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.

SIGNED! Colorado Comeback Bill to Address Homelessness Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a Colorado Comeback bill into law that aims to address homelessness and promote affordable housing throughout Colorado. 

HB21-1271, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, will establish grant programs to encourage local governments to utilize affordable housing strategies, and will direct money to local governments for the acquisition or restoration of underutilized properties to house people experiencing homelessness. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic made exceedingly clear just how critical access to stable housing is to public health, educational wellbeing of children, and economic stability,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “This session, I championed multiple housing bills to advance tenants’ rights, to make bold investments in affordable housing, and to ensure that we address the needs of Coloradans experiencing homelessness. These laws will keep Coloradans housed, and I am so proud of the broad and diverse coalition who lent their voices to each of these vitally-important housing justice policies!”

Specifically, HB21-1271 creates three different programs in the Department of Local Affairs to promote innovative solutions for the development of affordable housing across the state. Together, the programs provide for $13 million in state stimulus funds to jump start development in the next three years.

Bill to Make Colorado the 11th State to Establish an Office of New Americans Becomes Law

The Office will work to promote the successful integration and inclusion of immigrants and refugees in our state's communities

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a bill into law that will establish the Colorado Office of New Americans. HB21-1150, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, will implement a statewide strategy to facilitate economic stability and promote successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration by investing in the success of immigrants in Colorado.

“Colorado’s diversity always has, and always will be our greatest strength,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “Immigrants and refugees make Colorado vibrant, culturally, linguistically, socially, and economically. The creation of the Colorado Office of New Americans will ensure that all Coloradans can access opportunities for greater collaboration, integration, and entrepreneurship."

The Office will establish and work with a community advisory committee that can provide input to the state from Colorado's immigrant communities, and work directly with immigrant populations to hear and address their concerns and obstacles in accessing services. This will provide immigrant communities the means to address any concerns and obstacles they encounter when accessing state services.

As designed, the Office will grow over time so that in the future it could provide grants to local immigrant-focused, community-based organizations, depending on available funds.

Colorado is home to more than half a million immigrants, including refugees, who make up 10% of the state's population and play a vital role in our state's cultural fabric and shared prosperity. 

To read the bill in its entirety, visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb21-1150.

Priority Housing Bills to Promote Affordable Housing & Protect Renters Become Law

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the governor signed four critical housing bills into law that seek to promote affordable housing, address homelessness, and protect renters. 

SB21-242, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales and Senator Brittany Pettersen, creates a $15 million grant program for local governments, municipalities, and nonprofits to rent, acquire, or restore underutilized hotels or motels to provide immediate housing for people experiencing homelessness.

“It’s heart-breaking to see so many people experiencing homelessness on our streets without safe shelter,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “We have a moral obligation to lift up those in our community who are struggling and need our support, and that is what we are seeking to do with this law. By fully utilizing hotels, motels and other establishments to house the most vulnerable among us, we can put Colorado on a successful pathway toward ending the homelessness crisis once and for all.” 

SB21-173, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, would take the following actions to keep Coloradans housed: require information about late fees in tenant leases; limit late fees on unpaid rent; as well as give renters more time to provide funds and avoid eviction.

This bill would also prohibit tenant evictions solely for owing late fees; ban lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords who evict; eliminate bond requirements so Colorado renters can offer legitimate defenses and are not priced out of court; and establish a financial penalty for landlords who illegally lock out tenants. 

“The most vulnerable and marginalized Coloradans have been heavily impacted by the housing crisis, and it’s only worsened since the start of the pandemic,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “The priority housing legislation signed into law will make a critical difference in the lives of Coloradans who are truly struggling. By taking action to enhance tenants’ rights, combat homelessness, and promote affordable housing with these new laws, we are well on our way to solving the housing issues that have plagued our state for far long.”

Another bill, HB21-1121, also sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, will restrict the power of landlords, empower tenants in eviction court, and promote the development of affordable housing. Specifically, the bill prohibits landlords from increasing rent more than once in a 12-month period, extends eviction notices from 21 to 60 days for tenancies between 1 - 6 months long, and strengthens legal proceedings to give tenants more support in eviction court.

Finally, HB21-1329, sponsored by Senator Gonzales as well, channels $550 million in federal stimulus funds toward affordable housing efforts. It immediately invests nearly $100 million of that funding to help Coloradans gain access to affordable housing by providing the necessary funding to build thousands of new units. The bill also directs additional dollars to the Eviction Legal Defense Fund.  

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 funds. The funds will be used on programs or services that address housing insecurity, a lack of affordable housing or homelessness, including construction of new affordable housing units, housing and rental assistance programs and supportive housing programs.

SIGNED! Bill to Support Foster Youth in Transition Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a bill into law that aims to support foster youth in transition throughout Colorado. 

As foster children transition to adulthood and out of the foster care system, they face a steep cliff where they no longer have adequate resources and support that the foster care system had provided them for the first several years of their lives. 

HB21-1094, sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, acknowledges the challenges of the 200+ youths who exit the Colorado foster system by creating a new program called “Foster Youth in Transition,” which allows discharged youths to reenter the foster system in order to receive training and support as they transition into adulthood. 

“Our youth – especially those in foster care – have faced immeasurable challenges over the last year, and we need to do everything we can to lift them up,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “This law recognizes the immense challenges foster youth face when they exit foster care, particularly in the midst of the pandemic, and provides them with the support and resources they need to sustain their well-being, access job opportunities, and successfully transition into adulthood.” 

The bill establishes the “Youth Successful Transition to Adulthood” Grant Program to serve youth ages 18 to 23 who are making the transition to independence and adulthood. Services are to be provided throughout the state by county departments of human or social services. This important legislation means that counties will be able to provide eligible participants assistance related to: Medicaid enrollment, housing, case management, employment, education, acquisition of driver’s licenses and identification documents, acquisition of health and education records, record expungement, locating relatives, and referral for publicly provided counsel.

The program seeks to extend client-directed and developmentally appropriate services to foster youth who were in foster care or who were adjudicated dependent and neglected after their 14th birthday and who voluntarily choose to receive certain child welfare services through their 21st birthday.

SIGNED! Bill to Extend Long Sought After Labor Rights to Agricultural Workers Becomes Law

New law would expand labor protections, allow workers to form unions, and guarantee minimum wages for agricultural workers across the state

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a groundbreaking agricultural workers’ rights bill into law that will modernize the industry, promote equity, and establish fair treatment standards by extending basic labor rights to agricultural workers.

SB21-087, sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson & Dominick Moreno, establishes an ‘Agricultural Workers’ Bill of Rights’ that guarantees break times, meal times, safe and comfortable working conditions, safe housing, overtime pay, clean water, and health protections for agricultural workers. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of the short-handled hoe – a practice that has already been outlawed in Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

“Colorado’s agricultural workers have been exploited for far too long in this state, and it’s well beyond time for us to provide them with the dignity and respect they deserve,” said Senator Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge). “Ensuring that these workers are able to earn a living wage, get overtime pay, have adequate access to breaks and water, and are protected against retaliation is simply just the right thing to do.”

Specifically, the bill tasks the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics in the Department of Labor and Employment to promulgate rules to establish the overtime pay of agricultural employees, and removes the exemption of agricultural labor from state and local minimum wage laws.

“Colorado lags far behind other states when it comes to affording basic human rights to agricultural workers,” said Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City). “These workers are often exploited for cheap labor and they can’t even discuss workplace conditions with their colleagues without fear of retaliation. This law will ensure basic protections for ag workers that already apply to every other worker across our state.”

In addition, the legislation creates the Agricultural Work Advisory Committee to study and analyze agricultural wages and working conditions. Lastly, the bill creates rights, remedies, and enforcement actions for aggrieved agricultural employees, whistleblowers, and key service providers so they can seek justice and promote transparency without fear of retaliation.

SIGNED! Bill to Establish Financial Empowerment Office Becomes Law

New law will provide financial literacy resources and promote an equitable economic recovery for all

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a bill into law that would create the Financial Empowerment Office.

Under the bill, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales and Chris Kolker, the Financial Empowerment Office would increase access to affordable financial products and resources like safe and secure banking, credit counseling, debt management, and access to capital in an effort to promote more equity, especially important during this economic recovery. These tools will help improve Coloradans’ financial management opportunities, promote fiscal stability, and center community-informed strategies that dismantle systemic barriers for low-income Coloradans and communities of color.

“As we work to build back stronger, we need to ensure an equitable recovery for our most vulnerable and marginalized Coloradans,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “Communities of color and Coloradans in more rural regions of our state have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, and this office aims to lift them up. By providing low-income folks with the tools and resources they need to bounce back, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live or how much money they have in their pocket, has an equal shot at economic success.”

“Our state is certainly on its way to economic recovery, but many of our low-wage workers are still struggling,” said Senator Chris Kolker (D-Centennial). “As we power the Colorado Comeback, we need to ensure that we do everything we can to level the playing field so that every Coloradan, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to the same financial resources and knowledge as their neighbors to become economically resilient. This office will ensure an equitable and sustainable recovery for all!” 

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

SIGNED! Five Clean Energy Policies Become Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed five landmark clean energy bills into law that will accelerate progress toward greenhouse gas reduction goals, work toward a regionally connected electricity grid, and set green building standards.

“In 2019, Colorado made historic progress in establishing greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and paving a pathway toward a net-zero emissions energy economy. However, the work has only just begun,” said Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “I am so proud of the progress we made this session to help fill in the blanks in our greenhouse gas reduction roadmap, and these laws will bring the reality of a clean energy future closer than ever before.”

Specifically, SB21-072 will transition Colorado toward a regional transmission organization while simultaneously interconnecting the grid, enhancing grid reliability, decreasing costs for utilities and ratepayers, and increasing capacity for renewable energy that will help us reach our statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

SB21-264 will establish a clean heat standard and encourage natural gas utilities to capture and utilize methane that is currently being leaked from agricultural operations, landfills, wastewater plants, and coalbeds, which will simultaneously reduce the amount of methane leaking into our atmosphere and offset the need for additional fossil fuel extraction.

HB21-1284 is a bipartisan bill that seeks to reduce the barriers and costs to solar energy installation, which is critical to our long-term energy independence, sustainability, and stability and allow Colorado to continue to foster an environment where renewable energy technologies can be deployed easily and effectively.

HB21-1238 directs the Public Utilities Commission to set energy savings targets for gas utilities to expand energy efficiency programs and help more customers cut energy waste. Additionally, this bill takes a major step in accurate greenhouse gas accounting by setting the social cost of methane and requiring the PUC to consider it in evaluating the cost-benefit ratio of natural gas utilities

Lastly, HB21-1286, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen, would require the owners of certain large commercial buildings to collect and report energy use to the Colorado Energy Office, and by 2026, to demonstrate that they have met new energy efficiency performance standards. 

“As we work to address economy-wide emission reductions, we must be calculated and purposeful in tackling sector-specific emissions as well,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “The building sector has long been an overlooked component of our statewide emissions, even though it contributes to 20% of our greenhouse gas pollution. This law will make substantial progress toward benchmarking building sector emissions which will create good jobs, save businesses money on their energy bills, and advance Colorado’s commitment to climate action.”

This policy will help tenants and businesses save money on their energy costs while creating jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits, mechanical system upgrades, electrical work, engineering, and recommissioning.

SIGNED! Bill to Restore Community Pillars & Power the Colorado Comeback Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a bill into law that will create a framework carefully designed to absorb federal stimulus funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and help power the Colorado Comeback for years to come. 

SB21-289, sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno, creates the Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund, which will receive $1 billion in federal funding and could support a number of critical needs across Colorado, including  K-12 education, housing, asset maintenance, seniors, criminal justice, state parks, agriculture, and transportation infrastructure in the 2022 legislative session. Overall, this legislation works to fortify the state budget and maintain fiscal integrity as Colorado’s Comeback continues.

“A major lesson learned over the last year has been how dynamic the state economy can be, and how strategically our recovery efforts must be crafted. Careful planning, creative investments, and fiscal responsibility got us to where we are today, and we must continue these efforts to ensure long-term prosperity for Colorado,” said Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City). “As state legislators, we are incredibly grateful for this infusion of federal funds, and this law will help provide a pathway for a sustained and lasting recovery that incorporates stakeholder input and outreach to every corner of the state.”

Overall, this legislation works to fortify the state budget and maintain fiscal integrity as Colorado’s Comeback continues. 

Colorado Comeback Legislation Targeting $75 Million for Workforce Development Signed by the Governor

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed into law a bill from Colorado’s recovery package, allocating a historic $75 million to support workforce development.

HB21-1264, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker and Dennis Hisey, invests $75 million to create an initiative within the state Workforce Development Council to reskill, upskill, and “next-skill” workers during periods of substantial unemployment. This will ensure that the state can build back stronger by making sure that Colorado’s workers have the tools they need to thrive.

“The last year has had a devastating impact on all of us, but especially our workforce. Coloradans were unexpectedly forced out of work during the pandemic, which resulted in financial loss, heightened stress, and decreased productivity,” said Senator Chris Kolker (D-Centennial). “In order for us to build back stronger, we need to ensure that our workers are fully equipped with this skill set necessary for them to get back to work and do their jobs efficiently. This funding supports training to advance one’s skills with their chosen work and develop new skills for those looking for careers new to the twenty-first century.”

Stimulus dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act make up two-thirds of the total funding, a decision made based on feedback from citizens of Colorado during the Build Back Stronger Statewide Listening Tour.

Specifically, the federal funding will be allocated to local workforce boards across the state for developing local workforce ecosystems across employer communities, workforce centers, and apprenticeship programs, and to the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) to enhance the statewide workforce ecosystem, including grants for statewide workforce innovation initiatives.

Additionally, federal funding will be allocated to the Department of Higher Education for Career and Technical Education to expand equipment, facility, and instruction capacity in the key career and technical education job demand areas. Lastly, $5 million in federal funding will be distributed to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Adult Education and Literacy programs to help support critical adult education initiatives.

Overall, these programs will build in-demand skills, connect workers and learners to quality jobs, and drive employer engagement in talent development through job training for individuals who want to and are available for work, to provide assistance to households, and to provide aid to impacted industries, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations to respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency through the provision of related educational and job training services.

SIGNED! Bill to Implement Universal Pre-K in Colorado Becomes Law

New law would promote alignment and quality, and improve access to high-quality early childhood education  

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a bill into law that will implement universal preschool, improve education outcomes, and support families in expanding access to enriching early childhood experiences. 

HB21-1304, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg and Senator Janet Buckner, will expand access to high-quality, affordable early childhood opportunities, support parents in accessing programs and services, and coordinate the availability of those services.

"Today was a huge step forward in providing quality education to every child in Colorado,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “With this law, we’re laying the foundation for how we fund, coordinate, and address early childhood education. Access to child care not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes, but also the very well-being and success of families across our state.”

Voter-approved investments in early learning, including Proposition EE – which was overwhelmingly supported by Colorado voters – as well as new federal funding targeted to child care, provide the state with a unique opportunity to elevate and streamline our early childcare education system.

“This law is the culmination of decades of hard work and advocacy from so many in our communities,” said Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora). “We remain inspired by Anna Jo Haynes’ leadership on this issue and are so happy to be able to honor her life’s work in the bill’s title. The implementation of HB21-1304 will build on the progress she has made, and will have life-changing effects on Colorado’s youth for generations to come.”

The bill’s shorthand title honors a long-time advocate of early childhood education in Colorado, Anna Jo Garcia Haynes. Ms. Haynes was the driving force behind the creation of the Head Start early childhood education program in Denver, and co-founder of the Colorado Children’s Campaign, a non-partisan advocacy organization.

Governor Signs Tax Fairness Package into Law, Providing Forthcoming Relief for Working Families and Small Businesses

Two bills seeking to provide tax relief to working families, seniors, and small businesses cross the finish line

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed into law two landmark tax bills that are part of Colorado's Tax Fairness Package. The bills, both sponsored by Senators Dominick Moreno and Chris Hansen, seek to build on progress made with tax relief legislation last year and aim to ensure Colorado’s economic recovery is efficient, equitable, and sustainable.

“The pandemic has both exposed and deepened existing inequities as well as created new ones,” said Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City). “As we recover, we can either continue business as usual, with decades-old special interest tax loopholes benefitting a handful of greedy corporations, or we can reform our tax code and uplift hardworking families, small businesses, and the most vulnerable Coloradans. The choice is clear.”

“Colorado’s tax code has been deeply unfair for far too long. Between our flat income tax structure, TABOR, and other restrictive fiscal policies, our state is entrenching power and protecting the status quo at the expense of hardworking people,” said Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “These bills will insert equity and integrity into our tax code by expanding working family tax credits like the EITC, as well as limiting loopholes for millionaires and huge corporations.”

Colorado’s hardworking families and small businesses are struggling to climb the economic ladder, put food on their tables, pay for housing, or afford higher education – while high-powered corporate interests protect an outdated tax system that gives handouts to those who’ve already reached the top.

HB21-1311 takes a critical look at the tax code to modify or eliminate provisions that have objectively failed their intended purpose or are broadly disadvantageous to local small businesses and working families. Instead, the bill prioritizes hardworking Coloradans by expanding tax credits for low and middle-income earners while curbing unjust tax-avoidance practices by big business. This includes prohibiting corporations from hiding their earnings in off-shore tax-havens as well as reinstating itemized deduction caps for the wealthiest Coloradans.

According to a non-partisan legislative analysis, the provisions in this bill will raise approximately $110 million in revenue for the state and will pay out over $450 million to working families, low-income Coloradans, and small businesses over the next 3 years.

Meanwhile, HB21-1312 seeks to adjust other state tax expenditures to prevent exploitation and ensure consistent application of tax laws. Specifically, the bill modifies ineffective tax subsidies for the largest businesses by eliminating property tax loopholes as well as other excessive write-offs.

These bills provide Colorado with an opportunity to support everyday citizens and small businesses that make up the backbone of our economy – prioritizing those being left behind in our recovery.

In addition to the Tax Fairness Package, the governor signed into law SB21-293, a bipartisan bill also sponsored by Senator Hansen, which is designed to provide targeted property tax relief to folks living in multi-family homes and homeowners who have seen their property assessments skyrocket over the past year.

SIGNED! Bills to Bolster Support for Colorado Veterans Become Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed two bills into law that aim to help our veterans who have given so much. The first will establish a veteran suicide prevention pilot program and the other will create a grant program that will fund the creation of a veteran mobile support unit to help veterans where they are. 

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

“Colorado’s rate of veteran suicide is higher than the national average,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “As a Marine Corps and Iraq war veteran and a lawmaker, those numbers are hard to hear. Veterans and their families have made immeasurable sacrifices to keep us safe. This law puts Colorado on a path to ensuring that veterans who are struggling have the support they need and deserve.”

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

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

“For many veterans experiencing homelessness, accessing essential services and care is incredibly difficult,” said Senate President Pro-Temp Kerry Donovan (D-Vail). “Our veterans have served our country and we owe it to them to meet them where they are. By creating a mobile veterans support unit with this new law, we can bolster support for veterans experiencing homelessness or veterans in remote areas. This is simply just the right thing to do.”

SIGNED! Colorado Comeback Bill to Support Domestic Violence Victims Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the Governor signed a Colorado Comeback bill into law that aims to support victims of domestic violence.

Stay-at-home orders and other pandemic responses have increased instances of domestic violence and reduced the ability of victims to access services. SB21-292, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, seeks to fill that void.

“When the pandemic hit last year, we asked Coloradans to stay home and stay safe. For many of our residents, however, staying home did not necessarily make them safer,” said Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “Instances of domestic violence increased when we implemented stay-at-home orders, which tragically put many Coloradans – particularly women – in danger. This law seeks to support victims of domestic violence, providing them with the resources necessary to ensure they are protected from further abuse and trauma.”

Specifically, the bill will allocate $15 million across various programs for victims of domestic abuse, including the Address Confidentiality Program, the Domestic Violence Program, and Victims Assistance & Law Enforcement programs, all of which will victims with resources they need for  crisis intervention services, victim services referrals, victim assistance programs, protection from abusers, financial assistance, and counseling to those in need.

SIGNED! Critical Gun Safety Measure to Protect Domestic Violence Victims Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a critical gun safety measure into law that seeks to protect victims of domestic abuse. 

HB21-1255, sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen & Sonya Jaquez-Lewis, would strengthen and streamline gun safety procedures to ensure that someone who has a domestic violence related protection order issued against them cannot access firearms.

“Gun violence is an epidemic in this country,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “Every year it seems we are shocked by a horrific mass shooting that shakes us to our core. But it’s the countless other shootings happening every day that represent the deadliest component of this crisis. Domestic abusers and other violent offenders are largely unobstructed from buying a firearm – putting vulnerable families and communities at increased risk of lethal violence. This has to change. By preventing dangerous people from purchasing or owning a gun, this new law will help stop tragedy before it starts.”

Current law already requires domestic violence offenders who are subject to a protection order stemming from an act of domestic or intimate partner violence to forfeit their firearms and refrain from possessing or purchasing firearms for the duration of the order. This bill simply clarifies the way in which defendants must comply with this requirement, and establishes requirements for courts.

“More than 30% of Coloradans experience physical abuse at the hands of a domestic partner – a threat made five times more deadly when their abuser owns a gun,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D-Boulder County). “We must do everything in our power to protect victims by ensuring that perpetrators remain less dangerous. This includes passing measures like HB21-1255, which will strengthen current laws to keep guns out of the hands of domestic violence offenders.” 

SIGNED! Bill to Further Strengthen Colorado’s Gold-Standard Voting System Becomes Law

New law would further improve Colorado’s election system by: modernizing voter registration, expanding access to drop boxes, and creating more transparency in recall elections.

DENVER, CO – Today, the governor signed a critical piece of elections and voting legislation into law that upholds and makes improvements to Colorado’s gold-standard voting system by strengthening certain aspects of our election laws.

SB21-250, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg and Senator Julie Gonzales, works to ensure Colorado maintains its status as a role model for secure, safe, and fair elections.

“Colorado consistently has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country thanks to the convenience and accessibility of our voting system. This is a result of our continual commitment to improvement efforts like this one,” said Senate Majority Leader Fenberg (D-Boulder). “By seeking to ensure Colorado’s elections remain exemplary, we are standing up for voters and protecting our democracy from the onslaught of restrictive voting laws being pushed by Republicans across the country.”

Each year, Colorado’s sixty-four County Clerks, the Secretary of State, and other stakeholders identify clarifications, adjustments, and improvements that are needed to make our election system even better. This bill is the result of their findings and subsequent recommendations.

“At a time when other states are restricting access to the ballot, here in Colorado we’re going above and beyond to make it easier for Coloradans to vote securely,” said Senator Gonzales (D-Denver). “I am proud of Colorado’s commitment to continually improving our elections system. Ensuring Coloradans are able to participate in democracy with ease will strengthen and increase voter engagement across the state.”

The legislation includes adjustments to Colorado’s voting system that will: improve drop boxes and Voter Service and Polling Centers, protect voting from partisan interference, and improve Colorado’s voter registration system. Additionally, the bill includes language to increase transparency in recall elections. 

Jefferson County Senators Respond to Arvada Shooting, Death of Officer Gordon Beesley

DENVER, CO –  In response to yesterday's tragic shooting in Arvada which resulted in the death of an Arvada police officer as well as one other un-named individual, Senators who represent Jefferson County, including Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada), Senator Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge), Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood), and Senator Tammy Story (D-Evergreen), released the subsequent joint statement:

“We are heartbroken by the news of yet another deadly shooting in Colorado, this time in the county we all represent. We are saddened to know that this tragic event took the life of at least one bystander as well as Officer Gordon Beesley, an Arvada police officer who was courageously responding to the scene and upholding his duty to protect. 

“This senseless loss of life has become all too common in our communities and throughout our nation, and is a somber reminder that any day can be our last. Despite how often gun violence happens throughout our country, such acts of violence that occur right in your backyard are particularly devastating and surreal. We should not have to live in fear when we are conducting everyday tasks like going to the grocery store, sending our kids to school, or watching a film at a movie theater – and no one should have to lay a loved one to rest in this manner. 

“We grieve with the families and friends of those impacted by this tragic incident, and are keeping the Arvada Police Department as well as the entire Arvada community in our thoughts during this challenging time.”