Education Committee Approves Bipartisan Zenzinger Bill to Improve Special Education Funding in Colorado

SB23-099 will boost special education funding by more than $40 million

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, that will boost funding and improve special education in Colorado earned unanimous approval before the Senate Education Committee today.

Cosponsored by Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Brighton, SB23-099 would increase the required annual appropriation to the Department of Education by an additional $40 million, and will help bring down student-teacher ratios, decrease class sizes, and help schools provide the tailored assistance and support special education students need to learn and receive the quality education they deserve.

“Every Colorado student deserves a great public education, but the current level of state support for special education isn’t giving every learner that same opportunity,” Zenzinger said. “We’ve been fighting hard to fix that, and this bill will help us get even more critical resources to the classrooms that need them most while helping ensure that every student - regardless of their ability - is prepared for success.”

Zenzinger’s bill builds off the success of last year’s SB22-127, which dramatically increased funding for more than 100,000 Colorado special education students, from about $220 million per year currently to more than $300 million per year moving forward. 

SB23-099 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Cutter’s Bill to Reduce Deceptive Solicitations, Save Business Owners Money Unanimously Clears Committee

SB23-037 requires deceptive marketing tactics on solicitations related to the Secretary of State to end

DENVER, CO – Senator Lisa Cutter’s, D-Jefferson County, bill to put an end to deceptive marketing tactics on solicitations related to the Secretary of State passed the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs committee yesterday with unanimous support.

Many Colorado business owners have received solicitations by mail that include deadlines and language that imply the request has come from a government official and that charge up to $200 for documents that are of little to no cost to file directly with the Secretary of State. SB23-037 bars these letters or emails from implying they are associated with any state or local agency, and requires them to include specific disclaimer language and information on where the document can be filed directly with the Secretary of State.

"I’m a small business owner, and I have been targeted by these deceptive solicitations countless times,” said Cutter. “It’s easy to be fooled by official looking communications, which is why this bill requires transparency so that business owners can make informed decisions about how to spend their hard earned dollars.”

The bill classifies noncompliance as an unfair or deceptive trade practice, and violators will be issued a fine of up to $20,000.

SB 23-037 will now move to consideration on the Senate floor. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Cutter’s Bipartisan Bill to Cut Red Tape, Support Veterans with Disabilities Unanimously Clears Committee

SB23-036 streamlines the property tax exemption application process for veterans with disabilities

DENVER, CO – Today, Senator Lisa Cutter’s, D-Jefferson County, bipartisan bill to streamline the property tax exemption application process for veterans with disabilities passed the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee with unanimous support.

Cosponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, SB23-036 will cut red tape and make it easier for veterans with disabilities to receive the benefits they’ve earned.

Currently, veterans with disabilities must first submit their application for property tax exemption to the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs (DVA) before applying to their county assessor, who is responsible for approving the application. This bill removes that first step, reducing the burden on veterans and helping them receive their benefits faster.

"Veterans with disabilities face so many challenges when returning to life at home, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done in the legislature to support them," said Cutter. "Streamlining the process to receive their property tax exemptions removes one more barrier for veterans. It will also save the Division of Veterans Affairs thousands of hours so they can focus on other services and requests."

The bill also changes the term “disabled veteran” to “veteran with a disability” to comply with statutory requirements that “people first language” be used, and was developed in collaboration with the DVA.

SB23-036 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Ginal’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Medical Care Clears Committee

SB23-041 formally authorizes medical professionals to prescribe drugs approved by the FDA for off-label use

DENVER, CO – Senator Joann Ginal’s, D-Fort Collins, bipartisan bill to improve medical care for Coloradans cleared the Health & Human Services Committee today. 

Cosponsored by Senator Jim Smallwood, R-Parker, SB23-041 would formally authorize medical professionals to prescribe drugs approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for off-label use. Off-label use refers to the practice of prescribing a drug for a different purpose than what the FDA initially approved.

“Off-label prescribing of medicines is a common health care practice. It allows for patients to receive personalized medical treatment that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to access,” Ginal said. “Every Coloradan deserves the best when it comes to health care, and this legislation will protect providers and pharmacists so they can provide the best possible treatment for their patients.”

The off-label prescribing of drugs is commonly used in cancer treatments, where the usual care for a specific type or stage of cancer includes the off-label use of one or more drugs. For example, research shows that many cancer drugs, such as chemotherapy, are effective against multiple types of cancer in addition to the one it was approved for.

SB23-041 will now move to the Senate floor. You can follow the bill’s progress here.

Hinrichsen & Sullivan’s Bill to Bolster Workforce, Support Apprenticeship Programs Clears Senate

Hinrichsen & Sullivan’s Bill to Bolster Workforce, Support Apprenticeship Programs Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Tom Sullivan’s, D-Centennial, bill to support Colorado’s changing workforce and formalize state run apprenticeship programs passed the Senate today.

SB23-051 codifies the current duties of the Office of the Future of Work (OFW), which serves as a central point of contact for efforts to respond to the changing nature of work, and helps ensure Coloradans are equipped with the necessary education, training, skills, and tools to fully participate in the labor force.

Additionally, the bill aligns state statute with federal requirements, allowing Colorado's State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) to seek federal authorization from the Department of Labor to register and oversee state run apprenticeship programs.

“The Office of the Future of Work is doing critical work to create a more equitable economy and support Coloradans entering the workforce,” Hinrichsen said. “The workforce investments we make today will uplift Colorado’s economy and ensure hardworking Coloradans from Palisade to Pueblo can thrive for years to come.”

“Apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities for folks to gain real world, hands-on experience,” said Sullivan. “This important bill will ensure the State Apprenticeship Agency is able to do its job and match willing and able Coloradans to work opportunities that will build a future-ready talent pipeline.”

The bill comes two years after HB21-1007, which established the SAA, and four years after the OFW was established via executive order.

SB23-051 now heads to the House for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Zenzinger Joins Fellow Legislators, Law Enforcement Officials to Unveil Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Auto Theft, Improve Public Safety in Colorado

Zenzinger: “Coloradans are demanding we do something to reduce auto thefts in our state, and by eliminating this disparity, Colorado will treat every auto theft equally.”

DENVER, CO – Colorado Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, joined fellow legislators, community leaders, and law enforcement officials from across Colorado today to unveil new, bipartisan legislation that will cut down on auto thefts and improve public safety across Colorado.

Cosponsored by Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, SB23-097 will reduce auto thefts in Colorado by eliminating the provision in state law that ties the value of a stolen vehicle to the severity of the penalty, which will improve equity and make most motor theft a felony regardless of the vehicle’s value. 

The bill also aims to deter repeat offenders by elevating the felony level if the offender has two prior convictions for auto theft, or if the suspect possesses the stolen car for over 24 hours, alters its plates, leaves the state, causes $1,000 or more in damage, causes an injury to another, or uses the vehicle in another crime.

“Right now, stealing a car worth less than $2,000 is treated as a misdemeanor, while stealing cars worth more than $2,000 is a felony. Not only is it unfair, it simply doesn’t make sense,” Zenzinger said. “Coloradans are demanding we do something to reduce auto thefts in our state, and by eliminating this disparity, Colorado will now treat every auto theft equally, because a stolen car represents much more than stolen property - it impacts people’s ability to get to work, shop for groceries, and live their daily lives. This legislation levels the playing field and will improve equity, bolster protections for victims, and create safer communities across Colorado.”

“The unfortunate reality is crime continues to climb in Colorado, especially auto theft, and many of those who have fallen victim to this crisis have been those in disenfranchised and lower income communities,” Gardner said. “By felonizing all auto theft, we can hold criminals accountable for their actions and send a clear message that this crime will not be tolerated. While this bill is a good start in the right direction, there is still plenty of work that must be done to solve this crime crisis we continue to face.” 

“Across the nation, auto theft rates are rising, and communities in Colorado are seeing the same," said Bird. "No one should have to worry that their car won’t be where they left it. For so many of us, our car is our most valuable and important asset. We depend upon it to get to work, pick up our kids from school, go to the grocery store and to just live our lives. Not having a car makes this nearly impossible. Reducing auto theft is a top priority for me this session, and I’m excited to see this legislation introduced.”

"By removing 'value' and felonizing auto thefts, Colorado will ensure victims of auto theft will be treated the same regardless of the vehicle's value,” Soper said. “Most Coloradans do not have auto theft insurance, much less the cash to buy a new car if theirs is stolen. Our number one status for auto thefts has resulted in victimized Coloradans being unable to drive to work, get medicine, or function. I'm proud of the bipartisan team that is stepping up to tackle the problem of auto thefts by being tough on crime."

“To achieve our shared goal of making Colorado one of the top ten safest states in the next five years, it is critical we address rising auto theft crimes in our state - Coloradans are counting on us,” said Governor Jared Polis. “A vehicle's monetary value does not represent the value to the owner and the impacts a stolen vehicle has on a person or family's daily life. Criminals should be held accountable for the crimes they commit and charged in a consistent, just, and rational way. I applaud the sponsors for taking bipartisan steps to address auto theft crimes, no matter the value of the vehicle.”

The policy received support without objection from the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ) on Friday. According to the CCJJ, Colorado leads the nation in auto thefts with an 86 percent statewide increase in stolen vehicles from 2019 to 2021. 

SB23-097 will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: WEDNESDAY: JBC TO HEAR PUBLIC TESTIMONY ON THE BUDGET

DENVER, CO – On Wednesday, February 1 at 1:30 pm, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) will hear public testimony on the FY 2023-24 State Budget. JBC Democrats are encouraging Coloradans who wish to share their views with the committee to participate in person or virtually. The public testimony link is included below.

“Open and transparent government that is accessible to the public is a key priority for us, especially when it comes to making sure something as big and important as our state’s budget truly reflects the needs and values of our growing state,” said JBC Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “That is why we are seeking feedback from Coloradans from all walks of life as we work to craft a budget that will support working families, fulfill the state's commitments, and ensure Colorado’s fiscal picture remains strong for generations to come.” 

"On Wednesday, we invite all Coloradans to share their priorities as we craft a balanced budget that meets the needs of our communities,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Colorado’s budget process is stronger because people from across the state participate with us each and every year. Coloradans’ input is vital as the JBC crafts a budget that grows our economy, boosts funding for education and improves our quality of life."

The public is invited to participate in person (first floor of the Legislative Services Building, 200 E. 14th Avenue - Hearing Room B) or virtually at this link. Remote participants must choose to either 1. participate remotely via Zoom during the time of the hearing or 2. submit written testimony ahead of the hearing. The link to participate can also be found on the General Assembly’s webpage by selecting the drop down for “Committees”, then “Public Testimony Options."

WHO: Members of the Joint Budget Committee; Members of the public

WHAT: Consideration of Public Testimony Concerning the Colorado State Budget

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023 at 1:30 pm

WHERE: First floor of the Legislative Services Building, 200 E. 14th Avenue - Hearing Room B

Cutter, Jaquez Lewis Bill to Combat Wildfires, Bolster Forestry Workforce Clears Committee

SB23-005 directs Colorado State Forest Service to create workforce development program to help more firefighters protect homes, people & property

DENVER, CO – As part of Colorado Democrats’ ongoing work to reduce the frequency of devastating wildfires, the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee today gave unanimous approval to legislation sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, that will improve Colorado’s forestry workforce.

SB23-005 directs the Colorado State Forest Service to develop educational materials on career opportunities in the industry and create a workforce development program in the State Forest Service.

“For the past several years we’ve experienced the devastating impacts of wildfires in our state, impacting our lives, homes, health, watersheds and economy,” Cutter said. “The increase in frequency and intensity is a direct result of escalating climate change. We’ve done good work over the past several years to provide resources for mitigation and suppression, but resources don’t mean much without the workforce to deploy them. This bill will support programs to quickly get a trained workforce in the field.”

“Over the past few years wildfire season has evolved into a year-round threat, but right now we don’t have the workforce needed to keep us safe,” Jaquez Lewis said. “This bill will improve pathways to critical jobs and help Colorado communities stay safe by training more firefighters who will protect our people and our property from increasingly dangerous wildfires.”

The bill will also bolster the state’s wildfire mitigation capacity development fund and create and expand forestry programs at state colleges. Finally, the bill will work to increase the number of qualified educators at colleges that deliver a wildfire prevention and mitigation program or course.

SB23-005 was developed and recommended by the interim Wildfire Matters Review Committee, and will now move to consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Roberts’ Bipartisan Bill to Create the Rural Opportunity Office Passes Committee

The Rural Opportunity Office is charged with boosting economic development in rural communities across the state

DENVER, CO – Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Avon, bipartisan bill to foster economic development in rural communities cleared committee with unanimous support today.

SB23-006, cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, formally creates the Rural Opportunity Office (ROO) within the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. ROO is charged with serving as the central coordinator of rural economic development, supporting communities transitioning away from coal-based economies, and making recommendations to help inform economic development policy impacting rural communities. 

“Rural communities like those I represent are crucial to Colorado’s economy and character. To ensure we’re building a Colorado where everyone can thrive, we must be proactive in our work to support rural economic development,” Roberts said. “By creating a ‘one-stop shop’ for our small towns in the Rural Opportunity Office, we will be able to provide the expertise to meet our rural economies’ unique needs and help communities take advantage of state, federal, and nonprofit opportunities to promote, diversify, and expand economic opportunity. From Craig to Granby, Sterling to Cortez, and everywhere in between, the Rural Opportunity Office will be a vital resource for rural Colorado.” 

“I am very proud to be a sponsor of this bill,” said Rich. “Since 2019, the Rural Opportunity Office has serviced thousands of rural businesses and stakeholders, and with this bill, it will continue to act as a vital resource in developing economic opportunities for rural Coloradans for years to come.” 

ROO began its work to boost rural economies through supportive development strategies in 2019. In the years since, the Office has expanded services to assist tribal nations in their economic development through grant writing support, education campaigns, and technical assistance.

SB23-006 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Hinrichsen & Sullivan’s Bill to Bolster Workforce, Support Apprenticeship Programs Clears Committee

SB23-051 codifies duties of the Office of the Future of Work, signaling ongoing commitment to supporting Colorado’s workforce

DENVER, CO – Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Tom Sullivan’s, D-Centennial, bill to support Colorado’s changing workforce and formalize state run apprenticeship programs passed the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology committee today.

SB23-051 codifies the current duties of the Office of the Future of Work (OFW), which serves as a central point of contact for efforts to respond to the changing nature of work, and helps ensure Coloradans are equipped with the necessary education, training, skills, and tools to fully participate in the labor force.

Additionally, the bill aligns state statute with federal requirements, allowing Colorado's State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) to seek federal authorization from the Department of Labor to register and oversee state run apprenticeship programs.

“The Office of the Future of Work is doing critical work to create a more equitable economy and support Coloradans entering the workforce,” Hinrichsen said. “The workforce investments we make today will uplift Colorado’s economy and ensure hardworking Coloradans from Palisade to Pueblo can thrive for years to come.”

“Apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities for folks to gain real world, hands-on experience,” said Sullivan. “This important bill will ensure the State Apprenticeship Agency is able to do its job and match willing and able Coloradans to work opportunities that will build a future-ready talent pipeline.”

The bill comes two years after HB21-1007, which established the SAA, and four years after the OFW was established via executive order.

SB23-051 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Hansen’s Comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Bill Wins Committee Approval

SB23-016 will lower Colorado’s greenhouse gas emissions through reduction targets, electrification incentives, climate-aware investments and more

DENVER, CO – Comprehensive legislation aimed at reducing Colorado’s greenhouse gas emissions and creating a healthier environment championed by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, won approval from the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee today.

SB23-016 would update the state’s emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science by adding interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

To help reach these targets, the bill would require the Public Utility Commission to prioritize the renovation, rebuilding, and reconditioning of electrical transmission lines, enabling and improving electrification across the state. Permitting for these projects would be expedited and the construction would be included in the state’s labor standards. 

“As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is obvious we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” Hansen said. “Coloradans are demanding we act, and we plan to tackle this challenge head on by implementing policy that will reduce emissions, set reasonable and reachable goals, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.”

To further enable electrification, the bill would incentivize the retirements of a major local ozone contributor: lawn equipment. Purchasers of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snowblowers would qualify for 30 percent off at the point-of-sale and a corresponding tax credit would be provided to the retailer.

SB23-016 also encourages climate-aware financial investing by requiring large insurance companies to complete a climate risk disclosure survey and would require PERA - the retirement provider for over 600,000 Colorado public employees - to consider climate change related risk and adopt proxy voting procedures that are in line with the state’s climate goals.  

Finally, the bill would update net metering credits for community solar gardens, expand the definitions of “pollution control equipment” and “clean heat resource” to include currently underutilized wastewater thermal energy, and enable Colorado to lead in carbon sequestration by allowing the state to apply to the EPA for Class VI injection well primacy.

SB23-016 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Kolker’s Bipartisan Bill to Support School Safety Passes Committee

SB23-043 would extend the successful School Access for Emergency Response (SAFER) program by five additional years

DENVER, CO – Senator Chris Kolker’s, D-Centennial, bipartisan bill to support school safety through improved emergency response communications received unanimous support from the Senate Education Committee today.

Cosponsored by Senator Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, SB23-043 would extend the School Access for Emergency Response (SAFER) program until July 1, 2029. SAFER grants are used to purchase, upgrade, and maintain communications hardware and software to allow for seamless communications between schools and first responders during emergency situations. 

Currently, SAFER is set to expire on July 1, 2024.

“Students and teachers deserve to feel safe at school, which is why we must make sure there are efficient systems in place to allow for rapid response if and when schools need assistance from first responders,” Kolker said. “Extending the SAFER grant program means continued support for strong relationships between schools and emergency responders, and will help ensure everyone in our schools remains as safe as possible.”

In 2022, Akron R-1, Frenchman RE-3, Haxtun Re-2J, Wray RD-2 and Yuma-1 were among school districts across the state to receive SAFER grant funding that connected schools’ local radios with emergency responder safety teams in their communities.

SB23-043 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress here.

Buckner’s Bipartisan Bill to Expand Educational Opportunities and Improve Colorado’s Workforce Clears Committee

SB23-003 creates a free adult high school program for those over 21 to receive their diploma, expanding our workforce and closing equity gaps

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Education Committee unanimously approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Janet Bucker, D-Aurora, that creates a free adult high school education program for those over 21 to receive their diploma. 

Cosponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-003 would create the Colorado Adult High School program to expand educational opportunities for adults, which will improve Colorado’s workforce and close equity gaps. The Colorado Adult High School Program would reside within the Department of Education and partner with a local nonprofit to operate the program with an initial pilot campus located in Aurora.

“Many Coloradans are forced to leave high school early due to various life circumstances, and face barriers that make it difficult to return and earn their degree,” Buckner said. “This bill creates a pathway for adults to get their high school diploma free of cost. The Colorado Adult High School Program would save folks money while setting them up for success in their careers – helping us build a better Colorado for all.”

In addition to a high school diploma, students would also have the option to earn an industry certificate or college credits. In 2022, Colorado’s graduation rate was 82.3 percent – showing that the need for alternative education opportunities is clear. 

SB23-003 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Roberts & Zenzinger's Bill to Accelerate Affordable Workforce Housing Projects Clears Committee

Senate Bill 1 supports innovative, affordable housing projects through public-private partnerships

DENVER, CO – Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rachel Zenzinger’s, D-Arvada, bill to encourage innovative, affordable workforce housing projects through public-private partnerships cleared the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee today with bipartisan support.

SB23-001 would provide $13 million in funding to the Public-Private Collaboration Unit to help develop affordable workforce housing on state-owned land so that Colorado workers like teachers, nurses, and everyone in between, can find housing that fits their budget.

“Across Colorado, local communities are exploring innovative projects to ensure everyone can have access to an affordable place to call home near where they work,” Roberts said. “This bill will help catalyze many projects across the state by eliminating one of the biggest barriers to affordable housing development: the cost of land. By allowing public-private partnerships access to underused state land, we can expect hundreds of new affordable housing units across the state in the coming years, including 80 units in my home of Eagle County. I am thrilled this bill is moving forward with bipartisan support.”

“The housing crisis is a top concern for the people of Colorado and the legislature alike,” said Zenzinger. “Constructing workforce housing is a key part of this year’s comprehensive work to address housing availability and affordability. Teachers, nurses, and everyone who helps keep our state running deserve to have an affordable place they can call home. Senate Bill 1 will be incredibly helpful in our efforts to ensure Coloradans can afford to live where they work.”

SB23-001 builds on work from previous sessions, HB21-1274 and SB22-130, regarding the inventory of underutilized properties and state-owned land. 

The bill would transfer $5 million from the General Fund and $8 million from the Housing Development Grant Fund to the Unused State-Owned Real Property Fund.

SB23-001 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Adult Education in Colorado Unanimously Clears Committee

SB23-007 will get Coloradans the digital literacy training they need to land jobs, help address workforce shortages

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation aimed at improving adult literacy education and addressing workforce shortages in Colorado, championed by Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, won unanimous approval before the Senate Education Committee today.

Cosponsored by Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, SB23-007 provides $2 million to create more opportunities for diverse adult learners across Colorado and adds digital literacy programs to educational offerings for adults provided by adult education providers who receive funds from the adult education and literacy grant program.

“Every Coloradan deserves at the very least a basic education that enables them to become self-sufficient and fully participate in society - but not everyone has the education and training they need to land a good-paying job and care for themselves and their family,” Zenzinger said. “This legislation will help thousands of Coloradans bolster their digital skills and get the critical education they need to reach their career potential, provide for their families, and live their Colorado dream.”

According to the Colorado Adult Education Coalition, 300,000 Coloradans lack a high school credential, and 10 percent of Colorado children rely on a head of household who doesn’t have a high school diploma, which blocks individuals from many good-paying jobs and promotions that would help them better meet their needs and provide for their families.

SB23-007 defines digital literacy as "skills associated with using technology that enables users to find, evaluate, organize, create, disseminate, and communicate information online." 

The bill also streamlines reporting and requirements for the adult education and literacy grant program including demographic information, post-program employment rates, and literacy skills gained, and it allows community colleges, technical colleges, and colleges to develop graduation requirements for high school diplomas based on standards from the State Board of Education. 

SB23-007 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.

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Hansen’s Comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Bill to Receive Hearing in Senate Transportation & Energy Committee

SB23-016 will lower Colorado’s greenhouse gas emissions through reduction targets, electrification incentives, climate-aware investments, and more

DENVER, CO – As part of legislative Democrats' ongoing effort to reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas emissions, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, recently introduced comprehensive greenhouse gas emission reduction legislation that will receive a hearing in the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee on Wednesday.

SB23-016 would update the state’s emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science by adding interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

To help reach these targets, the bill would require the Public Utility Commission to prioritize the renovation, rebuilding, and reconditioning of electrical transmission lines, enabling and improving electrification across the state. Permitting for these projects would be expedited and the construction would be included in the state’s labor standards. 

“As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is obvious we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” Hansen said. “Coloradans are demanding we act, and we plan to tackle this challenge head on by implementing policy that will reduce emissions, set reasonable and reachable goals, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.”

To further enable electrification, the bill would incentivize the retirements of a major local ozone contributor: lawn equipment. Purchasers of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snowblowers would qualify for 30 percent off at the point-of-sale and a corresponding tax credit would be provided to the retailer.

SB23-016 also encourages climate-aware financial investing by requiring large insurance companies to complete a climate risk disclosure survey and would require PERA - the retirement provider for over 600,000 Colorado public employees - to consider climate change related risk and adopt proxy voting procedures that are in line with the state’s climate goals.  

Finally, the bill would update net metering credits for community solar gardens, expand the definitions of “pollution control equipment” and “clean heat resource” to include currently underutilized wastewater thermal energy, and enable Colorado to lead in carbon sequestration by allowing the state to apply to the EPA for Class VI injection well primacy.

SB23-016 will be heard in the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee on Wednesday, January 25th. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

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Democratic Women's Caucus of Colorado Statement on What Would Have Been 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

DENVER, CO – Statement from Democratic Women's Caucus of Colorado:

"Today marks what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Since Dobbs removed federal abortion protections a dozen states have banned abortion outright, and many more have passed unprecedented restrictions, putting the reproductive rights of millions of Americans at risk.

The Democratic Women’s Caucus of Colorado passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act that became law in April 2022 because we knew it was likely that Roe v. Wade would be overturned. Codifying the right to abortion and reproductive health care in state law was the number one priority for our caucus because we strongly believe that all people deserve access to abortion care when they need it, on a timeline of their choosing, and in a community and an environment they trust and feel safe in. It is important to reassure every pregnant person and their family that their fundamental right to all abortion care and reproductive health care services remain legal in Colorado.

We stand on the shoulders of Colorado women who made our state the first to liberate abortion in the US. We’re honored to carry on this legacy for all people and families in our state who deserve safe and accessible health care services. We are making history in Colorado with more people who identify as women in the legislature than ever before. We also have the largest LGBTQ Caucus in the country and are proud to be allies.

As was always the case, abortion bans aren’t only about abortion — they’re about power and control. From attempting to limit out-of state travel to criminalizing pregnancy outcomes like miscarriages to restricting gender affirming care, efforts to control someone else’s body are deeply rooted in systems of oppression and systemic racism.

Abortion bans affect everyone, and nowhere are those effects more visible than on Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, immigrants, LGBTQ people, youth, and people trying to make ends meet.

We envision a world where anyone who needs abortion care can get it without being shamed, punished, going broke, or putting their health at risk. In the wake of Dobbs, we will continue to build something better than Roe, ensuring that abortion is accessible to all and that everyone has the ability to exercise their reproductive freedom."

Universal Pre-K Sponsors Celebrate Beginning of Preschool Enrollment

Families can now sign up for state-funded, voluntary preschool beginning in the 2023-2024 school year

DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Sen. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, who sponsored legislation creating the voter-approved universal preschool (UPK) program in Colorado, are celebrating today’s opening of UPK enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year.

“Universal preschool is finally coming to Colorado, and the start of enrollment means we’re that much closer to providing every family with the high-quality education our kids deserve,” said Fenberg. “Early childhood education is critical to a child’s future success, and UPK Colorado will make transformational changes for Colorado kids and their families well into the future.”

“Access to quality early childhood education not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes for Colorado kids, but also the very well-being of families across our state,” said Buckner. “As we work to build a better Colorado, UPK Colorado will directly benefit families across our state, save people money and set our future leaders up for success. I am so excited that enrollment for fall of 2023 is beginning, and I look forward to watching this new program benefit Colorado’s youth for generations to come."

UPK Colorado launches in fall 2023, and family enrollment begins today, Tuesday, January 17. Families can now log on to https://upk.colorado.gov/ to begin the enrollment process on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to sign up, but families are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Children will begin being matched to providers in mid-February.

Families will be able to select the preschool provider that works best for them from a list of over 850 high-quality providers. 

There are more than 29,000 seats available across the state for students to participate in the high-quality, voluntary mixed delivery preschool program available to every Colorado child in the year before they are eligible to enter kindergarten.

Additional information about the family enrollment process can be found here. 

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Roberts’ Bipartisan Bill to Create the Rural Opportunity Office Introduced

The Rural Opportunity Office is charged with boosting economic development in rural communities across the state

DENVER, CO – Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Avon, bipartisan bill to foster economic development in rural communities was introduced in the Senate earlier this week.

SB23-006, cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, formally creates the Rural Opportunity Office (ROO) within the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. ROO is charged with serving as the central coordinator of rural economic development, supporting communities transitioning away from coal-based economies, and making recommendations to help inform economic development policy impacting rural communities. 

“Rural communities like those I represent are crucial to Colorado’s economy and character. To ensure we’re building a Colorado where everyone can thrive, we must be proactive in our work to support rural economic development,” Roberts said. “By creating a ‘one-stop shop’ for our small towns in the Rural Opportunity Office, we will be able to provide the expertise to meet our rural economies’ unique needs and help communities take advantage of state, federal, and nonprofit opportunities to promote, diversify, and expand economic opportunity. From Craig to Granby, Sterling to Cortez, and everywhere in between, the Rural Opportunity Office will be a vital resource for rural Colorado.” 

“I am very proud to be a sponsor of this bill,” Rich said. “Since 2019, the Rural Opportunity Office has serviced thousands of rural businesses and stakeholders, and with this bill, it will continue to act as a vital resource in developing economic opportunities for rural Coloradans for years to come.” 

The Rural Opportunity Office began its work to boost rural economies through supportive development strategies in 2019. In the years since, the Office has expanded services to assist Tribal nations in their economic development through grant writing support, education campaigns, and technical assistance.

SB23-006 will receive a hearing in the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee in the coming weeks. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

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Senators Fields, Sullivan, and Hansen Applaud Newly Available Grant Funding for Gun Violence

Grants will fund projects aimed at preventing gun violence by promoting responsible gun ownership practices, safe storage, and mental health & substance use resources

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention announced that they are now accepting applications for grants to prevent gun violence in communities across Colorado. State Senators Rhonda Fields, D–Aurora, Tom Sullivan, D–Centennial, and Chris Hansen, D–Denver, who championed the creation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, applauded the announcement and what it will mean for Coloradans.

The new grant program is designed to fund projects that conduct community-based and evidence-informed gun violence prevention initiatives. Funding may be used for education, training, and community programs addressing topics such as responsible gun ownership practices, safe storage, mental health, and substance use resources.

“We first established this office because we knew it was imperative to collect data and discover the root causes of gun violence,” Sullivan said. “I’m incredibly pleased that the Office is ready to implement evidence-based strategies that will reduce gun violence, prevent mass shootings, and save lives. No single action will end gun violence for good, but with offices and initiatives like these, we are continuing to combat this epidemic.” 

“Too many people across the state have had their lives cut short due to preventable gun violence,” said Fields. “We created the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to pursue a holistic approach to tackling gun violence by collecting data, and investing in community-led violence prevention programs. We know there’s still much more work to be done, but this is a step in the right direction in our fight to end gun violence.”

“This Office is about taking proactive measures to keep our communities safe and save lives,” Hansen said. “Gun violence is a public health crisis. By giving local groups tools to train and educate their communities, we can interrupt this cycle of violence and enhance public safety.”

The Office of Gun Violence Prevention was established by House Bill 21-1299, sponsored by Sen. Rhonda Fields and then-Rep. Tom Sullivan alongside Sen. Chris Hansen, and Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. The Office of Gun Violence Prevention was created to take a comprehensive approach to addressing gun violence, including conducting public awareness campaigns and community-based intervention programs, promoting research, and presenting gun violence prevention tools.

For priority consideration, applications should be completed by 6 p.m. MST on Feb. 9, 2023. Learn more about the program HERE.

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