Senate District 19 Newsletter
August 1, 2023
Happy Colorado Day!

Each year, we celebrate Colorado Day on August 1st as a way of marking Colorado's admission into the United States of America in 1876. The tradition is a way to celebrate our great state by offering free and discounted events for anytime during the week of July 28th through August 6th.

This year there are a variety of celebrations and local events promoting our great Colorado culture statewide. Events will be happening around the state and include many free or discounted events, historical learning experiences, opportunities to support Colorado businesses, and events that bring neighbors and friends together. 

You can find over 100 free and discounted events, including free admission to the Aurora Reservoir, discounts at the Special Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Generation Wild at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, First Fridays in Alamosa, farmers markets across the state, free admission at the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose and more! 

The Celebrate Colorado map is open to anyone to add an event. Events can still be submitted through next week and can be sent by visiting this form.To see the full list of over 250 events the state is highlighting visit https://celebrate.colorado.gov/. 
Legislative Updates
State Land Board awards $180M in capital construction grants to schools: In May, the Department of Education's Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program awarded 17 schools $180 million in capital construction grants. The schools are located across the state and most are in rural areas. The State Land Board is the primary funding source for BEST and has contributed $977 million to the program since it was established in 2008. Rent collected from leases on trust land makes the funding possible. BEST provides competitive grants to school districts for the construction of new schools as well as general construction and renovation of existing schools. To view the list of 17 schools, click HERE.
RTD Zero Fare program: Thanks to funding from the legislature, all RTD buses and trains will be free to ride during the months of July and August. Zero Fare for Better Air is a collaborative, statewide initiative designed to reduce ground-level ozone by increasing
use of public transit. During the months of July and August, customers can ride RTD with zero fare.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) also announced recently that the state is cutting its Bustang fares in half for most routes in August and September as well. Beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 1, and continuing through Saturday, Sept. 30, all fares, including seniors, people with disabilities, and children (2 – 11 years old), will be discounted 50% on the following routes: 
  • West Line between Grand Junction and Denver
  • North Line between Fort Collins and Denver
  • South Line between Colorado Springs and Denver, including Colorado Springs to the Denver Tech Center (DTC)
  • RamsRoute between Colorado State University and Denver
  • Additionally, the Trinidad to Pueblo Bustang Outrider route is currently fare-free through August 31.

For more information on Bustang, visit www.ridebustang.com. To learn more about Zero Fare for Better Air, visit rtd-denver.com/zerofare.com.
Universal preschool providers receive $15.3M in capacity building grants: The Colorado Department of Early Childhood recently awarded 1,141 Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado providers more than $15.3 million in the first round of Capacity Building Grants using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. These funds were approved by the JBC in this year's budget. The Capacity Building Grants fund education materials and supplies, health care materials and supplies, technology, furniture, and site infrastructure. A second round of grants will be awarded during the 2023-24 fiscal year with an additional $18.8 million available for Universal Preschool Colorado participating providers.For more information, click HERE.
Clean Energy Tax Credits
During this last session, we worked hard to sponsor and pass a series of policies that will help mitigate climate change and make it easier for all Coloradans to transition to a net-zero emissions future. For example, we passed legislation that gives Coloradans some of the best electrification tax credits in the country. These tax credits aim to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, and other clean energy technologies so we can all transition to a greener future. With so many tax credits, rebates, and incentives available, it can be difficult to keep track of what’s out there, so here is a deep-dive into the decarbonization incentives that you may be eligible for:
Colorado EV incentives: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, with each passenger vehicle emitting about 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year. As a state known for our pristine environment and natural areas, we have to ensure we have clean air to breathe, and this means we must continue to reduce our carbon emissions.

Current incentives: On July 1, 2023, Colorado’s EV tax credit increased to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of a qualifying EV.

Future incentives: Starting January 1, 2024, EVs under $35,000 MSRP will be eligible for an additional tax credit of $2,500, making the Colorado EV Tax Credit $7,500 for qualifying EVs under $35,000.

Who’s eligible: All Colorado taxpayers
Vehicle Exchange Program (VXC): Some Colorado residents will soon be able to more than double their EV rebate simply by trading in their old or high-emitting vehicle for a qualifying EV.

Future incentives: Starting August 2023, income-qualified Coloradans can replace their vehicle that is model year 2011 or older or fails a state emissions test with an EV and receive up to a $6,000 rebate for a new EV or $4,000 for a used EV.

Who’s eligible: Income-qualified Coloradans. This applies to households currently enrolled in income-qualified programs or that earn less than 80% of the area median income. Learn more about VXC HERE.
Federal EV incentives: Colorado residents can then stack their Colorado EV tax credits with Federal EV incentives for even more savings.

Current incentives: $7,500 tax credit for the purchase of a new qualifying EV with MSRP up to $80,000

Who’s eligible: To receive the credit you must be below the income cap of: $150,000 for single filers, $225,000 for head of household, or $300,000 for joint filers.

Find information on federal tax credits for the purchase of an EV HERE and answers to FAQs HERE.
Utility provider EV incentives: Utility providers across the state are also providing thousands of dollars in rebates for customers who purchase EVs.

Xcel income-qualified EV rebate: Income-qualified customers can receive $5,500 off of a new or $3,000 off of a used EV when they lease or buy from a Colorado-based car dealer

Who’s eligible: Xcel customers who receive LEAP, CARE, SNAP, TANF, or have a household income below 60 percent of Colorado’s median income, below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or below 80 percent of the area median income can apply HERE.

Note: this rebate is not stackable with Colorado EV Tax Credits
Colorado electric bike incentives: Starting this August, Coloradans can apply for another round of e-bike rebates! The Community Access to Electric Bicycles Rebate Program is the largest state-run e-bike rebate program in the country, with $12 million in e-bike rebates available to Colorado residents.

Future incentives: Low-income rebates of over $1,100 and moderate-income rebates of over $500 will be available August 2023. Additionally, in spring of 2024, there will be an expanded program (for all income levels) that provides $450 off an e-bike.

Who’s eligible: Applicants whose household income is below 80 percent of area median income are eligible for low-come rebates and applicants whose household income is between 80 percent - 100 percent of the area median income are eligible for moderate-income rebates. The expanded program coming in 2024 will be available for applicants of all income levels.

Find more information on the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Rebate Program HERE.
Heat pump system incentives: Heat pumps are part of a dual-purpose heating and cooling system that can function as both an air conditioner and home furnace. But, unlike a furnace, heat pumps don’t burn fossil fuels, saving owners an average of 20-40 percent on their annual utility bills.

Current incentives: Colorado taxpayers can currently apply for a combined 10 percent tax credit and 2.9 percent sales tax exemption for a 12.9 percent discount on the price of heat pump equipment.

Future incentives: Starting in 2024, Coloradans are eligible for a one-time $1,500 tax credit for an air-source heat pump or a $3,000 tax credit for a ground-source heat pump. Colorado residents who install heat pump water heaters can also apply for a $500 tax credit.

Who’s eligible: Colorado taxpayers
Electric lawn equipment incentives: The California Air Resources Board found that running a commercial leaf blower for an hour creates as much smog-forming pollution as driving a new car from Denver to Los Angeles. With air quality alerts becoming all too frequent in Colorado, it’s more important than ever for Coloradans to switch to electric lawn equipment.

Future incentives: Starting January 2024, Coloradans can receive a 30 percent point-of-sale discount on electric lawnmowers, leaf blowers, trimmers and snow blowers.

Who’s eligible: Colorado residents. Read more about Colorado’s electric lawn equipment incentives HERE.
Tracking Your Senator
Bugging out at the Palisade Insectary: During a recent trip to the Western Slope, I took the opportunity to visit one of Colorado's hidden gems--the Palisade Insectary! According to their website, "the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has promoted the use of biological control in pest management since the 1940s. At that time, the Palisade Insectary first released biocontrols (parasitic wasps) for use against the Peach moth in the fruit-growing regions of the Grand Valley. The program was a success and continues to this day." Biological control is a sustainable approach to pest management that utilizes the natural enemies of noxious weeds or pests. The Palisade Insectary imports, rears, researches, and distributes biological control agents for the state of Colorado. If you are ever in the area, I recommend dropping by for a tour. For more information, click HERE.
Series of awards reflect commitment to education: I was honored to receive a series of awards last month for several education bills that I worked on last session. The first award was the "Champion for Charter Schools Award," presented by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. The second award was the "Meritorious Service Award," presented by the Colorado BOCES Association. The third honor was the "Legislator of the Year Award," from the Colorado Association of Schools Executives (CASE). As a fifth-generation teacher, I’ve always made education a top priority at the Capitol, which is why I was honored to receive these awards. From creating a task force studying inequalities affecting students’ performances to delivering record funding for public and special education, my work this session reflects that priority. I look forward to continuing to work for Colorado’s students and craft legislation that will deliver quality education and set students up for success.
Events
Legislative Town Hall Meeting: Early Childhood Education & Universal Preschool

Join us on Saturday, August 19 for our regular monthly town hall meeting. In August, we will hear from Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the new Department of Early Childhood. She will discuss the new Department of Early Childhood, as well as the Universal Preschool program. State Board of Education member, Karla Esser, will also be joining us. We will meet at 10:30 am at the Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St, Arvada, CO 80005. For more information, click HERE.
In the News
Zenzinger Bills
Below you will find a list of bills I sponsored this session. You may also find a complete list of bills on my website rachelforcolorado.com/capitol or on the legislative website.
SB23-001 Authority Of Public-private Collaboration Unit For Housing: Concerning additional functions of the public-private collaboration unit for public projects that provide housing.

SB23-007 Adult Education: Concerning enhancing adult education in Colorado.

SB23-049 Special Mobile Machinery Registration Exemption: Concerning the registration exemption for special mobile machinery, and, in connection therewith, eliminating the requirement that an owner of such machinery regularly have at least one thousand items of such machinery in the state to obtain a registration exempt certificate for the machinery.

SB23-082 Colorado Fostering Success Voucher Program: Concerning creation of the Colorado fostering success voucher program to assist foster youth.

SB23-094 School Transportation Task Force: Concerning the creation of a task force to report on measures to improve school transportation.

SB23-097 Motor Vehicle Theft And Unauthorized Use: Concerning the adoption of the 2023 recommendations of the Colorado commission on criminal and juvenile justice regarding motor vehicle offenses committed by a person who is not the owner of the motor vehicle.

SB23-099 Special Education Funding: Concerning funding for special education services.

SB23-110 Transparency For Metropolitan Districts: Concerning transparency for metropolitan districts.

SB23-112 Department of Agriculture Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of agriculture.

SB23-113 Department of Corrections Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of corrections.

SB23-114 Department of Early Childhood Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of early childhood.

SB23-115 Department of Education Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of education.

SB23-116 Department of Governor, Lt. Governor, & OSPB Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, and state planning and budgeting.

SB23-117 Department of Health Care Policy & Financing Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of health care policy and financing.

SB23-118 Department of Higher Education Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of higher education.

SB23-119 Department of Human Services Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of human services.

SB23-120 Judicial Department Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the judicial department.

SB23-121 Department of Labor & Employment Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of labor and employment.

SB23-122 Department of Law Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of law.

SB23-123 Legislative Department Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of legislature.

SB23-124 Department of Local Affairs Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of local affairs.

SB23-125 Department of Military Affairs Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of military and veterans affairs.

SB23-126 Department of Natural Resources Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of natural resources.

SB23-127 Department Of Personnel Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of personnel.

SB23-128 Department of Public Health & Environment Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of public health and environment.

SB23-129 Department of Public Safety Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of public safety.

SB23-130 Department of Regulatory Agencies Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of regulatory agencies.

SB23-131 Department of Revenue Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of revenue.

SB23-132 Department of State Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of state.

SB23-133 Department of Transportation Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of transportation.

SB23-134 Department of Treasury Supplemental: Concerning a supplemental appropriation to the department of the treasury.

SB23-135 Capital Construction Supplemental: Concerning funding for capital construction, and making supplemental appropriations in connection therewith.

SB23-136 Adjustments To School Funding Fiscal Year 2022-23: Concerning adjustments to school funding for the 2022-23 budget year, and, in connection therewith, reducing an appropriation.

SB23-138 Appropriation To Department of Health Care Policy And Financing For Denver Health: Concerning authorizing the department of health care policy and financing to distribute money to the Denver health and hospital authority, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SB23-139 State Severance Tax Trust Fund Allocation: Concerning the appropriation of money from the severance tax operational fund to the wildfire mitigation capacity development fund, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SB23-140 Fentanyl Study Deadline and Appropriation: Concerning extending the contract deadline for the independent study of House Bill 22-1326, and, in connection therewith, extending a related existing appropriation.

SB23-142 Information Technology Project Appropriation Process: Concerning the information technology capital appropriation process for information technology projects submitted to the general assembly by certain state entities.

SB23-155 Sunset Continue Nursing Home Administrators: Concerning the continuation of the regulation of nursing home administrators, and, in connection therewith, implementing the recommendations in the 2022 sunset report by the department of regulatory agencies.

SB23-182 Temporary Suspension Of Medicaid Requirements: Concerning the temporary suspension of certain statutory requirements for medical assistance programs.

SB23-214 2023-24 Long Bill: Concerning the provision for payment of the expenses of the executive, legislative, and judicial departments of the state of Colorado, and of its agencies and institutions, for and during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, except as otherwise noted.

SB23-215 State Employee Reserve Fund General Fund Transfer: Concerning the transfer of money from the state employee reserve fund to the general fund to fund monthly housing stipends for department of corrections staff.

SB23-216 Colorado Universal Preschool Program Funding: Concerning funding to the department of early childhood for the Colorado universal preschool program.

SB23-217 Separating Fees In Records And Reports Cash Fund: Concerning no longer requiring the fee collected for the background checks for child abuse or neglect to support the costs associated with the appeals process for a person who is found responsible in a confirmed report of child abuse or neglect.

SB23-218 Repeal School Transformation Grant Program Administration Cap: Concerning the repeal of the cap on the amount of money the department of education may expend on costs incurred in implementing the school transformation grant program, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SB23-219 Supports To Students And Facility Schools: Concerning services to support students eligible to enroll in facility schools, and, in connection therewith, making and reducing an appropriation.

SB23-220 Public School Capital Construction Assistance Grants: Concerning the use of money previously allocated for public schools, and, in connection therewith, reducing an appropriation.

SB23-221 Healthy School Meals For All Program Fund: Concerning the funding of the healthy school meals for all program, and, in connection therewith, creating the healthy school meals for all program general fund exempt account, allowing expenditures in excess of appropriations for the program, clarifying how the program should be accounted for in the annual general appropriations bill, and making an appropriation.

SB23-223 Medicaid Provider Rate Review Process: Concerning the annual report the department of health care policy and financing submits to the joint budget committee concerning the medicaid provider rate review process.

SB23-224 Colorado Commission Policies Postgraduate Student Exchange Program: Concerning policies to be established by the Colorado commission on higher education related to postgraduate student exchange programs.

SB23-225 Specialty Education Colorado State University Medical School Partnership: Concerning the use of higher education specialty education services funding for the school of medicine partnership operating on the campus of Colorado state university.

SB23-227 State Agency Attorney Hourly Rate: Concerning the hourly rate compensation for attorneys who contract with state agencies to provide legal representation.

SB23-231 Amend Fund To Allow Payment Overdue Wage Claims: Concerning the ability of the division of labor standards and statistics in the department of labor and employment to disburse money in the wage theft enforcement fund to employees after an employer fails to make payments determined to be owed to the employees, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SB23-232 Unemployment Insurance Premiums Allocation Federal Law Compliance: Concerning unemployment compensation, and, in connection therewith, reducing employer premium rates; creating support surcharge rates; adjusting the allocations of employer premiums and support surcharge payments to the unemployment compensation fund, the employment support fund, the employment and training technology fund, and the benefit recovery fund to comply with federal law; and making and reducing appropriations.

SB23-233 Employment Services Funded By Wagner-Peyser Act: Concerning a merit system for county employees who provide employment services that are paid for with federal funds pursuant to the federal "Wagner-Peyser Act".

SB23-235 Department Of Law Funds For Unanticipated State Legal Needs: Concerning the authority of the department of law to use litigation management funds for unanticipated state legal needs.

SB23-238 Small Communities Water and Wastewater Grant Fund: Concerning authorization to use money in the small communities water and wastewater grant fund to provide the state funds for water projects for which a state match is required to qualify for federal funds for the projects.

SB23-239 Hazardous Site Response Fund Transfer: Concerning the transfer of money from the hazardous substance site response fund to the hazardous substance response fund.

SB23-242 Community Corrections Financial Audit: Concerning financial audits of the community corrections programs in the state, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SB23-243 General Fund Transfers To Capital Construction Fund: Concerning transfers from the general fund to the capital construction fund.

SB23-244 Technology Accessibility Cleanup: Concerning updates to language in relevant Colorado statutes related to ensuring technology accessibility to persons with disabilities.

SB23-245 Transfer To Revenue Loss Restoration Cash Fund: Concerning a transfer to the revenue loss restoration cash fund.

SB23-246 State Emergency Reserve: Concerning transfers to the state emergency reserve for the 2023-24 state fiscal year.

SB23-281 Limited Transferability Of College Credits Notice: Concerning a required notice of limited transferability of college credits from a private occupational school.

SB23-283 Mechanisms For Federal Infrastructure Funding: Concerning mechanisms to utilize federal funding under federal infrastructure-related acts.

SB23-287 Public School Finance: Concerning the financing of public schools, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SB23-289 Community First Choice Medicaid Benefit: Concerning seeking an amendment to the medicaid state plan to implement the community first choice optional benefit.

SB23-294 Increase General Fund Transfers To Capital Construction Fund: Concerning increases in the amount of transfers from the general fund to the capital construction fund to be made on July 1, 2023.

SB23-297 America 250 Colorado 150 Commission: Concerning the expansion of the America 250 - Colorado 150 commission, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SR23-005 Single Parent Day: Concerning recognition of Single Parent Day in Colorado.

SJR23-008 Police Week And Peace Officers' Memorial Day: Concerning declaring the week of May 12-16, 2023, as Police Week, and, in connection therewith, declaring May 15, 2023, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day.

HB23-1001 Expanding Assistance For Educator Programs: Concerning expanding financial assistance for educator programs.

HB23-1053 Veterans' Cemetery Department of Public Safety Gifts Grants Donations: Concerning the authority to accept and expend gifts, grants, and donations, and, in connection therewith, authorizing the division of veterans affairs to expend gifts, grants, and donations in support of the western slope military veterans' cemetery, authorizing the department of public safety to accept and expend gifts, grants, and donations in support of its purposes, and creating the department of public safety gifts, grants, and donations fund.

HB23-1061 Alcohol Beverage Retail Establishment Permit: Concerning permitting a retail establishment to serve complementary alcohol beverages at a place of business.

HB23-1084 Continuation Of Military Retirement Benefit Deduction: Concerning the continuation of the income tax deduction for military retirement benefits.

HB23-1089 Special Education Services For Students In Foster Care: Concerning the continuation of special education services for a student in foster care when the student moves.

HB23-1135 Penalty For Indecent Exposure In View Of Minors: Concerning the offense classification for indecent exposure in view of a minor.

HB23-1189 Employer Assistance For Home Purchase Tax Credit: Concerning an income tax credit for employer assistance to employees in making a home purchase.

HB23-1228 Nursing Facility Reimbursement Rate Setting: Concerning nursing facility reimbursement rate setting.

HB23-1241 Task Force To Study K-12 Accountability System: Concerning creating a task force to study the statewide K-12 education accountability system in order to address resource inequities contributing to student performance.

HB23-1259 Open Meetings Law Executive Session Violations: Concerning provisions in the open meetings law for an executive session of a local public body, and, in connection therewith, creating a local public body's right to cure a violation of the open meetings law for an executive session, adding prerequisites for a person to challenge a violation by a local public body of the open meetings law for an executive session. This bill was vetoed.

HB23-1263 Translating Individualized Education Programs: Concerning translating individualized education programs for children who may be eligible for special education services.

HB23-1276 Scope Of Bridge And Tunnel Enterprise: Concerning the bridge and tunnel enterprise, and, in connection therewith, expanding the scope of the enterprise's powers to include the completion of preventative maintenance bridge projects and allowing the enterprise to repair, reconstruct, replace, and maintain a fair-rated bridge under certain circumstances.

HB23-1295 Audits Of Department Of Health Care Policy And Financing Payments To Providers: Concerning the review of payments made by the department of health care policy and financing to providers.

HB23-1300 Continuous Eligibility Medical Coverage: Concerning extending continuous eligibility medical coverage for certain individuals, and, in connection therewith, seeking federal authorization and making an appropriation.

HB23-1305 Continue Health Benefits In Work-related Death: Concerning the program to provide the continuation of health benefits for dependents of certain local government public safety employees who die in a work-related death.
About Senator Rachel Zenzinger
Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) was re-elected to a second term in the Colorado State Senate, representing District 19 (Arvada & Westminster) in November 2020. Previously she served on the Arvada City Council. Senator Zenzinger is the Chair of the Joint Budget Committee and Vice Chair of Senate Appropriations.


200 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80203 | SenatorRachelZ@gmail.com
303-866-4840 office | 303-748-0770 cell