Colorado’s Economy is Strong, But Budget Outlook Remains Constrained

DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December economic forecasts.

“Despite national headwinds, Colorado’s strong economy continues to grow and gain jobs, with the state’s unemployment rate well below the national average,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “As we look at the road ahead, it’s clear that our costs will soon exceed what we are able to spend each year, so we’ll look to make smart investments that strengthen our economy, prioritize education, reduce crime and protect critical services. I’m excited to work with my colleagues to pass a balanced budget that sustainably increases funding for public schools, helps build an economy where everyone has a fair shot, and moves Colorado forward.”

“Today’s forecast is a reminder that while Colorado’s economic outlook remains strong, we are facing fiscal challenges that will test our limits and put enormous pressure on the state budget,” said JBC Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We’ve fought hard for the gains we’ve made in recent years on education, housing, health care, and more. Now, we must work to protect those critical investments while fulfilling our funding commitments and keeping our budget on a sound and sensible path so that Colorado remains strong for generations to come.”

“While our economic outlook is bright, our state’s fiscal constraints and persistent inflation mean that we could soon face a daunting funding shortfall that jeopardizes the services that Coloradans depend on,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We’ve made tremendous progress to boost funding for public schools, increase economic assistance to Colorado families, invest in infrastructure and transit, and direct resources to make housing more affordable. This year, we will continue our efforts to lower costs for Coloradans and deliver the services that everyone in our state needs.”

“Colorado’s economy continues to do better than the rest of the country, but because TABOR limits are tied to the cost of washing machines instead of wages we could face a dangerous budget shortfall," said JBC Member Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. "As a state we spend more on people than anything else. If we can't keep pace with real wage growth we'll have to cut critical state services that people depend on, from education to transportation to state parks. The budget is a moral document that reflects what we value as a state, and we could face some hard choices in the months ahead. Thankfully the folks I serve with on JBC from both chambers and both sides of the aisle are exactly the kind of good and intelligent people you want making those tough decisions."

Colorado continues to have a tight labor market, with significantly more job openings than before the pandemic, and the unemployment rate ticked down to 3.5 percent, below the national average of 3.7 percent. While wage gains in Colorado are outperforming the national average, pressure from increased prices are impacting household wealth. The state has now exceeded pre-pandemic job numbers with far more job openings than before the pandemic, and the majority of sectors have recovered the jobs lost during the pandemic. While inflation remains high, it is projected to decline next year with energy and transportation costs already easing in the state.

The Legislative Council staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $16.87 billion in FY 2022-2023 and $17.35 billion in FY 2023-2024 – a $707 million decrease for FY 2022-2023 and a $559 million decrease for FY 2023-2024 as compared with the earlier September revenue forecast. The forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $18.195 billion for FY 2024-2025.

The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $16.8 billion for FY 2022-2023, which OSPB revised upward by $412.2 million relative to its September estimate. For FY 2023-2024, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $16.5 billion, which OSPB revised downward by $225 million relative to its September estimate. For FY 2023-2024, OSPB estimates that General Fund revenue will be $17.6 billion. LCS anticipates that budget writers will only have $1.32 billion to address caseload increases, inflationary pressures and spend or save this year.

The forecast anticipates continued growth despite escalating risks of a near-term recession. Evolving monetary policy, the war in Ukraine and a housing market correction are upside risks to the forecasts. A sustained drop in energy prices, resolution to the war and a stabilized supply chain are upside risks.  

Next Round of Outdoor Equity Grant Program Recipients Announced

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today announced the next round of recipients of Outdoor Equity grants, an opportunity made possible by a law championed by Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. The grant program aims to increase access to outdoor opportunities for Coloradans and provides resources to underserved students and communities to help increase environmental learning opportunities, education, and outdoor activities.

Colorado’s great outdoors are some of the most incredible places on earth, but too many of our youth are unable to experience our parks, trails and open spaces. In 2021, the legislature passed a bill, HB21-1318, creating a grant program with revenue from the state lottery to support organizations that reduce barriers to Colorado’s outdoors for underserved youth and their families.

“Our outdoors are a critical component of our Colorado way of life that everyone should have increased access to, no matter where you live,” said Jaquez Lewis. “These grants will help create more equitable opportunities for youth and families to experience outdoor spaces and activities they may not have had access to before. I’m thrilled for the recipients, and am proud to have played an important role in ensuring the success of this program.”

The Outdoor Equity Grant Program focuses on creating opportunities for youth and their families from communities who have been historically excluded. The goal is to ensure they have equitable opportunities to become involved in recreational activities and experience Colorado’s open spaces, state parks, public lands and other outdoor areas. 

Grant recipients include:

Adaptive Sports Association – Durango – $50,000

Asian Girls Ignite – Denver – $78,000

Colorado Center for the Blind – Littleton – $50,000

Colorado Discover Ability – Grand Junction – $50,000

Colorado Rocky Mountain School (HS)2 Program – Carbondale – $6,700

Connections for Independent Living – Greeley – $21,000

Denver Indian Center – Denver – $85,000

Environmental Learning for Kids – Denver – $75,000

Fort Collins Community Action Network – Fort Collins – $50,000

Friends of Youth and Nature – Hotchkiss – $67,180

Gypsum Elementary School – Gypsum – $5,000

Haseya Advocate Program – Colorado Springs – $70,000

International Rescue Committee – Denver – $30,000

Get Outdoors Leadville! – Leadville – $70,750

Montezuma Inspire Coalition – Cortez – $70,000

Mountain Dreamers – Frisco – $40,000

Northfield High School La Raza Club – Denver – $7,000

Sims Fayola Foundation – Denver – $50,000

Southern Ute Indian Tribe – Ignacio – $10,000

Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning – Denver – $40,815

Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports – Steamboat Springs – $25,000

The Nature Connection – Hotchkiss – $40,000

The Storytellers Project – Denver – $50,000

Vibe Tribe Adventures – Aurora – $80,000

ViVe Wellness – Denver – $70,000

Youth Club of Trinidad – Trinidad – $55,363

Youth Seen – Denver – $75,000

More information on the Outdoor Equity Grant Program is available HERE.

Senate Democrats Unveil 2023 General Assembly Committee Assignments

Majority Leader Moreno: “I am excited for our new committee leadership and for our members to dive into the issues, have informed and thoughtful deliberations, and create lasting results for the people of Colorado."

DENVER, CO - Colorado Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, today announced Senate committee assignments for the 2023 General Assembly.

“Our caucus members have been hard at work preparing to hit the ground running when we convene next month so we can tackle the challenges that matter most to our communities and build on the progress we made last year,” Moreno said. “I am excited for our new committee leadership and for our members to dive into the issues, have informed and thoughtful deliberations, and create lasting results for the people of Colorado."

“As our 2023 legislative session approaches, I am excited to continue working to create a more just and resilient Colorado,” said President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Our committee leaders are energized and ready to bring momentum to the new year, and I am excited to watch them collaborate on the issues, move important policies through the legislative process, and deliver results for our state. The Senate Democrats are ready to hit the ground running, and I am eager to see all we will accomplish together as we continue fighting to move Colorado forward.”

In order to emphasize the importance of increasing access to safe and affordable housing, Majority Leader Moreno announced plans to seek a rule change to rename the Local Government Committee to the Local Government & Housing Committee.

Agriculture & Natural Resources, 7 members (4-3)

Senator-elect Dylan Roberts, Chair
Senator Nick Hinrichsen, Vice Chair
Senator-elect Janice Marchman
Senator Kevin Priola

Appropriations, 7 members (4-3)

Senator Jeff Bridges, Chair
Senator Rachel Zenzinger, Vice Chair
President Pro Tempore James Coleman
Senator Chris Hansen

Business, Labor, & Technology, 9 members (6-3)

Assistant Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Chair
Senator Jessie Danielson, Vice Chair
President Pro Tempore James Coleman
Senator Joann Ginal
Senator Nick Hinrichsen
Senator-elect Tom Sullivan

Education, 7 members (4-3)

Majority Caucus Chair Janet Buckner, Chair
Senator-elect Janice Marchman, Vice Chair
Senator Rhonda Fields
Senator Chris Kolker

Finance, 7 members (4-3)

Senator-elect Kyle Mullica, Chair
Senator Chris Kolker, Vice Chair
Senator Kevin Priola
Senator Faith Winter

Health & Human Services, 9 members (6-3)

Senator Rhonda Fields, Chair
Senator Joann Ginal, Vice Chair
Majority Caucus Chair Janet Buckner
Senator-elect Lisa Cutter
Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis
Senator-elect Kyle Mullica

Judiciary, 5 members (3-2)

Majority Whip Julie Gonzales, Chair
Assistant Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Vice Chair
Senator-elect Dylan Roberts

Local Government & Housing, 7 members (4-3)

Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Chair
Senator-elect Tony Exum, Sr., Vice Chair
Majority Whip Julie Gonzales
Senator-elect Dylan Roberts

State, Veterans, & Military Affairs, 5 members (3-2)

President Pro Tempore James Coleman, Chair
Senator-elect Tom Sullivan, Vice Chair
Majority Whip Julie Gonzales

Transportation & Energy, 7 members (5-2)

Senator Faith Winter, Chair
Senator Kevin Priola, Vice Chair
Senator-elect Tony Exum, Sr.
Senator-elect Lisa Cutter
Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis

Polis-Primavera Administration Announces Behavioral Health Grant Opportunities and Toolkit to Help Communities Apply

BHA grant programs strengthen access to behavioral health services in local communities and prevent people with behavioral health needs from criminal justice system involvement

DENVER- Today, the Polis-Primavera administration and Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) announced that over $130 million in grant opportunities supporting behavioral health care are now available for eligible parties to apply. The grant programs focus on implementing innovative, data-driven behavioral health strategies that meet the needs of individual communities and expanding crime prevention. As part of these grant opportunities, the BHA has partnered with Colorado Health Institute to provide technical assistance to applicants through the community behavioral health services toolkit which will support navigating the application process and creating the most effective projects for each community. 

“Ensuring people have access to high-quality behavioral healthcare when they need it is one of the most important investments we can make in our state,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “Governor Polis and I are encouraged by the investments we’ve delivered over the past four years, including the allocation of resources to bolster Colorado’s behavioral health workforce and funding to address targeted areas of community need, but the work does not stop here. I look forward to continuing improving behavioral healthcare resources so that every Coloradan can reach the support they deserve.” 

“As we emerge from the pandemic, it is the BHA’s plan to operate as a community anchor, supporting local efforts while elevating our collective cause to strengthen Colorado’s behavioral health system,” said Dr. Morgan Medlock, Behavioral Health Administration Commissioner. 

The new four grant programs are a result of SB22-196, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales and Pete Lee as well as Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Adrienne Benavidez, and HB22-1281, sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Naquetta Ricks and Senators Faith Winter and Bob Rankin. These laws were signed by Governor Polis this summer as a part of the Polis-Primavera administration’s commitment to delivering bold investments in behavioral healthcare for Coloradans. The grant opportunities now accepting applications include: 

• The Criminal Justice Early Intervention Grant Program

• Community Investment Grant Program

• Children, Youth, and Families Grant Program

• Substance Use Workforce Stability Grant Program

“Arresting and jailing Coloradans with behavioral health needs has never been an efficient or cost-effective way to combat our state’s behavioral health crisis and help folks get the care they need, so we’re taking steps to change that,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Through this grant opportunity, local communities will be equipped with the resources they need to divert people away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate community treatment programs.”

“The Criminal Justice Early Intervention Grant Program is a community-based solution that will reduce reliance on our jails and prisons for mental health care and make it easier for Coloradans with behavioral health needs to receive the treatment they need," said Assistant Majority Leader-elect Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-196. "Now, with grant applications open, we're one step closer to improving behavioral health access for Coloradans in communities across the state.”

“Coloradans with behavioral health conditions deserve treatment, not punishment, yet the criminalization of these conditions has only made the problem worse,” said Senator Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs. “This grant opportunity will help ensure folks with mental health conditions and substance use disorders can get the treatment they need rather than enter the criminal justice system while making our communities safer, reducing recidivism, and saving taxpayers money.” 

“Early behavioral health intervention is one tool we have to divert Coloradans away from the criminal justice system toward treatment," said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, sponsor of SB22-196. "The Criminal Justice Early Intervention Grant Program is a local strategy to get Coloradans the behavioral health they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place."

The grant programs invest in local strategies and encourage those who understand their community’s individual needs and challenges to apply. Eligible applicants include local governments, community-based and/or nonprofit organizations, nonprofit hospitals, rural health clinics, substance use disorder treatment or recovery providers, federally recognized tribes, and local law enforcement agencies. 

“Navigating Colorado’s behavioral health system can be unnecessarily difficult, which makes it challenging for folks to access the care they need when they need it,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “These grants will help local governments and nonprofits implement innovative, community-based programs to fill critical gaps within our behavioral health system and improve outcomes for families, children, and youth across our state.” 

“Coloradans in every corner of our state feel the acute lack of behavioral health services, and each community’s needs are different,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1281. “I’m thrilled that this grant program will soon accept applications because it means families, kids, and youth will soon have expanded access to the behavioral health care they so critically need.”

“New grant programs, including the Children, Youth, and Families Grant Program, will fill critical gaps in care so that more families can access the behavioral health services they need to thrive,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB22-1281. “Every community's needs are different and the available grants are designed to help local governments, non-profits and substance use organizations secure the necessary funding to improve behavioral health outcomes for Coloradans." 

The community behavioral health services assessment toolkit was created by the BHA in partnership with the Colorado Health Institute to support applicants through the application process and understanding their community’s strengths, needs, and gaps; overall strengthening their investments. The toolkit offers assistance with grant writing, needs assessment, and/or program design. Applicants for the Community Investment Grant Program and the Children, Youth, and Families Grant Program are able to utilize the toolkit. 

“We know navigating grant application processes can have many obstacles, especially for our historically-excluded communities and those who have been unable to access trusted resources, and we truly want to make applying for funding as simple and accessible as possible. The BHA is here to support you and to honor lived experiences,” said Kayla Martin, BHA Contracts & Procurement Manager.  

Other transformative behavioral healthcare investments signed this year by Governor Polis include:  

SB22-177 was signed by Gov. Polis in May and sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen (now Congresswoman-elect) and Bob Rankin and Representatives Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield. SB22-177, Investments in Statewide Care Coordination Infrastructure, will improve coordination across Colorado between behavioral health providers and include new resources for communities statewide. Streamlining information and data will improve how providers coordinate care and services for people seeking behavioral health services and improve patient experiences. 

SB22-181, the Behavioral Healthcare Workforce Development, created a new plan to strengthen and build the behavioral healthcare workforce to ensure Colorado can continue to provide high-quality services. This bill was sponsored by Senators Bridges and Simpson and Representatives Cutter and Van Beber. Through collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, institutions of higher education, and community colleges, this plan will provide new training opportunities, internships, scholarships, and more to help recruit, train, and retain a qualified behavioral healthcare workforce.

The Polis-Primavera administration has committed to developing the behavioral healthcare system in Colorado and saving people money on healthcare. Through their commitment, the administration has created innovative resources to ensure that more Coloradans can access quality support when needed. Governor Polis created the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force (BHTTF) in 2019 which focuses on streamlining Colorado’s behavioral health system and increasing the efficiency and access to resources. The task force is made up of stakeholders, legislatures and community leaders to deliver well-rounded strategies. The Polis-Primavera administration has worked closely with the BHTTF to create transformative behavioral health bills. 

Further information regarding available technical assistance for these grant opportunities can be found by creating an account and logging in to VSS to access the request for applications (RFA) and more information regarding each of these grant programs and timelines can be found on the BHA Funding Opportunities webpage. 

Pueblo Receives Safer Streets Grant to Help Improve Public Safety

New law championed by Sen. Hinrichsen helps local governments make critical, evidence-based improvements that will cut down on crime

PUEBLO, CO – The City of Pueblo recently secured a $774,000 grant through the Crime Prevention through Safer Streets Grant Program championed by Senator Nick Hinrichen, D-Pueblo, and Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, this year to build safer communities. The program was created through the Safer Streets Act, which aims to help local governments make critical improvements that are proven to cut down on crime and improve public safety.

The grant for Pueblo will specifically improve public safety by bettering park lighting with upgrades and additions of LED lighting fixtures throughout the city. The three parks included in the grant award are Pueblo City Park, Mitchell Park and Ray Aguilera Park. 

“At the start of the year, I voiced my commitment to passing and supporting policies to make our communities safer, and I’m grateful that a public safety initiative I sponsored is making a difference,” said Hinrichsen. “The Safer Streets grant awarded to Pueblo will support proven measures to help make critical changes that will ultimately help cut down on crime and improve public safety across our city. I’m hopeful that other communities will take advantage of this grant program so we can make Colorado a safer place to live, work and raise a family.” 

This public strategy will not only act as a situational deterrent to crime, but will also improve community cohesion and pride, which studies show increases the willingness of residents to intervene in crime and cooperate with the police. Improved lighting will send a message to potential offenders that the neighborhood no longer offers easy opportunities for crime. 

SB22-001 created a $10.3 million grant program to help local governments make upgrades to neighborhoods, such as better lighting for increased visibility and improved design of the built physical environment. The goal of the program is to evaluate and design safer streets and neighborhood models that discourage crime, revitalize community image, and establish place-specific crime prevention strategies that account for geographic, cultural, economic, and social characteristics of the target areas. 

The program allows local governments—as well as community non-profit organizations partnering with local governments—to apply for grants that make improvements to the physical environment that increase visibility, direct foot traffic, and improve aesthetics through graffiti and trash removal. 

The law utilizes Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, an effective tool in reducing crime. Research and case studies have proven that the proper, safe design of the physical environment can result in lower incidences of crime, increased safety, and an overall increase in quality of life.

Learn more about the work Colorado Democrats did this year to improve public safety: senatedems.co/public-safety.

McCluskie and Moreno Statements on Resignation of Senator Bob Rankin

DENVER, CO – Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, today released the following statements after Senator Bob Rankin announced he will resign on January 10, 2023. Speaker-designate McCluskie and Majority Leader Moreno served with Sen. Rankin for many years on the Joint Budget Committee.

Statement from Speaker-designate McCluskie:

“For 10 years, Senator Rankin has exemplified the very best of what it means to be a public servant. His dedication and steadfast commitment to always putting Coloradans and good public policy ahead of politics has made our state a better place for everyone. His efforts to craft bipartisan solutions and find common ground are a model, not only for our legislature, but for lawmakers across the country. It has been a privilege to serve with Senator Rankin, and I will miss his leadership, expertise and the abundance of kindness he brings to the Capitol everyday.

Statement from Senate Majority Leader Moreno:

“For the last decade, Senator Rankin has handled his duties as a legislator and a member of the Joint Budget Committee with a level of integrity and commitment that we should all aim to meet. Throughout his career at the Capitol, Senator Rankin has prioritized solutions over partisanship, and has been a crucial leader in pursuing a more perfect Colorado. Working alongside Senator Rankin has been a privilege that I will greatly miss, but I could not be happier for my friend and wish him all the best as he moves on to his next adventure.”

Colorado Springs Senators, Senate LGBTQ+ Caucus Statement on Club Q Shooting

COLORADO - Democratic Senators and Senators-elect from Colorado Springs, Pete Lee and Tony Exum as well as members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus including Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, today released a statement following the tragic shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs:

“We are shocked and appalled by this senseless and horrifying crime against our community. Our hearts are broken for the victims of this unspeakable violence and our hearts go out to their families, friends, and loved ones who will forever be impacted by this attack. Club Q is a beloved gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community, and we are devastated to see it turned from a place of joy and gathering into one of tragedy - especially as we honor Trans Day of Remembrance. While we pause to honor and remember the victims, we must also recommit ourselves to protecting our LGBTQ+ community and working to ensure that every Coloradan can feel safe and welcomed in their own community.”

Senate Democrats Announce New Caucus Leadership

DENVER, CO - Following today’s caucus elections, the Colorado Senate Democrats announced their new leadership for the upcoming General Assembly. 

The Senate leadership team includes: 

President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder

President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver

Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City

Assistant Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver

Majority Whip Julie Gonzales, D-Denver

Majority Caucus Chair Janet Buckner, D-Aurora

JBC Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada

JBC Member Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village

“I am honored today to have received the support and trust of my colleagues who have put their collective faith in me to continue leading this caucus,” President Fenberg said. “The Colorado Senate Democrats are now more well-positioned than ever to continue tackling the challenges that matter most to Coloradans like improving access to affordable housing, creating safer and more resilient communities, and better preparing our students for success. Democrats have delivered on the issues that matter most to Coloradans, and our new leadership team is well-equipped to build on the progress we’ve made together and continue creating lasting results for the people of Colorado."

“Serving the people of Colorado has been the honor of my life, and I am incredibly excited to continue fighting on their behalf as Majority Leader,” Majority Leader Moreno said. “I am humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me, and I am excited to help lead this caucus so we can move Colorado forward, together.”

“Throughout the last few years, we have overcome a whole lot between the pandemic, rising housing costs, inflation, and destructive wildfires, and I could not be more proud to continue representing our state in this new leadership role,” Assistant Majority Leader Rodriguez said. “Coloradans are counting on us to continue delivering results to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and I look forward to helping our caucus come together to take on the hard fights and move the ball forward for us all.” 

“I am incredibly blessed and grateful to be able to serve this caucus in this new position, where I look forward to helping our caucus reach its full potential and to delivering big wins for our state,” Coleman said. “I have big shoes to fill, and I look forward to helping improve the lives of families all across Colorado and keeping our state on the right track for generations to come.”

“Each and every one of our caucus members is a leader, and I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to collaborate with our big tent in this new role,” said Majority Whip Julie Gonzales. “Coloradans resoundingly put their faith in us to serve their interests and ensure that everyone has a seat at the table, and it matters how we show up to do this critical work. I look forward to helping our caucus deliver on our promises and to making big, bold changes that will benefit Coloradans all across our state.”

“We have been successful as a caucus in moving Colorado forward because we’ve done it together, and I could not be more proud to have earned this opportunity to help ensure the continued success of our team,” Caucus Chair Janet Buckner said. “As a unified caucus, I know we will continue making an impact on the people we serve all across our state. When our caucus succeeds, all of Colorado succeeds. 

“I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the Joint Budget Committee and to help craft a smart and vital budget at this challenging time in the Colorado economy,” JBC Chair Zenzinger said. “Budgets really do reflect our priorities, and I plan to keep Colorado on a sensible path to fiscal prosperity. I hope we craft a budget that will help support working families, fulfill the state's commitments, and keep Colorado strong for generations to come.”

“Budgets are moral documents, and with Coloradans still feeling the painful bite of inflation, our work on the JBC is more important now than ever before,” JBC Member Bridges said. “Our budget belongs to all of us, and whether it’s investing in education, creating safer and healthier communities, or making sure everyone can afford a place to live, I am humbled by this opportunity and excited to help make sure our budget truly reflects our Colorado values.”

Senate Leadership Statement on Death of House Minority Leader Hugh McKean

DENVER, CO - Senate President Steve Fenberg and Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno today released the following joint statement upon the tragic passing of House Minority Leader Hugh Mckean:

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Minority Leader McKean, who was an incredibly kind man, a loving father, and a dedicated public servant. He had a huge heart and effortlessly used humor to break down barriers for the purpose of advancing constructive problem solving. Hugh led his caucus with courage and conviction, and was a constant advocate for what he believed in. He was a staunch advocate for children with disabilities and his work to engage Colorado’s young people in the political process will continue to serve as an example for us all. We are grateful for Minority Leader McKean’s service and his friendship. The state of Colorado is a better place because of Hugh, and we’re lucky to have had him in our lives. We will be keeping his entire family in our thoughts.”

Legislation to Foster New Careers in Wildfire Mitigation, Reform Judiciary to be Introduced Next Session

DENVER, CO – The Legislative Council of the Colorado General Assembly today approved several interim committee bills to be introduced in the upcoming 2023 legislative session, including bills to create new career pathways for fire mitigation work and reform the state’s judicial discipline process.

“We’ve passed a number of new laws to significantly expand wildfire mitigation, prevention and response efforts in Colorado, and I’m excited for this work to continue next session,”said Wildfire Matters Review Committee Member Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County“The bill approved today will boost our wildfire mitigation workforce and make it easier for Coloradans who want to work in wildfire mitigation to build their careers and enter this critical field. Advancing this legislation will also help employers find the workers they need and increase the availability of wildfire mitigation options for homeowners.”

“Wildfires are now a part of Colorado's challenges. We need to be as prepared as possible when an emergency strikes, which is why we made a historic investment in wildfire mitigation this year to better equip our communities to handle future disasters,"said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “Now, with this legislation, we will be able to create a robust wildfire mitigation workforce to help protect Colorado communities from the growing threat of wildfires."

The committee unanimously approvedBill Afrom the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, which will foster internships and other career opportunities for workers who want to enter the wildfire mitigation field. The bill will be sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will as well as Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis. It directs the state forest service to develop educational materials for students, authorizes the expansion and creation of forestry programs at Colorado community colleges, and directs the state board for community colleges to recruit wildland fire prevention and mitigation educators for the new forestry programs.

Last session, Colorado Democrats passed several new laws to fund wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts includingHB22-1011which created a $10 million matching grant program to help local governments develop and fund sustainable forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts. Democrats also created anew income tax creditfor wildfire mitigation,improved wildfire insurance coverage,provided $35 millionto help communities recover and rebuild following disaster emergencies, and invested$15 million to preventand better prepare for wildfires.

The Legislative Council also unanimously approved BillsAandBfrom the Legislative Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline. Both bills will be sponsored by Representaitves Mike Weissman and Mike Lynch as well as Senators Julie Gonzales and Bob Gardner.

Bill A is a concurrent resolution that refers a constitutional amendment to voters that would create an independent judicial discipline adjudicative board. It also sets standards for judicial review of a discipline case. It would vastly increase transparency by allowing judicial discipline matters to be made public once formal proceedings commence against a judge or justice, and the new independent adjudicative board would act as a “court” for formal judicial discipline proceedings and determine appropriate sanctions. It also creates a clear, alternative appellate process for instances in which Supreme Court justices are implicated in disciplinary proceedings.

Bill B would put these new changes into effect and enhance reporting by the Commission on Judicial Discipline to the legislature and the public. It would allow confidential and anonymous judicial discipline complaints and require the commission to update complainants throughout the process. These provisions will increase the information available to the public about judicial discipline matters.

“Coloradans should be able to trust that our judges are being held to the highest ethical standards and that the judicial discipline process is effective, transparent and responsive to complaints,”said Rep. Mike Weissman, chair of the House Judiciary Committee and Chair of the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline.“This Constitutional Amendment will create a new, transparent and accountable process to ensure that complaints against judges in Colorado are investigated and adjudicated through processes free from undue influence by the judicial branch of government in which they work.”

"Public confidence in our judicial system is foundational to a functioning democracy and to safe communities, and for our system to work Colorado judges must be held to the highest standards of accountability,"said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver."The courts belong to all of us, and these measures will improve integrity and bolster confidence that judges will act with the public good and the rule of law as their highest goals, and help ensure our judicial system remains honest, fair, ethical, and just."

McCluskie, Donovan, Roberts and McLachlan Celebrate Biden’s Executive Action to Protect Public Lands in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Representatives Julie McCluskie, Dylan Roberts, and Barbara McLachlan and Senator Kerry Donovan today celebrated President Biden’s executive action to protect hundreds of thousands of acres, including Camp Hale, the Tenmile Range and the Thompson Divide.

The action protects lands included inthe CORE Act– federal legislation sponsored by Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Congressman Joe Neguse that would protect iconic public lands in Colorado, establish new wilderness areas and safeguard existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the state’s economy for future generations.

On September 16, Representative McCluskie led 34 Colorado lawmakers in sending a letter to President Biden urging him to use the authority granted to him and his cabinet members to protect the public lands proposed for permanent protection in the CORE Act.

“This executive action will preserve over hundreds of thousands of acres of critical wildlife, stunning mountains and beautiful rivers that are essential for recreation, conservation and our Colorado way of life,”said Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon.“This is great news for Colorado and the Western Slope, and I’m grateful that President Biden has acted on our recommendations and the overwhelming support of our communities for this proposal. The new national monument will protect our environment andmemorialize the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who trained at Camp Hale and bravely served our nation.”

“From Camp Hale where my grandfather trained with the 10th to the Thompson Divide, our public lands are what make Colorado great, and I am deeply grateful that President Biden listened to our request,”said Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail.“This important step will ensure some of our most treasured natural spaces remain open to the public and will help secure Colorado’s outdoor heritage for generations to come. My grandfather fell in love with Colorado at Camp Hale, and I know that experience will happen again and again thanks to this new protection.”

"Today is a great day for Colorado. Thanks to today’s executive action and the voices of Coloradans across the Western Slope, hundreds of thousands of acres of wilderness will be protected, including cherished landscapes in Eagle County as well as the historic Camp Hale,"said Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. "This action will protect world-class recreation opportunities for biking, hiking and hunting that power our local economies. I'm grateful for the work of Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse to get this done, and I’m excited that President Biden has acted on our recommendations from Democrats, Republicans, and Independent officials and residents across our region to protect these beautiful public lands."

"This executive action to protect thousands of acres of public land, including the Thompson Divide, is a huge win for conservation and historic preservation on the Western Slope,"said Representative Barabra McLachlan, D-Durango."Our state's stunning landscapes drive our economy and must be protected so that they can be enjoyed for generations to come. We’ve been working toward this for a long time because preserving these lands will strengthen our communities and protect our Colorado way of life.”

“The bill has enjoyed longstanding and widespread support by a wide array of our constituents and it is past time for these remarkable public lands to be protected,”the lawmakers wrote. “While our advocacy on behalf of the legislation and our constituents will continue, the protection of these landscapes requires your immediate action. By conserving these lands, you will preserve a rich part of this country’s history through historic landmarks and objects of historic and scientific interest and we know it will provide a path for your administration to protect additional public lands in Colorado in the future.”

The full text of the letter is below and can be foundhere.

Mr. President:
The undersigned Colorado state senators and representatives urge you to use the authority granted to you and your cabinet members to protect the public lands proposed for permanent protection in the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act). As you are aware, this request was recently made by CORE Act sponsors Senator Michael Bennet, Senator John Hickenlooper, and Representative Joe Neguse, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. The bill has enjoyed longstanding and widespread support by a wide array of our constituents and it is past time for these remarkable public lands to be protected.

In Colorado, we have a long history and commitment to public lands conservation. In January 2021, and for the first time in several years, we saw the Colorado public lands ethos shine through the priorities of the presidency when you committed the country to a first of its kind national conservation strategy. In a time when the impacts to public lands from climate change are rising and racial and economic inequities are expanding, the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful conservation plan has never been needed more. By protecting the landscapes within the CORE Act through administrative action, you can secure progress towards the goals set forth in the American the Beautiful plan by taking action to protect Colorado’s public lands.

Camp Hale and the surrounding Tenmile Range are incredibly deserving of permanent protection as a national monument under the Antiquities Act. The 10th Mountain Division trained across the landscape in preparation of high altitude warfare in the European Alps during World War II. The adjacent Tenmile Range was particularly integral to their training. Following the war, the soldiers who were lucky enough to have made their way home founded the US ski industry and the outdoor recreation economy that is now so vital to our state. There are few opportunities to experience and appreciate the history of World War II in our country and the sacrifices made by so many of its citizens. However, Camp Hale and the Tenmile Range are living artifacts to that sacrifice and they also happen to be some of our nations’ most beautiful public lands.

Further west lies the Thompson Divide; another mountainous landscape that local ranchers and outdoor recreationists have spent years advocating to be protected from oil and gas development. Because the legislation has stalled in Congress, its left local advocates living under the veil of uncertainty. We urge your administration to protect the Thompson Divide landscape through a Federal Lands Policy and Management Act mineral withdrawal. Finally, we request your administration provide protections for the exemplary public lands in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains by working through the ongoing Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest Plan Revision.

These landscapes are simply too important for conservation and historic and cultural preservation to become the subject of ephemeral political whims. The CORE Act, which includes the areas mentioned previously and more, already passed the House of Representative five times, only to meet repeated partisan obstacles in the United States Senate over the last several Congresses. While our advocacy on behalf of the legislation and our constituents will continue, the protection of these landscapes requires your immediate action. By conserving these lands, you will preserve a rich part of this country’s history through historic landmarks and objects of historic and scientific interest and we know it will provide a path for your administration to protect additional public lands in Colorado in the future.
Thank you,

Representative Julie McCluskie
President Pro Tempore Kerry Donovan
Representative Dylan Roberts
Representative Barbara McLachlan

Speaker Alec Garnett
President Steve Fenberg
House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar
Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno
Speaker Pro Tempore Adrienne Benavidez
Senator Julie Gonzales
Representative Meg Froelich
Representative Lisa Cutter
Representative Monica Duran
Representative Brianna Titone
Representative Judy Amabile
Representative Tracey Bernett
Representative Matt Gray
Representative Shannon Bird
Representative Steve Woodrow
Representative David Ortiz
Representative Karen McCormick
Representative Mary Young
Representative Chris Kennedy
Representative Andrew Boesenecker
Senator Rachel Zenzinger
Representative Emily Sirota
Representative Mike Weissman
Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet
Representative Cathy Kipp
Representative Iman Jodeh
Senator Chris Hansen
Senator Chris Kolker
Representative Edie Hooton
Senator Faith Winter

Bridges Attends White House Discussion on Benefits of Building a Better America Agenda for Colorado

Senator discusses impacts, opportunities of federal policy on Centennial State

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, today joined leaders from around the country at a White House event to celebrate the Biden Administration’s work to support communities through landmark federal policy that creates jobs, invests in the economy, and moves Colorado forward. 

Bridges shared how significant federal policy championed by President Biden like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) have created jobs and grown the economy and how state lawmakers have sought to maximize those resources in Colorado.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to share with the White House how critical bipartisan legislation has helped us here in Colorado make transformational investments in priorities like behavioral health care, workforce development, and housing,” Bridges said. “Every Coloradan deserves to live where they work, which is why we used these federal dollars to help make our state more livable. From investing in middle-income housing and building tens of thousands of new homes across our state to our innovative housing incentive program, Democrats are fighting to make sure every Coloradan has a safe, affordable place to call home.”

The Inflation Reduction Act is the most significant legislation in U.S. history to tackle the climate crisis and strengthen American energy security. It will lower energy costs for households and businesses, create manufacturing jobs for American workers, and deliver a clean, secure, and healthy future for our children and grandchildren.

To date, $1.9 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been announced and is headed to Colorado with over 60 specific projects identified for funding. This year alone, Colorado will receive more than $1.1 billion for transportation to invest in roads, bridges, public transit, ports and airports and over $120 million for clean water. And, as of today, more than 150,000 households across the state are receiving affordable internet due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The American Rescue Plan Act is helping states recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including over $26 billion in federal pandemic relief funds to help Colorado build back stronger. These funds were dispersed across the state through various programs and local governments; and the legislature received over $3.8 billion to direct to areas of greatest need. 

Read more about our work to save people money on housing, transform our behavioral health care system, provide economic relief and recovery to communities, and prepare our students for success and bolster Colorado’s workforce HERE.

Kolker, Young Attend White House Discussion on Mental Health, Promote Colorado’s Work to Transform State’s Behavioral Health System

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley, recently joined state legislators from across the nation for a White House virtual discussion on state-level efforts to address the mental health crisis and advance access to behavioral health care in recognition of Suicide Awareness Month.  

In the meeting, Kolker and Young discussed steps Colorado is taking to address the mental health crisis, including funding for “9-8-8” services. Legislators also shared their efforts to address mental health workforce shortages, increase accessibility of in-person and telehealth services, and ensure that individuals in the criminal justice system have access to behavioral health services.

“The mental health crisis is impacting communities all across our country, and we’ve worked hard in Colorado to take steps to address it,” said Kolker, a key member of the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. “I’m grateful to have been invited by the White House to share the progress we’ve made and have the opportunity to talk about the critical 9-8-8 law and other initiatives I’ve championed to combat this crisis. Moving forward, I will continue making it a priority to advocate for policies that will advance access to care, and help Coloradans get the treatment they need when they need it.” 

"We've worked hard to address the behavioral health crisis that's affecting our kids, families and mental health professionals, and it's an honor to share our state's progress on the national stage set by the White House," said Young. "This year alone, we invested $450 million to improve behavioral health care in our communities so families and youth can access care in their community. I'm proud of the statewide work we've done to combat the behavioral health crisis and I'm ready to take our efforts one step further to reach more Coloradans in need."

During the 2021 session, Senator Kolker and Representative Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, sponsored SB21-154, which provided funding to implement the federally mandated 9-8-8 hotline. The hotline – created through a rule adopted by the Federal Communications Commission in 2020 – provides essential resources that will help connect Coloradans facing a mental health crisis with critical mental health services. 

This year, Kolker and Young championed a number of new laws to help transform Colorado’s behavioral health system using $450 million in federal pandemic relief funds. The new laws they championed will help improve access to much-needed behavioral health care services for youth and families, break down barriers that prevent people experiencing a crisis from getting support, and save mental health professionals money on renewing their licenses. 

To learn more about the work Colorado Democrats did this year to transform our state behavioral health system, visit our website. 

Assistant Majority Leader Fields, Senator Buckner Statement on Aurora Restarting Search for Next Police Chief

Senators: "We look forward to collaborating throughout the remainder of this process and to continuing the critical work of rebuilding public confidence and keeping our streets and our community safe.”

AURORA, CO - Senate Majority Leader Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, today released the following joint statement upon news that Aurora will restart its search for a new police chief:

“Aurora deserves a police chief who values our entire community and will rebuild trust, and we are pleased that the city has chosen to restart its search for a new chief of police. Good policing is critical to keeping us all safe, and any future leader must have buy-in and support from everyone in our community. The city must use this opportunity to more deeply engage with the entire community as we work together to find a qualified and diverse set of candidates who truly meet Aurora’s needs. We look forward to collaborating throughout the remainder of this process, and to continuing the critical work of rebuilding public confidence and keeping our streets and our community safe.”

Assistant Majority Leader Fields, Senator Buckner Statement on Aurora Police Chief Finalists

Senators: “The Aurora Police Department needs a strong leader who can build trust and engage with everyone in our community. We are deeply discouraged that city leadership continues to ignore the voices of the Black community and has refused to ensure a fair and transparent process for all candidates who applied for the position.”

AURORA, CO - Colorado Senate Assistant Majority Leader Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, today released the following statement regarding Aurora’s search for its next Chief of Police:

“Good policing is critical to keeping communities safe, but it is built on trust, and we are deeply concerned that the process for determining the current finalists to serve as Aurora’s next Police Chief was not based on transparency or trust. Black community leaders, including lawmakers such as ourselves, have been excluded throughout the entire search process without the ability to provide adequate input while decisions were made behind closed doors, and it is unclear how these individuals emerged as the finalists. Hiring a Police Chief is a complex process that requires open and honest dialogue with the entire community. This process has been unnecessarily rushed and challenging for the public to access, and the decision not to pursue genuine engagement - especially with communities of color - has led to a disappointing lack of diversity among the finalists for the position. The Aurora Police Department needs a strong leader who can build trust and engage with everyone in our community. We are deeply discouraged that city leadership continues to ignore the voices of the Black community and has refused to ensure a fair and transparent process for all candidates who applied for the position.”

JBC Approves Critical Funding to Bolster State’s Monkeypox Public Health Response, Keep Coloradans Safe & Healthy

$3.35 million request includes $1 million to staff vaccine clinics and almost $800k for mobile vaccine units

DENVER, CO – Members of the Joint Budget Committee today approved an additional $3.35 million in an interim supplemental budget request from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to aid the state’s response to the ongoing Monkeypox (MPX) public health crisis.

The funding will fund CDPHE vaccine clinics and testing supplies among other priorities.

“As we continue to combat the monkeypox outbreak, we need to take the lessons we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and make sure we’re as prepared as possible to keep folks safe,” said JBC Vice Chair Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “These additional funds will provide much-needed support to help Colorado effectively respond to this virus, continue to lower transmission rates, and ensure our communities are equipped with the tools they need to keep our residents safe and healthy.” 

"Colorado is responding to the monkeypox virus responsibly, rapidly and with everyone's safety top of mind," said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. "Taking the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, the JBC is allocating $3.35 million to increase the number of vaccine clinics, improve mobile clinics and educate Coloradans about the virus. This funding is directed toward lowering transmission rates, boosting equity in health care and building a healthier Colorado.”

The supplemental package approved by the JBC to aid the state’s response to MPX includes the following:

• $1 million to staff vaccine clinics, which will include costs for personnel, mobile and static sites, and supplies; 

• $900,000 to distribute to Denver Health and other safety net partners to meet increased staffing needs and to meet the rising demand in testing, treatment, and vaccination;

• $183,144 for the Immunization Branch of CDPHE to purchase supplies and software related to recording, distributing, and storing vaccines; 

• $336,667 for the State Laboratory to support increased testing including supplies, courier services, and biohazard waste disposal;

• $9,667 for the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response (OEPR) to cover vaccine administration supplies and travel costs;

• $118,000 for the Office of STI/HIV/VH (OSVH) for supplies related to outreach events and education and funding for the Community ResourceFund to support isolation for MPX positive cases; and 

• $791,700 for three months of CDPHE mobile vaccine units (MVUs).

The first cases of MPX were identified in Colorado in mid-May, and it was declared a national public health emergency on August 5th, prompting the CDPHE to ramp up its response to the outbreak. CDPHE has since exhausted the funding appropriated via SB21-243, and is awaiting approval for additional funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to redirect federal COVID-19 funding to MPX. The funding approved by the JBC today will allow the Department to immediately start using these additional resources to strengthen Colorado’s public health response to MPX.

For more resources related to MPX, including information on testing, vaccines, and public health guidelines, visit the CDPHE’s website.

Forecast Shows Colorado’s Economic Outlook Remains Strong Despite Global Challenges

JBC Dems prioritize saving people money, making Colorado more affordable

DENVER, CO - Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the September economic forecasts.

“Despite global economic challenges, Colorado’s economy has continued to show resilience and strength, with the number of jobs in Colorado now exceeding pre-pandemic levels by more than 55,000 and our unemployment rate remaining below the national average,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “I am proud of the work we’ve done to invest millions of dollars in affordable housing, develop Colorado’s workforce, help save people money and ease the pain of inflation - including through significant property tax relief for homeowners and small businesses - and I’ll continue fighting to ensure that Colorado’s economy remains strong so that every family is able to thrive.”

“Colorado’s economy continues to grow and outpace the nation with high numbers of job openings, despite the pressures from global inflation and rising federal reserve interest rates that have increased costs for families,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “To help with high costs, we sent Coloradans checks of $750 for individuals and $1,500 for joint filers and saved people money by reducing property taxes, lowering fees on car registrations, and creating free universal preschool that will help parents get back to work. The general fund forecast remains very solid with high levels of reserves that will protect the state from downside risks to the forecast – exciting news that could allow us to once again maintain strong funding for K-12 education and put more resources into classrooms to prepare our students for success.”

"Our state’s economic outlook remains resilient, with above average wage growth and a high labor force participation rate helping to offset persistent inflation,” said JBC member Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We created a budget that delivers for Colorado families by investing in our schools and developing our workforce, lowering the cost of housing and health care, and saving taxpayers money, and the results are paying off as Colorado continues to outperform its peers despite global economic headwinds. I am proud of the work we’ve done to support our state during the volatile period, and I look forward to continuing our work to set Colorado on a path to further economic success.”

“While we face headwinds nationally, it’s clear that our actions at the General Assembly have strengthened our economy in Colorado, and employers are looking to hire,” said JBC member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We’ve exceeded the pre-pandemic number of jobs in Colorado, and the majority of sectors have recovered. We will continue our work to make Colorado more affordable, build an economy that works for everyone and protect our Colorado way of life. I’m proud of our efforts this year to lower taxes on small businesses and restaurants, save people money, prepare our students for success, expand access to substance use treatment and behavioral health care, and increase resources for proven strategies like co-responder models that make our communities safer and prevent crime before it happens.” 

Colorado continues to have a tight labor market, with significantly more job openings than before the pandemic. The state has now exceeded pre-pandemic job numbers by more than 55,000, and the majority of sectors have recovered the jobs lost during the pandemic. While inflation remains high, it is projected to decline next year with energy and transportation costs already easing in the state. 

The Legislative Council staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.95 billion in FY 2022-2023 and $18.06 billion in FY 2023-2024 – a $521 million increase for FY 2022-2023 and a $655 increase for FY 2023-2024 as compared with the earlier June revenue forecast. The forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $18.25 billion for FY 2024-2025. 

The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $16.4 billion for FY 2022-2023, which OSPB revised downward by $130.8 million relative to its June estimate. For FY 2023-2024, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $16.7 billion, which OSPB revised downward by $551.1 million relative to its June estimate. For FY 2023-2024, OSPB estimates that General Fund revenue will be $17.7 billion.

The forecast anticipates continued growth despite escalating risks of a near-term recession. Evolving monetary policy, the war in Ukraine and a housing market correction are upside risks to the forecasts. Downside risks include inflation and more aggressive monetary policy, steep housing market correction and geopolitical uncertainty. A sustained drop in energy prices, resolution to the war and a stabilized supply chain are upside risks.  

Hansen, Cutter Honored as Inaugural “Champions of a Free Press”

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Press Association (CPA) recently honored Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, with its inaugural “Champion of a Free Press” award for their work to ensure local news remains a vital part of Colorado’s information and economic ecosystem and that the public has access to the information it needs for civic and daily life.

Hansen was honored for collaborating with the CPA on legislation that would have updated components of the Colorado Open Records Act.

“Colorado’s open record laws are key to keeping the public informed - but they could be even better and need to be modernized,” Hansen said. “I am proud to have partnered with the Colorado Press Association on the important work of making public information more accessible, and I look forward to continuing our fight to make it even easier for Coloradans to stay informed about what all of the branches of government are up to on their behalf.”

Cutter was recognized for her work on HB22-1121, which aimed to increase support for local media by requiring all state departments to spend at least 50 percent of the money they spend on advertising to Colorado residents in a fiscal year on advertising through local newspapers.

“Local news is a critical part of a high functioning society,” said Cutter. “I’m proud to be recognized for my work to support local media, which helps keep Coloradans informed, holds elected officials accountable and strengthens our democracy. I will continue to explore ways to support local news in Colorado.”

About CPA

Founded in 1878, the Colorado Press Association is the champion for Colorado print and online media. CPA is the non-profit trade association representing journalists, investigative reporters and truth seekers throughout the state.

McCluskie Leads Joint Letter from Lawmakers Urging Biden to Protect Public Lands in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Thirty-four Colorado lawmakers led by Representative Julie McCluskie today urged President Biden to protect the public lands within the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act).

The CORE Act is federal legislation sponsored by Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Congressman Joe Neguse that would protect over 400,000 acres of public land in Colorado, establish new wilderness areas and safeguard existing outdoor recreation opportunities to boost the economy for future generations.

"From recreation to conservation, Colorado's public lands are stunning and play a critical role in our state's economy," said Representative Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “These 400,000 acres of cascading mountains, abundant ecosystems and crystal clear rivers are extraordinary. Preserving them is vital for our communities, our environment and our economy. By designating these lands as wilderness areas and a national monument, we will memorialize the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who trained at Camp Hale, provide much needed certainty for the communities that depend on conserving these lands, and protect our Colorado way of life.”

“From Camp Hale where my grandfather trained with the 10th, to the Thompson Divide, Colorado’s public lands are what make our state great, and are a critical driver of our outdoor recreation economy,” said Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “Ensuring our most treasured natural spaces remain open to the public will protect Colorado’s outdoor heritage for generations to come. My grandfather fell in love with Colorado at Camp Hale and I hope that experience will happen again and again under this new protection.”

In their letter, the lawmakers urged President Biden to use the authority granted to him and his cabinet members to protect the public lands proposed for permanent protection in the CORE Act.

“The bill has enjoyed longstanding and widespread support by a wide array of our constituents and it is past time for these remarkable public lands to be protected,” the lawmakers wrote. “While our advocacy on behalf of the legislation and our constituents will continue, the protection of these landscapes requires your immediate action. By conserving these lands, you will preserve a rich part of this country’s history through historic landmarks and objects of historic and scientific interest and we know it will provide a path for your administration to protect additional public lands in Colorado in the future.”

The full text of the letter is below and can be found here.

Mr. President:

The undersigned Colorado state senators and representatives urge you to use the authority granted to you and your cabinet members to protect the public lands proposed for permanent protection in the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act). As you are aware, this request was recently made by CORE Act sponsors Senator Michael Bennet, Senator John Hickenlooper, and Representative Joe Neguse, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. The bill has enjoyed longstanding and widespread support by a wide array of our constituents and it is past time for these remarkable public lands to be protected.

In Colorado, we have a long history and commitment to public lands conservation. In January 2021, and for the first time in several years, we saw the Colorado public lands ethos shine through the priorities of the presidency when you committed the country to a first of its kind national conservation strategy. In a time when the impacts to public lands from climate change are rising and racial and economic inequities are expanding, the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful conservation plan has never been needed more. By protecting the landscapes within the CORE Act through administrative action, you can secure progress towards the goals set forth in the American the Beautiful plan by taking action to protect Colorado’s public lands.

Camp Hale and the surrounding Tenmile Range are incredibly deserving of permanent protection as a national monument under the Antiquities Act. The 10th Mountain Division trained across the landscape in preparation of high altitude warfare in the European Alps during World War II. The adjacent Tenmile Range was particularly integral to their training. Following the war, the soldiers who were lucky enough to have made their way home founded the US ski industry and the outdoor recreation economy that is now so vital to our state. There are few opportunities to experience and appreciate the history of World War II in our country and the sacrifices made by so many of its citizens. However, Camp Hale and the Tenmile Range are living artifacts to that sacrifice and they also happen to be some of our nations’ most beautiful public lands.

Further west lies the Thompson Divide; another mountainous landscape that local ranchers and outdoor recreationists have spent years advocating to be protected from oil and gas development. Because the legislation has stalled in Congress, its left local advocates living under the veil of uncertainty. We urge your administration to protect the Thompson Divide landscape through a Federal Lands Policy and Management Act mineral withdrawal. Finally, we request your administration provide protections for the exemplary public lands in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains by working through the ongoing Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest Plan Revision.

These landscapes are simply too important for conservation and historic and cultural preservation to become the subject of ephemeral political whims. The CORE Act, which includes the areas mentioned previously and more, already passed the House of Representative five times, only to meet repeated partisan obstacles in the United States Senate over the last several Congresses. While our advocacy on behalf of the legislation and our constituents will continue, the protection of these landscapes requires your immediate action. By conserving these lands, you will preserve a rich part of this country’s history through historic landmarks and objects of historic and scientific interest and we know it will provide a path for your administration to protect additional public lands in Colorado in the future.

Thank you,

Representative Julie McCluskie
President Pro Tempore Kerry Donovan
Representative Dylan Roberts        
Representative Barbara McLachlan

Speaker Alec Garnett
President Steve Fenberg
House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar
Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno
Speaker Pro Tempore Adrienne Benavidez
Senator Julie Gonzales
Representative Meg Froelich
Representative Lisa Cutter
Representative Monica Duran
Representative Brianna Titone
Representative Judy Amabile
Representative Tracey Bernett        
Representative Matt Gray
Representative Shannon Bird
Representative Steve Woodrow
Representative David Ortiz
Representative Karen McCormick
Representative Mary Young
Representative Chris Kennedy
Representative Andrew Boesenecker
Senator Rachel Zenzinger
Representative Emily Sirota
Representative Mike Weissman
Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet
Representative Cathy Kipp        
Representative Iman Jodeh
Senator Chris Hansen
Senator Chris Kolker
Representative Edie Hooton                
Senator Faith Winter

Colorado Community College System to Award Legislator of the Year to McCluskie, Snyder, Buckner and Kolker

The lawmakers will be recognized for their outstanding support of the community college system during the 2022 legislative session

DENVER, CO – Representatives Julie McCluskie and Marc Snyder, and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker will be awarded the Colorado Community College System’s (CCCS) Legislator of the Year Award at the upcoming CCCS state board meeting.

CCCS announced the honorees in a press release, describing the annual award as recognizing “legislators who make extraordinary efforts to understand issues facing community colleges and champion their open-access mission.”

"Every Coloradan should have a pathway toward educational opportunities that set them up for success and this session, we worked diligently to boost higher education funding, develop regional talent pipelines and carve out new postsecondary credential programs," said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion. "Higher education is transformational for so many learners, and I'm proud to continue my work as a strong supporter of Colorado's community colleges."

Rep. McCluskie, who chairs the Joint Budget Committee, earned the Legislative Champion Award for “her work to support higher education funding; launch a regional workforce development innovation grant; and expand access to state financial aid.”

“Education is the single best way to help Coloradans get the training they need to land a job and provide for their families, which is why it’s critical we do everything we can to support our community colleges,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “I am honored to receive this recognition for my bill to help more students enter the nursing profession while giving Colorado hospitals a larger and better-trained pool of employees to hire from, and will continue supporting Colorado’s community colleges to help even more students thrive.”

Sen. Buckner earned the award for championing SB22-003, “which allows CCCS colleges to offer a streamlined, cost-effective pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). These programs will help the state meet demand for bachelor’s-prepared nurses.”

“Community colleges are a critical resource in our state for both students seeking higher education and employers in need of well-trained workers,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “I am proud to receive this honor for our work to support Colorado’s community colleges, and will continue working to expand opportunities for students, strengthen our workforce, and ensure every Coloradan is able to access the education they need to succeed.”
 
Sen. Kolker earned the award for supporting “important technology projects at CCCS colleges, including funding for CCCS’s innovative Rural College Consortium – an interconnected platform that will virtually connect student support services and courses across CCCS’ rural colleges.”

“For more than fifty years, Pikes Peak State College has made higher education accessible and created strong pathways to help Coloradans succeed after graduation," said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. "I am proud of our legislation to rename Pikes Peak State College, because it gave the college some well-earned recognition for their long-lasting impact in Colorado Springs and beyond."

Rep. Marc Snyder earned the award for sponsoring “legislation allowing Pikes Peak Community College to change its name to Pikes Peak State College, a community-led effort to recognize the college’s growing impact in the Colorado Springs region.”