will help get our state back on its feet, get people back to work, and make sure we’re better prepared for the next challenge we will face.”

In addition, the legislation allocates $40 million for various programs with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade to support small businesses and economic development following the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the $40 million, the bill sets aside $10 million to incentivize small business development in rural Colorado and to provide cash incentives to businesses that hire remote employees in rural areas of the state.

SIGNED! Colorado Comeback Bills to Expand Mental Health Access for Kids & Increase Access to State Resources Become Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the Governor signed two Colorado Comeback bills into law that seek to expand access to youth mental health services as well as expand the crisis support services offered by the Colorado 2-1-1 collaborative to help Coloradans in need. 

HB21-1258, sponsored by Senator Janet Buckner, aims to make it easier for Colorado youth to get mental health care by creating a program in the Office of Behavioral Health to facilitate access to mental health services for identified needs, including those that may have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program would provide any young person aged 18 and under with an online mental health screening and would then reimburse providers for up to three mental health sessions.

“The pandemic has resulted in increased mental health needs for so many Coloradans, but especially for our young people, whose lives and learning have been severely disrupted over the last year,” said Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora). “In order to provide relief for our kids, we need to expand access to mental health support. This bill will help break the stigma around mental health by making it easier for kids to seek out care in Colorado.” 

The office will also create a website to serve as a portal for youth and providers to be able to navigate the program. Our state’s youth mental health crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this bill will ensure that Colorado youth can get the help they need and deserve.

SB21-239, sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger & Chris Kolker, transfers $1 million to expand the Colorado 2-1-1 collaborative to include necessary referrals for mental health services and other resources for Coloradans.

“When Coloradans find themselves in tough times, our state has a number of amazing programs and services to help folks get back on their feet. But navigating the maze of programs and eligibility requirements can often be confusing and time-consuming. That’s why resources like 2-1-1 are so critical,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “By working to compile and clarify assistance opportunities for Coloradans, the 2-1-1 Colorado database connects vulnerable people to the essential resources they need right when they need it.”

“Over the last year, Coloradans’ lives have been upended. Businesses and schools have closed, families have faced financial uncertainty, and thousands have lost loved ones or faced a medical crisis themselves,” said Senator Chris Kolker (D-Centennial). “This law will ensure that Coloradans in crisis can get the help that they need to recover – connecting people to all of the incredible opportunities our state has to offer without the burden of sifting through them alone.”

The Colorado 2-1-1 Collaborative is a confidential and multilingual service connecting people to more than 11,000 vital resources across the state, including resources for COVID-19, aging and disability, mental health and substance use disorder, food assistance, housing and shelter, employment, tax assistance, and childcare services.

This bill provides additional funding to the 2-1-1 service for mental health services, and also requires the Collaborative to coordinate with the Department of Labor and Employment to target, conduct outreach, and market to individuals who are unemployed – regardless of whether they receive benefits – and may need referrals for behavioral health services and other resources.

SIGNED! Critical Measures To Enhance Community Safety & Address Gun Violence Epidemic Become Law

New laws will allow for local control of firearm regulation, expand background check requirements, and establish a first-of-its-kind statewide Office of Gun Violence Prevention 

DENVER, CO – Today, the Governor signed three landmark gun safety measures into law that aim to address the issue of gun violence with a root-cause, multi-pronged approach.

SB21-256, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg and Senator Dominick Moreno, declares that the regulation of firearms is a matter of state and local concern, and will repeal the state level preemption that currently says otherwise. The bill allows local governments to implement laws around gun ownership that are stricter than state statutes – granting municipalities the right to decide regulations befitting their community.

“Colorado is a state with a long history of trusting local governments to do right by their communities' unique needs,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “Repealing the state preemption on local regulation of firearms will allow communities to respond to the particular issues that their communities face, and that their people demand. This is an essential step forward in continuing the tradition of local control over issues that look different from town to town, and county to county.”

“Each city and town in Colorado has different needs and should be able to determine how to best keep their community safe,” said Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City). “We need to ensure that local governments have the ability to implement the gun safety measures that are needed in their jurisdiction. This law will empower local officials to enact their own laws to reduce violence and enhance public safety.”

HB21-1298, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales and Brittany Pettersen, prohibits a person who has been convicted of specific violent misdemeanor offenses from purchasing a firearm for 5 years. These specific criminal offenses show a propensity for violence or illegal usage of a weapon and include charges like child abuse, hate crimes, cruelty to animals, sexual assault, and third degree assault. The bill also closes the “Charleston loophole,” which allows an individual who may not have otherwise passed a background check to obtain a firearm if the results of said background check take longer than three days to process.

“Background checks are one of the most effective tools we have to keep deadly weapons out of dangerous hands,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “By ensuring that those who have committed violent offenses are unable to purchase a firearm, we will undoubtedly save lives. But this law doesn’t stop there – we are also closing a critical loophole that has long allowed firearms to be purchased without any background check if there is a national backlog. No matter the wait, background checks should be non-negotiable for gun purchases and this new law will ensure that.”

HB21-1299, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen and Rhonda Fields, establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention under the Department of Public Health and Environment. The Office would be responsible for conducting public awareness campaigns about gun violence prevention. It would educate the public about existing state resources and laws, including how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order, how to access mental health resources, and how to store firearms securely. The Office would also fund proven community-based violence intervention programs that are focused on interrupting cycles of gun violence through competitive grants.

“Gun violence continues to plague our communities, and for too long Coloradans have been crying out for their leaders to do something about it. We need more than thoughts and prayers, we need action,” said Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “With this bill, we are investing in community-sourced solutions that will combat the root causes of gun violence rather than its symptoms. I am incredibly proud of Colorado’s leadership on this issue and look forward to a day when gun violence no longer stalks our streets, haunts our homes, or terrorizes our public spaces.”

“True gun violence prevention requires that we start thinking bigger and more holistically,” said Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora). “Making top-down regulations without investing in grassroots education will only limit our policies’ effectiveness. We need to build broad public awareness that empowers communities to take action – protecting their loved ones in moments of crisis and implementing evidence-based initiatives that will interrupt cycles of violence and trauma.”

SIGNED! Bill to Increase Access to Care, Save Patients Money Becomes Law

DENVER, CO –  Today, the Governor signed a bill into law that would establish a 911 Nurse Navigation pilot program to connect 911 callers with an appropriate level of medical care.  

SB21-156, sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia, directs the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to create the framework for a 911 nurse navigation pilot program that operates for two years. To do this, the Division would review applications from interested Public Safety Answering Points and choose four communities to pilot the program.

“The cost of healthcare continues to be a major concern for many Coloradans, and emergency care is a significant driver of those costs,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “A 911 Nurse Navigation pilot program would help lower costs for consumers, and providers by connecting Coloradans with those who can guide through a care plan that is appropriate for their individual needs.”

This bill would allow the Public Safety Answering Points to forward low acuity calls to registered nurses who then provide a quick patient assessment for life threatening conditions before working directly with the patient to craft a unique care plan. This program has a demonstrated record of success and cost savings in several large cities around the country.

“As a paramedic, I know that an ambulance ride to an emergency department isn’t the appropriate solution for every person who calls 911,” said Garcia, a paramedic and EMS Instructor at Pueblo Community College. “With this law, we can preserve the limited resources of our first responders and our emergency departments, while saving Coloradans money on their healthcare.”

JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Colorado Comeback is Well Underway

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 June economic forecasts, both of which project higher General Fund revenue compared to earlier estimates, but warn of continued budget challenges in years to come and uncertainty as the economy rebuilds from the pandemic. 

“Today’s budget forecast shows that Colorado’s economy continues to trend in the right direction. As we continue to build back stronger from the economic devastation of the last year, this is certainly promising news,” said JBC Chair Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “We are not out of the water just yet, especially as unemployment rates remain high, but as more vaccines are distributed throughout Colorado, COVID-19 concerns are reduced and we continue to reap the benefits of the federal American Rescue Plan, we can expect a positive economic recovery moving forward.” 

“With the help of federal and state stimulus efforts, the Colorado comeback is well underway,” said JBC Vice-Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our state economy is doing even better than expected, and Colorado is recovering jobs at a faster rate than the rest of the country, including in some of the hardest hit sectors. While threats remain and uncertainty continues to be heightened, it’s clear that Colorado’s economy is on track to make a full recovery. I’m proud of all of the work we did this session to ensure all Coloradans can share in our state’s prosperity.”

“Today’s economic forecast reassured us that as vaccine rates rise and the pandemic continues to abate, the economy continues to improve,” said JBC Member Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Colorado is one of the leaders in the rebound in employment, with nearly two-thirds of our pandemic job losses now filled. Still, we cannot let up. The recovery continues to be K-shaped and lower income families have still not recovered to their pre-pandemic income levels. We will work to ensure that we lift up all people across this state and continue to implement stimulus measures and targeted relief to achieve that goal.”

“Today’s forecast brought great news: our economy is coming close to pre-pandemic levels and our stimulus efforts have supported families through the worst of the economic impact of COVID-19,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “As vaccination rates rise and Coloradans return to their everyday lives, jobs are coming back to our communities. Although we’re optimistic today, too many Coloradans, including low-income communities across the state, are still struggling. This is not the time to let our guard down. We’ll continue to monitor the economic recovery, and our work to ensure that no one is left behind will go on.” 

The Legislative Council staff (LCS) June forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $14.34 billion in FY 2020-21 and $14.87 billion in FY 2021-2022 – a $1.62 billion and $1.06 billion increase from the March 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 elevated personal incomes throughout the pandemic while allowing Colorado to invest in stabilizing the industries and individuals most severely impacted by COVID-19. Colorado, however, is still seeing inequitable recovery trends driven by differing rates of recovery by sector and the disparate impact of unemployment on low wage workers. This means that some sectors and households have emerged unscathed while others continue to struggle. 

The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $14.42 billion for FY 2020-21, which OSPB revised upward by $1.51 billion relative to its March estimate. For FY 2021-22, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $15.02 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $1.16 billion relative to its March estimate.

Both OSPB and LCS anticipate the state will exceed its TABOR limit beginning in FY 2020-21 due to higher than anticipated income tax collections. 

In addition, LCS and OSPB identified both upside and downside risks to the forecast but feel confident the risks remain fairly balanced with potential to lean towards the upside as vaccine distribution continues, employment recovers, and the economy continues to reopen. The most significant downside risks surround supply and demand mismatches and inflationary increases, however, both are expected to be temporary as the market stabilizes and businesses adjust to new consumer spending patterns. 

SIGNED! Colorado Comeback Bill to Invest in SNAP Program Becomes Law

DENVER, CO –  Today, the Governor signed a Colorado Comeback bill into law that will invest in Colorado’s successful SNAP program. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has cost countless Coloradans their jobs, many of whom have had to rely on critical support services to get by,” said Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora). “As we work to build back a stronger, more resilient Colorado, we must take action to uplift those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic. This new law will help get Coloradans back to work by filling critical gaps in this successful and proven program.”

HB21-1270, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, directly contributes to Colorado’s economic recovery by investing in Colorado’s successful Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) program. 

Colorado’s SNAP E&T program, known as Employment First, promotes long-term self-sufficiency and independence by preparing SNAP recipients for meaningful employment through work-related education, training activities, and work-based learning.

Governor Signs Once-in-a-Generation Transportation Funding Legislation

Widely supported bill establishes sustainable funding, supports the Colorado Comeback, creates jobs, accelerates climate goals, and advances equity

DENVER, CO - Today, Governor Polis took the final step in establishing the future of Colorado’s transportation sector by signing SB21-260 into law. The bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, House Speaker Alec Garnett, Senator Faith Winter, and Representative Matt Gray, comprehensively addresses Colorado’s crumbling and outdated transportation system by establishing a sustainable funding source to improve Colorado roads, investing in the future of EV charging infrastructure, and expanding multi-modal transit options to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

“Colorado has fallen behind when it comes to transportation investment and efficiency – costing our residents endless amounts of money and time. Even states like Mississippi and Utah have far outpaced us, making this plan even more urgent,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “As a growing state, we need a transportation plan that will not only meet the growing demands of the present but prepare us for the realities of the future. With this new law, we are establishing just that: a modern, sustainable transportation system that is a reliable asset to our state rather than an ongoing liability.”

“Colorado leads the nation on issue after issue, and today we took the final step in ensuring that our transportation infrastructure will keep us competitive for decades to come,” said Speaker Alec Garnett (D-Denver). “From investing in rural road repair and improving our state’s highways to providing more transit options and preparing us for our clean energy future, this new law will go a long way toward modernizing the way Colorado gets kids to school, people to work, and goods to market.” 

“After months of community planning and more than 130 stakeholder meetings, we have come together with a solution that will creatively and equitably address Colorado’s biggest transportation challenges,” said Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “I am incredibly proud of the balance that this bill strikes as well as the urgency with which it acts because Coloradans can’t afford to wait one more minute as our roads crumble, traffic grinds to a halt, and toxic emissions pollute the air we breathe. This new law represents the future of transportation in our state, and it’s a future we can all be proud of.”   

“The law signed today represents the culmination of months of careful, tireless negotiations after years of attempts at solving the complex issue of transportation funding in Colorado,” said Rep. Matt Gray (D-Broomfield). “Thanks to the good faith efforts of stakeholders on all sides of the issue, we were able to do what many before us had fallen short of. We found a path forward that will not only help us deal with the transportation needs of today, but will set up a sustainable funding mechanism to help our state deal with the transportation challenges of tomorrow. It’s time to get Colorado moving.” 

The transportation proposal signed into law today will generate jobs, reduce congestion, create new transportation options, and balance the needs of every Colorado community. 

Colorado’s gas tax was created in 1991, and its value has significantly eroded since then, leaving Colorado’s roads and transportation system drastically underfunded. The new law will create a sustainable funding source for transportation infrastructure that will support a dynamic economy, improve air quality, create jobs, and ensure Colorado is positioned to compete. 

The proposal will provide $5.365 billion in transportation funding to fix roads and bridges, improve transit options, meet Colorado’s climate goals, and future-proof the state’s transportation system. The funding will come from a balanced and responsible mix of state, federal, and fee revenue that reflects all the users and uses of our transportation system. For the first two years, the law reduces vehicle registration fees, saving drivers money in 2022 and 2023. All new fees won’t begin until 2022 and will be nominal, costing the average driver about $28 in the first year, and will be spread across all users of the system to bring down costs on people while ensuring we are improving our infrastructure. 

Overall, the law promotes collaboration between the Department of Transportation (CDOT), Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) to coordinate both regional and statewide efforts to develop a transportation system that supports a dynamic economy while improving air quality, saving Coloradans time spent on the roads, and making key investments in rural and disproportionately impacted communities.

To ensure transparency, performance and accountability measures are required for every entity that receives funding through this new law, including the four new enterprises it creates. The Colorado Energy Office and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will report on progress made toward the electric motor vehicle adoption goals in the "Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan 2020" and the transportation sector greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals in the "Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap." CDOT and every new enterprise will maintain project management public dashboards that will show key performance indicators for projects paid for by the funding in this bill.

To address Colorado’s eroding fuel tax, the proposal will ensure we don’t lose ground in the future by imposing a small road usage fee so that everyone pays their fair share as the state transitions to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future. However, because now is not the time to ask Coloradans to pay more, this law saves drivers money in 2022 and 2023 by reducing vehicle registration fees.

Over the course of the eleven-year plan set forth in the bill, nearly $3.8 billion will be generated through new fee revenue, and the bill will leverage over $1.5 billion in state general fund revenue and stimulus dollars. This will provide long-overdue funds after years of failed legislative attempts and ballot measures to support our statewide transportation system, as well as create good-paying jobs that will continue to exist for decades to come.

STATEMENT: Pettersen Reacts to ACA Ruling

DENVER, CO — Following the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA) after numerous attempts by Republicans to dismantle it, Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) released the subsequent statement:

"Despite consistent attacks for over a decade, the Affordable Care Act has survived yet another attempt by special interests, Republican states, and former President Donald Trump to rob millions of Americans of health insurance. While there is still more work to do to lower costs and expand coverage, the Supreme Court’s refusal to entertain this senseless lawsuit means Coloradans get to keep their insurance and Colorado can keep improving on the law. I’m particularly disappointed in Justice Gorsuch who is operating on the furthest ideological fringe and against the vast majority of Coloradans with whom he shares a home state."

During this year's legislative session, the Senate and House successfully passed a bill sponsored by Senator Pettersen that 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.

SB21-016 is currently pending final approval from the Governor. Track the progress of the legislation here.

SIGNED! Colorado Comeback Bills to Address Student Learning Loss & Support Educator Workforce Become Law

New laws will help fill gaps for students impacted by learning disruptions as well as address teacher shortages

DENVER, CO – Today, the Governor signed two Colorado Comeback bills into law that will provide tutoring for K-12 students across Colorado – helping to address learning loss kids endured during the pandemic as well as support the state’s educator workforce. 

HB21-1234, sponsored by Senators Moreno and Rankin, allocates $5 million to the newly created Colorado high-impact tutoring program to provide grant funding to local education providers, to create high-impact tutoring programs to address student learning loss and unfinished learning resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Between school closures, at-home learning and social isolation, students have faced some of the toughest challenges of this pandemic,” said Senator Moreno (D-Commerce City). “This law will invest in our kids’ future by making high-impact tutoring available to address the gaps in student learning – giving them a chance to not only catch up but succeed going forward.”

Due to the learning disruptions of the last year, Colorado 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 law will work to fill in those gaps.

SB21-185, sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, will 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.

“Especially after such a challenging year for educators, we must implement strategies that will help attract, recruit, and retain talented teachers so that we have the workforce we need to continue guiding students’ educational success,” said Senator Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “This new law will help reduce the teacher shortage, expand and create new pathways into the profession, diversify our educator workforce to meet the unique needs of all students, and raise the profile of the teaching profession. These resources will help pave the way for the most talented educators to enter the profession and serve as effective and inspiring role models for Colorado’s future leaders.”

End of Session Report Details Highly Successful Legislative Year

This year, Democrats focused on revitalizing our economy, delivering urgent relief & forging a more prosperous future for Coloradans

DENVER, CO – Today, the General Assembly Democrats released the annual ‘End of Session Report’, detailing the many bills that were passed that will positively impact the lives of Coloradans. This session was one of the most productive in the last decade – with more than 500 bills passing both chambers, 94 percent of which had bipartisan support.

See the following excerpt:

In the midst of a global pandemic and a challenging year that has severely impacted the lives of Coloradans, Democrats came together to deliver urgent relief to struggling Coloradans and build our state back stronger. The legislature was able to deliver on promises that were years in the making – passing transformational legislation that will pave the way for a Colorado where everyone can thrive. By putting people over politics and working across the aisle to accomplish great things, 94% of our passed legislation received bipartisan support.

In order to recover faster and build back stronger, lawmakers developed a bipartisan state stimulus package to foster the Colorado Comeback, make monumental investments to strengthen small businesses, support Colorado families, invest in rural Colorado, and develop our workforce...

...In addition to passing state stimulus policies, state leaders worked collaboratively to enact Colorado’s roadmap to Building Back Stronger – embarking on a statewide listening tour to gather input on how to allocate nearly $4 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The resulting legislation immediately deployed hundreds of millions of dollars to make housing more affordable, provide emergency behavioral health services and help workers complete degree or skills-training programs. The roadmap also dedicated $1.3 billion in federal funds to protect critical state services in future years and set aside nearly $1.8 billion for future transformational investments in housing, behavioral health, education and workforce development, and economic stimulus and recovery that will be crafted through bipartisan interim processes.

Beyond tackling urgent needs and enacting once-in-a-generation stimulative plans, lawmakers prioritized addressing longstanding issues that have burdened Colorado for decades. One such issue is the inaccessibility and unaffordability of health care...

...Another long-standing issue that has held Colorado’s economy back for decades is transportation. After booming population growth yet insufficient funding, Colorado’s infrastructure is in desperate need of repair and modernization. That’s why we passed a historic transportation plan to support a dynamic economy, improve air quality, create jobs, and position Colorado to compete with other states....

...Sadly, the legislature was also confronted with the all-too-familiar issue of gun violence during the legislative session. After 10 people lost their lives in the Boulder King Soopers shooting, Democratic lawmakers crafted and passed three measures designed to save lives by expanding background checks, creating a resource office for gun violence prevention, and giving local governments the tools they need to craft community-based solutions...

...In 2021, General Assembly Democrats rose to the occasion and championed policies that will not only support people in the aftermath of the pandemic but pave a hopeful path forward by creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado for all.

To read the End of Session Report in its entirety, click here.

Stimulus Bill Aimed at Revitalizing Communities & Investing in Small Businesses Becomes Law!

SB21-252 will significantly jump-start rural businesses and urban centers across the state by revitalizing communities and transforming shared downtown spaces

DENVER, CO - Today, Governor Polis signed into law a stimulus bill from Colorado’s recovery package, which will invest in struggling local economies and accelerate the Colorado Comeback.

SB21-252, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg and Minority Leader Chris Holbert, creates the Community Revitalization Grant Program to issue grants intended to support creative projects in commercial centers that would combine revitalized or newly constructed commercial spaces with public or community spaces. Projects could include flexible live-work or vendor spaces for entrepreneurs, performance spaces, child care centers, meeting spaces for community events, and other projects that renovate vacant property for creative industries, economic development, or historic preservation purposes.

“Colorado’s unique main streets represent the very best of our diverse state. That’s why part of our recovery includes making investments everywhere from Denver to Walsenburg, from Boulder to Montrose,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “Creative community spaces are the lifeblood of our cities and towns, and deserve our attention and support. I’m thrilled to see what communities Coloradans will build with the help of this funding.”

As Colorado emerges from the pandemic, there is significant opportunity to reinvigorate downtowns that have faced COVID-19-related closures, to transform rural main streets where real estate has been left unused for years, and to provide community and living space that will improve residents’ quality of life for decades to come. 

Communities across Colorado have shovel-ready projects aimed at doing just that, many of which have already obtained some degree of outside funding but lack the amount necessary to break ground or finalize an existing project. With one-time funding from the State, the Program can kickstart these projects and help maintain the vibrant diversity and longevity of Colorado’s city and town centers.

To read the bill and find more details about the legislation, visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-252.

Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care, Rx Drugs Signed into Law

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will reduce the cost of health care and prescription drugs in Colorado. The Colorado Option will save consumers on the individual and small group markets 15 percent on their health insurance and offer a new option with lower out-of-pocket costs that covers what consumers need.

“This is a momentous day for our state because finally, lower health care costs and new options are coming soon to every Colorado county! Starting in 2023, Coloradans who purchase insurance on the individual or small group markets will have a new option that’s going to cost less and be high quality,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “The high cost of health care leads too many people to have to choose between going to the doctor or paying for necessities. With the Colorado Option, we’re going to save individuals and small businesses thousands per year on their health insurance and increase access to affordable and quality health care for families, small businesses and people across our state.”

“Today is a great day for Colorado. After a years-long process where the health care industry, advocacy groups, and legislators came together – refusing to accept the status quo – we have accomplished what once seemed impossible,” said Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “Rather than stand idly by as folks were forced to choose between paying rent and paying their insurance bill, we moved forward with the knowledge that accessible, affordable, high-quality care can be a reality. I am incredibly proud of what we have been able to accomplish on behalf of every Coloradan. Because whether you’re a raft guide in Steamboat, a small business owner in Denver, or a ranching family in Bennett, this bill will make a real difference in your quality of life.”

“Neither the color of your skin, your zip code, your residency status, your income nor a company’s profit margins should dictate whether you have access to health care,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “For too long, Coloradans have been paying too much and getting too little in return. This is a big win in our ongoing fight to increase options and value while making health care more affordable and equitable.”

The Colorado Option will lower health care costs for individuals, families, and small businesses across the state. HB21-1232 creates a new health insurance option, a standardized plan for consumers on the individual and small group markets, and the law requires health insurance carriers to bring premiums down by 15 percent over three years. The standardized health plan will cover the services consumers need at a lower cost, address historical health inequities, and lower out-of-pocket costs for consumers.

“No one should have to choose between buying food or the prescriptions they need,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “If we truly want to make health care 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.”

“With nearly one in three Coloradans unable to afford the cost of their life saving prescription drugs, it’s clear we couldn’t wait any longer to drive down costs and save people money,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “For seniors who can’t afford their prescriptions and for parents of young kids with expensive medications, relief is on the way. The bill the governor signed today is going to rein in out-of-control drug costs and bring badly needed relief to the Coloradans struggling to pay for the medicine they need.”

“As a physician, I never want to have that conversation with a patient where we try to figure out what drug they should take based on what they can afford, but doctors have these conversations all the time because prescription drug costs are just unaffordable for too many families,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, a pediatrician. “This new law creates guardrails to help Coloradans afford life-saving drugs and will help us get to the bottom of spikes in the cost of these drugs. Colorado is going to lead the way once again on reducing the cost of health care and prescription drugs.”

“Prescription drug costs have risen astronomically, forcing patients to ration their medications or forego them all together,” said 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 new law, we can lower the ever-increasing costs of pharmaceuticals as well as address ongoing health disparities – bringing our state one step closer toward a healthcare system that prioritizes patients over profit.”

Nearly one-in-three Coloradans struggle to afford the cost of prescription drugs. With passage of SB21-175, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board will convene a panel of experts to investigate prescription drug cost increases, and set guardrails on purchase prices for the most expensive prescription drugs in the state. The affordability board would 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. 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, highly qualified health care experts who are free from conflicts of interest.

Stimulus Bills Making Historic Investments in Colorado Agriculture Signed by the Governor

These new laws will provide much needed financial support to agricultural resiliency and efficiency programs throughout the state

DENVER, CO - Today, Governor Polis signed into law two bills that are a part of Colorado’s recovery package, setting aside historic levels of funding for agricultural resiliency and efficiency programs.

SB21-234, sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis & Jerry Sonnenberg, allocates $3 million to the Department of Agriculture to increase the state’s ability to anticipate, mitigate, or respond to droughts. In 2020, each of the 64 Colorado counties were experiencing a drought. This drought exacerbated many of the financial impacts on the agriculture sector, and as climate change worsens, drought could cost Colorado an additional $511 million dollars in expected annual damages to agriculture. This bill will help the state plan for and mitigate future droughts and climate disturbances.

“Climate change has caused the worst drought for farmers in their planting season in 20 years,” said Senator Jaquez-Lewis (D-Boulder County). “This legislation will provide funding for drought mitigation and wildfire prevention techniques. As a San Luis rancher's granddaughter, I am proud to support our agricultural families across the state.”

SB21-235, also sponsored by Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, allocates another $5 million to voluntary soil health programs and to the ACRE3 program, Colorado’s premier state-level program for agricultural energy management. ACRE3 provides financial aid, technical assistance, and education to help the agriculture industry cut energy costs and develop their own energy resources. To further increase the sustainability of the ag industry, producers can invest in nutrient cycling, and erosion prevention strategies which will increase yields and resilience to extreme weather events.

“Agricultural businesses and working families depend on keeping costs low,” said Senator Jaquez-Lewis (D-Boulder County). “This legislation funds energy-efficient techniques like improving soil health and Agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy creation over croplands. Farmers and Ranchers will have another way to improve their crop production."

To read the bills and find more details about the legislation, visit leg.colorado.gov.

Governor Signs Trio of Climate Action & Clean Energy Stimulus Bills

Stimulus bills will provide resources to renewable energy projects, clean energy sector workforce development, and energy efficiency projects

DENVER, CO - Today, Governor Polis signed into law three bills that are a part of Colorado’s recovery package, all targeting investments in the clean energy sector and energy efficiency projects.

HB21-1253, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators Faith Winter & Bob Rankin, invests $5 million into local government grants for shovel-ready, job-creating projects in the renewable energy sector. Market forces, consumer choices, and environmental consciousness have moved Colorado’s economy toward a sustainable clean energy future, and this bill will help support and accelerate that transition.

“We have the power to create jobs, promote sustainability and put Colorado on a pathway toward a cleaner future by funding more renewable energy projects throughout our state,” said Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “These resources will be used to enable renewable energy infrastructure projects where they are needed most, stimulating our economy and creating tremendous opportunities for our workforce.” 

SB21-230, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen & Faith Winter, allocates $40 million to the Colorado Energy Office for several clean energy finance initiatives. The majority of these funds will be directed to the Colorado Clean Energy Fund, which acts as Colorado’s “Green Bank” with the purpose of financing clean energy projects and bridging gaps between clean energy projects and private capital providers. The remaining funds will be spent between programs that support clean energy retrofits, energy efficient new construction, clean energy lending and funding for the installation of EV charging stations at facilities across the state.

“As we work to rapidly reduce carbon emissions and meet our climate goals, we need additional funding to support our efforts,” said Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “These vital resources will help us preserve our environment and utilize our abundant clean energy resources while creating good-paying green jobs, putting us on a successful pathway toward a sustainable future for generations to come.” 

SB21-231, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators Tammy Story & Dennis Hisey, will provide $3 million to fund grants in the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides funding to low-income residents across the state to fund weatherization upgrades in their homes. On average, low-income households pay over four times as much of their household income on energy costs and are sometimes forced to cut back on healthcare, childcare, groceries, and other expenses just to keep the bills paid. Weatherization can significantly alleviate these costs, as well as improve the lives and well-being of residents.

“We must ensure that every Coloradan, no matter where they live or the amount of money in their pocket, is safe and comfortable in their home,” said Senator Tammy Story (D-Evergreen). “This funding will help low-income residents afford weatherization upgrades to their homes while simultaneously saving them money and enhancing energy efficiency.” 

To read the bills and find more details about the legislation, visit leg.colorado.gov.

Colorado Comeback Bills Supporting Creative Industries & Local Businesses SIGNED!

DENVER, CO – Today, the Governor signed three Colorado Comeback bills into law. These new laws focus on revitalizing our economy by boldly investing in local events, tourism, and small businesses. 

HB21-1263, sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez and Dennis Hisey, creates a program to provide organizations and businesses up to 10% rebates for holding an event in the state. The program also offers rebates of up to 25% for hard costs of complying with COVID-19 associated public health orders for the event. This is aimed at attracting people back to Colorado for the weddings, vacations, conferences, and festivals that have halted since COVID. 

“Colorado’s events and tourism industry is critical to the health of our economy, but the pandemic has severely impacted the sector – costing not only jobs and businesses but local vibrancy as well,” said Senator Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver). “This new law will not only bring visitors back to our state but  power the Colorado Comeback by making our beautiful home a premier tourist destination once again.” 

HB21-1285, sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis & Janet Buckner, provides $10 million to support artists and cultural organizations in Colorado that have been impacted by COVID-19. This includes funding for the performance-based film incentive, cultural facilities, and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. 

“Colorado is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, attracting tourists from all over the world. The art community was the first to stop during COVID and has been the last to recover. For every $1 we spend on the arts, we receive back $30 in economic stimulus,” said Senator Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County). "Every County in the state has an arts group or center that can now apply for this new funding, to fully recover and build back better."

“This pandemic has taken a huge toll on our creative industries – forcing them to navigate both an economic recession and shifting capacity restrictions for more than a year,” said Senator Buckner (D-Aurora). “Not only will this bill provide relief for the industry as a whole, but it will target direct assistance to cultural facilities that focus on programming for historically marginalized and under-resourced communities to ensure our recovery is equitable.”

SB21-241, sponsored by Senators Fields and Bridges, creates the Small Business Accelerated Growth Program to provide small businesses with tools and resources that foster the growth of existing companies that have moved from the start-up stage into the second-stage or are on the verge of rapid growth. This program will ensure that these businesses, post-pandemic, will be able to build back stronger.

“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on small businesses, particularly those owned by women and racial minorities,” said Senator Fields (D-Aurora). “We need to reinvest in these critical community pillars by making resources available that will foster their growth and set them up for success. Because the essence of economic ingenuity and creativity resides in the entrepreneurial minds of our small business owners, who dare to think out of the box and pave their own path.” 

“Innovative, growth-oriented small businesses are critical to our Colorado comeback,” said Senator Bridges (D-Greenwood Village). “Through their perseverance and innovation, small businesses are the economic engine of our economy. This bill makes sure they have the expertise and support they need to thrive here in Colorado, creating jobs and opportunities throughout our state.” 

Governor Signs Pair of Zenzinger Bills Making Historic Investments in Colorado Schools

DENVER, CO - This afternoon, Governor Polis signed into law two landmark education bills, both sponsored by long-standing education advocate, Senator Rachel Zenzinger.

“I’ve spent my entire legislative career prioritizing school funding – working to ensure that our educators have the resources they deserve and our students have the tools they need to succeed,” said Senator Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “So after an incredibly difficult year – marred by disruptions and uncertainty – I am honored and thrilled to see these transformational bills become law. This session, we were able to come together and make drastic improvements to facilitate long-term success of our public school system – strengthening our kids’ futures for generations to come.”

SB21-268 is the annual School Finance Act, which sets the funding formula for all public K-12 Colorado schools. 

Specifically, this year’s School Finance Act restored cuts to programs made in 2020, such as the K-5 Social Emotional Health Pilot Program, School Leadership Pilot Program, Behavioral Health Care Professionals Grant Program. Additionally, the bill makes permanent changes to the school funding formula to prioritize more funding for low-income students, at-risk students, and English-language learners, and increases per pupil funding by $141.67 to $7,225.28 for the next fiscal year. Lastly, the bill sets aside historic investments to decrease the budget stabilization factor--which represents the amount of funding deducted from the total program--by $481.4 million, bringing it back down to pre-pandemic levels.

HB21-1164, works to resolve the structural inequity in Colorado’s property tax system that must be fixed to ensure our schools have the funding they desperately need. 

In 1988, the School Finance Act 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.

HB21-1164, authorized by the recent ruling from the Colorado State Supreme Court, will allow districts to recoup tens of millions of dollars for school funding at a critical time in our state’s recovery.

Senate Democrats Take Strong Action on Climate

Approve Landmark Legislation to Protect Environment & Support Disproportionately Impacted Communities

DENVER, CO - Today, Senate Democrats passed a bill on third reading and final passage that will 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. 

The bill, HB21-1266, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter & Janet Buckner, 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 & gas, and industrial & manufacturing sectors, and advance environmental justice in executive branch rulemakings.

“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 Winter (D-Westminster). “This bill 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.”

“Today is a historic day for Colorado, as we pass landmark legislation to tackle the climate crisis, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect the most vulnerable and marginalized Coloradans,” said Senator Buckner (D-Aurora). “With this important bill, 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.”

Specifically, the bill advances environmental justice by eliminating the polluter pay loophole that exempts greenhouse gas emissions from pollution fees, creating an independent ombudsperson that reports directly to the Department of Public Health & Environment, allowing pollution penalties to be invested back into disproportionately impacted communities. 

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.

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.

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. 

HB21-1266 now heads back to the House for final action. To read the bill and find updates regarding its status, visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb21-1266.

Historic Legislative Session Concludes

DENVER, CO – House and Senate leadership tonight released the following statements after the gavels fell on the historic First Session of the 73rd General Assembly.

“This was an ambitious and historic session,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “From the very beginning, we were clear about what we set out to do, and we delivered on our promises. Democrats demonstrated that we have earned the trust Coloradans put in us to govern responsibly. Sometimes, history makes us. This year, we made history.”

“There is no doubt that this last year was marked by tragedy, but it was also marked by triumph,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “Rather than succumb to the weight of a pandemic and economic recession, we used all of our resources to not only persevere but build back stronger than we were before. From transformational infrastructure investments to landmark stimulus policies, we used this session as an opportunity to take on the big challenges and make generational change. I am incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish and I can’t wait to see our work in action.”

“This session will be remembered for decades as one of the most ambitious and productive in recent memory,” said House Majority Leader, D-Pueblo. “We made investments and reforms that will create a more prosperous Colorado for working families for decades to come. As I go home to Pueblo to welcome the newest member of my family, I’ll go home knowing that the work we did this session will make life better for my future child, and for Coloradans of every background across the state.”

“After an unprecedented year in Colorado, we returned to the Capitol with an ambitious to-do list. I’m so proud to celebrate each and every accomplishment coming out of this session – and they are many,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “From immediate small business relief and housing assistance, to landmark transportation legislation and gun violence prevention measures, we were truly responsive to both today’s needs and tomorrow’s prosperity. The hard work from Democrats over the past few months has resulted in one of the most productive and consequential legislative sessions in recent memory.”

Revitalizing Our Economy, Delivering Urgent Relief, Forging a More Prosperous Future for Coloradans

In the midst of a global pandemic and challenging year that has severely impacted the lives of Coloradans, Democrats came together to not only deliver urgent relief to struggling Coloradans but build our state back stronger. By focusing on revitalizing our economy, delivering urgent relief, and forging a more prosperous future for all Coloradans, the legislature was able to deliver on promises that were years in the making – passing transformational legislation that will pave the way for a Colorado where everyone can thrive. This was accomplished by putting people over politics and working across the aisle to accomplish great things, resulting in 91% of our passed legislation receiving bipartisan support.

In order to recover faster and build back stronger, lawmakers prioritized addressing our most pressing challenges head-on. This meant developing a bipartisan state stimulus package to foster the Colorado Comeback, making monumental investments to strengthen small businesses, supporting Colorado families, investing in rural Colorado, and developing our workforce.

Specifically, lawmakers passed bills to create a $30 million startup loan fund for businesses across the state, provide $15 million in grants to small businesses, and invested $22 million to support artists and arts and culture organizations. We also championed legislation that will provide more than $100 million to increase child care capacity and affordability, create a $30 million loan and grant program for Colorado’s agricultural sector, add $5 million to the Rural Economic Development Initiative, and allocate $25 million in funding for upskilling and reskilling our state’s workforce.

In addition to passing state stimulus policies, state leaders worked collaboratively to enact Colorado’s roadmap to Building Back Stronger – embarking on a statewide listening tour to gather input on how to allocate nearly $4 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The resulting legislation immediately deployed hundreds of millions of dollars to make housing more affordable, provide emergency behavioral health services and help workers complete degree or skills-training programs. The roadmap also dedicated $1.3 billion in federal funds to protect critical state services in future years and set aside nearly $1.8 billion for future transformational investments in housing, behavioral health, and workforce development that will be crafted through bipartisan interim processes.

Beyond tackling urgent needs and enacting once-in-a-generation stimulative plans, lawmakers prioritized addressing longstanding issues that have burdened Colorado for decades. One such issue is the inaccessibility and unaffordability of health care. With skyrocketing health care costs and limited options, lawmakers crafted legislation to implement the Colorado Option, a policy that is set to save Coloradans 15 percent on their insurance premiums and create a guaranteed plan for consumers. Lawmakers also passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Board, which will reduce the cost of prescription drugs and ensure that no Coloradan is forced to forgo life-saving medication.

Another long-standing issue that has held Colorado’s economy back for decades is transportation. After booming population growth yet stagnant funding, Colorado’s infrastructure is in desperate need of significant repair and modernization. That’s why the 73rd General Assembly prioritized passing a groundbreaking transportation plan – finally ending the deadlock that has plagued our state for years. Supported by a large, bipartisan coalition, this historic legislation will help connect people and goods from all corners of the state, ensure our economy can compete on the national stage, and allow Coloradans to get where they’re going faster and more safely.

Sadly, the legislature was also confronted with the all-too-familiar issue of gun violence during the legislative session. After 10 people lost their lives in the Boulder King Sooper shooting, Democratic lawmakers crafted and passed three measures designed to curb the gun violence epidemic in our state. These policies together will save lives by expanding background checks, closing loopholes, and giving local governments the tools they need to craft community-based solutions to gun violence. The three bills passed in addition to three other measures that address firearm safety including safe storage, lost and stolen reporting, and protecting domestic violence survivors from gun violence.

In 2021 General Assembly Democrats rose to the occasion and championed policies that will not only support people in the aftermath of the pandemic but pave a hopeful path forward by creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado for all.

Revitalizing our economy:
Thanks to the swift and bold action of our federal delegation, Colorado was afforded a once-in-a-generation opportunity to jumpstart our struggling economy and strengthen our recovery. From rebuilding our workforce by giving Coloradans the tools they need to fill good-paying jobs, to investing in up-and-coming businesses and revitalizing mainstreets we have delivered on our promise to help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger.

Strengthening small businesses and community centers:
HB21-1288— Colorado Startup Loan Program**
SB21-241— Small Business Accelerated Growth Program**
HB21-1302–– Continue COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program**
HB21-1265— Qualified Retailer Retain Sales Tax For Assistance**
HB21-1312— Increase to Business Personal Property Tax Exemption**
SB21-252— Community Revitalization Grant Program**
HB21-1263— Meeting And Events Incentive Program**
SB21-110— Fund Safe Revitalization Of Main Streets**

Investing in rural Colorado and agriculture:
SB21-203— Funding For Colorado Proud**
SB21-204— Rural Economic Development Initiative Grant Program Funding**
SB21-229— Rural Jump-start Zone Grant Program**
SB21-248— Loan Program For Colorado Agriculture**
SB21-234— General Fund Transfer Agriculture And Drought Resiliency**
SB21-235— Stimulus Funding Department Of Agriculture Efficiency Programs**
HB21-1290— Additional Funding For Just Transition**

Developing our workforce:
HB21-1264— Funds Workforce Development Increase Worker Skills**
HB21-1270— SNAP workforce**
HB21-1330— Higher Education Student Success**
SB21-232— Displaced Workers Grant**
HB21-1149— Energy Sector Career Pathway In Higher Education**
HB21-1007— State Apprenticeship Agency
HB21-1215–– Business Training for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals**

Stock Show, State Fair, Agriculture Fairs and Events, Arts and Creative Industries:
HB21-1262— Money Support Agricultural Events Organization**
HB21-1285— Funding To Support Creative Arts Industries**

Delivering urgent relief:
With sky-high unemployment, social isolation, and prolonged uncertainty, too many Coloradans were being crushed under the weight of the pandemic. That’s why we prioritized providing direct relief to struggling families – allocating funds for housing, childcare, and food assistance efforts; and bolstering mental and behavioral healthcare services.

K-12 and Higher Education:
2021 School Finance Act: The 2021 school finance act increases total program funding by $750.8 million. Per pupil funding for the 2021-2022 school year will be $8,991, an increase of $868 (10.7 percent) over the current school year.

This year’s School Finance Act restores the Budget Stabilization Factor to where it was before the devastation of the pandemic. By reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor, each school district in Colorado will see a fair and equal, per-pupil increase to the state share of total program funding they receive.

The School Finance Act also restores funding to grant programs that were cut last year. These grant programs offer a number of critical services such as dropout prevention, literacy attainment, access to advanced placement courses, special education, bullying prevention and behavioral health support.

2021-2022 State Budget: The Long Appropriations bill resumes state support for institutions of higher education, increasing funding by $494 million over last year’s budget.

The budget invests $160 Million in School Infrastructure (BEST) to construct, renovate, or maintain school facilities and structures and directs an additional $100 Million for the State Education Fund (SEF), which funds teacher recruitment, full-day kindergarten, early literacy programs, and helps finance public school systems across Colorado.

Supporting Colorado families and youth:
SB21-236— Increase Capacity Early Childhood Care & Education**
SB21-027— Emergency Supplies For Colorado Babies And Families**
SB21-202–– Funding Public School Air Quality Projects**
HB21-1311— Boosting Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit HB21-1161— Suspend Statewide Assessments For Select Grades
HB21-1259–– Extended Learning Opportunities
SB21-013–– Reversing COVID-related Learning Loss
HB21-1234–– Supplemental Education High-impact Tutoring Programs**
SB21-053— Adjustments To School Funding Fiscal Year 2020-21
SB21-292— Federal COVID Funding For Victim's Services**

Helping Coloradans avoid eviction and making housing more affordable:
HB21-1271— Department Of Local Affairs Innovative Affordable Housing Strategies** HB21-1329— American Rescue Plan Act Money To Invest Affordable Housing**
HB21-1117–– Local Government Authority Promote Affordable Housing Units
HB21-1054–– Housing Public Benefit Verification Requirement
SB21-173— Rights In Residential Lease Agreements
SB21-242— Housing Development Grants Hotels Tenancy Support Program**
HB21-1121— Residential Tenancy Procedures
HB21-1274— Unused State-owned Real Property Beneficial Use

Increasing access to mental health care:
HB21-1258— Rapid Mental Health Response For Colorado Youth**
SB21-137— Behavioral Health Recovery Act**
SB21-239— 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System**
HB21-1119— Suicide Prevention, Intervention, & Postvention
HB21-1068— Insurance Coverage Mental Health Wellness Exam
HB21-1281— Community Behavioral Health Disaster Program

Protecting communities from wildfire
SB21-258— Wildfire Risk Mitigation**
SB21-240— Watershed Restoration Grant Program Stimulus**
HB21-1260–– Funding for the State Water Plan**
HB21-1208— Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise**
SB21-054— Transfers For Wildfire Mitigation And Response
SB21-113— Firefighting Aircraft Wildfire Mgmt And Response**
HB21-1008— Forest Health Project Financing

Supporting Colorado’s Veterans
HB21-1065— Veterans' Hiring Preference
SB21-129— Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program
SB21-032— Mobile Veterans-support Unit Grant Program

Forging a more prosperous future for Coloradans:
This pandemic has taken a serious toll on our lives and our livelihoods, but Coloradans are resilient and we used this as an opportunity to not only recover, but build back stronger. That’s why we passed transformational policies increasing access to affordable healthcare, investing in the sustainability of our transportation system, reforming our justice system, and protecting our environment for generations to come. The legislature set aside over $1 billion to fortify the state’s budget and created a responsible process to hear from experts on the most effective way to allocate nearly $1 billion in funding toward mental health, housing, workforce development, and the long-term resilience of Colorado’s economy.

Improving Colorado’s transportation and infrastructure:
SB21-260— Sustainability Of The Transportation System
SB21-238— Create Front Range Passenger Rail District
HB21-1186— Regional Transportation District Operation
HB21-1289— Funding For Broadband Deployment

Reducing the cost of health care and prescription drugs, improving access to care and addressing health disparities:
HB21-1232— Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option;
SB21-175— Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board
HB21-1097— Establish Behavioral Health Administration;
SB21-123–– Expand Canadian Rx Import Program
SB21-009–– Reproductive Health Care Program
SB21-194— Maternal Health Providers
SB21-193— Protection Of Pregnant People In Perinatal Period
SB21-016–– Protecting Preventive Health Care Coverage

Providing a high quality education to all students:
HB21-1325— Funding Public Schools Formula
HB21-1304— Early Childhood System
SB21-185— Supporting Educator Workforce In Colorado
HB21-1173— Prohibiting Legacy Preferences In Higher Ed Insts
HB21-1067— College Admission Use Of National Test Score

Advancing Justice in Colorado Communities:
HB21-1315— Costs Assessed To Juveniles In The Criminal Justice System
HB21-1314— Department Of Revenue Action Against Certain Documents
HB21-1280— Pre-trial Detention Reform
SB21-271— Misdemeanor Reform
HB21-1214— Record Sealing Collateral Consequences Reduction
HB21-1250— Measures to Address Law Enforcement Accountability
HB21-1251— Appropriate Use Of Chemical Restraints On A Person
HB21-1122— First Responder Interactions Persons With Disabilities
SB21-087–– Agricultural Workers' Rights

Protecting Communities
SB21-073— Civil Action Statute Of Limitations Sexual Assault
HB21-1298— Expand Firearm Transfer Background Check Requirements
HB21-1299— Office Of Gun Violence Prevention
SB21-256— Local Regulation Of Firearms
SB21-078— Lost Or Stolen Firearms (Isabella Joy Thallas Act)
HB21-1106— Safe Storage Of Firearms
HB21-1255— Protection Order Issued Against Domestic Abuser
HB21-1165— Assistance For Victims Of Strangulation
HB21-1143— Protect Survivors' Rights To Rape Kit Evidence
HB21-1107— Protections For Public Health Department Workers
HB21-1110— Colorado Laws For Persons With Disabilities

Protecting our clean air and water, and addressing climate change:
SB21-264— Adopt Programs Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Utilities
SB21-230–– Financing Clean Energy Projects
SB21-231–– Funding for Weatherization Assistance
HB21-1266— Environmental Justice Disproportionate Impacted Community
HB21-1238— Public Utilities Commission Modernize Gas Utility
HB21-1286— Energy Performance For Buildings
HB21-1253— Renewable And Clean Energy Project Grants**
HB21-1189— Regulate Air Toxics

Responsibly Allocating Federal Stimulus Funds
SB21-288— American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Cash Fund
SB21-289— Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund
SB21-291— Economic Recovery And Relief Cash Fund

Improving Colorado’s Elections
HB21-1011— Multilingual Ballot Access For Voters
HB21-1071— Ranked Choice Voting In Nonpartisan Elections
SB21-250— Elections And Voting

** = Bill is part of the Colorado Comeback State Stimulus plan or federal stimulus roadmap.

Senate Gives Final Approval to Remaining Stimulus Bills, Rounding Out the 2021 Colorado Comeback Package

Stimulus bills providing financial support to outdoor recreation and affordable housing receive approval from the Senate

DENVER, CO - Today, the State Senate gave approval to the final two stimulus bills that are all a part of Colorado’s recovery package, both with unanimous support.

HB21-1326, sponsored by Senator Tammy Story, will invest $25 million in federal funds to improve Colorado state parks. Specifically, the bill invests $750,000 to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to support backcountry avalanche safety programs; $3.5 million to the Division of Parks and Wildlife to implement its statewide wildlife action plan and the conservation of native species; $2.25 million to the search and rescue fund for use by the Department of Local Affairs in consultation with the division to support backcountry search and rescue efforts; $1 million to the outdoor equity fund for use by the division to implement the outdoor equity grant program; and $17.5 million for state park staffing and maintenance and infrastructure and development projects.

“Colorado’s state parks and great outdoors are the pride and joy of this state. However, with the stay-at-home orders and social distancing over the last year, our parks have seen a major increase in visitation and have not had adequate resources to handle the influx of visitors,” said Senator Story (D-Evergreen). “This $25 million investment will help address the backlog of upgrades and maintenance needs in our state parks and ensure Coloradans can continue to enjoy our natural environment for years to come.”

HB21-1329, sponsored by Senator Gonzales & Minority Leader Holbert, channels $550 million in federal stimulus funds toward affordable housing efforts. It immediately invests $100 million of that funding to help Coloradans who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic obtain affordable housing. The bill requires a broad and diverse stakeholder process during the interim that will develop and make recommendations to the General Assembly for how to allocate the remaining $450 million. The funds will be used on programs or services that address housing insecurity, a lack of affordable housing or homelessness, including the construction of new affordable housing units, housing and rental assistance programs, and supportive housing programs.

“This session, I’ve made it my focus to ensure housing is a right, not a privilege,” said Senator Gonzales (D-Denver). “I’ve worked to address homelessness, tenants’ rights, and affordable housing, and I could not be more proud to channel this historic amount of funding to address both our immediate and long-term housing needs.”

Both bills now head to the House for final action. To read the bills and find updates regarding their status, visit leg.colorado.gov.