All panels take place at noon Mountain Time
Topics are subject to change
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: |
Colorado Social Legislation Committee 