Danielson, Jaquez Lewis Applaud Signing of Bill to Combat Wage Theft, Empower Colorado Workers

New law will ensure workers are able to recover legally earned wages

DENVER, CO – Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder, celebrated the signing of SB22-161 by Governor Jared Polis that will modernize Colorado's wage enforcement procedures and ensure Colorado workers are able to recover legally earned wages. 

“Wage theft is far too prevalent in Colorado, and it often hits working families the hardest,” said Danielson. “It’s essential that we support the folks who work hard to keep Colorado’s economy running. This law will ensure workers receive the full wages they have earned.”

“Right now, many workers are victims of wage theft without even realizing it,” Jaquez Lewis said. “With this law, we’re empowering the Attorney General and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to collaborate and combat cases of wage theft. We must make sure workers receive the wages they are rightfully owed, and that violators are held accountable.”

The law empowers the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to facilitate the recovery of unpaid wages in wage theft cases by expanding investigatory authority to locate violators and streamlining enforcement of CDLE determinations in court. It also authorizes the Attorney General to partner with CDLE to investigate cases of wage theft and worker misclassification.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Colorado’s Behavioral Health Care Workforce

Legislation invests $72 million to help more Coloradans access critical care they need

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law a bipartisan bill that will help bolster Colorado’s critical behavioral health care workforce. 

SB22-181, championed by Senators Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representatives Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Tonya Van Beber, R-Weld County, 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. 

“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. “This new law is a significant investment that will expand our behavioral health workforce and allow us to address our workforce shortage, better meet the needs of patients, and improve patient outcomes.”

“This year, we worked to address the most pressing issues in our community. In Colorado, too many people are struggling to access or pay for the behavioral health care they need to thrive,” said Cutter. “The legislation Governor Polis signed today is part of the total $450 million investment of federal funds to help us meet this challenge by boosting our health care workforce and recruiting and retaining the providers Colorado needs. The law will save providers money as they pursue their education and go through the credentialing process and create new pathways for people entering mental health professions.”

JOINT RELEASE: Governor Signs Bill to Save Seniors $100 Million on Housing

140,000 Colorado seniors can now claim new refundable tax credit for housing

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed HB22-1205, which will save seniors money on housing by creating a temporary new income tax credit.

“Coloradans are feeling the pressures of rising costs from pandemic-induced inflation, supply chain challenges and rising gas prices, so we made saving people money our top priority this session,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “We reduced property taxes, made record investments to bring down the cost of housing, and passed legislation to put more money into people’s pockets. With this law, 140,000 low-income Colorado seniors save $100 million on housing. This will cut taxes and directly boost the incomes of older Coloradans who rent their homes or haven’t owned them long enough to qualify for the senior homestead exemption.”

“This year we took important steps to alleviate the pressure many families are facing due to pandemic-induced inflation and the rising cost of living, and this new law is a key component of that progress,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This measure will save older Coloradans millions of dollars on housing, make Colorado a more affordable place to live, and ensure seniors can remain in the communities they have called home for years.”

“This new law will put $100 million back into seniors’ pockets, save seniors money on housing, and help vulnerable Coloradans afford the rising cost of living in our state,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “With so many Coloradans facing rent increases, higher property taxes, or an unaffordable home market, we passed a package of bills this session to save people money on housing. In addition to the new tax credit signed into law today, Governor Polis has signed bills into law to reduce property taxes by $274 on average and direct $428 million in federal funds to build more affordable homes, develop middle-income housing, and construct innovative and modular homes.”

“Rising housing costs are putting folks all across Colorado in a bind, and it’s hitting those on fixed incomes, like many seniors, especially hard,” said Senator James Coleman, D-Denver. “This new law will give those folks immediate relief by creating a new tax break that will save thousands of Colorado money on housing and help them stay in their homes and their communities.”

HB22-1205, sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Mike Weissman and Senators Chris Hansen and James Coleman, will save Colorado seniors over $100 million on their housing costs by creating a new refundable income tax credit. Seniors with incomes under $75,000 who have not claimed the senior homestead exemption will be eligible for the tax credit through their 2022 income tax returns. The credit starts at $1,000 for taxpayers with incomes below $25,000 and phases out slowly by $10 for every $500 of income above $25,000. Because the credit is refundable, taxpayers will receive the benefit even if the credit exceeds their tax liability. According to the bill's fiscal note prepared by nonpartisan staff, nearly 60,000 Coloradans will receive the full $1,000 credit, and up to 77,000 additional Coloradans will see tax relief under the law.

The chart below from the bill’s fiscal note shows the tax credit amount as it phases out by income level.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Just Transition for Coal-Based Economies

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill to support workers and communities making the transition from coal-based economies.

“No community, no worker should be left behind in Colorado’s transition away from a coal-based economy,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our law directs funding to impacted workers to assist with tuition and child care assistance, career planning services, and more. This money will help build vibrant and resilient economies in parts of our state, including Southern Colorado, that are struggling as market forces move our nation away from coal. This law directly impacts Colorado communities and helps build stronger economies.”

“As our energy economy moves forward, it’s critical we make sure that every affected community and worker is supported,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “This legislation will make an equitable investment in projects to help diversify our rural economy, support working families, and help make sure no transitioning community is left behind.”

“Our bill that the Governor signed today is a vital step forward for transitioning communities and demonstrates our commitment to giving them the resources needed to support workers and diversify local economies during this time,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “With this new $15 million of funding, communities like Oak Creek, Hayden and Craig will be able to invest in new projects that diversify their economies, incentivize new energy jobs, and provide workers with career services and other supports. I am proud to represent and fight for Northwest Colorado, and this funding is a commitment to protecting those communities and the people that make them great.”

“In Colorado, we take care of each other,” said Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “This new law aligns with that value and provides resources to some of the best places in the state to envision and build what's next for them."

HB22-1394, sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar and Representative Dylan Roberts as well as Senators Faith Winter and Kerry Donovan, funds efforts by the Office of Just Transition to boost communities and workers transitioning from coal-based economies. The new law supports coal workers to help them provide for themselves and their families, and access innovative education and training opportunities. It will also provide funding to bolster coal-transition communities and help them create vibrant, resilient and sustainable local economies with good-paying jobs. $5 million will go to support economic development and assistance to local businesses, and $10 million will go directly to workers and their families.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Two Bipartisan Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care

Legislation boosts hospital transparency and improves protection from surprise medical bills

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will increase hospital pricing transparency and save Coloradans money on health care.

HB22-1285 sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, Representative Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock, Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City and Senator John Cooke, R-Greeley will increase hospital pricing transparency practices and save health care consumers money.

“Our bipartisan laws will save Coloradans money on health care by improving hospital price transparency and protecting patients from surprise billing,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar. “Hospitals are required to be open and honest about what they’re changing patients, and our bills signed into law today by Governor Polis will not only ensure transparency but limit the hospital's ability to collect medical debt if they’re not in compliance. Coloradans deserve to know what they’re getting when it comes to health care, and this legislation protects them against surprise medical bills that are often shockingly expensive.”

"According to federal law, hospitals are required to be transparent about the price of services they provide patients,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno. “By preventing Colorado's hospitals from sending medical debt to collections if they are out of compliance with these requirements, this new law will protect patients and empower Coloradans to make the right health care decisions for themselves and their families."

HB22-1285 saves Coloradans money on their health care costs by increasing hospital transparency and prohibiting hospitals that are out of compliance with federal price transparency laws from referring medical debt to collections. In July 2021, President Biden signed an executive order that directed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to develop detailed rules to increase hospital billing transparency. Hospitals must now publicly post their “standard charges,” which are the gross charges, discounted cash prizes, payer-specific negotiated charges, and de-identified minimum and maximum negotiated charges so that consumers can make informed decisions when shopping for health care services.

Under the law, hospitals that are not in compliance with federal hospital price transparency laws will be prohibited from referring, assigning or selling medical debt to collectors, and they will be prohibited from using the courts to obtain a judgment for an outstanding medical debt.

Governor Polis also signed HB22-1284, sponsored by Majority Leader Esgar, Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose and Senators Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, to improve surprise medical billing protections in Colorado.

“We need to do everything we can to protect Coloradans from malicious surprise billing practices, and instead help them access the care they need while saving them money,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen. “This new law will increase protections for patients, lower the cost of health care for Coloradans, and improve patient outcomes as we work to build a healthier Colorado for all.”

HB22-1284 boosts Colorado’s surprise medical billing protections by aligning them with recently passed federal legislation. The law provides clarity to consumers, providers and insurance carriers about how to move forward with surprise billing protections. It adds balance billing protections for post-stabilization services to ensure that patients are protected from surprise bills until they can consent and be safely transferred to an in-network facility.

It mirrors the federal law’s notice and consent requirements to ensure that out-of-network providers and facilities provide notice to a consumer before a scheduled service, including a good-faith estimate of the total charges the consumer will be responsible for. Additionally, it updates Colorado laws to allow for a 90-day period of continued coverage at in-network rates for transitional care.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Pair of Bipartisan Bills to Crack Down on Catalytic Converter Thefts, Create a Safer Colorado

Legislation will reduce crime, improve public safety

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law a pair of bipartisan bills to crack down on catalytic converter thefts and create a safer Colorado.

SB22-009, sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, and Dennis Hisey, R-Fountain, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, will 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 converter theft has become a huge problem 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 new law will help us crack down on those thefts by allowing the state to go after the market that encourages these crimes, educate folks on how to keep their property secure, and better protect Coloradans property and our communities.”

“This new law will help address the rising number of catalytic converter thefts by cracking down on chop shops and aftermarket sales that are driving demand for stolen parts,” said Bird. “These costly repairs are often unaffordable for families and can significantly disrupt daily life for anyone who relies on their car. I’m proud we are taking action to prevent these thefts and help Coloradans avoid expensive trips to the mechanic.”

Polis also signed HB22-1217, sponsored by Ginal, Benavidez, and Rep. Rod Bockenfeld, R-Aurora, which creates a grant program - funded by penalties accrued under companion legislation, SB22-179 - aimed at increasing public awareness around catalytic converter theft and providing financial assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft.

“The theft of catalytic converters is costing Coloradans money and making life miserable for the victims of these thefts,” said Benavidez. “These new laws will protect vehicle owners, help Coloradans avoid costly repairs, and give law enforcement additional tools to go after the people selling stolen parts.”

Catalytic converters control the exhaust emissions from vehicles and play an important role in reducing harmful pollutants. 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.

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Funding to Protect Religious Centers and Nonprofits

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed HB22-1077 into law. The legislation, sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaleson Jenet and Iman Jodeh and Senators Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola, creates a grant program to enhance security for nonprofits.

“Today, we’re making Colorado communities safer by providing grant funding to boost security at sacred spaces, including synagogues, churches, temples and mosques,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “With violence and threats on the rise, I am worried about the safety of my community. Antisemitic incidents are increasing to new records, and reported incidents in Colorado grew by 53 percent in 2021. This law secures funding to protect our communities from violence now by creating a grant program to improve security and help make Colorado safer for everyone.”

“We worked tirelessly this session to pass legislation to build a safer Colorado for all, and this effort builds on that progress by ensuring the safety and security of marginalized communities,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and this new law will help protect Coloradans who experience threats, violence, hate crimes, and other forms of bigotry in their places of worship, community centers, schools, and other spaces.”

“With this law, we’re prioritizing the safety and well-being of Colorado’s minority communities who continue to experience threats and acts of violence at their places of worship,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “We’re not waiting around for the next incident or threat of violence at community centers, places of worship, schools and community spaces. This law provides funding to help the pillars of our communities improve security and keep people safe.”

HB22-1077 creates the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program would offer grants to eligible entities to enhance the physical security of Colorado’s nonprofit and charitable organizations.

Currently, the federal government provides grants for this purpose through the Department of Homeland Security, however the increase in threats combined with not enough funding have led to unmet security needs for Colorado-based organizations. The law provides $500,000 for these grants to additional Colorado organizations to complete critical security upgrades for their facilities.

Minority communities are facing a growing threat from violent extremists who are targeting shared spaces such as mosques and synagogues. In Colorado, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric and threats. In 2019, there was an attempted bombing at a synagogue in Pueblo and an individual was recently arrested after threatening congregants with a weapon outside of the Downtown Denver Islamic Center.

JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Applauds Signing of Bipartisan Bill to Save Businesses Money, Improve Unemployment Insurance for Colorado Workers

SB22-234 will invest $600 million to improve and expand unemployment benefits, create a more resilient future economy

DENVER, CO – The Colorado General Assembly today celebrated the signing of a bill by Governor Jared Polis to save businesses money and improve unemployment insurance for Colorado workers.

Sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, as well as Representatives David Ortiz, D-Littleton, and Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, SB22-234 will infuse the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund (UITF) with pandemic relief funds while expanding eligibility and improving benefits to help support Colorado’s working families.

“When the pandemic hit and thousands of Coloradans lost their jobs, the state’s unemployment insurance program was there to help families pay rent and keep food on the table,” Hansen said. “Now we’re doubling down to protect this critical safety net for working families and our economy by investing hundreds of millions into unemployment insurance to protect future solvency while improving and expanding the benefits it offers. This law will better prepare us to weather any future economic downturns, and help make sure unemployment insurance continues to benefit working Colorado families for years to come.”

“I’m proud Governor Polis has signed our bipartisan legislation into law that will save businesses and employees money and improve how Colorado delivers critical unemployment assistance,” Ortiz said. “By replenishing the unemployment trust fund, businesses will avoid cost increases, and it will cost them less to bring on new workers. I’m proud that this legislation also helps Coloradans get back to work by allowing workers to accept part time jobs without being penalized.”

“This bipartisan legislation was one of businesses’ top priorities this session, and I’m proud that we have delivered this critical relief,” Snyder said. “Small businesses and workers are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve an unemployment assistance program that delivers for them. The law Governor Polis signed today will help our economy continue to grow and save businesses money that they can use to increase wages or expand their operations.”

SB22-234 invests $600 million to shore up the solvency of the UITF and protect the Fund against potential future economic downturns. This will save businesses money on premiums and provide certainty to workers who depend on unemployment benefits to continue paying for essentials like food, rent, and transportation while they search for new work.

The new law makes further improvements to ensure the unemployment system works better for Colorado families. It raises the benefit amount part-time workers can receive from 25 percent to 50 percent of the weekly benefit amount, removing disincentives for workers who are laid off to find part-time employment while seeking a full-time job. It also creates a Benefit Recovery Fund to ensure that workers in Colorado who lack work authorization can access the benefits they contribute to and their employers pay premiums into.

The law also eliminates the one-week waiting period to help workers access their benefits as quickly as possible once the Fund reaches a sustainable level, clarifies what constitutes an overpayment, and requires employers to inform their workers of their unemployment benefit eligibility upon separation.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Clean Water for Schools and Daycare Centers

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill to build a healthier Colorado by eliminating lead from drinking water in schools and childcare centers.

“Clean, lead-free drinking water in schools and childcare centers cuts down the risk of dangerous, lifelong impacts to children's health and well-being,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Our law takes bold action to test for lead, replace fixtures and install updated equipment to ensure the drinking water consumed by kids in school or childcare centers is clean. Colorado’s youngest learners deserve clean water, and this law ensures facilities that care for children have appropriate and updated water filtration systems.”

“In far too many communities in Colorado, lead in drinking water at our schools is a problem, especially in disadvantaged regions of the state,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “No matter where you live, you should have clean water to drink. This law will equip us with better tools to detect unsafe drinking water in schools and daycare centers so that our kids know the water they drink is safe and healthy.”

“Every child should have clean water to drink, period,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “Unfortunately, far too many students face the threat of drinking water at school contaminated with lead, and that is simply unacceptable. This law takes important steps to ensure drinking water at schools is safe and clean, which will ultimately help improve health and educational outcomes for Colorado’s future leaders.”

HB22-1358, sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota and Senators Faith Winter and Rhonda Fields, would provide resources to school districts and childcare centers to install filters and clean water devices to eliminate lead children’s drinking water. The law provides school districts and child care centers $18 million to test for the presence of lead, and install clean sources of drinking water, such as faucet filters or bottle filling stations.

Many Colorado schools do not test for lead and do not know if their water is contaminated. Samples that have been taken have found elevated levels of lead in the drinking in Colorado schools. Elevated levels of lead in children's blood leads to life-long damage, including memory loss, fatigue and learning challenges.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Hygiene Products, Improve Access to Affordable Food and Groceries

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will help families thrive by cutting sales taxes on essential hygiene products, increasing access to critical services, and lowering the cost of food and groceries for low-income households.

HB22-1055, sponsored by Representative Susan Lontine and Leslie Herod as well as Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Faith Winter, will eliminate the state sales tax on essential hygiene products like menstrual products, diapers, and incontinence products.

“This law is about dignity and confidence – so every person who uses necessary hygiene products can feel comfortable in their bodies,” said Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “For too long, too many Coloradans have been going without period products, diapers and essential hygiene products. Our law slashes the state sales tax on these items because they’re essential for millions of people. Together, we’re moving closer to a future of affordable hygiene products for all.”

"Right now, things like food and medicine are tax exempt, but other essential hygiene products are not. This inequity impacts low-income folks and communities of color the most,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “This critical law is about dignity. The more we can make these products affordable, the more access folks will have to these essential products."

“Today, we’re standing up for dignity and removing the sales tax on hygiene products,” said Susan Lontine D-Denver. “By eliminating the sales tax on diapers and period products we’re making these products more affordable to everyone who uses them. These items are essential to many families in our state and making them more affordable saves Coloradans money.”

“Every Coloradan deserves to live with dignity, but for far too many, their inability to pay for basic human needs like period products and diapers means they can’t,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “With this law, we’re removing the tax on dignity while ensuring that Coloradans can save money on essential items. This is a commonsense step in the right direction that will help countless families afford these products so they can maintain their own health and care for their loved ones.”

HB22-1364, sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Matt Soper and Senators Tammy Story and Kevin Priola, will ensure Coloradans have access to day to day necessities by investing $3 million in food pantry assistance and broadening the kinds of products that food pantries may purchase with the funds to include culturally significant foods.

“The pandemic only exacerbated inequity and left many families economically insecure, which often includes food insecurity,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Today, we’re taking action and directing $3 million to help Coloradans have access to everyday necessities and healthy foods. When we uplift and invest in families, we create more resilient communities and help all Coloradans thrive.”

“Coloradans are still feeling the financial impact of the pandemic, leaving many people food insecure and unable to afford everyday necessities,” said Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “This new law will help alleviate the pressure folks have faced over the last few years by ensuring they have access to nutritious foods and basic needs so they can better support themselves and their families.”

To uplift Colorado families, Governor Polis also signed HB22-1380 sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton and Senators Jeff Bridges and Don Coram. This law directs $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals.

“Together, we’re making smart investments to increase access to food, groceries and critical services for the Coloradans who need it the most,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “This law will foster new markets for Colorado agriculture, support small food retailers, and reduce the everyday cost of food for Coloradans. Low-income families were disproportionately affected by the pandemic, so we are also improving how we deliver food benefits and other critical services to best meet their needs and save them money.”

“Moving Colorado forward means ensuring that no one is left behind, which is why we’re making important investments to uplift low-income folks who have been disproportionately impacted by the economic consequences of the pandemic,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “By increasing access to healthy foods and the essential services people need to thrive, we can help more families bounce back and get back on track all while saving them money.”

This law invests $8 million to support small food retailers and small farmers to ensure underserved communities have access to healthy, fresh foods through a consortium and grant program. This will support small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance and one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen Colorado’s food value chain.

The law 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 management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit programs; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food stores, increasing access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients.

SIGNED! Danielson Bill to Increase Safety in Assisted Living Facilities, Prevent Abuse & Neglect Becomes Law

New law aims to hold assisted living facilities accountable & protect older Coloradans

DENVER, CO – Legislation championed by Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, to increase safety in assisted living facilities recently became law. The law aims to protect residents and prevent abuse and neglect of older Coloradans.

While most residents receive quality care in assisted living facilities, too many are neglected and others are victims of psychological, physical, and other kinds of abuse. SB22-154 aims to strengthen protections for older adults and persons with disabilities residing in these facilities by developing process protections for those facing involuntary discharge and establishing a system of minimum standards and requirements. It will also increase the current cap on fees to incentivize further protections for seniors.   

“Older Coloradans should be treated with the utmost care and attention, but some assisted living facilities across our state are not doing their due diligence, and are getting away with abuse and neglect,” said Danielson. “The situation in some facilities is truly abhorrent, and too many families have had to bear the brunt of negligence with either the loss of or profound mistreatment of a loved one. This critical law will hold assisted living facilities accountable, better protect older Coloradans, and prevent abuse and neglect from happening in these spaces moving forward.”

SB22-154 will establish procedures to help protect residents when an assisted living center initiates an involuntary discharge of a resident, requiring a facility to provide written notice, documentation, and establishing an appeal and grievance process.

The law will also establish minimum qualifications for residence administrators and will require facility owners to check Colorado’s Adult Protective Services Data System prior to hiring an employee who is responsible for the care and welfare of residents. 

The law also raises the cap on facility fines, and gives the Department of Public Health and Environment authority to determine the amount of the fine, based on factors outlined in the bill. 

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Help Save Colorado Families Money on Child Care Become Law

Legislation will increase child care capacity, encourage new providers to enter the field

EVERGREEN, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will help Colorado families save money on child care.

SB22-213, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Representatives Alex Valdez, D-Denver, and Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, will boost Colorado’s economy and make it easier for families to access child care by increasing provider capacity across the state and better developing and training the early childhood professional workforce to provide high quality care to our youngest Coloradans.

“The pandemic exposed glaring gaps in our state’s child care system, and it’s hurting Colorado’s families and our economy,” Fields said. “Increasing our state’s child care capacity and helping more folks train for jobs in the child care field will allow us to 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.”

“By boosting funding for child care providers, we’ll create more child care options for parents, save families money and help people get back to work,” Valdez said. “Not only will this help parents, but it will help Colorado’s employers as well as they deal with workforce shortages and rising costs. This law is great news for families with young children, child care providers and small businesses across Colorado.”

“Child care is one of the largest costs families have to deal with, and many of us juggle between multiple providers to find reliable care for our kids,” Tipper said. “Too many families cannot go back to work because they simply can’t afford child care or cannot find a provider to care for their children. This new law will boost our state’s child care capacity and builds on our work to make child care more affordable and available for families across our state.”

The law directs $50 million in federal economic relief funds to boost child care capacity, including providing $16 million in grant funding to open a new child care center or expand capacity at an existing licensed childcare facility. It also invests $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 adds $15 million to a successful workforce recruitment and retention grant program, and provides $7.5 million to support and train license-exempt informal caregivers working with young children in their communities.

Polis also signed HB22-1010, a bipartisan bill championed by Senators Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and Tonya Van Beber, R-Weld County, which creates the early childhood educator tax credit to help save early childhood educators money and encourage new providers to enter the field.

“Colorado currently does not have enough early childhood educators, which limits options for parents and makes it more expensive to provide care to our youngest learners,” Sirota said. “This law will save educators money and create an incentive to enter the early childhood education profession. By attracting more educators and working to retain the teachers we already have, this law will lower the cost of early childhood care and help parents get back to work.”

“Early childhood educators are among the lowest paid professionals in every state, including Colorado,” said Buckner. “As the demand for quality early childhood educators rapidly increases, we must do all we can to ensure it is a viable, attractive career path for Coloradans, and this new law will do just that.”

Boosting pay for the child care workforce and making the profession more sustainable will expand child care options in Colorado and ultimately lower the cost of child care. Child care providers are facing significant workforce challenges as workers leave the field for higher paying, less stressful jobs.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Help Communities Prevent Wildfires

EVERGREEN, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law that will help Colorado communities prevent, respond to and prepare for future disastrous wildfires.

SB22-002, sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal and Tammy Story as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, will invest $1 million to better prepare local fire departments and their firefighters for wildfires.

“Over the past few years wildfire season has evolved into a year-round threat,” said Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “We must take steps to defend our homes and our communities from these climate-induced mega fires, and these laws will give more Coloradans the resources and knowledge they need to proactively defend themselves, their property, and their communities from future blazes."

“The threat of destructive wildfires in Colorado is only growing due to climate change and extreme weather conditions, which means we need to be more prepared than ever,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “The four bills signed by Governor Polis are preventative measures to prepare our local fire departments, improve Colorado’s mitigation efforts and invest in our communities’ safety. As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity, we’re taking action now to combat destruction, save lives and build a healthier state for all.”

The law will make local volunteer fire departments eligible for reimbursement for wildland fire suppression activities, including equipment costs and volunteer firefighter recruitment, training and retention. Local fire departments will also be able to use grant funds to replace or dispose of damaged or obsolete equipment. The law also provides behavioral health care services to firefighters, paid for by public employers.

SB22-007, sponsored by Senators Pete Lee and Tammy Story as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder, will expand an outreach campaign to raise awareness and motivate more than half of the state’s population to better prepare for extreme wildfires. The law will help folks living in fire-prone areas take steps to mitigate the risks of catastrophic wildfires and improve wildfire danger awareness.

“The Marshall Fire highlighted just how dangerous the threat of deadly wildfires has become,” said Senator Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs. “These laws will give millions of Coloradans the education and motivation they need to keep themselves and their property safe while also equipping local governments with the tools they need to support wildfire mitigation efforts and protect our forests from future damage.”

“Wildfires are encroaching on our homes, businesses and livelihoods–we need to mitigate the destruction and support communities,” said Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “I’m proud to stand behind two bills signed into law today by Governor Polis that will give Coloradans the tools to proactively defend their property from wildfire destruction and provide resources to local governments to fight wildfires. Improved mitigation is one of the best methods to combat catastrophic wildfires and our laws work at the local level to protect communities.”

SB22-007 will direct the Colorado State Forest Service to implement a wildfire mitigation public awareness campaign for 2023 and 2024 aimed at folks that live in the Wildland-Urban Interface, areas where structures and developments meet with wildland vegetation.

The Governor also signed HB22-1012, sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Donald Valdez as well as Senators Pete Lee and Joann Ginal, which will improve forest management to mitigate wildfire risks and increase the state’s carbon inventory – the capacity of plants and trees in the state to remove carbon from the air.

“The regular threat of wildfires has become scary and stressful, and serves as a constant reminder of the impact of global warming in our world,” said Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins. “While we continue ramping up our wildfire mitigation efforts to keep Coloradans safe, we need to ensure that we are conserving our natural resources as well. This law will help improve forest management so we can better protect our forests from future destruction.”

The new law creates a framework to link forest management and wildfire mitigation goals with efforts to decarbonize the air through healthy forests.

Finally, the Governor signed HB22-1011, sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder as well as Senators Pete Lee and Tammy Story. This law will leverage local and private funds through a matching grant program to provide resources to local governments for forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts.

By incentivizing local governments to identify dedicated long-term funding for wildfire mitigation, the law makes smart investments to maximize state resources and encourage sustainable local and state funding for wildfire mitigation efforts.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Safeguard Colorado’s Elections, Protect Election Officials

New laws defend election systems from internal threats, provide new protections to election officials

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills to enhance Colorado’s voting systems, safeguard elections from internal and external threats, and provide protections to election officials.

Championed by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Kevin Priola, R-Brighton, and Representative Susan Lontine, D-Denver, the bipartisan Colorado Election Security Act improves election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government. 

SB22-153 also prohibits election officials or candidates from physically tampering with voting equipment, and from having access to or being present in a room with voting equipment without being accompanied by one or more persons with authorized access.

“Colorado sets a national example when it comes to holding free, fair, and secure elections, and we want to keep it that way,” Fenberg said. “But unfortunately, there are folks both inside and outside the election system seeking to tamper with and undermine trust in our elections. The Colorado Election Security Act increases penalties for anyone who tampers with Colorado’s gold standard elections and interferes with our democracy, and will help defend our elections from wrongdoers while giving Coloradans peace of mind at the polling place.”

“Colorado leads the nation when it comes to election access and security and is a model for other states to follow,” said Lontine. “This law is a critical step to defend our elections from insider threats and ‘Big Lie’ conspiracy theorists who have used their positions to jeopardize our elections equipment. This commonsense law strengthens our elections system and will hold people accountable when they tamper with election equipment.” 

The Colorado Election Security Act further secures Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizes anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice. The bill prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code.

HB22-1273, sponsored by President Steve Fenberg, Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Representatives Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Emily Sirota, D-Denver, provides additional protections for election officials throughout Colorado.

“The dramatic increase in threats and intimidation against our election officials cannot continue,” said Duran. “Colorado’s election workers uphold our democracy and they deserve to feel safe on the job. This bill makes it clear that it is criminal to intimidate, threaten or coerce election workers or to attempt to do so. These civil servants secure fair and free elections in Colorado and we’re prioritizing their safety and well-being.”

“More and more election officials are leaving the job because of ongoing threats against their safety and the safety of their families,” said Sirota. “We’re strengthening Colorado’s gold standard election system by protecting those who secure the right to vote. This bill increases the criminal penalties for threatening or doxxing election workers so they can feel safe on the job and continue to uphold our democracy.”

“No one should fear for their safety when they are carrying out their duty to protect the most sacred part of the democratic process - the right to vote,” Pettersen said. “The reality is too many of our election officials are facing threats to themselves and their families for simply doing their job, and we won’t stand for it. This bill implements critical protections to ensure our election officials and their families are safe from violence and intimidation while increasing penalties for those who attempt to threaten their well-being.”

HB22-1273 establishes clear penalties for threatening or doxxing an election worker. While Colorado law already prohibits individuals from interfering with an election official, this bill clarifies that intimidating, threatening or coercing an election official while they are performing official duties or retaliating against them performing their official duties is criminal activity. The law also prohibits attempts to intimidate, threaten or coerce an election official.

Mental Health Champion Sen. Chris Kolker Awarded Legislator of the Year by Mental Health Colorado

DENVER, CO – Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, was recently recognized as a 2022 Legislator of the Year by Mental Health Colorado for his work championing mental health policy in Colorado. 

During the 2022 legislative session, Kolker championed a number of new laws to help transform Colorado’s behavioral health system using $450 million in federal pandemic relief funds. He also served as a key member of the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. 

“As someone who has personally experienced mental health challenges, I know how difficult it can be to access the care you need and maintain your well-being in our state,” said Kolker. “This year, we had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to jumpstart the transformation of our behavioral health system to better meet the needs of children and families in need of mental health services, and we delivered. I’m proud to be recognized for my efforts, and will continue fighting to expand access to critical, life-saving care for all Coloradans.”

Recognizing that far too many kids in Colorado are struggling with their mental health, Kolker successfully passed SB22-147, which invests over $11 million to allow pediatricians to better identify and treat behavioral health conditions and provide school-based support for kids and their families. Over the last decade, youth suicide has increased an astonishing 51 percent, as youth behavioral health has reached a crisis level. This bill will help improve access to much-needed behavioral health care services for youth and families. 

Kolker also championed HB22-1243, which puts an additional $2 million in federal pandemic relief funding toward the behavioral health care professional matching grant program and $6 million to extend the popular I Matter program beyond its scheduled repeal in June 2022, paving the way to serve youth with free counseling sessions for another two years. This bill will help the state break down barriers that prevent people experiencing a crisis from getting support, and make sure every Colorado kid can get the lifesaving care they need. 

During the 2021 session, Senator Kolker was a prime sponsor of SB21-154, which establishes the 9-8-8 hotline – an essential resource that will help connect Coloradans facing a mental health crisis with critical mental health services. The law has become a national model for sustainable 988 funding and infrastructure and will officially go into effect in July 2022.

JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Democrats Applaud Signing of Bills to Improve Climate Resiliency, Wildfire Disaster Response

Legislation creates new programs to facilitate recovery and rebuilding efforts following disaster emergencies, improve insurance claims processes following wildfire disasters, and reduce risk of wildfires

LOUISVILLE, CO – General Assembly Democrats are applauding the signing of three bills into law that will support rebuilding efforts after disaster emergencies, improve insurance claims processes following wildfire disasters, and fund efforts to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

SB22-206, championed by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, establishes two programs to help communities recover and rebuild following disasters.

The new law allocates $15 million to provide loans and grants to homeowners, businesses, and local governments rebuilding after a disaster emergency. The law also allocates $20 million to cover costs related to rebuilding more resilient and energy efficient homes and structures.

“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, improve our response to the destruction left in their wake, and make sure rebuilding and insurance processes are less burdensome for affected homeowners. 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.”

“Climate change is leading to more destructive and frequent fires that have devastated Colorado communities, destroyed homes, and placed unimaginable financial hardship on so many of our neighbors,” said Amabile. “Coloradans who lost everything have had to confront painstaking claims processes and red tape only to receive limited payouts from their insurance companies. With these new laws, Colorado is taking a major step forward to prepare for the next disaster, rebuild communities and ensure property owners receive what they are owed.” 

SB22-206 also sets aside $15 million to lease wildfire fighting aviation resources and to establish and maintain a statewide dispatch center to ensure rapid response of fire mitigation resources.

Finally, the new law creates 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.

Governor Polis also signed HB22-1111, sponsored by Representative Amabile, President Fenberg, and Senator Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, to protect Coloradans with wildfire insurance by ensuring consumers’ claims are paid in a timely manner.

The new legislation requires insurers to pay disaster victims 65 percent of the value of the contents of their home up front without requiring the victim to do a comprehensive inventory of their personal property. Current law only guarantees 30 percent upfront, creating a slow and burdensome process for many people to catalog what they are owed after a deeply traumatizing event. The bill also puts in place several provisions that would streamline the insurance claims process for disaster victims, helping ensure homeowners displaced by wildfires receive a fair and comprehensive payout for lost property after natural disasters that result in total destruction.

Finally, HB22-1379, sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, invests $20 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants.

“After wildfires, our rivers and our drinking water that comes from them have a complicated road to recovery,” said Donovan. "This new law provides the resources needed to recover from wildfire and keep our drinking water safe.”

“These critical investments in Colorado’s watersheds will reduce the risk of wildfire, mitigate the impact of fires on our water supply and protect our water resources,” said McCormick. “Our Colorado way of life and our economy depend on our access to water, but wildfires damage our watersheds and threaten this essential resource. The legislation Governor Polis signed today will help protect and rejuvenate our watersheds and protect our communities.”

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.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! $45 Million Bill to Reduce Homelessness, Connect Coloradans with Supportive Services

New law will help develop a recovery community to provide vital health services, behavioral health care & housing access resources 

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law that aims to help people experiencing homelessness access the supportive services they need to care for their health and well-being. 

SB22-211, championed by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, as well as Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver, invests $45 million to repurpose an unused, state-owned facility into a recovery oriented community to help those experiencing homelessness and seeking recovery access a continuum of behavioral health services and treatment, medical care, skill development, housing services, and more.

“Addressing homelessness is so much more than creating more housing options. It’s also about connecting people without stable housing to the supportive services they need to move forward and thrive,” said Fields. “With this law, we will be able to better connect Coloradans experiencing homelessness with the care they need to support their health and stability, like access to recovery services as well as primary, dental and mental health care.” 

“This campus will help people who are experiencing homelessness get back on their feet and access the services they need to successfully recover from a substance use disorder and find long-term, stable housing,” said Valdez. “The law Governor Polis signed today will expand our region’s capacity to holistically support people with substance use disorders who are experiencing homelessness.”

“In order to help folks experiencing homelessness get back on their feet, we need to expand access to critical health services and housing resources to do it,” said Hinrichsen. “By expanding access to resources that will help folks access supportive housing and care for their health, we can set them up for success and help them thrive in the future.” 

This new law will help homeless Coloradans with behavioral health and substance use disorder needs on their recovery journey by providing a wide range of resources and services so folks can attain economic and housing security. The new law also creates a Federally Qualified Health Center or a similar clinic that will offer primary care, dental care, and outpatient mental health care that will be available to the campus residents and to the general public.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bill to Update Building Codes, Improve Energy Efficiency

LOUISVILLE, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed HB22-1362, sponsored by Representatives Tracey Bernett and Alex Valdez as well as Senators Chris Hansen and Faith Winter, which updates Colorado’s building codes to improve energy efficiency, save Coloradans money, and reduce harmful indoor and outdoor air pollution.

“Updating our building codes helps address one of the state’s largest pollution sources and creates a healthier Colorado for all,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “When we build right the first time, we can reduce air pollution, save people money on their utility bills and create more energy efficient homes and buildings. As Governor Polis signs this bill into law, I’m incredibly proud of our efforts to prepare for a sustainable future through efficient, resilient and healthy buildings.”

“Saving Coloradans money on their energy bills while improving our air quality is a win-win for everyone,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This new law will help us reduce air pollution and create more energy efficient homes and buildings, all while creating more jobs and saving families money. With this law, we are well on our way toward building a more sustainable, resilient and healthier Colorado for all!”

“By building high quality, efficient new buildings, Coloradans will save money on their utility bills, and both our indoor and outdoor air will be healthier for everyone,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This law moves our state forward with updated building codes that benefit everyone, improve our air, lower utility costs and foster healthier communities.”

“Buildings are a significant source of greenhouse gas pollution, which is why we worked hard this session to pass legislation to cut back on pollution and improve air quality,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “This new law will make smart investments to reduce building energy use, support high-efficiency electric appliances, and ensure near zero energy construction so we can modernize buildings with renewable energy improvements and cut down on harmful emissions, all while saving Colorado homeowners money on their utility bills.”

The bill preserves all appliance and utility options for consumers, including natural gas, and does not transfer enforcement responsibility away from local governments. The legislation includes:


· $3 million in grant funding to help cities and counties adopt and enforce updated building codes;
· $1 million in grants for training for builders and contractors; and
· $21 million in grants and incentives to help finance energy efficiency upgrades.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Landmark Air Quality Improvement Legislation Becomes Law

Legislation includes record investments to reduce air pollution

BOULDER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a landmark air quality improvement bill to reduce air pollution, clean up Colorado’s air and save people money on their energy bills. 

SB22-193, championed by President Steve Fenberg and Senator Julie Gonzales as well as Representatives Alex Valdez and Meg Froelich, invests more than $111 million to build a healthier Colorado through air quality improvements.

“Cleaning up our air and building a healthier Colorado requires all hands on deck,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “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.”

“Colorado’s disadvantaged communities and low-income neighborhoods are often exposed to higher rates of pollution and toxic emissions–we’re taking action to not only address that reality, but improve it,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Today, we are making the single largest investment in Colorado history to improve our air quality, reduce harmful emissions and build a healthier state. The bill signed into law today will cut down on harmful air pollutants by prioritizing clean energy alternatives. Colorado is committed to cleaning up the air we breathe, prioritizing cleaner transit.”

“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, especially in disadvantaged communities,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. "This new law represents an important step toward reducing those harmful emissions and achieving environmental justice for all.”

“Our law prioritizes clean air, improves our health and builds a pathway toward a healthier future for every Coloradan,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Together, we are tackling air pollution from every angle including cutting back on industrial emissions, ramping up air monitoring equipment and electrifying transit. This is an investment toward a cleaner, healthier future for all of Colorado.”

The legislation will 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.

SB22-193 includes:

• $25 million for the Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships fund projects to reduce emissions of air pollutants from industrial and manufacturing operations;

• $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel powered school buses with electric-powered school buses, as well as build capacity for charging infrastructure;

• $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant Program to help finance bike share and bike ownership programs to provide Coloradans with ebikes; and

• $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying to help identify leaks at oil and gas facilities.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Legislation to Expand Access to Rural Health Care, Bolster Workforce Become Law

New laws will help create a healthier Colorado

SUMMIT COUNTY, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a slate of bills into law to expand access to rural health care and create a healthier Colorado.

SB22-200, sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, and Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale, and Reps. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Matt Soper, R-Delta, invests $10 million in grants for rural hospitals aimed at increasing access to and improving the affordability of the lifesaving care rural Coloradans depend upon.

“Every Coloradan deserves quality and affordable health care, but that care is too often hard to come by, especially in the rural and underserved parts of our state,” Ginal said. “That’s why I’m proud to champion this new law that will better support Colorado’s rural hospitals and give them the tools and resources they need to reach even more patients. By increasing access and driving down costs, we can get more Coloradans the lifesaving care they need to thrive.”

“The bills signed into law today will increase access to critical services in rural Colorado and save people money on health care,” McCluskie said. “SB22-200 invests $10 million in federal pandemic relief funds to help our rural hospitals and clinics reduce costs, expand services and meet the needs of our communities. With rural parts of our state facing a shortage of providers, HB22-1005 will help talented individuals pursue careers in medicine, nursing, counseling, behavioral health and other frontline health care positions in our rural communities. Together, these laws advance our efforts to build a strong rural health care workforce and improve the services that keep communities healthy and thriving.”

SB22-200 will improve health care affordability by expanding access to telehealth services, supporting coordination and referral mechanisms between providers, and enabling coordinated and shared care management between rural providers.

The bill also provides millions to improve access and affordability through extended hours for primary care and behavioral health settings, innovations in emergency room settings to increase access to care, expanded access to telemedicine, and the replacement of unused inpatient hospital beds with in-demand inpatient services such as long-term care, skilled nursing facility recovery days, and behavioral healthcare.

Polis also signed SB22-172, championed by Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, as well as Senator Bob Rankin and Representative Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, which encourages and supports students who wish to pursue health care careers and practice in rural Colorado.

“Everyone deserves access to high quality, affordable health care, but for many folks in rural Colorado, accessing that care can be challenging,” said Winter. “By encouraging more people to enter the health care field, we can address the workforce shortage in regions of our state that are struggling to provide adequate care to patients, expand access to health care, and build a healthier Colorado for all.” 

“This new law is a win-win: it will improve access to affordable health care in our rural areas and it will create new, affordable pathways for providers to enter the workforce in our rural communities,” said Roberts. “Having too few health care workers is one of the reasons we face higher costs of care in rural Colorado. This legislation builds on our efforts to boost our health care workforce and attract doctors, nurses, and therapists into our rural communities to live and work. I am thrilled to see this bipartisan bill become law today.” 

SB22-172 establishes the Colorado Rural Health Care Workforce Initiative, which will allow an institution of higher education to establish a rural health care professional track or expand an existing track within a health care professional credential or degree program. 

The new law allows institutions of higher education to use funding from this program for staff compensation, scholarships, or housing costs for participating students. Students participating in the rural track program are eligible for scholarships if they commit to practicing in a rural or frontier county for two years. 

Finally, Governor Polis also signed HB22-1005, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Perry Will, R-New Castle, and Senator Bob Rankin, R-Carbondale. The law builds on the existing state income tax credit offered to preceptors working in rural communities by increasing the number of health care preceptorships eligible for the credit. Health care preceptors help guide and train newer providers and play an essential role in growing the health care workforce. 

This major expansion makes addiction counselors, pharmacists, registered nurses, clinical social workers and other health care professionals in high demand eligible for the credit. The legislation increases the overall number of preceptors allowed to receive the credit and extends the credit until 2033. It was currently set to expire next year.