Fields & Michaelson Jenet’s Bill to Promote Behavioral Health First Aid Clears Committee

SB24-007 would create a behavioral health first aid training program in the Office of Suicide Prevention

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted to advance Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s, D-Commerce City, bill to promote adult, teen, youth behavioral and mental health by creating a behavioral health first aid training program.

SB24-007 would create the Behavioral Health First Aid Training program in the Office of Suicide Prevention. The program would train educators, employees of youth-based nonprofits, faith leaders, law enforcement, first responders, and active duty or retired military personnel to recognize and respond to symptoms of mental illness or substance use challenges in both young people and adults and provide tools to help those in crisis.  

“This program will help trusted adults know how to identify and help teens in crisis,” Fields said. “This bill is a step towards a Colorado where youth know they can both ask for help and actually receive it from the adults they already know and trust.” 

“Behavioral health first aid trainings make sure that more Coloradans have the tools to support themselves and others,” said Michaelson Jenet. “This bill will empower more people to be able to recognize warning signs and know how to help. It’s about making sure Colorado is a place where we help our neighbors.”

Behavioral Health First Aid Trainings would include guidance on how to respond to an individual experiencing mental health challenges, including crisis intervention strategies, warning sign recognition training, and resources to help folks in crisis ask for help.

Nearly 100,000 people have received evidence-based behavioral health first aid trainings in Colorado so far. The new bill will help expand the reach, especially into the more rural areas of the state.

SB24-007 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Danielson, Ginal Bill to Bolster Support for Older Coloradans Earns Committee Approval

Legislation would improve access to resources, help aging Coloradans stay in their homes

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, that would improve state support for older Coloradans cleared the Senate Health & Human Services Committee today.

SB24-040 requires the General Assembly to adjust the General Fund appropriation for senior services by inflation, so that older Coloradans can continue receiving the critical support they need to live healthy and independent lives. Services that would be improved include in-home care, legal services, and elder abuse prevention programs.

“Every Coloradan deserves to be supported, but too often older Coloradans are treated like an afterthought,” Danielson said. “This bill will begin to address that and help folks access things they need, like transportation services and home meal delivery. I’m committed to making sure every Coloradan can age with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“Colorado hasn’t done enough to support older Coloradans, and it’s time we change that,” Ginal said. “This bill will strengthen services for our aging population to help access the care and resources they need to remain in their homes, allowing folks to stay independent and lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.”

The bill also requires the Department of Human Services, the Office of State Planning and Budgeting, and Area Agencies on Aging to review the adequacy of the appropriation for state funding for senior services and report the findings to the General Assembly every three years.

SB24-040 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Veterans Services Clears Committee

The bill aims to improve veterans services that are currently impacted by delays

DENVER, CO – Today the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee unanimously passed Senator Rhonda Fields’, D-Aurora, bipartisan bill to decrease delays at veterans centers and improve veterans services.

SB24-004, also sponsored by Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of County Veterans Service Offices, which provide free assistance to veterans and their families. Currently, some counties receive state funding for veterans service officers (VSOs) even if the VSO is not accredited with the federal government, and therefore unable to help veterans file claims. 

“Veterans and their families make big sacrifices to serve our country and defend our freedom, and it’s critical that we support them when they return to civilian life,” said Fields. “Right now, too many veterans are waiting for weeks on end to get assistance, or they live in a county without someone who can actually help them file a claim. It's time we fix these discrepancies so our nation’s heroes can get the support and resources they’ve earned no matter where they live.”

This bill would tie funding for VSOs to the number of federally accredited VSOs in a given county and their hours worked, incentivizing them to get the training they need to meet the needs of veterans throughout Colorado. The bill would also direct counties to provide faster service to veterans.

SB24-004 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Follow the bills progress HERE.

Roberts Introduces Bill to Enhance Commercial Vehicle Safety, Reduce Closures On I-70 And Highways Across Colorado

SB24-100 would ensure all commercial vehicles carry chains, provide enhanced left lane prohibitions during winter months and more speed limit enforcement in Glenwood Canyon

DENVER CO – Bipartisan legislation to enhance the safety of commercial vehicles on Colorado’s highways during the winter months was introduced in the Colorado State Senate today. SB24-100, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Perry Will, R-New Castle, and Representatives Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, comes after continued chain violations, commercial vehicle accidents, and unnecessary highway closures continue to plague travelers in Colorado and damage our economy. 

Every winter, I-70 drivers face regular closures and delays, many of which are caused by commercial vehicle crashes. Commercial drivers, many of whom come from out-of-state without training on winter driving in the mountains, drive without chains and often pass other vehicles by speeding in the left lane, losing control of large vehicles and shutting down traffic. In the worst circumstances, these crashes can result in the injury or death of those on the road. 
 
“Having safe and efficient highway corridors in the mountains and across the state is vital for our residents and our economy,” said Roberts. “I am just as tired as everyone I represent and everyone who uses I-70 to visit our mountain communities when unprepared commercial vehicles and irresponsible driving unnecessarily shut down our highways. My new bill, SB24-100, proposes common sense reforms that will reduce crashes and keep our highways open.” 

"I am excited to work alongside my Western Slope colleagues and our state agencies to address safety along I-70,” said Velasco. “Glenwood Canyon is the gateway to the west and we are the keepers of precious resources like the Colorado River and the White River National Forest. For us, open roads mean thriving communities and access to clean air and clean water. We all care about keeping roads open and safe, from our working families who commute every day to our business community. With this bill, we will continue to address long standing issues to keep workers and communities safe when they travel along the beautiful Glenwood Canyon."

“This bill is necessary to improve the safety for the motoring public and ensure the highway remains open for commerce,” said Will. 

SB24-100 would require commercial vehicles to carry chains when traveling on I-25 and any interstate, U.S. highway, and state highway west of I-25, including the mountainous sections of I-70. The bill would restrict commercial vehicles to the right lane on I-70 between Morrison and Glenwood, unless they are passing a vehicle going under the speed limit, and provide enhanced speed limit enforcement through the Glenwood Canyon. Finally, SB24-100 would require the Colorado Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of increasing the number of chain up stations and rest areas in the state to help ensure that commercial vehicle drivers have necessary equipment and needed rest before facing harsh winter weather. 

SB24-100 has been assigned to the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee.

Michaelson Jenet Bill to Make I Matter Youth Mental Health Program Permanent Clears Committee

Youth mental health services program is set to expire in June

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, that would make permanent the first-of-its-kind I Matter youth mental health program cleared the Senate Health & Human Services Committee with bipartisan support today.

The I Matter program connects K-12 students with a therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions, but the program is currently set to repeal on June 30th, 2024. SB24-001 makes that program permanent, ensuring Colorado students can continue receiving quality mental health care at no cost to them or their families.

“The success of I Matter has been huge for Colorado students, and for the first time in a decade, youth suicide rates have declined - but we must do more to address the mental health crisis gripping our kids, ” said Michaelson Jenet. “That is why making the I Matter program permanent is so important. This critical tool is a game changer, and I am excited to get this bill passed and ensure Colorado students can access the free mental health care they need to thrive.”

Launched after the pandemic by Michaelson Jenet, I Matter has served 7,933 young people since 2021, and 5,024 have received three or more sessions. According to the Colorado 2023 Kids Count report, youth suicide in 2023 decreased 30 percent from the year before.

SB24-001 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senators Cutter and Kolker Connect with Coloradans, Discuss Legislative Priorities

LAKEWOOD, CO – Today, Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, met with constituents in central Jefferson County to discuss the issues that matter most to Coloradans, and what they’re doing to tackle them.

Already this session, Cutter and Kolker have introduced bills to protect Colorado communities from wildfires and bolster the behavioral health care workforce, respectively. 

“It was great to meet with constituents at Red Rocks Community College today," said Cutter. "I always enjoy the opportunity to engage wit my community on the issues they care about - wildfire, transportation safety, behavioral health and environmental issues. I look forward to making progress in all of these areas this session and will continue to keep my community updated."

“I’m always glad to meet with members of my community and learn what issues are top-of-mind for them,” Kolker said. “Whether it’s improving behavioral health care or supporting students or building safer communities, I’ll continue to bring my constituents' voices to the Capitol as we work to build a better Colorado for all."

This session, Colorado Democrats are taking action to make Colorado more affordable and will focus on creating more housing and bringing down prices, improving the education system and finally paying off the Budget Stabilization Factor, and improving and expanding the transportation system.

Senate Democrats Recognize Roe v. Wade Anniversary, Affirm Commitment to Defending Abortion Rights in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Senate Democrats today passed a resolution sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, recognizing the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade and calling for the right to an abortion to be enshrined in the Colorado Constitution.

“After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a wave of anti-abortion legislation spread across the country, ripping away millions of Americans’ ability to access abortion care and putting the health and safety of thousands of our neighbors in jeopardy,” Gonzales said. “We’ve fought back by solidifying Colorado as a safe haven for abortion and reproductive health care - but we must go further to ensure that the right to an abortion is secure. Enshrining abortion rights in our state’s Constitution will guarantee that every Coloradan can make their own choices and access the care they need.”

“We’ve made tremendous progress in Colorado to protect reproductive rights, but there is more we can do to make sure that Coloradans can continue to access the life-saving care they depend on,” said Winter. “The right to an abortion has been challenged in Colorado 49 times since 2010, and that number is sure to continue rising. We must act now to safeguard the right to abortion in Colorado and ensure that all Coloradans have the power to control their body and their future.”

In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act, which enshrined the right to abortion care in Colorado law so that no matter what happens at the federal level, Coloradans will still be able to access this fundamental right. In 2023, Democrats passed the Safe Access to Protected Health Care Package which protects the rights of patients, providers, and future health care professionals and those assisting patients, prohibits deliberate misinformation in our communities, and makes care more affordable and accessible by closing gaps in insurance coverage.

The full text of the resolution is available HERE.

Colorado Senate Democrats Unveil First Five Bills of 2024 Legislative Session

Legislation will make housing and health care in Colorado more affordable, improve support for students, families, and communities

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate Democrats unveiled their First Five bills of the 2024 legislative session today.

The bills aim to maintain access to critical mental health support for students, make Colorado safer, improve support for Colorado’s veterans, protect our state’s dwindling water supply, and incentivize long-term rental housing.

“Democrats have made significant progress these past few years, from saving people money and improving public safety to supporting our schools and taking bold action to address climate change, and now we’re ready to keep the momentum going to move our state and our communities forward,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “This session, we’re laser focused on tackling the issues that matter most to Colorado families, and I look forward to positioning our state well for the future and building a stronger, safer and healthier Colorado for us all.”

“Over the past few years we’ve worked hard to make Colorado a great place to live, work, and raise a family. This year, we’re returning to the Capitol to build on our progress and deliver results that position our state well for the future,” Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, said. “ This session, Democrats will continue to address the issues that are top of mind for folks and pass policies that ensure every Coloradan has the resources they need to thrive.”

SB24-001
Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City
Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville

Colorado Democrats are committed to expanding quality mental health care and setting students up for success. The I Matter program connects K-12 students with a therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions, with some in-person appointments available. This bill would make the I Matter program permanent.

SB24-002
Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco
Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock

SB24-002 would allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing and economic development, including alleviating housing shortages. For example, under the bill, municipalities and counties would be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing.

SB24-003
Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial
Representative Meg Froelich, D-Greenwood Village

In order to make Colorado safer, SB24-003 would give the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the ability to investigate illegal activity involving firearms. The bill appropriates $1.7 million to the Department of Public Safety to create a team that investigates known prohibited convicted felons attempting to illegally purchase firearms, and other illegal firearm violations such as ghost guns. 

Creating a framework within the CBI to address illegal transfers, ghost guns, and investigations based on tip line requests would help to improve safety across the state, especially in rural and underserved areas.

SB24-004
Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling
Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock

SB24-004 would increase the efficiency of County Veterans Service Offices, which provide free assistance to veterans and their families. Currently, some counties receive state funding for veterans service officers (VSOs) even if the VSO is not accredited with the federal government, and therefore unable to help veterans file claims. This bill would tie funding for VSOs to the number of accredited VSOs in a given county and their hours worked, ensuring offices are able to meet the needs of veterans and efficiently prepare and present claims all throughout Colorado.

SB24-005
Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa
Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango

Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water. Much of this is used to grow non-native turf grass, which requires large amounts of water to thrive. While some of this turf is used for parks, sports fields, and yards, much of it serves no community purpose, such as highway frontages and strips alongside industrial properties. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this bill focuses on limiting its installation in the first place. 

SB24-005 would promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting the installation of nonfunctional turf, invasive plant species, and artificial turf on commercial, institutional, industrial, and state properties. This would help the environment not only by saving water, but eliminating the need for lawn chemicals and emissions from lawn equipment, while opening up space for native plants that survive in Colorado’s climate with little maintenance and support our local birds and bees.

Senate President Steve Fenberg Delivers Opening Day Remarks

DENVER, CO – Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, today delivered his Opening Day Remarks to kick off the 2024 legislative session - his last as Senate President. 

Below is a transcript of Fenberg’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Majority Leader, Mr. President Pro Tempore, Mr. Minority Leader - friends, colleagues, loved ones - good morning, and welcome to the second session of the 74th General Assembly of the Colorado State Senate!

It’s an honor to be with you all here today. I want to start off by recognizing a few folks. 

My wife Lindsay is here today. Lindsay, your support has been immense, but I also know there isn’t a bigger fan of term limits than you. 

And of course the real reason why I come to work every day…my best friends in the whole wide world: my daughters Isa and Marlow.

My Board of County Commissioners is here as well: Claire Levy, Marta Loachamin, and Ashley Stolzman.

And the Mayors from my district: Boulder Mayor Aaron Brocket, Louisville Mayor Chris Leh, and Superior Mayor Mark Lacis. 

It’s been a year of change for many of us - and we have some new faces and roles in the Chamber I’d like to acknowledge. 

Most importantly, I want to extend an extremely warm welcome to our newest Senator, Dafna Michaelson Jenet! 

She’s been with us for a few months now - and of course most of us have worked with her in the House - but we are still very excited to work alongside you, Senator, and we look forward to the great work you’ll do here in the Senate.

Senator Michaelson Jenet’s arrival here was necessitated by the departure of former Majority Leader and current traitor, Dominick Moreno, who broke our hearts this summer when he decamped for the greener pastures - across the street at the City of Denver.

I used to refer to Dom as my work husband. He would quickly correct me and say he felt a little more comfortable in the work wife role. And while I am excited to work alongside the new Majority Leader, I gotta admit, I am not quite sure I’m ready to call you my wife just yet, Robert. 

But I’m sure we’ll get there. Congratulations on your new role.

Another new addition to our leadership team is Senator Faith Winter, who is now serving as our Assistant Majority Leader. Congratulations to you as well, Senator. 

You’ll also see a few new faces up here at the desk and on the floor. I’m excited to introduce our new members of the non-partisan staff to the team. Tammy, Eric, Mary, Shannon, Wayne, Mary Ann - welcome aboard! 

As for those who came back - Ryan, Jonathan, John, Frank, Ted, Matthew, Sadia, Rick, Tom, Randy, and Ben - thanks for sticking around, and for your continued service to the Senate.

I want to recognize two people who have been with me on this journey from almost the very beginning. Mindy Miller and Nellie Moran. We’ve been through a lot together and 

I’d also like to take a moment to recognize someone who we all thought would have ridden off into the sunset by now, maybe seeing a show at the Sphere or sitting out at the pool with a cocktail…but you just can’t seem to quit us, can you? 

The true public servant of the Senate. The most committed and caring Secretary this chamber has ever had, Cindi Markwell. You’re like a second encore from your favorite band–where you know in your heart that if you just clap harder and longer, they’ll come back. And you did and we’re forever grateful for it. Please join me in thanking Cindi for all that she has given to the Colorado Senate. 

However, Cindi, I think you have now retired 17 times. So, I’m going to say this into the record: Cindi, when we have late nights or when a certain Senator starts “Bobbing” for hours upon hours, you should deputize your very competent front desk staff, go home, be with family, or just simply get some rest. Eventually we’re going to need to figure out how to exist without you, so we might as well start practicing now. 

It takes a lot to keep this place running. Our system of self-governance depends on people like Cindi, and everyone else in this room, in this building, and in our state to help ensure civil society and our institutions persist. This is what I want to speak about today on this inaugural day of the second session of the 74th General Assembly–my last session serving with you in this chamber.

The 35 of us have been given an incredible honor by the people of Colorado. Each of us plays an integral role in the democratic process. Our job is to take the values, beliefs, and experiences of our constituents and translate that into casting votes on their behalf, on issues related to just about every topic you could think of. 

From critically important topics like license plate designs, to uncontroversial, mundane bills like land use, we have the amazing opportunity to weigh in on a myriad of issues. 

After all, the legislative process is how we, as a group of millions of people who come from different walks of life, who have different priorities, and who maybe even believe in different facts, come together and make collective decisions for our state.

We are called politicians. Public figures. Legislators. Lawmakers. Often we’re called much worse.

Yes we are all of those things. But we are also something far more important, if less prestigious: we are caretakers. Caretakers of this great chamber. Of our great state. Of this democracy. 

The democracy we’re charged with defending is the foundation that underpins our republic. The ideals of our democracy can and should remain stable - but our values, our ideas, and the people that animate and utilize those concepts to effect change and govern our great state can, and should, evolve. 

I used to think, back when I first got elected, that my job was to be a radical change maker, to push the boundaries every day for what I believed in. To be more of an activist than a politician. 

I now have a much simpler, perhaps less exciting, vision of what the job is. 

Yes, we are political actors who have agendas and ideologies. On the campaign trail, we’re candidates. At the town hall, we’re public officials. On the nightly news, we’re spokespeople. 

But when you walk into this building, when you sit at the dais in committee in front of a nameplate, when you sit at one of the 35 oak desks in this chamber that have been here more than a century, you’re simply a moment in time. You are one of 35 who have the honor–the responsibility–to ensure there will be moments in time after you leave.

It may seem like a low bar, but our first job is to not mess it up. 

Maybe I’m full of it. I drank the Kool-Aid and sold out. And this whole place is actually designed  to keep the status quo. I walk up the steps of the rotunda every morning and get intoxicated by the marble and beautiful gold dome and stained glass windows. Maybe it was built that way to get us to fall in line and defend the institution instead of attacking it with change. 

Maybe.

But it worked - and my time here has made me okay with it. Because if this institution—this thing we call democracy—was simply just a shell to be filled with political agendas every two or four years, it would be a recipe for a volatile government that probably would’ve collapsed generations ago. 

If this place was simply a vessel for the populism of the day that swings with the blowing winds of trends and slogans, the pendulum would eventually swing off its hinge. It would result in the erosion of the institution. Of democracy. Perhaps even civil order itself. 

Our founders and the architects of this great civic temple didn’t—and couldn’t have—accounted for some of the things threatening it today. One of those threats is that an enormous amount of political debate no longer occurs primarily in the physical boundaries of these marble walls - or even in face-to-face conversations of any type. More often than not, it’s happening on our phones. 

It’s happening through anonymous tweets where civil debate has been replaced by algorithms that are designed for outrage, not understanding. 

Or it’s a nightly news anchor who has made the calculus that viewership rises not with stories of bipartisanship, problem-solving, and collegiality, but with deadlock, drama, and corruption. 

Or it’s increasingly us–the legislators–who sit there thinking about the quippy social media post that scores points with our followers instead of taking the time to walk across the room and talk to our colleague. Too often our words and actions breed cynicism, feed hate for those we disagree with, and encourage more yelling, and less listening. 

We must resist the urge to be performers. We must remind ourselves that to be a caretaker of this institution, we need to legislate for constituents, not for twitter. We must live up to the same standards that every man or woman who sat in our desks before us over the last 150 years has lived up to. 

That’s not to say our democracy and our institutions should be frozen in time. And, of course, our goal should not be to preserve the status quo simply for status quo’s sake. Just because that’s how it’s always been done isn’t good enough. That’s not what I mean by calling on us to be caretakers.

But the way we approach debating ideas and how we treat each other - in other words, how we show up in our democracy - impacts the stability of the institution itself. 

If you think about it, with all that is working against it, the fact that we still have a democracy is actually quite remarkable. It takes hard work to stay above the fray, especially when the alternative seems to be rewarded these days. But if we’ve learned anything the last several years, it’s that democracy is incredibly fragile. 

In the blink of an eye, our entire world can change. Just ask the Israelis to compare their lives from October 6th to October 8th. Or the Palestinian civilians who suddenly not only don’t have a home, they don’t have a neighborhood, a family, or even a functioning society. 

It’s mind-boggling how fast our politics–and our world–can change these days. And it’s only speeding up.

In the coming years, our democracy and our institutions will be tested like they’ve never been tested before: 
 

• The promise and peril of AI. 

• The threat of a court-declared insurrectionist, a man who fomented a violent attack on our nation’s Capital and our democracy once again rising to power.

• Multiple wars raging across the globe backed by superpowers, perhaps as preview proxies for larger, more existential battles yet to come. 

So, being a caretaker of an institution might not be why we ran for office. But, if you think about all that is happening in this crazy world right now, and all the forces that are actively working against our democracy’s survival, it suddenly seems like the most courageous and important thing we could possibly do with the positions of power that we hold, is to simply do our part to ensure it continues.

It is more important now than ever that we remind ourselves that we are here as representatives of others to engage in deliberative debate aimed at solving problems. We were not sent here to shout at those we disagree with. We were not sent here to be a protest vote. We were sent here to fight for our values, not each other. We were sent here to govern.

We know that humans are social creatures and the norms in a society are contagious. But that also means that when norms break down, that breakdown too is contagious. And you can’t predict where it ends. We saw a small glimpse of that in the special session—in both chambers. 

I’ve certainly been guilty of it myself. 

We are all responsible for our actions and for their consequences. So I ask you: what will our actions be this session, and what will the consequences of those actions be for this institution? 

My hope is for rigorous debate that results in better policy outcomes. My hope is for critical eyes on each piece of legislation that moves through this body, no matter if it’s sponsored by Democrat or Republican. My hope is that we use the tools available to us to shape the world around us for the better. And that we do it together more often than apart, and that will result in strengthening this institution.

Yes, we should fight like hell for what we believe in. We should work day and night on crafting the policies we are passionate about. We should stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. But, most importantly, we should double down on a commitment to do all of it with deliberation, civility, and integrity. 

That’s the gift that democratic legislative systems give us. They allow us, each year, to begin anew, to come to work and engage with each other’s ideas, so we may confront the challenges facing us today. And each year, to recommit to how we will work with one another. 

Today I’m making that commitment, and hope all of you will as well. 

And let’s face it–we’re going to need to make that commitment together if we’re going to make progress on the immense challenges facing us: 

• We are still facing the impacts of climate change on our landscapes and rivers. I don’t know about you, but I hope my daughters will experience the same sense of wonder that the beauty of Colorado’s natural spaces instilled in me. 

• But what good is clean air and healthy forests if only the rich can enjoy them? Everything has gotten more expensive. I hope for my daughters to be able to afford to raise their daughters here. To have a home where they feel safe, secure, and happy. 

• And speaking of children, I hope for an education system that no longer strives for the national average, but instead sets a new standard for how to truly prepare the next generation.

Luckily, the solutions for turning those hopes into reality are right in front of us. Build more homes. Fully fund our schools. Expand transportation options. Preserve our public lands.

We have major opportunities this session to make our mark for generations to come. 

Take the opportunity with school funding. Thanks to the responsible budgeting of Senators Zenzinger, Bridges, and Kirkmeyer and the Joint Budget Committee, we’re finally going to eliminate the budget stabilization factor. Once and for all. 

This will help us get on a path to pay teachers what their profession deserves, and provide the much-needed classroom resources our students require. 

For years now, we’ve been shortchanging our schools, and robbing our most critical assets of the care, training, and education they need to reach their potential. School is where our kids find themselves, shape their futures, and become all that they can be. 

But students, and the teachers who guide and shape their growing minds, can’t reach their potential without the proper resources. 

The last time we fully funded our schools at the level required by our Constitution, President Obama had yet to shock the world by wearing a tan suit. The Office was a huge hit on TV, instead of a huge hit on streaming. My hair was brown. 

The hole we’ve dug ourselves out of is immense: over time, we’ve shortchanged schools to the tune of nearly $10 billion dollars.

Now, we’re on a path to pay off that IOU. That’s a big deal. Is it going to be enough? Of course not. But we will stop acting from a place of scarcity and move to a mindset of building for the future. We must remind ourselves that this is the floor, not the ceiling. It’s the bare minimum, not the end goal. 

Our kids deserve it. Our educators deserve it. Our state deserves it and our communities need it, and we’re going to deliver, so that every Colorado student can get the education they need to thrive.

Another opportunity is to tackle head-on the housing affordability crisis. We need to do more to ensure more of us can afford to live, work, and play in the communities that we call home.

Population growth and a huge demand for housing has outpaced new construction, making it incredibly difficult for Coloradans to become first time homeowners, and making our state unaffordable for renters. The long tail of the pandemic is partially to blame. But policy-makers like ourselves must accept some of the responsibility as well - and we have a job to do. 

If we don’t do something, the opportunity to shape our state’s future will slip through our hands.

Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. To achieve that, this year, we will work to help communities across the state increase the housing supply of for-sale and for-rent properties.

We’ll also do more to make sure folks can stay in their homes once they’ve achieved their American Dream. 

Spiking housing prices have brought the property tax question in Colorado to a crescendo - and it turns out the answer was definitely not a certain double-lettered ballot initiative.

We’ve provided significant relief to ease the pain for vulnerable folks over the past few years and during the special session - but that won’t ensure we aren’t in this position again in the future. 

We need a long-term solution that ensures our local communities and the services we all rely on–libraries, fire departments, and schools–have the resources they need while keeping property taxes reasonable. Over the next couple of months, a bipartisan task force will work to identify those solutions, and make recommendations on delivering relief without shortchanging essential local services.

But, of course, we can’t talk about just building more homes. We also need to talk about how we get to and from those homes. 

The passage of SB260 a few years ago finally put us on a more sustainable path to fund our state’s transportation backlog, but we can, and we must dream bigger.

For one, we have an opportunity before us to take the Federal Government up on their commitment and bring in hundreds of millions of dollars to turn a statewide transit system into a reality. 

We can see a future where a statewide rail system makes it easy, affordable, and safe to travel the entire length of our great state–Fort Collins to Pueblo– without ever touching an interstate. 

I can imagine regular and reliable train service to all that our mountain communities have to offer without having to first survive a harrowing drive up I-70.

And we can all imagine the impacts it will have on our traffic and emissions if that rail system serves as a backbone to expanded and reliable bus and transit service that helps take thousands of cars off our roads.

Thanks to critical funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Colorado has the opportunity to turn the dream of a truly statewide rail system that connects to bus and transit services into reality. This session, we must ensure Colorado gets its fair share of the federal infrastructure funds, and deliver the legacy of a modern, clean, and safe transportation system for generations to come.

The list of goals we hope to accomplish is long. But we’re already well on our way, and luckily we have a great team that is pushing to make these dreams reality. Later today, we’ll start introducing bills that will be the first steps in the long journey of the session. 

We’ll introduce Senator Michaelson Jenet’s bill to permanently extend the critical I Matter program, which provides up to six free mental health visits for students, and Senator Sullivan’s bill to help the Colorado Bureau of Investigations to investigate and prevent gun violence. We’ll introduce Senator Fields’ and Senator Pelton’s bipartisan bill to better support veterans, and Senator Roberts’ and Senator Simpson’s bipartisan bill to conserve more water. 

This session we’ll also be introducing bills to further our work of acknowledging the wrongs of the past while setting ourselves up to ensure inclusive opportunity for all in the future. 

We’ll expand access to quality, affordable healthcare and invest in programs to foster a workforce that meets our state’s needs. 

We’ll help communities prepare for, prevent, and respond to catastrophic wildfires. 

And that’s just to start. The promise of a new session means we still have all of the time we need to exchange ideas and work together in this laboratory of democracy to solve problems. 

I’m excited to see what we come up with.

But I’m also feeling a little bittersweet. This is my final Opening Day. 

And that’s ultimately a good thing. We’re a citizen legislature and we must always remember that. In the spirit of my friend, Hugh McKean, we must remember to take the work seriously, but not ourselves. 

This time next year, I’ll go from being Mr. President to former Mr. President to some of you. But to most, just Steve. 

But before you get too excited, for these next 120 days…I’m still in charge. And I will do everything in my power to ensure the Senate continues to be the Senate. The Upper Chamber, where logic, reason, and thoughtful debate rule the day, not group-think and raw partisanship. Where we embrace what the Senate was designed to do: slow down when needed and deliberate.

I will spend these next 120 days ensuring that we leave this institution better than we found it. To take care of this institution, and I hope you will ask yourselves how you’ll do your part to be that caretaker as well. 

I have one idea I’d like to impart on how you can do that. It’s the same challenge I gave on last year’s opening day. And that is that we need to build stronger relationships with each other. Get that beer after a long committee hearing. Sit in each other’s offices and get lost in conversation. Visit each other in our districts, get to know each other’s families. If we can commit to doing the most human thing we can do–build relationships–then we’re more likely to solve problems not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Coloradans. Coloradans who care deeply about this chamber, about our democracy, and about our state. 

Let’s do everything we can to remember that we can sometimes be opponents, but we’re never enemies. We can do that by connecting with each other not just on a policy or political level, but on a human level.

I am excited for these next 120 days. But the countdown begins today. So, let’s use them to their fullest. To make a difference for all the hard working individuals and families across this great state. They’re counting on us. So let’s get to work. 

Thank you. 

Laws to Save Coloradans Money, Protect the Environment, and Reduce Emissions To Go Into Effect

DENVER, CO – Several new tax credits will go into effect on January 1, 2024 that will save Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment. 

HB23-1272, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, incentivizes the advancement and adoption of clean transportation such as electric vehicles (EV), high-efficiency heat pumps, geothermal electricity development, and measures to reduce industrial emissions. Coloradans and businesses will save an average $65 million each year with specific tax credits ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies and economic conditions. 

“This new law will save Coloradans and businesses money on electric vehicles, e-bikes, clean energy sources, and energy efficient technologies like heat pumps in order to improve our air quality and help us meet our climate goals,” said Weissman. “We’re committed to combating climate change, and this monumental legislation invests in clean, sustainable energy sources that will jumpstart Colorado’s clean energy economy.” 

“Colorado has become a national leader in promoting clean energy technologies, but there’s much more we can do,” Fenberg said. “In order to further our commitment to our climate goals, we must do more to make adopting clean energy technology a feasible and attractive option for Coloradans – no matter their zip code or income level. The tax credits we passed this year will save Colorado residents and businesses money, help us meet our climate goals, and improve Colorado’s air quality.”

“Under this law, we’re reducing the cost of clean energy technologies so more Coloradans can use them in their everyday lives – from commuting to work to heating or cooling their homes,” said Joseph. “Starting in January, Coloradans and businesses will be able to claim an expanded tax credit for electric vehicles, heat pumps and energy efficient technologies. Through these smart investments, we’re boosting Colorado’s clean energy economy, creating jobs, and saving people money on the technologies we need to deploy to address our climate crisis.”

“Many Coloradans want to make the switch to electric vehicles or install heat pumps, but costs stand in the way,” Cutter said. “With these tax credits, we will lower the prices of clean energy technologies for Colorado families and business owners, helping us to improve our air quality, meet our climate goals, and bolster our economy. I’m proud to see this important legislation go into effect.”

A portion of HB23-1272 took effect earlier this year, including increasing the income tax credit for electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles to $5,000 and will decrease over time. Some of the specific EV tax incentives going into effect on January 1, 2024 include:

• An additional $2,500 tax credit for electric or plug-in vehicles with a retail price of $35,000 or lower;

• Boosting the tax credit for light-duty trucks to $5,000 (will decrease over time); and

• Boosting the tax credit for medium-duty trucks to $12,000 (will decrease over time)

HB23-1272 also outlines specific tax incentives to encourage large-scale reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through new and innovative technologies. Some of the specific tax incentives going into effect on January 1, 2024 include new refundable tax credits for:

• Geothermal energy project expenditures that meet certain criteria;

• The production of geothermal electricity;

• The installation of heat pump technology or a thermal energy network that meets certain industry standards; and 

• The creation of a sustainable aviation fuel production facility.

On April 1, 2024, an additional element of HB23-1272 will go into effect. It creates a $500 tax credit for e-bikes retailers. Of the $500 tax credit, $450 will be passed along to the consumer. 

SB23-016, sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Emily Sirota, D-Denver, aims to save Coloradans money by expediting electrification and updating Colorado’s greenhouse gas emission reduction goals to match the latest climate science. It would add interim targets, including a 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 levels by 2035, and a new goal of 100 percent emissions reduction by 2050.

The portion of the SB23-016 going into effect on January 1 will help Colorado meet those goals by reducing the cost of electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and snow blowers with a new income tax credit available to retailers and provided to purchasers as a discount.

“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 are tackling this challenge head on by implementing policy that will speed up electrification so we can reduce emissions and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.”

“This tax credit will save Coloradans money on battery-powered lawn equipment to encourage their use over noisy and polluting gas powered equipment,” said McCormick. “This law will help keep Colorado on a strong path forward to combat climate change and bring us closer to meeting our state’s climate goals.”

“Coloradans are demanding climate action, and we’re committed to doing our part to protect the planet for future generations,” said Sirota. “With this law, we can help mitigate the effects of climate change and improve air quality by reducing the cost of electric lawn equipment including lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other tools. Electrifying lawn equipment is one piece of this important legislation that protects our environment and saves Coloradans and businesses money on clean energy that reduces greenhouse gas pollution.”

To help meet Colorado’s emissions goals, SB23-016 also requires the Public Utilities Commission and local governments to consider and prioritize upgrades and additions to the state’s electrical transmission infrastructure system, and conduct a study on transmission capacity to pave the way for electrification across the state.

2023 COLORADO SENATE DEMOCRATS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Overview

This year, Senate Democrats built on former progress and passed legislation focusing on the issues that matter for Coloradans: making housing more affordable, reducing health care costs, advancing affordable clean energy, preventing gun violence, increasing access to protected health care, improving public education, and boosting Colorado’s workforce.

In addition to the regular legislative session, Senate Democrats returned to the Capitol in November for a special session to address steep property tax increases and the rising cost of living for Coloradans. The legislation passed during the special session provides short-term relief to those most vulnerable to rising costs – like working families, renters, and those on fixed incomes – while protecting funding for critical services that our communities rely on, like schools and fire districts.

By the Numbers

$800 The amount of TABOR refund that every Colorado taxpayer will receive when they file their 2023 taxes. During the special legislative session, Democrats passed legislation to distribute identical refund payments regardless of income level, making our tax code more equitable and providing enhanced support for working families. Joint filers will receive a refund of $1,600.

$10,614 The new statewide average for per-pupil funding in Colorado public schools. As part of a continued commitment to a well-funded and resourced school system, Democrats passed legislation to boost public school funding by $660 million this year, including a $30 million one-time appropriation to rural schools.

+$1 billion The amount of property tax savings passed on to Coloradans for tax years 2023 and 2024. Democrats secured $434 million in property tax relief during this November’s special session. Combined with legislation from 2022, total property tax savings exceeded $1 billion over two years.

88% The percentage of bills passed in 2023 with bipartisan support.

480 The number of bills passed and signed into law by the Governor. This includes 473 bills from the regular legislative session, plus 7 bills from the special legislative session.

$65 million The amount of rental assistance Democrats allocated to existing programs that help prevent evictions and keep Coloradans housed, which includes $35 million from previously allocated federal funds.

$352.5 million The total increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit for the 2023 and 2024 tax years, which puts millions of dollars back into the pockets of working families to help them afford necessities like food and rent.

3 days The minimum length of the mandatory waiting period to purchase a firearm in Colorado. This year, Democrats passed a comprehensive package of gun violence prevention bills that included: implementing a waiting period for firearm purchases, removing overly broad legal protections for gun manufacturers, cracking down on so-called ‘ghost guns,’ increasing the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21, and an expansion of the preexisting ‘Red Flag’ law.

Key Legislative Achievements

The following is a selection of laws Colorado Senate Democrats are most proud of from this year, but it does not include all of our many achievements – for a more complete list of legislation we passed during the 2023 legislative session, please visit senatedems.co/legislative-achievements.

Making Colorado More Affordable

In both the regular and special sessions, Democrats prioritized delivering economic relief to those who need it most. Dramatic property tax increases have hit Coloradans hard – especially seniors and folks living on fixed incomes – which is why Democrats passed legislation to provide $434 million in property tax relief. Additionally, Democrats passed legislation to deliver targeted relief by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, funding rental assistance programs, and increasing TABOR refunds for the majority of filers and by hundreds of dollars for lower-income Coloradans.

Democrats also prioritized affordability with legislation to lower utility bills by preventing unpredictable rate spikes, fund free transit during ozone season, and expand tax incentives for electric vehicles and clean energy.

Reducing Housing Costs

Reducing the cost of housing and increasing supply continues to be a top priority for Democrats. This year, Democrats created new incentives for affordable housing construction, eliminated arbitrary local caps on new housing that restrict supply and drive up costs, and passed legislation to prevent evictions and protect renters’ rights.

Saving People Money on Health Care

As part of an ongoing commitment to reducing the cost of health care, Democrats passed legislation to bolster medical consumer protections, improve access to behavioral health for Colorado kids, increase access to medication like EpiPens, and lower the cost of lifesaving prescription drugs.

Investing in Education and Workforce

This year, Democrats invested in Colorado’s future by increasing per pupil funding to $10,614, reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor and committing to fully eliminating it in 2024, increasing special education funding, and allocating $30 million to rural schools.

Additionally, Democrats bolstered Colorado’s workforce by expanding loan forgiveness opportunities, strengthening pathways to in-demand jobs, increasing apprenticeship and licensure opportunities for teachers, and providing additional funding to adult education providers.
    
Preventing Gun Violence

This year, Democrats passed simple, commonsense measures that protect families, keep our public spaces like schools and grocery stores safe, and reduce the threat of violence across Colorado. New laws include: expanding and improving Colorado’s ‘Red Flag’ law, implementing a minimum three day waiting period for firearm purchases, repealing Colorado’s overly-broad immunity law that protects gun manufacturers, increasing the firearm purchase age to 21, and cracking down on unserialized, untraceable ‘ghost guns’.

Protecting Our Environment and Communities from Wildfires

From incentivizing clean energy projects to funding improvements for air and water quality, Democrats took bold action to protect our environment. This year, Democrats incentivized electric vehicles, e-bikes, invested in clean energy and industrial emissions reductions, passed legislation to reduce the time and cost of residential solar installation and permitting, and required oil and gas operators to reduce, reuse, and recycle water in their drilling operations. Democrats also increased the 2050 greenhouse gas reduction goal from 90 percent of 2005 levels to 100 percent. 

Additionally, Democrats passed legislation to address the threat of wildfires including: supporting local governments in preparing for and preventing wildfires, and investing in Colorado’s forestry and wildfire mitigation workforce. New legislation will also help to restore natural stream systems and freshwater resources to mitigate floods and wildfires, and secure a second Firehawk helicopter, the most technologically advanced firefighting aircraft available.

Protecting Freedoms and Access to Reproductive Health Care

In light of the Dobbs decision and the threats to safe and accessible reproductive health care that have followed, Democrats continued to solidify Colorado as a safe haven for abortion care, reproductive health care, and gender affirming care. The Safe Access to Protected Health Care Package protects the rights of patients, providers, and future health care professionals, prohibits deliberate misinformation in our communities, and makes care more affordable and accessible by closing gaps in insurance coverage.

Democrats in District

Throughout the year Senate Democrats got out of the Capitol and into their communities to engage with Coloradans. A few of this year’s highlights:

• Senator Tony Exum helped celebrate the groundbreaking of a new affordable housing development for low-income seniors in Colorado Springs.

• The Transportation Legislation Review Committee toured sites across the Front Range and Western Slope to learn more about multiple projects underway to improve safety and reduce emissions on Colorado’s roads.

• Senators Rhonda Fields and Janet Buckner convened a summit of stakeholders, national and local experts, and community members to discuss maternal mortality in Colorado and to seek solutions to reduce and prevent pregnancy-related deaths.

• Senator Lisa Cutter rafted the Colorado River with activists to demonstrate the river’s close ties to local economies and recreation, and its value as a natural resource.

Looking Ahead to 2024

There is so much more work to do to position Colorado well for the future and build a stronger, safer, and healthier Colorado for all. In the 2024 session, Democrats will build on their work to reduce the cost of living, support Colorado students and teachers, and make Colorado a safer state.

Municipal Campaign Finance Reform Law Goes Into Effect

DENVER, CO - A new law to cap financial contributions in municipal elections goes into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1245, sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti, Jenny Willford and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and Senator Kevin Priola, aims to limit the influence of special interests on local elections.

“Establishing contribution limits and strengthening disclosure requirements for municipal elections will be a great step forward to protect the integrity of our local elections,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. “We’ve long had similar measures in place for state and federal elections and it's about time we provide similar protections to our local governments whose races are often more consequential to the lives of ordinary citizens.  By giving the public more information about who is funding their local candidates, we promote government transparency and accountability and provide a foundation for trust. This law will help ensure that cities and towns across Colorado are implementing the best practices for campaign finance.”

“In recent years we’ve seen more and more money flow into local elections,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “To help ensure these elections aren’t bought and influenced by special interests and big money donors, this new law caps campaign contributions made by individuals and small donor committees. With the new contribution caps, candidates who aren’t independently wealthy or already well-connected will be on a much more even playing field.”

“The influence of dark money donors is growing in our local elections, making it more difficult for everyday people to play a role in deciding who should represent them,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Soon, municipal election contributions will be limited to a reasonable amount, which limits the influence of wealthy dark money donors, creates a more even playing field for individual voters, and encourages candidates to campaign in their communities.”

“This new law helps bring transparency to local elections,” Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson said. “Our local elections are better off when the public knows where candidates are getting money from and how they are spending it. With the new campaign contribution reporting requirements, the public will have much better access to information that will help them make more informed decisions.”

HB23-1245 sets a municipal election campaign contribution limit at $400 for individuals and political parties and $4,000 for small donor committees to a candidate committee. Amounts are subject to inflation adjustments and the disclosure provisions of the Fair Campaign Practices Act. The law also changes municipal clerk report filing timelines, subjects them to open record requests, extends filing retention requirements, and applies some additional disclosure requirements.

Law to Support Retired Military Members and their Families Goes into Effect

DENVER, CO –  A bipartisan law to support retired military members and their families will go into effect on January 1, 2024.

HB23-1084, sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz, D-Centennial, and Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Bob Gardner, R-El Paso County, extends the income tax deduction for military retirement benefits through 2028. Under this law, veterans under the age of 55 are able to deduct up to $15,000 from their state income taxes.

“Veterans make great sacrifices to defend our country, so it's essential that we do the same for them,” said Zenzinger. “With this law, we’re reducing the amount of taxes retired veterans owe and keeping money in their pockets. I look forward to seeing this law continue to improve economic security for thousands of veterans and their families.” 

“Colorado is an amazing place to live, work, and explore the outdoors, but rising costs make it harder for people to call Colorado home,” said Ortiz. “Senior enlisted and junior officers, who are more likely to be people of color and women, are especially vulnerable to being priced out of Colorado. Our law continues state income tax deductions for military retirement benefits to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”

This law continues the tax deduction for retired military members created by HB18-1060 for an additional five years, which was set to expire in 2023. The Department of Revenue reported that around 7,000 veterans took advantage of this deduction in 2020.

Stronger Colorado Consumer Protections Coming this January

DENVER, CO - On January 1, two new laws will go into effect to enhance language requirements for insurance information for non-English speakers and protect consumers from excessive fees on small loans.

“Every Coloradan deserves insurance coverage that best fits their needs, which is why we passed legislation to require professionally translated insurance documents for non-English speakers,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB23-1004. “It’s disappointing that some insurers have threatened to suspend non-English language services, preventing communities from understanding insurance documents that can be difficult to comprehend even without a language barrier. Our law gives Coloradans the tools they need to choose an insurance plan that works best for themselves and their families, no matter what language they speak.”

“The laws going into effect today will help Coloradans by making insurance more accessible and loan fees less predatory,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1004 and HB23-1229. “HB1004 ensures that when insurance companies advertise in languages other than English, that they also translate the policy documents, because consumers should be able to understand what they’re signing and the terms of their policies. Additionally, HB1229 closes predatory payday loan loopholes and brings Colorado in accordance with the will of the voters. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits these laws will have in my district and across the state.”

HB23-1004 requires insurers to have insurance policy information professionally translated or be certified by a professional translator in a non-English language. It also requires insurers of auto, home, and renters’ insurance to offer policy documents in the same language that is used for advertisements and to provide the policy application, policy and any related documents in any language upon request.

HB23-1229 protects consumers by limiting lender fees on alternative charge loans, which are short-term loans capped at $1,000. The law also increases the minimum term of an alternative charge loan from 90 days to 6 months, allowing more time for repayment. Separately, it ensures that out-of-state, state-chartered banks are subject to applicable Colorado lending laws when lending to Coloradans to protect borrowers and create uniformity within the state.

“Voters overwhelmingly approved Prop 111 to protect against predatory payday loans in Colorado, but until now, a loophole has allowed some lenders to continue related high-interest lending practices,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1229. “With this law going into effect, we’re aligning Colorado law with the will of the voters and saving hardworking Coloradans money on these financial products.”

“Alternative charge loan fees can often top 100% for APR, penalizing low-income Coloradans for taking out small loans that help them afford basic necessities until the next paycheck comes in,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1229. “Coloradans voted in 2018 to cap rates on these types of loans to 36%, but out-of-state banks have taken advantage of a loophole that allows them to circumvent our laws. Our new law will hold out-of-state banks to the rates voters approved of, protecting Coloradans from these predatory lending practices that exacerbate economic insecurity.”

In 2018, Colorado voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 111 to crack down on predatory payday loans with high annual percentage rates (APRs). Since then, some Colorado lenders have replaced their payday loans with alternative charge loans, which are not subject to the same consumer protections. This bill would close that workaround to prevent lenders from overcharging Coloradans for credit that is often sought by borrowers already in duress.

JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Colorado Economy Remains on Solid Footing

DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December quarterly economic forecasts.

“Today’s forecasts show Colorado’s economic growth and low unemployment rate remain steady and are projected to continue,” said JBC Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “We are committed to fulfilling our promise to students and educators by eliminating the K-12 public school funding deficit, which will put more money into Colorado classrooms to increase teacher pay, reduce class sizes, and ensure students have what they need to thrive. I’m excited to craft a balanced budget that sustains our economic growth, boosts middle class families, and invests in the critical services Coloradans need.”

“While Colorado’s economy continues growing at a steady pace, we are entering a more normal - and restrained - fiscal period, which will require cautious, responsible budgeting to ensure we meet our priorities,” said JBC Vice Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “As we prepare next year's budget, we remain committed to maintaining this growth while delivering the critical services families and communities rely on. We’re looking forward to putting forth a responsible budget that fully funds our schools, supports working families, and meets the needs of our growing state.”

“As Colorado’s economy continues to grow and perform better than other states, we are focused on addressing the rising cost of living and making sure that everyone can afford to live in our state,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Even with our strong economy, Colorado’s unique fiscal constraints mean we will have limited resources this year for new investments. Our goal this year is to significantly increase funding for our public schools, support working families, and prioritize the Coloradans who are feeling the brunt of our cost of living crisis.”

“Today's forecast makes me cautiously optimistic that our Colorado economy continues to head in the right direction," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "I look forward to working on a balanced budget for next year that fully funds education, lowers the cost of health care, and helps make Colorado a more affordable place to live."

Colorado’s economy continues to grow, with an unemployment rate of 3 percent and total employment growth clocking in at around 2.3 percent. Personal income growth for Coloradans has remained steady, at 5.6 percent, and consumer demand continues to outpace expectations.

The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.52 billion in FY 2023-2024 and $18.58 billion in FY 2024-2025, a 6 percent increase year-over-year. The LCS forecast anticipates the General Fund to end FY 2023-24 with a 15.3 percent reserve, $49.6 million above the statutory requirement. TABOR refunds will be $800 for single filers and $1,600 for joint filers. 

The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) revised its General Fund revenue expectations up $247.3 million in FY 2023-24, while FY 2024-25 revenue was revised down $78.1 million. OSPB anticipates General Fund revenue will grow 4.6 percent to $19.1 billion in FY 2025-26, due to stable growth in income and sales revenue.

The forecast anticipates continued growth as Colorado stands well positioned to fare better in the case of a downturn and that the risk of a near-term recession has dissipated. Factors that could improve the forecast include slowing inflation, an expanded labor force, and a rebound in real wages boosting consumer spending, and more accommodative monetary policy from the Federal Reserve. Risks that could negatively impact the forecast include persistent inflation leading to further restrictive monetary policies, deteriorating household finances limiting consumption and continued geopolitical and trade uncertainty.

New Laws Making Colorado Safer To Go Into Effect

DENVER, CO –  A pair of new laws that will make life safer for Coloradans will go into effect on January 1, 2024.

HB23-1222, sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Senators Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, creates new requirements for domestic violence cases in municipal courts to provide protections for victims. The law ensures provisions of the Victims’ Rights Act are applied in municipal courts, instructs judges to check a defendant for prior charges before issuing a verdict, and ensures all cases in municipal courts have the same resources and safety precautions available that they would in a county court, among other requirements.

“As a survivor of domestic violence, I know how hard it is to seek accountability in court which is why support and protections for victims is so important,” said Duran. “Holding municipal courts to the same standard for domestic violence cases as county courts ensures that victims receive identical treatment in the court system. With the implementation of our new law, we can create a safer environment for victims to hold their abuser accountable, no matter where they live.”

“I was proud to be a part of multiple pieces of transformative legislation to strengthen autonomy and control for survivors of intimate violence last session,” said Winter. “No survivor should ever have to pay a bill for their forensic exam, or feel unsafe during their court proceedings. This new law signals our commitment to furthering support for survivors of domestic violence in Colorado.”

"This law will better support survivors of domestic violence by guaranteeing all Coloradans protections under the Victims Rights Amendment, no matter which court handles their case," said Weissman. "It is crucial for survivors to have support to ensure their well-being and safety. This law requires all courts to provide the same sentencing requirements and victim protections for domestic violence cases so all Coloradans can receive equal treatment."

“Keeping Colorado families and communities safe is a top priority of mine,” said Roberts, sponsor of HB23-1222 and HB23-1267. “Previously, county and municipal courts weren’t held to the same procedural standards for domestic violence cases, which is why we passed HB23-1222 to improve the way municipal courts handle domestic violence cases and ensure survivors are given the protections they deserve. HB23-1267 meanwhile will help improve safety on our roads, especially dangerous mountain routes. These are common sense bills that will create a safer state for us all.”

HB23-1267, sponsored by Roberts and House Speaker Julie McCluske, D-Dillon, will make mountain roadways safer by allowing the Department of Transportation to establish enhanced speeding fines on highways where the downhill grade is 5 percent or greater and where there are safety concerns related to commercial motor vehicle drivers exceeding the posted speed limits.

“Our Colorado mountain roads can be dangerous, especially in the I-70 corridor that is frequented by commercial drivers who might not have mountain driving experience,” said McCluskie. “This law doubles speeding fines for trucks driving down steep grades, which will help prevent unnecessary accidents, improve traffic and make our roads safer.”

New Right To Repair Agriculture Equipment Law Goes Into Effect

DENVER, CO – First-in-the-nation legislation to save farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs goes into effect on January 1, 2024.

HB23-1011, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, and Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Janice Marchman requires agricultural equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws.

“Starting next month, farmers and ranchers across Colorado can save both time and money on fixing their own equipment,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’m incredibly proud of this first-in-the-nation right to repair law because without it, farmers are forced to wait weeks for repair technicians' availability and spend outrageous amounts on necessary repairs. Right to repair empowers Coloradans to fix their own equipment, and this new law helps get farmers and ranchers back to work faster when their equipment breaks.”

“Colorado’s farmers play a critical role in our economy, but for too long when their equipment broke down, they were forced to use an authorized mechanic to get it fixed, costing them both extra time and money,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “That’s why I fought to give Colorado farmers the freedom to repair their equipment themselves or have an independent mechanic do the work. This new law will give Colorado farmers a leg up and save them time and money so they can focus on their important job of feeding the world.”

“Family farmers and ranchers like the ones I represent need all the help they can get, and this new law is a great first step,” Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, said. “A broken tractor or combine during harvest season can be devastating, and makes an already difficult job that much harder. Farmers should be able to apply know-how and elbow grease to fix their own equipment instead of being forced to use an authorized dealer. I am thrilled that our bill to keep operations running smoothly and save Colorado ag producers critical time and money is going into effect.”

As outlined in HB23-1011, agricultural equipment manufacturers now need to provide necessary parts, software, firmware, tools or documentation to independent repair providers and owners at a fair and reasonable price. Colorado is the first and only state in the nation to secure a law for the right to repair agricultural equipment.

Under this law, agricultural equipment manufacturers or dealers selling on behalf of the manufacturer must provide repair items at fair and reasonable costs. This law aims to save farmers and ranchers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. Agriculture is one of the largest and leading industries in the state of Colorado. HB23-1011 is supported by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, the Corn Growers, Wheat Growers, Wool Producers, Fruit and Vegetable Producers, the Cattleman, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

New Laws to Improve Access to Housing, Support Renters Go Into Effect

DENVER, CO – Two laws to improve and secure access to housing will go into effect on Jan 1, 2024. HB23-1186 allows Coloradans to participate in eviction proceedings remotely, reducing the number of default evictions of tenants unable to participate in person. HB23-1184 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing developers and helps increase Colorado’s affordable housing stock.

HB23-1186, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Iman Jodeh and Senators Tony Exum and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, allows individuals in residential eviction cases to participate in county court proceedings remotely.

“Under this law, Coloradans can attend their eviction hearings remotely, which will drastically reduce the number of no-show, default evictions and keep families housed,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Whether it be unreliable transportation, inflexible work schedules, lack of child care, health conditions or something in between, there are many reasons why someone may not be able to attend their eviction proceedings in person. This important law will help vulnerable Coloradans retain their housing.”

“Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis, and it’s critical we do everything we can to alleviate it and keep folks housed,” said Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “There are lots of reasons someone may be forced to miss their eviction proceedings, including lack of transportation or child care or a sudden emergency - but that doesn’t mean they should be evicted. This new law will prevent no-shows, improve accessibility, and keep more Coloradans housed.”

“Remote eviction proceedings will improve no-show rates and prevent the displacement of Coloradans who can least afford to lose their homes,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “From lack of reliable child care to work obligations, we know these situational burdens disproportionately fall on low-income Coloradans. Through remote eviction hearings, we’re breaking down barriers to give more Coloradans a fair shot to avoid eviction and the cycles of poverty and economic instability that often follow.”  

“We’re working hard to make sure more Coloradans can find and stay in homes, and this new law to provide improved protections for folks facing evictions is a big step towards that goal,” said Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Breaking down barriers to participation in eviction proceedings will make it easier for Coloradans to defend themselves and avoid being evicted simply for not being able to attend a hearing.”

Under this law, individuals must communicate with the courts 48 hours prior to their hearing if they would like to participate remotely or in-person. HB23-1186 aims to improve accessibility for attending eviction proceedings especially for those living in rural areas, Coloradans with disabilities and those with additional circumstances that make it difficult to take time off work. Data collected from courts in other states shows that by expanding ways to participate in eviction cases reduces “no-show” rates and improves court procedures. HB23-1186 is expected to decrease the number of Coloradans with a no-show default eviction by over 7,800.

HB23-1184, sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Lisa Frizell and Senator Dylan Roberts, expands property tax exemptions to include more nonprofit organizations that build and sell affordable housing and increases the Area Median Income to qualify for this housing from 80% to 100% or 120% for rural resort communities. It also extends the exemption period from five years to ten years to better reflect the development timeline for larger affordable housing projects. The law creates a new property tax exemption for land owned by community land trusts and other nonprofit affordable homeownership providers that develop permanently affordable for-sale homes. This exemption only applies to the land and not the home.

“Expensive land costs means it's more difficult for non-profit housing developers to secure land and begin building affordable housing that every community needs,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Our new law will expand property tax exemptions for non-profit affordable housing developers. Coloradans are counting on us to create more affordable housing options so our teachers, child care providers and health care workers can afford to stay in their communities, and this law is a step in the right direction.”

“The cost of land is often the biggest barrier that keeps affordable housing projects from getting done, especially for nonprofit homebuilders who build housing for our state's workforce,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “This new law represents a huge step forward for nonprofit homebuilders and will make it easier for nonprofit developers to do what they do best: build more housing for working Coloradans so that families can afford to live in the communities they call home.

Laws to Create Jobs and Support Colorado Workers Go Into Effect

DENVER, CO – New laws to create jobs and support Colorado workers will go into effect on January 1, 2024.

HB23-1212, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, and Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, directs the Office of the Future of Work, the Colorado Department Education and other state agencies to collaborate with schools and trade industries to create apprenticeship pathways for graduating students. The law also requires the creation of an online job board for students, and the incorporation of registered apprenticeship programs into the State’s available career planning tools, including the development of individual career and academic plans by apprenticeship navigators to better support job preparation and awareness for students.

“A four year college degree doesn’t make sense for everyone,” said Kolker. “Alternative pathways like apprenticeships can lead to high paying careers and bright futures. I look forward to seeing the Office of the Future of Work and the Department of Education work together to expand apprenticeship opportunities and help bolster Colorado’s workforce.”

“This law works to connect graduating high school students with apprenticeships in high-demand industries, including construction and other skilled trades,” Hamrick said. “We’re making it easier for students to find, apply and get accepted to apprenticeship programs in high-demand fields and graduate with a clear pathway toward a good-paying career.”

“Colorado is facing a crippling workforce shortage that is hurting our families and our economy,” said Danielson. “Apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities to people looking to gain hands-on experience and enter our workforce. This new law helps expand pathways to apprenticeships and get more Coloradans on track for a successful future.”

“Apprenticeship programs give Coloradans the tools they need to get started and save money on their pursuit of a good-paying career,” Lieder said. “This law will make apprenticeship programs in the trades more accessible to high school students, help fill critical jobs and boost Colorado’s economy.”

Colorado’s trade and construction industries are still experiencing workforce shortages following economic disruptions from the pandemic. This law helps create a talent pipeline for graduating students to enter good-paying careers after graduation and support Colorado’s workforce.

Sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Representatives William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, HB23-1081 expands the Employee Ownership Tax Credit to strengthen incentives for businesses transitioning to an employee-owned business model.

“Employee-owned businesses give hard-working Coloradans a real stake in their work,” said Hinrichsen. “With this law, we’re expanding incentives to help cover the costs associated with transitioning to an employee-owned model. These win-win opportunities help businesses remain in their communities while giving employees a seat at the table when it comes to decision-making about their careers.” 

“Expanding the employee ownership tax credit in Colorado means local businesses can continue to boost wages and benefits, improve retention and develop strong succession plans,” Lindstedt said. “This law encourages employee-owned business models, which means our local businesses are more likely to stay locally owned and operated for years to come. Small businesses are a huge part of our statewide economy, and this law makes it easier for business owners to sell or retire while giving employees more opportunities to own the business they work for.”

HB23-1081 expands on the Employee Ownership Tax Credit by:

• Making partially employee-owned businesses eligible to help cover the costs associated with expanding employee ownership;

• Expanding eligible methods that businesses may use to transfer equity to employees;

• Strengthening incentives for eligible businesses that are transitioning to employee ownership with existing resources.

Finally, SB23-292, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, creates clear and fair working standards for the energy industry to support workers transitioning into the clean energy sector.

“Colorado is committed to a clean energy future and a competitive economy that uplifts all workers,” said Fenberg. “More and more clean energy development projects are receiving state funds, which is why we took action to ensure those projects are supported by truly good paying jobs with great benefits. With this important law, we’re upholding our commitments and making sure no worker gets left behind.”

“As Colorado gears up for more construction of clean energy projects, we need to ensure our highly-skilled workers are compensated fairly and protected while on the job,” Duran said. “Our law ensures workers, including electricians, plumbers, and those essential to completing a large-scale clean energy project are paid a fair wage for their work. This law is an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to create safer working conditions and ensure livable wages for Coloradans.”  

“Colorado’s clean energy future ultimately depends on high quality, well-paid jobs,” said Hansen.“This new law ensures that as the clean energy sector continues to grow, workers’ rights grow too. When workers win, so does Colorado’s infrastructure and economy, and I’m proud to have championed this new law that helps move Colorado forward.”

“Establishing high labor standards for clean energy projects ensures our highly-skilled workers are paid fairly and are protected while on the job,” Bird said. “Our law going into effect establishes fair wages and safety initiatives for construction jobs in Colorado’s energy sector. Colorado is preparing for some of the most innovative, clean energy projects in the country and this law protects workers and strengthens our construction-based economy.”  

The law creates a new category of public projects called Energy Sector Public Works Projects to the 2019 State Prevailing Wage Law. These Energy Sector Public Works Projects must comply with current apprenticeship and prevailing wage requirements to be eligible for state funding or approved by the Public Utilities Commission.

Laws to Put $170M Back into the Pockets of Hardworking Coloradans, Boost Food Assistance Go Into Effect

DENVER, CO - On January 1, a new law goes into effect to expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans. HB23-1008 also goes into effect, closing tax loopholes in order to expand access to healthy foods in lower-income and under-served communities and help small food retailers and small family farms.

“This bipartisan new law will put $170 million dollars back into the pockets of hardworking families,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB23-1112. “These tax credits will boost the incomes of hundreds of thousands of Coloradans and help vulnerable families afford basic necessities as we continue to tackle the high cost of living in our state. I’m proud of our efforts to create a more fair tax system that supports the Coloradans who need it the most.”

“Colorado’s working families deserve a break,” said Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “These critical tax credits will put more money in their pockets, and make it easier to pay for necessities like groceries and rent. I’m proud to champion this legislation that will lift folks out of poverty and will make life easier for Colorado families.”

“This law will put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans, boosting our local economies,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB23-1112. “These extra dollars could make a world of difference for low-income working people. I’m proud that the legislature came together in a bipartisan way to reduce taxes for working families and boost the incomes of the Coloradans who are feeling the brunt of our cost of living crisis.”

“Boosting tax credits for hardworking Colorado families just makes sense,” said Sen. Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “This new law eases the burden people across our state face, and will help them build better futures for themselves and their families. I am proud to see this critical support go into effect, and look forward to the benefits and security it will bring to working families all across Colorado.”

HB23-1112 expands the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) and returns nearly $170 million more to hardworking families. The law increases the Colorado EITC from 25 percent to 38 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024, an almost four-fold increase from where it stood in 2020. By increasing the EITC and CTC, families will see hundreds of additional dollars back in their wallets. During the 2023 special legislative session, Colorado Democrats also passed HB23B-1002, which increased the state EITC for tax year 2023 from 25 to 50 percent, one of the highest state matches in the country.

A refundable tax credit available to certain families with children under the age of 6, the Colorado Child Tax Credit will now range from $200 to $1,200 depending on income and filing status starting in tax year 2024, with the tax credit ranging from 20 to 70 percent of the federal CTC depending on marital status, number of qualifying children and income.

The federal Child Tax Credit has lifted over 57,000 Colorado kids out of poverty and helped over 630,000 families across the state, while the federal Earned Income Tax Credit has helped cut the national poverty rate in half.

The bill builds on legislation passed by Colorado Democrats in recent years to make Colorado more affordable for working-class families. The General Assembly passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311, which at the time doubled the state's Earned Income Tax Credit and funded the Child Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money.

“All Coloradans deserve access to healthy and nutritious foods, and with this law going into effect, more lower-income and underserved Coloradans will more easily be able to access locally sourced foods,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1008. “One in three adults living with children have reported missing meals or eating smaller portions so they can provide their kids with enough food. We’re ending a tax loophole that benefited wealthy corporations to connect everyday Coloradans with fresh produce and groceries and support our small Colorado farmers and food producers.”

“Working people in my district and across the state don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and too many of them don’t have enough to eat at all," said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “I am happy to close this tax loophole that only benefits the wealthiest Coloradans, and redirect the funds toward addressing food insecurity so that more Coloradans can afford to put food on the table.”

“Family owned farms and food retailers need our support more than corporate boardrooms," said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “This new law will reduce hunger and strengthen local supply chains in urban and rural parts of Colorado, with a minimal impact on state finances.”

For income tax years 2024 through 2030, HB23-1008 ends the state tax loophole that allows corporations to deduct business meal expenses from their taxes. Ending these tax deductions supports efforts to reduce food insecurity for hard-working Coloradans and fund a tax credit to help our local farmers and food retailers acquire necessary equipment and better access market opportunities. HB23-1008 creates an income tax credit for small food retailers and small family farms worth up to 85% of the cost of new systems, equipment, and food distribution for tax year 2024 and 75% of the costs for subsequent tax years. Partnerships between Colorado food producers and small retailers boost revenue and cycle money into local economies.

This law builds off HB22-1380, a bipartisan law passed by the General Assembly in 2022 to save Coloradans money on healthy foods. The funding allocated by the 2022 legislation supports programs including the Community Nutrition Incentive Program, which assists women, children, and older Coloradans in subscribing to weekly produce deliveries from a local farm; the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which doubles the value of SNAP benefits in participating markets and stores for fruits and vegetables; and the Community Food Access program, which allows more small retailers to acquire equipment to store and sell produce and supports small family farms in connecting their crops to market demands.

On August 8, 2023, $250,000 was allocated by this law to the Department of Public Health and Environment to connect low-income communities throughout the state with healthy eating program incentives and improve access to fresh, Colorado-grown produce.