This week I introduced two new bills aligned with the legislature's Colorado Recovery Plan. Using one-time funds recouped from last year's budget cuts, we have crafted a custom recovery strategy for our state, focusing specifically on the hardest hit sectors of our economy and community. I am the prime sponsor of two of such bills: SB21-232 on the COSI Displaced Workers Grant program, and SB21-239 on the 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System.

The COVID-19 pandemic increased Colorado's unemployment rate, resulting in over 200,000 people unemployed. Some of those individuals were students pursuing post-secondary education, and losing their job meant they had to put their school work on hold. As a result, the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) created the Displaced Workers Grant Program to provide scholarships and wraparound support to students that lost employment due to the pandemic and are seeking to finish their degree, reskill or upskill. Senate Bill 21-232 makes a $15 million appropriation to the program, allowing students to complete their education and continue on an affordable path into the workforce. This bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee and was referred to the Appropriations Committee.

Also during the pandemic, people across the state needed information on how to find and access necessary assistance to help them get through the crisis. The 2-1-1 Colorado database was heavily relied upon to connect Coloradans with those critical services. 2-1-1 Colorado streamlines services and provides on central location where people can get connected to what they need. This statewide referral system holds information for more than 8,000 services and it is supported by more than 2,800 agencies. Senate Bill 21-239 will expand this referral service to also include behavioral health services and other resources in the state for individuals who are unemployed. This bill will be heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, April 26 at 1:30 pm.

These are just two examples of bills aimed at helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. Both bills were developed and carried with bipartisan input and sponsors. Stay tuned for more recovery bills to come.

Vaccine appointments available at local clinic on Tuesday only: The Arvada United Methodist Church and Community Table of Arvada will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccine clinic this coming Tuesday, April 20 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. They are located at 6750 Carr Street in Arvada. They still have some available appointments. To sign up for an appointment, go to: https://www.comassvax.org/reg/6085129087

Colorado coronavirus dial ended: Beginning last Friday, the statewide COVID-19 dial system is no longer mandatory, leaving local public health agencies to adopt their own tailored strategies for dealing with public health and safety related to COVID-19. The statewide restrictions for large in-door gatherings such as sports arenas and concert venues will remain in place for now. You can read more about it in this Colorado Sun article.

Jeffco Public Health issues new order: The Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) department issued a new public health order designed to guide the county to the next phase of recovery. Now that the state has dissolved statewide orders, it is up to the individual counties and agencies to implement their own tailored strategies for maintaining public health and safety. For more information on what this means for Jefferson County, visit the Jefferson County Public Health website at: https://www.jeffco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1541

All Coloradans 16+ eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine: As part of the Vaccines for All effort, the Governor has launched several State Community Vaccination Sites, including one at Dick's Sporting Good Park in Commerce City. All vaccines are free with no co-pay. The drive-through clinic will run Sunday through Wednesday, from 9 am - 5 pm. Individuals who are eligible to receive the vaccine can register HERE or by calling 720-263-5737. To learn more about where you can get vaccinated visit: https://covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/vaccine/where-can-i-get-vaccinated. 

SB21-239 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System: Concerning the statewide communication system for referral to behavioral health services, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. This bill was assigned to the Health & Human Services Committee and will be heard on Monday, April 26 at 1:30 pm.

SB21-238 Create Front Range Passenger Rail District: Concerning the front range passenger rail district, and, in connection therewith, creating the district for the purpose of planning, designing, developing, financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining a passenger rail system and specifying the territory, governing structure, powers, and duties of the district. This bill has been assigned to the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee and will be heard Tuesday, April 27 at 2:00 pm.

SB21-232 Displaced Workers Grant: Concerning an appropriation to the department of higher education for the Colorado Opportunity Initiative's displaced workers grant. The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Education Committee and referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

HB21-1178 Correcting Errors in the Colorado Marijuana Code: Concerning correcting nonsubsstantive errors in the Colorado marijuana code. This bill passed unanimously out of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and was placed on the Senate Consent Calendar.

HB21-1156 Fix Defects Related to Severance Withholdings: Concerning the correction of statutory defects related to severance tax withholdings from a disbursement to an oil and gas interest owner. This bill passed unanimously out of the Finance Committee and was placed on the Senate Consent Calendar.

HB21-1155 Sales Tax Statute Modifications to Address Defects: Concerning modifications to the sales and use tax statutes in order to address certain defects and anachronisms. This bill passed unanimously out of the Business, Labor & Technology Committee and was placed on the Senate Consent Calendar.

HB21-1146 Auricular Acudetox Professional Practice: Concerning the practice of auricular acudetox by a professional, and in connection therewith, clarifying that in order to perform auricular acudetox, a person does not need to be licensed, certified, or registered as a mental health professional. This bill passed through the Senate and is on its way to the Governor's desk.

HB21-1099 Policies and Procedures to Identify Domestic Abuse: Concerning authorization to implement best practices for child welfare caseworkers to recognize domestic abuse, and in connection therewith, addressing domestic abuse as a form of child abuse or neglect, and making an appropriation. This bill was assigned to the Senate Health & Human Services Committee and will be heard on Monday, April 19 at 1:30 pm.

On Monday... I met with education advocates to discuss upcoming legislation... I presented HB1146 on Auricular Acudetox in the Health and Human Services Committee... I met with several constituents from the district to discuss getting involved in state politics... On Tuesday... I participated in the Democratic Senate Majority Press Avail to discuss SB232 on the COSI Displaced Worker Grant... I attended the Transportation Committee... On Wednesday... I met with members of the Jefferson County School Board... I presented SB232 on the COSI Displaced Worker Grant in the Education Committee... I presented HB1178 in the Agriculture Committee... I presented HB1156 in the Finance Committee... I presented HB1155 in the Business Committee... I met with education stakeholders to discuss upcoming legislation... On Thursday... I met with ambassadors from the Colorado Education Association for their day at the Capitol... I chaired the Senate Education Committee... I met with a representative of Politicalworks to discuss School Innovation Zones... I met with representatives of the Colorado Children's Campaign to discuss early childhood education... I delivered the morning prayer... I chaired the Committee of the Whole... On Friday... I attended the Arvada Chamber of Commerce meeting... I passed four bills on second reading... I met with the Colorado BINGO Association... On Saturday... I hosted my monthly Town Hall Meeting on climate change legislation.

Denver Business Journal: Colorado poised to spend $15M retraining workers who lost jobs during pandemic

EIN News: Colorado Comeback Legislation Clears Another Hurdle

The Chronicle News: Colorado Democrats introduce latest portion of stimulus plan

The Colorado Sun: Colorado lawmakers move closer to prohibiting certain animals from being used in traveling performances

The Center Square: Colorado Democrats introduce latest portion of stimulus plan

The Colorado Sun: State stimulus tracker: We’re keeping tabs on Colorado lawmakers’ $800 million coronavirus aid package

Pueblo Chieftain: Bill could lay groundwork for elusive Front Range passenger train system

Colorado Politics: COVER STORY: A NEED FOR WELL-BEING | Hard times yield good prospects for Colorado’s mental health care

I wish to thank all our presenters from yesterday's town hall meeting on climate change legislation, including Sen. Faith Winter, Erin Overturf, Sara Kuntzler, Randy Moorman, and Congressman Ed Perlmutter. While our topic next month is TBD, we hope you will mark your calendars for our next meeting on May 15 at 10:30 am. Click here for details.