Governor Signs Trio of Climate Action & Clean Energy Stimulus Bills

Stimulus bills will provide resources to renewable energy projects, clean energy sector workforce development, and energy efficiency projects

DENVER, CO - Today, Governor Polis signed into law three bills that are a part of Colorado’s recovery package, all targeting investments in the clean energy sector and energy efficiency projects.

HB21-1253, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators Faith Winter & Bob Rankin, invests $5 million into local government grants for shovel-ready, job-creating projects in the renewable energy sector. Market forces, consumer choices, and environmental consciousness have moved Colorado’s economy toward a sustainable clean energy future, and this bill will help support and accelerate that transition.

“We have the power to create jobs, promote sustainability and put Colorado on a pathway toward a cleaner future by funding more renewable energy projects throughout our state,” said Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “These resources will be used to enable renewable energy infrastructure projects where they are needed most, stimulating our economy and creating tremendous opportunities for our workforce.” 

SB21-230, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen & Faith Winter, allocates $40 million to the Colorado Energy Office for several clean energy finance initiatives. The majority of these funds will be directed to the Colorado Clean Energy Fund, which acts as Colorado’s “Green Bank” with the purpose of financing clean energy projects and bridging gaps between clean energy projects and private capital providers. The remaining funds will be spent between programs that support clean energy retrofits, energy efficient new construction, clean energy lending and funding for the installation of EV charging stations at facilities across the state.

“As we work to rapidly reduce carbon emissions and meet our climate goals, we need additional funding to support our efforts,” said Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “These vital resources will help us preserve our environment and utilize our abundant clean energy resources while creating good-paying green jobs, putting us on a successful pathway toward a sustainable future for generations to come.” 

SB21-231, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators Tammy Story & Dennis Hisey, will provide $3 million to fund grants in the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides funding to low-income residents across the state to fund weatherization upgrades in their homes. On average, low-income households pay over four times as much of their household income on energy costs and are sometimes forced to cut back on healthcare, childcare, groceries, and other expenses just to keep the bills paid. Weatherization can significantly alleviate these costs, as well as improve the lives and well-being of residents.

“We must ensure that every Coloradan, no matter where they live or the amount of money in their pocket, is safe and comfortable in their home,” said Senator Tammy Story (D-Evergreen). “This funding will help low-income residents afford weatherization upgrades to their homes while simultaneously saving them money and enhancing energy efficiency.” 

To read the bills and find more details about the legislation, visit leg.colorado.gov.

Colorado Comeback Bills Supporting Creative Industries & Local Businesses SIGNED!

DENVER, CO – Today, the Governor signed three Colorado Comeback bills into law. These new laws focus on revitalizing our economy by boldly investing in local events, tourism, and small businesses. 

HB21-1263, sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez and Dennis Hisey, creates a program to provide organizations and businesses up to 10% rebates for holding an event in the state. The program also offers rebates of up to 25% for hard costs of complying with COVID-19 associated public health orders for the event. This is aimed at attracting people back to Colorado for the weddings, vacations, conferences, and festivals that have halted since COVID. 

“Colorado’s events and tourism industry is critical to the health of our economy, but the pandemic has severely impacted the sector – costing not only jobs and businesses but local vibrancy as well,” said Senator Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver). “This new law will not only bring visitors back to our state but  power the Colorado Comeback by making our beautiful home a premier tourist destination once again.” 

HB21-1285, sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis & Janet Buckner, provides $10 million to support artists and cultural organizations in Colorado that have been impacted by COVID-19. This includes funding for the performance-based film incentive, cultural facilities, and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. 

“Colorado is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, attracting tourists from all over the world. The art community was the first to stop during COVID and has been the last to recover. For every $1 we spend on the arts, we receive back $30 in economic stimulus,” said Senator Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County). "Every County in the state has an arts group or center that can now apply for this new funding, to fully recover and build back better."

“This pandemic has taken a huge toll on our creative industries – forcing them to navigate both an economic recession and shifting capacity restrictions for more than a year,” said Senator Buckner (D-Aurora). “Not only will this bill provide relief for the industry as a whole, but it will target direct assistance to cultural facilities that focus on programming for historically marginalized and under-resourced communities to ensure our recovery is equitable.”

SB21-241, sponsored by Senators Fields and Bridges, creates the Small Business Accelerated Growth Program to provide small businesses with tools and resources that foster the growth of existing companies that have moved from the start-up stage into the second-stage or are on the verge of rapid growth. This program will ensure that these businesses, post-pandemic, will be able to build back stronger.

“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on small businesses, particularly those owned by women and racial minorities,” said Senator Fields (D-Aurora). “We need to reinvest in these critical community pillars by making resources available that will foster their growth and set them up for success. Because the essence of economic ingenuity and creativity resides in the entrepreneurial minds of our small business owners, who dare to think out of the box and pave their own path.” 

“Innovative, growth-oriented small businesses are critical to our Colorado comeback,” said Senator Bridges (D-Greenwood Village). “Through their perseverance and innovation, small businesses are the economic engine of our economy. This bill makes sure they have the expertise and support they need to thrive here in Colorado, creating jobs and opportunities throughout our state.” 

Governor Signs Pair of Zenzinger Bills Making Historic Investments in Colorado Schools

DENVER, CO - This afternoon, Governor Polis signed into law two landmark education bills, both sponsored by long-standing education advocate, Senator Rachel Zenzinger.

“I’ve spent my entire legislative career prioritizing school funding – working to ensure that our educators have the resources they deserve and our students have the tools they need to succeed,” said Senator Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “So after an incredibly difficult year – marred by disruptions and uncertainty – I am honored and thrilled to see these transformational bills become law. This session, we were able to come together and make drastic improvements to facilitate long-term success of our public school system – strengthening our kids’ futures for generations to come.”

SB21-268 is the annual School Finance Act, which sets the funding formula for all public K-12 Colorado schools. 

Specifically, this year’s School Finance Act restored cuts to programs made in 2020, such as the K-5 Social Emotional Health Pilot Program, School Leadership Pilot Program, Behavioral Health Care Professionals Grant Program. Additionally, the bill makes permanent changes to the school funding formula to prioritize more funding for low-income students, at-risk students, and English-language learners, and increases per pupil funding by $141.67 to $7,225.28 for the next fiscal year. Lastly, the bill sets aside historic investments to decrease the budget stabilization factor--which represents the amount of funding deducted from the total program--by $481.4 million, bringing it back down to pre-pandemic levels.

HB21-1164, works to resolve the structural inequity in Colorado’s property tax system that must be fixed to ensure our schools have the funding they desperately need. 

In 1988, the School Finance Act set a uniform school district mill levy -- a property tax applied based on the assessed value of the property -- so that theoretically, each resident would contribute the same proportion of local property taxes to school funding. 

However, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights imposes a cap on school district tax revenue. So between 1994 and 2002, voters in 174 of 178 school districts in Colorado chose to permanently waive TABOR’s revenue limitations (“De-Bruce”) in order to fill in the gaps caused by its arbitrary restrictions on public school funding. Despite those votes, the Colorado Dept. of Education continued to require school districts to reduce their tax rates (total program mill levy) to remain under TABOR’s revenue limits – even though they were legally no longer subject to those limits. There is strong reason to believe that these forced reductions were illegitimate and the source of serious structural inequity.

Due to this error, some property owners pay tax rates that are 16 times higher than that of taxpayers in neighboring school districts on properties of the same value, which forces the state to send disproportionately high state funding to our wealthiest districts, subtracting from what would otherwise be distributed to all districts.

HB21-1164, authorized by the recent ruling from the Colorado State Supreme Court, will allow districts to recoup tens of millions of dollars for school funding at a critical time in our state’s recovery.

Senate Democrats Take Strong Action on Climate

Approve Landmark Legislation to Protect Environment & Support Disproportionately Impacted Communities

DENVER, CO - Today, Senate Democrats passed a bill on third reading and final passage that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance environmental justice in disadvantaged communities, and set Colorado on a pathway to meeting the climate targets established in HB19-1261. 

The bill, HB21-1266, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter & Janet Buckner, was strengthened with amendments to direct more resources to communities in transition away from fossil fuels, increase the focus on disproportionately impacted populations, set firm enforcement mechanisms for the electricity, oil & gas, and industrial & manufacturing sectors, and advance environmental justice in executive branch rulemakings.

“Although this bill has been on a long journey, our aim from the beginning was to put the pollution reduction targets from the Governor’s Climate Roadmap into law,” said Senator Winter (D-Westminster). “This bill takes vitally important steps to hold  our state accountable to our climate targets, creating meaningful and lasting measures to support those most affected by the impacts of global warming.”

“Today is a historic day for Colorado, as we pass landmark legislation to tackle the climate crisis, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect the most vulnerable and marginalized Coloradans,” said Senator Buckner (D-Aurora). “With this important bill, we can build a sustainable future that supports the health and well-being of our residents, regardless of zip code, as well as the longevity of our environment and precious natural resources. Our efforts to act on climate do not stop here, but this is a major step in the right direction.”

Specifically, the bill advances environmental justice by eliminating the polluter pay loophole that exempts greenhouse gas emissions from pollution fees, creating an independent ombudsperson that reports directly to the Department of Public Health & Environment, allowing pollution penalties to be invested back into disproportionately impacted communities. 

In addition, the bill establishes the Environmental Justice Action Task Force – consisting of members from local communities, tribal governments, government agencies, and organizations – to determine how Colorado will embed equity in all environmental decision-making, including rulemakings, policy development, and facility permitting.

In order to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, the bill establishes clear enforcement mechanisms for the reduction of greenhouse gases in the electricity sector – requiring the oil and gas sector to reduce emissions 48% by 2025 and 60% by 2030, and mandating the industrial and manufacturing sector to reduce emissions at least 20% by 2030.

To support the just transition of fossil fuel communities, the bill requires an audit of best value employment metrics used by the Public Utilities Commission to better understand if this important policy is actually ensuring that clean energy jobs are good jobs and requires the Office of Just Transition to develop a long-term budget based on federal, state, and other funding sources, outlining the resource needs of the office.

Lastly, the bill requires, for the first time, that polluters pay for their climate pollution – closing a loophole that has existed for decades and adding a new provision that requires the social cost of carbon to be included in economic impact analyses at the Air Quality Control Commission. 

HB21-1266 now heads back to the House for final action. To read the bill and find updates regarding its status, visit leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb21-1266.

Historic Legislative Session Concludes

DENVER, CO – House and Senate leadership tonight released the following statements after the gavels fell on the historic First Session of the 73rd General Assembly.

“This was an ambitious and historic session,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “From the very beginning, we were clear about what we set out to do, and we delivered on our promises. Democrats demonstrated that we have earned the trust Coloradans put in us to govern responsibly. Sometimes, history makes us. This year, we made history.”

“There is no doubt that this last year was marked by tragedy, but it was also marked by triumph,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “Rather than succumb to the weight of a pandemic and economic recession, we used all of our resources to not only persevere but build back stronger than we were before. From transformational infrastructure investments to landmark stimulus policies, we used this session as an opportunity to take on the big challenges and make generational change. I am incredibly proud of what we were able to accomplish and I can’t wait to see our work in action.”

“This session will be remembered for decades as one of the most ambitious and productive in recent memory,” said House Majority Leader, D-Pueblo. “We made investments and reforms that will create a more prosperous Colorado for working families for decades to come. As I go home to Pueblo to welcome the newest member of my family, I’ll go home knowing that the work we did this session will make life better for my future child, and for Coloradans of every background across the state.”

“After an unprecedented year in Colorado, we returned to the Capitol with an ambitious to-do list. I’m so proud to celebrate each and every accomplishment coming out of this session – and they are many,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “From immediate small business relief and housing assistance, to landmark transportation legislation and gun violence prevention measures, we were truly responsive to both today’s needs and tomorrow’s prosperity. The hard work from Democrats over the past few months has resulted in one of the most productive and consequential legislative sessions in recent memory.”

Revitalizing Our Economy, Delivering Urgent Relief, Forging a More Prosperous Future for Coloradans

In the midst of a global pandemic and challenging year that has severely impacted the lives of Coloradans, Democrats came together to not only deliver urgent relief to struggling Coloradans but build our state back stronger. By focusing on revitalizing our economy, delivering urgent relief, and forging a more prosperous future for all Coloradans, the legislature was able to deliver on promises that were years in the making – passing transformational legislation that will pave the way for a Colorado where everyone can thrive. This was accomplished by putting people over politics and working across the aisle to accomplish great things, resulting in 91% of our passed legislation receiving bipartisan support.

In order to recover faster and build back stronger, lawmakers prioritized addressing our most pressing challenges head-on. This meant developing a bipartisan state stimulus package to foster the Colorado Comeback, making monumental investments to strengthen small businesses, supporting Colorado families, investing in rural Colorado, and developing our workforce.

Specifically, lawmakers passed bills to create a $30 million startup loan fund for businesses across the state, provide $15 million in grants to small businesses, and invested $22 million to support artists and arts and culture organizations. We also championed legislation that will provide more than $100 million to increase child care capacity and affordability, create a $30 million loan and grant program for Colorado’s agricultural sector, add $5 million to the Rural Economic Development Initiative, and allocate $25 million in funding for upskilling and reskilling our state’s workforce.

In addition to passing state stimulus policies, state leaders worked collaboratively to enact Colorado’s roadmap to Building Back Stronger – embarking on a statewide listening tour to gather input on how to allocate nearly $4 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The resulting legislation immediately deployed hundreds of millions of dollars to make housing more affordable, provide emergency behavioral health services and help workers complete degree or skills-training programs. The roadmap also dedicated $1.3 billion in federal funds to protect critical state services in future years and set aside nearly $1.8 billion for future transformational investments in housing, behavioral health, and workforce development that will be crafted through bipartisan interim processes.

Beyond tackling urgent needs and enacting once-in-a-generation stimulative plans, lawmakers prioritized addressing longstanding issues that have burdened Colorado for decades. One such issue is the inaccessibility and unaffordability of health care. With skyrocketing health care costs and limited options, lawmakers crafted legislation to implement the Colorado Option, a policy that is set to save Coloradans 15 percent on their insurance premiums and create a guaranteed plan for consumers. Lawmakers also passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Board, which will reduce the cost of prescription drugs and ensure that no Coloradan is forced to forgo life-saving medication.

Another long-standing issue that has held Colorado’s economy back for decades is transportation. After booming population growth yet stagnant funding, Colorado’s infrastructure is in desperate need of significant repair and modernization. That’s why the 73rd General Assembly prioritized passing a groundbreaking transportation plan – finally ending the deadlock that has plagued our state for years. Supported by a large, bipartisan coalition, this historic legislation will help connect people and goods from all corners of the state, ensure our economy can compete on the national stage, and allow Coloradans to get where they’re going faster and more safely.

Sadly, the legislature was also confronted with the all-too-familiar issue of gun violence during the legislative session. After 10 people lost their lives in the Boulder King Sooper shooting, Democratic lawmakers crafted and passed three measures designed to curb the gun violence epidemic in our state. These policies together will save lives by expanding background checks, closing loopholes, and giving local governments the tools they need to craft community-based solutions to gun violence. The three bills passed in addition to three other measures that address firearm safety including safe storage, lost and stolen reporting, and protecting domestic violence survivors from gun violence.

In 2021 General Assembly Democrats rose to the occasion and championed policies that will not only support people in the aftermath of the pandemic but pave a hopeful path forward by creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous Colorado for all.

Revitalizing our economy:
Thanks to the swift and bold action of our federal delegation, Colorado was afforded a once-in-a-generation opportunity to jumpstart our struggling economy and strengthen our recovery. From rebuilding our workforce by giving Coloradans the tools they need to fill good-paying jobs, to investing in up-and-coming businesses and revitalizing mainstreets we have delivered on our promise to help Colorado recover faster and build back stronger.

Strengthening small businesses and community centers:
HB21-1288— Colorado Startup Loan Program**
SB21-241— Small Business Accelerated Growth Program**
HB21-1302–– Continue COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program**
HB21-1265— Qualified Retailer Retain Sales Tax For Assistance**
HB21-1312— Increase to Business Personal Property Tax Exemption**
SB21-252— Community Revitalization Grant Program**
HB21-1263— Meeting And Events Incentive Program**
SB21-110— Fund Safe Revitalization Of Main Streets**

Investing in rural Colorado and agriculture:
SB21-203— Funding For Colorado Proud**
SB21-204— Rural Economic Development Initiative Grant Program Funding**
SB21-229— Rural Jump-start Zone Grant Program**
SB21-248— Loan Program For Colorado Agriculture**
SB21-234— General Fund Transfer Agriculture And Drought Resiliency**
SB21-235— Stimulus Funding Department Of Agriculture Efficiency Programs**
HB21-1290— Additional Funding For Just Transition**

Developing our workforce:
HB21-1264— Funds Workforce Development Increase Worker Skills**
HB21-1270— SNAP workforce**
HB21-1330— Higher Education Student Success**
SB21-232— Displaced Workers Grant**
HB21-1149— Energy Sector Career Pathway In Higher Education**
HB21-1007— State Apprenticeship Agency
HB21-1215–– Business Training for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals**

Stock Show, State Fair, Agriculture Fairs and Events, Arts and Creative Industries:
HB21-1262— Money Support Agricultural Events Organization**
HB21-1285— Funding To Support Creative Arts Industries**

Delivering urgent relief:
With sky-high unemployment, social isolation, and prolonged uncertainty, too many Coloradans were being crushed under the weight of the pandemic. That’s why we prioritized providing direct relief to struggling families – allocating funds for housing, childcare, and food assistance efforts; and bolstering mental and behavioral healthcare services.

K-12 and Higher Education:
2021 School Finance Act: The 2021 school finance act increases total program funding by $750.8 million. Per pupil funding for the 2021-2022 school year will be $8,991, an increase of $868 (10.7 percent) over the current school year.

This year’s School Finance Act restores the Budget Stabilization Factor to where it was before the devastation of the pandemic. By reducing the Budget Stabilization Factor, each school district in Colorado will see a fair and equal, per-pupil increase to the state share of total program funding they receive.

The School Finance Act also restores funding to grant programs that were cut last year. These grant programs offer a number of critical services such as dropout prevention, literacy attainment, access to advanced placement courses, special education, bullying prevention and behavioral health support.

2021-2022 State Budget: The Long Appropriations bill resumes state support for institutions of higher education, increasing funding by $494 million over last year’s budget.

The budget invests $160 Million in School Infrastructure (BEST) to construct, renovate, or maintain school facilities and structures and directs an additional $100 Million for the State Education Fund (SEF), which funds teacher recruitment, full-day kindergarten, early literacy programs, and helps finance public school systems across Colorado.

Supporting Colorado families and youth:
SB21-236— Increase Capacity Early Childhood Care & Education**
SB21-027— Emergency Supplies For Colorado Babies And Families**
SB21-202–– Funding Public School Air Quality Projects**
HB21-1311— Boosting Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit HB21-1161— Suspend Statewide Assessments For Select Grades
HB21-1259–– Extended Learning Opportunities
SB21-013–– Reversing COVID-related Learning Loss
HB21-1234–– Supplemental Education High-impact Tutoring Programs**
SB21-053— Adjustments To School Funding Fiscal Year 2020-21
SB21-292— Federal COVID Funding For Victim's Services**

Helping Coloradans avoid eviction and making housing more affordable:
HB21-1271— Department Of Local Affairs Innovative Affordable Housing Strategies** HB21-1329— American Rescue Plan Act Money To Invest Affordable Housing**
HB21-1117–– Local Government Authority Promote Affordable Housing Units
HB21-1054–– Housing Public Benefit Verification Requirement
SB21-173— Rights In Residential Lease Agreements
SB21-242— Housing Development Grants Hotels Tenancy Support Program**
HB21-1121— Residential Tenancy Procedures
HB21-1274— Unused State-owned Real Property Beneficial Use

Increasing access to mental health care:
HB21-1258— Rapid Mental Health Response For Colorado Youth**
SB21-137— Behavioral Health Recovery Act**
SB21-239— 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System**
HB21-1119— Suicide Prevention, Intervention, & Postvention
HB21-1068— Insurance Coverage Mental Health Wellness Exam
HB21-1281— Community Behavioral Health Disaster Program

Protecting communities from wildfire
SB21-258— Wildfire Risk Mitigation**
SB21-240— Watershed Restoration Grant Program Stimulus**
HB21-1260–– Funding for the State Water Plan**
HB21-1208— Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise**
SB21-054— Transfers For Wildfire Mitigation And Response
SB21-113— Firefighting Aircraft Wildfire Mgmt And Response**
HB21-1008— Forest Health Project Financing

Supporting Colorado’s Veterans
HB21-1065— Veterans' Hiring Preference
SB21-129— Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program
SB21-032— Mobile Veterans-support Unit Grant Program

Forging a more prosperous future for Coloradans:
This pandemic has taken a serious toll on our lives and our livelihoods, but Coloradans are resilient and we used this as an opportunity to not only recover, but build back stronger. That’s why we passed transformational policies increasing access to affordable healthcare, investing in the sustainability of our transportation system, reforming our justice system, and protecting our environment for generations to come. The legislature set aside over $1 billion to fortify the state’s budget and created a responsible process to hear from experts on the most effective way to allocate nearly $1 billion in funding toward mental health, housing, workforce development, and the long-term resilience of Colorado’s economy.

Improving Colorado’s transportation and infrastructure:
SB21-260— Sustainability Of The Transportation System
SB21-238— Create Front Range Passenger Rail District
HB21-1186— Regional Transportation District Operation
HB21-1289— Funding For Broadband Deployment

Reducing the cost of health care and prescription drugs, improving access to care and addressing health disparities:
HB21-1232— Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option;
SB21-175— Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board
HB21-1097— Establish Behavioral Health Administration;
SB21-123–– Expand Canadian Rx Import Program
SB21-009–– Reproductive Health Care Program
SB21-194— Maternal Health Providers
SB21-193— Protection Of Pregnant People In Perinatal Period
SB21-016–– Protecting Preventive Health Care Coverage

Providing a high quality education to all students:
HB21-1325— Funding Public Schools Formula
HB21-1304— Early Childhood System
SB21-185— Supporting Educator Workforce In Colorado
HB21-1173— Prohibiting Legacy Preferences In Higher Ed Insts
HB21-1067— College Admission Use Of National Test Score

Advancing Justice in Colorado Communities:
HB21-1315— Costs Assessed To Juveniles In The Criminal Justice System
HB21-1314— Department Of Revenue Action Against Certain Documents
HB21-1280— Pre-trial Detention Reform
SB21-271— Misdemeanor Reform
HB21-1214— Record Sealing Collateral Consequences Reduction
HB21-1250— Measures to Address Law Enforcement Accountability
HB21-1251— Appropriate Use Of Chemical Restraints On A Person
HB21-1122— First Responder Interactions Persons With Disabilities
SB21-087–– Agricultural Workers' Rights

Protecting Communities
SB21-073— Civil Action Statute Of Limitations Sexual Assault
HB21-1298— Expand Firearm Transfer Background Check Requirements
HB21-1299— Office Of Gun Violence Prevention
SB21-256— Local Regulation Of Firearms
SB21-078— Lost Or Stolen Firearms (Isabella Joy Thallas Act)
HB21-1106— Safe Storage Of Firearms
HB21-1255— Protection Order Issued Against Domestic Abuser
HB21-1165— Assistance For Victims Of Strangulation
HB21-1143— Protect Survivors' Rights To Rape Kit Evidence
HB21-1107— Protections For Public Health Department Workers
HB21-1110— Colorado Laws For Persons With Disabilities

Protecting our clean air and water, and addressing climate change:
SB21-264— Adopt Programs Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Utilities
SB21-230–– Financing Clean Energy Projects
SB21-231–– Funding for Weatherization Assistance
HB21-1266— Environmental Justice Disproportionate Impacted Community
HB21-1238— Public Utilities Commission Modernize Gas Utility
HB21-1286— Energy Performance For Buildings
HB21-1253— Renewable And Clean Energy Project Grants**
HB21-1189— Regulate Air Toxics

Responsibly Allocating Federal Stimulus Funds
SB21-288— American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Cash Fund
SB21-289— Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund
SB21-291— Economic Recovery And Relief Cash Fund

Improving Colorado’s Elections
HB21-1011— Multilingual Ballot Access For Voters
HB21-1071— Ranked Choice Voting In Nonpartisan Elections
SB21-250— Elections And Voting

** = Bill is part of the Colorado Comeback State Stimulus plan or federal stimulus roadmap.

Senate Gives Final Approval to Remaining Stimulus Bills, Rounding Out the 2021 Colorado Comeback Package

Stimulus bills providing financial support to outdoor recreation and affordable housing receive approval from the Senate

DENVER, CO - Today, the State Senate gave approval to the final two stimulus bills that are all a part of Colorado’s recovery package, both with unanimous support.

HB21-1326, sponsored by Senator Tammy Story, will invest $25 million in federal funds to improve Colorado state parks. Specifically, the bill invests $750,000 to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to support backcountry avalanche safety programs; $3.5 million to the Division of Parks and Wildlife to implement its statewide wildlife action plan and the conservation of native species; $2.25 million to the search and rescue fund for use by the Department of Local Affairs in consultation with the division to support backcountry search and rescue efforts; $1 million to the outdoor equity fund for use by the division to implement the outdoor equity grant program; and $17.5 million for state park staffing and maintenance and infrastructure and development projects.

“Colorado’s state parks and great outdoors are the pride and joy of this state. However, with the stay-at-home orders and social distancing over the last year, our parks have seen a major increase in visitation and have not had adequate resources to handle the influx of visitors,” said Senator Story (D-Evergreen). “This $25 million investment will help address the backlog of upgrades and maintenance needs in our state parks and ensure Coloradans can continue to enjoy our natural environment for years to come.”

HB21-1329, sponsored by Senator Gonzales & Minority Leader Holbert, channels $550 million in federal stimulus funds toward affordable housing efforts. It immediately invests $100 million of that funding to help Coloradans who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic obtain affordable housing. The bill requires a broad and diverse stakeholder process during the interim that will develop and make recommendations to the General Assembly for how to allocate the remaining $450 million. The funds will be used on programs or services that address housing insecurity, a lack of affordable housing or homelessness, including the construction of new affordable housing units, housing and rental assistance programs, and supportive housing programs.

“This session, I’ve made it my focus to ensure housing is a right, not a privilege,” said Senator Gonzales (D-Denver). “I’ve worked to address homelessness, tenants’ rights, and affordable housing, and I could not be more proud to channel this historic amount of funding to address both our immediate and long-term housing needs.”

Both bills now head to the House for final action. To read the bills and find updates regarding their status, visit leg.colorado.gov.

Sen. Lee Expresses Disappointment & Frustration Following Defeat Of Landmark Criminal Justice & Policing Bill

SB21-273 aimed to end practices that criminalize poverty and undermine trust in law enforcement

DENVER, CO — Following the defeat of SB21-273: Pretrial Reform in House Finance, bill sponsor Senator Pete Lee released the subsequent statement:

"I am shocked, disappointed, and saddened by the defeat of SB21-273. This bill was the result of countless hours of thoughtful deliberation and careful negotiation, and that was not reflected by the abrupt decision to defeat this measure. 

The purpose of this bill was to heal and reset the relationship between law enforcement and the community – ending the dangerous practices that have both criminalized poverty and taken innocent lives.

I grieve for the community that has time and again been impacted by police violence. I grieve for the difference this would have made in vulnerable Coloradans’ lives. And I grieve for the advocates who have given their hearts and souls to this effort, demonstrating unwavering passion for transformational change. 

But this is not the end, we will continue fighting for justice. While a certainly demoralizing set-back, my commitment remains unbroken. I will continue to advocate and bring forth policies to build a more just criminal-legal system, one that respects a person’s innocence until proven guilty, one that gives equal freedom and protection under the law, one that is more restorative and healing for victims, and one that is truly blind to both race and status." 

Senate Unanimously Approves Bill to Improve Law Enforcement Accountability, Enhance Public Safety

Legislation builds on progress from 2020’s landmark police reform bill 

DENVER, CO - Today, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that seeks to reform law enforcement practices in Colorado, building on the progress the legislature made last session to reduce police violence and address systemic racism. 

HB21-1250, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, updates requirements related to the instances when body-worn cameras must be operating to include welfare checks. It also directs the Division of Criminal Justice to streamline the reporting requirements for peace officers, which will now include detailing whether an ambulance was called to the scene of an incident, whether there was a forcible entry into a residence, and the number of officer-involved civilian deaths. These changes will provide a more holistic approach to data collection and transparency regarding law enforcement interactions.

“The way law enforcement interacts with our communities must fundamentally change. Too many innocent lives have been taken, too many families grieved by senseless violence – we must continue the work of holding bad actors accountable by mandating transparency practices and reining in the use of force,” said Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora). “Last year we passed one of the most sweeping police reform policies in the country and this bill aims to build upon the progress by strengthening and clarifying the law to ensure its proper and complete adoption.” 

In 2020, Senate Democrats championed one of the most progressive police reform bills in the nation, passing SB20-217 with overwhelming support, which was a historic step toward ensuring transparency, integrity and accountability for law enforcement in Colorado. Since its passage, conversations around the state have continued regarding the law’s implementation, presenting opportunities to bolster adoption and clarify expectations.

The legislation will now return to the House for final action before heading to the Governor’s desk. Track the progress of the bill here.

Senate Approves Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Property Taxes, Provide Relief to Coloradans

Legislation would save taxpayers nearly $200 million collectively

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved a bill with bipartisan support to lower property tax rates for single-family and multifamily housing units, renewable-energy property, and agricultural land over the next two years. 

“Property values are rising across Colorado, and it’s imperative that we act this session to mitigate the impact for hardworking families,” said Senator Chris Hansen (D-Denver). “This bill will reduce certain property tax rates over the next two years, allowing us to address the rapidly changing property market in our state and provide substantial relief to the people who need it most.” 

SB21-293 would lower the current 7.15% tax assessment rate on residential properties to 6.95% for single-family homes and 6.8% for multifamily properties over the next two years. In addition, it would lower the 29% assessment rate to 26.4% for agricultural property and for property used to produce renewable energy. The bill would also allow property owners to delay payment of up to $10,000 of the growth in their property tax bills until they sell their homes.

Lower tax assessment rates only for property tax years 2022 and 2023 would give the state time to study the effect of the reductions to determine if they should be adjusted or extended. The bill would also expand the optional tax deferral system – currently only available to seniors and active-duty military members – to anyone whose property-tax liability grows by more than 4% from the average amount owed over the previous two years.

SB21-293 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill here.

Colorado Comeback Bills to Address Homelessness, Support Creative Industries Pass Senate!

Legislation would promote affordable housing development & uplift artists & cultural organizations impacted by the pandemic

DENVER, CO – Today, two Colorado Comeback bills seeking to address homelessness and support creative industries, passed with bipartisan support.  

HB21-1271, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, will establish grant programs to encourage local governments to utilize affordable housing strategies and will direct money to local governments for the acquisition or restoration of underutilized properties to house people experiencing homelessness. 

“We have a serious housing problem here in Colorado, and we need to think outside the box in order to develop more affordable housing to ensure that every Coloradan has a safe and affordable place to live,” said Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver). “This bill will provide much-needed resources to help innovative solutions to the housing crisis, which will help lift up some of the most vulnerable members of our community.” 

Specifically, HB21-1271 creates three different programs in the Department of Local Affairs to promote innovative solutions for the development of affordable housing across the state. Together, the programs provide for $13 million in state stimulus funds to jump-start development in the next three years.

HB21-1285, sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis & Janet Buckner, provides $10 million to support artists and cultural organizations in Colorado that have been impacted by COVID-19. This includes funding for the performance-based film incentive, cultural facilities, and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. 

“Venues, artists, media, and other creative industries are the heart of Colorado’s economy, and they have faced immeasurable challenges over the last year,” said Senator Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County). “As we work to build back stronger, we need to ensure that we uplift the vibrant arts and cultural facilities that make our state so unique.  This funding will help these indispensable organizations get back on their feet and ensure their longevity as Coloradans start returning to our beloved concert halls, museums, and movie theaters.” 

“This pandemic has taken a huge toll on our creative industries – forcing them to navigate both an economic recession and shifting capacity restrictions for more than a year,” said Senator Buckner (D-Aurora). “Not only will this bill provide relief for the industry as a whole, but it will target direct assistance to cultural facilities that focus on programming for historically marginalized and under-resourced communities to ensure our recovery is equitable.”

Both bills now move back to the House for final action before heading to the Governor’s desk. Track the progress of the legislation by visiting leg.colorado.gov.

Senate Passes Five Colorado Comeback Bills UNANIMOUSLY as Session Nears the Finish Line

Stimulus bills providing financial support for the State Water Plan, tourism, small businesses, broadband, & workforce development, receive final approval from the Senate

DENVER, CO - Today, the State Senate gave final approval to five stimulus bills that are a part of Colorado’s recovery package, all with unanimous support.

HB21-1260, sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan & Cleave Simpson, provides $20 million to the Colorado Water Conservation Board to implement the Colorado Water Plan, which will help fund a wide array of projects across the state. Ensuring that Colorado can meet its future water needs is critical in maintaining our state as a competitive place to work, play, and live. 

“Colorado’s water challenges demand united focus and innovation,” said Senator Donovan (D-Vail). “This $20 million investment is an important step in Colorado’s work to address looming issues such as drought, climate change, and population growth. But to truly solve these challenges facing Colorado’s water, we must continue to work with farmers and ranchers, conservationists, and water providers to find the necessary funding solutions that Colorado currently lacks.”

HB21-1263, sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez and Dennis Hisey, creates a program to provide organizations and businesses up to 10% rebates for holding an event in the state. The program also offers rebates of up to 25% for hard costs of complying with COVID-19 associated public health orders for the event. This will help bring people back for the weddings, vacations, conferences, and festivals that have halted since COVID. 

“Colorado typically has a booming events and tourism industry. From weddings to conferences to concerts, we attract people from all around the country and the world to our beautiful state. But COVID has decimated this industry and put thousands of people out of work.” said Senator Rodriguez (D-Denver). “We need to attract business back to Colorado, that’s why this bill is so critical. By giving organizations and businesses a 10% rebate for holding events in Colorado, we will be powering the comeback and stimulating local economies."

HB21-1302, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, provides $15 million to the successful Energize Gap Fund. Colorado established the fund to support as many Colorado businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as possible, but it specifically prioritized rural businesses and those that are majority-owned by veterans, women, and minorities. HB21-1302 makes modifications to the program to also prioritize businesses that missed out on the initial cycle of funding, businesses in economically distressed areas, and for-profit sole proprietorships. 

“After receiving CARES Act funds from the federal government last year, one of our top priorities was keeping small businesses afloat throughout the pandemic, and the Energize Gap Fund has been a proven and effective vehicle for getting those dollars out the door,” said Senator Winter (D-Westminster). “To bolster the continuation of this program, this bill will ensure that the new round of federal funding is targeted towards those who need it most.”

HB21-1289, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Kevin Priola, provides $75M to increase internet access across Colorado to support services that have become a necessity during the pandemic, like telehealth. It specifically includes $20M for the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Tribes. Colorado has an opportunity to help bridge the digital divide exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing broadband access for our students, communities, and businesses, and this bill takes a big first step. 

“Especially after this last year, more and more of our economy is online, and we have an obligation to make sure every Coloradan can participate in that economy. said Senator Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village). “Connecting unserved and underserved communities to high-speed reliable internet creates more opportunity for everyone, and increases statewide equity and prosperity for all of our families.”

HB21-1264, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker and Dennis Hisey, invests $25 million to create an initiative within the state Workforce Development Council to reskill, upskill, and “next-skill” workers during periods of substantial unemployment. This will ensure that the state can build back stronger by making sure that Colorado’s workers have the tools they need to thrive. 

“The last year has had a devastating impact on all of us, but especially our workforce. Coloradans were unexpectedly forced out of work during the pandemic, which resulted in financial loss, heightened stress, and decreased productivity,” said Senator Chirs Kolker (D-Centennial). “In order for us to build back stronger, we need to ensure that our workers are fully equipped with this skill set necessary for them to get back to work and do their jobs efficiently. This funding supports training to advance one’s skills with their chosen work and develop new skills for those looking for careers new to the twenty-first century.” 

HB21-1260, HB21-1289, and HB21-1264 now head to the House for final action HB21-1263 and HB21-1302 now head to the Governor’s desk for his signature. To read the bills and find updates regarding their status, visit leg.colorado.gov.

Senate Democrats Stand Up for Patients, Fight for Increased Access & Affordability of Insulin

HB21-1307 will work to ensure that no one with diabetes will have to worry about affording their life-saving prescription

DENVER, CO - Today, Senate Democrats gave final approval to legislation to ensure that all Coloradans who need it have access to affordable insulin – a life-saving policy in response to egregious price hikes perpetrated by big pharma. 

HB21-1307, sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, increases access to insulin by clarifying that the current $100 cap on a person’s monthly insulin supply applies regardless of the number of prescriptions a person may have. Furthermore, it allows eligible consumers to access one emergency prescription insulin supply for no more than $35 per 12-month period. 

“Over the past ten years, insulin costs for patients in Colorado have skyrocketed,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan (D- Vail). “Those price increases have very real and severe consequences - in 2020 nearly 74,000 Coloradans who rely on insulin for diabetes, reported rationing their medication, or fasting to manage their blood sugar because they couldn’t pay for their prescription. Big pharma is concerned with their profits, while patients for whom insulin is like oxygen, suffer. In Colorado, we are saying no more. This bill means immediate access to insulin for everyone who needs it in every corner of the state.”    

“Insulin is a necessary, life-saving drug that should be accessible to all diabetics regardless of income,” said Senator Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County). “As a  Pharmacist, I have seen the pain in people’s eyes when they can’t afford their medications – forced to choose between providing for their family and caring for their own health. It's time that we prioritize people over corporations and ensure that everyone, no matter their socioeconomic status, can access the prescriptions they need.”

The bill also creates the Insulin Affordability Program in the Division of Insurance to help eligible individuals obtain prescription insulin for $50 a month for 12 months. The findings of an investigation conducted by the Colorado Attorney General’s office released in November 2020, found that over 40% of Coloradans using insulin rationed their medicine due to cost and that over 37% use expired insulin to stretch their supplies due to high costs.

Despite the success of HB19-1216, the landmark 2019 bill that established the $100 price caps on insulin, many diabetics with employer-sponsored plans or those without insurance coverage have fallen through the cracks, especially throughout the pandemic. This bill will help fill in the gaps and ensure that everyone, regardless of insurance coverage, has access to affordable, life-saving insulin.

The bill will now head to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. To read the bill and find updates regarding its status, visit leg.colorado.gov.

Senate Democrats Pass Tax Fairness Package, Putting More Money in the Pockets of Hardworking Coloradans

Two bills seeking to provide tax relief to working families, seniors, and small businesses near the legislative finish line

DENVER, CO - Today, the Senate passed a pair of bills working to reform our tax code by supporting families and local businesses; investing more in education, public health, and other basic state services; and closing regressive special interest tax loopholes. The bills, both sponsored by Senators Dominick Moreno & Chris Hansen, seek to build on progress made with tax relief legislation last year and aim to ensure Colorado’s economic recovery is efficient, equitable, and sustainable.

“The pandemic has both exposed and deepened existing inequities as well as created new ones,” said Senator Moreno (D-Commerce City). “As we recover, we can either continue business as usual, with decades-old special interest tax loopholes benefitting a handful of entrenched interests, or we can reform our tax code and uplift hardworking families, small businesses, and the most vulnerable Coloradans. The choice is clear.”

“Colorado’s tax code has been deeply unfair for far too long. Between our flat income tax structure, TABOR, and other restrictive fiscal policies, our state is entrenching power and protecting the status quo at the expense of hardworking people,” said Senator Hansen (D-Denver). “These bills will insert equity and integrity into our tax code by expanding working family tax credits like the EITC, as well as limiting loopholes for millionaires and huge corporations.”

Colorado’s hardworking families and small businesses are struggling to climb the economic ladder, put food on their tables, pay for housing, or afford higher education – while high-powered corporate interests protect an outdated tax system that gives handouts to those who’ve already reached the top.

HB21-1311 takes a critical look at the tax code to modify or eliminate provisions that have objectively failed their intended purpose or are broadly disadvantageous to local businesses and families. Instead, the bill prioritizes hardworking Coloradans by expanding tax credits for low and middle-income earners while curbing unjust tax-avoidance practices by big business. This includes prohibiting corporations from hiding their earnings in off-shore tax havens as well as reinstating itemized deduction caps for the wealthiest Coloradans. 

According to a non-partisan legislative analysis, the provisions in this bill will raise approximately $110 million in revenue for the state and will pay out over $450 million to working families, low-income Coloradans, and small businesses over the next 3 years.

Meanwhile, HB21-1312 seeks to adjust other state tax expenditures to prevent exploitation and ensure consistent application of tax laws. Specifically, the bill modifies ineffective tax subsidies for the largest businesses by eliminating property tax loopholes as well as other excessive write-offs. 

These bills provide Colorado with an opportunity to support everyday citizens and small businesses that make up the backbone of our economy – prioritizing those being left behind in our recovery.

Both bills will now head back to the House for final action before being signed into law by the Governor. To read the bills and find updates regarding their status, visit leg.colorado.gov.

Senate Passes Colorado Comeback Legislation With Near Unanimous Support

Stimulus bills providing tutoring for K-12 students, youth mental health services, support for agricultural events, and small business aid clear the full Senate

DENVER, CO - Today, the Senate approved several stimulus bills that are a part of Colorado’s recovery package on third reading and final passage, all with strong bipartisan support.

HB21-1262, sponsored by Senate President Leroy Garcia and Senator Jerry Sonnenberg, provides $3.5 million to the Colorado Stock Show – a staple to the state’s agricultural economy and Denver’s economy – as well as $3.5 million for the State Fair, and $2 million to agricultural events organizations across the state. The bill advanced out of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee with unanimous support.

“Without direct support to the agriculture industry, Colorado won’t truly recover from the effects of the pandemic,” said Senate President Garcia (D-Pueblo). “My bipartisan bill to send millions of dollars to the Colorado State Fair, the National Western Stock Show, and other agriculture events will provide the support the industry needs to weather this storm.”

HB21-1265, sponsored by Senators Pettersen & Woodward, continues the successful sales tax assistance effort passed during the 2020 special session. It allows restaurants, bars, caterers, and food service contractors (such as airline food service contractors and food concession contractors at sporting events) to deduct up to $70,000 in net taxable sales from their monthly state sales tax return and retain the resulting sales tax revenue during the months of June, July, and August 2021. 

“Our local businesses have shouldered tremendous burdens over the past year. Now it’s our job to lift them up, help them recover, and ensure their longevity moving forward,” said Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “This bill will continue critical relief to local bars and eateries that have been struggling to survive – granting them some necessary breathing room while they get back on their feet.” 

HB21-1288, sponsored by Senator James Coleman, establishes the Colorado Startup Loan Program to provide loans and grants for people seeking capital to start, restart, or restructure a business. This program is intended to support businesses in recovering economic losses incurred over the last year and provide easier-to-access capital for entrepreneurs across the state. The bill allocates $30 million to fund and administer the program. 

“With the rapid increase in vaccination rates and the repeal of capacity restrictions, Colorado small businesses are primed for an economic recovery. However, many are still picking up the pieces after the recession of last year,” said Senator Coleman (D-Denver). “This program will help accelerate Colorado’s Comeback by providing small businesses with access to capital, supporting entrepreneurs, and prioritizing financial assistance to disproportionately impacted communities – ensuring our recovery is equitable and lasting.”

HB21-1258 sponsored by Senators Buckner & Woodward, creates a program in the Office of Behavioral Health to reimburse providers for up to three mental health sessions with a young person. The office will also create a website to serve as a portal for youth and providers to be able to navigate the program. Our state’s youth mental health crisis has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this bill will ensure that Colorado youth can get the help they need and deserve.

“The pandemic has resulted in increased mental health needs for so many Coloradans, but especially for our young people, whose lives and learning have been severely disrupted over the last year,” said Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora). “In order to provide relief for our kids, we need to expand access to mental health support. This bill will help break the stigma around mental health by making it easier for kids to seek out care in Colorado.” 

HB21-1234, sponsored by Senators Moreno and Rankin, allocates $5 million to the newly created Colorado high-impact tutoring program to provide grant funding to local education providers, to create high-impact tutoring programs to address student learning loss and unfinished learning resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the learning disruptions of the last year, Colorado 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 will work to fill in those gaps.

“Between school closures, at-home learning, and social isolation, students have faced some of the toughest challenges of this pandemic,” said Senator Moreno (D-Denver). “This bill will invest in our kids’ future by making high-impact tutoring available to address the gaps in student learning – giving them a chance to not only catch up but succeed going forward.”

HB21-1258, HB21-1288, and HB21-1262 now head back to the House for concurrence, and HB21-1234 and HB21-1265 now head to the Governor’s desk. To read the bills and find updates regarding their status, visit leg.colorado.gov.

Senate Approves Stimulus Bills to Support Seniors, Domestic Violence Victims & Communities Transitioning from Coal

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved a package of stimulus bills to help Colorado recover and build back stronger. One of the bills is part of the Colorado Recovery Plan, while the other two are recent additions to the legislative agenda as a result of American Rescue Plan federal funding.

SB21-290, sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson and Janet Buckner, dedicates $15 million to support Colorado’s aging population. These funds will go towards a variety of senior-focused programs that will expand housing assistance, increase access to health services, subsidize nutrition programs, and improve transportation opportunities to medical appointments.

“Seniors were one of the hardest-hit populations during the pandemic. Not only were they most susceptible to COVID-19, but their lives were upended – forced to endure severe social isolation as well as significant disruptions in critical services they rely on,” said Senator Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge). “This bill will help support aging Coloradans’ ongoing recovery by providing resources to ensure they have access to medical care, nutritional services, and socialization activities.”

“An integral part of our job as legislators is protecting the most vulnerable and marginalized among us. This means looking out for groups like seniors, who have been particularly devastated by this pandemic,” said Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora). “This bill seeks to support aging Coloradans throughout our state by ensuring they have access to the housing, health and transportation assistance they need to not only fully recover but thrive in their communities.”  

SB21-292, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, seeks to support victims of domestic violence. Stay-at-home orders and other pandemic responses have increased instances of domestic violence and reduced the ability of victims to access services. This bill seeks to fill that void. 

Specifically, the bill will allocate $15 million across various programs for victims of domestic abuse, including the Address Confidentiality Program, which will help protect domestic violence victims who may be threatened by having a public address; the Domestic Violence Program, which will provide grants to local nonprofits for rapid rehousing, flexible financial assistance, and retrofitting of shelters for domestic violence victims; and Victims Assistance & Law Enforcement programs, which provide crisis intervention services, victim services referrals, victim assistance programs, and counseling to those in need. 

“When the pandemic hit last year, we asked Coloradans to stay home and stay safe. For many of our residents, however, staying home did not necessarily make them safer,” said Senator Faith Winter (D-Westminster). “Instances of domestic violence increased when we implemented stay-at-home orders, which tragically put many Coloradans – particularly women – in danger. This bill seeks to support victims of domestic violence, providing them with the resources necessary to ensure they are protected from further abuse and trauma.” 

HB21-1290, sponsored by Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, seeks to assist communities transitioning from coal. In 2019, Democrats in the legislature created the Office of Just Transition to guide communities transitioning from coal toward economic resilience. This bill provides $15 million in funding for workforce programs, local capacity grants, transition-related economic development grants, and critical infrastructure investments to boost economies that have been dependent on coal. 

“If we truly want to build Colorado back stronger than before, we must be responsive to our changing economy," said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “Communities and workers who have traditionally relied on fossil fuel industries are experiencing growing pains as Colorado makes the shift to clean energy projects. Allocating funding to the Office of Just Transition will help ensure that we’re doing everything we can to protect Colorado workers and the main streets they call home.”

SB21-290 and SB21-292 now move to the House for further consideration, while HB21-1290 heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval. Track the progress of the legislation by visiting leg.colorado.gov/. 

Senate Unanimously Passes Legislation to Establish Universal Pre-K In Colorado

Legislation would promote alignment and quality, and improve access to high-quality early childhood education

DENVER, CO - Today, the Senate unanimously passed legislation to implement universal preschool, improve education outcomes, and support families in expanding access to enriching early childhood experiences.

HB21-1304, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Fenberg and Senator Buckner, will expand access to high-quality, affordable early childhood opportunities, support parents in accessing programs and services, and coordinate the availability of those services.

“Today was a huge step forward in providing quality education to every child in Colorado,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “With this bill, we’re laying the foundation for how we fund, coordinate, and address early childhood education. Access to child care not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes, but also the very well-being and success of families across our state.”

Voter-approved investments in early learning, including Proposition EE – which was overwhelmingly supported by Colorado voters – as well as new federal funding targeted to child care, provide the state with a unique opportunity to elevate and streamline our early childcare education system.

“This bill is the culmination of decades of hard work and advocacy from so many in our communities,” said Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora). “We remain inspired by Anna Jo Haynes’ leadership on this issue and are so happy to be able to honor her life’s work in the bill’s title. The implementation of HB21-1304 will build on the progress she has made, and will have life-changing effects on Colorado’s youth for generations to come.”

The bill’s shorthand title honors a long-time advocate of early childhood education in Colorado, Anna Jo Garcia Haynes. Ms. Haynes was the driving force behind the creation of the Head Start early childhood education program in Denver, and co-founder of the Colorado Children’s Campaign, a non-partisan advocacy organization.

The bill now heads back to the House for final concurrence. To read the bill and find updates regarding the status, visit: leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb21-1304.

Senate Approves Colorado Comeback Bills to Support Clean Energy Projects & Invest in SNAP

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved two stimulus bills that will help fund renewable energy projects as well as invest in Colorado’s successful SNAP program. These bills are part of the Colorado Recovery Plan. 

HB21-1253, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators Faith Winter & Bob Rankin, invests $5 million into local government grants for shovel-ready, job-creating projects in the renewable energy sector. Market forces, consumer choices, and environmental consciousness have moved Colorado’s economy toward a sustainable clean energy future, and this bill will help support and accelerate that transition. 

“While the transition to a clean energy economy is already in motion, we must continue coordinating with both the public and private sectors to develop renewable energy to decarbonize our electricity grid and create good-paying jobs,” said Senator Winter (D-Westminster). “This bill will reduce adverse human and environmental effects from fossil fuel pollution and support businesses transitioning to clean energy, all while accelerating Colorado’s workforce development.”

HB21-1270 directly contributes to Colorado’s economic recovery by investing in Colorado’s successful Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) program. Colorado’s SNAP E&T program, known as Employment First, promotes long-term self-sufficiency and independence by preparing SNAP recipients for meaningful employment through work-related education, training activities, and work-based learning. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has cost countless Coloradans their jobs, many of whom have had to rely on critical support services to get by,” said Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora). “As we work to build back a stronger, more resilient Colorado, we must take action to uplift those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic. This bill will help get Coloradans back to work by filling critical gaps in this successful and proven program.”

Both bills now head to the Governor's desk to be signed into law. Track the progress of the legislation by visiting leg.colorado.gov.

Senate Approves Bills to Increase Community Safety, Address Gun Violence Epidemic

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved two pieces of legislation that seek to protect victims of domestic violence and establish a first-of-its-kind statewide Office of Gun Violence Prevention to help address the epidemic of gun violence and keep communities safe. 

“Gun violence is an epidemic in the country,” said Senator Pettersen (D-Lakewood). “Every year it seems we are shocked by a horrific mass shooting that shakes us to our core. But it’s the countless other shootings happening every day that represent the deadliest component of this crisis. Domestic abusers and other violent offenders are largely unobstructed from buying a firearm – putting vulnerable families and communities at increased risk of lethal violence. This has to change. By preventing dangerous people from purchasing or owning a gun, these bills will help stop tragedy before it starts.”

HB21-1255, sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen & Sonya Jaquez-Lewis, would strengthen and streamline procedures for the relinquishment of firearms by someone who has a domestic violence-related protection order issued against them. Current law already requires domestic violence offenders who are subject to a protection order stemming from an act of domestic or intimate partner violence to forfeit their firearms and refrain from possessing or purchasing firearms for the duration of the order. This bill simply clarifies the way in which defendants must comply with this requirement, and establishes requirements for courts.

“More than 30% of Coloradans experience physical abuse at the hands of a domestic partner – a threat made five times more deadly when their abuser owns a gun,” said Senator Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder County). “We must do everything in our power to protect victims by ensuring that perpetrators remain unarmed. This includes passing measures like HB21-1255, which will strengthen current laws that require domestic violence offenders to relinquish their firearms.”

HB21-1299, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen & Rhonda Fields, establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention under the Department of Public Health and Environment. The Office would be responsible for conducting public awareness campaigns about gun violence prevention. It would educate the public about existing state resources and laws, including how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order, how to access mental health resources, and how to store firearms securely. The Office would also fund proven community-based violence intervention programs that are focused on interrupting cycles of gun violence through competitive grants.

“Gun violence continues to plague our communities, and for too long Coloradans have been crying out for their leaders to do something about it. We need more than thoughts and prayers, we need action,” said Senator Hansen (D-Denver). “With this bill, we are investing in community-sourced solutions that will combat the root causes of gun violence rather than its symptoms. I am incredibly proud of Colorado’s leadership on this issue and look forward to a day when gun violence no longer stalks our streets, haunts our homes, or terrorizes our public spaces.”

“True gun violence prevention requires that we start thinking bigger and more holistically,” said Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora). “Making top-down regulations without investing in grassroots education will only limit our policies’ effectiveness. We need to build broad public awareness that empowers communities to take action – protecting their loved ones in moments of crisis and implementing evidence-based initiatives that will interrupt cycles of violence and trauma.”

These bills now head to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. Track the progress of the legislation by visiting leg.colorado.gov.

Senate UNANIMOUSLY Passes Package of Bills Creating Pathways for $3.8 Billion in American Rescue Plan Act Stimulus Dollars

Bills will set aside nearly $380 million for transportation funding and create frameworks carefully designed to absorb federal stimulus funding and power the Colorado Comeback for years to come

DENVER, CO - Today, the Senate passed several bipartisan bills utilizing federal funding allocated to the state through the American Rescue Plan. Two of these policies will establish mechanisms to manage the influx of federal dollars – allowing the state to remain agile and able to respond to the changing needs in the economy over the coming months. The third bill will preserve over $800 million for future investments following an interim stakeholder process this summer. 

SB21-291, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg and Minority Leader Chris Holbert, creates the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 or its negative economic impacts. Specifically, the bill allocates $848 million for future legislative investments to be made following a robust community stakeholding process over the next six months. In addition, this bill allocates $40 million for small businesses grants economic development following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as $10 million to incentivize small business development in rural Colorado and those that hire remote employees in rural areas of the state. 

“Effectively deploying this substantial amount of federal funding must strike a balance between urgency and deliberation,” said Senate Majority Leader Fenberg (D-Boulder). “This carefully crafted package of legislation will accomplish both goals by immediately investing in Colorado communities, as well as preserving considerable funding for longer-term investments that can respond to the growing needs of the state’s recovery.”

SB21-288, sponsored by Senators Dominick Moreno & Bob Rankin creates the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Cash Fund to hold $3.8 billion that the state is receiving from the Federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund. Additionally, this bill sets aside nearly $380 million from this fund to support the state highway and multimodal transportation infrastructure projects, as well as fulfill initiatives set forth in SB21-260. 

SB21-289, also sponsored by Senators Moreno & Rankin, creates the Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund, which will receive $1 billion in federal funding and will go towards supporting K-12 education, housing, asset maintenance, seniors, criminal justice, state parks, agriculture, and transportation infrastructure in the 2022 legislative session. Overall, this legislation works to fortify the state budget and maintain fiscal integrity as Colorado’s Comeback continues. 

“A major lesson learned over the last year has been how dynamic the state economy can be, and how strategically our recovery efforts must be crafted. Careful planning, creative investments, and fiscal responsibility got us to where we are today, and we must continue these efforts to ensure long-term prosperity for Colorado,” said Senator Moreno (D-Commerce City). “As state legislators, we are incredibly grateful for this infusion of federal funds, and these bills will help provide a pathway for a sustained and lasting recovery that incorporates stakeholder input and outreach to every corner of the state.”

All three bills now head to the House for further consideration. To learn more about the legislation and track their status, visit leg.colorado.gov.

Senate Charts Legislative Pathways for $3.8 Billion in American Rescue Plan Act Stimulus Dollars

Bills will allocate $70 million in additional funding for new stimulus proposals, set aside nearly $380 million for transportation funding, and create frameworks carefully designed to absorb federal stimulus funding and power the Colorado Comeback for years to come

DENVER, CO - Today, the Senate introduced and quickly took action on several bills utilizing federal funding allocated to the state through the American Rescue Plan. Of the five bills introduced, two will establish mechanisms to manage the influx of federal dollars, allowing  – the state to remain agile and able to respond to the changing needs in the economy over the coming months. Another two bills will utilize the infusion of federal dollars to create funding mechanisms for several new stimulus bills this legislative session. And an additional bill will preserve over $800 million for future investments – enabling the funds to be deployed wisely and effectively following an interim stakeholder process this summer. 

“Since the passage of The American Rescue Plan we have been working diligently on investment initiatives for this once-in-a-lifetime funding. Our creative collaboration has enabled us to move quickly and efficiently for the people of Colorado – ensuring that our state is set up to not only repair what the pandemic has broken, but build back even stronger,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia (D-Pueblo). “The bills introduced today will support Colorado’s most vulnerable populations – especially those who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic – and fortify the state’s fiscal integrity for years to come.”

“Thanks to the hard work by our federal delegation in DC, help is here for the people of Colorado. Now it’s our turn to take up the torch and make transformational investments in affordable housing, mental health, and workforce development – ensuring Colorado emerges from the pandemic stronger than ever before,” said Senate Majority Leader Fenberg (D-Boulder). “This is a historic opportunity to invest in the long-term prosperity of Coloradans today, to make sure we’re not leaving anyone behind in our pursuit of a better tomorrow.”

Specifically, SB21-288, a bill sponsored by Senators Dominick Moreno & Bob Rankin creates the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Cash Fund to hold $3.8 billion that the state is receiving from the Federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund. Additionally, this bill sets aside nearly $380 million from this fund to support the state highway and multimodal transportation infrastructure projects, as well as fulfill initiatives set forth in SB21-260. This bill was passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee this afternoon with bipartisan support.

SB21-289, a bill sponsored by Senators Moreno & Rankin, creates the Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund, which will receive $1 billion in federal funding and will go towards supporting K-12 education, housing, asset maintenance, seniors, criminal justice, state parks, agriculture, and transportation infrastructure in the 2022 legislative session. Overall, this legislation works to fortify the state budget and maintain fiscal integrity as Colorado’s Comeback continues. This bill was also passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee this afternoon with bipartisan support.

SB21-291, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg and Minority Leader Holbert, creates the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund to respond to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19 or its negative economic impacts. Specifically, the bill allocates $848 million for future legislative investments to be made following a robust community stakeholding process over the next six months. In addition, this bill allocates $40 million for small businesses grants economic development following the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the bill sets aside $10 million to incentivize small business development in rural Colorado and to provide cash incentives to businesses that hire remote employees in rural areas of the state. This bill was also passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee this afternoon with bipartisan support.

SB21-292, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Bob Rankin, seeks to support victims of domestic violence. Stay-at-home orders and other pandemic responses have increased instances of domestic violence and reduced the ability of victims to access services. This bill seeks to fill that void. Specifically, the legislation will allocate $15 million across various programs for victims of domestic abuse, including the Address Confidentiality Program, which will help protect domestic violence victims who may be threatened by having a public address; the Domestic Violence Program, which will provide grants to local nonprofits for rapid rehousing, flexible financial assistance, and retrofitting of shelters for domestic violence victims; and Victims Assistance & Law Enforcement programs, which provide crisis intervention services, victim services referrals, victim assistance programs, and counseling to those in need. This bill was passed by the Senate Finance committee this afternoon with bipartisan support.

SB21-290, sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson and Janet Buckner, dedicates $15 million to support Colorado’s aging population. These funds will go towards a variety of senior-focused programs that will expand housing assistance, increase access to health services, subsidize nutrition programs, and improve transportation opportunities to medical appointments. This bill was also passed by the Senate Finance committee this afternoon with bipartisan support.

After being passed in Appropriations Committee, SB21-288, SB21-289 and SB21-291 were given preliminary approval by the full Senate on second reading.  Meanwhile, SB21-290 and SB21-292 await further consideration by Senate Appropriations.