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February 5, 2023


Our next meeting is Monday, February 6, 2023. Our meeting is from 9:30AM to 11:00AM.

We will have a short presentation on HB23-1158 Colorado Commodity Supplement Food Grant Program. The speaker is Effie Rorke, MPH, MPA - Senior Director, Public Policy and Communications Feeding Colorado. Effie has shared that the bill has bipartisan sponsors and would support the five Feeding Colorado food banks as well as two counties who operate Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), also often referred to as “senior food boxes.”

There are bills to review & take positions on

Jeanette Hensley and Rich Mauro will lead us in reviewing bills that have been added to our CCA Bill Tracker. We will also take positions on bills that were reviewed at last week's meeting and we will be looking for at least one member to step forward for each bill we are keeping on our list. 


View our meeting agenda to see a list that prioritizes bills for discussion

at the Monday morning meeting - CLICK HERE


Our approach is to review the bills one week and then the following week our members vote on whether to monitor, support, strongly support, or oppose. If we keep a bill in our Bill watch account, we need a member to step up as a point of contact. 

Link to CCA Bill Tracker - CLICK HERE

News about the CCA Capitol Gang

  • There is still time to get more involved with the CCA Capitol Gang. Send us an email if you are interested - CLICK HERE
  • Is your Coloradao Center for Aging membership current? Remember that to vote on bill positions you must be a member. Send us an email if you are unsure if you are a member - CLICK HERE

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)

Zoom Link for Monday's Meeting

Topic: CCA: Advocacy Committee Meeting

9:30AM - 11:00AM 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

Passcode: 01201897

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbZvU5bskJ

News & Highlights from CCA

February 7, 2023 - Tuesday - 5:00PM

The Unify Challenge Film Screening & Discussion

Join Attorney General Phil Weiser and Fmr. Secretary of State Wayne Williams as they guide Coloradans through some of today's challenges.

Location: Tivoli Student Union (Turnhalle Room)

Address: 900 Auraria Parkway Denver, CO 80204

Hosted by MSU Denver on the Auraria campus, join Attorney General Phil Weiser and Former Secretary of State Wayne Williams for a live policy discussion about some of the most difficult questions facing our state, from access to firearms to education to how to utilize and protect Colorado’s natural resources. This discussion will be followed by a screening of a short documentary that follows four Coloradans with different political views as they engaged in discussion as part of the Unify Challenge for Colorado.

View Flyer - CLICK HERE

Learn More & Register - CLICK HERE

Have you experienced age discrimination when applying for a job?

If you have, and are open to sharing your experiences, the Older Worker Policy Collaborative would love to hear from you! By sharing your story, you'll be helping to support policy change to make Colorado's workplaces fairer for people of all ages. If you're interested in either learning more or speaking with someone, you can sign-up here, and we'll be in touch. Please know that your name, experience, and any identifying information will never be shared without your explicit consent.

Share your story - CLICK HERE

Articles

Saving People Money: Polis Administration Announces 

Property Tax, Rent, Heat Rebate Relief for Coloradans 

" ... the Polis-Primavera administration announced that the Property Tax, Rent, Heat (PTC) Rebate is now available to Colorado residents based on income, including people with disabilities and older adults, to help with their property tax, rent, and/or heat expenses this winter and beyond. The rebate amount can be up to $1,044 a year for applicants ..." - READ MORE

Website https://www.colorado.gov/governor/

Coloradans can defer payment on a big chunk of their rising property tax bill.

Here’s how to do it.

"The legislature passed a bill in 2021 allowing Coloradans to defer payment on any increase in their property tax bill over 4% by making it a lien against their home

Many Coloradans’ property tax bills are spiking because of rising home values across the state, but there is a way to put off a big hit to your wallet happening all at once. 

The legislature passed a measure in 2021 aiming to ease the financial burden by letting people defer payment on some of what they owe on their primary residence, starting in the 2023 tax year ..." - READ MORE

Source https://coloradosun.com

Xcel Energy outlines plan to lower Colorado gas bills

amid public outcry over high prices

"Xcel Energy customers could see their monthly gas bills drop by as much as 15 percent in February and March, according to a new cost adjustment plan approved by state regulators on Monday. The relief is mainly due to falling natural gas prices. And it comes as Xcel faces criticism over high heating bills and record profits ..." - READ MORE

Source https://www.cpr.org

Colorado lawmakers attempt to tackle auto theft scourge

by increasing penalties for repeat offenders

"The legislation would also make stealing any vehicle a Class 5 felony, which is generally punishable by one to three years in prison or a fine between $1,000 to $100,000, or both ..." - READ MORE

Source https://coloradosun.com

At a rare public meeting on RTD’s long-delayed Boulder train,

residents find a glimmer of hope

"Nearly 19 years ago, Boulder resident Gary Sprung voted to increase his taxes to bring passenger rail service to his city by 2014.That still hasn’t happened, as many area residents are keenly aware ..." - READ MORE

Source https://www.cpr.org

780 affordable units or 3 houses?

Telluride is latest Colorado town where housing, conservation clash

"As state lawmakers and local politicians push a tsunami of affordable housing projects into rural Colorado, the battles to preserve wildlife, views, open space and agricultural acres are growing more pitched ..." - READ MORE

Source https://coloradosun.com

How Aurora recycles enough wastewater to serve tens of thousands of homes

Feds deliver $5 million expansion money to Aurora’s Prairie Waters project, which they call key to the future of an increasingly dry West

"Given the tortuous existential journey Aurora’s water molecules endure through the Prairie Waters project, 'recycling' seems dismissive. 'Reincarnation' feels more appropriate. After Aurora users brush their teeth or finish the dishes, waste travels miles to Metro Water Recovery in north Denver for treatment ..." - READ MORE

Source https://coloradosun.com

In case you missed these articles ...

Property Tax Deferral Program Overview

Leaving this article in the newsletter in case you missed it!

Colorado's Property Tax Deferral Program has traditionally helped seniors and active military personnel continue to afford to live in their homes by deferring the payment of their property taxes - LEARN MORE

Source https://co.colorado.gov/

Changes to SNAP Benefit Amounts - 2023

"There are several changes that may affect SNAP household’s benefit amounts over the coming months. The temporary boost to SNAP benefits put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, known as emergency allotments, will end nationwide after the February 2023 issuance ..." - READ MORE

Source https://www.fns.usda.gov/

Events

February is a time to Celebrate Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more at History.com website and The National Museum of African American History and Culture located in Washington, D.C.

Source https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month

Source https://nmaahc.si.edu/

February 6, 2023 - Monday, 9:30AM - 11:00AM

CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting via Zoom

There will be a CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting on Monday, February 6, 2023 from 9:30AM to 11:00AM. Newcomers and visitors are welcome - LEARN MORE

Website https://coloradocenterforaging.org/

February 7, 2023 - Tuesday - 5:00PM

The Unify Challenge Film Screening & Discussion

Join Attorney General Phil Weiser and Fmr. Secretary of State Wayne Williams as they guide Coloradans through some of today's challenges.

Location: Tivoli Student Union (Turnhalle Room)

Address: 900 Auraria Parkway Denver, CO 80204

Hosted by MSU Denver on the Auraria campus, join Attorney General Phil Weiser and Former Secretary of State Wayne Williams for a live policy discussion about some of the most difficult questions facing our state, from access to firearms to education to how to utilize and protect Colorado’s natural resources. This discussion will be followed by a screening of a short documentary that follows four Coloradans with different political views as they engaged in discussion as part of the Unify Challenge for Colorado.

View Flyer - CLICK HERE

Learn More & Register - CLICK HERE

February 11, 2023 - Saturday - 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Steps 2 Teach for Alternative Licensure in Colorado

Location: APS Professional Learning & Conference Center

Address: 15771 E. 1st Ave., Aurora, CO 80011

Non-education major graduates and experienced professionals interested in learning about career opportunities in the field of K-12 education should attend this event. Join Aurora Public Schools and their alternative licensure preparation program partners to learn how you can become an educator for the 2023- 2024 school year.

View Event Flyer - CLICK HERE

Learn More - CLICK HERE

February 13, 2023 - Monday, 9:30AM - 11:00AM

CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting via Zoom

There will be a CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 9:30AM to 11:00AM. Newcomers and visitors are welcome - LEARN MORE

Website https://coloradocenterforaging.org/

February 20, 2023 - Monday, 9:30AM - 11:00AM

CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting via Zoom

There will be a CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 9:30AM to 11:00AM. Newcomers and visitors are welcome - LEARN MORE

Website https://coloradocenterforaging.org/

February 27, 2023 - Monday, 9:30AM - 11:00AM

CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting via Zoom

There will be a CCA Advocacy Committee Meeting on Monday, February 27, 2023 from 9:30AM to 11:00AM. Newcomers and visitors are welcome - LEARN MORE

Website https://coloradocenterforaging.org/

March 1, 2023 - Wednesday

Disability Rights Advocacy Day at the Capitol (DRAD)

Join Representative Ortiz, along with many community partners throughout the state on Disability Rights Advocacy Day on March 1, 2023. This is a day to bring awareness to many issues facing Coloradans across the state who have disabilities, and to act. There will be a press conference to share a package of bills that relate to accessibility in many areas, and we are looking for people with lived experience to participate and share their stories. The day will also include recognition of the day in both legislative chambers and provide people with disabilities the opportunity to meet with legislators from their area to talk about the issues that matter most to them. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided, and we aim to provide support for transportation if needed. Our goal for this event is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to get involved and be present where decisions are being made. Questions? Contact Erica Voisine with Disability Law Colorado by email.

Rep Ortiz wants to highlight Bills on Disability Rights Advocacy Day - CLICK HERE

View Event Flyer - CLICK HERE

March 1, 2023 - Wednesday, 12:00PM - 1:00PM

Age Friendly Healthcare: What you can do!

Do you know how ageism - prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination against people based on their age - can impact your health, and what it looks like in our healthcare systems? Join us for a presentation and discussion about how ageism shows up in healthcare. We will share details about the impacts of ageism on your health, and how to become proactive advocates for better healthcare experiences - LEARN MORE

Looking to Sharpen your tech Skills?

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/

Live Online Classes for Seniors from 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/

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!

Not sure if you are a member? Send us an email - CLICK HERE

Join as an Individual - CLICK HERE
Join as a Supporting Organization - CLICK HERE
Donate to the Colorado Center for Aging - CLICK HERE

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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