Statement from Senate Democratic Caucus Leadership on the Passing of Senator Faith Winter

DENVER, CO – Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, today released a statement on the passing of Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield:

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, Senator Faith Winter. Today, our caucus grieves the loss of a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the people of Colorado never wavered.

Senator Winter served our state with compassion and an unwavering belief in the power of public service to improve lives. Whether fighting for legislation to support mothers and families, championing groundbreaking transit policy, or simply supporting constituents in moments of need, she brought thoughtfulness, innovation, and humility to every aspect of her work.

Senator Winter was a colleague whose presence brought warmth and an invaluable perspective to the Capitol. We will miss her leadership, her partnership, and her deep commitment to a brighter Colorado.

Our hearts are with Senator Winter’s family and friends as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We ask that the public respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

JBC Members Swiftly Approve Emergency Funding to Boost Food Banks and Pantries During GOP Government Shutdown

DENVER, CO – Lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee today approved two budget requests from Governor Jared Polis to fund critical food access programs during Republicans’ federal government shutdown. The first budget request allocates $10 million to support Colorado food banks and pantries in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) directive to suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting November 1. The second budget request extends previously approved funding for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition access through November.

“The Republican shutdown is hurting Colorado families,” said JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Regardless of what’s happening in Washington, Colorado is stepping up to keep families fed and kids healthy. This is what responsible budgeting looks like. Focusing on results, not rhetoric, and doing what’s right for the people we represent. For the sake of families across our state and nation, I wish DC would act a bit more like Colorado.”

“While Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration play political games with Coloradans’ health care, hundreds of thousands of people in our state are now at risk of losing their SNAP benefits as a result,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Today, Colorado Democrats stepped up to fill the gap and ensure that hardworking families in our communities receive the support they need to put food on the table. Half of the 600,000 Coloradans who benefit from SNAP are children; this emergency budget request pushes past the dysfunction in Washington to help families access food pantries and food banks.” 

“The JBC’s approval of an additional $10 million to food banks and pantries, plus an extension of funding for WIC, was a no-brainer,” said JBC Member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities who have lost their lifeline to afford groceries this month because of chaos in Washington. Regardless of your circumstance, everyone should have the basic right to feed themselves and their families.” 

“The federal SNAP program keeps children from going hungry, which is why we’re stepping up to protect hardworking families from the GOP Congress and Trump Administration’s cuts,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We are boosting funding for our food pantries and food banks as well as extending WIC because with SNAP benefits ending, families are depending on us. Unfortunately, kids in our communities are suffering from the fallout of the Congressional Republicans’ government shutdown. In Colorado, we’re acting now to ensure families can put dinner on the table.” 

SNAP is fully funded by the federal government and administered by the state. On October 10, the USDA informed regional and state SNAP directors that if the federal government shutdown continues, states are to pause funding for November. This means the Colorado Department of Human Services will be unable to issue approximately $120 million of November SNAP benefits. 

To help families that rely on nutrition assistance, the JBC voted to direct additional funding to food banks and food pantries so they can fill some of the need communities will see when the federal government stops SNAP payments. On Tuesday, Colorado joined 22 other states in a lawsuit to force the Trump Administration to restore SNAP benefits by tapping into an emergency reserve.

SNAP provides food assistance to more than 600,000 Coloradans across 330,000 households; more than half of the recipients are children. Additionally, 10-percent of SNAP recipients are older Coloradans and 15-percent are Coloradans living with a disability. WIC supports food access for nearly 100,000 pregnant women, new mothers, and young children in Colorado.

JOINT RELEASE: Water & Ag Interim Committee Advances Bipartisan Bills to Boost Colorado Farmers and Ranchers

DENVER, CO – The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation to save small farmers and ranchers money and prevent out-of-state producers from falsely advertising products with Colorado branding.

Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, and Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, would save Colorado farmers and ranchers money on their property taxes. It would broaden the definition of "ranch" and “farm” in statute so that small and family-owned ranches and farms can benefit from existing property tax exemptions.

“After over a year of work to get the language just right, I'm excited we're moving this bill forward to make sure our laws work for farmers and ranchers of all sizes,” said Roberts. “Small and family-owned operations are the heart of Colorado’s agricultural communities and too many of them struggle with high property tax costs. With this legislation, we are finding every opportunity to put money back in their pockets and keep their farming and ranching operations going.”

“For generations, family farms and smaller ranches in my district have shaped Colorado’s ag economy, supported rural communities and fed Coloradans,” said McCluskie. “This bill cuts property taxes for local farmers and ranchers by including smaller operations that use their land for grazing in existing property tax exemptions. As the Trump Administration threatens to flood our markets with Argentinian beef and undercut Colorado ranchers, this bill steps in to save our farmers and ranchers money.” 

“Family farms and ranches are the backbone of Colorado’s rural economy,” said McCormick. “While the Trump Administration continues to choose trade wars over Colorado farmers and undercut our ranchers, we’re stepping up to put more money back in their pockets. This bill prioritizes local farmers and ranchers by cutting property taxes for smaller operations that use their land for grazing.” 

This bill would modify the definitions used to classify land as agricultural for property tax purposes. It would specify that a farm is primarily used to produce agricultural products, while a ranch is primarily used for grazing livestock through pasture-based operations. Agricultural land is generally valued lower than other property classifications.

Bill 4, sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista and Matt Soper, R-Delta, and Senators Roberts and Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, would protect the integrity of the “Colorado Proud” label and support local producers by cracking down on false advertising of products originating outside of Colorado. 

“When shoppers purchase Palisade peaches or San Luis Valley potatoes, they expect to receive products actually grown and produced in those regions of our state,” said Martinez. “To protect the integrity of Colorado-grown products and foods, this cracks down on mislabeling and false advertising of Colorado products. Colorado’s farmers, ranchers and small businesses work hard to produce the famous, high-quality products and foods that we’re known for around the world. This bill upholds the integrity of the iconic Colorado foods we all love.”

“Colorado is known for its delicious produce, high-quality meat, and creative products made by our small businesses and artists,” said Roberts. “Consumers want to purchase made-in-Colorado products and should be able to trust the Colorado Proud label. This bill is about supporting Colorado farmers, ranchers, and businesses who make the real deal, right here at home.” 

Bill 4 would prohibit identifying an agricultural product as being produced in Colorado when selling, marketing, advertising, or distributing the product unless the product is grown in the state. It would also prohibit using the Colorado Proud designation or logo unless authorized by the Department of Agriculture. A violation of these prohibitions would constitute a deceptive trade practice.

The committee also advanced House Joint Resolution 2, sponsored by Representative Martinez and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to recognize the importance of farmers’ markets to Colorado communities, small businesses, and agriculture and encourage the Colorado Department of Agriculture to continue to support and promote farmers’ markets.

“Farmers’ markets are hubs of activity that create community and provide opportunities for Coloradans to support farmers, ranchers, and small businesses,” said Marchman. “I’m proud to sponsor this resolution to recognize the importance of farmers’ markets to our communities’ health, wellbeing, and economic prosperity and encourage the Colorado Department of Agriculture to continue to support them.” 

All three bills will now be considered by the Legislative Council. If approved, they will be introduced during the 2026 legislative session and advance through the regular legislative process.

JOINT RELEASE: GOP Congress Causes Health Premiums to Double, 75,000 Could Lose Coverage

Increase would have been much higher without Colorado Democrats special session legislation which preserved coverage for nearly 30,000 Coloradans

DENVER, CO – Representative Kyle Brown and Senator Kyle Mullica, chairs of the House and Senate Health & Human Services committees, today released the following statements after the Division of Insurance announced that 2026 health care premium rates will increase by 101-percent due to Congress’s failure to continue the enhanced premium tax credits.

“Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend the enhanced premium tax credits is doubling health insurance costs for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, Chair of the House Health & Human Services Committee. “Costs are rising for everyone, and 75,000 Coloradans will lose their health care coverage because Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd, Jeff Crank and Lauren Boebert failed to act. Our legislation during the special session is helping to blunt these rate hikes and prevent tens of thousands of Coloradans from losing their health care, but Congress must act now to extend the tax credits or hardworking families will pay thousands of dollars more for health care next year.”

“Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits means everyday Coloradans will pay the price,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, Chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. “Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans will soon be forced to spend more of their paycheck on essential health care, with thousands expected to lose their coverage altogether. Earlier this year, Colorado lawmakers acted swiftly to shield families from the worst of the unaffordable premium increases, but it is not enough to cover the Division of Insurance’s projected 101 percent rate increase. I renew my call for Congress to act now to prevent these massive price increases and protect coverage for Coloradans.”

Statewide health care rates for individuals who purchase their own insurance are expected to increase by 101-percent due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the tax credits. Open enrollment begins this Saturday, and Coloradans who want coverage in 2026 must choose their plan before December 15. If Congressional Republicans don’t act now, a family of four in the Denver metro area with an annual income of around $128,000 will see their health insurance premiums increase by approximately $14,000. If that family lives on the Western Slope, in southwest Colorado, in the San Luis Valley or on the Eastern Plains, their premium bill will increase by $16,000-$21,000.

Democrats have repeatedly urged Congress to extend the tax credits, which help make health care more affordable for around 225,000 Coloradans. The expiration of these tax credits on December 31 will lead to fewer people having health insurance and higher health insurance costs for everyone, including small businesses and Coloradans with employer-sponsored health insurance. If Congress extended the enhanced premium tax credits, the average premium increase would be 16-percent, instead of 101-percent, and some Coloradans would see no increase. In August, General Assembly Democrats sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were intentionally omitted from the GOP’s H.R. 1.

Colorado Democrats have significantly lowered health care costs with the state’s reinsurance program, which has saved consumers over $2 billion, and Colorado Option health care plan, which offers the lowest or second lowest cost plan in 90-percent of Colorado counties. A recent study by Brown University found that the Colorado Option reduced monthly premiums by $101, even for non-Colorado Option plans.

Earlier this year, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s Megabill and Congress’s failure to extend the ePTCs. Colorado Democrats passed a law that will invest in Colorado’s reinsurance program and blunt some of the most severe cost increases from the expiring tax credits. This law reduces the statewide average premium increase from 174-percent to 101-percent, saving Coloradans $220 million on health care next year and preventing 28,000 Coloradans from being kicked off their health coverage. The law also stabilizes Colorado’s reinsurance program, resulting in over 21-percent in premium savings, with reductions up to nearly 40-percent on the Western Slope.

JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Democrats Condemn Rising Antisemitism

DENVER, CO – Democrats in the General Assembly today condemned the recent rise in antisemitism in Colorado and across the country.

In an open letter, the General Assembly Democrats wrote:

We are deeply concerned by the rising prevalence of antisemitism and hatred toward Jews in Colorado and nationally. From the streets of Boulder and the side of a mountain in Jefferson County to private group texts and AI chatbots, attacks on Jews are becoming far too common. We condemn this increase in antisemitism, and we must all do more to stop it.

These incidents are all part of a disturbing trend that cannot be brushed off or ignored. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to unequivocally condemn this rise in antisemitism. We are proud that Colorado was recently recognized by the Anti-Defamation League for being a policy leader in combating antisemitism. We must continue this work, and we are committed to doing more to protect all communities in our state. 

We stand united against hate. 

The full text of the letter is below:
 

To Our Communities:

We are deeply concerned by the rising prevalence of antisemitism and hatred toward Jews in Colorado and nationally. From the streets of Boulder and the side of a mountain in Jefferson County to private group texts and AI chatbots, attacks on Jews are becoming far too common. We condemn this increase in antisemitism, and we must all do more to stop it. 

Earlier this year, an assailant murdered a woman and injured fifteen people in an anti-Jewish firebombing attack in Boulder during a march calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas. This month, a giant swastika was displayed on the side of a mountain along I-70 for thousands of people to see. Since January alone, there have been several acts of antisemitic vandalism where people either drew or displayed swastikas in public spaces, including in Denver, Jefferson County and Elizabeth. 

In July, the Anti-Defamation League flagged a social media account to the FBI due to concerns about comments that mimicked neo-Nazi extremist groups. Two months later, the teenager behind those posts opened fire at Evergreen High School and injured two of his classmates before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In a private Young Republicans group chat, elected officials made racist comments and sent antisemitic messages that included pro-Hitler statements and “jokes” about putting opponents in gas chambers. Instead of speaking out against this, Vice President JD Vance downplayed it. A Colorado Libertarian Party leader and candidate for Secretary of State baselessly accused Israel of assassinating Charlie Kirk and President Kennedy and created an antisemitic website and social media account. One of President Trump’s nominees sent several racist texts and bragged that, “I do have a Nazi streak in me from time to time.”

These incidents are all part of a disturbing trend that cannot be brushed off or ignored. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to unequivocally condemn this rise in antisemitism. We are proud that Colorado was recently recognized by the Anti-Defamation League for being a policy leader in combating antisemitism. We must continue this work, and we are committed to doing more to protect all communities in our state. 

We stand united against hate. 

Sincerely,

Representative Emily Sirota
Representative Steven Woodrow
Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet
Senator Matt Ball
Senator Mike Weissman

Speaker Julie McCluskie
President James Coleman 
House Majority Leader Monica Duran
Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez
Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker
House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon
Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter

Senator Judy Amabile 
Senator Jeff Bridges
Senator Jessie Danielson
Senator Lindsey Daugherty
Senator Tony Exum, Sr.
Senator Julie Gonzales
Senator Nick Hinrichsen
Senator Cathy Kipp
Senator Chris Kolker
Senator Iman Jodeh
Senator Janice Marchman
Senator Kyle Mullica
Senator Dylan Roberts 
Senator Marc Snyder
Senator Tom Sullivan
Senator Katie Wallace
Senator Faith Winter

Representative Shannon Bird
Representative Kyle Brown
Representative Sean Camacho
Representative Michael Carter
Representative Chad Clifford
Representative Cecelia Espenoza
Representative Lisa Feret
Representative Meg Froelich
Representative Lorena Garcia
Representative Lindsay Gilchrist
Representative Eliza Hamrick
Representative Jamie Jackson
Representative Junie Joseph
Representative Sheila Lieder
Representative Mandy Lindsay
Representative William Lindstedt
Representative Meghan Lukens
Representative Javier Mabrey
Representative Bob Marshall
Representative Matthew Martinez
Representative Tisha Mauro
Representative Karen McCormick
Representative Amy Paschal
Representative Jacque Phillips
Representative Manny Rutinel
Representative Gretchen Rydin 
Representative Lesley Smith
Representative Katie Stewart
Representative Rebekah Stewart
Representative Tammy Story
Representative Brianna Titone
Representative Elizabeth Velasco
Representative Jenny Willford
Representative Yara Zokaie

Transportation Interim Committee Advances Two Bills

DENVER, CO – The Transportation Legislation Review Committee yesterday advanced legislation to update fleet vehicles to zero- or low-emission vehicles and ease the car buying and selling process by allowing digital titles to be used.

“Keeping Colorado’s air and water clean well into the future is only possible with collaboration and drive between the public and private sectors,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of Bill 3. “This bipartisan bill will strengthen that collaboration and empower the Clean Fleet Enterprise to get cleaner, safer trucks on the streets and tangibly improve air quality for generations of Coloradans to come.”

“We’re making electric and low-emission fleet vehicles more accessible to improve Colorado’s air,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bill 3. “Fleet vehicles help companies run their business throughout the state, but they often have terrible gas mileage that worsens our air and pumps CO2 into the atmosphere. Our bipartisan legislation would save businesses money on replacing these gas-guzzling vehicles with zero- or low-emission fleets, reducing our state’s carbon emissions and promoting healthier air for all Coloradans.”

Bill 3, sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa and Reps. Amy Paschal and Carlos Barron, R-Fort Lupton, would expand the authority of the Clean Fleet Enterprise (enterprise) and repeal funding restrictions to better support fleet operators with clean vehicle updates. The bill would direct funding to organizations that replace diesel trucks with new heavy-duty trucks that meet all state and federal emissions standards. The bill would sunset after five years.

The Clean Fleet Enterprise was created by Colorado Democrats in 2021 to incentivize and support the adoption of electric vehicles and other low- or zero-emission fleet vehicles to help meet the state’s climate goals and save businesses money. Since the launch of the enterprise’s grant program, nearly $35 million in awards have been approved for private and public organizations.

Currently, Colorado law allows electronic certificates of title to be used in nearly all vehicle transactions, only excluding those in which a party is located outside of Colorado or the purchaser buys a vehicle entirely with cash.

“Electronic documentation is easier to access and keep track of than physical paperwork, which is why we’re passing this bill to allow electronic records during vehicle transactions,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of Bill 2. “By updating the options that we have, more Coloradans will have an easier time buying and selling vehicles.”

“This legislation would help transfer ownership of cars by allowing the use of electronic records for all transactions,” continued Paschal, sponsor of Bill 2. “It’s 2025, and we should utilize the technology we have to make life easier for everyone. This bill would allow Coloradans to use digital titles to reduce barriers to the vehicle buying and selling process.”

Bill 2, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, Rep. Amy Paschal and Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, would allow electronic certificates of title to be used in all vehicle transactions.

The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2026 session, interim bills will follow the standard legislative process. 

JOINT RELEASE: Jefferson County Lawmakers Statement on Lookout Mountain Swastika

DENVER, CO – Lawmakers from Jefferson County today released the following joint statement:

“We, the legislative delegation from Jeffco, are horrified and deeply saddened by the hateful display of a giant swastika along I-70 near Lookout Mountain. This appalling act is more than vandalism,  it is an attempt to spread fear and division in a community that stands for respect, inclusion, and human dignity.

“We strongly stand against hate in all its forms. Every person, regardless of race, creed, or religion, deserves the freedom to live without fear. Staining our beautiful open spaces with symbols of antisemitic hate and Nazi propaganda is not who we are and it will never define Jefferson County.

“We thank the Jeffco Open Space Rangers, local law enforcement, and community members who acted swiftly to remove the symbol and restore peace. But our work cannot stop there. When hate shows its face, we must respond not only with outrage but with unity, education, and courage.

“Let this serve as a reminder that the forces of hate and division have no place here and when they rise, we will meet them together, with resolve and love for one another.

“Jefferson County is, and must remain, a place where all people are welcome and safe. We will not be divided by hate. We will rise stronger together.”

The following lawmakers represent Jefferson County: 

House Majority Leader Monica Duran 

Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter

Senator Jesse Danielson

Senator Lindsey Daugherty

Senator Chris Kolker

Representative Tammy Story

Representative Shannon Bird

Representative Lorena Garcia

Representative Lisa Feret

Representative Sheila Lieder

Representative Rebekah Stewart

Representative Brianna Titone 

JOINT RELEASE: Amabile, McCluskie to Lead Effort to Reform Bipartisan Competency Laws

DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, today released the following statement on Colorado’s competency to proceed statute: 

“Making our communities safer is a top priority for Colorado Democrats, and we’ve passed many laws in recent years that have helped reduce crime. We will sponsor legislation to reform Colorado’s bipartisan competency to proceed laws and address the unintended consequences we are seeing. In doing so, we must also grapple with a broken mental health system and shortage of treatment options for people with severe mental illnesses that force jails to function as the state’s largest mental health provider. 

“Too often, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or untreated mental illness are in jail not because it is the right place for them, but because there is nowhere else to go. We are committed to passing legislation that will improve public safety, protect Coloradans’ constitutional rights, and build a mental health system that works for all. We look forward to continuing our work with members of both parties, law enforcement, mental health providers and community leaders to craft this bill.”

Titone, Michaelson Jenet Release Statements on SCOTUS Conversion Therapy Hearing

DENVER, CO – Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Representative Brianna Titone today released the following statements as the United States Supreme Court begins hearing oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar. 

Senator Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City: 

“In 2019, after years of work and repeated legislative attempts, I sponsored and successfully passed a law to prohibit the life-threatening and inhumane practice of conversion therapy. While writing the bill and fighting for its passage, my co-sponsors and I had meetings with parents, children, child psychology experts, and doctors. We heard gut-wrenching personal testimony, research and data about the lifelong consequences of conversion therapy, and even stories of suicide. The evidence was overwhelming: conversion therapy is deeply and often permanently harmful to youth.

“Now, the Supreme Court is taking up a case that challenges these fundamental protections in yet another attack against the LGBTQ+ community. No matter what happens in this case, I will always fight for Colorado youth to grow up happy, healthy, and with the freedom to be themselves.” 

Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada: 

“In Colorado, we trust the science and medical professionals. Conversion therapy is harmful and ostracizes our LGBTQ+ youth. The research is clear: conversion therapy does not work, and it leads to negative outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth that put their lives at risk. This SCOTUS case is another attempt by MAGA loyalists to demonize the LGBTQ+ community and harm LGBTQ+ youth. We strongly urge the Court to uphold this law and protect children across the country. ” 

In 2019, Colorado Democrats sponsored legislation to ban conversion therapy for minors. Conversion therapy is a debunked treatment intended to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity through harmful interventions. The vast majority of medical and mental health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, are opposed to conversion therapy. 

In 2009, a task force at the American Psychological Association published a report conducting a systematic review of conversion therapy and concluded that “...efforts to change sexual orientation are unlikely to be successful and involve some risk of harm, contrary to the claims of SOCE practitioners and advocates.” 

More than 20 states, including Colorado, New York and Utah, have banned conversion therapy for minors. 

JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Dems Urge Colorado’s Congressional Delegation to Reinstate Funding for Minority-Serving Institutions

DENVER, CO - General Assembly Democrats today sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation, calling on them to ensure that funds already appropriated by Congress for Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) programs are awarded as intended.

In the letter, the General Assembly Democrats wrote:

“We are writing with deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s September 10 decision to discontinue discretionary funding for several Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) programs. We urge you to take immediate action to ensure that funds already appropriated by Congress for the 2025 fiscal year are awarded as intended.”

“Cancelling these program funds, which benefit all students and provide a boost to these critical institutions, would greatly harm Colorado’s students, higher education institutions, and future workforce and amount to a significant setback in our longstanding efforts to better prepare young people for career and life.”

“We, the undersigned Colorado State Legislators, urge you to take action to ensure that previously appropriated funding for MSI programs is delivered to our colleges and universities without delay.”

The full text of the letter is below:

Esteemed Colorado Congressional Delegation Members:

We are writing with deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s September 10 decision to discontinue discretionary funding for several Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) programs. We urge you to take immediate action to ensure that funds already appropriated by Congress for the 2025 fiscal year are awarded as intended.

The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) has reported significant uncertainty and disruption for institutions and students across the state as a result of this announcement.

CCCS is the largest higher education system in Colorado, with 13 unique colleges and more than 35 locations across the state. CCCS educates over 124,000 students every year, offering low- to no-cost education and career training. Their programs focus on high-demand career paths that power Colorado’s economy and fill workforce shortages in essential industries like behavioral health care and early childhood education.

As of today, four CCCS colleges have received official notices of discontinuation, including three of seven Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designated colleges and Arapahoe Community College, which is not HSI-designated but holds a Title III grant that is also being discontinued.

If this decision holds, Morgan Community College will lose $1.6 million for a grant to support the creation of a career and transfer center, a new campus-wide advising system with added technology support, and assistance for English as a Second Language students. Planned initiatives will go unrealized and the Grant Director position will be eliminated.

Lamar Community College will lose $3 million for a grant that funds five full-time positions dedicated to serving first-generation, low-income, and Latino students.

Pueblo Community College will lose almost $600,000 for a grant to support the college’s Onboarding initiative, designed to provide a more in-depth and personal approach to helping new students transition to college. Funded activities include learning cohorts and mentoring, a laptop lending program, a financial literacy component, and professional development for faculty and staff.

Arapahoe Community College (ACC) received notice that its Title III block grant is being discontinued, a loss of over $400,000. This would be the final year of a five-year block grant that supports increasing student retention by strengthening advising, tutoring, closing achievement gaps, and expanding data analytics. The early loss of funds will directly affect four full-time staff positions.

CCCS is still awaiting clarity on whether the other HSI-designated colleges, including Community College of Aurora, Community College of Denver, Otero College, and Trinidad State College, will receive similar notices, which would push the total financial effect beyond the more than $5.6 million identified to date. Additionally, the two largest institutions within CCCS, Front Range Community College and Pikes Peak State College, are emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions preparing for future eligibility for these same federal supports.

We are also monitoring the status of federal TRIO programs such as Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Student Support Services. While Colorado’s TRIO programs have not yet been affected, institutions across the country are reporting uncertainty and disruptions. Any reductions or delays in TRIO funding would jeopardize critical support services that help students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation and under-resourced students, and students with disabilities.

As lawmakers who represent these institutions and who are committed to the success of all Colorado students, regardless of their income or background, we urge you to ensure that funds appropriated by Congress for MSI programs in the current 2025 fiscal year are awarded as intended.

Cancelling these program funds, which benefit all students and provide a boost to these critical institutions, would greatly harm Colorado’s students, higher education institutions, and future workforce and amount to a significant setback in our longstanding efforts to better prepare young people for career and life.

We, the undersigned Colorado State Legislators, urge you to take action to ensure that previously appropriated funding for MSI programs is delivered to our colleges and universities without delay.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication to supporting Colorado’s students and protecting access to affordable, high-quality education for all.

Sincerely,

Senator James Coleman, President of the Senate

Representative Julie McCluskie, Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives

Senator Robert Rodriguez, Majority Leader of the Senate

Representative Monica Duran, Majority Leader of the Colorado House of Representatives

Senator Chris Kolker

Senator Cathy Kipp

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, Senate President Pro Tempore

Senator Dylan Roberts, Majority Caucus Chair

Senator Faith Winter

Senator Iman Jodeh

Senator Janice Marchman

Senator Jeff Bridges, Joint Budget Committee Chair

Senator Jessie Danielson

Senator Judy Amabile, Joint Budget Committee Member

Senator Julie Gonzales

Senator Katie Wallace

Senator Lindsey Daugherty

Senator Lisa Cutter, Assistant Majority Leader

Senator Marc Snyder

Senator Matt Ball

Senator Mike Weissman

Senator Nick Hinrichsen, Majority Caucus Whip

Senator Tom Sullivan

Senator Tony Exum, Sr.

Representative Andy Boesenecker, Speaker Pro Tempore

Representative Brianna Titone

Representative Cecelia Espenoza

Representative Chad Clifford

Representative Elizabeth Velasco, Majority Caucus Co-Whip

Representative Emily Sirota, Joint Budget Committee Member

Representative Gretchen Rydin

Representative Jacque Phillips

Representative Jamie Jackson

Representative Javier Mabrey

Representative Jennifer Bacon, Assistant Majority Leader

Representative Junie Joseph, Majority Caucus Co-Chair

Representative Karen McCormick

Representative Katie Stewart

Representative Kyle Brown

Representative Lorena Garcia

Representative Mandy Lindsay, Majority Caucus Co-Chair

Representative Matthew Martinez, Majority Caucus Co-Whip

Representative Meg Froelich

Representative Meghan Lukens

Representative Naquetta Ricks

Representative Sean Camacho

Representative Sheila Lieder

Representative Steven Woodrow

Representative Tammy Story

Representative Tisha Mauro

JOINT RELEASE: Law Takes Effect to Protect Homeowners in HOA Communities

DENVER, CO - On October 1, legislation goes into effect to strengthen safeguards for homeowners with HOAs to help them retain the equity they built in their property and avoid HOA foreclosures.

“Homeownership is an important way to build generational wealth, but our current laws allow HOAs to strip away everything Coloradans worked hard for, which threatens the stability of hardworking families,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “If a homeowner suffers from a medical emergency, loses their job, or experiences other financial hardships that impact their HOA payments, their home can be foreclosed and sold for just cents on the dollar, and the owner’s hard-earned equity disappears instantly. This law helps create critical safeguards to ensure better notice, transparency, and accountability around HOA foreclosures so Coloradans can stay safely housed and protect their equity.”

“Homeowners deserve the certainty and stability of knowing that their home will not be sold out from under them without an opportunity to retain their equity - regardless of whether or not they have an HOA,” said Sen. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “Becoming a homeowner is a way to build generational wealth and secure housing stability for the long haul. By adding measures to increase transparency, strengthen homeowner protections, and prevent hasty enforcement and foreclosure actions from an HOA, we can keep Colorado families in their homes.”

“Colorado HOA homeowners, especially in my district, have had their largest asset taken from them and sold at an auction for a fraction of its worth over sometimes very small amounts owed to the HOA,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “It can be difficult to recover after a foreclosure, especially with high housing costs and no equity to fall back on from the foreclosed property. With this law going into effect, we’re helping hardworking Coloradans from being senselessly displaced and ensuring that homeowners can recover some equity from the house they paid for.”

In cases where an HOA pursues a foreclosure against a unit owner, HB25-1043 allows an owner to file a motion with the court to delay the sale of their home at auction for up to nine months, during which time the owner could sell the home at market price. Currently, an HOA may sell the unit at auction for only the cost of unpaid assessments and attorneys’ fees, leaving the homeowner with little to no equity from the sale.

Before taking legal action or referring an HOA homeowner to a collection agency, the law strengthens the requirement that an HOA have a written policy of sending a unit owner the HOA’s ledger verifying the amount owed within seven business days after a homeowner requests it. Under HB25-1043, an HOA must also provide information from the HOA Information and Resource Center about its ability to foreclose and force a sale of a unit before taking legal action against a unit owner.

The law also requires an HOA to provide homeowners with a notice regarding the right to participate in credit counseling at least 30 days before initiating a foreclosure.

HOAs are now required to include additional information for the previous year when submitting their annual registration with the Department of Regulatory Affairs. This includes the number of unit owners who were late on payments of assessments, judgments obtained against unit owners, payment plans entered into with unit owners, and foreclosure actions filed by the HOA.

Reps. Ricks and Bacon have passed numerous laws to protect HOA homeowners, including protections to prevent HOAs from quickly foreclosing on homeowners because of late or unpaid HOA fines and fees. Rep. Bacon and Sen. Exum also passed a law to create safeguards against foreclosure and protect HOA residents from having to pay excessive attorney fees that can result from enforcement actions.

Homeowners in Colorado Springs are currently protesting an unexpected $20,000 special assessment fee from their HOA. Under HB25-1043, these homeowners would have additional protections if their HOA pursues foreclosure for nonpayment of the special assessment fee.

Forecast Shows Steady Economy with Strong Headwinds and Difficult Choices Ahead Due to Federal Economic Policies, Tariffs and H.R.1

Special session legislation puts Colorado’s finances in a better position, while impacts of H.R.1 and tariffs continue to put pressure on state budget and economy

DENVER, CO – Today, Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee released statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the September quarterly economic forecasts.

”We’re no strangers to difficult budget decisions here in Colorado,” said JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Years of thoughtful, bipartisan budgeting puts us on solid financial footing, but with the devastating impacts of H.R.1 along with tariffs continuing to create uncertainty and raise prices for Colorado families, more tough budget decisions are most certainly ahead.”

“While we face strong economic headwinds and uncertainty driven by the chaos in Washington, Colorado is now in a better position, in a large part due to our special session efforts to fill a $1 billion gap caused by Congressional Republicans,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Trump’s tariff taxes are driving up costs for families and businesses, slowing the job market and increasing the risk of a recession. As we look ahead to next year’s budget, I remain steadfast in my commitment to prioritize the programs and services Colorado families, seniors and veterans count on.” 

“Today’s forecast confirms what we already know: the chaotic economic policies of the Trump administration are harming Colorado’s economy and the entire country,” said JBC member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Tariffs are driving up costs in critical industries like housing and increasing costs for consumers, while H.R.1 increased administrative costs and slashed federal assistance for programs like health care and food assistance. Our commitment to serve Colorado families remains steadfast. Presentations like today’s help us be ready for the tough budget conversations that we’ll need to have in the coming months.” 

“Today’s forecast indicates that closing corporate tax loopholes helped address some of the $1 billion budget shortfall caused by the Congressional Republicans,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Colorado Democrats took a responsible approach to minimize the harm of the Congressional GOP budget to protect our schools, roads, health care and food assistance programs. Health care costs are rising faster than forecasted, which combined with federal cuts to Medicaid, means difficult decisions are ahead. But by closing corporate tax loopholes and putting people over profit, we spared some of the more severe cuts to life-saving community programs.” 

The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.17 billion in FY 2025-2026 – a $400 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the June revenue forecast. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.0 billion for FY 2025-2026 – a $756 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the June revenue forecast. 

In July, Congressional Republicans’ H.R.1 created a $1 billion state budget deficit by allowing corporations to dodge taxes owed to Colorado. Following four consecutive years of corporate income tax revenue growth, corporate tax revenue is projected to decline by 30.1 percent, primarily due to H.R.1, which was partially offset by last month’s special session. This forecast shows that laws passed by Democrats during special session to close corporate tax loopholes closed one-third of the deficit, while additional bipartisan legislation closed another one-third of the deficit by using some of the state’s rainy day fund.
 
Medicaid costs, driven by increasing caseload, health care costs and Colorado’s aging population, are rising at a faster rate than previously forecasted. Medicaid is the fastest-growing part of the state budget, and the forecast indicates an increase of $350 million in the next year. As Medicaid caseloads continue to increase, H.R.1 will increase administrative costs for state and local governments. H.R.1 drastically cuts Medicaid, including limiting provider fee revenue and state-directed payments, which according to LCS, will result in a reduction of $575 million in provider fee revenue and between $900 million and $2.5 billion in federal funds over a five year period. Additionally, the various provisions of H.R.1 will jeopardize Medicaid coverage for about 377,000 Coloradans.

The Trump Administration’s economic policies continue to raise prices for consumers. Tariffs are expected to slow economic activity by weakening consumer demand and limiting business development, which will result in lower spending, falling business profits, and slower wage growth. According to LCS, tariffs paid soared to a near-century high of 8.2 percent in Q2. Additionally, inflation continues to rise, with the U.S. experiencing inflation of 2.9 percent and Denver experiencing 2.1 percent. Slowing price increases in the Denver housing market and lower housing costs are the leading contributors to lower inflation in Denver compared to nationally.

During the special session in August, Colorado Republicans sponsored legislation to balance the budget on the backs of working families by reducing a vital tax credit that puts money directly into the pockets of middle and low income families (Family Affordability Tax Credit). Due to the corporate tax cuts in H.R.1, LCS anticipates the credit will be fully turned off for Tax Year 2026, but will partially return in Tax Year 2027. 

JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Senate Leadership Condemns Escalation of Violence in America

DENVER, CO – Today, Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, issued a joint statement condemning the dangerous escalation of violence in America.

“Violence as a means of settling disagreements is incompatible with freedom and is fundamentally un-American. We must condemn it in all its forms. As elected officials, we carry a solemn responsibility to lead not only with conviction, but also with restraint. None of us are perfect, but we strive every day to be better human beings. We must remember that our words and actions shape the tone of our civic life and the harmful rhetoric that can lead to violence.

Even when we disagree, we believe in the freedom to voice opinions without fear of violence or retribution. Our duty is to uphold this freedom and ensure that every Coloradan can live freely without intimidation. Today, and every day to come, we recommit ourselves to preserving the promise of America and to a future where differences are decided by the power of argument, not the threat of violence.

We are united in our resolve to build a free and safe Colorado for all. That work begins with us.”

Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission Hosts First-Ever Community Listening Session

SB24-053 directed History Colorado to study systemic racism in Colorado

DENVER, CO – On Saturday, the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission hosted their first community listening session at History Colorado. Participants learned about the study’s progress and provided input based on their own experiences.

Legislative members of the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission, established by SB24-053, include Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, and Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora.

“This work is all about community,” said Coleman. “Community members first came together to envision a study on the historical and current experiences of Black Coloradans, which led to the Legislature passing SB24-053. Black Coloradans have lived with the impacts of systemic and historic racism for decades. Now that the study is underway, it’s time to return to where we started by listening directly to our community, our families, and our stories.”

“Community made the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission possible, and today’s listening session provided valuable insight, feedback and unforgettable oral histories,” said Bacon. “Community has been with us every step of the way as we dove deeper into the racial and systemic inequities that have negatively impacted Black Coloradans for decades. Today’s listening session was an important part of our work, and I will remember the community history shared with us today as we outline upcoming policy recommendations.”  

“We cannot understand the impacts of systemic racism in Colorado without hearing directly from the people most affected,” said Exum. “These listening sessions, which started today in Denver and will span across Colorado, are the very core of this study to uncover past harm and listen deeply to the lived experiences of Black Coloradans. This is a step toward healing and creating a more equitable future for all.”

“The idea for the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission started in the community, and today’s listening session was another piece of our data-driven collective efforts,” said Ricks. “Thank you to every person who shared their story with the commission; your insights and perspectives are important to highlight the past and current racial inequities in Colorado. Today is only the start; community listening sessions across the state will help guide our future policy recommendations.”

SB24-053 established a commission to direct History Colorado to conduct historical research across areas like economic mobility, housing, K-12 education, health care, and the criminal justice system. The study is funded entirely by grants, gifts, and donations, and they have already secured more than $1 million. Over the span of two years, History Colorado will conduct evidence-based historical research, conduct community engagement sessions, and provide quarterly updates. 

At the conclusion of this research, the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission will hire a third party to conduct an economic analysis based on the research conclusions. The final report will be made publicly accessible through the General Assembly’s website. 

Learn more about the Colorado Black Equity Study on their website.

Statements from Sen. Cutter and Rep. Story on Shooting at Evergreen High School

DENVER, CO – Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer, today released the following statements on the shooting at Evergreen High School:

Statement from Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer: 

“I am horrified by the shooting at Evergreen High School, and my heart breaks for the students, educators, families and school personnel whose start to the school year has now been marked by inexplicable violence and harm. I am hoping for the swift recovery of the victims, and my thoughts are with them and their families. I am incredibly grateful to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, along with first responders and law enforcement from across the Metro area, for their quick action to protect our community and save lives. 

“No student should ever fear going to school or face danger like this, and parents should never have to worry when their child is at school. Shootings at schools are far too frequent in our country, and I am sickened that this has happened again in Jefferson County. Our community is strong, and I know we will come together to support the Evergreen High School community in this very difficult time. I am closely monitoring the situation, and I will do everything I can to support our community.”

Statement from Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County:

“I am heartbroken by the news of the shooting at Evergreen High School and angered at another senseless act of gun violence in our state. Schools need to be safe places, and this tragedy is yet another reminder that we must do better to protect our kids. I am grateful for the rapid response by first responders, medical teams, school staff, and the students of Evergreen High School. My prayers are with the victims, their friends and families, and the entire Evergreen community. I am hopeful for a quick and full recovery for the victims.”

Bill to Limit Premium Increases, Restore Access to Health Care Becomes Law

Congressional Republican tax bill threatens health care coverage for 112,000 Coloradans, increases premiums by over 28-percent statewide

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis on Thursday signed a bill into law to help blunt health insurance rate increases and significantly reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage due to Congress’s refusal to extend the enhanced premium tax credits.

“This legislation will blunt Congressional Republicans’ nearly 30 percent increase in health care premium hikes and prevent 20,000 Coloradans from losing their health care coverage,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “If we don’t act now, Republicans’ failure to extend tax credits for people who purchase their health insurance will lead to over 100,000 Coloradans losing coverage next year and increased costs for businesses and families.” 

“Coloradans cannot afford these insurance premium hikes, so we are doing what needs to be done to keep costs down and protect coverage,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Skyrocketing premiums mean that hundreds of thousands of Coloradans will be forced to spend more of their paycheck on essential health care, and many will lose their coverage altogether. We can’t wait. We must act now to shield families from these unaffordable premium increases and keep Coloradans insured.”

“Only Congress can fully prevent 100,000 Coloradans from losing health care next year and stop these outrageous premium increases, but we are doing what we can for one year in Colorado to protect care for as many people as possible,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “When people don’t have health insurance, they either aren’t able to see a doctor, or when they do, everyone else has to pay for that care. This drives up costs for everyone and leads to worse health outcomes. Congress must act now to prevent massive price hikes for health insurance.”

“Coloradans in every corner of the state have struggled to make ends meet to pay for costly health care coverage,” said Senator Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Due to Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend premium tax credits that help keep insurance premiums affordable, tens of thousands of lives are at stake. We simply cannot gamble with life-saving health care coverage. That’s why we’re taking action and doing everything we can this year to protect Coloradans’ care.”

“The reinsurance program has saved Coloradans billions on health insurance, especially on the Western Slope, where Congressional Republicans’ inaction will leave us facing nearly 40 percent increases in insurance premiums,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This law will help us avoid even higher price hikes and preserve coverage for Coloradans who will lose access to health care if we do not act now. Congress has failed our state, and I urge Jeff Hurd, Gabe Evans and the Republicans in our delegation to act now to prevent 100,000 Coloradans from losing access to health care and to stop the 40 percent premium increases on the individual market that are coming next year as a result of their budget.”  

If the federal enhanced premium tax credit is not extended by December 31, 2025, HB25B-1006 will make changes to the Health Insurance Affordability Act by:

• Boosting funds in the Health Insurance Affordability Cash Fund to blunt serious increases in insurance premiums and protect coverage. Funding sources would include up to $110 million, plus administrative costs, from a combination of tax credit pre-sales and the Refinance Discretionary Account. The State Treasurer would manage the tax credit pre-sales; should they not raise $100 million in revenue, the General Fund Reserve would serve as a backstop,

• Giving the Department of Insurance and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIAE) Board the flexibility to utilize their reserves to support the Enterprise’s programs,

• Allowing the Board and the Commissioner of Insurance to make changes to the OmniSalud program to maximize the number of Coloradans who can receive insurance coverage, which lowers health insurance premiums for everyone, and 

• Increasing transparency by requiring the HIAE Board to annually report on certain financial metrics and authorizing the State Auditor to audit the programs.

HB25B-1006 helps the reinsurance program buy down premiums and cover the most expensive health care for patients. With Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, average statewide premiums are projected to increase by 28-percent. In the Eastern Plains, premiums are expected to rise more than 33-percent. The Western Slope will see premium increases of about 38-percent. This investment in reinsurance is projected to keep premium increases to a statewide average of only 20-percent.

OmniSalud reduces health care costs for all Coloradans by connecting Coloradans who are not eligible for Medicaid to affordable health insurance. Without this program, there would be an increase in uncompensated care that would increase insurance costs for all Coloradans and force health care providers to close. There are currently over 12,000 Coloradans insured for plan year 2025, and if no action is taken to combat the impacts from the Republican budget bill, nearly all of them will lose their coverage in plan year 2026. When fewer people have health insurance, costs increase for everyone else, and providers struggle to stay afloat. 

Signed! Bill to Auction Future Tax Credits at Discount

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis on Thursday signed legislation to allow businesses to pre-pay taxes at a small discount, after a $1 billion hole was created in Colorado’s budget by recent federal tax changes.

HB25B-1004, sponsored by Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and Representatives Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, and Sean Camacho, D-Denver, allows businesses to pre-pay taxes at a discount for future years when Colorado is anticipated to collect more revenue than the state’s spending limit under TABOR. 

“HB25B-1004 gives Colorado businesses a chance to save on future taxes while helping the state manage this year’s billion-dollar budget shortfall,” said Marchman. “It’s a practical approach that supports local economies, protects essential services, and makes sure businesses and communities both come out ahead.”

“The billion-dollar revenue shortfall we’re facing from Congressional Republicans’ corporate tax breaks would require cuts to health care, public education, transportation and other essential services, which is why we took action with this special session to protect Coloradans and core services," said Stewart. “By allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes, we can boost revenue now to fund these services. We’re using all the tools in our tool belt to address the crisis caused by Trump and Congressional Republicans when they passed a budget bill that hands out corporate tax giveaways at the expense of hardworking Coloradans.”

“This new law lets Colorado businesses work with the state to save money now and protect the things we all rely on like K-12 public schools, roads, and health care,” said Snyder. “By prepaying future taxes at a discount, businesses can reduce long-term costs while helping the state weather the budgeting storm caused by Republicans in Congress. This law represents who we are as Colorado, where all of us chip in to keep our communities thriving.”

“Unlike Republicans in Congress, Colorado Democrats are demonstrating that we prioritize the needs of our constituents, not the ultra-wealthy,” said Camacho. “Our legislation will allow businesses to pay their future taxes now, at a discounted price, to save them some money while protecting funding for services that all Coloradans rely on. This law is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to blunt the destructive impacts of Trump’s tax bill.”

HB25B-1004 allows a one-time auction of future tax credits, giving companies the opportunity to buy tax credits to pre-pay a portion of their future taxes at a small discount. This saves businesses money, allowing companies to pre-pay future taxes now, and bolsters our state revenue to offset the immediate impacts of recent federal tax changes. This does decrease revenue in future years, but after 2025-2026 the state budget is forecast to be limited by the TABOR cap, not the amount of revenue collected, so this won’t cut deeper into state services.

JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Increase Oversight & Collaboration Between Executive & Legislative Branches During Revenue Shortfalls Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO – The Governor on Thursday signed into law legislation that will better balance the authority between the Governor and the General Assembly during times of economic uncertainty.

Previously, the Governor had broad unilateral authority to suspend programs and services during a revenue shortfall via executive order. SB25B-001 now requires the Governor to notify the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) of executive orders to reduce spending and requires the JBC to promptly meet with the executive branch to discuss the plan. Earlier today, JBC met to hear from Governor Polis and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting on his executive order to suspend certain spending during the current fiscal year.

“Strong collaboration between the executive and legislative branches helps to create a more efficient government,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “This new law improves collaboration during times when it is arguably most important, times when the state faces revenue shortfalls that require spending reductions. This is a step in the right direction to ensuring the General Assembly has a stronger voice in these critical decision-making processes.”

“When Congressional Republicans passed Trump’s tax bill last month, it immediately blew a billion-dollar hole in this year’s state budget, putting us in a position to make difficult spending cuts,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “The law signed today strengthens collaboration by bringing the Joint Budget Committee to the table, when previously the Governor had sole power to make cuts to programs and services during a revenue shortfall. With this law, we can encourage a more balanced approach to fill the revenue hole that was caused by the reckless federal GOP budget.”

“In times of economic uncertainty, the executive and legislative branches must work together to do what’s best for the people of Colorado,” said Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “The Joint Budget Committee works year round to ensure that we’re budgeting responsibly, and it is only right that we have a seat at the table when the Governor is making spending reductions. This legislation is critical to ensuring that collaboration and updating spending reduction triggers to better reflect the current size of our reserves, which Democrats have worked hard to build up since the COVID pandemic.”

“Because of Trump’s corporate giveaways, we are forced to make cuts to our budget. This legislation will help us make well-informed, data-driven decisions to minimize the harm caused by Congressional Republicans,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Creating a responsible and thoughtful process to reduce state spending is a much better approach than the legislature rebalancing the budget on the fly, without any analysis from our nonpartisan staff, data or input from the Joint Budget Committee. We’re balancing the Governor’s authority, improving transparency and updating spending reduction triggers to better serve the people of Colorado.”

The bill balances the authority between the Governor and the General Assembly by ensuring the JBC is involved in decision-making processes early on and by adding guardrails to the executive branch’s existing authority to help ensure that they continue to meet and implement legislative directives.

The bill also updates the triggers requiring spending reductions to more accurately reflect economic pressures and the current status of the reserve, which Democrats have worked to build up to 15 percent since the COVID pandemic when it fell below four percent. In addition to the triggers in existing law, the bill adds that if a revenue estimate indicates that the state is on track to use an amount of the reserve equal to three percent of the general fund appropriations for that fiscal year (e.g. around $490 million for FY26), the Governor must take action to reduce spending.

Governor Signs Legislation to Close a Special Interest Corporate Tax Loophole

Congressional Republicans’ budget created a $1 billion deficit by allowing corporations to dodge nearly $1 billion in taxes owed to Colorado

DENVER, CO – The Governor on Thursday signed legislation to close a special interest corporate tax loophole for insurance companies after Republicans in Congress created a $1 billion hole in Colorado’s budget with massive corporate tax cuts.

HB25B-1003, sponsored by Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, repeals a special tax break for insurance companies. Before this new law, insurance companies with a headquarters or regional home office (RHO) in Colorado could pay a lower tax rate if at least 2.5 percent of their domestic workforce resides in Colorado. HB25B-1003 repeals this reduction. 

“In H.R. 1, Congressional Republicans doubled down on broken tax laws, rewarding the wealthy and connected instead of supporting families and small businesses,” said Weissman. “But here in Colorado we try to base our choices in the facts. And non-partisan research has shown this outdated corporate tax break doesn't bring jobs to Colorado and has actually rewarded firings, which is why we are putting an end to it.”

“Under Trump’s budget, corporations that are boasting record profits will see special tax breaks while everyday Coloradans are kicked off their health care and kids lose food and nutrition support,” said Mabrey. “Colorado Democrats don’t believe in subsidizing corporations while hardworking people lose access to life-saving health care. This law ends a special insurance industry tax break and protects funding for schools, roads and health care.”

“Insurance companies and billionaires don’t need any more tax handouts – they’ve gotten plenty from the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress,” said Gonzales. “This new law is a step toward making Colorado’s tax code work for our communities and not corporations. It ends a tax giveaway to major insurance companies that tax experts agree isn’t effective, and instead helps protect funding for schools and essential services.” 

“Trump’s budget will increase prices for health care, energy, food, and everyday necessities while slashing taxes for major corporations,” said Boesenecker. “This law ends an outdated and ineffective special tax reduction for insurance companies while protecting the services that matter most to hardworking Coloradans, like health care and public education. While this special tax reduction was meant to create jobs, nonpartisan audits show that insurance companies continue to cut jobs, making it necessary to close this loophole.”

A 2025 report from the Office of the State Auditor found that the tax credit is not achieving its goal of incentivizing job creation in Colorado’s insurance sector, yet it has impacted state revenue by $68 million to $105 million per year. Since the implementation of the workforce percentage requirement, the number of insurers and groups that qualify for the RHO rate reduction has not only decreased, but 15 of the 18 qualifying insurance groups reported a decrease in Colorado jobs while receiving a $17.5 million increase in credits.

Bills to Crack Down on Foreign Tax Havens, Close Tax Breaks for Corporations and Protect Critical Services Become Law

New laws aim to crack down on tax avoidance, tax breaks for corporations and helps fill $1 billion revenue hole created by Congressional Republicans’ budget

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis on Thursday signed two bills into law. These new laws will protect core services and close corporate tax loopholes after Republicans in Congress created a $1 billion hole in Colorado’s budget with massive corporate tax cuts.  

HB25B-1002 cracks down on foreign tax havens and offshore bank accounts, and HB25B-1001 limits tax breaks for higher-earning business owners by permanently decoupling from a federal tax giveaway. 

“This legislation prevents corporations from hiding money overseas so they can dodge paying their fair share of taxes,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25B-1002. “Congressional Republicans’ budget handed billions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest people and corporations, and it’s only fair that we close these loopholes and protect funding for teachers, health care and transportation. Everyday people can’t stash their income overseas to avoid taxes, and neither should billionaires and corporations.”

“In both terms, Donald Trump has given large corporations more leeway to dodge taxes by shifting profits overseas,” said Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1002. “Colorado shouldn’t reward that behavior, and this law makes sure those companies pay their fair share towards Colorado's schools, health care, and roads.”

“The irresponsible Republican tax bill not only runs the largest deficit since World War II to give massive tax giveaways to large corporations, it also undermines the strength of our country and blasts a billion-dollar hole in Colorado's balanced budget,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of HB25B-1002. “I sponsored this law to close loopholes used by large multinational corporations to shield and hide their income in foreign tax havens, including those that Trump's own Secretary of Commerce has called ‘tax scams’. It is disappointing that some colleagues chose to vote to protect these tax scams used by large multinational companies and ultra-wealthy individuals with access to sophisticated tax planning to avoid paying taxes, which increases the burden upon small businesses and individuals to fund the state's essential services, from roads to schools.”  

HB25B-1002 cracks down on foreign tax havens, offshore bank accounts and other tax loopholes for US companies that dodge Colorado taxes with foreign assets. Unless they can prove legitimate operations in the foreign country, Colorado requires companies incorporated in common tax havens, like Cayman Islands and Panama, to pay Colorado taxes to prevent international tax avoidance. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, the law expands the list of countries to include Hong Kong, Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands and Singapore.

In 2017, President Trump created a special tax break, now known as the Foreign-Derived Deduction Eligible Income (FDDEI) deduction, for multi-national businesses that kept their intangible assets in the US. The law decouples the state from the FDDEI to prevent companies from benefiting from larger Colorado tax breaks for investments and assets that are based outside of the state.

President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts also allowed pass-through businesses, like S corporations and real estate investment trusts, to avoid paying taxes on up to 20-percent of qualified business income. In 2020, the Colorado legislature passed the “Tax Fairness Act”, decoupling from this federal tax cut by creating an add-back for this deduction for high-income business owners with an income over $500,000 per year for single filers or $1 million per year for joint filers. 

“These corporate tax breaks show loud and clear that Trump and Congressional Republicans care more about helping their wealthy friends hoard more wealth than providing essential government services to hardworking Americans,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB25B-1001. “Legislation like HB25B-1001 will help us stop these corporate giveaways and continue life-saving food assistance and health care programs for Coloradans.”

“Congressional Republicans passed a budget that adds even more tax breaks to high-earning business owners while kicking Coloradans off of their health insurance coverage and raising costs for all Coloradans,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1001. “When Trump passed tax breaks in his first term that allowed high-earners to lop 20-percent off their taxable income, Colorado Democrats took action and decoupled from this federal giveaway for the wealthy. This law makes Colorado’s decoupling permanent and prioritizes hardworking Coloradans.”

“In 2021, the Colorado legislature took major strides toward reversing Trump’s corporate tax breaks in order to protect essential services for Coloradans who depend on them,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB25B-1001. “This year, Trump and Congressional Republicans made those tax breaks permanent, so we're fighting to continue prioritizing the basic services that benefit hardworking Coloradans the most. With this new law, we’re permanently decoupling from these unfair tax breaks to ensure corporations pay their fair share to hardworking Coloradans.”

The legislature previously extended the decoupling and add-back through 2025. HB25B-1001 makes Colorado’s decoupling permanent, responding to the action by Republicans in Congress to make the tax giveaway permanent at the federal level in HR 1.