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May 7, 2023
Our next meeting is Monday, May 8, 2023. Our meeting is from 9:30AM to 11:30AM. May 8th is also the last day of the 2023 Colorado Legislative Session. The Legislative Session ends at midnight on Monday, May 8, 2023.
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We will be very busy at this meeting! | |
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After today's meeting we will move to bi-monthly (twice a month) CCA Advocacy Committee Meetings. The first bi-monthly meeting will be Monday, May 22nd. We will be meeting the 2nd and 4th Mondays during the summer and fall. Our newsletter will also move to being bi-monthly and will come out the Sunday before a Monday meeting.
At this meeting Jeanette, Rich and other members of the CCA Capitol Gang will share the status of the bills we are supporting and following.
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View our meeting agenda to see a list that prioritizes bills for discussion
at the Monday morning meeting - CLICK HERE
We ask that those who have volunteered to track a specific bill
be prepared to report to the group on its status.
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News from CCA Capitol Gang | |
The past week we sent out emails to legislators, individuals testified on bills, other individuals were at the Capitol talking to legislators and advocating for older adults, and we researched bills. See details below: | |
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SB23-213 Land Use - Passed Both Houses. Waiting for Senate action on House amendments. CCA amendments added to the bill in the Senate are (mostly) still in the bill. **The House committee reinstated most of the local control preemptions in the bill as introduced in the Senate. As a result, the CCA board voted to return CCA’s original position of Oppose, unless amended. Our CCA Advocate for this bill is Rich Mauro.
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HOA Bills - Sara Gagliardi and Jeanette Hensley will give us updates on the HOA Bills.
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HB23-1065 Local Government Independent Ethics Commission - Senate Second Reading Special Order - Laid Over Daily - No Amendments: 05/05/2023
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HB23-1105 Homeowners' Association And Metropolitan District Homeowners' - House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Not Concur - Request Conference Committee: 05/04/2023
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SB23-110 Transparency For Metropolitan Districts - Governor Signed: 04/03/2023
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SB23-178 Water-wise Landscaping In Homeowners' Association Communities - Signed by the Speaker of the House: 05/05/2023
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Questions about CCA Advocacy Committee
Jeanette Hensley - email - 303-249-5598
Co-Chair of CCA Advocacy Committee
Rich Mauro - email - Direct: 303-480-6778
Co-Chair of CCA Advocacy Committee and Senior Policy and Legislative Analyst Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)
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Zoom Link for Monday's Meeting | |
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Topic: CCA: Advocacy Committee Meeting
9:30AM - 11:00AM/11:30AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8814815119?pwd=cXJGUFRVQ09kV1RzZ25QVG90RHBOQT09
Meeting ID: 881 481 5119
NEW Passcode: CCA2023#
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Meeting ID: 881 481 5119
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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbZvU5bskJ
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News & Highlights from CCA & our Network | |
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May is Older Americans Month
Every May the Federal Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. Here in Colorado, we are going to celebrate Older Coloradans all year!
Colorado Center for Aging and their network are stepping forward to bring together older adults, their families, and those organizations that serve older adults, in a series of educational webinars in May and June and an in-person event happening in July. Past July we will continue our series with monthly webinars that keep exploring and educating all ages of Coloradans on aging issues and show how older adults remain engaged, independent, and included in the community.
At our events, Colorado Center for Aging (CCA) will also be highlighting legislation that CCA has worked on with their advocacy network that benefits and protects older adults in Colorado. Keep in mind that the legislation we work on now, is legislation that may help you when you are an older adult in need of assistance. Each of our webinars and the in-person event will explore resources and help you understand what you do not know. Learn more on our event website - www.OlderColoradansMonth.org
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Colorado Commission on Aging Meetings
The Public is welcome to attend
The Colorado Commission on Aging (CCOA) was established under the authority of the Older Coloradans Act Section 26-11-101, C.R.S. to serve as the primary advisory body on all matters affecting older persons. The CCOA is a Governor-appointed, citizen-led, multidisciplinary Commission, comprised of representatives from both the public and private sectors to coordinate and contribute to guiding state programs, services, projects, policies, procedures, and resources in the area of aging and coordinate and guide the implementation of the strategic action plan on aging (Master Plan on Aging). The CCA members interested in aging issues in Colorado are encouraged to attend the committee meetings. All meetings are virtual until further notice. The meetings are:
- CCOA committee meets monthly every 3rd Thursday of the month
- CCOA Executive Subcommittee meets first Tuesday of the month
- CCOA Age-Friendly Subcommittee meets 4th Friday of the month
- CCOA Public Policy Subcommittee 2nd Monday of the month
Find times and Zoom link for the meetings on the CCOA web page -
https://cdhs.colorado.gov/our-services/older-adult-services/state-unit-on-aging/colorado-commission-on-aging
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CU Program for Low-Income Seniors: Senior Smiles
Patients who are currently participating in the CU Dental Team Care Clinics or those who are accepted through the CU School of Dental Medicine screening process and are age 60+, do not qualify for Medicaid or Old Age Pension Health and Medical Care Program, do not have private dental insurance, and their income is at or below 250% of the most current federal poverty guidelines based on family size, and are a Colorado Resident are eligible for Senior Smiles - LEARN MORE
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Governor, Democrats unveil 10-year plan to prevent
Coloradans’ property taxes from rising too quickly
"Colorado voters would be asked in November to approve a 10-year plan aimed at preventing property taxes from rising at a historic clip under an eleventh-hour proposal unveiled Monday by Gov. Jared Polis and Democrats in the state legislature. The effort, which would reduce Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refunds in order to make up for the cuts, is aimed at combating a dizzying rise in property values that will cause a corresponding jump in homeowners’ and businesses’ tax burden ..." - READ MORE
Source https://coloradosun.com
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Democrats plan to send Coloradans $2 billion in
taxpayer refunds through a system they’ve blasted as inequitable
"The Colorado legislature is on track to issue about $2 billion in taxpayer refunds through a system that the Democratic majority at the state Capitol has previously blasted as inequitable. State lawmakers have broad authority over how to refund money collected above the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights cap on government growth, which is calculated annually based on population and inflation increases. But this year, lawmakers are choosing not to exercise that power and instead rely on a default refund mechanism adopted by the General Assembly in 1999, when Republicans were in charge ..."
- READ MORE
Source https://coloradosun.com
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Did you get a shocking Colorado property tax valuation notice?
It is possible to contest that figure
"Property tax value notices are hitting mailboxes around Colorado this week and many of them reflect big increases. Some homeowners in southeastern Colorado may see the number their taxes will be based on go up as much as 65 percent.
It is possible to file a protest to disagree with the county assessor's valuation of your property, though successfully doing so can be difficult. An appeal needs to explain why the value is incorrect or unfair and include supporting documentation. That includes comparing the property to similar ones sold prior to the end of June last year. Cases can be also made if the square footage, condition or other characteristics of the home aren’t accurate in the county records ..." - READ MORE
Source https://www.cpr.org
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Use our calculator to determine what your new property tax bill
would be under the Colorado legislature’s relief plan
"Colorado homeowners recently began receiving eye-popping notices in the mail from their county assessors with updated property valuations and new corresponding tax estimates. The median increase in home values across the state was 40% since June 2020, the last time assessors determined property values. Home values are one of three factors that determine property tax bills in Colorado ..." - READ MORE
Source https://coloradosun.com/
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In major last-minute course correction, Colorado Democrats
move to issue $2 billion in flat-rate taxpayer refund checks
"Colorado taxpayers would receive a refund check of roughly $650 or $1,300 next year from the state under a last-minute bill introduced Saturday by Democrats in the legislature. The measure deviates from the current plan to distribute about $2 billion in Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refunds in checks based on taxpayers’ income level, with more money being sent to higher earners. Instead, the legislation, House Bill 1311, would make refunds the same for all taxpayers ..." - READ MORE
Source https://coloradosun.com
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Lawsuit against Colorado over how the state rejects mail-in ballots
due to voter signatures allowed to continue
"A Denver district judge has allowed a lawsuit to continue against Colorado’s Secretary of State over rejection of voter signatures on mail ballots. The complaint, filed last December by a veterans rights group called Vet Voice Foundation, argues that Colorado’s vote-by-mail system unfairly disenfranchises voters when it rejects ballots because of a signature mismatch. It also alleges that Black and Hispanic signatures are rejected at significantly higher rates than for white voters ..." - READ MORE
Source https://www.cpr.org/
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Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker
"The Medicaid continuous enrollment provision, which had halted Medicaid disenrollments since March 2020, ended on March 31, 2023. Primarily due to the continuous enrollment provision, KFF estimates that enrollment in Medicaid/CHIP grew by 23.3 million to nearly 95 million from February 2020 to the end of March 2023. As states unwind the continuous enrollment provision over the next 12 months, they will redetermine eligibility for all Medicaid enrollees and will disenroll those who are no longer eligible or who may remain eligible but are unable to complete the renewal process. Millions of people are expected to lose Medicaid coverage during this unwinding period ..." - READ MORE
Source https://www.kff.org
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If you’re asking how much the legislature got done this session,
look first to Jared Polis - Opinion Piece from Mike Littwin
"As the Colorado legislative season comes to a close, the pressing question - as it is in most years — is exactly how much has been accomplished, or to put it another way, how much hasn’t been. Sometimes the answer isn’t as obvious as you’d think. The one thing we definitely learned this year is that a solid-blue Colorado doesn’t necessarily translate into a solidly progressive Colorado. This shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Whatever you hear from the shrinking state Republican Party, Colorado is not California. It’s also not Massachusetts or Vermont ..." - READ MORE
Source https://coloradosun.com
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Celebrating 50 Years of Area Agencies on Aging!
50 Years of Supporting Countless Journeys!
"Aging Ahead is celebrating! We have been supporting older adults for 50 years and we welcome you to join us as we mark this special achievement! As we kick off this year of celebrating, we want to share some information about the impact we’ve had in the communities we serve over the last 5 decades. As Americans continue to redefine what it means to be 'aging', Aging Ahead is committed to reimagining our purpose and role in that landscape, challenging ourselves and our partners to evolve with intention and innovation. We encourage you to learn more about us as an agency, including our mission, which helps direct our daily work and ongoing goals. By remaining committed to supporting each journey, our team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population to ensure comprehensive and quality delivery of programs and services ..." - READ MORE
Source https://www.agingahead.org
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Four Colorado colleges granted $5M by Delta Dental
to expand oral health programs
"Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, one of the largest funders of oral health initiatives in the state, on Monday said it’s granting a total of nearly $5 million to four colleges to help them expand existing dental hygiene programs or start new ones from scratch — all with the goal of addressing workforce shortages and diversifying the profession ..."
- READ MORE
Source https://coloradosun.com
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Half of All Eligible Medicare Beneficiaries Are
Now Enrolled in Private Medicare Advantage Plans
"According to recently released data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Advantage now provides Medicare coverage for just over half of eligible beneficiaries. In January 2023, 30.19 million of the 59.82 million people with both Medicare Part A and Part B were enrolled in a private plan (Figure 1). Medicare Advantage, the private plan alternative to traditional Medicare, covers Medicare Part A and B benefits (and typically Part D benefits), often for no additional premium (other than the Part B premium). Insurance companies contract with the Medicare program and receive payments for providing these services ..." - READ MORE
Source https://www.kff.org
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Colorado is banning pesticides that hurt bees.
Here are other ways people can help the keystone species.
"The Colorado legislature has passed a bill banning the sale of bee-damaging pesticides at garden centers and hardware stores, broadening an effort to bolster the beleaguered family of species that’s key to plant life but whose abundance is threatened in the West. Gov. Jared Polis is expected to sign the bill that limits sale of pesticides based on chemicals called neonicotinoids only to pesticide dealers, banning them from the retail stores that service yards and landscapes across Colorado. Sponsors and environmental advocates hope Senate Bill SB23-266 Neonic Pesticides As Limited-use Pesticides will help slow the decline of Colorado’s bee varieties, which are the fifth-richest in all the U.S. states, by cutting use of chemicals that disorient and disrupt intricate bee behavior ..." - READ MORE
Source https://coloradosun.com
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Keeping this article resource in for another week ...
Discovering and Developing Missing Middle Housing
"Benefits of Missing Middle Housing The word 'middle' as used in the term 'Missing Middle Housing' principally refers to the midsized housing types that exist between single family homes and large (often high-rise) apartment or condominium buildings. But 'middle' also relates to the home type’s level of affordability ..." - READ MORE
Source https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2022/missing-middle-housing.html
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May is Older Americans Month
Every May the Federal Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. Here in Colorado, we are going to celebrate Older Coloradans all year!
Website www.OlderColoradansMonth.org
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May 8, 2023 - Monday, 9:30AM - 11:30AM
CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting via Zoom
There will be a CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 9:30AM to 11:30AM. Newcomers and visitors are welcome - LEARN MORE
Website https://coloradocenterforaging.org/
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May 8, 2023 - Monday - 4:00 PM ET
SAR-TAC Webinar Series on Accessibility and Plain Language
SAR-TAC, managed by Self Advocates Becoming Empowered, is hosting webinars on accessibility and writing in plain language. Presenters from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network will share information about how to write policy in easy-to-understand language. The first webinar, Plain Language, will describe the ins-and outs of plain language and is geared to government and non-profit agencies.
Learn More http://www.advancingstates.org/node/74555
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May 9, 2023 - Tuesday, All Day
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET.
Virtual Town Halls on Transit Planning 4 All (TP4A)
Transit Planning 4 All (TP4A) is hosting two virtual town halls with a focus on identifying unmet transportation accessibility barriers and needs for people with disabilities and older adults across the country. The goal of this town hall is to gather insight from attendees who have direct experience with transportation accessibility and inclusion in transit planning and operations. Attendees can include people with disabilities, older adults, caregivers, as well as organizational employees and volunteers from transit agencies, regional planning organizations, government agencies, and human service agencies. This webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET.
Learn More http://www.advancingstates.org/node/74556
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May 9 & May 10, 2023 - Tuesday, 1:00PM - 4:00 PM ET
Join engAGED and Commit to Connect for
the 2023 Social Engagement Virtual Summit
There is still time to register for engAGED and Commit to Connect’s 2023 Social Engagement Virtual Summit. This event will bring together national, state and local leaders for interactive sessions highlighting the latest research, innovative programs, and tools and resources for the aging and disability networks. The focus of this summit will be on improving social engagement for older adults and people with disabilities living in rural communities, and will also explore how to best support the caregivers of these individuals. This summit will take place on Tuesday, May 9 and Wednesday, May 10 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. ET.
Learn More http://www.advancingstates.org/node/74571
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May 10, 2023 - Wednesday, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM MT
How to be an Anti-Ageism Influencer on Social Media
Join social media and marketing experts Ashley Stevens (The Dementia Guru on Instagram) and Dee Goldstein (TheDailyDee on Instagram) in an engaging conversation on how YOU can up your social media game and walk away with concrete ideas to activate your inner influencer.
Virtual event: A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP
Register Today CLICK HERE
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May 11, 2023 - Thursday
6th Annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day - Virtual Meeting
Public health practitioners, professionals in the aging network, mental health providers, health care professionals, and anyone interested in ensuring the mental health of older adults should attend this free, virtual event on May 11, 2023. The symposium is brought to you by NCOA, the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Register now to join us on May 11. When you register, you will be automatically signed up for all of the day’s sessions.
https://connect.ncoa.org/products/6th-annual-older-adult-mental-health-awareness-day
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May 18, 2023 - Thursday, 12:00 PM MT
Making the Case for Funding in Aging--Change Your Strategy & Raise More Money
While our population of older adults is growing, fewer resources are being directed toward the programs and projects that benefit people age 50 and over. This webinar will explore why we need more funding for older adults, the importance of diversifying your revenue sources, how simple changes in your case for support can improve your fundraising prospects, and how to get started with reframing aging in your proposals and appeals. The session includes a breakout session where you can practice reframing your own fundraising messages. Presenters include: Chandra Matthews, NextFifty Initiative; Cindy Morris, American Society on Aging; Jodi Waterhouse, CU Anschutz Multidisciplinary Center on Aging; and Janine Vanderburg, Changing the Narrative.
Register Today CLICK HERE
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May 22, 2023 - Monday, 9:30AM - 11:00AM
CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting via Zoom
There will be a CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting on Monday, May 22, 2023 from 9:30AM to 11:00AM. This is the first bi-monthly meeting of our Summer-Fall Schedule. We will be moving to bi-monthly meetings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays through November. Newcomers and visitors are welcome.
Website https://coloradocenterforaging.org/
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May 24, 2023 - Wednesday, 12:00 PM MT
Lives Well Lived Film Screening
The Denver Public Library and Changing the Narrative are excited to present the viewing of the film "Lives Well Lived," followed by a live event with the director! Lives Well Lived celebrates the incredible wit, wisdom and experiences of adults aged 75 to 100 years old. Through their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories, encompassing over 3000 years of experience, forty people share their secrets and insights to living a meaningful life.
Virtual event: A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP
Register Today CLICK HERE
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June 15, 2023 - Thursday
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Join us in commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15. This global event provides an opportunity to raise awareness and promote education on the issue of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. To get involved in the movement for elder justice, check out the resources and activities available through ACL's National Center on Elder Abuse. You can access tools and tips for raising awareness among your network, search for local and international WEAAD events, and participate in the #WEAAD615 challenge on social media. Throughout the week of WEAAD, the NCEA will be hosting discussions and sharing resources on a variety of themes related to elder abuse.
Learn More http://www.advancingstates.org/node/74525
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Cyber-Seniors provides FREE technology support and training for senior citizens
Founded in 2015 by the creators of the award-winning documentary film CYBER-SENIORS, this non-profit organization provides senior citizens with tech-training using an intergenerational, volunteer model.
Website https://cyberseniors.org/
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CU Anschutz COAST-IT Program
The Multidisciplinary Center on Aging at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is actively reaching out to more older adults in the community for the COAST-IT (Connecting Older Adults and Students Through Inter-professional Telecare) program. Older adults will have the opportunity to engage with a student from either the CU Anschutz School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Nursing, or School of Dental Medicine programs to mentor the future generation of healthcare clinicians.
Contact Joanna Fitzgibbons at joanna.fitzgibbons@cuanschutz.edu for more information
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Denver Public Library Technology Classes & Workshops
From computer basics to digital privacy to applying for benefits online, Denver Public Library offers a variety of technology classes and workshops.
Website https://www.denverlibrary.org/techclasses
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Senior Planet
If you’re a senior aged 60 and older, these live online classes are designed just for you! Learn about finance, wellness, fitness, computers and technology, and so much more. You will also find a real community of fellow life-long learners.
Website https://seniorplanet.org/classes/
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Library Services through Strong Library
Thanks to Denver voters, Freegal Music+, an ad-free, unlimited streaming platform, and Statista, an easy-to-use portal for integrating statistics and reports, are available to anybody with a DPL library card. These new services are made possible because of #StrongLibraryStrongDenver, supported by the DPL Fund. Learn more here:
https://www.denverlibrary.org/stronglibrary_strongdenver
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CCA Advocacy Committee Meetings 2023 | |
The first CCA Advocacy Committee will be meeting every Monday while the legislature is in session. Note that we may not have meetings on certain Federal and State holidays. | |
If you are not a member of Colorado Center for Aging - Join Today! | |
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Colorado Center for Aging is a 501c3 non-profit organization,
born out of the roots of Colorado Senior Lobby (CSL) - LEARN MORE
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