Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Save Parents Money and Increase Access to Child Care for Colorado Families

$50 million legislation will help expand and develop workforce, boost Colorado’s economy

DENVER, CO - Lawmakers in the Senate introduced a bipartisan bill yesterday that aims to increase access to child care for Colorado families and save parents money on child care.

SB22-213, sponsored by Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, and Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, will boost Colorado’s economy and make it easier for families to access child care by increasing capacity across the state and better developing workforce to help Coloradans get the training they need to provide that care.

“The pandemic exposed glaring gaps in our state’s child care system, and it’s hurting Colorado’s families and our economy,” Fields said. “That’s why I am proud to sponsor this bipartisan bill that will increase our state’s child care capacity and help more folks train for and land jobs in the child care field. This bill will help us provide critical support for working families across Colorado who have been doing their best to make sure their children have a safe place to learn and grow during the workday.”

"The insane cost of child care is one of those things you hear about, but it doesn't hit home until you become a parent," Tipper said. “Families across Colorado are spending thousands of dollars every month on child care. We’re taking action to increase the number of providers and save families money. Coloradans deserve access to affordable, high-quality child care, and our legislation builds on the state’s ongoing investments to increase child care options and put families first.”

“For many families in Colorado, monthly child care costs more than their rent or mortgage,” Valdez said. “We’re expanding our investment to make child care more affordable for hardworking Colorado families and taking action to boost the number of childcare providers in our state. Together, we can increase access to affordable, quality child care and save families money in the process.” 

The bill aims to increase capacity and bolster Colorado’s child care workforce to save parents money. This bill will help boost child care capacity by providing $19 million in grant funding to open a new child care center or expand capacity at an existing licensed childcare facility. It will also invest $10 million to support the employer-based child care facility grant program, which will help business owners and other employers provide convenient, high-quality child care on-site while parents are at work.

SB22-213 also provides $15 million to support a successful workforce development grant program created last year that will provide quality training for staff interested in working in the child care sector. Unfortunately, child care is often low-paying work, so this legislation will help pay for tuition, credentialing, and professional development in an effort to remove economic barriers and enable more people to enter into the child care workforce. 

Additionally, SB22-213 contains $4.5 million to help train informal providers like babysitters, nannies, and family members through the Family, Friend and Neighbor Training Program. These Coloradans provide a majority of the care in some of our highest-need communities, and the training will include guidance on best practices to help them deliver better care such as physical caretaking - including things like first aid and nutrition - as well as teaching practices, and guidance on fostering social and emotional development in kids. The program will also provide assistance to informal providers who wish to pursue a career in the child care field.

In addition to the $50 million this bill appropriates from the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund, Colorado may also receive up to $50 million more via another round of federal funding for child care stabilization grants. These funds would need to be dedicated to the Child Care Sustainability Grant Program to support providers who have experienced reduced enrollment or increased costs. 

Improving access to child care is a top priority for Colorado Democrats. SB22-213 builds upon last year’s SB21-236 which established three new grant programs to increase child care capacity and improve recruitment, retention, and compensation for early childhood educators. 

The General Assembly also recently passed HB22-1295, which implements recommendations for the Department of Early Childhood to elevate early childhood education and ensures that early childhood care is easy to navigate for all Colorado families.

SB22-213 will be heard in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Rodriguez Bipartisan “Clean Slate” Bill to Help Coloradans Rebuild Their Lives, Access Work & Housing

Legislation would help redevelop state’s workforce & bolster economy

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Dennis Hisey, R-Fountain, that seeks to reform the way criminal records are sealed to help Coloradans get jobs and access housing.

Currently, criminal records can be an obstacle for folks in search of jobs or housing, further punishing Coloradans after they have served their time while also harming the state’s workforce. SB22-099 would remove this initial barrier to housing and employment by making the process automatic.

“Minor offenses should not get in the way of a person's ability to find a job or a place to live in Colorado, but that is unfortunately the case in our state,” said Rodriguez. “Automatically sealing criminal records will help Coloradans who have paid their debt to society access the jobs and housing they need to rebuild their lives while strengthening our workforce as we work to rebuild our economy and move Colorado forward.”

The pandemic has made it harder for employers to hire and retain employees, and for Coloradans to find adequate housing.

Under the bill, criminal records that are currently eligible for sealing upon petition, including civil infractions, will now be automatically sealed. This includes the records of victims of human trafficking who have been convicted or charged with prostitution. 

SB22-099 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE. 

Senate Passes Bill to Provide Free Transit Services During Ozone Season

Legislation creates pilot projects in the Department of Transportation to reduce ground-level ozone

DENVER, CO - The Senate today approved SB22-180, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, which would create the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program to provide free transit rides during ozone season.

“Last summer Colorado had the worst air quality in the world, and we must take immediate action to address it,” said Winter. “That’s why I am proud to bring this legislation to reduce local air pollution by offering free transit rides during peak ozone season. This commonsense bill will encourage transit ridership, reduce harmful emissions, and help us further our climate goals while giving Colorado families cleaner, healthier air to breathe.”

“The top emitter of carbon is our transportation sector, and a key way to address it is to increase multimodal options and incentivize ridership on our transit system,” Hinrichsen said. “This initiative will increase access to public transportation while reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted during peak ozone season – an important step we must take to build a healthier Colorado for all and move our state forward."

SB22-180 will also create a transit services pilot project in the Department of Transportation to increase ridership on state-run transit services, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and reduce ground-level ozone.

SB22-180 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Approves Gonzales, Hinrichsen Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Housing, Support Mobile Home Owners

SB22-160 would invest $35 million to help mobile owners purchase the land they live on

DENVER, CO - As part of Colorado Democrats’ effort to save Coloradans money on housing, the Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, to better support mobile home owners.

SB22-160 would invest $35 million into and create the Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Loan and Grant Program Fund, which will provide financing to eligible mobile home homeowners so they can purchase the land under their homes and convert it into a resident-owned community.

“Mobile home parks are Colorado’s closest thing to ‘naturally-occurring’ affordable housing,” Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force, said. “But just like the rest of us, mobile home park residents are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing housing costs. This bill will allow Coloradans to invest in their own communities, own their own homes, and drive down the cost of housing across the state.”

“Every Coloradan deserves a safe, comfortable place to call home, which is why we are working to ensure that mobile homes stay affordable across our state,” said Hinrichsen. “This legislation will provide critical protections for mobile home owners by putting an end to extreme rent hikes, and help mobile home residents get the tools and help they need to buy the land their homes sit on.”

SB22-160 further establishes a mechanism for nonprofits to receive grant funding to provide technical assistance to homeowners and help them build the capacity, resources, and know-how to organize and purchase their mobile home park. 

Additionally, this legislation will provide funding for a critical financial tool to help mobile homeowners across the state at risk of displacement or exorbitant lot rent increases that often occur when a park is sold from one for-profit owner to another.

SB22-160 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force, and will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Fields Bill to Prevent Human Trafficking, Improve Public Safety Clears Committee

HB22-1300 will help local governments and law enforcement keep communities safe

DENVER, CO – The Senate Local Government Committee today approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) that seeks to help local law enforcement prevent human trafficking across Colorado. 

HB22-1300, co-sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs), would allow a board of county commissioners to establish business licensure requirements to regulate massage facilities and deter illicit massage businesses and prevent human trafficking.

“When we kicked off our legislative session, we promised to pass policies to create safer communities, and this bill is another way we’re working to accomplish that goal,” said Fields. “Human trafficking is a serious problem that occurs far more frequently than we think it does, and we must take action to prevent it. With this bill, we’re taking an important step to protect Coloradans, especially women, from these malicious operations.” 

Cities in Colorado currently have authority to license and regulate massage businesses to curb illegal activity; counties do not, and this bill extends this power to counties. If a local government chooses to implement such regulation, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to conduct background checks on the applicant's criminal history, and licenses can be denied based on past convictions for relevant offenses, including prostitution, human trafficking, money laundering, fraud and embezzlement.

It would also allow local governments to require massage businesses to maintain records on employees and require businesses and employees to carry identification. 

The legislation comes in response to several instances of human trafficking reported across Colorado. Most recently, three massage parlor owners were indicted for coercing their employees into having sex with customers in exchange for money. 

The bill now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Bills Introduced to Save Coloradans Money, Prevent Wildfires

DENVER, CO – Lawmakers in the House today introduced two bills that will direct federal economic relief funds to reduce the cost of healthy foods and prevent wildfires by improving Colorado’s watersheds.

Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380, sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton and Senators Jeff Bridges and Don Coram, would direct $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals.

“This targeted investment of federal funds will better connect low-income and underserved communities with healthy food and critical services, like SNAP,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “By directing economic relief funds to boost low-income Coloradans, we’ll more equitably grow our economy, support small businesses, and better connect Coloradans to the services they need to thrive.”

“Every Coloradan deserves access to nutritious meals, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “That’s why we’re working to make it easier for low-income families to put food on the table. With these additional resources, we can help more Coloradans support themselves, their families, and their overall health, all while saving them money.”

HB22-1380 $8 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to create the Community Food Access Program. The program will improve access to healthy foods in low-income and underserved areas of the state. The bill supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen infrastructure, and direct payments for pallet, pallet break, distribution, delivery, and other fees. Grants to retailers could be used to purchase expensive equipment and update point of sale systems. An additional one million will be available to help retailers join together to get better prices on wholesale products.

The bill also directs $2 million in federal relief funds to efficiently identify SNAP recipients who are also eligible for utility bill assistance, $3 million for a universal high-quality work management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit program; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food retails stores increasing the access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients

Preventing Wildfires and Conserving Colorado’s Watersheds: HB22-1379, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Marc Catlin and Senators Kerry Donovan and Cleave Simpson, would invest $20 million to protect Colorado’s watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires.

“Colorado is seeing increasingly devastating wildfires that are impacting our access to clean drinking water and the water our agricultural producers need to survive,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This investment in our watersheds will reduce the risk of wildfire and mitigate the impacts they have on our water supply. Water is everything to Colorado communities, and we have to do everything we can to protect this critical resource.”

“After wildfires, our rivers (and our drinking water that comes from them) have a complicated road to recovery,” said Senator Donovan, D-Vail. “This bill provides the resources needed to recover from wildfire and keep our drinking water safe.”

HB22-1379 directs $20 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants. The bill includes:

· $3 million for projects that will help communities address the urgent need to reduce wildfire risks by supporting implementation of risk mitigation treatments that focus on promoting watershed resilience;
· $2 million to continue the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program within the Department of Natural Resources which supports the Department's wildfire workforce development partnerships;
· $10 million to the Colorado water conservation board construction fund for post-fire restoration needs and advance a watershed and landscape scale approach to building wildfire ready watersheds; and
· $5 million to help local governments and other entities apply for federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" money and other federally available money for water projects.;

Fenberg Introduces Bill to Improve Resiliency, Better Prepare Colorado for Future Climate Emergencies

Legislation would establish the Office of Climate Preparedness and create new programs to facilitate recovery and rebuilding efforts following disaster emergencies

DENVER, CO - Last week, Senate President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) introduced legislation to support individuals, businesses, and governments rebuilding after disaster emergencies and create an Office of Climate Preparedness in Colorado to better prepare and respond to future disasters.

“Our climate is changing whether we like it or not, and we know we're going to see more frequent and more destructive natural disasters as a result,” said Fenberg. “It’s essential that we act now to prepare for and mitigate future climate-induced disasters, and improve our response to destruction left in their wake. These new programs, alongside the new Office of Climate Preparedness, will help us better coordinate our response and ensure we’re as prepared as possible when the next disaster strikes.”

SB22-206 would establish two programs to help communities recover and rebuild following disasters. $15 million would go to the Disaster Resilience Rebuilding Program to provide loans and grants to homeowners, businesses, and local governments rebuilding after a disaster emergency.

Additionally, Fenberg’s bill allocates $20 million to the Disaster Recovery and Resilience Program to provide loans and grants to homeowners, businesses, and local governments to cover costs related to rebuilding more resilient and energy efficient homes and structures.

The bill would also create the Office of Climate Preparedness in the Governor’s office, tasked with coordinating disaster recovery efforts to better respond to natural disaster emergencies and developing a climate preparedness roadmap to ensure Colorado is better prepared for future climate-induced disasters.

SB22-206 will be heard in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Gov. Polis, State Legislators and Community Leaders Highlight Shared Efforts to Reduce Homelessness in Colorado

Legislative investments to address homelessness moving through state legislature, state providing facilities and pushing local communities to invest & innovate 

DENVER, CO - Today, Gov. Polis, state legislators, and community leaders shared a legislative package to address homelessness making its way through the legislature.  During the legislative session, Gov. Polis and state legislators have partnered to announce historic bipartisan investments of federal funding to expand access to behavioral and mental health services, increase the supply of affordable housing, and bolster Colorado’s workforce in critical industries.

“Reducing homelessness, supporting safer and cleaner neighborhoods, and providing access to recovery and mental health services are top priorities. Homelessness is an issue that cities must lead in solving, but the state is also stepping up and taking the unprecedented step of matching local efforts, and increasing addiction recovery treatment beds,” said Gov. Polis. “State investments alone will not solve all of these problems and we will continue to push local communities to invest, enforce the laws on their books,  and innovate to address this challenge and reduce homelessness .”

Stella, a graduate of Ready to Work Colorado spoke at today’s event about her experience with this successful program.  

“Through hope, compassion, and undeniable support, Ready to Work showed me that there is a way out of homelessness and addiction, and that support continues through recovery — offering support, housing, and employment. Having programs like this in our community is what we need to help end homelessness  for so many others, and this legislation will help lead to more programs that meet unique needs,” said Stella, Graduate of Ready to Work Colorado. 

Last week Gov. Polis and state legislators visited Sanderson Apartments, a 60-unit supportive housing development serving those with long lengths of homelessness; Ready to Work Aurora, an organization that provides adults experiencing homelessness a unique opportunity to rebuild their lives through work; and Mile High United Way, which connects Coloradans to critical services. 

“We've seen clearly over the past few years that crisis exacerbates inequality, as our state's housing issues have worsened significantly and even more Coloradans find themselves without a place to call home,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales D-Denver, vice chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This legislation is critically important, and will help local communities connect unhoused Coloradans to essential supports and resources. It’s only a start, but providing these resources will help folks get back on their feet by expanding access to the housing, care and support services that they need.” 

The Governor discussed repurposing the Ridgeview campus; the state in partnership with local communities  can focus on supporting individuals without housing in their recovery from substance use disorders. 

“For too long, local governments and service providers haven’t had the resources they need to address homelessness in a meaningful way,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “It’s clear we need a state-wide effort that addresses the root causes of homelessness while making transformative investments. I’m proud to sponsor legislation with Representative Tony Exum, Sr. to create a $105 million grant program that communities in every part of our state can access to address homelessness in their communities and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with essential housing and services.”

Today, the group announced a “Request for Application” to support a new Denver-Metro campus that will provide behavioral and mental health services, recovery and stabilization services, access to medical care, permanent supportive housing or transitional housing and the project must be located in the Denver-metro area and will provide an opportunity for Denver-metro local governments, private, and philanthropic partners to take advantage of participating in this transformational project.

“It’s clear that the pandemic and the social instability that followed have taken a toll on our communities, and the number of people experiencing homelessness has risen as a result,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Every Coloradan deserves a safe place to live, but that reality is out of reach for far too many. This session, I’m sponsoring legislation that will direct $50 million in federal pandemic relief funds to the Denver-Aurora metro area. This funding will be available to collaborations between local governments in the region and nonprofits to build a navigation campus to prevent and respond to homelessness.”

“Our region has experienced a significant increase in homelessness as a result of the pandemic and a lack of access to behavioral health care and substance use disorder treatment,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver.  “Legislation I’m sponsoring will dedicate federal resources to revamp the Ridge View campus to create a recovery-oriented community for individuals without stable housing. This campus will help people recover and heal in a safe and stable environment where they will have access to the services and support they need to thrive.”

“As Vice-Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force SubPanel and an advocate for homelessness resolution and prevention, it is so encouraging to see the Governor's Office and our legislative leaders take bold action to address the homelessness crisis that has only been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. By leveraging these investments with other funding, both public and private, Colorado has the chance to ensure that any experience of homelessness for the far too many families and individuals enduring it, can be brief and quickly resolvable,” said Cathy Alderman, Chief Communications and Public Policy Officer, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

“We are profoundly grateful for the partnerships and support from local governments and the State of Colorado in our work to support youth experiencing homelessness, a shared concern for the highly vulnerable youth we serve has allowed us to offer support that ignites the potential in youth to exit homelessness and live self-determined, fulfilled lives. There isn’t anyone more deserving of that support than the teens and young adults who come to Urban Peak,” said Christina Carlson, CEO of Urban Peak.

"As Colorado utilizes ARPA funding to invest in homelessness solutions, we will continue to look at transforming Colorado through a regional, data-driven approach that allows for all Coloradans to have the opportunity to live in a safe, healthy, and affordable home. With consistent, stabilizing resources, we will continue to build on Colorado's foundation for addressing homelessness,” said Natriece Bryant, State and Local Stimulus Coordinator for OEDIT. 

Zenzinger’s Bill to Save Wheelchair Users Money on Repairs Clears Committee

Legislation would protect the rights of wheelchair users

DENVER, CO - The Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) to protect the rights of wheelchair users by allowing owners to repair their own wheelchairs.

Co-sponsored by Senator John Cooke (R-Greeley), HB22-1031 would require powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts, software and tools to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners. 

“Right now, powered wheelchair owners do not have the freedom to repair their own machines when fixes are needed,” said Zenzinger. “Wheelchair users, particularly in rural communities, are forced to wait long stretches of time for repairs and often face high prices for repair equipment and services. Allowing wheelchair owners to do their own repairs will save Coloradans time and money, and build a more accessible Colorado for all.”

Typically, wheelchair owners and users can only seek repair, modification and maintenance of their wheelchair from manufacturers. This market monopolization drives up costs for Coloradans and leaves them without their mobility device for longer. 

Under the bill, independent repair providers and owners would have the tools and manuals to perform regular maintenance, diagnostic or repair service themselves.

The bill now heads to the Senate floor. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Passes Air Quality Improvement Bill to Create a Healthier Colorado

Legislation includes record investments to reduce air pollution

DENVER, CO - The Senate today gave final approval to President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Julie Gonzales’ (D-Denver) bill to build a healthier Colorado through air quality improvements and transit investments, after the Front Range was declared a “severe” violator of federal ozone standards by the EPA.

SB22-193 would provide funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Environment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado’s air quality. The bill includes record investments in clean transportation initiatives and air quality monitoring, regulation, and incentives.

“Cleaning up our air and building a healthier Colorado requires all hands on deck,” said Fenberg. “That’s why we’re taking a comprehensive approach to ensure every Coloradan, particularly in communities who have historically borne the brunt of air pollution, can breathe clean air. With transformative investments to reduce industrial emissions, initiatives to clean up our transportation system, and plans to improve air monitoring, we’re putting Colorado on the path to a cleaner future.”

“Every Coloradan deserves safe and healthy air to breathe, but too often we are exposed to dangerous emissions and high ozone levels that threaten our health and hit disadvantaged communities the hardest,” Gonzales said. “This legislation represents an important step toward reducing those harmful emissions and achieving true environmental justice for all.”

SB22-193 includes:

• $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships fund projects to reduce emissions of air pollutants, such as beneficial electrification, renewable energy projects, and methane capture.

• $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel reliant school buses with electric-powered school buses.

• $15 million for the Diesel Truck Emissions Reduction Grant Program to provide grants to private and public entities for decommissioning and replacing diesel trucks.

• $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant and Rebate programs which will ease and accelerate the adoption of electric bicycles by providing businesses, local governments, and individuals discounted e-bikes and easier access to e-bike sharing programs.

• $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying of pollutants.

SB22-193 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Pair of Ginal Bills to Crack Down on Catalytic Converter Thefts, Create a Safer Colorado Win Unanimous Committee Approval

Legislation will reduce crime, improve public safety

DENVER, CO - The Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously approved a pair of bills sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) to crack down on catalytic converter thefts and create a safer Colorado.

SB22-179, cosponsored by Senator Larry Liston (R-Colorado Springs), would create civil penalties for offenses related to catalytic converter theft, while HB22-1217 would create a grant program - funded by penalties accrued under SB22-179 - aimed at increasing public awareness around catalytic converter theft and providing financial assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. 

“Catalytic converter theft has become a crisis here in Colorado and throughout our nation, and it’s only getting worse,” said Ginal. “Coloradans depend on their cars for everyday things like getting to work and picking up groceries, and an inoperable car can cause real harm and unnecessary costs. This legislation will help crack down on those thefts, educate folks on how to keep their property secure, and help make the victims of catalytic converter theft whole.”

Cracking down on catalytic converter theft is a top priority for General Assembly Democrats this session. Ginal’s bipartisan SB22-009, which recently passed the Senate, would cut down on the spiking number of catalytic converter thefts across Colorado by giving state regulators more oversight of aftermarket sales of catalytic converters and make it easier to prosecute “chop shops” for selling stolen ones.

Catalytic converters control the exhaust emissions from vehicles and play an important role in reducing harmful emissions. They have recently become a target for thieves because they contain precious metal alloys that have high resale values.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts nationwide have more than quadrupled recently, from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020.

SB22-179 and HB22-1217 will now move to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

Gonzales, Lee Bill to Increase Behavioral Health Access, Divert Coloradans in Need Away from Criminal Justice System Clears Committee

Legislation invests over $50 million to help folks get treatment for mental health and substance use support 

DENVER, CO - The Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) and Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs) to make major investments in behavioral health services for individuals in – or at risk of becoming involved in – the criminal justice system. The legislation is based on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

SB22-196 would invest $51.5 million for the Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program to help communities prevent people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders from becoming involved with the criminal justice system. The funding would also be used to redirect individuals with behavioral health needs away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment.

“For far too long, Colorado has tried to arrest and jail our way out of the behavioral health crisis, and it simply hasn’t worked,” Gonzales said. “Criminalizing people with behavioral health needs is the most expensive and least effective way to provide mental health care services to the folks who need it most. I am proud of the approaches we take in SB22-196 to intentionally intervene, deflect, and divert people out of the criminal justice system in order to get them the behavioral health resources they need.” 

“Far too many Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders are struggling in jail cells without proper care and treatment to get them back on their feet, and that is simply unacceptable,” said Lee. “Jailing folks with behavioral health needs will only exacerbate their condition and lead to more recidivism, so we’re proposing measures today to ensure these individuals get the treatment they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place.” 

The bill also includes investments to help the Department of Corrections, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing support the continuity of care and treatment for individuals in the criminal justice system with opioid use disorders and mental health disorders, as well as investments in the Judicial Department to support pretrial diversion programs designed to keep individuals with behavioral health conditions out of jail.

The bill will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Gives Preliminary Approval to Pair of Air Quality Improvement Bills to Create a Healthier Colorado

Legislation includes record investments to reduce air pollution and offer free transit services to reduce ground-level ozone

DENVER, CO - The Senate today advanced two bills to build a healthier Colorado through air quality improvements and transit investments, after the Front Range was declared a “severe” violator of federal ozone standards by the EPA. 

SB22-193, sponsored by President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver), would provide funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Environment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado’s air quality. The bill includes record investments in clean transportation initiatives and air quality monitoring, regulation, and incentives.

“Cleaning up our air and building a healthier Colorado requires all hands on deck,” said Fenberg. “That’s why we’re taking a comprehensive approach to ensure every Coloradan, particularly in communities who have historically borne the brunt of air pollution, can breathe clean air. With transformative investments to reduce industrial emissions, initiatives to clean up our transportation system, and plans to improve air monitoring, we’re putting Colorado on the path to a cleaner future.”

“Every Coloradan deserves safe and healthy air to breathe, but too often we are exposed to dangerous emissions and high ozone levels that threaten our health and hit disadvantaged communities the hardest,” Gonzales said. “This legislation represents an important step toward reducing those harmful emissions and achieving true environmental justice for all.”

SB22-193 includes:

• $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships fund projects to reduce emissions of air pollutants, such as beneficial electrification, renewable energy projects, and methane capture.

• $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel reliant school buses with electric-powered school buses.

• $15 million for the Diesel Truck Emissions Reduction Grant Program to provide grants to private and public entities for decommissioning and replacing diesel trucks.

• $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant and Rebate programs which will ease and accelerate the adoption of electric bicycles by providing  businesses, local governments, and individuals discounted e-bikes and easier access to e-bike sharing programs.

• $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying of pollutants.

The Senate also approved SB22-180, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter (D-Broomfield) and Senator Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo), which would create the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program to provide free transit rides during ozone season. 

“Last summer Colorado had the worst air quality in the world, and we must take immediate action to address it,” said Winter. “That’s why I am proud to bring this legislation to reduce local air pollution by offering free transit rides during peak ozone season. This commonsense bill will encourage transit ridership, reduce harmful emissions, and help us further our climate goals while giving Colorado families cleaner, healthier air to breathe.”

“The top emitter of carbon is our transportation sector, and a key way to address it is to increase multimodal options and incentivize ridership on our transit system,” Hinrichsen said. “This initiative will increase access to public transportation while reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted during peak ozone season – an important step we must take to build a healthier Colorado for all and move our state forward.”

SB22-180 will also create a transit services pilot project in the Department of Transportation to increase ridership on state-run transit services, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and reduce ground-level ozone.

The Senate will give final approval to both bills in the coming days. Track the progress of SB22-193 HERE and SB22-180 HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Implement Universal Preschool in Colorado

Legislation will provide high-quality preschool options to all Colorado kids

DENVER, CO - The Senate today gave final approval to President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora)’s landmark bill to implement universal preschool and provide high-quality early childhood education and support to every Colorado kid.

HB22-1295 implements recommendations for the Department of Early Childhood to elevate early childhood education and ensures that early childhood care is easy to navigate for all Colorado families. The legislation builds off of last year’s HB21-1304, which established the Department of Early Childhood and charged the agency with implementing universal preschool, improving education outcomes, and supporting families in expanding access to enriching early childhood experiences.

“Establishing universal preschool in Colorado is one of the most impactful things we are doing this session,” Fenberg said. “Quality early childhood education is critical to a child’s future success, and streamlining the process to increase availability and affordability is just as beneficial to the parents of young children. The new department is going to make transformational changes for Colorado kids and their families.”

“Access to child care not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes, but also the very well-being of families across our state,” said Buckner. “As we work to move Colorado forward, this bill will directly benefit families across our state, saving people money and setting our future leaders up for success. I am so proud of the work that we’ve done to get to this point, and am excited to see how the new Department of Early Childhood will benefit Colorado’s youth for generations to come."

The program will provide 10 hours per week of free, high-quality preschool to every child the year before entering kindergarten starting in the 2023 school year, saving families thousands of dollars per year. The legislation supports mixed delivery preschool options, prioritizing quality and respecting parental choice for where to send their child to school, while strengthening and supporting local infrastructure to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The bill now heads to the House for concurrence of Senate amendments. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus Urges Board of Education Not to Censor LGBTQ+ References in Schools

Legislators: “We see this play to change the school standards as a backdoor effort to put in a loophole for discrimination.”

DENVER, CO - The Colorado Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus is urging the State Board of Education not to follow through on a proposal to update its Social Studies Standards and remove any LGBTQ+ references for students below 4th grade.

In a letter, the lawmakers wrote that the proposed move conflicts with HB19-1192, a law the General Assembly passed in 2019 to ensure the inclusion of the history, culture, and social contributions of racial and ethnic minorities, religious minorities, and the LGBTQ+ individuals within those minority groups in public school standards.

“When students learn about leaders who reflect their own identities, they feel supported and affirmed, and when students learn about leaders whose identities differ from their own, we hope it will spark empathy and understanding,” the lawmakers wrote. “In order to combat the increasingly overt acts of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia seen in our society today, we need to feel like we belong. We see this play to change the school standards as a backdoor effort to put in a loophole for discrimination.”

The move to exclude LGBTQ+ references in Colorado curricula is particularly concerning, the lawmakers wrote, in light of recent legislation passed in Florida and across the country seeking to prohibit schools from using a curriculum or discussing topics of gender identity or sexual orientation and using “age-appropriateness” as a false justification to limit those discussions.

“We absolutely agree that there are age appropriate indicators, strategies, modes of communication and learning within each grade-level,” the lawmakers continued. “What we have trouble with is understanding why LGBTQ+ history should be excluded. Children grow up with LGBTQ+ people in their families and they grow up understanding that diverse people can love each other. Then why can they not understand where their struggles for equality began.”

“Please adhere to the legislature’s intent from HB19-1192 and do not place restrictions on the standards already in place.”

The Colorado General Assembly LGBTQ+ includes Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City), Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County), Sen. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins), House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo), Rep. Brianna Titone (D-Arvada), Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver), Rep. David Ortiz (D-Littleton), and Rep. Alex Valdez (D-Denver).

The full text of the LGBTQ+ Caucus’ letter is below:

April 12, 2022
Office of the Colorado Board of Education
201 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80203

Members of the Colorado State Board of Education:

The Colorado Democrats LGBTQ+ Caucus is writing today to express our strong concerns about the recent updates to the Social Studies Standards intended for review at the upcoming April 12, 2022 Colorado State Board of Education meeting. There is a clear mandate of the State Board of Education and the Review Committee to create policies for the furtherance of all students. 

The April 12th agenda currently uploaded on Board Docs lists item 8, Student Learning, “Standards Revision Update: Overview of Public Feedback on Draft Social Studies Standards.” Specifically, we want to address the Review Committee’s response to public feedback: 

Theme from Public Feedback: Numerous concerns were raised about the age appropriateness of referencing LGBTQ+ in lower grades.

Committee General Response: The committee removed all references to LGBTQ below 4th grade.

The Legislature passed HB19-1192 with the intent of being inclusive and being sensitive to histories that have typically been excluded. HB19-1192 set out to ensure the inclusion of the history, culture, and social contributions of racial and ethnic minorities, religious minorities, and the LGBTQ+ individuals within these minority groups in public school standards. When students learn about leaders who reflect their own identities, they feel supported and affirmed, and when students learn about leaders whose identities differ from their own, we hope it will spark empathy and understanding. In order to combat the increasingly overt acts of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia seen in our society today, we need to feel like we belong. We see this play to change the school standards as a backdoor effort to put in a loophole for discrimination. 

Public comments seem to show a pattern in what we are seeing outside Colorado. Specifically, after Florida passed HB1557 there are now 13 other states with similar laws seeking to prohibit schools from using a curriculum or discussing topics of gender identity or sexual orientation and using “age-appropriateness” as a reason to limit these discussions. We absolutely agree that there are age appropriate indicators, strategies, modes of communication and learning within each grade-level. What we have trouble with is understanding why LGBTQ+ history should be excluded. Children grow up with LGBTQ+ people in their families and they grow up understanding that diverse people can love each other. Then why can they not understand where their struggles for equality began. 

Every human contains a multitude of identities–including a gender identity and a sexual orientation. Whether someone identifies as straight, cisgender, bisexual, non-binary, or transgender, these are all equally valid sexual orientations and gender identities. Logically, if the presupposition is that teaching about the LGBTQ+ community inherently incorporates sexual orientation and gender identity – which it does not and should not need to – and this Board and Review Committee determines that LGBTQ+ social studies curriculum is developmentally-inappropriate until 4th grade, then any social studies curriculum relating to any and all gender identities and sexual orientations should be deemed developmentally-inappropriate until that 4th grade-level. Put simply, if children are deemed too young to learn about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer people and relationships, they are too young to learn about heterosexual or cisgender people and relationships. With this in mind, we are asking this board to restore all references to the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado social studies curriculum below 4th grade, contrary to the recommendation of the Social Studies Standards Review Committee.

Censoring topics which could organically arise from a student is not the answer. Ignoring a group of people does not make them cease to exist. Most importantly, we cannot make assumptions about who students are or what their family structure looks like. We cannot ignore the realities that Coloradans are diverse and include LGBTQ+ people. It’s important to not limit the conversations which could stifle inspiration for a kid who knows who they are and gets a glimpse of themselves in a role they may have never imagined. All students deserve that kind of opportunity.  

Please adhere to the legislature’s intent from HB19-1192 and do not place restrictions on the standards already in place. 

Sincerely,

Members of the Colorado Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus

Bridges’ Bipartisan Bill to Invest $72 Million to Bolster Behavioral Health Workforce Clears Committee

Legislation would boost workforce to improve access to care for Coloradans with behavioral health needs

DENVER, CO – The Health and Human Services Committee today approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) that would increase the state’s health care workforce to better meet the needs of Coloradans and improve patient outcomes. The legislation was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

SB22-181, co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), directs the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop and implement a workforce plan to invest $72 million to bolster, diversify, and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce, which will help more Coloradans access the critical care they need.

“If we want to achieve our goal of transforming Colorado’s behavioral health system, then we need a robust workforce to help us do it,” said Bridges. “With this bill, we’re going to make a significant investment to expand our behavioral health workforce so we can address our workforce shortage, better meet the needs of patients, and improve patient outcomes.”

The bill will invest a total of $72 million to support Colorado’s behavioral health workforce, including:

• $10 million to recruit and retain providers who better represent the communities they serve.

• $6 million to help Colorado colleges and universities promote the behavioral health field and to allow students to participate in activities like job shadowing and internships so students of all backgrounds can explore a career in behavioral health.

• $20 million for the Colorado Health Service Corps, an existing program that allows behavioral health care providers working in designated health professional shortage areas to apply for funding to repay qualifying educational loans.

• $20 million to create and implement a behavioral health care training curriculum that provides tiered advancement opportunities in collaboration with community colleges and institutions of higher education. 

• $6 million to expand the number of peer support specialists in Colorado. Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience who can help others going through similar experiences, and are a critical component of the behavioral health workforce.

• $5 million to offer professional development opportunities that improve skills for behavioral health care professionals to better serve people in the criminal justice system, improve cultural competency, and expand professional development opportunities.

• $5 million to further leverage existing workforce development programs, establish standards to ensure a quality workforce, and reduce administrative burden so that providers can spend more time focusing on patient care. 

The bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Legislation to Preserve Voting Options for Coloradans Displaced by Marshall Fire

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will allow Coloradans impacted by the Marshall Fire to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed.

“The Marshall Fire forced thousands of Coloradans out of permanent residences and into temporary housing. Knowing that the rebuilding and recovery process will take months and even years, we need to be thinking ahead to make sure voter registration options are preserved,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Every Coloradan deserves to cast a safe, secure vote in every election, and this law will ensure that we’re protecting the sacred right to vote for those impacted by the Marshall Fire, while establishing a clear process to abide by in the event of future disasters.”

“With Colorado’s primaries just around the corner, this law assures voters displaced by the Marshall Fire that they’ll be able to vote in their communities, regardless of if they owned a home or rented before being forced to evacuate,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This law will preserve access to Colorado’s gold standard elections for every voter displaced by the Marshall Fire and ensures they have a voice in who represents them.”

“This important bill will provide Colorado voters who are temporarily displaced by natural disasters like the Marshall Fire the certainty they need to continue using their home address to vote,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “No person should have to worry about accessing the ballot box during such an incredibly difficult time, and these voters should be able to cast a ballot on the issues and candidates for the community that they truly call home.”

“Part of what makes the Colorado system of voting a national gold standard is its flexibility and ease of receiving and returning a mail ballot,” Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County said. “This law will ensure those impacted by the Marshall Fire have the flexibility they need to continue voting easily where they always have. This bill represents one of the many ways the legislature is providing support to impacted Boulder County residents and is an important piece of short term recovery. I’m grateful to have partnered with Clerk Fitzpatrick to quickly bring this bill to fruition.”

“My heart still breaks for the Coloradans who are struggling to rebuild their lives after losing everything they had,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “This law offers voters displaced by the fire the peace of mind that they will still be able to easily cast their ballot in their communities.”

SB22-152, allows registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to use their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or unfit to live in. To receive their ballot, voters can update their voter registration with the Colorado Secretary of State using an alternative mailing address and leave their residential address untouched.

The law preserves voting options for both renters and homeowners. This law will also solidify a standard practice commonly used by county clerks following natural disasters. SB22-152 passed committee unanimously and will extend voter protections to Colorado voters displaced from natural disasters including floods, fires and tornadoes.

More than 900 homes were destroyed in Louisville and Superior during the Marshall Fire in December 2021, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Coloradans.

SIGNED! Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Education Bill to Set Students Up for Success, Help Schools Get Back on Track Becomes Law

New law will push back implementation of school performance framework to help students catch up from pandemic-related learning loss

DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) and Senator Don Coram (R-Montrose) into law that will allow students more time to recover from pandemic-related learning loss and help schools transition back to the state’s accountability system.

The bill, SB22-137, gives schools a clear path to get back on track in measuring performance by delaying the application of the performance framework by one year and adding a new reporting mechanism to determine the number of students that took standardized tests last year.

"If we want the state’s accountability system to work properly, we need to apply it appropriately, with an onramp that takes us smoothly back to the efficiencies and effectiveness that we enjoyed pre-COVID," Zenzinger said. "In deference to the pandemic last year, we paused the accountability system; but we can’t now just flip a switch. Senate Bill 22-137 gives us a thoughtful transition and allows us to preserve the integrity of our achievement data with an accurate perspective that considers the number of students who were missing from the tests a year ago."

Last year, the legislature passed HB21-1161, which temporarily paused Colorado’s state accountability system. Given the low student participation numbers in last year’s Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests, launching the accountability system without a transition process would be problematic. The integrity of achievement data and calculation of growth data would be compromised and subject to significant inaccuracies because such a high number of students were missing from the testing due to pandemic-related factors.

The legislation aligns with the State Board of Education’s resolution to ensure districts will not advance on the accountability clock for the 2022-2023 school year. Districts currently on the accountability clock, however, may submit local data through the request for reconsideration process to provide additional evidence of improvement and progress that may have been made over the past two years during the pandemic interruption with assessments.

In addition, the bill adds a new set of data to the District and School Performance Frameworks to include the percentage of students who contributed to growth data, which will provide the context for understanding the school’s growth ratings and overall ratings. The added growth data set provides much-needed transparency and ensures improved accuracy in decision-making as a result of growth calculations.

Hansen’s Bipartisan Bill to Help Colorado Families Save Money Through Tax Filings Clears Committee

SB22-182 would invest $4 million to create the Economic Mobility Program and put more money in families’ wallets

DENVER, CO - The Senate Finance Committee today unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver) to help families save money on their tax filings. This bill is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans.

Co-sponsored by Senator Don Coram (R-Montrose), SB22-182 would provide $4 million to create an Economic Mobility Program, which will provide tax filing assistance for eligible Coloradans, many of whom do not currently claim tax credits they’re eligible for like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 

“Colorado families have been hit hard by rising inflation, which is why we’re doing everything we can to make our state more affordable,” Hansen said. “This legislation will help families better understand and file for the tax credits they are eligible for, allowing them to keep even more of their hard-earned paycheck and get some money back on their tax returns.”

The bill aims to specifically help low-income families and those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic by facilitating communication, training, and technical assistance in tax filing with state agency partners, public health agencies and community based organizations focused on economic mobility. This investment will increase awareness and enrollment in economic assistance programs available to low-income individuals and families. 

It will also provide grants to nonprofits, local public health agencies, and other community based organizations that help people access economic support.

In 2020, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to increase the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 10 percent to 15 percent of the federal EITC. In 2021, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to further increase Colorado’s EITC to 25 percent of the federal EITC and fund Colorado’s child tax credit for the first time, boosting the incomes of over 300,000 hardworking Coloradans.

The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Zenzinger Bill to Help Save Coloradans Money on Housing

SB22-146 will provide $25 million to expand critical workforce housing

DENVER, CO - Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada)’s bipartisan bill to help save Coloradans money on housing cleared the Senate today.

Cosponsored by Sen. Dennis Hisey (R-Fountain), SB22-146 will expand access to critical workforce housing for communities across Colorado, and was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force.

“Coloradans across the state are struggling to afford a place to live, and the time to act is now,” Zenzinger said. “This bill will improve support systems for middle income families whose modest resources squeeze them between skyrocketing housing costs and ineligibility for assistance, save people money, and help more Colorado families thrive.”

The legislation provides $25 million for the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Middle-Income Access Program, which finances projects to build housing for families and individuals in the “missing middle” with incomes too high to qualify for low income housing tax credits, but still too low to afford market rates.

Specifically, this funding will help finance developers seeking to build rental housing affordable to Coloradans earning 80 percent or above of the area median income through acquisition, new construction, or rehabilitation of existing properties.

To date, the Middle Income Access Program has leveraged $14 million of CHFA-invested funds to support five developments comprising over 600 units. Developments leverage significant private sector investment and have brought much needed housing to communities such as Estes Park, Keystone, Steamboat Springs, Gypsum, and Denver.

SB22-146 will now move to the House for further consideration. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.