Senate District 19 Newsletter
July 1, 2023
New interim assignment focusing on child welfare

The period of time between sessions is known as the legislative interim. While legislators are no longer meeting as a formal body adopting legislation, we continue our work within our home districts and participate on various interim committees. Year round legislative committees will continue to meet during the interim months (May through December), such as the Joint Budget Committee, as well as one-time interim committees created by the legislature to study issues and recommend legislation of timely and important issues.

I was recently appointed to a new one-time interim committee known as the Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee. We will study Colorado's child welfare system, as a whole, rather than taking a siloed approach to trying to improve aspects of Colorado's child welfare system. The purpose of the child welfare system is to prevent and protect children from child abuse and neglect through the provision of, or referrals to, services and interventions intended to promote child safety, strengthen families, prevent out-of-home placement, support family reunification, and provide adoption and relative guardianship support.

The Committee met for the first time last week, and you can find links to the presentations from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), County Departments of Human Services, Office of the Colorado's Child Protection Ombudsman, Office of the Child's Representative (OCR), Office of the Respondent Parent’s Counsel (ORPC), and the State Court Administrator's Office, by clicking HERE.

This has been a legislative interest of mine for some time, and I'm really looking forward to digging into this topic area a bit deeper. Here's a list of some of the more recent bills that I have sponsored in this area:

  • SB23-082 Colorado Fostering Success Voucher Program: Concerning creation of the Colorado fostering success voucher program to assist foster youth, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.
  • 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.
  • SB22-008 Higher Education Support For Foster Youth: Concerning postsecondary education support for certain students who have been in out-of-home placement, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.
  • HB21-1094 Foster Youth In Transition Program: Concerning the transition of youth in Colorado's foster care system to successful adulthood, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

In addition to the JBC and the Child Welfare Committee, I will also conitnue my service on the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE). You can find the offical calendar for all the year round and interim committees HERE. In the meantime, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you during the legislative interim.
Legislative Updates
Several new bills take effect starting July 1: With the new budget year beginning on July 1, 2023, a number of landmark bills will go into effect immediately. One of those bills is SB23-097 a bill to reduce auto theft. The Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force estimates around 40,000 cars were stolen statewide in 2022--up 12 percent from the year before. That translates to millions of dollars of property stolen, and it means thousands of our neighbors lost their primary mode of transportation. This bill will make the level of crime focused on the criminal behavior and their history, rather than the value of the stolen car, and it will increase the penalities for multiple thefts. To learn more about this bill and others that went into effect, click HERE.
Disability Services in Higher Education Report: The Disability Services in Higher Education Advisory Committee, created by my bill HB22-1255, came out with their first report on improving services for students with disabilities in higher education. The 15-member committee composed of experts in disability services in higher education and related agencies, provided 17 recommendations in the report organized around: institutional equity and collaboration; accessibility and universal design for learning; and student engagement and success. Recommendations include providing and establishing a statewide higher education teaching and learning resource center designed to provide professional learning opportunities that provide specific training for college faculty, staff, and administrators to effectively support the educational needs of students with disabilities. To view the full report, 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. This program is made possible by Colorado Senate Bill 22-180 and in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office. There are many ways to take advantage of Zero Fare for Better Air this summer. To learn how to hop on board to participate in Zero Fare for Better Air, visit rtd-denver.com/zerofare.com.
JBC meets for June quarterly revenue forecast: The JBC received the quarterly forecast from our state economists. Both the Office of State Planning and Budgegting (OSPB) and the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) reported that the risk of recession remains elevated but lower than the March forecast given the federal debt ceiling negotiations and federal interest rate hike pause. The forecast shows that Colorado’s economic outlook remains more-or-less positive, despite the structural difficulties and potential further challenges that we face. Thanks to smart, responsible budgeting we have been able to bolster support for Colorado’s families by investing in housing, health care, and education, and we are committed to protecting those gains and ensuring that Colorado remains on a sound and sensible economic path. For more information, click HERE.
Over $826 Million in Broadband Funding for Colorado: Last week, Colorado received news from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that Colorado was awarded $826,522,650.41 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The BEAD program is the largest broadband investment in American history, and provides funding to build essential infrastructure and connect communities to high-speed internet. The program is based on Bennet’s bipartisan BRIDGE Act, which was incorporated into the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. For more information, click HERE.
Tracking Your Senator
Zenzinger Awarded ‘Legislative Hero’ Award: I was honored to be named a ‘Legislative Hero’ by the Colorado Municipal League at their annual conference this year. At the Capitol, I always strive to be a voice for my constituents and local community leaders, and preserve our longstanding value of local control. In the coming years, we will have many opportunities for state and local governments to collaborate and tackle our state’s toughest issues together. I look forward to continuing to partner with local elected leaders to craft legislation that protects our Colorado way of life and allows everyone to thrive. To read more, click HERE.
Alliance 50th Anniversary Celebration: I was honored to participate in the Alliance 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Zoo Gardens last month. Alliance is a nonprofit, statewide association of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) case management and provider agencies, businesses serving the IDD community, and disability advocacy organizations. Their members serve over 20,000 people with IDD and employ over 10,000 IDD professionals in all Colorado counties. As one of their past Legislator of the Year awardees, I was honored to speak at the celebration. For more information, click HERE.
Colorado Charter Schools Act 30th Anniversary: Last week, I joined the Colorado League of Charter Schools for their 30th Anniversary Celebration and to receive their Champion for Charter Schools Award. Each year, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools honors a bipartisan group of state lawmakers with the 2023 Champion for Charter Schools Award, recognizing the commitment of lawmakers in supporting public charter schools. This award holds special meaning for me, because I have always supported all varieties of public education. If our children benefit from the laws that we pass, then I believe I am doing my job. I am especially focused on making whatever changes are needed to close any and all equity gaps in our schools.
US 36/Sheridan Underpass Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting: Earlier this month, I was invited by the City of Westminster to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Sheridan Boulevard Multimodal Transportation Improvement (MTI) Project, also known as the Sheridan Underpass. Located at the intersection of U.S. 36, Sheridan Boulevard and 88th Avenue, this $12.1 million was funded through federal, state, and local dollars, and is the culmination of five years of work and collaboration between Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOT) and the City of Westminster. Now that the Sheridan Underpass is completed, Downtown Westminster will have a safe, walkable, and bikeable connection to the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) U.S. 36 and Sheridan Station—the busiest station in Colorado. For more information, click HERE.
Volunteering for Arvada on Tap: I had fun volunteering with my local Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis group for one of Arvada's premier events, Arvada on Tap. This Craft Beer and BBQ Fest is produced by the Arvada Festivals Commission (AFC), a group of volunteers appointed by the City Council to organize and produce eight annual celebrations and to help other organizations produce celebrations. AFC partnered with three service organizations to raise funds for their community projects, including members from Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis Club, Arvada Sunrise Rotary, and the Arvada Vitality Alliance. Proceeds from the event will go toward several important community efforts such as hunger relief programs for children and seniors, to schloarships for teens.
Two Ponds education pavilion dedication: The Two Ponds Preservation Foundation (TPPF) announced the completion of their Education Pavilion at Two Ponds, a new sheltered area for environmental educational programs and recreational activities. The grand opening and ribbon cutting of the pavilion took place on Arvada Trails Day on June 3. The event featured free admission to the refuge, a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, educational activities for all ages, and a chance to meet local leaders from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service along with the TPPF Board of Directors. The Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge is located at 9210 W 80th Ave, Arvada, Colo. 80005. For more information click HERE.
Events
Celebrating Independence Day

There will be a number of celebrations all over town to recognize Independence Day. Here are a few in our area:

Arvada's Professional Fireworks Display
Tuesday, July 4 | 7 - 10 p.m. | Stenger Sports Complex
Since 1979, the City of Arvada has celebrated Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display at the Stenger Sports Complex. This is event is no longer planned by the Arvada Festivals Commission. Gates open to vehicles at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks begin shortly after 9 p.m. Parking is free and is first-come, first-serve. Handicap parking available in the Stenger northeast lot. Food trucks will be onsite from approximately 5:30 to 9 pm. W. 58th Avenue will shut down to traffic beginning at 8 pm. Visit the City website for more information.

Westminster 4th of July Celebration
Tuesday, July 4 | 4-10 p.m. | Westminster City Park
Don’t miss the best fireworks display in the north metro area! Get there early—activities (live music, food and beer vendors, bounce houses, inflatables, and more!) start at 4 p.m. The fireworks go off at 9:15 p.m. There will be a FREE shuttle bus from many locations in Westminster. Please note: grills, glass containers, personal fireworks and outside alcohol are not allowed at the event. Shuttle information, FAQs, and more.
Legislative Town Hall Meeting: All Things Water

Join us on Saturday, July 15 for our regular monthly town hall meeting! This month we will be focusing on the topic of water. We have invited a number of issue experts to discuss the Colorado River Compact, recent Colorado laws, our water infrastructure basics, and the impact of climate change and drought to our water supply in Colorado. We will meet at 10:30 am at the Standley Lake Library. , 8485 Kipling St, Arvada, CO 80005 at 10:30 am.  For more information, click HERE.
Celebrate Colorado Days!

I'm excited to announce the dates for 2023's Celebrate Colorado! Started in 2022, Celebrate Colorado 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. The best part is this year, Celebrate Colorado overlaps with Colorado Day on August 1st! Even more reason to celebrate, especially as we gear up for Colorado's 150th birthday in 2026. To learn more, 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