Colorado Senate Democrats Hold Caucus Leadership Elections

EXPAND THEIR MAJORITY TO 20 MEMBERS

Denver, CO – Today, following the 2020 General Election, the Colorado Senate Democrats held their biannual Leadership elections. The positions open for candidacy were President of the Senate, Majority Leader, President pro tem, Assistant Majority Leader, Majority Whip, Caucus Chair, as well as two Senate Joint Budget Committee seats.   

The caucus reaffirmed their support for the following positions: 

• President of the Senate:  Senator Leroy Garcia (SD3 – Pueblo) 

• Senate Majority Leader: Senator Steve Fenberg (SD18 – Boulder) 

• Assistant Majority Leader: Senator Rhonda Fields (SD29 – Aurora)

• JBC Chair: Senator Dominick Moreno (SD21 – Denver)

Newly appointed positions are as follows:

• President pro tem: Senator Kerry Donovan (SD5 – Vail)

• Majority Whip: Senator Jeff Bridges (SD26 – Greenwood Village)

• Caucus Chair: Senator Julie Gonzales (SD34 – Denver)

• JBC Member: Senator Chris Hansen (SD31 – Denver)

“I am incredibly proud of the team we have assembled. Looking across the diverse, thoughtful, and tenacious members of this leadership body, I have no doubt that while our challenges may be enormous, we will approach them with grace and fortitude – working together to bring healing and relief to the incredible people of Colorado,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia.

Following the election on November 3rd, the Colorado Senate Democrats expanded their majority by one seat, making the Senate Democrats a 20 member caucus.

Several caucus members defended their seats across the state: Joann Ginal (SD14 – Fort Collins), Steve Fenberg (SD18 – Boulder), Rachel Zenzinger (SD19 – Arvada), Dominick Moreno (SD21 – Commerce City), Jeff Bridges (SD26 – Greenwood Village), Rhonda Fields (SD29 – Aurora), and Chris Hansen (SD31 – Denver).  Simultaneously, Chris Kolker succeeded in his bid for Senate District 27 (Centennial), a previous Republican stronghold. 

In addition to this historic pick-up, previous House members James Coleman (SD33 – Denver), Sonya Jaquez Lewis in (SD19 – Boulder), and Janet Buckner in (SD28 – Aurora), will be joining the Senate as well. 

Moving forward, President Garcia will now join the rest of his leadership team to chart a course for the next legislative session. Their stated focus will be on providing economic relief, prioritizing public health, and healing divides.  

The 2021 legislative session is set to begin on January 13.

JOINT RELEASE: Bill Sponsors React to Amendment B Results, Gallagher Repeal Passage

Denver, CO – After record turnout across the state, Colorado voters have resoundingly approved Amendment B – winning by a margin of roughly 14 points. Amendment B repeals the Gallagher Amendment, which establishes a ratio between residential and non-residential property tax assessment rates. By repealing Gallagher, approximately $500 million annually will be protected for schools, hospitals, fire districts, and other community services without tax burdens unfairly shifting to small businesses.

“I am so thrilled that a majority of Coloradans reached the conclusion that our property tax code was outdated, and acted to reform our Constitution to make sure it’s working for us all,” said Senator Chris Hansen, one of the prime sponsors of the measure. “With the pandemic, wildfires, and virtual learning, our healthcare workers, firefighters, and teachers have been working overtime for us, and passing Amendment B will help make sure they receive the funding they need.”

Amendment B was placed on the ballot by Senate Concurrent Resolution 001, a measure sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen (D-Denver) & Jack Tate (R-Centennial), and Representatives Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo) & Matt Soper (R-Delta). With local jurisdictions throughout the state facing severe losses due to the pandemic while community needs are increasing, repealing Gallagher became an obvious choice to help alleviate the problem.

“The idea of tax fairness and stability is neither a Democratic or a Republican idea, it is a common-sense idea,” said Senator Tate. “Small businesses are struggling during the economic recession caused by the pandemic, but now they’ll have a lot more breathing room moving forward to get back to creating jobs and economic opportunity for all Coloradans.”

SCR20-001 was passed in June by a bipartisan super-majority of 74% of the General Assembly. Though bipartisan legislation is common, it is rare to have such overwhelming support for a measure such as this.

“As the Chair of the Joint Budget Committee, I saw how painful it was for our state to have to cut billions of dollars from our budget. We turned over every stone to protect funding for the core services our communities need to get through this pandemic, like funding for our schools and healthcare,” said Representative Esgar. “Now that Gallagher has been repealed, our state and county governments can breathe a little easier knowing they won’t be facing drastic cuts to the services Coloradans need.”

Along with SCR20-001, the legislature passed Senate Bill 20-223, which ensures that property tax assessment rates will remain frozen to stabilize revenue collected in special districts, which will help keep rural communities afloat.

“Rural hospitals, fire districts, and schools have been hit particularly hard by Gallagher, because we simply don’t have the large, commercial property tax base to support our local services,” said Representative Matt Soper. “Now that Gallagher is repealed, we’ll be able to fund rural hospitals, fire districts and other essential services that the Western Slope depends on.”

Garcia Hosts Veteran Roundtable, Rebukes Trump Remarks

Pueblo, CO – Today, Senate President Leroy Garcia hosted a roundtable discussion with local veterans in response to Donald Trump’s disparaging comments regarding generals, veterans, and the military at large. The participants included former Army Ranger and current Congressman Jason Crow, Air Force retiree Rep. Tom Sullivan, candidate for State House and Army veteran David Ortiz, retired Air Force medic Gina Hill, USMC veteran Alex Ferencz, and Navy veteran Debbie Willhite. 

Following introductions, the group engaged in a thoughtful conversation about how, as former members of the armed forces, President Trump’s remarks affected them. They then took questions from veterans in the audience and discussed the importance of the coming election.

“I am shocked and appalled by the deep disregard and disrespect Trump has shown for our military,” said President Garcia, D-Pueblo. “How can our service members entrust their lives to a man who befriends dictators, pardons war criminals, and demonstrates such blatant disdain for the sacrifices of our veterans? As Commander in Chief, this betrayal of our armed forces cuts particularly deep.” 

Over the years Trump has repeatedly made comments on-the-record, lambasting members of the military. One of the first, most notable instances of this was when Trump mocked late Senator John McCain – who was captured and tortured by North Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War – saying he liked people who “weren’t captured” and aren’t “losers.” 

Then, most recently, in the devastating revelations exposed by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Bob Woodward, President Trump called his generals serving under his command a "bunch of p---ies.” 

“Trump doesn’t deserve to sit in the Oval Office. Not only does he use service men and women as props for his own political gain, but he dishonors their sacrifice at every turn. As a Marine combat veteran, it makes me sick,” said Garcia.

Just a few months ago, President Trump was at the center of another military controversy when it was discovered that he had done nothing in response to Russia offering bounties on American troops – a fact that enraged many service members and shocked the military community across the country. 

“I am so tired of watching the leader of our nation be nothing but performatively patriotic,” said Garcia. “Trump loves military parades and quoting ‘Patton’ but continually fails to protect, support, and honor the sacrifice our troops make every day. It’s simply un-American, and it’s a disgrace.” 

Trump has also received sharp criticism for his intervention in military disciplinary action – pardoning convicted war criminals against the objections of the people they served with, who called them “deranged” and “freaking evil.”

To watch the full roundtable discussion, click here.

$4.8 Million Utility Assistance Program Launches

Critical relief funds available for struggling Coloradans in the wake of COVID-19

DENVER, CO – Today, state lawmakers and Energy Outreach Colorado announced that $4.8 million in utility assistance for consumers is now available. HB20-1412, sponsored by Senators Tammy Story and Rachel Zenzinger and Representatives Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter, directed the federal CARES Act funding to Energy Outreach Colorado’s Bill Payment Assistance Program to provide critical relief to those who are facing economic hardship due to COVID-19.  

“In the wake of COVID-19, Coloradans are facing unemployment at unprecedented rates. This in turn, is creating ripple effects across the economy and putting many people’s basic needs at risk,” said Sen. Zenzinger, D- Arvada. “And with winter barreling towards us, it is more important than ever that we protect home energy reliability. I encourage anyone that is struggling to afford their utilities to apply today!”

“As temperatures swing from near 100 degrees to below freezing, many Coloradans are looking for a little help to pay their utility bills and make ends meet during this pandemic,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Energy Outreach Colorado will use the funding we allocated to help thousands of hardworking Coloradans avoid having to choose between putting food on their table or falling behind on their bills, and I urge anyone who may need help to reach out for assistance.”

“Falling behind on utility bills isn’t just stressful, it’s debilitating. And unfortunately, it’s all too common for hardworking families right now,” said Sen. Story, D-Evergreen. “People need to know that their heating isn’t just going to disappear one day because they haven’t been able to make payments. That’s why we have dedicated millions to utility assistance programs– so families aren’t forced to choose between rent and their electricity.” 

“The need for utility assistance has never been higher, and winter is just around the corner,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “The legislation we passed set aside $4.8 million for direct utility relief for consumers. If you need help paying your utility bills, Energy Outreach can provide some assistance, especially if you haven’t been able to access other forms of relief, such as unemployment benefits or direct stimulus payments from the IRS.” 

In May, the General Assembly passed HB20-1412, which put $4.8 million of federal CARES Act funding towards bolstering energy assistance initiatives. Energy Outreach Colorado, a local nonprofit that leads a network of industry, state, and local partners to assist Coloradans in affording their energy needs, is working in conjunction with state officials to allocate the funds to those in need. 

“People are struggling to get safely through this pandemic, and EOC is committed to providing as much support and assistance as we can to relieve some of their worries,” said Jennifer Gremmert, Executive Director of EOC.

To be eligible, residents must meet certain income qualifications and be currently facing a utility shortage or impending shutoff. People can apply at https://www.energyoutreach.org/programs or call 1-866-432-8435 for help. Applicants will then work directly with a caseworker at a corresponding partner agency, who will guide them through the process, determine eligibility, and authorize bill payments.

JOINT RELEASE: Bill Tackling Teen Vaping Becomes Law

Denver, CO – Today the Governor signed a landmark bill to combat the rising numbers of teen vaping in Colorado. Sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Representative Kyle Mullica, HB20-1001 keeps kids safe by increasing the minimum age for purchase of tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21 and by improving enforcement around underage sales. 

“This year, Democrats made combatting our state’s youth vaping epidemic one of our top priorities,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn. “Raising the nicotine purchasing age to 21 and closing online purchasing loopholes are important steps forward, and I'm proud of the work the legislature did to make this the law. We refuse to allow the nicotine industry to prey on our young people and profit off of their addiction.”

“Colorado has the highest teen vaping rate in the nation,” said Sen. Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “This new law will ensure that dangerous products are not sold or directly advertised to kids – curbing addiction rates and holding violators accountable. I am incredibly proud to have sponsored this legislation and to see an important step in combating teen vaping taken today.”

In addition to raising the minimum age of purchase, HB20-1001 requires that all nicotine product retailers be licensed, while also strengthening regulatory measures aimed at cracking down on underage sales. In recent years, enforcement mechanisms have been feeble – allowing some businesses to sell directly to customers online or repeatedly market to minors in stores. This new law will close online distribution loopholes and increase consequences for violators by raising fines and giving the state the ability to suspend a retailer's license if they illegally sell products to children.

The policy goes on to prohibit the display of showy advertising aimed at younger customers and bans any new retail locations from operating within 500 feet of a school.

Colorado has the highest rate of youth vaping in the nation, with 27 percent of high schoolers reporting e-cigarette use. This is not only detrimental in terms of an increased risk of tobacco smoking, but the nicotine contained in vaping products also has been found to negatively affect adolescent brain development, causing lasting cognitive impairments. Vaping chemicals contain many cancer-causing toxins as well, including dangerous heavy metals.

Bills to Protect & Support Colorado's LGBTQ Community Signed Into Law!

Denver, CO – Today the Governor signed four bills into law sponsored by Sen. Dominick Moreno that improve health care access and pursue justice for Colorado's LGBTQ residents:

“Colorado is growing into a progressive and welcoming place but these bills highlight the ongoing fight for justice. The LGBTQ community, particularly queer people of color, are still very much at isk under the Trump administration," said Sen. Dominick Moreno (D-Denver). "Banning ‘panic’ defenses, improving access to critical medications and easing unnecessary restrictions for identity documents are all important measures to further safety and equality in our state.”

SB-221: Abolish Gay, Trans 'Panic' Defenses
For too long perpetrators have been allowed to use their victim’s sexual or gender identity to legally defend horrible actions. With this bill, Colorado's court system will no longer recognize this reasoning as a valid defense for assault or murder. Colorado is now the 11th state to ban the defense.

SB-166: Birth Certificate Requirements
Colorado trans and non-binary residents are now able to obtain identification documents that accurately reflect their gender identities more easily with the signing of this legislation!

HB-1061: HIV Infection Prevention
This bill allows pharmacists to dispense both PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medications without a prescription to patients living with or at high-risk of contracting HIV.

HB-1419: State Drug Assistance Program Funding
This bill updates statutory definitions in order to help fund state programs that assist individuals with lower incomes who have medical or preventive needs regarding AIDS or HIV.

JOINT RELEASE: Latino and Black Caucuses Praise SCOTUS Decision on DREAMers

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Latino and Black Caucuses today released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration cannot immediately end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

“The Trump Administration’s decision to end the DACA program was a cruel and unjust betrayal, and it would have destroyed the lives of thousands of Colorado families. Dreamers make up the fabric of this state and this country. Today’s Supreme Court decision is historic and welcome news that will allow our country’s Dreamers to continue living and working in their communities without fear.

“We urge Congress to quickly pass legislation to establish permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for all DREAMers. Furthermore, we denounce any attempt by the administration to continue using DREAMers as a bargaining chip in negotiations over immigration reform and the president’s border wall. We stand with DREAMers!”

There are over 15,000 Dreamers in Colorado, and nearly 700,000 participants in the DACA program nationally. 

Colorado Latino Caucus Members:

Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Latino Caucus Co-Chair

Sen. Robert Rodriguez, Latino Caucus Co-Chair

Rep. Adrienne Benavidez

Rep. Bri Buentello

Rep. Yadira Caraveo

Rep. Monica Duran

Sen. Leroy Garcia

Sen. Julie Gonzales

Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis

Sen. Dominick Moreno

Rep. Kerry Tipper

Rep. Alex Valdez

Rep. Donald Valdez

Colorado Black Caucus Members:

Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, Black Caucus Chair

Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, Black Caucus Vice Chair

Rep. Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs

Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora

Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver

Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora

Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora

Sen. Angela Williams, D-Denver

Senate Passes Bills to Bolster Education and Provide Relief for Hardworking Coloradans

Today the Senate passed three pieces of bipartisan legislation that would provide additional, long term relief to middle and low-income Coloradans, as well as significantly increase funding for K-12 education and housing relief.

“These bills work in tandem to alleviate the sharp pains that our people and our budget have been experiencing,” said Sen. Moreno, D-Commerce City. “By removing tax breaks that only benefit the top 0.7% of filers, we will be strengthening funding streams for education and providing critical tax relief to working families.”  

HB20-1420 Adjust Tax Expenditures For State Education Fund, sponsored by Senators Dominick Moreno and Chris Hansen, decouples certain corporate provisions in the Colorado tax code that align with the federal statute. This bill also removes Trump tax loopholes that benefit those with an adjusted gross income of more than $500,000. 

This bill will make Colorado’s tax structure less regressive and more equitable. The revenue generated from this decoupling would then be used to permanently fund the Earned Income Tax Credit. This credit helps boost the income of lower-income working families by providing them with an even larger refund at tax time. The remaining revenue would go towards funding K-12 education – an area that has been devastated by the recent economic downturn.

HB20-1427 Cigarette Tobacco And Nicotine Products Tax sponsored by Senators Dominick Moreno and Rhonda Fields, refers a measure to the ballot that would ask Colorado voters to increase sale taxes on nicotine products, generating an estimate of over $400 million for public schools and housing assistance for vulnerable communities over the next 2 and a half years. 

HB20-1410 COVID-19 Relief Funds for Housing Cash Assistance, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales and Rachel Zenzinger, prevents further housing insecurity for both renters and homeowners. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, direct relief is critical for the economic security of Colorado families. This bill provides $20 million in direct rental & mortgage assistance to Coloradans experiencing a financial need during these turbulent times, including $350,000 for legal aid for renters at risk of eviction.

”By working swiftly, we hope to prevent unprecedented displacement and economic hardship in our communities,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “This bill directs federal funds toward assistance in housing, translating into direct relief for Coloradans impacted by the coronavirus.”

After House concurrence with Senate amendments, these bills will go to the Governor’s desk for final signature and adoption.

Senate Passes Landmark COVID-19 Response Legislation Package

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed several important bills from the Democratic package of CARES relief legislation. These bills include proposals to address mental health, provide financial relief for low-income Coloradans, establish a small business recovery loan fund, and prevent consumers from falling prey to price gouging.

In May, the General Assembly received $70 million of federal CARES Act funding to be utilized for critical COVID-19 response efforts. Democratic leaders committed to focusing these funds on providing economic relief for struggling residents and businesses, as well as supporting the health and safety of all Coloradans.

HB20-1411 COVID-19 Relief Funds for Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment, (Sens. Pettersen, Fields): The need for behavioral health services is compounded by COVID-19 and the challenges Colorado’s communities are facing because of it. HB-1411 allocates $15 million to critical mental health programs and substance abuse treatment within the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health and Environment.

“It’s critical for us to recognize that our state’s mental health and substance abuse treatment programs are contending with two concurrent public health crises: opioid addiction and COVID,” said Sen. Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “As these issues continue to compound, we must allocate funds to these services to address increased costs, and meet critical and growing community needs.”

“Our state was already struggling with a growing mental health crisis, and COVID has just compounded these pressing needs,” said Asst. Majority Leader Fields (D-Aurora). We have to protect and prioritize funding for Colorado’s mental health resources, and this legislation helps us achieve that.”

HB20-1412 Coronavirus Relief Funds for Utilities, (Sens. Story, Zenzinger): While most utilities have implemented moratoriums on utility disconnections, these don’t address the hardship that families will face once they’re lifted. To provide direct financial assistance to families, the bill allocates almost $5 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which helps low-income Coloradans at risk of service shutoffs. 

“Many unemployed Coloradans will face hefty bills and fines once utility suspension shut-offs begin again,” said Sen. Story (D-Golden). “Without direct relief, vulnerable communities are facing significant stress and uncertainty due to COVID-19. Allocating these dollars to utility assistance helps build economic security so our state can begin to rebuild.”

HB20-1413 Small Business Recovery Loan Prog Premium Tax Credits, (Sens. Rachel Zenzinger and Kerry Donovan): The bill establishes a small business recovery loan fund that consists of $250 million of state and private dollars for first loss capital on loans to small businesses over the next two fiscal years. The establishment of this fund will help stimulate loans to Colorado small businesses and support the state’s economic recovery and resiliency.   

“Colorado’s small businesses are integral to our state’s economy, but right now too many are struggling to meet their payroll obligations or to pay their bills,” said Sen. Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “This bill will support small businesses on the road to recovery by granting them additional access to the capital they need to keep their doors open.”

“Mountain communities have been particularly devastated by COVID-19,” said Sen. Donovan (D-Vail). “Small businesses that are the heart of our communities are struggling to stay open. This bill uses an innovative funding mechanism to raise money to reinvest in our small businesses making the state a good partner in our economic recovery.

SB20-222 Coronavirus Relief Funds for Small Business Grants, (Sens. Faith Winter and Jeff Bridges): This bill will direct $20 million dollars to the Energize Colorado Fund that OEDIT has created to provide assistance to small businesses who have suffered hardship as a result of COVID19. This fund will be providing grants to businesses with less than 25 employees, with a preference given to those that did not qualify for, or have access to, SBA PPP loans. Preference will also be given to businesses owned by veterans, women, and minorities. Additionally, $5 million will be set aside for the tourism sector – one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. 

“Small businesses that make up the backbone of our state, are struggling to stay afloat. We need to throw them a much-needed life raft by making sure they have the resources to survive these uncertain times,” said Sen. Winter (D-Westminster).

“Mass closures of small businesses would have a disastrous impact on our state’s economy. From unemployment to decreased competition and consumer choice, a lack of these businesses, that provide so much to our state, would have ripple effects for years to come,” said Sen Bridges (D-Greenwood Village). “We need to prioritize these community pillars and provide the relief they need to get through this downturn.”

HB20-1414 Price Gouge Amid Disaster Deceptive Trade Practice,(Sens. Brittany Pettersen and Mike Foote): This bill establishes if a person or business increases the cost of certain necessary goods or services by an excessive amount, they are acting unconscionably and empowers the Attorney General or local District Attorneys to enforce these consumer protections.

“We, unfortunately, see price gouging during public emergencies and our current one is no exemption,” said Sen. Foote (D-Lafayette). “Price fluctuations are normal market reactions to changes in supply and demand, however, taking advantage of a crisis for profit is unacceptable. We need to hold bad actors accountable and defend Coloradans from being exploited in their time of need.”

Critical COVID-19 Relief Legislation Moves Forward

DENVER, CO – Three critical bills for Coloradans passed the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee today. These bills utilize funds from the federal CARES Act to provide direct relief to Coloradans for housing assistance, utilities, mental health, and substance abuse treatment:

“By working swiftly, we hope to prevent unprecedented displacement and economic hardship in our communities,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “These bills direct federal funds toward assistance in housing and utility services, translating into direct relief for Coloradans impacted by the coronavirus.”

HB20-1410 COVID-19 Relief Funds for Housing Cash Assistance (Sens. Gonzales, Zenzinger): To prevent further housing insecurity for both renters and homeowners in light of COVID-19 pandemic, direct relief is critical for the economic security of Colorado families. This bill provides $20 million in direct rental & mortgage assistance to Coloradans experiencing a financial need during these turbulent times, including $350,000 for legal aid for renters at risk of eviction.

“Colorado was already facing a housing and eviction crisis, and COVID has only magnified it,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “Allocating these funds to direct relief for tenants and eviction defense now is a critical step to mitigating unprecedented displacement.”

HB20-1412 Coronavirus Relief Funds for Utilities (Sens. Story, Zenzinger): While most utilities have implemented moratoriums on utility disconnections, these don’t address the hardship that families will face once they’re lifted. To provide direct financial assistance to families, the bill allocates $10 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which helps low-income Coloradans at risk of service shutoffs. 

“Many unemployed Coloradans will face hefty bills and fines once utility suspension shut-offs begin again,” said Sen. Tammy Story (D-Golden). “Without direct relief, vulnerable communities are facing significant stress and uncertainty due to COVID-19. Allocating these dollars to utility assistance helps build economic security so our state can begin to rebuild.”

HB20-1411 COVID-19 Relief Funds for Mental Health, Substance Abuse Treatment (Sens. Pettersen, Fields): The need for behavioral health services is compounded by COVID-19 and the challenges Colorado’s communities are facing because of it. HB-1411 allocates $15 million to critical mental health programs and substance abuse treatment within the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Department of Public Health and Environment.

“It’s critical for us to recognize that our state’s mental health and substance abuse treatment programs are contending with two concurrent public health crises: opioid addiction and COVID,” said Sen. Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “As these issues continue to compound, we must allocate funds to these services to address increased costs, and meet critical and growing community needs.

“Our state was already struggling with a growing mental health crisis, and COVID has just compounded these pressing needs,” said Asst. Majority Leader Sen. Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora). We have to protect and prioritize funding for Colorado’s mental health resources, and this legislation helps us achieve that.”

These bills now move to Senate Appropriations.

Senate Finance Committee Approves Rapid Respond Legislation to COVID-19

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Finance Committee passed multiple important pieces of legislation that directly respond to the COVID-19 crisis. These bills include proposals to establish a small business recovery loan fund, prevent price gouging, and protect workers from retaliation when they raise work safety concerns. 

”These bills prioritize protecting Coloradans on multiple fronts,” said Sen. Pettersen, D-Lakewood. “From ensuring that workers can raise health concerns without fear of retaliation, to shielding families from being taken advantage of in their time of need, these policies work to fortify people’s defenses where it matters most.”

HB20-1414 Price Gouge Amid Disaster Deceptive Trade Practice, sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Mike Foote, empowers the Attorney General or local District Attorneys to enforce consumer protections, specifically regarding people or businesses that excessively increase the cost of certain necessary goods or services during public emergencies.

“We, unfortunately, see price gouging during public emergencies and our current one is no exemption,” said Sen. Foote, D-Lafayette. “Price fluctuations are normal market reactions to changes in supply and demand, however, taking advantage of a crisis for profit is unacceptable. We need to hold bad actors accountable and defend Coloradans from being exploited in their time of need.”

HB20-1415 Whistleblower Protection Public Health Emergencies, sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Robert Rodriguez, protects workers who raise concerns regarding their health and safety in the workplace from retaliation and requires employers to allow their workers to wear personal protective equipment. Sadly, some employees are being punished or fired when they speak out, this bill protects them from such unjust action.

“It’s unacceptable to retaliate against workers for raising safety concerns, but sadly we’ve heard countless stories of that happening,” said Sen. Rodriguez, D-Denver. “This bill ensures that employers can’t fire or punish their staff for speaking out– a crucial protection in a time when the world is facing a deadly viral outbreak and some businesses are not doing enough to keep their workers safe.”

HB20-1413 Small Business Recovery Loan Program Premium Tax Credits, sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger and Kerry Donovan establishes a small business recovery loan fund of $250 million of state and private dollars for loans to small businesses over the next two fiscal years. This fund will help support Colorado’s small businesses community and stimulate the state’s economic recovery.   

“Colorado’s small businesses are integral to our state’s economy, but right now too many are struggling to meet their payroll obligations or to pay their bills,” said Sen. Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “This bill will support small businesses on the road to recovery by granting them additional access to the capital they need to keep their doors open.”

Senate Passes Vital Bills to Increase Coloradans’ Access to Telehealth and Sick Leave

DENVER, CO – In response to the ongoing public health crisis facing the world, Colorado Democrats brought people together and proposed legislation focused on providing immediate relief for hardworking families. Today, two such proposals passed the Senate, bringing the state one step closure to ensuring workers can earn paid sick days and receive health care virtually. 

SB20-205 Sick Leave For Employees, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, this bill will empower all Colorado workers to protect themselves and their coworkers by earning paid sick days. Currently, 40% of Colorado’s workforce are not afforded the opportunity to earn paid sick days–– creating a “work while sick” culture in Colorado that increases the deadly transmission of viruses such as COVID-19. This bill will allow those who are feeling ill to keep their coworkers, customers, and loved ones safe by staying home, without the fear of losing their income.

“No one should have to go to work when they’re ill,” said Majority Leader Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Not only is it unhealthy for the person who is sick, but it puts their coworkers and customers at risk. Earning sick days is a basic benefit that all employees should have access to, especially after we’ve witnessed the carnage one virus can inflict on the world. Paid sick leave will help communities curb infection rates and avoid similar devastation caused by COVID-19 happening again.”

“In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that we don’t have many of the necessary provisions in place to protect Coloradans,” said Sen. Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “When people are going to work sick it hurts all of us. That’s why we are sponsoring this legislation to ensure no Coloradan has to choose between their health and their income.”

SB20-212 Reimbursement For Telehealth Services, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Jack Tate, extends patients’ ability to receive care via telehealth that was granted during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Telehealth has kept Coloradans safe by allowing patients to continue their care plan with their providers. This access could have ended when the declared emergency ends unless the state legislature acts.  

“Increasing access to health care is one of the most important things we can do to make a difference in the lives of Coloradans,” said Sen. Winter, D-Westminster. “We are taking the steps necessary to protect all Coloradans by extending this service. This is the responsible thing to do to make sure that while COVID is still with us we have the resources for all Coloradans.  Right now communities across the state, particularly rural areas, struggle to see a doctor in a reasonable timeframe–– often forcing people to forego care or turn to emergency services. This bill protects people’s ability to speak to their doctor virtually and saves families from neglecting their health or going to the hospital unnecessarily.” 

Dems Lead the Charge on Police Accountability, Achieve Bipartisan Support

Denver, CO – Today, Senate Democrats passed historical police reform legislation in the wake of the gruesome killing of George Floyd at the hands of peace officers. This bill outlines a duty to intervene by other officers when excessive force is being used, removes qualified immunity from shielding bad officers, and outlaws the use of a chokehold. 

“George Floyd’s murder may have been the catalyst for this movement, but the truth is, black and brown bodies have been perpetually abused by officers for decades,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “Departments have refused to root out the violent corruption insidiously infecting their culture. It is long overdue that lawmakers step in and mandate accountability and transparency. Thanks to the brave commitment of those calling for justice, we’ve been able to bring this legislation across the line. I am honored to have had the opportunity to channel the power of the people and make real change happen.”

“Racist violence by police in America can no longer be swept under the rug. People are tired of watching black and brown communities be terrorized and unjustly painted as dangerous criminals,” said President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “It’s unacceptable that some police departments have been a breeding ground for cancerous belief systems and behavior–resulting in countless innocent lives lost. Peace officers are meant to serve the community, keep people safe, and be guardians of justice, but for too long bad actors have abused their power and gotten away with it. We need to do everything in our power to restore the people’s trust in those whose duty is to protect and serve. I am proud that we were able to bring people together on this issue, even those who have been fighting against reform for decades. But this is not the end of our work. We will continue demanding accountability and transparency until community trust is achieved.”   

SB20-217 focuses on bringing transparency and accountability to policing by codifying multiple sweeping reform measures, including requiring the use of bodycams, outlawing chokeholds as a method of apprehension, and ensuring that bad officers are terminated and banned from the force permanently. 

Another groundbreaking policy provision requires an officer to intervene if another officer is using excessive force. In so many cases of unacceptable police violence, other officers were present and did nothing to halt the incident--supporting a bystander’s culture that allows abuse to continue. 

The bill goes on to outline protections for protesters by limiting when and how police can use projectiles and chemical agents against a crowd. It also ends the use of qualified immunity, which has been shielding bad actors from civil responsibility for years. And finally, it requires that data be compiled and publicly reported regarding incidents surrounding use of force, stops and searches of civilians, and forced entries into homes.

In the U.S., African Americans are at least 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police than white people.  They are also 1.3 times less likely to be armed compared to Caucasians. Even more alarmingly, and despite well-documented cases of the use of excessive force, 99% of killings by police have not resulted in officers being charged with a crime.

Senate Passes Vital Bills to Address Coloradans’ Economic Pains

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed two critical bills to support those hit hardest by the economic turmoil resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. 

“These bills work to support Coloradans who have been hurt by the economic crash following COVID-19,” said Sen. Winter, D-Westminister. “From a lack of childcare resulting in school closures to employers not prioritizing the health of their workers, Coloradans need additional protections if they lose or leave their jobs. By strengthening Unemployment insurance and limiting the power of debt collectors, we are giving families the breathing room they need to make it through these difficult times.”

SB20-211 Limitations on Extraordinary Collection Actions, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Julie Gonzales expands the ability of the Attorney General to provide oversight of extraordinary debt collection actions, like wage garnishment. The Attorney General would also have the ability to freeze new actions, establish a minimum grace period for payments to resume, and require that monthly payment amounts consider a consumer’s ability to repay. 

“During a disaster emergency such as COVID-19 where so many people are experiencing financial hardship, we need to establish more robust restrictions in terms of debt collection,” said Sen. Gonzales, D-Denver. “Taking someone’s wages when they are barely putting food on the table is unacceptable and this bill will make sure that doesn’t happen. So many hardworking Coloradans are underwater right now–making it more important than ever that we put these protections in place.” 

SB20-207 Unemployment Insurance Expansion, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen and Faith Winter, aims to expand those who qualify for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and increase the benefits workers can receive. Some of these increased benefits include the amount a worker can earn while remaining eligible for UI, as well as an expanded definition of “good cause” for a worker to quit and still receive the benefit.

Senate Passes Bills to Support Health of Vulnerable Coloradans

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed two critical bills to support the health of vulnerable Coloradans, including those struggling with opioid addiction or Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

HB20-1061 HIV Prevention Medications, sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno works to improve access to lifesaving medications by allowing pharmacists to dispense both PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) without a prescription from a physician. 

“HIV is a devastating diagnosis for anyone, but it is particularly difficult for vulnerable populations and low-income communities,” said Sen. Moreno, D-Commerce City. “This bill will provide relief to those who struggle with getting the medication they need to both prevent infection and treat it.”

SB20-007 Treatment Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders, sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Faith Winter, aims to increase access to treatment by requiring insurance carriers to provide coverage for the treatment of substance use disorders, as well as eliminate deductibles, copays, or other cost-sharing requirements for certain medication.

“Corrupt pharmaceutical corporations have caused opioid addiction to balloon in this country,” said Sen. Winter, D-Westminster. “We need to recognize that the irresponsibility of the medical industry has destroyed countless lives by the careless over-prescription of highly addictive substances, and ensure that people who are suffering from these addictions receive the treatment they need.”  

Senate Passes FY20-21 Long Bill

Denver, CO – Today the Joint Budget Committee Vice-Chair Dominick Moreno and Senator Rachel Zenzinger released the following statements after the Senate passed Colorado's long bill budget for FY20-21 (HB20-1360) on a vote of 24-9.

"The impact of COVID-19 on Colorado’s fiscal health is almost incomprehensible," said Sen. Moreno, D-Commerce City. "But despite being faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge, we have been able to create a budget that continues to safeguard education and prioritize critical human services. I am incredibly grateful for the hard work of my fellow Joint Budget Committee Members, our nonpartisan staff, and the members of the Senate, who have put politics a budget that reflects what matters most to Coloradans."

"This process was full of difficult, sometimes heartbreaking decisions," said Sen. Zenzinger, D-Arvada. "I get no joy or satisfaction in cutting the budget so drastically. We all sacrificed things we care about, Democrats and Republicans alike. In the end, we protected what matters most to our communities– focusing on the health, safety, and economic well-being of all Coloradans. In this bittersweet moment, I am proud of our state for coming together and being so resilient and determined in these difficult times." 

After the economic devastation caused by COVID-19, Colorado was left with a $3.3 billion hole in our budget– a shortfall larger than all of the previous recessions combined. Without assistance from the federal government, this forced Colorado lawmakers to cut more than 20 percent of the budget for FY20-21.

The Senate also passed HB20-1366, a bill that reforms the higher education funding formula– changing the focus from volume to long-term sustainability and performance. After a robust stakeholding process that included institutions and rural communities from across the state, this legislation passed unanimously.

Senate Passes Bills to Protect Vulnerable Coloradans & Public Health

Denver, CO – Today, the Senate passed several initiatives to support vulnerable Coloradans, including mobile-home park residents and domestic abuse victims. The body also fought to protect respiratory health by prioritizing the long-term improvement of air quality. 

SB20-170 Update Colorado Employment Security Act, sponsored by Senator Danielson would make it easier for domestic violence victims to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Currently, the law requires those who are forced to leave their jobs due to domestic violence, to jump through burdensome administrative hoops to receive benefits. SB20-170 removes these hurdles and supports those suffering from abuse.  

“With people being forced to stay home due to the public health emergency, there has been a stark uptick in reports of domestic violence and abuse,” said Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge.” We need to help people stuck in violent situations by removing unnecessary barriers for them to keep themselves safe.” 

SB20-204 Additional Resources To Protect Air Quality, sponsored by Majority Leader Fenberg protects public health from dangerous air emissions by ensuring that environmental regulations are enforced, including measures to eliminate the statutory fee cap and direct the commission to increase fees by a minimum of 25%.

“The “Clean Up Colorado’s Air Act” will ensure Colorado has the resources and scientific expertise to improve Colorado’s air quality. This bill will ensure my generation, my daughter’s generation, and all future generations in Colorado have clean air to breathe,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Colorado has for far too long failed to meet basic federal clean air standards. With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to impact the respiratory health of Colorado families, there has never been more urgency to clean up Colorado’s air.”

SB20-1001 Nicotine Product Regulations, sponsored by Senator Bridges and Senator Priola raises the minimum age of nicotine products and tobacco sales from 18 to 21, requires relevant retailers to obtain a license, and increases enforcement to prevent underage sales.

“Colorado has the highest rate of teen vaping in the nation, and in a time when our community is being devastated by a respiratory virus, it is more critical than ever that we protect the health of our young people,” said Sen. Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “This bill makes Colorado a leader in keeping tobacco out of the hands of teenagers.”

HB20-1196 Mobile Home Park Act Updates, sponsored by Senator Fenberg and Senator Lee, protects mobile park residents by defining the meaning of retaliation and outlining a process to defend residents when they speak out. Low-income communities have been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have lost their jobs and are facing unreasonable, aggressive landlords that use retaliatory tactics when they are unable to pay rent. This bill works to protect these Coloradans by ensuring that mobile park owners are not allowed to retaliate against residents with unwarranted evictions.

Senate Passes Bills to Increase Access to Health Care, Strengthen Rural Economies, and Support Teachers

Denver, CO – Today, the Senate passed several initiatives to increase access to health care, strengthen rural economies, and support teachers. 

HB20-1236 Health Care Coverage Easy Enrollment Program, sponsored by Senator Bridges and Senator Tate, works to establish a program that would make it easier for health care consumers to find affordable coverage. According to the Colorado Health Institute, more than half of Coloradans who don’t have health insurance in fact qualify for public health insurance programs or subsidies such as premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. This bill would allow Connect for Health Colorado to reach out to these individuals, if they checked the box on their tax return, and help them obtain free or subsidized coverage.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that every Coloradan receives adequate health care coverage,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans are currently uninsured, many of them after losing their employer-based health care due to COVID-19. We need to help connect people to the resources they are eligible for so that families can get the care they need and have a right to.”

HB20-1003 Rural Jump-Start Program, sponsored by Senator Donovan and Senator Ray Scott, would enable more businesses to take advantage of the incentives and benefits offered in the Rural Jump Start Program by widening eligibility. It also extends the program for five years and allows organizations to form programs to authorize new businesses to participate.

“Small businesses are the backbone of rural Colorado, and after the devastation caused by COVID-19, we need support new businesses more than ever,” said Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “The Rural Jump Start Program helps crucial community businesses open and create jobs in their  hometowns– revitalizing depressed economies and putting hardworking Coloradans back on the job.” 

SB20-158 Professional Training For Educators sponsored by Senator Todd, works to expand the educator loan forgiveness program by making it available to individuals who graduate from any preparation program that leads to educator licensure and removing the limitation of no more than 100 new participants per year.

“Teachers have worked tirelessly under an enormous amount of pressure during this public health crisis–– highlighting even further the indispensable role they play in our communities, “ said Senator Todd, D-Aurora. “We need to do everything we can to support the teaching profession and ensure that our incredible educators are not overly burdened, financially or otherwise. This bill helps those who choose to make it their life’s work to shepherd and guide the next generation.”

Sponsors Introduce Bill to Hold Law Enforcement Accountable

Denver, CO – Today, Senate President Leroy Garcia, Senator Rhonda Fields, Representative Leslie Herod, and Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez unveiled legislation to improve public confidence in the integrity of law enforcement. The bill formalizes repercussive actions regarding police brutality and requires increased transparency by requiring the use of body-worn cameras. 

“Communities of color have been brutalized by police discrimination and violence for far too long and the recent demonstrations reflect that,” said President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “Police officers are in a position of public trust and should be held to the highest standard of conduct and accountability. But countless officers have escaped justice–eroding people’s confidence in those responsible for protecting the community. We need to root out those causing this erosion and reform our police transparency and repercussion standards.”

“Coloradans who have taken to our streets to protest injustice and declare that Black Lives Matter were sparked by an incident in Minnesota, but we’ve seen similar tragedies happen in our own state,” said Black Caucus Chair Leslie Herod (D-Denver). “We need to make changes here at the State Capitol and at statehouses across the country. We will take action to protect black lives, hold law enforcement accountable, and ensure that police officers truly serve and protect all of us.”

Additional transparency measures outlined in SB20-217 include mandating that all law enforcement agencies must track and publicly report data, including demographic information on uses of force, stops of civilians, searches of civilians, and forced entries into homes. This information will then be used by the Department of Public Safety to complete an annual report. 

The bill also works to rein in the use of deadly force by officers – bringing Colorado law in line with Supreme Court precedent which specifies that deadly force may only be used when there is an imminent risk to human life. If any peace officer is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or fails to intervene in the inappropriate use of physical force, they will be immediately terminated, de-certified, and barred from any future posting.

Furthermore, SB20-217 works to prevent the rehiring of officers who are found untruthful, terminated for cause, or are decertified, by listing them in a database that would prevent them from moving from one law enforcement agency to another, where they could continue to do harm. 

Finally, this legislation would remove the ability of officers to avoid public accountability by removing their eligibility for qualified immunity which has shielded officers from consequences and denied families justice

In the U.S., African Americans are at least 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police than white people.  They are also 1.3 times less likely to be armed compared to Caucasians. Even more alarmingly, and despite well-documented cases of the use of excessive force, 99% of killings by police have not resulted in officers being charged with a crime.  

According to recent studies, there are solutions that are proven to significantly reduce the number of police killings, but few departments have adopted them.

Senate Bill to Protect Access to Telehealth Advances

Denver, CO – Today, the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs approved SB20-212 Reimbursement For Telehealth Services, a bipartisan bill that seeks to protect Colorado patients’ access to telehealthcare.

Senate Bill 212 — sponsored by Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Sen. Jack Tate, R-Centennial — protects patients’ ability to receive care via telehealth that was granted during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Telehealth has kept consumers and providers safe while allowing patients to continue their care plan with their providers. This access could be removed when the declared emergency ends unless the state legislature acts.  

“Access to healthcare is one of the most fundamental rights that citizens should be afforded,” said Senator Faith Winter. “As our community recovers from this global health crisis, it is important that we continue to build upon the innovations utilized during these times to keep people safe. By further codifying telehealth services, we will be expanding the ease and access of vulnerable communities to the health care they desperately need. We need to use technology to our advantage as we work to make the world a more just and equitable place.”

Among other things, SB20- 212 requires that health insurance carriers, including Medicaid, cover telehealth visits for behavioral, mental, and physical health care, as long as they are delivered on a HIPAA-compliant platform. It also waives the requirement that patients have a pre-existing relationship with a provider in order to receive telehealth, and it bars insurers from imposing additional certification or licensure requirements on telehealth providers.

On March 20, Colorado’s Medicaid program expanded access to telemedicine in order to better serve its 1.2 million members. The new rule allowed community health centers, rural health clinics, and the Indian Health Services to bill for telemedicine visits. Additionally, home health and physical and occupational therapies via telehealth were included as covered services. The new rule is expected to expire on July 18. 

Specifically, SB-212:

• Allows telehealth for assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, education, care management, self-management, remote monitoring, and recommendations for a consumer. 

• Continues parity for in-person and telehealth billing.

• Includes behavioral, mental and physical health. 

• Requires the Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing (HCPF) to reimburse federally qualified health centers, rural health centers and the Indian Health Service for telemedicine services.

• Prohibits health insurance carriers from imposing specific limits on the technologies used for telehealth, as long as they are HIPAA-compliant. 

• Allows consumers to establish care with a provider via telehealth

The bill will now be heard by the Committee of the Whole.