Senator Zenzinger Receives Prestigious Stanley A. Leftwich Award for Work Supporting Public Education

July 9, 2019

Arvada, CO – Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) yesterday received the prestigious Stanley A. Leftwich Award from the Colorado Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) Association for her exemplary service in the Colorado State Senate in support of public education.The Stanley A. Leftwich Award is presented to a person who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to Cooperative Education/BOCES rural schools and public education in Colorado.“As a former teacher, I understand the importance of ensuring that every kid – regardless of their zip code – has a high quality education,” said Senator Zenzinger. “A great education can open the doors of opportunity and will ensure our state remains economically competitive in the years to come. I have worked tirelessly to support children, parents, and teachers in the Senate, and I am honored to be recognized for my work.”“Your service in the Colorado State Senate in support of public education has been exemplary. Your passion and support for all school districts and especially small and rural school districts has been remarkable. Your ongoing support of BOCES over the last several years in the role as support to local school districts is much appreciated,” said Dale McCall, Executive Director of the Colorado BOCES Association, in a letter.Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) are an important and vital part of the public educational system in Colorado. Colorado’s BOCES (or Educational Services agencies) are unique in that they are an extension of the local member school districts. A BOCES in Colorado exists at the discretion of its members and provides only those programs and services authorized by its members.The award was presented to Senator Zenzinger on Monday, July 8th, at the Colorado BOCES Association’s annual Awards Banquet at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. For more information about the Colorado BOCES Association or the Stanley A. Leftwich Award, please visit https://www.coloradoboces.org/colorado-boces-association/about-boces/.###

Statement from Majority Leader Fenberg on Recent Supreme Court Decision On Gerrymandering

June 27, 2019

Denver, CO - Today, the United States Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision declining to set parameters on partisan gerrymandering. Facing the question whether the practice of gerrymandering legislative and congressional districts violates the Constitution, the majority opinion acknowledged the politically charged nature of gerrymandering, but stated that “partisan gerrymandering claims present political questions beyond the reach of the federal courts.” In response, Majority Leader Fenberg released the following statement:

"Gerrymandering is a poison pill to our nation's democracy. As long as legislatures across the country continue to unfairly draw maps for their party's political gain, we can not have true democratic representation," said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg. "The political gamesmanship that legislatures are engaged in only disenfranchises voters, increases toxic political partisanship, and prohibits every citizen from having an equal voice in their government. I am proud to have led the effort in Colorado to eliminate gerrymandering in our state once and for all. In Colorado, we know that partisan politics shouldn't outweigh the necessity to create fair district maps. I hope that in light of this unfortunate decision, more states will follow our lead, by putting politics behind them and prohibiting the practice of political gerrymandering."Majority Leader Fenberg was a key architect of Colorado’s effort to end gerrymandering. He sponsored Senate Concurrent Resolution 18-004, along with former President Kevin Grantham, former Speaker of the House Crisanta Duran, and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, to place constitutional amendments Y & Z on the ballot last November. Together, the amendments prohibit gerrymandering by establishing independent redistricting commissions to create fair and competitive congressional and legislative districts. Both amendments passed with over 70% of the vote.

###

Colorado State Senators Garcia, Gonzales, and Winter Respond to Supreme Court Ruling on the 2020 Census

June 27, 2019

Denver, CO -- The United States Supreme Court today released its decision to refer the addition of a citizenship question to the 2020 Census back to the lower courts. In response, Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo), Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver), and Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster) released the following statements:“Any decision that results in the removal of a citizenship question from the 2020 Census is a win. This type of question could result in thousands of Coloradans not being counted, impacting the billions of dollars in federal funding the state receives and possibly even our representation in Congress. We need to continue to work to make sure Colorado gets an accurate count,” said President Garcia, the first Latino to be elected as President of the Colorado State Senate. “Today is a blow to Donald Trump’s attempt to undermine the growing political power of communities of color, but we cannot rest a minute if we are going to ensure an accurate 2020 Census count. Colorado laid the groundwork and dedicated $6 million in funding to reach hard-to-count communities and ensure the most accurate Census data possible. But we need Coloradans in communities all across this state to take action and to help spread the word about the importance of the Census to get as many people counted as possible,” said Senator Gonzales, a longtime community organizer and social justice advocate. “It is absolutely critical that every Coloradan is counted. If we undercount, we are leaving tens of millions of dollars in federal funding on the table that supports rural schools, children’s health insurance, transportation infrastructure, and more. The census is not a partisan issue, and we’ve proven that here in Colorado by creating and funding a program with bipartisan support to ensure we reach hard-to-count communities and get the most accurate census count possible. We’re going to continue to work hard to make sure Colorado gets its fair share of representation and federal funding,” said Senator Winter, sponsor of HB19-1239 which allocates millions of dollars to ensure a complete Census count of all Coloradans.Colorado receives billions of dollars in federal funding tied to an accurate Census count, and even a one percent undercount would result in the loss of hundreds of millions of federal dollars over the course of a decade.

###

Senator Nancy Todd Selected to Co-Chair CSG Future of Work National Task Force

Senator Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) has been selected to co-chair the Council of State Governments' Future of Work Task Force.“The CSG Future of Work Task Force will bring together a diverse group of state officials to explore how states can best navigate the challenges and opportunities of the new economy,” CSG Executive Director David Adkins said. “The task force will examine how technology creates new jobs and eliminates existing jobs, and it will share success stories and best practices to provide guidance on how states can best embrace the innovative and ever-evolving opportunities in the new economy.”Senator Todd will join Senator Carolyn McGinn (R-Kansas) as co-chair. The work of the Future of Work Task Force will take place across a two-year timeline with key findings and recommendations studied and shared during task force meetings, some of which will be held at the CSG National Conferences.“Exploring the future of work is essential as we create a direction for the future of legislative decisions,” said Senator Todd.The task force includes four subcommittees: The Workforce of Tomorrow Subcommittee; Smart Government; What’s Next? Embracing the Future; and Equity and Inclusion. Each subcommittee has two co-chairs and 10 members.“CSG is proud of its role as a trusted convener of state officials and is committed to a data driven, consensus-based process in all of its public policy work,” said Kelley Arnold, CSG Chief Communications Officer.

Joint Press Release: JBC Dems Tout Strong Economic Growth After Newly Released Budget Forecast

June 19, 2019

Denver, CO – This morning, the members of the Joint Budget Committee heard the June quarterly budget forecasts which showed a strong economy in the state of Colorado, an increase in expected revenue, and high wage growth. While the state economy was projected to continue growing, the forecasts also showed uncertainty and potential negative impacts due to federal tax policy changes and the potential for tariffs and trade wars. In response, members of the JBC released the following statements:“I am encouraged by the strong budget forecasts presented this morning; however, we will need to address the challenges resulting from prolonged TABOR refunds which mean fewer opportunities to invest in healthcare, education, and transportation. I am hopeful that we will be able to continue to protect our state’s finances while delivering for hardworking Colorado families in the coming year,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “Originally, we were only expecting a TABOR refund for the current fiscal year, but due to tight labor market and rising wages, this new forecast shows a refund for the foreseeable future ,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We have a great opportunity to strengthen our state’s resources for hardworking individuals and families, especially in Southern Colorado. These increases can strengthen our state’s K-12 education, transportation and help lower the cost of healthcare, leaving a state for our kids to thrive in.”“With more revenue predicted for the 2019-20 fiscal year, I believe that we will be able to build on the successes of this past legislative session and make much needed investments in our state’s education and transportation systems. As always, members of the JBC will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to balance competing priorities, make smart investments to address our state’s biggest financial needs, and prioritize fiscal responsibility,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “While this new forecast shows an increase in revenue, it also shows a slight economic slowdown on the horizon,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Uncertainty at the federal level from rising trade tensions with the Chinese and tariffs with Mexico is dragging down our economy, hurting our agricultural sector and creating uncertainty for businesses across the board. If this uncertainty continues at the federal level with this administration, we will see a slowing rate of growth and less ability to invest in the key needs of our state.”A full copy of the Legislative Council forecast can be found here. A copy of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting forecast can be found here.

###

Senator Zenzinger Named “Legislator of the Year” by Alliance, Colorado Communities United for People with Developmental Disabilities

June 13, 2019

Breckenridge, CO - Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) today received the “2019 Legislator of the Year” award from the Alliance, Colorado Communities United for People with Developmental Disabilities. The “2019 Legislator of the Year” award is exclusively given by the Alliance to legislators who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community agencies that support them.“We not only have an obligation to protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens, but to support the home and personal care workers who provide them critical health services,” said Senator Zenzinger. “I am honored to receive this award and incredibly proud of my efforts in the legislature to fight for both people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who provide them care.”“We are extremely grateful for your advocacy on the Joint Budget Committee to present a budget that not only protected, but even expanded, services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Without your dogged persistence, the additional 150 families finally accessing the comprehensive supports they need would likely still be waiting,” said Josh Rael, Executive Director, and Cheryl Wicks, President, in a letter informing Senator Zenzinger of her recognition.Senator Zenzinger was also critical in securing a one percent provider rate increase in the FY 2019-20 state budget, a .25 percent increase over the Governor's budget proposal. She also was a sponsor for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Day Tribute; worked to secure an additional $22 million dollars for special education in Colorado’s schools; and was a sponsor of SB19-202, Voting Rights for People with Disabilities.“We so appreciate everything you’ve done to be a powerful ally… Clearly, in your work at the General Assembly, you are committed to going above and beyond for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities… On behalf of all Alliance members, we thank you for your dedication to Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community providers who are honored to serve them,” added Rael and Wicks in the letter.For more information about the award, please visit https://www.alliancecolorado.org/.

Governor Polis Signs Garcia-Zenziger Bill to Make Higher Education More Affordable for Coloradans into Law

May 20, 2019

Denver, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law SB19-194, National Guard Tuition Assistance Colorado State University Global, a bill sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo) and Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). The bill will help make college more affordable by adding Colorado State University - Global Campus to the list of designated institutions of higher education for purposes of tuition assistance for members of the National Guard.“As a veteran myself, I am determined to do everything I can to support our service members. This bill is an important step forward as we work to help all Coloradans, particularly those in uniform, achieve a quality education,” said President Garcia.“These Coloradans bravely served our nation, and I am proud that the General Assembly came together to pass this legislation so that members of the National Guard are able to get an affordable, quality education,” said Senator Zenzinger.SB19-194 unanimously passed both the Senate and House of Representatives on March 26, 2019 and April 18, 2019, respectively.For more information on about SB19-194, please visit http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-194.

Donovan Bills to Lower Healthcare Costs and Support Rural Communities Signed into Law

May 17, 2019

Vail, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law several bills sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) that will support hardworking Coloradans in rural communities across the state by lowering healthcare costs and growing local economies.Healthcare: “Too many Coloradans have to make tough decisions when it comes to healthcare, but we’ve worked to provide them much needed relief, especially those who live in rural communities with few options, little competition, and high prices,” said Senator Donovan. “Healthcare was a top issues for people all across the High Country, and I am proud to see these innovative, Colorado solutions that will give Coloradans affordable options signed into law.”SB19-004 - a bill that addresses the high cost of healthcare by allowing cooperatives to incorporate consumer protections and empower consumers to negotiate lower rates on a collective basis directly with providers.HB19-1004 - a bill that works to create a state option for more affordable healthcare coverage that increases competition, particularly in communities with few insurance options.HB19-1168 - a bill to lower the cost of premiums for many people in Colorado by helping cover the most high risk individuals through a reinsurance program. The High Country may see a 20 percent decrease in individual plans.SD-5 Specific Bills: “We need to support communities, businesses, and locals who call the High Country home, and these bills will do that by protecting our native species, ensuring our roads and ski lifts are safe, and giving cities and counties a greater say in what their businesses with outdoor areas can serve,” said Senator Donovan.HB19-1207 - a bill that will update requirements for passenger motor vehicles to meet traction-control standards in winter conditions.SB19-141 - a bill that expands what entities can have an entertainment district.SB19-159 - a bill that reauthorizes the tramway safety board to continue to ensure the safety of ski lifts.HB19-1259 - a bill that will protect native species that are listed as threatened or endangered by state or federal law.

Governor Polis Signs Donovan-Bridges Net Neutrality Bill into Law

May 17, 2019

Silverthorne, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law SB19-078, Open Internet Customer Protections in Colorado, a bill sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) and Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) to make sure that broadband infrastructure funded by the citizens of Colorado will adhere to fair and open internet practices.“Coloradans rely on the internet everyday and should get the same level of access to it regardless of where they live,” said Senator Donovan. “This bill will make sure that everyone has equal access to the internet by preventing private companies that use state money to expand their broadband networks from deciding who gets fast internet and who doesn’t.”"The passage of net neutrality ensures that every Coloradan, no matter where you live, gets a fair shot,” said Senator Bridges. “This legislation will benefit Coloradans who rely on the internet for everyday tasks to small businesses who need it to innovate and grow our Colorado economy.”SB19-078 will protect net neutrality in Colorado by disqualifying internet service providers (ISPs) that interfere with the open internet from receiving financial support from the state.The bill passed the Senate on March 6, 2019 by a vote of 19-15 and passed the Colorado House of Representatives by a vote of 41-22 on April 4, 2019.To learn more about SB19-078, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-078.

Governor Polis Signs Zenzinger Bill to Address Affordable Housing Shortage into Law

May 17, 2019

Westminster, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law HB19-1228, Increase Tax Credit Allocation Affordable Housing, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) to increase the amount of affordable housing for Colorado families.“The rising cost of living continues to impede Coloradans who are struggling to find an affordable place to live or even just to maintain the living quarters they have,” said Senator Zenzinger. “This bill is an effective tool that will encourage all those developers who have been so eager to partner with us in these community-wide housing efforts.”Under current law, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) can allocate up to $5 million each year under the affordable housing tax credit. HB19-1228 will increase that annual amount to $10 million from 2020 to 2024, incentivizing developers to increase the number of affordable housing options in Colorado.HB19-1228 passed the Senate on April 27, 2019 by a vote of 32-2 and passed the Colorado House of Representatives on April 16, 2019 by a vote of 43-20.For more information about HB19-1228, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1228.

Senator Zenzinger Named “Legislator of the Year” by Home Health Care Association of Colorado

May 17, 2019

Beaver Creek, CO - Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) yesterday received the “2019 Legislator of the Year” award from the Home Care Association of Colorado.Senator Zenzinger was selected by the Home Care Association of Colorado to receive the “2019 Legislator of the Year” award because of her work advocating for higher rate increases for personal care and home health workers and her thoughtful consideration of other issues facing Medicaid providers.“We not only have an obligation to protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens, but to support the home and personal care workers who provide them critical health services,” said Senator Zenzinger. “I am honored to receive this award and incredibly proud of my efforts in the legislature to fight for both people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who provide them care.”"The Home Care industry would have been significantly reduced in Colorado if it wasn't for the leadership of Senator Zenzinger. She preserved services for vulnerable clients and saved jobs across the state. We are so appreciative of her thoughtful approach,” said Linda Bagby, President of the Home Care Association of Colorado.Senator Zenzinger received the award on Thursday, May 16th at the 2019 Rocky Mountain Home Care, Home Health & Hospice Conference, an annual conference organized by the Home Care Association of Colorado and the Hospice & Palliative Care Association of the Rockies.For more information about the award and the event, visit http://www.homecarehospice.civicaconferences.com/conference-home/.

Governor Polis Signs Ginal-Moreno Bill to Make Primary Care More Affordable into Law

May 16, 2019

Denver, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law HB19-1233, Investments in Primary Care to Reduce Health Costs, a bill sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) and Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) that will invest in making primary care more affordable for Coloradans.“If we’re going to address the high cost of healthcare and effectively meet the needs of patients, we need to make sure primary care is being utilized and properly resourced,” said Senator Ginal. “This bill will bring down primary healthcare costs and I am proud that it was signed into law today.”“This is just one of many ways in which we worked this session to make healthcare more affordable for Colorado families,” said Senator Moreno. “Sacrificing quality primary care because premiums are too expensive is a dangerous move when it comes to Coloradans’ health and to our economy in the long run.”HB19-1233 would create a primary care payment reform collaborate and require the insurance commissioner to establish affordability standards for premiums. It would also require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, as well as carriers who offer plans to state employees, to set specific investment targets for primary care.The bill passed the Colorado House of Representatives on April 16, 2019 by a vote of 45-19 and passed the Senate on April 27, 2019 by a vote of 21-13. The House concurred with Senate amendments and repassed the House by a vote of 46-19 on April 30, 2019.For more information on this legislation, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1233.

Governor Polis Signs Senator Fields’ Bipartisan Bill to Curb Youth Suicide and Support Behavioral Health into Law

May 16, 2019

Aurora, CO -- Governor Jared Polis today signed into law SB19-195, Child & Youth Behavioral Health System Enhancements, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) to curb youth suicide in Colorado by making it easier for families to find and access the behavioral healthcare they need.Nearly 9 out of every 100,000 teenagers in the United States between the ages of 15 and 19 die by suicide. In Colorado, that number is nearly twice the national average at 17.6 out of every 100,000 teenagers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“This bill will provide a comprehensive system of care to youth struggling with mental or behavioral health issues and empower families to get them the help they need,” said Senator  Fields. “This legislation is going to save lives and I am proud that it was signed into law today.”SB19-195 would create the Office of Children and Youth Behavioral Health Policy Coordination in the Office of the Governor, a central agency to coordinate mental and behavioral health resources statewide. Additionally, it would create a commission to study and recommend how to best coordinate and provide such services. The bill would also standardize the screening and assessments that doctors use to identify potential behavioral concerns.The bill passed the Colorado House of Representatives on May 1, 2019 by a vote of 52-13 and passed the Senate unanimously on April 24, 2019.For more information on SB19-195, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-195.

Governor Polis Signs Bill to Protect Employees from Wage Theft into Law

May 16, 2019

Longmont, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law 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.“Hardworking Coloradans deserve to be paid fairly and what they rightly earned,” said Senator Danielson. “We need to hold bad actors accountable for wage theft and give workers a way to take action, and that is exactly what this bill does.”“Why should Coloradans be shortchanged by bad actors for their hard work? I am proud to see this bill, which will hold employers accountable and protect employees from being taken advantage of, signed into law,” said Senator Rodriguez.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.This bill passed the Senate on April 24, 2019 by a vote of 33-2 and passed the Colorado House of Representatives by a vote of 64-0 on April 10, 2019.For more information on HB19-1267, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1267.

Governor Polis Signs Rodriguez-Ginal Bill to Lower Cost of Prescription Drugs for Coloradans into Law

May 16, 2019

Fort Collins, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law SB19-005, Import Prescription Drugs From Canada, a bill sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) and Robert Rodriguez (D- Denver) to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Coloradans by importing them from Canada.Americans often pay far more for the exact same prescription drug as consumers in other countries, For example, Proventil inhalers for asthma cost $73 dollars in the United States, but only $21 in Canada. Americans pay more than $200 per month for Crestor, a popular cholesterol drug, while Canadian patients can pay less than $50 dollars per month for the same drug.“Coloradans are doing extreme things to be able to afford the medication they need,” said Senator Rodriguez. “I am proud that Governor Polis signed this bill into law which will establish a program that will make sure every Coloradan has access to safe, affordable prescription medications.”“Lowering the cost of prescription drugs isn’t a partisan issue, it is about helping save Coloradans money on the medicines they need,” said Senator Ginal. “This legislation will make medications more available to the people who need then, and I am proud that Governor Polis signed it into law today.”SB19-005 will require the department of health care policy and financing department to design a program to import pharmaceutical drugs from Canada for sale to Colorado consumers. The program will ensure safety and cost savings so that Coloradans can afford their prescription medications.For more information on SB19-005, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-005.

Pettersen Bills to Support Access to Affordable Healthcare and Childcare Become Law

May 14, 2019

Pueblo, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) into law that will support hardworking Coloradans by lowering healthcare costs, helping those struggling with a substance use disorder, and increasing tax credits to help make childcare more affordable.HB19-1174, Out-of-Network Health Care Services, a bill that will help rein in exorbitant healthcare costs by ending the practice of surprise billing from out-of-network healthcare providers.“Surprise billing puts Coloradans at financial risk and contributes to rising healthcare costs across our state,” said Senator Pettersen. “We took action to protect Coloradans from financial hardship and to bring down healthcare costs for Colorado families by putting an end to surprise medical billing.”HB19-1287, Treatment for Opioid And Substance Use Disorders, a bipartisan bill that will combat Colorado’s opioid crisis by increasing access to treatment for those struggling with substance use disorders.“While I am proud of the work we have done at the state level to address the opioid epidemic, we are far from where we need to be. The number of people who die every year from a substance use disorder continues to climb,” said Senator Pettersen. “This bill is part of a package of legislation to help people who have been ravaged by the opioid epidemic to ensure they have access to the treatment they need.”HB19-1013, Child Care Expenses Tax Credit Low-income Families, a bill that will help hardworking Coloradans achieve greater financial security and provide for their children.“This critical piece of legislation gives hardworking Colorado families that still struggle to make ends meet the help they need to afford childcare,” said Senator Pettersen.

President Garcia’s Bills Supporting Colorado’s First Responders and Service Members Signed into Law

May 14, 2019

Pueblo, CO - Two of Senate President Leroy Garcia’s bills to support first responders and the families of service members were signed into law by Governor Jared Polis today.SB19-65, Peer Assistance Emergency Medical Service ProviderSenate Bill 65 will give EMS providers the support and resources they need to face the challenges and traumas of their everyday work.“I have personally seen the toll that such a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding career can have, both over the years and following particularly dark incidents. In the past, EMS providers have lacked the support systems that could help them face such challenges. But that changes today with the signing of this new law,” said President Garcia.84 percent of first responders – including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and nurses – had experienced a traumatic event on the job, according to a 2017 study by the University of Phoenix. The peer assistance program will give EMS providers critical education, support, and counseling when they face chemical dependency, mental illness, or anything else as a result of their work.For more information on SB19-065, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-065.SB19-174, Dependent Tuition Assistance Program EligibilitySenate Bill 174 would make it easier for dependents of certain service members and first responders (including deceased or disabled National Guardsman, prisoners of war, those missing in action, police officers, firefighters, and sheriffs) to be eligible to receive state tuition benefits before receiving federal benefits.“Both of these bills give back to the people who put their lives on the line to protect us all,” said President Garcia. “Today we have made it easier for dependents who have lost a parent protecting our nation to receive tuition assistance, and this is one of the biggest ways we can support them.”For more information on SB19-174, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-174.

President Garcia’s Bill to Expand Opioid Treatment Signed into Law

May 14, 2019 

Pueblo CO - Senate President Leroy Garcia’s bipartisan opioid treatment bill, SB19-001, Expand Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program, was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis this morning at the Crossroads Treatment Clinic in Pueblo.“The opioid crisis has devastated families and communities across southern Colorado, and I am proud to be here today to expand a program we know can help people successfully overcome addiction and lead better lives,” said President Garcia.In Pueblo County, MAT services increased from 99 clients treated at both agencies in 2017 to 691 clients in 2018. Routt County, which had no services for MAT clients in 2017, provided MAT services to 60 clients in 2018. SB19-001 allocates $5 million in funding through marijuana tax dollars over two years to expand the program to 10 additional high-need counties.“Senate Bill 1 passed unanimously because this issue is bigger than politics,” added President Garcia. “Now that this bill is the law of the land, we can help those struggling get the treatment they need and work to end the opioid crisis in Colorado.”SB19-001 also shifts the responsibility to administer the MAT program from the college of nursing to the center for research into substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery support strategiesFor more information on the legislation, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-001.

Senate Approves Bipartisan Moreno Bill to Improve Affordable Housing in Colorado

May 3, 2019

Denver, CO - The Colorado State Senate today voted 23-to-12 to pass HB19-1322, Expand Supply Affordable Housing, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) to increase affordable housing options in the state. The bill now heads to Governor Polis for his signature.

“Colorado’s affordable housing crisis has gotten out of hand,” said Senator Moreno. “This bill will help provide much-needed funding to expand affordable housing options across Colorado, ensuring that Colorado families aren’t priced out of the communities they call home.”

HB19-1322 will transfer $30 million over the next three years to the housing development grant fund in order to improve funding for affordable housing options across the state. The transfer will also encourage employment, as the division of housing in the department of local affairs may use a portion of transferred funds to hire and pay new employees.

For more information on HB19-1322, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1322.

###

Majority Leader Fenberg’s Bill to Improve Youth Mental Health Passes Senate

May 2, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 21-to-14 to pass HB19-1120, Youth Mental Health Education and Suicide Prevention, a bill sponsored by Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) to make mental health treatment and counseling more accessible to young Coloradans. The bill now heads back to the House for concurrence and then on to the Governor.

“Suicide is the leading cause of death for Colorado youth,” said Majority Leader Fenberg. “We have a mental health crisis on our hands, and we must do more to help young people who are struggling with mental illness get the support they need.”

Colorado ranks as the nation’s 6th highest in suicides, according to the Colorado Health Institute. HB19-1120 will help lower the state’s suicide rate by allowing minors 12 years or older seek mental health services with or without the consent of their parents.This bill is modeled after one enacted in NY state which has proven to be effective in decreasing suicides. The psychotherapy would be confidential unless the minor gives their mental health professional permission to consult their parents, or if the professional does not believe the minor can manage their care themselves or are having suicidal thoughts.

“This bill is an effort to make it easier and more comfortable for young people to address mental health issues before they feel like they are out of options. Fostering a healthy discussion on mental health from a young age will help remove the stigma of mental illness and offer support to children who suffer from suicidal thoughts,” added Majority Leader Fenberg.

The bill also requires the Department of Education to create a mental health education literacy resource bank that is available to the public for free. The board of education will be required to adopt standards related to mental health, including suicide prevention, to improve mental health awareness in Colorado schools.

For more information on HB19-1120, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1120.

###