Teeing up big topics for coming session

Happy holidays! As I have noted in previous newlsetters, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) began working on the budget in November, and we wrapped up the first phase of our work last Wednesday. During these past few weeks, the Committee teed up a number of important topics that we expect the full legislature to take up in the coming session.

During this early phase of budget work, the JBC mainly examines the Governor's budget requests and learns about the different funding needs in our state. Nonpartisan JBC staff assist the committee by presenting research, analysis, and recommendations on the funding requests through written and oral presentations to the committee. Then we then conduct formal hearings with the executive staff of each department. To view the full list of departmental briefing documents and hearing summaries, click HERE.

We wrapped up that portion of our budget process last week, culminating with the December forecast (more information below). So far, we have had many deep discussions on a wide range of topics spanning all 20 divisions of state government, plus the four independent agencies (Departments of Law, State, Treasury, and Judicial). I cannot highlight them all, but here are a few of the bigger topics that were covered in the media:

• Medicaid Enrollment: Coloradans have been losing Medicaid coverage at pre-pandemic rate following end of public health emergency (The Denver Post)
• Mental Health & Competency: Failures in Colorado’s courts, mental health system strand hundreds in “vicious cycle” of competency process (The Denver Post)
• K12 Education: Colorado lawmakers have pledged to “fully fund” schools. Education spending will continue to trail other states. (The Colorado Sun)
• State Workforce: Colorado state worker pay has improved. Other jobs still pay more. (The Colorado Sun)
• Universal Preschool: Four takeaways from the rocky rollout of Colorado’s popular new free preschool program (Chalkbeat Colorado)

Again, this list represents a small fraction of the important discussions that took place, but I hope it gives you an idea of the type of topics we teed up for the full legislature.The JBC will now take a short break so that members can prepare for the new session beginning January 10. I hope everyone has an opportunity to enjoy this wonderful time of year with freinds and family, and Happy New Year!

December 2023 Economic & Revenue Forecast: Legislative Council Staff and the Governor's Office of State Planning and Budgeting presented their quarterly economic and revenue forecast last week. This report presents the budget outlook based on current law and December 2023 economic forecast expectations. While Colorado’s economy continues growing at a steady pace, we are entering a more normal--and restrained--fiscal period, which will require cautious, responsible budgeting to ensure we meet our priorities. To view the LCS report, click HERE, and to view the OSPB report, click HERE.

It’s Time to Enroll in Health Insurance for 2024: Open Enrollment for health insurance is November 1, 2023 - January 15, 2024, and Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is ready to help you get covered. It is the only place Coloradans who don’t qualify for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and don’t get health insurance from their job can apply for financial help to offset health insurance costs and make private health insurance plans more affordable. Even if you didn’t qualify for financial help in the past, it is worth another look! To get started, call 855-752-6749 or visit ConnectforHealthCO.com.

2023 Talent Pipeline Report Released: The Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) releaseed their 10th annual Talent Pipeline Report last week, which analyzes issues related to the supply and demand of talent in Colorado. The report also identifies areas of growing demand and opportunity, explores key features of the current labor force, and recommends strategies to support economic prosperity in every corner of the state. You can check it out by clicking HERE.

Lead Poisoning Product Recall: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and food safety programs need help spreading the word about cinnamon-applesauce products with elevated lead levels. The recalled products are associated with childhood lead poisoning cases across the country, including two confirmed cases in Colorado. People who have these products at home should discard them. Children who have eaten the products recently should get a blood lead test. If you have WanaBana, Schnucks, or Weis brand apple cinnamon pouches, throw them out. For more information, click HERE.

Colorado releases Climate Preparedness Roadmap: Colorado released its first Climate Preparedness Roadmap, which focuses on ways to better understand, prepare for, and adapt to the impacts of climate change, and outlines actions the administration can take to protect Colorado’s future. The Climate Preparedness Roadmap was produced by the newly formed Governor’s Office of Climate Preparedness and Disaster Recovery.The report includes a first-of-its-kind analysis of climate risk in Colorado that aims to provide a better under-standing of what climate impacts mean for the state and Coloradans while identifying actionable next steps that advance progress and better prepare Colorado for the future. To view the Roadmap, click HERE.

Jeffco Public Schools to host State of the District: Over the past two years, Jeffco has convened an Alliance of Jeffco stakeholders to provide critical feedback on the school district’s strategic direction. This Alliance shaped Jeffco Thrives 2025, the district’s strategic plan, and, more recently, its work to reimagine the high school experience. The Dstrict will make a presentation to the Alliance members on the State of the District on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm at the Jeffco Education Center, 1829 Denver West Dr., Bldg 27, Golden, in the 5th Floor Boardroom. If you are interested in attending in person, please RSVP HERE.

Monday, December 11: The JBC heard nonpartisan staff briefings for the Departments of Health Care Policy and Financing, Public Health & Environment, and Regulatory Agencies.

Tuesday, December 12: The JBC held hearings with the Departments of Early Childhood and Education.

Wednesday, December 13: The JBC met for a hearing with the Department of Revenue and staff briefings for the Department of Higher Education Part 1 and Part 2.

Thursday, December 14: The JBC met for hearings with the Department of Corrections, the Parole Board, the Department of Public Safety Part 1 and Part 2, and Treasury and for a nonpartisan staff briefing on IT Capital.

Friday, December 15: The JBC met for an all day hearing with the Department of Human Services.

Monday, December 18: The JBC met for a hearing for the Judicial Department and Independent Agencies and for a briefing for Capital Construction.

Tuesday, December 19: The JBC met for an all-day hearing with the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

Wednesday, December 20: The JBC met for the December Economic, Revenue, and other forecasts and for supplementals for the Departments of Health Care Policy & Financing and Public Safety. Also for hearings with the Departments of Public Health & Environment and Regulatory Agencies.

The JBC is next scheduled to meet January 8 for a hearing for the Office of the Governor and for part 1 of hearings with the Department of Higher Education. For the JBC schedule, click HERE.

December 22, 2023 Pagosa Daily Post: Forecast Shows Colorado Economy Remains on Solid Footing

December 22, 2023 The Colorado Sun--The Unafilliated: First big idea goes before Colorado's property tax task force

December 15, 2023 Colorado Politics: The search for islands of political civility

December 15, 2023 The Colorado Sun—The Unaffiliated: Colorado budget writers pan governor's higher education funding plan

December 15, 2023 Chalkbeat Colorado: Chalkbeat Colorado 2024 Legislative Preview

December 13, 2023 The Colorado Sun: Colorado lawmakers may “fully fund” schools, but K-12 spending will still trail other states

December 12, 2023 Common Sense Institute: CSI Colorado 2023 Visionary for the Future

December 5, 2023 The Prowers Journal: SIGNED! Bill to Reduce Child Hunger, Support Working Families

December 21, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Law to Support Retired Military Members and their Families Goes into Effect

December 20, 2023 RELEASE: JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Colorado Economy Remains on Solid Footing

Chalkbeat Colorado Legislative Preview

Chalkbeat Colorado will host their annual legislative preview panel on Monday, January 8 from noon - 1:30 pm. This year’s conversation will be held virtually on Zoom. Topics could range from what’s next for school funding as pandemic relief dries up, how Colorado high schools can better prepare students for college and the workforce, what changes would help universal preschool work better for families and providers, and how to balance progressive politics at the Capitol with the realities of local control. Panelists will include: Sen. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, Rep. Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, and Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada.

Please register for the event HERE.

Legislative Town Hall Meeting: Legislative Preview



Please join us on Saturday, January 20 at 10:30 am for our first town hall of the new session! We will provide the community with a legislative preview , including information on the state legislature, bills we plan to sponsor, and how you can engage with legislators at the Capitol. For more information, please go to my website or click HERE.

I want to thank the many people who have reached out to me in the last few weeks to offer their support of my race for Jefferson County Commissioner, both financial and otherwise. By investing in my campaign early, you have helped me assemble the tools I need to win next November. Thanks to your generosity thus far, we have raised approximately $47,000, which is just shy of our $50,000 pre-session goal. Please consider making a contribution today to help me reach my goal before the New Year! You can donate by clicking HERE.

Mayor Lauren Simpson endorses Zenzinger

“For me, Rachel is the unquestionable choice for County Commissioner. For more than a decade, she has demonstrated effective leadership in our community—first on the Arvada City Council and then as our State Senator. Rachel is smart, tough and has a work ethic second to none. She listens, collaborates and delivers effective solutions for our residents. I cannot wait to have her as my partner at the County, working together to solve the challenges facing Jefferson County.” 

—Lauren Simpson, Arvada Mayor

Endorsements of Rachel Zenzinger's campaign for Jeffco Commissioner are pouring in! To view the latest, click HERE. If you'd like to join the list of supporters, please send an email to: rachelforcolorado@gmail.com.