Bill to Increase Public School Financing Unanimously Passes Senate Floor

Colorado State Senate Makes Historic Investment in Special Education Funding

April 24, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted unanimously to pass SB19-246, Public School Finance, a bill sponsored by Senator Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) to increase statewide funding for public school students. The bill now heads to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for signing.

“A quality education is the cornerstone of a child’s growth and success,” said Senator Todd, a former educator. “Increasing financing for Colorado’s public schools is an investment in our state’s future and will allow us to improve education for kids in every corner of Colorado.”

SB19-246 would increase the statewide base per pupil funding for the 2019-2020 budget year by $182.76. The bill also improves funding for rural school districts, appropriates money for English language learner programs, and allocates resources to address behavioral health issues in schools.

One of the most important investments made by the School Finance Bill was a result of Amendment 23, an amendment introduced by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) that will increase the percentage of special education funding from 31.4 percent to 47.5 percent.

“Special education funding is a top concern for educators across Colorado, and this critical funding will provide school districts, particularly rural districts, much-needed relief,” said Senator Zenzinger. “This is a critical step toward ensuring that every child gets a great education, regardless of where they live or if they are disabled.”

The historic increase of more than $22 million dollars is a permanent increase that will grow with inflation and help schools provide supports to students with the most significant needs. This amendment will provide much-needed relief to rural districts where special education funding is particularly difficult for rural districts because they do not have the economies of scale to accommodate and meet the needs of some of their more severely disabled students.

For more information on SB19-246 and Amendment 23, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-246.

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Senate Committee Unanimously Passes President Garcia’s Bill to Support Pregnant Women with Substance Use Disorders

April 24, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today voted unanimously to advance HB19-1193, Behavioral Health Supports for High-Risk Families, a bill sponsored by President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) to increase access to treatment for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders. The bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“Coloradans all across this state are struggling with addiction, and unfortunately that struggle can impact pregnant women and newborns,” said President Garcia. “As a paramedic, I understand the importance of proactively addressing challenges like this. When we do not act, healthcare costs increase and there are significant social impacts on families and communities.”

Cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome increased among women enrolled in Colorado Medicaid by 120 percent between 2011 and 2016. To combat this concerning trend, HB19-1193 would provide access to treatment and create child care pilot programs for pregnant women and women one-year postpartum engaged in substance use disorder treatment. It would help identify women in need of such services and allow state funds to provide for treatment.

“This bill is an opportunity to provide critical support to pregnant and postpartum women who are experiencing substance use disorders, and get them access to the treatment and services they need,” added President Garcia.

This bill would create the high-risk families cash fund to provide services to high-risk parents, including pregnant and parenting women, and for services for high-risk children and youth with behavioral health disorders. It would also create the child care services and substance use disorder treatment pilot program and award a variety of pilot program grants to serve pregnant and parenting women in need.

The cost of addiction is not just a danger to the health of newborns and mothers, but it is also extremely financially costly. Hospital stays are 3.5 times longer than those born without addiction and cost three times as much, according to a study by the Society for the Study of Addiction.

For more information on HB19-1193, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1193.

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Senate Advances Public Utilities Commission Sunset Legislation

April 24, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 21-to-14 to pass SB19-236, Sunset Public Utilities Commission (PUC), a bill to renew the PUC for the next seven years, take meaningful steps to address climate change, and hold utility companies more accountable to ratepayers. The legislation is sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) and Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“I am proud that the Senate voted to pass a version of this sunset legislation that will hold the Public Utilities Commission accountable to ratepayers, not investor-owned utility companies,” said President Garcia. “By requiring the PUC to put the interests of the public first, we can ensure the PUC lives up to its mission to protect ratepayers from high costs and save them money on their utility bills.”

“Today, we took meaningful steps to address the climate crisis,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg. “By modernizing the Commission’s regulatory framework and requiring the PUC to better account for the rapidly evolving energy market, we can ensure Colorado’s energy grid is as clean and efficient as possible.

The PUC is responsible for providing oversight of Colorado’s utilities and protecting Coloradans from high utility costs. In seeking to address climate change, SB19-236 will direct the PUC to make sure that the costs of pollution are given full consideration as part of utility planning. The bill also directs the PUC to implement rules requiring regulated utilities to file distribution system plans to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable services that satisfy customers’ changing expectations, plan for the future, and take advantage of technological advancements that benefit customers.

“Southern Coloradans face some of the highest electrical costs along the Front Range because the Public Utilities Commission has not always lived up to its mission to put the interests of ratepayers first,” said President Garcia. “That is why I felt it was so important that a southern Coloradan had a seat at the table. I believe the changes we’ve made fundamentally alter the PUC and will make a big difference for Coloradans across the state.”

Given southern Colorado’s history with investor-owned utility companies and how they impact employment, this legislation would also require such companies to file a workforce transition plan when retiring a particular power plant facility in order to support job transitions for Colorado workers. The Senate also voted to pass an amendment offered by President Garcia to require the PUC to hold a public hearing to solicit public commentary, investigate rates in regions that are higher than the state average, and identify ways to reduce them.

For more information on this legislation, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB19-236.

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President Garcia’s EMS Licensing Bill Unanimously Passes Senate

April 24, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted unanimously to advance SB19-242, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Providers Licensing, a bill sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia that would authorize a certified emergency medical services provider to apply for licensure. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“As a nationally registered paramedic, I know firsthand how our profession is becoming more innovative, particularly when it comes to the training and experience required of providers. Those changes to the field, however, aren’t always reflected in the laws governing it,” said President Garcia. “This bill will not only acknowledge the hard work and continuing education EMS providers have put into their profession, but also improve outcomes and help more Coloradans get the care they need - especially in rural areas of our state.”

Currently, regulation of EMS providers, including paramedics, involves certification – not licensure. SB19-242 would authorize a certified EMS provider to apply for licensure from the Department of Public Health and Environment based on a demonstration that the EMS provider has completed a four-year bachelor’s degree program from an accredited college or university. Additionally, the bill will make amendments to Colorado statutes that currently apply to certified EMS providers, and makes conforming amendments to harmonize the bill with HB19-1172, the Title 12 recodification bill.For more information on SB19-242, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-242.

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Senate Unanimously Passes Senator Todd’s Special Education Grant Bill

April 24, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted unanimously to pass SB19-066, High-Cost Special Education Trust Fund Grants, a bill sponsored by Senator Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) to give high-cost special education trust fund grants to public schools that provide special education services to students with disabilities. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“Every child in Colorado deserves a great education regardless of their abilities or circumstances,” said Senator Todd. “This bill will help Colorado’s public schools provide critical special education services to students in need. I am proud that the Senate voted to support all students today.”

The bill creates the high-cost special education trust fund to be used for high-cost special education trust fund grants to public school special education administrative units that have made significant expenditures in providing special education services to a child with a disability.To learn more about SB19-066, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-066.

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Bill to Protect Employees from Wage Theft Passes Senate

April 24, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 33-2 to Pass HB19-1267, Penalties For Failure To Pay Wages, a bill sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) and Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver) to increase the punishment for employers who withhold or steal wages from employees. The bill now heads to Governor Polis for his signature.

“We need to make sure that workers are protected from bad actors who try to refuse hardworking Coloradans wages that were fairly earned,” said Senator Danielson. “This bill is about cracking down on wage theft, and giving workers a way to take action so that they don’t lose out on the money they deserve.”

“There is no reason why hardworking Coloradans should be shortchanged for their work,” said Senator Rodriguez. “That’s why we’re working to hold employers accountable and protect Colorado employees from being taken advantage of.”

HB19-1267 defines wage theft as theft, changing the crime from a misdemeanor to a felony if the wages owed are greater than $2,000. Further, if an employer intentionally pays a worker below the minimum wage, they are guilty of a felony when the lack of proper wage paid amounts to $2,000. Employers who are unable to pay wages due to bankruptcy or court action will no longer be exempt from criminal penalties.

For more information on HB19-1267, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1267.

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Senate Passes Bridges-Fields Bill to Protect Workers’ Wages

April 22, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 21-to-13 with 1 excused to pass HB19-1189, Wage Garnishment Reform, a bill sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) that would protect Coloradans from the unfair practice of wage garnishment. It now heads back to the House of Representatives for consideration of amendments.

Wage garnishment happens when a court orders that an employer withhold an amount of an employee’s paycheck and give it directly to a creditor or person to whom the employee owes money. It is a practice that disproportionately impacts low-income individuals, according to a 2017 national study.

“Too many Coloradans feel like no matter how hard they work, they just can’t get ahead,” said Senator Bridges. “This bill clarifies a confusing practice used by debt collectors to pick the pockets of low and middle-income individuals, giving hardworking Colorado families some much-needed relief.”

“Wage garnishment is an unfair practice of picking Coloradans’ pockets, and it disproportionately impacts low-income communities,” said Senator Fields. “Wage garnishment is confusing for many hardworking Coloradans who are just trying to do their best, and I am proud that the Senate stood up for them today.”

HB19-1189 would make wage garnishment intentions more clear, reduce the disposable earning subject to garnishments, and create a general hardship exemption. The exemption would permit individuals to prove in court that the amount of their pay subject to garnishment should be further reduced or eliminated all together.

For more information on HB19-1189, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1189.

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Senate Passes Bill to Help Colorado Workers Save for Retirement

April 22, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 18-to-16 with 1 excused to pass SB19-173, Colorado Secure Savings Plan Board, a bill sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) and Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) to help find ways to increase Colorado’s private sector workers’ retirement savings. The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“People are working several jobs in my district to make ends meet, but many of them don’t have traditional retirement benefits offered through their employers. We need to figure out how to help those people save for the future,” said Senator Donovan. “The way people work is changing and this bill will help us figure out how to help those without employer-based retirement benefits save so they can retire in the place they call home.”

“We have a retirement crisis on our hands, in which more and more Coloradans are unable to save for the future,” said Senator Pettersen. “After a lifetime of hard work, every Coloradan deserves to retire with dignity, and an improved savings plan would help Colorado’s private sector workers achieve a more secure financial future.”

The board would conduct assessments to determine approaches to increasing retirement savings for private sector employees in low-cost and self-sustaining ways, and then it would recommend a plan to the Governor and General Assembly.

More than 75 percent of Coloradans believe it is only going to get harder to prepare for retirement, according to the Bell Policy Center. SB19-173 would establish the Colorado Secure Savings Plan Board to study ways to help Colorado’s private sector workers save for retirement.

To learn more about SB19-173, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-173.

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Bridges-Fields Bill on Full-Day Kindergarten Unanimously Passes Senate Education Committee with Bipartisan Support

April 17, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Education Committee today voted unanimously to pass HB19-1262, State Funding For Full-day Kindergarten, a bill sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) to fund full-day kindergarten across the state. The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“We know that the differences kids show up with in first grade stay with them for the rest of their time in school,” said Senator Bridges. “That’s why this bill is a top priority for our state’s families and communities. It will give every kid in Colorado a strong start and a fair shot at success, no matter what part of the state they live in. Long-term, this is an investment in our future workforce and the continued strength of our Colorado economy.”

There are roughly 14,000 kindergarteners in Colorado who are not enrolled in a full-day program, according to the Colorado Children’s Campaign. To provide full-day kindergarten offerings, many families must pay tuition to enroll their children in full-day programs either at private or public schools. For some public schools, the decision to offer full-day programing means making other cuts to programs and offerings.

“Full-day kindergarten is a game-changer for many families, particularly those in rural and low-income communities who can’t afford tuition or whose schools can’t afford to offer it,” said Senator Fields. “This is an investment in the future of our children and the future of our state that I have no doubt will have an incredible return on our investment.”

The funding of full-day kindergarten will not only provide more kids across the state a strong start, but also free up more than 5,000 Early Childhood At-Risk Enhancement (ECARE) slots in the Colorado Preschool Program.

For more information on HB19-1262, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1262.

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Senate Unanimously Approves Bill to Prepare Colorado’s Future Teachers

April 17, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted unanimously with 1 excused to pass SB19-190, Teacher Preparation Program Support, a bill sponsored by Senator Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) to create the “Growing Great Teachers Act” to prepare more Coloradans for the experience of teaching in our public schools. The bill now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“If we’re going to give Colorado’s next generation the best education possible, we need to make sure our teachers are prepared. The Growing Great Teachers Act will help give teachers the real-world preparation and tools they need to teach in our schools,” said Senator Todd, a former educator. “I know firsthand how important it can be to have hands-on training before getting up in front of a classroom, and this bill will help us prepare our educators to lead Colorado forward.”

SB19-190 would allow institutions of higher education to offer approved educator preparation programs or alternative teacher programs through a contract with the Department of Higher Education. These programs must include strong partnerships with local school districts and offer a full year of financially supported student teaching with a credentialed veteran educator. The bill also creates the Classroom Residency Design Grant Program.

Under this legislation, the veteran instructor must hold a master’s certificate from the Department of Education and will be offered a stipend of at least $2,000 during the year of mentorship. The Department of Education will collaborate with the department of higher education to endorse potential mentor teachers overseeing teacher candidates.

For more on SB19-190, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-190.

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Senate Passes Senator Moreno’s Tuition Assistance Bill

April 17, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 21-to-13 with 1 excused to pass HB19-1196, Financial Aid for Students with In-state Tuition, a bill sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) to make it easier for students in Colorado to afford higher education. The bill now heads to Governor Jared Polis’ desk to be signed into law.

“I know from firsthand experience how important scholarship programs are in making higher education affordable for Colorado families,” said Senator Moreno. “That’s why I’m proud we took this step to expand them to undocumented students in our state. This access to education will help make sure that everyone, regardless of background or circumstances, has the opportunity to learn and succeed.”

Currently, students without lawful immigration status can already be eligible for in-state tuition at Colorado institutions of higher education if they meet specific requirements. This bill will make these students eligible for certain financial assistance programs that are offered by the Department of Higher Education.For more information about HB19-1196, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1196.

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Senate Passes Danielson-Bridges Bill to Increase Awareness of Apprenticeships and Vocational Training

April 17, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 18-to-16 with 1 excused to pass SB19-171, Apprenticeships and Vocational Technical Training, a bill sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) and Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) to increase awareness of apprenticeship and vocational technical training programs in Colorado. The bill now moves to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“If we’re going to ensure that every Coloradan has a fair shot at success, we need to make sure there are multiple paths to good-paying jobs and a secure financial future,” said Senator Danielson. “Apprenticeships and vocational programs are strong pathways, but too few Coloradans know about these options. This legislation will make sure that Coloradans learn about the careers these apprenticeships may lead to, providing great jobs and financial security without a college degree.”

“We need to give every Coloradan a strong start to a career,” said Senator Bridges. “Every kid is different, and every kid deserves to know all the options out there that can lead to a great career and the opportunity to earn a good life. That is exactly what this bill does.”

SB19-171 will create Colorado’s first apprenticeship directory with detailed information on every apprenticeship program in Colorado. Directory information will include the application process, requirements for enrollment, earn-while-you-learn opportunities, costs, and expected salary upon completion.

Thousands of Coloradans already receive similar information about educational opportunities available at colleges and universities, and this bill would simply increase access to such information on lesser-known apprenticeship and vocational programs. The Department of Labor and Employment would be required to promote the availability of the directory to further increase access to these programs.

For more information on SB19-171, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-171.

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Senator Moreno’s Bill to Simplify Gender Re-Designation on Birth Certificates Passes Senate

April 17, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate voted today 23-to-12 to pass HB19-1039, Identity Documents for Transgender Persons, legislation sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) that would make it easier for transgender Coloradans to obtain birth certificates with their correct gender designation. The bill now heads back to the House of Representatives for consideration of amendments.

“It is absurd that we put barriers in front of transgender Coloradans when their only ask is for a government document that accurately reflects who they are” said Senator Moreno. “The current process is lengthy, bureaucratic, expensive, and invasive of an individual’s privacy. This legislation will ease one of the many burdens facing transgender Coloradans and will streamline the process for a new birth certificate.”

HB19-1039 will no longer require a court order for Coloradans to secure a legal name change when seeking an updated birth certificate to accurately reflect their correct gender designation. The bill also makes it simpler for people born out of state to have their birth certificate amended in Colorado.

“Today’s vote is a monumental step forward in our support for the transgender community in Colorado. I am proud to see the progress our state is making,” Senator Moreno added.

HB19-1039 would exempt transgender individuals from having to submit a public notice of name change. It also makes transgender Coloradans eligible to be issued a new driver’s license or identity document with the proper gender denotation.

For more information on HB19-1039, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1039.

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Senate Transportation and Energy Committee Approves Public Utilities Commission Sunset Legislation

April 16, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate Transportation and Energy Committee today voted 5-to-2 to advance SB19-236, Sunset Public Utilities Commission (PUC), a bill to renew the PUC for the next seven years and hold utility companies more accountable to ratepayers. The legislation is sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) and Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

The PUC is responsible for providing oversight of Colorado’s utilities and protecting Coloradans from high utility costs. In seeking to address climate change, SB19-236 will direct the PUC to make sure that the costs of pollution are given full consideration as part of utility planning. The bill also directs the PUC to implement rules requiring regulated utilities to file distribution system plans to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable services that satisfy customers’ changing expectations, plan for the future, and take advantage of technological advancements that benefit customers.

“Southern Coloradans know all too well that the Public Utilities Commission has not always lived up to its mission to protect ratepayers from high utility costs,” said President Garcia. “Our part of the state faces some of the highest costs along the Front Range, and that is why I felt it was so critical to be a sponsor on this bill so that southern Colorado has a seat at the table.”

“Given the pressing need to address climate change, it is imperative that we are making forward-looking investments in renewable energy and accounting for the cost of pollution in utility planning decisions,” said Majority Leader Fenberg. “The changes we’re making today will modernize the framework of the PUC to better regulate the rapidly evolving energy market that we see today.”

Given southern Colorado’s history with investor-owned utility companies and how they impact employment, this legislation would also require such companies to file a workforce transition plan when retiring a particular power plant facility in order to support job transitions for Colorado workers.

The committee also voted to approve Amendment 06, an amendment offered by President Garcia that would require the PUC to hold a public hearing to solicit public commentary, investigate rates in regions that are higher than the state average, and identify ways to reduce them.

“I have advocated for amendments that require the PUC to solicit public testimony and conduct a survey of utility rates to identify why costs are so high and find ways to bring them down,” said President Garcia. “I am confident that the adjustments we have made to the bill will make sure that the PUC is an advocate for Coloradans, not investor-owned utility companies, and ultimately save Coloradans money on their utility bills.”

For more information on this legislation, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB19-236.

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State Senate Passes Bill to Study Disparities in State Procurement Contracts

April 16, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate yesterday voted 24-to-11 to advance SB19-135, State Procurement Disparity Study, a bill sponsored by Senators Angela Williams (D-Denver) and Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver) that would require Colorado to conduct a disparity study of how state procurement contracts are awarded to underutilized businesses. The bill now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“SB19-135 will strengthen the fairness and the justice of the state procurement process,” said Senator Williams. “It will allow businesses to compete more fairly and strengthen our economy, and I am proud that it is well on its way to becoming law.”

“This bill is about giving every business a chance to compete in a fair and transparent process for state contracts,” said Senator Rodriguez. “It has the potential to really change the lives of small businesses owners all across Colorado, and I am glad the Senate agrees.”

SB19-135 would require the state to conduct a disparity study, directing the Colorado Department of Personnel to contract with an independent entity to study the state’s procurement process and make recommendations to address any discrepancies identified by the study.

For more information on the bill, please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-135.

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Colorado State Senate Unanimously Approves Bill to Protect Seniors from Abuse

April 15, 2019

Denver, CO – Today, the Colorado State Senate voted unanimously to pass SB19-172, Protect From Unlawful Abandonment And Confinement, a bill sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) and Senator Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) that will make it a crime to unlawfully abandon or unlawfully confine an at-risk person. It now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“Too many seniors and people with disabilities are victims of these heinous abuses,” said Senator Danielson. “I am proud of our bill to give law enforcement the tools to protect our most vulnerable Coloradans from exploitation and victimization.”

“At-risk citizens, many who have serious health problems, need to be treated with dignity and provided an extra level of protection from harm,” said Senator Ginal. “This bill will ensure law enforcement officers have the training they need to identify the signs and take action against the inhumane crimes of abandonment and confinement.”

Currently, law enforcement cannot prosecute the types of abuse that the bill covers – abandonment and confinement – because they are not yet defined as crimes. This act properly defines these crimes in order to protect senior citizens, disabled adults, and other at-risk Coloradans from abuse.

The bill defines unlawful abandonment as purposeful desertion of an at-risk person. Unlawful confinement is defined as tying, locking up, caging, chaining, or otherwise unreasonably restricting an at-risk person’s movement.

For more information on this bill please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-172.

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Voting Rights Bill Unanimously Passes Colorado State Senate

April 15, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted unanimously to pass SB19-202, Voting Rights For Voters With Disabilities, a bill sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) and Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) that would give voters with disabilities greater access to ballots that would fit their specific needs. It now moves to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“Everyone’s vote matters, and if there are barriers to voting because someone might have a disability, we should do away with that barrier,” said Senator Danielson. “A disability does not disqualify you from participating in the democratic process, and this bill will make it easier for those who have a disability to cast their vote.”  

“Lack of accessibility to voting is a huge concern when it comes to ensuring Colorado’s democracy is available to every Coloradan,” said Senator Zenzinger. “This bill makes it clear that everyone should be able to vote, regardless of physical ability, and will help make that ideal a reality.”

The bill requires the secretary of state to establish a process to enable voters with disabilities to mark a paper ballot using nonvisual access or low vision access technology whether the voter is voting in a mail ballot election or voting at a polling location.For more information on this bill please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-202.

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Senator Foote’s Campaign Finance Enforcement Bill Clears Committee

April 15, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today voted 3-to-2 to pass SB19-232, Campaign Finance Enforcement, a bill sponsored by Senator Mike Foote (D-Lafayette) to better enforce Colorado’s campaign finance laws. The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“No set of rules work without effective enforcement,” said Senator Foote. “Coloradans should know who is financing political campaigns in a timely manner. This bill will make sure all campaigns are accountable to disclosure rules.”

SB19-232 would codify within the Fair Campaign Practices Act the rules of the Secretary of State to enforce state laws concerning campaign and political finance. This includes specifying procedures for filing complaints, review of complaints by the elections division, processes for curing campaign finance law violations, the investigation of unresolved complaints, the conduct of hearings, audits by the division of campaign finance, and the issuance of advisory opinions by the Secretary of State.For more information about SB19-232, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-232.

Senate Bill to Give Local Control of Minimum Wage Passes Committee

April 15, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today voted 3-to-2 to pass HB19-1210, Local Government Minimum Wage, a bill sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) and Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) to give local governments the ability to raise the minimum wage if they choose. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

“Every community is different and should be allowed the flexibility to set their own minimum wage,” said Senator Danielson. “We need to seek out ways to help workers stay afloat as costs of living continue to rise, and I am confident this bill is a smart solution to helping families across Colorado. By giving local governments the ability to set their own minimum wage, we can give more hardworking Coloradans a fair shot at economic success and financial security.”

Studies of local minimum wage laws have shown they can increase earnings for workers without negatively affecting employment. This bill will allow local governments to set their own minimum wage laws whenever they determine it is in the best interest of their community.

“Families in every part of Colorado are facing increasing costs of living and stagnant wages. It’s simply too hard for too many families to keep up with these rising costs,” said Senator Moreno. “Putting local governments back in charge and giving them the opportunity to raise their minimum wage can lift up entire communities and ensure Coloradans are paid the living wage they deserve. I am proud that this bill is well on its way to becoming law.”

HB19-1210 passed the Colorado House of Representatives on March 11, 2019 by a vote of 40-24-1. To learn more about this bill please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1210.

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Joint Budget Committee Finalizes Bipartisan Colorado State Budget, Delivering for Colorado and Securing $300 Million for Transportation Funding

April 12, 2019

Denver, CO – Both the Colorado State Senate and House of Representatives today voted to pass the bipartisan FY19-20 Colorado State Budget, which begins on July 1, 2019. Democrats are putting forth a budget that makes historic investments in education and transportation. This budget for all responsibly manages tax-payer dollars, increases per-pupil funding by $327, and secures more than $300 million for transportation funding. In response to the budget’s passage, leaders from both chambers released the following statements:

“This budget is the result of the hard work of our Joint Budget Committee members who reached across the aisle to find common ground so that we were able to make financially responsible investments into healthcare, transportation, education, and so many other priorities,” said Senate President Leroy M. Garcia. “This is what the people of Colorado elected us to do, and I am proud that both chambers decided to put Coloradans ahead of politics to pass this budget with bipartisan support.”

“I thank the members of the JBC for their work on this responsible, bipartisan budget that will help invest in our future, expand opportunity for hardworking people in every corner of our state, and enhance our unique quality of life,” said Speaker KC Becker. “I am glad to see both sides of the aisle come together to agree on a budget that makes historic investments in education, transportation, and higher ed."

“I am proud of the budget we passed today,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg. “It was clear throughout this process that our JBC members were committed to working in a bipartisan manner to fund our state’s top priorities and address some of the most pressing issues across Colorado.”

“The budget that was put forward is one that I feel all Coloradans can be proud of,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett. “This budget makes historic, bipartisan investments in some of our top priorities like full-day kindergarten, education, transportation, and higher education.”

The budget secures $300 million for transportation funding and increases K-12 education funding by $325.9 million dollars, including $175 million dollars to implement full-day kindergarten and an additional $77 million to buy-down the budget stabilization factor. The budget also makes critical investments to help lower the cost of healthcare and help Coloradans achieve greater economic security. The budget also invests $10 million in the water plan and $171 million in capital investments.

The FY19-20 Colorado State Budget passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 41-to-22 and passed the Senate by a vote of 25-to-7. For more information about the budget, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-207.

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