Save the Date:CSLC is back on January 9, 2023
Dear CSLC Members & Friends,
It has been too long since we’ve seen you in person. With all that’s transpired over the last couple of years, everyone is finding new ways to mix online connection with in person opportunities. CSLC has moved much of its programming to Zoom since March of 2020, and while that has made our programs more available to people across Colorado, we still miss seeing you!
We’re excited to announce that our first meeting of 2023 will be in-person, and it will be at a familiar location: First Baptist Church, 1373 Grant Street, Denver. This will also serve as our annual meeting, where a new slate of Executive Committee members will be proposed and voted on by our membership. We’re looking forward to gathering so much that we’ll be providing a light lunch for all attendees, too!
In addition, we’ll have a great panel of presenters to share our regular fiscal preview of the 2023 legislative session. Come one, come all!
To recap:
WHAT: CSLC Annual Membership meeting & lunch panel: “2023 Legislative Session Fiscal Preview”WHERE: First Baptist Church, 1373 Grant Street, DenverWHEN: Monday, January 9, 2023 from noon to 1:15pm
We look forward to seeing you there!
Don’t forget, you can also become a CSLC member or renew your membership for 2023 online, right now!
Renewing your membership or becoming a new member is affordable and easy. To pay online, simply follow the corresponding link below:
$5 student membership$25 individual membership$50 organizational membership
2022 Executive Committee (outgoing)
Chair: Sarah Barnes
Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha
Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle
Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark
Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert
Communications Chair: Randle Loeb
Members at Large: Kay Bengston, Dave DeLay, Nan Morehead, Diane Rich, Peter Severson, Chip Spreyer, Aubrey Wilde
Contact: cslc.news@gmail.com
Colorado Social Legislation Committee: www.cslc.org
See what’s happening on our social sites:
All panels take place at noon Mountain Time
Topics are subject to change
This is the last session of the 2022 Legislative Session: Monday May 16 at noon on Zoom
Journalist Panel: Covering the 2022 Legislative Session**The Colorado General Assembly will adjourn Wednesday, May 11
FALL FORUM on Ballot Measures Thursday October 6 from 5:00 to 6:30 pm
ON ZOOM
You’re invited to join us for our annual Fall Forum! We’ll gather online on Thursday, October 6 from 5-6:30 p.m. to hear a summary of all the diverse measures that will appear on your fall ballot. Come learn about everything from taxes to school meals to housing and more. We look forward to seeing you there!
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair: Sarah Barnes
Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha
Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle
Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark
Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert
Communications Chair: Randle Loeb
Members at Large:
Kay Bengston, Dave DeLay, Nan Morehead, Patrick Potyondy, Diane Rich, Peter Severson, Chip Spreyer, Aubrey Wilde
Contact:
Colorado Social Legislation Committee
| See what’s happening on our social sites: |
| Journalists on the 2022 Session |
| Dear CSLC Members & Friends,You’re invited to join us next Monday for the FINAL program of our 2022 legislative session panels. We’ll gather online on Monday, May 16 at noon to hear a wrap-up of the 2022 session from two of Colorado’s most respected political journalists. We look forward to seeing you there. |
 | Sandra FishThe Colorado SunSandra Fish is a Colorado data journalist specializing in politics and data for The Colorado Sun. She’s reported for newspapers in Iowa and Florida before working as an editor and reporter at the Boulder Daily Camera for 11 years. She taught journalism full-time at the University of Colorado Boulder for eight years. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, PoliticsDaily.com, Al Jazeera America, Roll Call, CPR and KUNC. She’s a past president of Journalism and Women Symposium. |
| Jesse PaulThe Colorado SunJesse Paul is a political reporter and editor at The Colorado Sun, covering the state legislature, Congress and local politics. He is the author of The Unaffiliated newsletter and also occasionally fills in on breaking news coverage. A Colorado College graduate, Jesse worked at The Denver Post from June 2014 until July 2018, when he joined The Sun. He was also an intern at The Gazette in Colorado Springs and The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, his hometown. Jesse has won awards for long form feature writing, public service reporting, sustained coverage and deadline news reporting. |  |
| We look forward to seeing you on Monday! |
| Upcoming ProgramsOur programs have concluded for the season. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates about our fall programming, including our annual Ballot Issue Forum! |
| 2022 Executive CommitteeChair: Sarah BarnesVice Chair: Mathew MengeshaTreasurer: Cynthia WadleSecretary & Membership Chair: Susan StarkLegislative Chair: Chaer RobertCommunications Chair: Randle LoebMembers at Large: Kay Bengston, Dave DeLay, Nan Morehead, Patrick Potyondy, Diane Rich, Peter Severson, Chip Spreyer, Aubrey Wilde |
| Contact: |
Jesse Paul is a political reporter and editor at The Colorado Sun, covering the state legislature, Congress and local politics. He is the author of The Unaffiliated newsletter and also occasionally fills in on breaking news coverage.
A Colorado College graduate, Jesse worked at The Denver Post from June 2014 until July 2018, when he joined The Sun. He was also an intern at The Gazette in Colorado Springs and The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, his hometown.
Jesse has won awards for long form feature writing, public service reporting, sustained coverage and deadline news reporting.
We’ll be taking a final vote on Monday on HB1289 -The Cover All Coloradans bill discussed last Monday.
I have not received any new bill position requests.
Subject:
Join us on April 11: Healthy School Meals for ALL
Just wanted to make sure you all have the link in the email below (thank you Peter!) for the meeting on Monday. It is a new link, and it won’t be posted anywhere else.
THIS MESSAGE DOES NOT CONTAIN THE LINK!
| Addressing Fentanyl in Colorado |
| Dear CSLC Members & Friends, You’re invited to join us next Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, May 9 at noon to discuss policy approaches and legislative work around the powerful opioid drug fentanyl, a headline-grabbing debate that has been the centerpiece of this legislative session. The panel will focus on HB22-1326, Fentanyl Accountability and Prevention, the impact it could have, and perspectives on how to address substance use disorders from a criminal legal, medical, and community perspective. We look forward to seeing you there! |
 | Terri Hurst Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition Terri Hurst has over 15 years of experience in behavioral health, public health and drug policy reform. She received her B.A. in Sociology and Human Services from Fort Lewis College in Durango and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Terri joined the CCJRC team in 2014 and manages the Take Care Health Matters campaign. Her previous work has included improving access to health care services, in particular substance use disorder and mental health treatment. She has also provided direct services to people who inject drugs and justice involved people. |
| Lisa Raville Harm Reduction Action Center Lisa Raville is the Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Action Center, a public health agency that works with people who inject drugs. Lisa has been with HRAC since 2009. She grew up outside of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Communications and a minor in Women’s Studies. Lisa is the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition. In 2014, Lisa won the Colorado Public Health Association Award for Excellence in Policy and in 2018 won the Recovery Ally of the Year award from Advocates for Recovery Colorado. |  |
 | Sarah Axelrath Stout Street Health Center Sarah Axelrath is a primary care, addiction, and street medicine doctor at Stout Street Health Center. After graduating from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 2017, she completed her residency training in internal medicine/primary care and fellowship in addiction medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. She returned home to Colorado in August 2021 to start her dream job at Stout Street, caring for people experiencing homelessness. She is passionate about expanding access to evidence-based harm reduction and treatment services for people with substance use disorders. |
| We look forward to seeing you on Monday! |
| Upcoming Programs May 16: Journalist Panel: Covering the 2022 Legislative Session**The Colorado General Assembly will adjourn Wednesday, May 11** |
| 2022 Executive Committee Chair: Sarah Barnes Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert Communications Chair: Randle Loeb Members at Large: Kay Bengston, Dave DeLay, Nan Morehead, Patrick Potyondy, Diane Rich, Peter Severson, Chip Spreyer, Aubrey Wilde |
| Contact: cslc.news@gmail.com |
| Colorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.org |
| See what’s happening on our social sites: |
Monday May 2, 2022 at noon on zoom
Underutilized Talent Sidelined During “Worker Shortage”
Chaer Roberts
Chaer Robert is Legislative Director for Colorado Center on Law and Policy. She is also the Coordinator of Skills2Compete Colorado – the state affiliate of the National Skills Coalition. S2C is a multi-sector policy advocacy coalition focused on greater access to education and training opportunities, especially for adults with challenges to employment.It has advocated for adult education funding, emergency support services funds, digital inclusion.
Katherine Keegan
Katherine began her career working with immigrants and refugees in Boston. This work led her to pursue a master’s of science in social work at The University of Texas at Austin. Since then, Katherine has managed AmeriCorps, workforce readiness, and career coaching development programs in Texas, Indiana, and Colorado. In August 2019, she joined the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment as the Director of the Office of the Future of Work leading the state’s efforts to raise awareness about the future of work, build digital equity, and through the State Apprenticeship Agency, expand access to registered apprenticeship programs.
Carrie Miller
Carrie Miller is a Contractor and the former Program Manager of the Colorado Welcome Back, a program of Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning. For over six years, Ms. Miller helped internationally trained healthcare professionals reclaim their medical careers and advised hundreds of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) through the re-licensure process. She is a key leader advancing HB22-1050 in coordination with partner organizations to make it easier for IMGs practice as physicians in Colorado. She has over nine years helping refugees and immigrants in the job-readiness field.
Victoria Francis
Victoria Francis is the State Advocacy Office in Colorado and Kansas the International Rescue Committee and the Refugee Advocacy Lab. Victoria has worked on state-level initiatives including, in-state tuition for refugees and Special Immigrant Visa recipients, the codification of state participation in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, and rule changes for the licensing of international medical graduates.
| Oral Health and Public Policy |
| Dear CSLC Members & Friends, You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, April 25 at noon to discuss environmental advocacy with policy experts and advocates. Learn the latest in legislative work happening at the State Capitol to protect the beautiful environment of which all Coloradans are stewards. We’ll discuss bills such as Public Protections from Toxic Air Contaminants (HB22-1244), Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (SB22-138) and Air Quality Improvement Investments (SB22-193). We look forward to seeing you there! |
 | Rep. Tracey Bernett House District 12Representative Tracey Bernett represents District 12 in Boulder County. She is a computer industry expert, entrepreneur, engineer and mom originally from Longmont. She received an engineering degree from Cornell University and holds an MBA from Harvard. She helped lead the effort to revitalize the Butterfly Pavilion and also led the OUR Center’s homelessness prevention efforts during the Great Recession, helping more than 16,000 area families get back on their feet. She is also an avid runner and a veteran of 36 marathons, Trrld we progressives want to see. |
 Pegah Jalali Colorado Fiscal InstitutePegah Jalali is the Environmental Policy Analyst at the Colorado Fiscal Institute. She holds a Master’s degree in environmental economics from the University of Tehran and has worked with nonprofits in environmental education and community engagement. She is a current Ph.D. candidate at the University of Washington, Seattle, and has written her dissertation on climate change mitigation policy and climate communication. She joined CFI in 2020 as environmental policy analyst. Her research and analysis is focused on using tax and fiscal policy to improve climate mitigation, hold polluters accountable, and advance environmental justice in Colorado. She also represents CFI in a number of environmental and climate coalitions, working towards preserving Colorado’s natural beauty and promoting equitable environmental policies. |
Olga Gonzalez CultivandoOlga Gonzalez is the Interim Executive Director of Cultivando, an organization that serves the Latino community in Adams County and focuses on community leadership to advance health equity through advocacy, collaboration, and policy change. Olga was born in Monterrey Nuevo León, Mexico and grew up in Los Angeles, California. She is a long-time diversity, equity and inclusion consultant, seasoned nonprofit professional, and community activist and organizer. Prior to joining Cultivando as interim Executive Director, she served as the board vice president for 2 years. She earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Chicano Studies from Scripps College and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University as a Colorado Trust Fellow. |
 Sabrina Pacha: Healthier Colorado Sabrina began her career at the Colorado State Capitol, serving as a Legislative Aide to Senate Majority Caucus Leader Faith Winter. She later moved into organizing on local and state campaigns. Most recently, she worked with the University of Denver’s Midwest Advancement team, building and engaging the University of Denver network across Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana. She is now part of the Healthier Colorado team as the manager of Healthy Air & Water, where she advocates for the health of Coloradans and our environment. A lifelong resident of Colorado, Sabrina was raised in Broomfield and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Denver. |
| We look forward to seeing you on Monday! |
| Upcoming Programs: to be determined May 2 May 9 |
| 2022 Executive Committee Chair: Sarah Barnes Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert Communications Chair: Randle Loeb Members at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Wilde, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay |
| Contact:cslc.news@gmail.com |
| Colorado Social Legislation Committee www.cslc.org |
| Oral Health and Public Policy |
| Dear CSLC Members & Friends, This is a reminder to join us TODAY for our next program! We’ll gather online at noon to discuss oral health issues with health policy experts and advocates. Learn how oral health issues intersect with the needs of different communities in Colorado, where the gaps in access to oral health treatment and services exist, and what solutions are on the table for different advocacy groups. We look forward to seeing you there |
| Dr. Carol Niforatos Colorado Coalition for the HomelessDr. Carol Niforatos is the Director of Dental Services for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, a role she has held since 2013. She practices dentistry at the Stout Street Health Center. She earned her Doctor of Dentistry degree from Northwestern University. |  |
 | Stuart Jenkins Healthier ColoradoStuart Jenkins is the State Policy Manager for Healthier Colorado, a role he has held since the beginning of 2022. Prior to that, he was Healthier Colorado’s Advocacy Manager. A 2014 graduate of Regis University in Political Science and Government, he has been a U.S. Senate Intern, a legislative aide to state Reps. Millie Hamner and Alec Garnett, and a political scheduler and operations coordinator. |
| Emily Cervantes CLLAROEmily Cervantes is the Director of Research for the Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy and Research Organization (CLLARO). Emily was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, but has lived for the past 20 years in Denver. She graduated summa cum laude with a BA in English writing from CU Denver. As director of research at CLLARO, her work is designed to benefit the Latino community in impactful and fulfilling ways. |  |
 | Genevieve Miller Colorado Consumer Health InitiativeGenevieve double majored in psychology and neuroscience at Regis University, after which she pursued a year of service with Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest in Alaska. After her year of service she was a Clinical Case Manager at the Mental Health Center of Denver for over four years, working on a High Intensity Treatment Team. She’s currently serving at CCHI as a Health Policy Intern and is working towards a Master of Social Work at the Metropolitan State University where she’ll graduate in May. Her capstone project is focused on a survey of equity in oral health. |
| We look forward to seeing you on Monday! |
| Upcoming Programs April 25: Environmental Policy in the 2022 Session May 2: TBD May 9: TBD** Last day of the 2022 Legislative Session is Wednesday, May 11** |
| 2022 Executive CommitteeChair: Sarah BarnesVice Chair: Mathew MengeshaTreasurer: Cynthia WadleSecretary & Membership Chair: Susan StarkLegislative Chair: Chaer RobertCommunications Chair: Randle LoebMembers at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Wilde, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay |
| Contact:cslc.news@gmail.com |
| Colorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.org |
| See what’s happening on our social sites: |
Subject: Join us on April 11: Healthy School Meals for All
| Featuring Sen. Rhonda Fields (invited) |
 Healthy School Meals for All Dear CSLC Members & Friends, You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, April 11 at noon to discuss Healthy School Meals for All (Senate Bill 22-087, Fields/Pettersen) with anti-hunger advocates. Our Executive Committee wishes to share this statement about last Monday’s meeting, which was ‘Zoom-bombed’ by unauthorized parties: “We sincerely apologize to the panelists and attendees for the disruption at the meeting on Monday, April 4. We are taking additional precautions to prevent this from happening in the future. Please make sure to keep this email, as it will be the only place to access the link below for the meeting on Monday, April 11. THE LINK IS DELIBERATELY OMITTED FROM THIS MESSAGE. “Please join us on Monday, April 11 at noon for a discussion of SB22-087 – Healthy School Meals for All. We will hear from a panel of policy experts, direct service providers and community members on the importance of this policy as a way to ensure that all kids in Colorado have access to healthy school meals.” Sen. Rhonda Fields (D) (invited)Senate District 29 Sen. Fields serves as Assistant Senate Majority Leader and represents Colorado State Senate District 29, covering rural, suburban, and urban parts of Arapahoe County. She is Chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee as well as a member of the Agriculture & Natural Resources and Capital Development Committees. She is a longtime resident of Aurora where she raised her two children, Maisha and Javad. She previously served 3 terms representing House District 42 and was first elected to the State Senate in 2016. Her priorities include public education, early childhood education and workforce development .   Ashley Wheeland Hunger Free Colorado Ashley Wheeland is a public health policy attorney and advocate who serves as Director of Public Policy at Hunger Free Colorado, where she works to improve public health through policy change at the federal, state, and local levels. She also serves as a board member of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition Action Fund and the Women’s Lobby of Colorado. Dan SharpMesa County School District #51 Dan Sharp has served as the Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Mesa County School District #51 in Grand Junction, Colorado, since 2007. He also serves as a board member for Kids Aid, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing for the needs of children with a primary focus on supplying food to hungry kids .  We look forward to seeing you on Monday! Upcoming Programs April 18: Oral Health April 25: Environmental Policy in the 2022 Session May 2: TBD 2022 Executive Committee Chair: Sarah Barnes Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert Communications Chair: Randle Loeb Members at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Wilde, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay Contact: cslc.news@gmail.com Colorado Social Legislation Committee www.cslc.org See what’s happening on our social sites: |
| Health Care in the 2022 Session |
| Dear CSLC Members & Friends,You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, April 4 at noon to discuss health care issues that are under debate in the 2022 legislative session. We’ll be discussing bills such as Cover All Coloradans (HB 1289), Health Care Sharing Reporting Requirements (HB 1269), and the No Surprise Act (HB 1284). Join us to learn more! |
| Rep. Susan Lontine (D)House District 1Rep. Lontine grew up in Florida, where she attended the University of Central Florida and worked in the field of advertising before moving to Pennsylvania, joining her husband, and starting her family. In 1996, the Lontines moved to Denver, the childhood home of her husband, Chuck. She and Chuck have lived with their son, Ben, in Southwest Denver since 1998. She worked at the Capitol in the office of Rep. Jeanne Labuda and served as the Chief of Staff for Sen. Irene Aguilar. Susan has been the State Representative for House District 1 since 2014 and won re-election to her fourth and final House term in 2020. She is the Chair of the House Health & Insurance Committee, Chair of the Capitol Building Advisory Committee, and a member of the Agriculture, Livestock & Water Committee. |  |
 | Adam FoxColorado Consumer Health InitiativeAdam serves as the Deputy Director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI). He joined CCHI in July 2011, where he started as CCHI’s Membership Coordinator and later served as Director of Strategic Engagement for 7 years. He directs policy, communications, and organizing activities to advance CCHI’s strategic plan, cultivating relationships with health care stakeholders, policymakers, and government officials at state and national level to develop and advocate for policy priorities that benefit consumers and center on equity in health care. He earned his M.A. in International Policy Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2009 and his B.A. in International Studies, Anthropology, and Spanish from Pacific University in 2007. |
| Isabel CruzColorado Consumer Health InitiativeIsabel is the Policy Manager for CCHI. She is a passionate advocate dedicated to amplifying the voices of consumers and marginalized communities to promote equity and wellness in Colorado. Originally hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Isabel earned her BA in Sociology from Yale University with a certificate from the Multidisciplinary Academic Program in Human Rights. In her role as Policy Manager, she is committed to bringing people together to advocate for policy solutions that ensure all Coloradans can access affordable and affirming healthcare. |  |
 | Rayna HetlageCenter for Health ProgressRayna is the Senior Policy Manager at the Center for Health Progress. She earned her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Health Systems Management and Policy from the Colorado School of Public Health and her Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health from the University of Arizona. Her past work has focused on addressing food insecurity and the health impacts of food deserts. She has previously worked at the Colorado Fiscal Institute as a Health Policy Analyst where she advocated for legislation to hold polluters accountable to communities and to expand access to health insurance subsidies. |
| We look forward to seeing you on Monday! |
| Upcoming ProgramsApril 11: Healthy School Meals for All (SB 22-087)April 18: Workforce DevelopmentApril 25: Environmental Policy in the 2022 Session |
| 2022 Executive CommitteeChair: Sarah BarnesVice Chair: Mathew MengeshaTreasurer: Cynthia WadleSecretary & Membership Chair: Susan StarkLegislative Chair: Chaer RobertCommunications Chair: Randle LoebMembers at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Wilde, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay |
| Contact:cslc.news@gmail.com |
| Colorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.org |
| See what’s happening on our social sites: |
 Aging & The Older Coloradans Act Dear CSLC Members & Friends, You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, March 28 at noon to discuss aging issues and modernizing the Older Coloradans Act via HB 22-1035. Colorado has one of the fastest growing populations of adults aged 60+ in the country. Over the last six years, the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging (SAPGA) has engaged individuals and groups to address these issues. As a result, Colorado now has a guiding framework of strategies and goals to pursue. HB 22-1035 continues the work of SAPGA (which sunsets later this year) by operationalizing its recommendations through the state Division of Aging and Adult Services. Join us to learn more! Join us on Zoom (click to copy or follow link) Sen. Joann Ginal (D) Senate District 14 Senator Joann Ginal has represented Senate District 14, encompassing all of Fort Collins, since 2018, and previous served 4 terms in the state House. She is currently the Chairwoman of Local Government, and Vice Chairwoman of the Health and Human Services Committee. She has focused much of her attention and legislative achieve-ments on healthcare, public health and environ-mental issues. One of her biggest concerns is the growing senior population and making sure their voices are heard. Before her 20-year career working in the pharmaceutical and medical fields as a reproductive endocrinologist, she was a professor of biology at Florida Institute of Technology and a researcher in bone and aging studies at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She holds a PhD from Colorado State University.    Rep. Mary Young (D) House District 50 Mary Young represents House District 50 (Greeley, Evans, and Garden City). She sits on the Public & Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee and is the Vice-Chair of the Education Committee. Rep. Young’s professional experiences as a public school psychologist and special educator have deeply shaped her focus on policy and her approach to legislation. She has served as a co-chair of the Legislative Caucus on Aging this year and last. She looks at each bill that is before her through the lens of aging to see how older adults are included. Rep. Young has lived in the Greeley area since 1981 and is a board member of The Arc of Weld County, a Weld County Court Appointed Special Advocate supporting children in the child welfare system, and a member of Zonta. Jarrett Hughes Office of Governor Jared Polis Jarett joined the Governor’s Office as the Senior Policy Advisor on Aging in November of 2021. Prior to that, he worked as the Project Administrator for Colorado’s Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging. In his role with the Governor’s Office he support the implemen-tation of the Strategic Action Plan on Aging and leads the Lifelong Colorado initiative. As adjunct faculty at Colorado Mesa University, Jarett introduces undergraduate students to the world of Gerontology and hopes to encourage and inspire a new generation of young adults to work intergenerationally with, and on behalf of, older Coloradans.   Rich Mauro Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Rich Mauro is the Director of Legislative Services for DRCOG. In this capacity, he directs the legislative program for DRCOG, assists the Board and Executive Director in the identification, analysis and advocacy of issues of concern to the Denver region, including regional planning, transportation, and advocacy for older Coloradans, and coordinates policy development for the agency. Rich has worked at DRCOG since 1987. He also co-chairs the Advocacy Committee of the Colorado Center for Aging (formerly Colorado Senior Lobby). Prior to DRCOG he worked for six years at the Colorado Legislative Council. He is a Colorado native and holds a master’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder. We look forward to seeing you on Monday! Upcoming Programs April 4: Health Care in the 2022 Session April 11: Healthy School Meals for All (SB 22-087) April 18: Workforce Development 2022 Executive Committee Chair: Sarah Barnes Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert Communications Chair: Randle Loeb Members at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Wilde, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay Contact: cslc.news@gmail.com Colorado Social Legislation Committee www.cslc.org See what’s happening on our social sites: |
| Aging & The Older Coloradans Act |
| Dear CSLC Members & Friends,You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, March 28 at noon to discuss aging issues and modernizing the Older Coloradans Act via HB 22-1035. Colorado has one of the fastest growing populations of adults aged 60+ in the country. Over the last six years, the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging (SAPGA) has engaged individuals and groups to address these issues. As a result, Colorado now has a guiding framework of strategies and goals to pursue. HB 22-1035 continues the work of SAPGA (which sunsets later this year) by operationalizing its recommendations through the state Division of Aging and Adult Services. Join us to learn more!Join us on Zoom (click to copy or follow link) |
| Sen. Joann Ginal (D)Senate District 14Senator Joann Ginal has represented Senate District 14, encompassing all of Fort Collins, since 2018, and previous served 4 terms in the state House. She is currently the Chairwoman of Local Government, and Vice Chairwoman of the Health and Human Services Committee. She has focused much of her attention and legislative achieve-ments on healthcare, public health and environ-mental issues. One of her biggest concerns is the growing senior population and making sure their voices are heard. Before her 20-year career working in the pharmaceutical and medical fields as a reproductive endocrinologist, she was a professor of biology at Florida Institute of Technology and a researcher in bone and aging studies at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She holds a PhD from Colorado State University. | |
| Rep. Mary Young (D)House District 50Mary Young represents House District 50 (Greeley, Evans, and Garden City). She sits on the Public & Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee and is the Vice-Chair of the Education Committee. Rep. Young’s professional experiences as a public school psychologist and special educator have deeply shaped her focus on policy and her approach to legislation. She has served as a co-chair of the Legislative Caucus on Aging this year and last. She looks at each bill that is before her through the lens of aging to see how older adults are included. Rep. Young has lived in the Greeley area since 1981 and is a board member of The Arc of Weld County, a Weld County Court Appointed Special Advocate supporting children in the child welfare system, and a member of Zonta. |
| Jarrett HughesOffice of Governor Jared PolisJarett joined the Governor’s Office as the Senior Policy Advisor on Aging in November of 2021. Prior to that, he worked as the Project Administrator for Colorado’s Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging. In his role with the Governor’s Office he support the implemen-tation of the Strategic Action Plan on Aging and leads the Lifelong Colorado initiative. As adjunct faculty at Colorado Mesa University, Jarett introduces undergraduate students to the world of Gerontology and hopes to encourage and inspire a new generation of young adults to work intergenerationally with, and on behalf of, older Coloradans. | |
| Rich MauroDenver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)Rich Mauro is the Director of Legislative Services for DRCOG. In this capacity, he directs the legislative program for DRCOG, assists the Board and Executive Director in the identification, analysis and advocacy of issues of concern to the Denver region, including regional planning, transportation, and advocacy for older Coloradans, and coordinates policy development for the agency. Rich has worked at DRCOG since 1987. He also co-chairs the Advocacy Committee of the Colorado Center for Aging (formerly Colorado Senior Lobby). Prior to DRCOG he worked for six years at the Colorado Legislative Council. He is a Colorado native and holds a master’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder. |
| We look forward to seeing you on Monday! |
| Upcoming ProgramsApril 4: Health Care in the 2022 SessionApril 11: Healthy School Meals for All (SB 22-087)April 18: Workforce Development |
| 2022 Executive CommitteeChair: Sarah BarnesVice Chair: Mathew MengeshaTreasurer: Cynthia WadleSecretary & Membership Chair: Susan StarkLegislative Chair: Chaer RobertCommunications Chair: Randle LoebMembers at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Wilde, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay |
| Contact:cslc.news@gmail.com |
| Colorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.org |
| See what’s happening on our social sit |
| Protections for Mobile Home Park Owners Monday March 14 Please join us on Zoom |
Preserving Access to Reproductive Health Care in Colorado Dear CSLC Members & Friends, You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, March 21 at noon to discuss reproductive health and House Bill 22-1279. This legislation comes at a crucial time in both the national and state response to uncertainty over Roe v. Wade. Colorado has permitted legal abortion since 1967, six years before Roe was decided. In 2021, over 100 proposals to limit abortion access were signed into law across many states, restrictions which particularly impact communities of color, people living in poverty and rural residents. We will hear from organizational representatives who helped craft HB22-1279 and from its legislative sponsors, who hope to ensure access to contraceptives and abortions by codifying protections for the full range of reproductive healthcare into state law. Join us on Zoom (click to copy or follow link) Rep. Daneya Esgar (D) House District 46 Rep. Esgar represents District 46 in Pueblo. She serves as the House Majority Leader for the Democratic caucus. She is in her third term in the House and serves on the Executive Committee of the Legislative Council. Born and raised in Pueblo, Esgar is the granddaughter of steelworkers and a graduate of CSU-Pueblo. She has worked as a television news producer, in higher education, and as a community organizer focusing on poverty and communities of color in Pueblo. Her focus in the legislature is issues of equality, education, justice, and poverty.   Rep. Meg Froelich (D) House District 3 Rep. Froelich is in her second term representing House District 3, encompassing Littleton, Greenwood Village, Englewood and Cherry Hills Village. She is Vice Chair of the Transportation & Local Government Committee and serves on the Energy & Environment Committee. She formerly served as a City Councilor for Greenwood Village and was Executive Director of the Colorado Institute for Leadership. She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and holds a Masters Degree in History from the University of Michigan. Selina Najar Cobalt Selina Najar was born and raised in Grand Junction. She graduated from Colorado Mesa University as a first-generation student. A veteran of multiple campaigns, she currently serves as the political director at Cobalt, Colorado’s abortion rights advocacy organization.   Aurea Bolaños Perea COLOR Aurea Bolaños Perea is the Strategic Communications Manager for Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR). A Tijuana-native from San Diego, she earned her Master’s in Political Science with an emphasis on legislative behavior and Latinas in politics from CSU Chico in 2019. Her involvement in political movements and political consulting began during her time in UC Merced as a Campus Organizing Director where she was in charge of implementing and strategizing the response student activists would take throughout the UC system. We look forward to seeing you on Monday! Upcoming Programs March 28: Aging Issues & Older Coloradans April 4: Health Care in the 2022 Session April 11: TBD 2022 Executive Committee Chair: Sarah Barnes Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert Communications Chair: Randle Loeb Members at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Hasvold, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay Contact: cslc.news@gmail.com Colorado Social Legislation Committee www.cslc.org See what’s happening on our social sites: |
| Dear CSLC Members & Friends,You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, March 14 at noon to discuss issues in manufactured housing and mobile homes. About 100,000 Coloradans live in Manufactured Housing. Most live in the almost 700 Mobile Home Parks. These communities can offer valuable, affordable private sector housing, yet often have a built-in insecurity when a Park Owner owns and rents the ground under the homes, leaving the potential for displacement. Join us on Zoom (click to copy or follow link) |
| Rep. Andrew Boesenecker (D)House District 53Rep. Boesenecker represents District 53 in Larimer County. He was selected to replace former Rep. Jeni Arndt who was elected Mayor of Fort Collins in April 2021. He has formerly worked as a music teacher at a Title I school, an independent musician, a stay-at-home dad, a church musician, and a Lutheran minister, and currently serves as Director of Annual Giving & Stewardship for The Institute for Shipboard Education. In the Colorado Legislature he serves on the Transportation and Local Government Committee and the State, Civic, Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. |  |
 | Jack RegenbogenColorado Poverty Law ProjectJack Regenbogen is a Policy and Advocacy Staff Attorney at Colorado Poverty Law Project. With expertise in evictions, landlord-tenant law, public benefits such as SNAP and helping people with criminal justice records, Jack is responsible for developing and supporting policies to improve the economic security of low-income Coloradans. Jack earned his J.D. from University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2015 and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College in 2012. |
| Cesiah Guadarrama9to5 ColoradoCesiah is the Associate State Director for 9to5 Colorado. Her background is in organizing in mobile home communities and advocating for more renters’ rights at the local and state level. 9to5 Colorado has been a pioneer in leading for housing justice through community organizing and legislation for the past five years. Cesiah first became an advocate by helping to pass legislation that granted undocumented students in-state tuition in Colorado in 2013. |  |
 | Renée HummelColorado Coalition of Manufactured Home OwnersRenée Hummel got involved in activism on behalf of mobile home owners because of problems in her own community. Over the past seven years, she has worked with various mobile home owners’ organizations, including the Colorado Coalition of Manufactured Home Owners (CoCoMHO). |
| Michael PierceColorado Coalition of Manufactured Home OwnersMichael Pierce helped found Colorado Coalition of Manufacture Home Owners (CoCoMHO) in 2017 to provide yearly forums, resources, and other ways of helping mobile home residents address a wide range of their concerns. He has been an active advocate on behalf of Mobile Home Owners. |
| We look forward to seeing you on Monday! |
| Upcoming Programs March 21: Reproductive Rights March 28: Aging Issues & Older ColoradansApril 4: Health Care in the 2022 Session |
| 2022 Executive CommitteeChair: Sarah BarnesVice Chair: Mathew MengeshaTreasurer: Cynthia WadleSecretary & Membership Chair: Susan StarkLegislative Chair: Chaer RobertCommunications Chair: Randle LoebMembers at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Hasvold, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay |
| Contact:cslc.news@gmail.com |
| Colorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.org |
| Colorado Social Legislation Committee Monday, March 7 Senate Bill 22-099 Clean Slate |  | ||
| Automatic Record Sealing: Senate Bill 22-099, “Clean Slate “Dear CSLC Members & Friends, You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, March 7 at noon to discuss Senate Bill 22-099, known as Clean Slate, a bill to automatically seal eligible non-violent criminal records in Colorado. Over 1.3 million Coloradans having a record eligible for sealing, but only 5% on average successfully get their record sealed. Come learn about how this bipartisan bill could impact people with records and their personal information, and hear from the legislative sponsors directly.Join us on Zoom (click to copy or follow link)Sen. Dennis Hisey (R)Senate District 2Senator Dennis Hisey was first elected to represent Colorado Senate District 2 in 2018, succeeding former Senate President Kevin Grantham. SD 2 encompasses Clear Creek, Park, Fremont, Teller, and El Paso Counties. He grew up raising and showing beef cattle, spending summers bucking hay and working at local dairies. He eventually shifted to working in the logging industry. In 2004 he was elected an El Paso County Commissioner, and has significant experience in policy relating to water, transportation, and budgeting. He and his family reside in Fountain, Colorado. He serves on the Senate Finance and Transportation & Energy Committees.   Rep. Kerry Tipper (D) House District 28 Rep. Kerry Tipper was first elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2018, representing District 28 in Jefferson County. Rep. Tipper spent her early childhood in Costa Rica and Mexico, and returned to Colorado at age 6. She attended the University of Denver and holds a law degree from Northeastern, and has worked as a private and public sector lawyer, representing victims of consumer fraud, discrimination, and civil rights violations, trafficking, and domestic violence. She serves on the House Judiciary and Finance Committees.Kyle PiccolaHealthier ColoradoKyle serves as Healthier Colorado’s Senior Director of Communications. While in college, he worked as a Legislative Aide and Chief of Staff to Senators Pat Steadman and Linda Newell. He then joined the Senate Majority Office under President Brand Shaffer where he was the Community Outreach Manager. He later worked in Kansas City, Missouri, as a field organizer for a statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization, and as an advocate in Austin, Texas, for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Boulder. .   Ellen K. Giarratana Colorado Center on Law & PolicyEllen K. Giarratana is the managing attorney for CCLP. She advocates for the equitable enforcement of legislation, representing community members in litigation in four focus areas (food, health, income, housing) while working to improve racial equity. Prior to joining CCLP, Ellen clerked at the Colorado Court of Appeals for the Honorable Stephanie E. Dunn, and after working as an advocate in Mississippi, she returned to Denver to practice civil rights and employment discrimination litigation. She holds a bachelor’s in Political Science and Russian Studies from the University of Colorado and a law degree from the University of Denver. We look forward to seeing you on Monday! Upcoming Programs March 14: The Mobile Home Park Act March 21: Reproductive Rights March 28: Aging Issues & Older Coloradans 2022 Executive Committee Chair: Sarah Barnes Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert Communications Chair: Randle Loeb Members at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Hasvold, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLayContact:cslc.news@gmail.comColorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.org See what’s happening on our social sites: |
Toward Economic Justice:Reforming Debt Collection Practices Monday February 28, at Noon on Zoom.
Upcoming Programs March 7: Clean Slate (SB 22-099)
March 14: Mobile Home Park Act (HB 22-1223)
March 21: Reproductive Rights
| Toward Economic Justice:Reforming Debt Collection Practices |
| Dear CSLC Members & Friends, You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, February 28 at noon to discuss a legislative proposal, Senate Bill 22-086, to modernize and reform debt collection practices in Colorado, including issues related to homestead exemptions, asset protections from seizure, wage garnishment, and broader themes of economic justice. Join us on Zoom (click to copy or follow link) |
 | Karen Cody-Hopkins Cody-Hopkins Law FirmKaren Cody-Hopkins, Esq., is a Colorado attorney whose practice focuses on student loan law and consumer bankruptcy. She began her legal practice in Minnesota in 1993 and relocated to Colorado in 2002. She joined Charles Lilley & Associates, P.C. where she filed chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcies and worked on securities fraud, consumer, and antitrust class action cases. In 2011, she started her own firm. She also advises and lobbies on behalf of people facing student loan debt problems Today most of her cases are student loan cases including those in bankruptcy as well as state and federal court. She has taught student loan law to other lawyers and is a very active contributor to two national lawyer listservs concerning student loans. She is admitted to all Colorado federal and state Courts. She has worked on Colorado exemption legislation in 2015 and now. |
| Guy B. Humphries Attorney at LawGuy B. Humphries received a B.S. degree in political science from Colorado College in 1976, and a J.D. degree from Boston University in 1980. He was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1980 and was a law clerk for Judge Aurel Kelly in the Colorado Court of Appeals. Mr. Humphries then worked in a general private practice in Grand Junction, Colorado until moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 1986. He was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 1986 and engaged in the private practice of law with an emphasis on bankruptcy, insolvency and bankruptcy litigation. Mr. Humphries returned to Denver in 1990 and since that time, has engaged in the private practice of law with an emphasis on representing farmers, consumers and small business debtors in bankruptcy proceedings and related matters. He has been involved in Colorado homestead exemption work for over 20 years. |  |
 | Charles Parnell Parnell & Associates PCCharles is known nationally for his expertise in analyzing tax issues in bankruptcy. He is a frequent speaker, educating attorneys and other professionals at continuing education seminars. In the bankruptcy field, he has extensive experience in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In the tax resolution field, he has extensive experience in Offers in Compromise, Installment Agreements, Penalty Abatement and Lien Resolution. Charles graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming in 1985, and obtained his law degree at the University of Denver in 1989. |
| We look forward to seeing you on Monday! |
| Upcoming Programs March 7: Clean Slate (SB 22-099) March 14: Mobile Home Park Act (HB 22-1223) March 21: Reproductive Rights |
| 2022 Executive Committee Chair: Sarah Barnes Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert Communications Chair: Randle Loeb Members at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Hasvold, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay |
| Contact:cslc.news@gmail.com |
| Colorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.org |
| See what’s happening on our social sites: |
| NOON to 1:15 Mondays on ZOOM LINK | | ||
| Join CSLC and Support Our Work Dear CSLC Members & Friends,Did you know that CSLC is a member-supported, all-volunteer organization? Did you know that CSLC has been supported by volunteers and members for over 50 years?The dues of our individual and organizational members help support CSLC’s activities throughout the year. This includes our Monday meetings, our Fall Forum, our Lobbyist Luncheon, and other gatherings and meetings during the year. Dues-paying members also have the privilege of voting on our bill positions during the legislative session as well as electing our Executive Committee.Become a member or renew your membership today! Fill out the form at cslc.org/become-a-member. Dues are just $25 for an individual or $50 for an organization. And students are always welcome to become members at the low rate of $5 for the year!Join CSLC today! We’re working together to create a better future for Colorado.***As a reminder, there will be NO PROGRAM on Monday, February 21, in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. Join us for our next program on February 28th!***Upcoming Programs February 21: No Program (Presidents’ Day) February 28: Economic Justice & Modernizing Debt Collection March 7: TBD2022 Executive Committee Chair: Sarah Barnes Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert Communications Chair: Randle Loeb Members at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Hasvold, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay Contact: cslc.news@gmail.com Colorado Social Legislation Committee www.cslc.org See what’s happening on our social sites: |
Making TANF Work Better for Colorado FamiliesDear CSLC Members & Friends,You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, February 14 at noon to discuss Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), learn about the experience of navigating TANF in Colorado, and hear about efforts to improve the way the program works for families.Join us on Zoom (click to copy or follow link)Rep. Monica Duran (D)House District 24Monica Duran is a member of the Colorado House of Representatives representing District 24. Rep. Duran’s career experience includes working as a member of the Wheat Ridge City Council. She served as a board member for the Jefferson Center for Mental Health. Rep. Duran serves on the Business Affairs and Labor Committee and the Appropriations Committee.  Rep. Iman Jodeh (D)House District 41Iman Jodeh is a member of the Colorado House of Representatives representing District 41. Rep. Jodeh earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public policy. Her career experience includes working as the deputy political director, and the community advocate and liaison, of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado. Rep. Jodeh serves on the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee and the Appropriations Committee.Ealasha VaughnerClayton Early LearningEalasha Vaughner is a leader in the Parent Ambassador Program at Clayton Early Learning. Vaughner has supported social media campaigns for fair tax policies, she spoke at a press conference for expanding working family tax credits, and she’s advocated for tax reform at the Capitol.  Kayla Frawley Clayton Early LearningKayla Frawley is the Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Clayton Early Learning Center. Frawley helps lead the Clayton Parent Ambassador Program and co-convenes the Raise Colorado Coalition.We look forward to seeing you on Monday!Upcoming ProgramsFebruary 21: No Program (Presidents’ Day)February 28: Economic Justice & Modernizing Debt CollectionMarch 7: TBD2022 Executive CommitteeChair: Sarah BarnesVice Chair: Mathew MengeshaTreasurer: Cynthia WadleSecretary & Membership Chair: Susan StarkLegislative Chair: Chaer RobertCommunications Chair: Randle LoebMembers at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Hasvold, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLayContact:cslc.news@gmail.comColorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.orgSee what’s happening on our social sites: |
| Transforming Behavioral Health Monday at noon on Zoom |
| Dear CSLC Members & Friends,You’re invited to join us this Monday for our next program. We’ll gather online on Monday, February 7 at noon to discuss progress & legislative proposals from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force, an interim committee of the legislature, amid the landscape of broader healthcare work in the current session. Join us on Zoom (click to copy or follow link) |
| Sen. Brittany Pettersen (D) Senate District 22 Sen. Brittany Pettersen has served in the Colorado Legislature since 2013, and has represented Senate District 22 in Jefferson County since 2019. In recent months, Sen. Pettersen served as chair of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. She is also Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee and a member of the Senate Finance Committee. She recently announced a run to represent Colorado’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. |  |
 | Rep. Judy Amabile (D)House District 13 Rep. Amabile represents House District 13, which spans Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Grand, and Jackson Counties. She began serving in the Colorado Legislature in 2021. Rep. Amabile served as a member of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. She is also a member of the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee; the State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee; and the Business Affairs & Labor Committee. |
| Vincent Atchity Mental Health Colorado Vincent Atchity is President & CEO of Mental Health Colorado. He previously served as Executive Director of The Equitas Project, a national initiative to disentangle mental health and criminal justice, which is now part of Mental Health Colorado. Vincent served as Chair of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force Subpanel. He has also served on the Colorado Governor’s Mental Health Holds Task Force and the Colorado Opioid Epidemic Symposia Steering Committee, and currently serves on the Colorado Public Defender Commission, Governor’s Strategic Planning Task Force to Increase Behavioral Health Access in the state, the Denver District Attorney Advisory Council on Mental Health, the Colorado School of Public Health Behavioral Health Initiative Advisory Board, and the board of a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). |  |
 | Theresa SchiavoneHealth Care Advocate Theresa Schiavone is a mental health care advocate. She is a volunteer for the Denver chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and a member of the Public Policy Committee for NAMI Colorado. Theresa also writes the blog https://ColoradoMentalHealthReport.com, which is designed to inform people about new developments that might improve their access to vitally needed mental health services in Colorado. Theresa previously worked as a teacher in Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek Schools and as a journalist, including writing stories about the regional west for the Cultural Desk at NPR in Washington. |
| We look forward to seeing you on Monday! |
| February 14 at NOON |
| Upcoming Programs: February 14: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families February 21: No Program (Presidents’ Day) |
| 2022 Executive Committee Chair: Sarah Barnes Vice Chair: Mathew Mengesha Treasurer: Cynthia Wadle Secretary & Membership Chair: Susan Stark Legislative Chair: Chaer Robert Communications Chair: Randle Loeb Members at Large: Chip Spreyer, Diane Rich, Nan Morehead, Kay Bengston, Aubrey Hasvold, Peter Severson, Patrick Potyondy, Dave DeLay |
| Contact: cslc.news@gmail.com |
| Colorado Social Legislation Committee www.cslc.org |
Please join us on Monday, January 24, 2022 at noon to discuss developments in early childhood policy, including HB22-1010 (Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit), the new Department of Early Childhood, and federal developments.
Join us on Zoom (click to copy or follow the link)
Representative Emily Sirota, House District 9
Emily Sirota represents House District 9 in the Colorado Legislature as a social worker and proud progressive Democrat with years of experience working in government and in the southeast Denver community.
Before her election to the Colorado House of Representatives, Emily helped run an early learning center in Denver. She received her B.A. in Political Science at Indiana University and received her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Emily has previously worked for the Colorado Progressive Coalition and helped organize support for paid sick days. In 2011, she ran for Denver school board to protect public education. Emily also served as a policy aide to a Democratic U.S. Senator, a Democratic congressman and a Democratic governor. In those roles, she worked on health care and budget policy, and helped oversee a program to expand health care benefits for workers and small businesses.
As a Representative for House District 9, Emily has championed worker’s rights, campaign finance reform, a healthy and vibrant public education system, environmental justice, progressive tax policy and fundamental reforms to our pillars of democracy.
Emily is married to reporter David Sirota, and they are the proud parents of two young children and their dog, Grover.
Bill Jaeger, Colorado Children’s Campaign
Suzanne Banning, Florence Crittendon Services
Annalise Romoser, Save the Children Action Network
| Join us for our Fiscal Preview! |
| Dear CSLC Members & Friends, Happy New Year! We hope you will join us for first program of 2022. We’ll gather online on Monday, January 10 at noon. Join us on Zoom (click to copy or follow the link) The program will be a fiscal preview of the 2022 session, featuring Joint Budget Committee Vice Chair Senator Dominick Moreno and representatives from the always-informative Colorado Fiscal Institute. |
| Senator Dominick MorenoSenate District 21 Senator Moreno has served in the Colorado Legislature since 2012, representing House District 32 and now Senate District 21 in Adams County, having been re-elected handily in 2020. He is currently the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Vice Chair of the six-member Joint Budget Committee. |  |
 | Kathy WhiteColorado Fiscal Institute Kathy White is the deputy director of the Colorado Fiscal Institute. A proud lifelong Coloradan, Kathy is a veteran advocate for policies that enhance economic prosperity for working families. For more than a decade before helping to found CFI as a standalone nonprofit in 2012, Kathy served as the director of the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute where she worked on issues ranging from tax credits for low-income families to immigration reform. Prior to that, Kathy worked in policy research and compliance for a national health insurance company. |
| Esther TurciosColorado Fiscal Institute Esther Turcios is the Legislative Policy Manager for CFI. She has a background in community organizing and outreach through her work with 9to5 Colorado and the Colfax Community Network, which supports people experiencing homelessness. She joined the Colorado Fiscal Institute as a State Policy Fellow in 2017, and since has spearheaded research on federal tax policy, safety net programs, housing, and immigration policy in Colorado and nationally. Along with providing research and analyses that advance policies that support Colorado communities, Esther represents CFI in a number of coalitions, cohorts and stakeholder groups. |  |
| Our first program of 2022 also serves as our Annual Member Meeting. This meeting has one item of business: to formally elect the members of the Executive Committee. See below for our slate of nominees! Don’t miss this great program. We’ll see you there! |
| Contact: Peter Severson CSLC Outgoing Chair, 2016-2021 cslc.news@gmail.com |
| 2022 Nominee for Chair:Sarah Barnes, Colorado Children’s Campaign Nominee for Vice Chair:Mathew Mengesha, Spring Institute Nominee for Treasurer:Cynthia Wadle, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative Nominee for Secretary:Susan Stark Nominee for Legislative Chair:Chaer Robert, Colorado Center on Law & Policy Randle Loeb Communications | Nominees for Member at Large:Chip Spreyer Diane RichNan Morehead Kay Bengston Aubrey Hasvold Peter Severson Patrick Potyondy Randle Loeb / Dave DeLay |
| Colorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.org |
| See what’s happening on our social sites: |
May 24 Legislative Review of the 2021 Legislative Session + and – by Journalists on Zoom at Noon
John-Frank-Denver-Post
Axios Denver Post Reporter
An award-winning reporter and digital media strategist dedicated to solving challenges about the future of news. A co-founder of The Colorado Sun, a digital media startup company. Worked for top newspapers in four states and Washington, D.C. A member of the PolitiFact.com team that won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting in 2009. Holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Digital Communication from UNC Hussman School of Media and Journalism. Also a craft beer writer and freelance journalist.
Sandra Fish is a Colorado data journalist specializing in politics and writing primarily for The Colorado Sun. She reports extensively on campaign finance, lobbying and elections. She reported for newspapers in Iowa and Florida before working as an editor and reporter at the Boulder Daily Camera for 11 years. She taught journalism full-time at the University of Colorado Boulder for eight years. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, PoliticsDaily.com, Al Jazeera America, Roll Call, CPR and KUNC. She’s a past president of Journalism and Women Symposium.
sandra fish
data journalist, Colorado Sun
past president, Journalism & Women Symposium
http://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrafish
@fishnette
Denver, CO
303-589-0584
| Reporting on the 2021 Legislature Monday, May 24 Dear CSLC Members and Friends, The Colorado Social Legislation Committee invites you to join us for our FINAL panel of the 2021 session of the Colorado General Assembly! Join us online Monday, May 24 at noon for a panel featuring members of the media who have been covering the developments of this year’s legislature. As the session approaches its end, we’ll hear about the major stories under the Gold Dome this year, including the ones making headlines and perhaps a few that have gone under the radar. Join us! Just register with your email and you’ll receive the Zoom link. The link is the same every week.John FrankAxios DenverJohn Frank is an award-winning reporter and digital media strategist dedicated to solving challenges about the future of news. He is a co-founder of The Colorado Sun, a digital media startup company, and has worked for top newspapers in multiple states. Frank is a member of the PolitiFact.com team that won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting in 2009. He holds a Master of Arts in Digital Communication from UNC Hussman School of Media and Journalism. He is also a craft beer writer and freelance journalist.   Sandra FishThe Colorado SunSandra Fish is a Colorado data journalist specializing in politics and writing primarily for The Colorado Sun. She reports extensively on campaign finance, lobbying and elections. She reported for newspapers in Iowa and Florida before working as an editor and reporter at the Boulder Daily Camera for 11 years. She taught journalism full-time at the University of Colorado Boulder for eight years. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, PoliticsDaily.com, Al Jazeera America, Roll Call, CPR and KUNC. She’s a past president of Journalism and Women Symposium.Where? Online via ZOOM Click here to register & receive the link When? Monday, May 24, 202112:00-1:15 PM Upcoming Monday noon panels (subject to change): No panels on May 31 or June 7 Our weekly panels have ended for the 2021 session. Stay tuned for CSLC events later this year as we celebrate our 50th anniversary!Become a member and support our work today! CSLC Membership FormContact:cslc.news@gmail.comColorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.orgSee what’s happening on our social sites: |
 MAY 17 ON ZOOM Please JOIN at NOON |
| Colorado’s Aging DemographicsMonday, May 17Dear CSLC Members and Friends, The Colorado Social Legislation Committee invites you to join us during the 2021 session of the Colorado General Assembly. Every week, our panels will feature advocates, legislators, and experts to discuss issues related to human needs, every Monday at noon. We invite you to join us online Monday, May 17 at noon for a panel on the changing demographics of age in Colorado, with a focus on issues impacting seniors and how those changing priorities affect public policy. Join us! Just register with your email and you’ll receive the Zoom link.Rep. Monica DuranColorado House District 24Monica Duran (D) is a member of the Colorado House of Representatives, representing District 24. She serves as House Majority Co-Whip and is a member of the Appropriations, Business Affairs and Labor, and State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committees. She is the co-sponsor of SB21-158 to Increase Medical Providers for Senior Citizens. Prior to her involvement in the State legislature, Duran was a member of the Wheat Ridge City Council and a board member for the Jefferson Center for Mental Health.   Sen. Joann GinalColorado Senate District 14Joann Ginal represents Larimer County in the Colorado Senate and previously served in the House from 2017-2019. She holds a Ph.D. in reproductive endocrinology from Colorado State University in 1997. She worked in the biological and medical fields for more than 20 years as a scientist with a focus in pharmacology, in research and most recently as a medical science liaison in medical affairs. She is a Master Naturalist with the city of Fort Collins. She serves on a number of committees: the Colorado Health Insurance Exchange Oversight Committee, Senate Health and Human Services Committee (Vice Chair), and the Senate Local Government Committee (Chair). She is also the Co-chair of the 2020-21 Legislative Caucus on Aging. Elizabeth GarnerColorado State DemographerElizabeth Garner is the Colorado State Demographer with the Department of Local Affairs. She leads the State Demography Office, which produces population and economic estimates and forecasts for use by state agencies and local governments. Elizabeth has over 25 years of experience analyzing population and economic trends in the state, and her current areas of research include aging in Colorado, characteristics of migration, and poverty. Elizabeth is an economist and also a Colorado native, something only 43%of the state’s current population can claim. .   Jayla Sanchez-Warren Director, Area Agency on Aging Ms. Sanchez-Warren is the Director of the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) at the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). She has 31 years of experience in the field of aging and has worked for DRCOG for 29 years. She has spent her career serving, advocating and planning for older adults. She is responsible for developing the Metropolitan Denver Regional Plan on Aging every four years. She has improved internal systems, increased funding, expanded partnerships and developed resources and services for older adults and people living with disabilities in the region. Jayla is the co-founder of DRCOG’s Boomer Bond and encourages changes in the built environment that support life-long community living.Where?Online via ZOOM Click here to register & receive the link When? Monday, May 17, 202112:00-1:15 PM Upcoming Monday noon panels (subject to change): May 24: Media Panel, Covering the 2021 Assembly No panel on May 31/Memorial DayNot a member yet? Need to renew for this year? Become a member and support our work today! CSLC Membership FormContact:cslc.news@gmail.comColorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.org |
May 10, 2021
CSLC Bill Positions
May 3, 2021
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 21-158 Senators Jessie Danielson and Brittany Pettersen and Representatives Brianna Titone and Monica Duran
INCREASE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Modifies the Colorado Health Service Corps program to include education loan repayment for geriatric advanced practice providers.
Fiscal Note:$257,841 for 2021-22; $429,611 2022—23.
Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: Was about $200,000 in initial bill, but amendments reduced costs substantially.
In House Business
Senate Bill 21-175 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Julie Gonzales and Representative Yadira Caraveo and Chris Kennedy
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY REVIEW BOARD
Creates an independent panel of experts to conduct affordability reviews and set upper payment limits for the most unaffordable drugs in Colorado. Manufacturers can appeal.
Fiscal Note: $793,569 in 2021-2; $481,479 in 2022-23
Senate Second
Senate Bill 21-187 Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Dominique Jackson
DIALYSIS TREATMENT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Creates a Dialysis Transportation Provider Reimbursement Program within Department of Transportation. It would reimburse dialysis transportation providers who transport patients 50 or older who are not otherwise covered by Medicaid. Funded with per treatment fee on for-profit dialysis clinics.
Fiscal Note: Fee funded – $4.5 Million/yr
Postponed Indefinitely
Senate Bill 21-199 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Faith Winter and Representatives Daneya Esgar and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
REMOVE BARRIERS TO CERTAIN PUBLIC OPPORTUNITIES
Repeals provisions that require a person to demonstrate lawful presence in U.S. to be eligible for certain public benefits and requires that lawful
presence is not a requirement of eligibility for state or local public benefits as defined by U.S.C. sec.1621.
Fiscal Note: $178,627 in 2021-22; $63,275 in 2022-23
Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-200 Senators Faith Winter and Dominick Moreno and Representative Dominique Jackson
REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASSES; INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
This bill directs the Air Quality Control Commission in CDPHE to promulgate rules related to the greenhouse gas emission reductions spelled out in House Bill 12-1261. The bill also creates a position of Environmental Justice Ombudsman within CDPHE to advocate for and be a liaison to disproportionately impacted communities.
Fiscal note: $4.4 million general fund in 2021-2022, switching to $4 million/yr in fee funding.
Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-246 Senator Steve Fenberg
ELECTRIC UTILITY PROMOTE BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION
This bill requires investor- owned electric utilities to file beneficial electrification plans with the PUC.This is defined as converting a customer’s fuel source from non-electrical to high efficiency electrical. It targets 20% of program expenditure io low-income households or disproportionately affect communities.
Fiscal Note: $212,081 in 2021-22; $705,799 in 2022-23
Senate Appropriations
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
SIGNED INTO LAW
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
Senate Third
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: None
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21- 1150 Representative Iman Jodeh
COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
Formally creates the Office of New Americans in the Department of Labor, but with a broad mission including economic stability, and successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants and refugees in Colorado.
Fiscal Note: Currently grant funded for another year. Also transfers federal Refugee Services dollars from CDHS to CDLE.
House Appropriations
House Bill 21-1194 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Naquetta Ricks and Senator Dominick Moreno
IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Creates a grant program to provide representation to some of the indigent individuals in immigration deportation hearings in Colorado. 30% is also designated for preventative legal work outside metro Denver.
Fiscal Note: $100,000/yr
House Approps
House Bill 21-1198 Representative Iman Jodeh and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker
HEALTH CARE BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS
Sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. Ensures that hospital providers screen patients that want assistance for public coverage and discounts. Prohibits collection action unless they have screen patients and offered a fair payment plan first.
Fiscal Note: $186,421 in 2021-22; $521,127 in 2022-2023
House Appropriations
House Bill 21-1232 Representatives Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh and Senator Kerry Donovan
STANDARDIZED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COLORADO OPTION
In this two-staged bill, the Division of Insurance would create a standardized plan for 2023 with input from stakeholders. The plan would be offered in the individual and small group markets, and be designed to reduce health disparities. At the same time, insurance carriers would be directed to lower premiums by 10% the first year, compared with average premiums in 2021, and by 20% the second year. If those targeted savings were not achieved, the state would stand up the Colorado option, in which the standardized plan would be offered and limitations to reimbursement to providers would be imposed by the Commissioner of Insurance in order to achieve the desired 20% reduction in premium costs.
Fiscal Note: $866,684 in 2021-22; $790,424 in 2022-23
House Appropriations
OPPOSED
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.
Fiscal note: $21,904/yr
House Health Insurance
Monday at noon on Zoom – April 26 panel Colorado Consumer Health Initiiative
CSLC April 26, 2021 – Agenda
Cynthia Wadle introduces Sabrina and Michael from HAWC
Sabrina and Michael talk about HAWC
Presentation on priority bills HAWC is working on regarding appliances, air toxins, climate resilience and wildfire mitigation fund
Senator Winter will sign in around 12:30
She’ll discuss bills she is sponsoring concerning the environment, and any other related bills
Cynthia will open the floor for questions
Cynthia will move that CLSC support/oppose the bills HAWC is working to support or opposeCLSC will vote to support the bills, or oppose if HAWC is asking for opposition on a bill.
Sen Winter
Cynthia Wadle
She Her Hers
Director of Finance and OperationsColorado Consumer Health Initiative303 E 17th Avenue Ste 400, Denver, CO 80203(303) 839-1261 – Office(720) 220-6537- Cell
Senator Winter
Sabrina Pacha- Sabrina is the Program Manager for Healthy Air and Water Colorado (HAWC), Healthier Colorado’s sister organization. In her role at HAWC, she organizes health professionals to advocate for climate policy and speerheads HAWC’s legislative efforts that focus on mitigating the health impacts of climate change. Prior to joining the team at HAWC, Sabrina worked at the State Capitol and organizing on local political campaigns.
Michael Ruddock
– Michael joined Healthier Colorado in January of 2021 as Policy Manager. In his role, Michael splits time between work with Healthy Air & Water Colorado (HAWC) and Healthier Colorado’s local policy work. Prior to joining Healthier Colorado, Michael worked in government affairs for the Michigan Association of Counties, handling agriculture and environmental issues at the State Capitol, and before that was a community organizer for Michigan Clean Water Action.
| Sabrina Pacha she/her/hersHealthy Air & Water Colorado (HAWC) Manager p: 720.938.9473a: 1536 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO 80202w: www.healthyairandwatercolorado.com |
Monday, March 29: Immigration legal defense
Monday, April 5: Criminal justice
Monday, April 12: Community public safety partnership
Monday, April 19: The Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit & Child Tax Credit
| Earned Income & Child Tax CreditsMonday, April 19Dear CSLC Members and Friends, The Colorado Social Legislation Committee invites you to join us during the 2021 session of the Colorado General Assembly. Every week, our panels will feature advocates, legislators, and experts to discuss issues related to human needs, every Monday at noon. We invite you to join us online Monday, April 19, at noon for a panel discussion on how our tax code should reflect our state values. Current state tax credits reflect political decisions over the years about what kinds of tax breaks most help our state. Is it time to reassess who gets tax breaks and for what purpose? In proposing an expansion of the state Earned Income Tax Credit and payment of our state Child Tax Credit, we would be prioritizing the heathy and well being of Colorado’s famlies. Join us! Just register with your email and you’ll receive the Zoom link.Rep. Mike WeissmanColorado House District 36Rep. Mike Weissman serves as the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a member of the Energy and Environment Committee, and the Committee on Legal Services. He represents House District 36 in Arapahoe County.   Rep. Emily SirotaColorado House District 9Rep. Emily Sirota is Vice-Chair of the Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee and is a member of the Energy and Environment Committee. She represents House District 9 in Arapahoe and Denver counties. Esther TurciosLegislative Policy Manager, CFIEsther Turcios is the Legislative Policy Manager for the Colorado Fiscal Institute (CFI). Since joining the CFI staff, Esther has spearheaded research on federal tax policy, safety net programs, housing, and immigration policy in Colorado and nationally. Along with providing research and analyses that advance policies that support Colorado communities, Esther represents CFI in a number of coalitions, cohorts and stakeholder groups. Joshua MantellRapid Response Policy Analyst, Bell Policy CenterJoshua Mantell joined the Bell Policy Center in 2018 and works with the research team, as well as assists with communications and outreach by writing and developing content. Prior to working at the Bell, Josh was at the Wilderness Society in both Washington D.C. and Denver, where he worked on public lands, energy, and climate change policy. In the nation’s capital, he also worked in Congress focusing on sustainability and energy conservation.Elasha VaughnerClayton Parent AmbassadorKatie Jo HugClayton Parent AmbassadorWhere?Online via ZOOM Click here to register & receive the link When? Monday, April 19, 202112:00-1:15 PM Upcoming Monday noon panels (subject to change): April 26: Earth Day & Caring for Colorado’s Environment May 3: TBA May 10: TBANot a member yet? Need to renew for this year? Become a member and support our work today! CSLC Membership FormContact:cslc.news@gmail.comColorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.orgSee what’s happening on our social sites: |
CSLC Bill Positions
April 12, 2021
SUPPORT
Senate Bill 21-158 Senators Jessie Danielson and Brittany Pettersen and Representatives Brianna Titone and Monica Duran
INCREASE MEDICAL PROVIDERS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Modifies the Colorado Health Service Corps program to include education loan repayment for geriatric advanced practice providers.
Fiscal Note:$257,841 for 2021-22; $429,611 2022—23.
Senate Appropriations
Senate Bill 21-173 Senators Julie Gonzales & Dominick Moreno and Reps Yadira Caraveo and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
RIGHTS IN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
Limits late fees, prohibits evictions solely for unpaid late fees, adds financial penalty for illegal lock-outs by landlords, give renters more time to come up with rent to avoid eviction; eliminates bond requirement for court proceedings, bans lease clauses that provide financial incentives to landlords to evict.
Fiscal Note: Was about $200,000 in initial bill, but amendments reduced costs substantially.
In Senate Second
Senate Bill 21-175 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Julie Gonzales and Representative Yadira Caraveo and Chris Kennedy
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY REVIEW BOARD
Creates an independent panel of experts to conduct affordability reviews and set upper payment limits for the most unaffordable drugs in Colorado. Manufacturers can appeal.
Fiscal Note: $793,569 in 2021-2; $481,479 in 2022-23
Senate Appropriations Committee
Senate Bill 21-187 Senator Jessie Danielson and Representative Dominique Jackson
DIALYSIS TREATMENT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
Creates a Dialysis Transportation Provider Reimbursement Program within Department of Transportation. It would reimburse dialysis transportation providers who transport patients 50 or older who are not otherwise covered by Medicaid. Funded with per treatment fee on for-profit dialysis clinics.
Fiscal Note: TBD
Senate Finance
Senate Bill 21-199 Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Faith Winter and Representatives Daneya Esgar and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez
REMOVE BARRIERS TO CERTAIN PUBLIC OPPORTUNITIES
Repeals provisions that require a person to demonstrate lawful presence in U.S. to be eligible for certain public benefits and requires that lawful
presence is not a requirement of eligibility for state or local public benefits as defined by U.S.C. sec.1621.
Fiscal Note: TBD
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21-1054 Representative Dominique Jackson and Senator Julie Gonzales
HOUSING PUBLIC BENEFIT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT
Creates exception for housing programs on requirement that applicants for public benefits verify lawful presence in the US unless otherwise required by federal law.
Fiscal note: None
Governor
House Bill 21-1117 Representatives Susan Lontine & Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez & Senators Julie Gonzales & Robert Rodriguez
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY PROMOTE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS
Clarifies that the existing authority of cities and counties to plan for and regulate the use of land includes the authority to regulate development or redevelopment in order to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
Fiscal note: None.
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21-1121 Representatives Dominique Jackson and Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales
RESIDENTIAL TENANCY PROCEDURES
Requires 10 days to execute Writ of restitution in evictions’ Limits rent increases to one annually.
Fiscal note: None
Senate State Affairs
House Bill 21- 1150 Representative Iman Jodeh
COLORADO OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS
Formally creates the Office of New Americans in the Department of Labor, but with a broad mission including economic stability, and successful economic, social, linguistic, and cultural integration of immigrants and refugees in Colorado.
Fiscal Note: Currently grant funded for another year. Also transfers federal Refugee Services dollars from CDHS to CDLE.
House Finance
House Bill 21-1194 Representatives Kerry Tipper and Naquetta Ricks and Senator Dominick Moreno
IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Creates a grant program to provide representation to some of the indigent individuals in immigration deportation hearings in Colorado. 30% is also designated for preventative legal work outside metro Denver.
Fiscal Note: $100,000/yr
House Approps
House Bill 21-1198 Representative Iman Jodeh and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker
HEALTH CARE BILLING REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIGENT PATIENTS
Sets an enforceable standard for discounted care. Ensures that hospital providers screen patients that want assistance for public coverage and discounts. Prohibits collection action unless they have screen patients and offered a fair payment plan first.
Fiscal Note: $186,421 in 2021-22; $521,127 in 2022-2023
House Health Insurance Committee
House Bill 21-1232 Representatives Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh and Senator Kerry Donovan
STANDARDIZED HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN COLORADO OPTION
In this two-staged bill, the Division of Insurance would create a standardized plan for 2023 with input from stakeholders. The plan would be offered in the individual and small group markets, and be designed to reduce health disparities. At the same time, insurance carriers would be directed to lower premiums by 10% the first year, compared with average premiums in 2021, and by 20% the second year. If those targeted savings were not achieved, the state would stand up the Colorado option, in which the standardized plan would be offered and limitations to reimbursement to providers would be imposed by the Commissioner of Insurance in order to achieve the desired 20% reduction in premium costs.
Fiscal Note: $866,684 in 2021-22; $790,424 in 2022-23
House Health Insurance Committee
OPPOSED
House Bill 21-1191 Reps Kim Ransom and Tonya Van Beber
PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION COVID-19 VACCINE STATUS
Prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees or applicants based on COVID19 vaccination status.
The state or a business cannot discriminate against customers based on COVID19 Vaccinee Status.
Fiscal note: $21,904/yr
House Health Insurance
| Criminal JusticeMonday, April 5Dear CSLC Members and Friends, The Colorado Social Legislation Committee invites you to join us during the 2021 session of the Colorado General Assembly. Every week, our panels will feature advocates, legislators, and experts to discuss issues related to human needs, every Monday at noon. We invite you to join us online Monday, April 5, at noon. We’ll be featuring a discussion on criminal justice issues during this year’s session, with expert advocates from the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Commission and the ACLU of Colorado. Join us! Just register with your email and you’ll receive the Zoom link.Rep. Kerry TipperColorado House District 28Rep. Tipper represents Colorado House District 28, including Lakewood and a small part of Littleton. She serves on the House Judiciary and Health & Insurance Committees and is the Treasurer for the Colorado Latino Caucus. She also serves as the Chair of the Law & Criminal Justice Task Force of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Before being elected to the Colorado House, she worked as an attorney representing immigrants and helping survivors of domestic violence rebuild their lives, and served as an Assistant Attorney General representing state agencies.   Denise MaesPublic Policy Director, ACLU of ColoradoDenise Maes oversees all legislative work that affects civil liberties at the state and local level for the ACLU. She also sits on various municipal boards and commissions that review police and jail-related matters. Before joining the ACLU, Denise was Director of Operations for Vice President Joe Biden. In that role, she managed, the Vice President’s budget, travel, and personnel. She also served as General Counsel for the Office of Administration under President Barack Obama, where she managed White House contracts and personnel issues.Christie DonnerExecutive Director, CCJRCChristie Donner is Executive Director and founder of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC). Since 1995, she has been working in criminal justice reform advocacy, community organizing, policy research, and lobbying. Christie co-authored Parenting from Prison: A Resource Guide for Incarcerated Parents in Colorado. She is also the project lead for CCJRC’s publication Getting On After Getting Out: A Re-Entry Guide for Colorado. She represents Colorado on the executive committee of the National Network for Justice. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Where?Online via ZOOMClick here to register & receive the link When? Monday, April 5, 202112:00-1:15 PM Upcoming Monday noon panels (subject to change): April 12: Community Public Safety Partnership April 19: Colorado’s Earned Income Tax Credit & Child Tax Credit April 26: Earth Day & Caring for Colorado’s EnvironmentNot a member yet? Need to renew for this year? Become a member and support our work today! CSLC Membership FormContact:cslc.news@gmail.comColorado Social Legislation Committeewww.cslc.orgSee what’s happening on our social sites: |
cslc.org 