April 2025 issue includes:

• A letter from our CEO.
• 2025 Legislative priorities wrap-up.
• Impact of Medicaid cuts in Colorado Issue Brief.
• SAVE THE DATE! Partners in Progress event.
• Press Releases.
• Become a CCLP Rights Defender!
• Staff blogs.
• Meeting rooms at CCLP.
• Testimony from staff at the Capitol.
• CCLP in the news.
• Community updates & opportunities.

May 2025

A letter from our Chief Executive Officer:

Never has the end of a legislative session felt less like a finish line.

With a likely looming special session, the imminent threat of federal budget cuts to essential safety net services, and the certainty of increasing state budget constraints, this week feels less like relief and more like the deep breath before the plunge. The CCLP team is already preparing for boomerang issues coming back for the 2026 legislative session. We are also redirecting our gaze to the federal front to strategize on what we can fight, and how we might mitigate damage where possible.

At the same time, there is much to celebrate! Below we share some of our big policy wins this session advancing the rights of every Coloradan. For me, the biggest win is that we remain steadfast and in lockstep with so many brilliant and passionate partners across the state. It’s in this mindset and heart space that we look forward to our Partners in Progress event on Thursday, August 21st, where we will celebrate our collective work together as an antipoverty movement. Please save the date — we would love to see you there! 

CCLP's Legislative priorities wrap-up

CCLP took positions on 58 bills this year - 6 Monitor, 6 Oppose, and 46 Support. Below, is an update on where our priority bills landed as of May 14, 2025.

SB25-005: Worker Protection Collective Bargaining removes the requirement to hold a second election to form a strong union, bringing Colorado's labor laws in-line with other states and the federal process. The bill passed Colorado's legislature, but is facing a veto threat from Governor Polis.

SB25-008: Adjust Necessary Document Program eliminates the need for physical vouchers, allowing individuals to access ID documents directly at the point of service. The bill passed the Colorado legislature and is awaiting the Governor's signature.

SB25-276: Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status strengthens Colorado's existing laws by closing data privacy loopholes, fortifying constitutional protections for immigrants, and by prohibiting local law enforcement from honoring ICE detainee requests without a judicial warrant. The bill passed the Colorado legislature and is awaiting the Governor's signature.

SB25-290: Stabilization Payments for Safety Net Providers creates a plan to help stabilize a broad cross-section of safety net providers that have been struggling in the wake of the Medicaid coverage losses. The bill passed the Colorado legislature and is awaiting the Governor's signature.

HB25-1090: Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices aims to protect consumers from deceptive "junk fees"-- those hidden, mandatory charges that some businesses and landlords add to the advertised price of good and services. Unfortunately, the bill was weakened by the elimination of the "private right of action,"-- your right to question and take action against hidden fees. The bill was signed into law on April 21, 2025.

HB25-1153: Statewide Government Language Access Assessment will assess current language access practices across state departments and provide recommendations for a statewide language access policy. The bill passed the Colorado legislature and is awaiting the Governor's signature.

HB25-1264: Prohibit Surveillance Data to Set Prices and Wages would have provided crucial protections against discrimination caused by surveillance to implement discriminatory pricing and wages. The bill was postponed indefinitely, but the coalition is looking at bringing it back next year.

SAVE THE DATE!

CCLP is proud to announce a new community-focused event: Partners in Progress! Join us on August 21st, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm to celebrate our collective work together as an antipoverty movement as we continue to strengthen relationships with partners, supporters, and constituents.

Partners in Progress will feature some informative remarks from CCLP staff, share highlights of our collective successes, and dedicate the most significant amount of time to socializing and networking. Mark your calendar today, RSVP information will be shared soon!

Press Releases

Become a CCLP RIGHTS DEFENDER!

Earlier this Spring, we launched a brand-new program of monthly giving: CCLP Rights Defenders.

By joining our movement, you will know that your dollars are going directly into the fight to preserve the rights and benefits of low-income Coloradans. As our thanks to you, we will provide you with exclusive updates directly from our advocates on the front lines.

Crucial work is already underway, but we need your support. Help us continue this work!

Meeting rooms at CCLP

CCLP meeting rooms are available at low cost to nonprofit organizations needing modern, productive spaces for events and group activities.

Our new office renovation prioritizes community and collaboration. CCLP headquarters includes four modern meeting spaces, ready to serve our communities. These conference rooms are suitable for small meetings and large, including events hosting as many as 50 people at a time.

All rooms come equipped with audio/visual video conferencing capabilities. No laptop? No problem! The CCLP offices are well-appointed for your comfort and convenience. Use our kitchen - coffee, tea and water are complementary!

CCLP in the news

• Advocacy Groups Decry Trump Cuts to Agency That Protects People From ‘Getting Screwed Over by Corporations’ - Colorado Times Recorder
• Colorado Senate Votes to Stabilize Medicaid Funding in the Face of Trump Cuts - Pagosa Daily Post
• Colorado bill would ban municipal courts from imposing harsher sentences than state courts - Denver 7

Community updates & opportunities:

End of legislative events

Colorado Consumer Health Initiative x Bell Policy Legislative Wrap-Up

Join CCHI and the Bell Policy Center on Monday, May 19th for their Legislative Wrap Up! This two part event will include a 12-1pm virtual presentation from CCHI and Bell’s policy teams, as well as an in-person celebration from 4:30-6:30 pm at Reverence Brewing! Register here for the virtual presentation, and register here for the in-person celebration!

Colorado Fiscal Institute's End of Session Wrappy Hour

Join the CFI team on Wednesday, May 14, as they wrap up the 2025 Legislative Session with a well-earned happy hour celebration. They’ll be at Ace Eat Serve, enjoying hearty appetizers, cool drinks, and a little friendly competition over ping pong (policy table talk optional —but always welcome). The team will share highlights from the 2025 session and look ahead to what's next. Register today!

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Rental assistance windows opening monthly throughout 2025

Denver Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA)

• The application for TRUA opens on a specific day every month and is open until capacity is reached.
• The program will reopen for new applications on Tuesday, May 20th at 11am and will close on Wednesday, May 21st at 10:59am.
• Visit the TRUA website for more details.

If you have questions about the process, need help applying, or need further assistance, contact the CARE Center.

Join a Community-Owned Rideshare Platform in Colorado

Drivers are uniting to build a community-owned rideshare platform in Colorado. By owning the platform, Coloradans can earn more, take control of their lives, and keep wealth within our communities. Get started today!

Every dollar makes a difference

We depend on support from individual donors to help us improve economic security and access to affordable health care for Coloradans facing poverty. We cannot do this important work without you.

CCLP is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible for state and federal income tax purposes. We’ll send a letter acknowledging your donation and noting our tax-exempt status.

Colorado Center on Law and Policy is an antipoverty organization advancing the rights of every Coloradan.

Colorado Center on Law and Policy

789 N. Sherman St., Suite 300

Denver CO, 80203

Call: 303-573-5669

Fax: 303-573-4947

copolicy.org