Big Week Ahead for Senate Democrats’ Legislative Priorities

Bills on prescription drug price reduction, veterans mental health services, electric grid reliability, and substance abuse prevention make their way through the legislative process

DENVER, CO - This week, priority legislation sponsored Senate Democrats will be heard in various committees as they make their way through the legislative process. Highlights include:

SB21-123: Expand Canadian Rx Import Program, sponsored by Senators Ginal & Coram.

• It is no secret that prescription drugs in this country are overpriced and financially untenable for too many. In fact, Coloradans pay 60% to 85% more than people living in other countries for the same prescription drugs. In 2019, the General Assembly made Colorado a leader as one of the first states to adopt a Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program. This bill seeks to build on that progress by extending the program to nations other than just Canada, so that we can continue to work to ensure that every Coloradan has access to affordable life-saving prescription drugs.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee at 1:30PM today, Monday March 8th in Senate Committee Room 357.

SB21-072: Public Utilities Commission Modernize Electric Transmission Infrastructure, sponsored by Senators Hansen & Coram.

• To achieve our state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals and stimulate economic recovery, we must invest in our electric transmission system to reduce costs for ratepayers and enhance grid efficiency. This bill works to transition Colorado toward a regionally connected transmission system, while simultaneously interconnecting the grid, enhancing grid reliability, decreasing costs for utilities and ratepayers, and increasing capacity for renewable energy – ultimately helping us reach our statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

This bill will be heard by the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee at 2:00PM on Tuesday March 9th in Senate Committee Room 357.

SB21-129: Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program, sponsored by Senate President Garcia.

• Every single day, approximately 17 veterans take their own life. Serving in the military is one of the most selfless acts of service someone can undertake, and we should provide our veterans with all the mental health and well-being services that we can. This bill establishes a Veterans Suicide Prevention Pilot Program for post 9-11 veterans to receive confidential treatment for conditions that lead to suicide like PTSD, depression, substance abuse, sexual trauma, or traumatic brain injuries.

This bill will be heard by the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee at 2:00PM on Tuesday March 9th in the Old Supreme Court Chambers.

SB21-011: Pharmacist Prescribe Dispense Opiate Antagonist, sponsored by Senator Fields.

• The opioid epidemic plaguing our nation is running rampant in Colorado. On average, Colorado doctors write 53 opioid prescriptions for every 100 citizens. This practice of over-prescribing perpetuates a toxic system of addiction and dependency that too often results in death, and has caused thousands of lives to be ruined across the state. This bill requires pharmacists who prescribe opioids to notify patients of the dangers of opioids, and if appropriate, prescribe an opioid antagonist in the event that the patient overdoses on their medications – a much-needed life-saving measure. 

This bill will be heard by the Senate Health & Human Services Committee at 1:30PM on Wednesday March 10th in Senate Committee Room 357.

Information and updates on these bills can be found at leg.colorado.gov/bills. To listen to committee hearings, visit leg.colorado.gov/watch-listen.

Bill to Address Student Debt Crisis, Protect Students Clears Committee!

Senate Education Committee approves bill to provide Colorado students with protections against predatory student loan lenders

Denver, CO – Today, Senator Faith Winter and Senator Julie Gonzales testified before the Senate Education Committee in support of their bill, SB21-057, the Student Loan Equity Act. The bill aims to address the growing student debt crisis and would provide Colorado student loan borrowers with some of the most comprehensive protections in the country. 

“Private student loan lenders have been using predatory practices to take advantage of borrowers for years. And as people struggle to find work during the economic downturn, this issue has only been exacerbated,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “If we are going to successfully recover our economy following this devastating pandemic, we need to provide protections for the hundreds of thousands of Coloradans who are crippled by student debt and allow them the space to forge a path towards financial freedom. ”

“The growing student debt crisis is hurting people of color the most,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Paying back student loans should be fair and transparent, yet student borrowers and their families are continually exploited by predatory lending practices, exacerbating racial disparities and inequity. This bill will protect vulnerable and marginalized borrowers in Colorado – giving people a chance to fight for their economic future.” 

Statewide, Colorado borrowers currently owe $9.1 billion in private student loan debt and that number is only growing as the industry expands. High rates of debt accumulation, especially as the cost of college has risen, widens an already large intergenerational debt and wealth gap for historically disadvantaged communities.

In an effort to address the student debt crisis, this legislation would secure necessary consumer protections for private student loan borrowers, including: providing protections for cosigners, requiring companies to tell borrowers about all the available repayment options, expanding disability discharge requirements, giving borrowers legal recourse when facing abuse, putting an end to predatory practices, and holding bad actors accountable.

Over 90% of undergraduate private student loans are cosigned, usually by a parent or grandparent. This bill would support co-signers by requiring more robust disclosures, allowing cosigner release if certain conditions are met – including 12 months of consecutive on-time payments – and ensuring that cosigners have access to all documentation and records.

In addition, the bill would end “robo-signing”, a practice used in collection lawsuits, and place the burden on creditors to verify the validity of debts to ensure that creditors are not obtaining judgments against borrowers for time-barred or unsubstantiated debt.

The legislation would also close the loopholes that allow predatory lenders to operate without supervision and transparency, promote unfair loans, and prey upon vulnerable borrowers.

Private student loan borrowers have limited and inconsistent options or recourse when managing repayment and navigating exploitive servicers. This legislation provides legal recourse for borrowers who are harmed by predatory acts and practices. Under this law, when borrowers’ rights are violated, they will be empowered to bring an action against the lender or servicer for restitution and damages. Borrowers will additionally be able to pursue class actions.

SB21-057 now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration. To track the progress of the bill, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.

Senate Democrats Champion Legislation to Enhance Public Safety & Reduce Gun Violence

Lost or stolen firearms legislation now heads to the full Senate for consideration

DENVER, CO - Last night, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB21-078, a bill to promote responsible gun ownership and increase regulations around lost or stolen firearms.

Specifically, the bill requires gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement, who is then tasked with notifying the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the National Crime Information Database. 

“Responsible gun ownership starts with knowing where your guns are,” said bill sponsor, Sen. Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County). “This bill will require that lost or stolen firearms are reported quickly and efficiently to law enforcement, so they can track down and prevent illegally obtained guns from being trafficked and causing subsequent harm.”

“Gun violence is tragically on the rise,” said bill sponsor, Senator Jessie Danielson (D-Wheatridge). “Across the country, nearly 380,000 guns are stolen each year – being trafficked illegally and used violently. This common-sense, gun violence prevention legislation is a first step solution to a widespread problem, and will help address an urgent public safety concern that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic.”

Between 2015-2019, the FBI estimates that more than 30,000 guns –worth $13.5+ million– were stolen in Colorado. Lost and stolen guns are responsible for increasing numbers of crimes, both within and outside of Colorado, and the lack of a reporting regulation opens up a loophole for those who have been prohibited from owning a gun to obtain one. SB21-078 seeks to rectify this situation by enacting a reporting requirement for lost or stolen guns.

The legislation is supported by both Colorado Ceasefire and Everytown for Gun Safety Action. The bill now moves to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

Zenzinger Defends Coloradans With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The Senate Business, Labor, & Technology Committee passed a bill to eliminate the sub-minimum wage with bipartisan support

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Business, Labor, & Technology Committee gave unanimous approval to SB21-039, a bipartisan Zenzinger bill that would eliminate the sub-minimum wage in Colorado. The sub-minimum wage is an unlivable wage that is legally allowed to be paid to employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

“Individuals with disabilities are valuable members of our communities and our economy. Paying them a lower wage than their counterparts for doing the same work is an unfair and discriminatory practice that must end,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “This bill will carefully address this inequity while ensuring the individuals in these programs are successful in transitioning to competitive employment by meaningfully enhancing employment supports overall."

Currently, some employers hold certificates that authorize them to pay people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a sub-minimum wage – currently set at 15% lower than the minimum wage. Starting this summer, the bill would prohibit an employer from hiring employees at the sub-minimum wage and would require those with sub-minimum wage employees to submit a plan to the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE) detailing how they plan to phase out the sub-minimum wage by 2025. 

Additionally, the bill would task CDLE with developing a list of recommendations to address the structural and fiscal barriers to phasing out sub-minimum wage employment to ensure businesses can comply and have the support they need during these already-difficult times.

Several states and municipalities across the country have passed legislation to eliminate the sub-minimum wage for employees with disabilities, including Vermont, Maine, and Alaska – if SB21-039 passes, Colorado would become the 8th state to do so.

The legislation now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. Information and updates regarding the bill can be found at leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-039.

Senate Moms Fight For Vital Funding to Help Struggling Parents Amid Pandemic

Senate Health & Human Services Committee approves bill that allocates $4 million to provide low-income Colorado families with diaper essentials

Denver, CO – Today, Senator Brittany Pettersen and Senator Jessie Danielson testified before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee in support of their legislation, SB21-027, Emergency Supplies For Colorado Babies And Families. The bill would ensure that diaper essentials are made available to all low-income Colorado families in need amid the COVID-19 public health crisis.

“As a new mother, it pains me to know that parents who are unable to afford diapers for their babies have resorted to reusing old diapers, plastic bags and toilet paper,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood. “The situation families are currently in is truly heart-breaking and, frankly, unconscionable – no parent should have to choose between paying for food or paying for diapers. At a time when women in the workforce have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, we need to ease the burden on families so they can fully care for their little ones, and that’s what this bill accomplishes.” 

“We are the wealthiest nation in the world and yet some of our parents can’t afford diapers – that’s just unacceptable,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “It costs at least $80 per month to provide diapers for a child, which is simply unfeasible for families who have lost their jobs and struggle to afford rent, pay their bills, or buy food. Our families have suffered enough over the last year – providing access to diapers is the least we can do to help lessen the stress parents are already facing.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused thousands of Coloradans with children to lose their jobs, leaving families unable to afford basic needs, like diapers for their babies. As a result, many families are resorting to harmful alternatives that lead to painful rashes and health complications.

This bill requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to select one or more non-profit organizations to administer diaper distribution centers to provide $4 million in funding for diapering essentials to low-income families. This additional funding will help ensure that diaper essentials are widely available to Colorado residents in need. 

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 1 in 3 U.S. families reported needing more diapers. With unemployment on the rise due to COVID-19, those numbers have undoubtedly increased. Currently, there are 202,608 children under the age of three in Colorado, 33% of which are experiencing the negative effects of unmet diaper needs. Moreover, parents report missing up to 4 days of work per month due to not being able to supply the required amount of diapers to daycare centers.

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, it costs at least $80 per month to provide diapers for a child, a high figure when 35% of Coloradans are currently struggling to pay for basic necessities. This issue is compounded by the fact that diapers cannot be purchased through other public assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Woman, Infants, and Children program (WIC). By using existing infrastructure with diaper organizations on the ground, Colorado will be able to get diapering essentials to all low-income residents at a minimal cost.

The Yale School of Medicine found a strong association between diaper need and maternal depression, which harms both mothers and children. The mothers in the study explained that diaper need was more stressful than food insecurity. 

The legislation has support from over 70 advocacy organizations throughout Colorado and would provide a tangible way of reducing parenting stress, a critical factor that influences child health and development. 

SB21-027 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. To track the progress of the legislation, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.

Senate Unanimously Passes Bill to Protect Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Danielson bill eliminates the civil statute of limitations often used to defeat claims of sexual assault 

Denver, CO – Today, bipartisan legislation that seeks to protect survivors of child sexual abuse passed the Senate with unanimous support. The bill, sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson and Don Coram, allows survivors of sexual abuse to sue individuals or institutions for damages, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. 

“I am incredibly proud and relieved to see this legislation move forward today. For too long victims of sexual abuse have watched their perpetrators live on without recourse. It is high time that these survivors – whose innocence or dignity was stolen from them – see their abusers held accountable. Consequences for predators can have no time clock,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge.

In an effort to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable, this legislation would further define sexual misconduct and eliminate the civil statute of limitations, which is often used to defeat childhood and adult claims of sexual assault. 

Currently, the statute of limitations to bring a civil claim based on sexual abuse against a child is 6 years in most cases. As such, the bill would eliminate the restriction on damages for those currently within the statute period as well as for those victimized going forward.

The bill has strong support from the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA), which provides leadership, advocacy and support to address and prevent sexual violence in Colorado.

"Statutes of limitations are the tool most often used to deny and defeat claims of sexual abuse, but we know that healing from trauma has no timeline; that is why the civil statute of limitations needs to be eliminated,” said Raana Simmons, CCASA’s Director of Public Affairs. “Survivors in Colorado deserve the ability to access the civil legal system on their own schedule.”

In addition to this piece of legislation, Danielson has introduced the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act, SB21-088, which would create a new path for survivors of child sexual abuse to pursue civil claims against their abusers and the youth programs or organizations that were responsible for covering up that abuse. 

SB21-073 now moves to the House for consideration. To track the progress of the bill, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.

Senate Passes Critical Funding Bills Prioritizing Schools, Business Owners, Environment

Senate Democrats support community pillars and protect Colorado’s natural beauty

DENVER, CO - Today, Senate Democrats passed both the mid-year funding package, as well as a slate of additional priority funding legislation. The collection of bills addresses a number of urgent needs throughout the state, including entrepreneurial diversity, state parks, wildfire mitigation, K-12 education funding, and local infrastructure. The bill sponsors released the following statements regarding the passage of their legislation:

SB21-111: Program To Support Marijuana Entrepreneurs, sponsored by Senators Moreno & Gonzales

“Since the passage of Amendment 64 in 2012, Colorado’s marijuana industry has become an invaluable asset to our state’s economy, workforce, and tourism,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “However, Coloradans with past marijuana convictions were disqualified from participating in the industry. By creating a program in the Office of Economic Development and International Trade to directly address these social injustices, this bill will advance equity and address structural racism by rectifying many of the lingering detriments of the unjust war on drugs.”

SB21-112: General Fund Transfer To Capital Construction Fund State Parks, sponsored by Senators Garcia & Simpson

“With the pandemic restrictions and increased isolation over the past year many Coloradans have sought to escape by spending time in our many great state parks,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “Consequently, with this increased rate of visitation, our parks are understaffed and underfunded. This bill will provide much-needed additional funding to support our state parks –ensuring that they have the resources necessary  to handle the increased volume of  people  enjoying  our great outdoors.”

SB21-113: Firefighting Aircraft Wildfire Mgmt And Response, sponsored by Senators Fenberg & Rankin

“Last year was the most costly and devastating wildfire year in Colorado state history,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “Our firefighters are overworked and under-resourced, and next year’s wildfire season could be even worse. By allocating additional funds to the Colorado firefighting air corps, this bill will support future wildfire mitigation and response efforts, as well as help, prevent more wildfire destruction.”

SB21-053: Adjustments To School Funding Fiscal Year 2020-21, Sponsored By Senators Moreno & Zenzinger 

SB21-110: Fund Safe Revitalization Of Main Streets, sponsored by Senators Zenzinger & Priola

“It’s no secret that our schools and small businesses have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m pleased to sponsor two bills that will help the recovery process,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “The school funding bill adjusts for decreases in student count and tax revenues caused by the pandemic that the schools could not afford to absorb. And SB-110 helps small businesses by committing $30 million from the general fund for the revitalization of main streets in Colorado. I look forward to the positive impact these bills will have on our students and our economy when they ultimately receive the Governor’s signature.”

Having passed the Senate on Third Reading, this package of bills now move to the House for consideration. To track the progress of these bills, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.

LGBTQ Caucus Condemns Boebert's Transphobic Floor Remarks

DENVER, CO-- The Colorado Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, Representative Brianna Titone, and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar today released the following statements in response to Congresswoman Lauren Boebert’s insidious and unacceptable transphobic speech on the House Floor yesterday.

Speaking against the Equality Act, Boebert once again spewed hateful rhetoric against the transgender community, especially trans kids.

Statement from Colorado Legislative LGBTQ Caucus:
“We, the Colorado Democrats LGBTQ Caucus, strongly condemn the hateful and dangerous words of Congresswoman Boebert. Her words hurt people, propagate dangerous tropes, and cause mental distress to those she berates. When leaders like Congresswoman Boebert use their position of power to fuel tropes about trans people, a group facing discrimination, violence, and poverty all over the globe, they exemplify why we need The Equality Act now.

“In her speech, Congresswoman Boebert incorrectly stated that this bill is willing to lay down the rights of millions of Americans, especially women. The truth is that the Equality Act protects and restores the rights of millions of Americans, especially womxn and children. We, the Colorado Democrats LGBTQ Caucus, stand with the Equality Act, because Trans Lives Matter, BIPOC Trans Lives Matter, and trans children deserve to live safe, healthy lives free of fear and hatred.”

Statement from Representative Brianna Titone, D-Avada, the Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus and the Second Transgender Woman Ever Elected to a Statehouse:

“Colorado has come such a long way from when we were deemed the ‘Hate State’ in 1992. Congresswoman Boebert’s words seek to bring us back. Coloradans deserve to be shown respect and dignity from Congressional leaders, but she has instead attacked children and endangered the lives of trans kids in Colorado and in every community in our country. Congress must pass the Equality Act, and everyone who claims to stand with the LGBTQ community should condemn the congresswoman’s dangerous remarks.”

Statement from House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, founding chair of the Colorado Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.

“Trans kids have enough to worry about without having a Congresswoman bullying them on national television. The role of an elected official should be to proudly and honorably represent the people of their district, and that’s why I’ve worked my entire career to protect all of our children. Instead, yesterday, Lauren Boebert used her perch to attack, undermine, and dehumanize countless of LGBTQ Coloradans in her district. She took acute aim at trans children, who already face tragically high rates of suicidal ideation and attempts. Lauren Boebert should be ashamed of herself, and as one of her constituents, I know her district certainly is.”

Senate Committee Approves Danielson Bill to Protect Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

Bill would eliminate the civil statute of limitations often used to defeat claims of sexual assault

Denver, CO – Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson that seeks to protect survivors of child sexual abuse. Under the bill, SB21-073, survivors would be able to sue individuals or institutions, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. 

“So many of our kids have faced unimaginable abuse at the hands of people who we’ve entrusted to care for and protect them, leading to profound trauma and lifelong medical and mental health issues,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “We need to hold these perpetrators accountable so that the individuals and families affected by this abuse can finally begin to heal and get the closure they desperately need. This bill would allow survivors of child sexual abuse to get the justice they deserve and prevent this kind of behavior from happening in the future.” 

In an effort to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable, this legislation would further define sexual misconduct and eliminate the civil statute of limitations, which is often used to defeat childhood and adult claims of sexual assault. 

Currently, the statute of limitations to bring a civil claim based on sexual abuse against a child is 6 years in most cases. As such, the bill would eliminate the restriction on damages for certain crimes.

The bill has strong support from the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA), which provides leadership, advocacy and support to address and prevent sexual violence in Colorado.

"Statutes of limitations are the tool most often used to deny and defeat claims of sexual abuse, but we know that healing from trauma has no timeline; that is why the civil statute of limitations needs to be eliminated,” said Raana Simmons, CCASA’s Director of Public Affairs. “The civil legal system is the single system designed to provide survivors with the financial resources they need to cover the costs of things like counseling, medical care, and other issues caused by sexual assault.  Survivors in Colorado deserve the ability to access the civil legal system on their own schedule. We're hopeful that Colorado's State Senators will recognize the need to eliminate the civil statute of limitation sexual assault and vote 'yes' on Senate Bill 73."

In addition to this piece of legislation, Danielson has introduced the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act, SB21-088, which would create a new path for survivors of child sexual abuse to pursue civil claims against their abusers and the youth programs or organizations that were responsible for covering up that abuse. 

SB21-073 now moves to the Committee of the Whole on the consent calendar. To track the progress of the bill, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.

Lawmakers Take a Stand to Protect Colorado Election Integrity, Maintain Voter Access

Bipartisan Rejection of GOP Bill to Restrict Voting Rights

DENVER, CO - This afternoon, in a bipartisan move, the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee acted to postpone indefinitely a bill that would threaten Colorado’s vote-by-mail system. The legislation, SB21-007, would pose a significant threat to Colorado’s election integrity by requiring voters to cast their ballots in person, and only allowing vote-by-mail if specifically requested by a voter.

Colorado’s automatic vote-by-mail system is hailed by advocates nationwide as the gold standard of transparent and accessible elections. This bill would result in a serious reversal of the election process that has worked so well for so long, weakening democracy and silencing the voices of Colorado voters.

“This bill is disguised as a provision to enhance election integrity, but in reality it would result in the erosion of our safe, secure, and accessible electoral process,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver), Chair of the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. “This session, Democrats are introducing legislation that will ensure multilingual ballot access, implement ranked-choice voting in cities and counties if they desire, and ban county-level gerrymandering. We should spend our time enhancing the great system that we have in place, rather than trying to find solutions to problems that only exist in the minds of people who have been addled by conspiracy theories.”

According to the Colorado Secretary of State, 94% of Coloradans returned a mail ballot in last November’s record-setting General Election. To burden voters with the task of requesting a mail-in ballot would significantly reduce participation and jeopardize Colorado’s record-high turnout.

Non-partisan advocacy groups and local election officials alike welcomed the decision to reject the bill.

"At New Era, we believe in democracy that represents the people—and that is why we strongly oppose SB21-007,” said a spokesperson for New Era Colorado. “As an organization that engages heavily in elections, we have worked over the years to bring more access to historically disenfranchised communities in Colorado. Last election, young people in Colorado shattered records—turning out to vote at 70% and making up 27% of the vote share. This bill would restrict access and create barriers to voting and disenfranchise Coloradans who should have their voices heard. As a state, we need to work to strengthen our democracy—not hinder it and take steps back."

“Mi Familia Vota has worked tirelessly for years to ensure our communities, no matter their zip codes, race, or class are able to participate in our Democracy with safe and secure mail-in-ballots,” said Salvador Hernandez, Colorado State Director of Mi Familia Vota.  “Senate Bill 21-007 rolls back these efforts and protections, which would disenfranchise voters, especially latinx and voters of color which is why we strongly oppose this bill.”

“With our current system, every eligible voter receives a ballot to their home, ensuring that Colorado leads the nation in voter turnout with safe, effective, and accessible elections. Our democracy is strongest when we all participate that’s why I oppose SB 07 which creates an unnecessary burden on voters to request a mail-in ballot and will lower voter turnout as a whole,” said Paul Lopez, Clerk and Recorder City and County of Denver.

A Bipartisan Morning In The Appropriations Committee

Senate Democrats pass mid-year funding adjustment legislation, protect school funding, and address wildfire mitigation

DENVER, CO - This morning, the supplemental funding package was passed through the Senate Appropriations Committee with overwhelming bipartisan support. The package of bills, sponsored by Joint Budget Committee members, provide mid-year funding adjustments to various executive branch departments, which will allow continuous funding streams for priority programs and initiatives. Notable bills include:

• SB21-042: Office of the Governor Supplemental, this bill will provide additional needed funds to support the Colorado Economic Development Fund, which will support statewide and local economic growth programs, and the Advanced Industries Acceleration Cash Fund, which will work to support job creation in various industries.

• SB21-043: Health Care Policy and Financing Supplemental, this bill includes adjustments to account to support and continuation of the emergency public health crisis as well as additional funds for public school health services to make sure our students and teachers can return to the classroom safely.

• SB21-044: Department of Human Services Supplemental, this bill reflects an injection of federal funds to the Child Care Development Fund--a fund that supports increasing equal access to high-quality child care. The bill also includes a one-time decrease in funding to the Division of Youth Services to account for a reduced caseload, with a small increase in funding for visitation improvements and enhancements.

• SB21-049: Department of Public Safety Supplemental, this bill directs $14 million to ensure that our firefighters have the equipment and resources they need to keep our communities and themselves safe. This past year proved to be the most destructive and costly year for wildfires in Colorado state history, and next year could be even worse--our firefighters deserve the tools they need to get the job done.

In addition to the bills in the supplemental package, a further subset of spending priority legislation was passed through the committee, including the following bills that were bipartisanly approved:

• SB21-053: Adjustments To School Funding Fiscal Year 2020-21, this bill fulfills the Senate Democrats’ commitment to maintaining K-12 funding for the current fiscal year, and ensures that school districts will have the resources they need when students and teachers return to the classroom.

• SB21-054: Transfers For Wildfire Mitigation And Response, this bill transfers $13M to the Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant Program. This program provides assistance grants to local governments facing the threat of wildfires, as well as provides local governments with strategic planning assistance for wildland fire hazard mitigation.

• SB21-110: Fund Safe Revitalization Of Main Streets, this bill allocates $30 million to construction-ready transportation infrastructure projects in municipalities across the state, so that we can get Colorado back to work while simultaneously improving local transit infrastructure statewide.

• SB21-112: General Fund Transfer To Capital Construction Fund State Parks, this bill will transfer $20 million to our state parks for infrastructure costs to help them withstand the increased visitation over the last year.

The supplemental package and additional spending bills now make their way to the floor of the Senate where they will be heard for debate in the coming week.

Bill to Provide Equitable Benefits for LGBT+ Veterans Passes Senate

Legislation would ensure LGBT+ veterans are able to access benefits despite being discharged due to their personal identity

Denver, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously passed the Restoration of Honor Act, sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno. The bill, SB21-026, would ensure that LGBT+ veterans who receive a dishonorable discharge from the military can access the same veteran benefits as their peers, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

“Anyone who serves this country should be able to return home and be provided with all of the resources our state can muster to improve and enhance their lives after service,” said Senator Dominick Moreno, D-Denver.  "However, LGBT+ veterans who were discharged from the military for being who they are, cannot access the same benefits as their peers. This is unacceptable. We must ensure that all veterans – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity – can access the benefits they deserve, and that’s what this bill seeks to accomplish.”

During the era of "Don't ask, Don't tell", servicemen and women were discharged other than honorably due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Because of this kind of discharge status, there are currently LGBTQ+ Coloradans that do not qualify for certain state programs and benefits. 

As such, Senator Moreno’s bill would establish a "discharged LGBT veteran" status for the purpose of Colorado law and amend various existing state programs to make a discharged LGBT veteran eligible for such benefits.

Having passed the Senate on Third Reading, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. To track the progress of the bill, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.

JOINT RELEASE: Lee, Benavidez, Tipper Appointed to Investigate Allegations at Judiciary

DENVER, CO – Senator Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, Representative Adrienne Benavidez, D-Unincorporated Adams County, and Representative Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, have been appointed to an independent panel that will investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct at the Colorado Judiciary and make recommendations to improve the culture at the state’s court system.

“Public trust in our Judicial Department is absolutely crucial to the health and stability of our democracy," said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs. "The accusations brought against the state judicial branch are serious and have the power to undermine the faith Coloradans have in their judges. Restoring public confidence requires accountability and transparency. I look forward to working with the Executive Branch and Attorney General’s office to oversee an independent, impartial investigation into the claims of misconduct. I anticipate that recommendations for structural, procedural, and systemic changes will be considered to ensure that all employees have a healthy workplace, safe from harassment and discrimination."

There must be a thorough investigation of the allegations at the judiciary and look closely at the culture that could have allowed this behavior to occur,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “There’s a lot of work ahead, and it’s going to take time to fully understand and fix the issues we uncover. I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the highest standards of workplace conduct, ethics and transparency are upheld at Colorado’s Judiciary.”

“The conduct of judges, lawyers, and all employees at the judiciary must adhere to the highest standards of honor, integrity, and trustworthiness. Our profession demands it,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “The women who work in our judicial system should never have to fear harassment or face threats to their careers because of their gender, making these allegations even more shocking and reprehensible. This will be a long, thorough, and independent investigation that I am hopeful will lead to meaningful change at the Judiciary. We have to bring these details to light so every Coloradan can have trust in the fairness and integrity of our courts.”

Lee, Benavidez, and Tipper will join appointees of the minority caucuses, governor’s office and attorney general on the independent panel, which will examine issues relating to workplace conduct and culture. It will also investigate issues surrounding the leadership training contract that was awarded to Ms. Masias. The panel will make recommendations to improve the culture at the judiciary and is expected to engage one or more independent entities to perform investigations into both the culture in the workplace and improprieties around the $2.7 leadership contract.

Bill To Expand Higher-Ed Access for Native Nations Clears Committee

Bill expands access to higher education for members of an American Indian tribe with historical ties to Colorado  

DENVER, CO – Today, Majority Leader Steve Fenberg testified before the Senate Education Committee in support of his bill, SB21-029, Concerning In-State Tuition Classification For Members of American Indian Tribes, which was approved unanimously. The bill would require public state colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition to students who are a member of an American Indian tribe with historical ties to Colorado.

“American Indian students are entering and completing college at alarmingly low rates in comparison to other populations,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “It is our obligation to ensure that educational opportunities are accessible to this critically important population of students, and this bill will bring our state closer to achieving that goal." 

The Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs as well as History Colorado maintain the list of tribes with historic ties to Colorado – including at least 50 distinct communities. According to the United States Census Bureau population survey, approximately 19% of college-aged American Indian tribe members were enrolled in college in 2016, compared to 41% of the total college-aged population – the lowest percentage of all race and ethnicity groups surveyed. 

“We have a particular responsibility to the descendants of American Indian people – recognizing their history and taking steps towards reconciliation,” said Majority Leader Fenberg, D-Boulder. “This bill is an important step in appreciating the tribal nations historically tied to Colorado while simultaneously acknowledging the painful history and forced removal that has had a severely negative impact on Native nations.” 

Senate Bill 21-029 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. To track the progress of the bill, visit the General Assembly’s website.

Senate Leaders React to State of the Judiciary Address

Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee call for thorough, transparent process looking into accusations against state judicial leaders 

DENVER, CO –  Today, in the wake of the State of the Judiciary Address given by Chief Justice Brian Boatright, Senate President Leroy Garcia as well as the Chair of the Judiciary Committee Pete Lee, released the following statements: 

"I was pleased to hear the Chief Justice acknowledge the need for a cultural shift in the Judicial Department, but this is the only first step toward a journey of rectification. If recent allegations are true, harassment, sexism, and power abuse are common occurrences throughout the ranks of the Judiciary – a truly horrifying thing to imagine. Action must proceed quickly and comprehensively to address these allegations, leaving no stone unturned, until we right the wrongs of the past and ensure impeccable leadership going forward," said President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. "I was also encouraged to hear the Chief Justice recognize the treatment of minority communities in the criminal justice system as an urgent priority to address. For too long people of color have been unfairly discriminated against and I look forward to seeing this long-standing issue permanently rectified." 

"Public trust in our Judicial Department is absolutely crucial to the health and stability of our democracy," said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs. "The accusations brought against the state judicial branch are serious and have the power to undermine the faith Coloradans have in their judges. Restoring public confidence requires accountability and transparency. The legislature looks forward to working with the Executive and Judicial Branches to oversee an independent, impartial investigation into the claims of misconduct. We anticipate that recommendations for structural, procedural, and systemic changes will be considered to ensure that all employees have a healthy workplace, safe from harassment and discrimination."

Senate Leadership Reacts to Governor's Address

Lawmakers express hope for a collaborative session following State of the State speech

DENVER, CO –  Today, following the Governor's State of the State address to the General Assembly, Senate President Leroy Garcia and Majority Leader  Steve Fenberg released the subsequent statements: 

"I feel incredibly encouraged that the Governor's priorities are aligned with our own. From urgent pandemic relief to long-awaited economic fairness and environmental reforms, it is clear that the democratic leaders in this state are intent on not only recovering from this pandemic but building back a stronger Colorado," said President Garcia, D-Pueblo. "I look forward to working collaboratively with Gov. Polis's administration to deliver meaningful results for our residents this legislative session."  

"I applaud Governor Polis for his leadership over the last year. He has continually put Coloradans first – mitigating the effects of the pandemic and setting us on a path of recovery. This legislative session is not only about getting Colorado back on its feet, it's about setting our state up for even greater success going forward,” said Majority Leader Fenberg, D-Boulder. “I am confident that with the partnership of the Governor's office, we will be able to accomplish great things for Colorado this session." 

JOINT RELEASE: Majority Leaders Release Nominees for Redistricting Commissions

DENVER, CO – Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, today announced their nominations for the redistricting and reapportionment commissions established by Amendments Y and Z.

“It’s critical that when redrawing our state’s political districts, the people chosen to take on this task reflect the rich diversity of our state. From gender to race to geographic location, we need commissioners that accurately represent Coloradans,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “For far too long history-defining decisions have been made without all relevant voices in the room. This can’t continue. Our lists constitute every corner of the state and will help ensure Colorado’s future political districts will be fairly drawn to reflect the interests, values, and concerns of all of Colorado’s communities.”

“Amendments Y&Z were referred to voters with overwhelming bipartisan support, and we are committed to a redistricting process that is fair, inclusive and keeps elected officials accountable to voters,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “The Coloradans whose names we put forward today come from every part of our state and represent the diversity and strength of our communities. Our lists put forward nearly a dozen women and people of color in order to draw legislative and congressional districts in a way that truly represent all of Colorado.”

Colorado is projected to add an eighth congressional district once results of the 2020 Census are released later this year. The nominees selected are acutely aware of how the state has grown and understand the need to protect voting rights and Colorado's communities of interest while drawing districts that provide fair and effective representation in Washington, D.C.

In passing Amendments Y&Z, Colorado voters required that the redistricting commissions be reflective of the state's gender, geographic, and racial and ethnic diversity. Under the amendments, nominees should demonstrate experience in organizing or representing the interests of groups or organizations in Colorado and possess analytical skills and the ability to be impartial. The first six commissioners for the legislative panel, picked through a random lottery, include just one woman, no Latinos or African Americans, and no one from southern Colorado. In light of this, Democratic leadership placed particular emphasis on nominees that can help ensure the commission's makeup is truly reflective of the Centennial State. This includes prioritizing women, indigenous residents, and people of color.

The Majority Leaders nominated the following individuals to be considered for the legislative commission:
· Sonrisa Lucero, CD7
· Adelia Tripp, CD3
· Polly Baca, CD1
· Blanca O’Leary, CD3
· Alice Madden, CD2
· Joan Fitzgerald, CD1
· Heather Barry, CD7
· Pat Waak, CD4
· Leah Pryor-Lease, CD1
· Ray Rivera, CD7
· Tim Wolf, CD2
· Dan Daly, CD5
· Jen Walmer, CD6

The Majority Leaders nominated the following individuals to be considered for the Congressional commission:

· Arnold Salazar, CD3
· Simon Tafoya, CD1
· Sonrisa Lucero, CD7
· Adelia Tripp, CD3
· Martha Coleman, CD2
· Blanca O’Leary, CD3
· Heather Barry, CD7
· Pat Waak, CD4
· Dan Daly, CD5
· Ray Rivera, CD7
· Polly Baca, CD1
· Blanca O’Leary, CD3
· Tim Wolf, CD2
· John Salsbury, CD7
· Bob Morehouse, CD2

The nominees represent the racial, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the state and hail from every part of Colorado.

Amendments Y and Z direct each majority leader to nominate up to ten applicants for each commission. The panel of judges will now select two members from each of these lists to fill the remaining Democratic seats on the commissions.

Senate Democrats Waste No Time Getting To Work

Lawmakers finish first legislative day back having introduced more than 80 bills for consideration

DENVER, CO – Today, Colorado lawmakers reconvened at the State Capitol to begin the majority of their work for the 73rd Session of the General Assembly. This year’s agenda for the Senate Democrats prioritizes responding to urgent needs, restoring community pillars, and reimagining our future. There were a myriad of bills introduced today aimed at accomplishing these goals, a selection of which are listed below:

SB21-013: Reversing COVID-related Learning Loss, sponsored by Senator Fields.

• Throughout the chaos of the last year, public schools have navigated the ever-changing needs of students and teachers – having to redesign methods of instruction, address technology needs, and provide social, emotional, and food support for students. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, our K-12 students are now somewhere between 3-9 months behind, and it’s even worse for our students of color and lower socioeconomic status. This bill seeks to fill in these gaps by directing the Department of Education to prioritize reversing student learning loss, which will urgently address our children’s educational needs and make sure no student is left behind.

SB21-016: Protecting Preventative Health Care Coverage, sponsored by Senators Moreno & Pettersen.

• Although preventative healthcare screenings can significantly increase life expectancy and potential insurance savings, many screenings aren’t covered by typical health plans, leaving consumers to bear the burden of cost. This bill requires the addition of several preventative health care services – including screenings for osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, and STIs – to be covered by health plans so that everyone can get the preventive care they need.

SB21-026: Restoration Of Honor Act, sponsored by Senator Moreno.

• Anyone who serves this country should be able to return home and be provided with all the resources we can muster to improve and enhance their lives after service. However, due to a legal flaw, LGBT+ veterans may not have been discharged honorably from the US Military due their sexual orientation or gender identity, and thus have not had access to the same benefits as their peers. This is unacceptable. This bill establishes the status of “discharged LGBT veteran” for the purposes of Colorado law, which will ensure that no veteran is denied benefits unjustly.

SB21-029: Colorado American Indian Tribes In-state Tuition, sponsored by Majority Leader Fenberg.

• Historically, America has not only marginalized, neglected, and disregarded our nation’s indigenous peoples, but we have swept these atrocities under the rug. To continue our work on the long road of rectifying injustices toward Native Americans, this bill will require Colorado universities and colleges to offer in-state tuition to members of Native American tribes with historical ties to Colorado.

SB21-039: Elimination Of Sub-minimum Wage Employment, sponsored by Senators Zenzinger & Hisey.

• While politicians in Washington, DC and around the country debate the merits of raising the minimum wage, we must remember that there is still a sub-minimum and simply unlivable wage being paid to employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our intellectually and developmentally disabled residents are a valuable asset to our community and our workforce, and it is unconscionable that we would pay them anything below the minimum wage. This bi-partisan bill will require businesses in Colorado to phase out the sub-minimum wage allowance and pay all employees what they deserve, regardless of their disability.

SB21-062: Jail Population Management Tools, sponsored by Senator Lee.

• America incarcerates more people than any other nation in the world. From petty crimes, to municipal offenses, to racial profiling – our citizens are arrested and imprisoned more than anywhere else on the planet. Additionally, cash bail policies are broken, resulting in an unjust system that penalizes the poor versus the rich. This bill seeks to address this issue by allowing police officers to issue a summons or a complaint in lieu of an arrest for minor crimes. Additionally, the bill prohibits the unjust practice of cash bail for these same minor crimes.

SB21-072: Public Utilities Commission Modernize Electric Transmission Infrastructure, sponsored by Senator Hansen.

• When it comes to electricity generation and transmission, utility companies want to maximize profit, environmental advocates want clean, zero-carbon energy, and ratepayers want low electricity bills and customer choice. Though these differing priorities may appear to be in conflict, there is a pathway forward that satisfies all three: regionally coordinated transmission organizations. This bill works to transition Colorado toward such organizations, and in doing so enhance grid reliability and interconnectivity, decrease costs for providers and ratepayers, grow capacity for renewable energy and help us reach our statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

“I’m pleased to be back in the Capitol with my colleagues, and I’m excited about the work ahead of us this session,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “Responding to the urgent needs of Coloradans remains our top priority, but we must also work to rebuild our economy and our community in a way that ensures everyone can live with dignity and security.”

“As we build back from this pandemic, we will work to reimagine a future stronger than before,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “Beyond providing immediate relief to Coloradans, we must redesign our economy in a way that works for everyone. We must create a healthcare system that puts people first. And we must protect our planet from the crisis of climate instability. Together, we will use this pandemic as a springboard to a stronger future.”

Introduced bills will begin to make their way through Senate committees during the next several weeks. Updates and progress regarding the legislative process can be found at leg.colorado.gov.

Senate Democrats Unveil 2021 Agenda, Commit to Building Back a Stronger Colorado For All

Senate Democrats legislative agenda seeks to restore Coloradans after the pandemic & reimagine a future where everyone can thrive

DENVER, CO – Today, the Colorado Senate Democratic Caucus reconvened its 73rd General Assembly and outlined its agenda for the 2021 legislative session, focusing on building back a stronger Colorado after a year of devastation and loss amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The caucus aims to focus on responding to the urgent needs of Coloradans, revitalizing the economy, restoring communities to pre-pandemic health, and reimagining Colorado’s future so that all residents have an opportunity to succeed.  

In his opening day remarks, Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo, said: 

“We come ready and willing to not just recover from this pandemic and the civil discord that has gripped our nation – but build back a stronger, more just Colorado. Like the trials of previous generations, this pandemic has and will make us stronger, but it will also make us more connected, more human. Not because such a conclusion is a given but because we can choose to alchemize pain into purpose. Together, we will turn the page of this disaster to one of replenishment and renewal. We will eliminate the threat of this virus, revitalize our economy, and restore our community pillars so we can ensure that every Coloradans has the chance to thrive."

After 11 months of profound challenges in Colorado and throughout the United States, Senate Democrats are determined to find common ground with colleagues across the aisle, work to combat systems of inequality, and deliver results to struggling communities. 

In outlining their priorities, Senate Democrats describe a stepped approach to their strategy – focusing first and foremost on providing immediate relief and then moving forward on a path of recovery and reform: 

RESPONDING TO THE PANDEMIC: With the pandemic still raging on, Senate Democrats recognize the need to urgently provide direct relief to struggling businesses and families. As such, they will continue to build on the progress they made in the extraordinary session as well as the brief session in January. With a new administration in office at a national level, they plan to direct any potential federal funds to programs most in need. As the session continues they have made a commitment to working in a bipartisan manner and considering any and all ideas that get us past this pandemic.   

RESTORING COMMUNITY PILLARS & REVITALIZING OUR ECONOMY: Beyond providing immediate relief for Coloradans, Senate Democrats acknowledge the need to find solutions that restore and revitalize communities to pre-pandemic health. Critical initiatives and institutions like Medicaid and public schools have suffered devastating funding losses, while the job market has been severely damaged. Senate Democrats are committed to reviving Colorado’s economy and replenishing public programs in order to heal the wounds caused by the pandemic and create the Colorado comeback through school investment, corporate tax reform, job creation, and economic stimulus.  

REIMAGINING OUR FUTURE: The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a serious toll on Colorado, but Senate Democrats know how important it is to use this opportunity to not only recover, but build back in a way that prioritizes hard-working people across the state. Senate Democrats strongly believe that returning to “normal” is not good enough and that reimagining a future where regular people can thrive is a top priority. Senate Democrats are committed to creating an economy that works for everyone, ensuring that Coloradans have access to affordable healthcare, and preserving our planet for generations to come.

“We need to triage the most urgent needs of our residents and then work to rebuild our foundations and redesign our future in a prosperous and equitable way,” said President Garcia. “Returning to the status quo is unacceptable. Too many Coloradans have been overburdened and under-rewarded in a system that siphons work by the many to create power for the few. Bank accounts of the wealthy and bottom lines of the largest corporations do not illustrate the prosperity of our state. We need to use this pandemic to create structural economic change that puts people first.”  

The full transcript of Senate President Garcia’s opening day speech can be found here. 

JOINT RELEASE: Democratic Budget Committee Members Pledge to Fight for K-12 Education Funding

As the budget process continues, House and Senate Democrats commit to prioritizing K-12 education funding

DENVER, CO – Today, members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) will take action on recommendations from non-partisan staff regarding mid-year adjustments to the state share of K-12 school finance funding. Democratic members of the JBC pledge to protect K-12 education funding for both the current and upcoming budget years.

“Despite the financial pressures the pandemic has placed on the state, we looked in every corner of the state budget for ways that we could preserve education funding,” said Sen. Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City), Chair of the Joint Budget Committee. “As we assess our priorities for this legislative session, we know how much our students and teachers are hurting, so we are pledging to do everything we can to make sure their funding is prioritized in our budget.”

“Together, we’ll get through this pandemic and build back stronger by putting our students and teachers first and helping set them up for success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon), Vice-Chair of the Joint Budget Committee. “This has been a challenging budget year, and we are continuing to take a responsible approach that prioritizes our schools and the critical services Coloradans need to get through the pandemic and recover as quickly as possible.”

“Many of us are parents ourselves, and we have seen firsthand the difficulties that students and educators have faced,” said Sen. Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “But they have risen to the challenge and taken on one of the most difficult periods in our history. We cannot allow their funding to fall through the cracks, and I am proud that my colleagues on the Joint Budget Committee recognize that.”

“Colorado students have seen their school years and lives upended by this pandemic,” said Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver). “They have had to quickly adapt to a life of remote learning without their peers, classroom interactions, and with limited resources. We know this is having an impact, and we can’t let our students fall further behind. Protecting critical funding for our school districts is, and will continue to be, a top priority for the JBC.”

In response to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 virus on the state economy, the General Assembly was forced to reduce state funding to districts and charter schools for the 2020-21 budget year, with the recognition that schools across the state would receive several hundred million dollars from the federal CARES Act.

Now, due to the ongoing pandemic, many school districts and charter schools anticipate lower student counts than previously estimated in preparing the state budget for the 2020-21 year. Districts are understandably concerned that reduced pupil counts could result in a reduction in the state share of total program funding for this budget year based on the School Finance Formula.

However, in recognition of the challenges public schools continue to face, the Joint Budget Committee will act to protect schools across the state from particularly challenging mid-year cuts.

The Joint Budget Committee hearing begins at 10AM MST this morning, press and members of the public can tune in here.