Renewable energy bill to benefit economy, employment, and environment

DENVER – Today, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed Senate Bill 13-252 into law - landmark legislation that will boost Colorado’s rural renewable energy standard and create clean energy jobs. Senate President John Morse (D-Colo. Springs) and Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) carried the bill in the Senate, and Speaker Mark Ferrandino (D-Denver) and Rep. Crisanta Duran (D-Denver) carried it in the House of Representatives.  Both Pres. Morse and Sen. Schwartz heralded the bill’s signing as twin triumphs for Colorado’s economy and environment.

Colorado roads to be safer with fewer uninsured motorists

DENVER -- Today, Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) put the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (SB 13-251) into law.  It will go into effect on August 1, 2014.

Sen. Jessie Ulibarri (D-Commerce City) moved the legislation through the legislature with the backing of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, the County Sheriffs of Colorado, community leaders and faith organizations. It allows temporarily documented and undocumented noncitizen residents to obtain a Colorado driver’s license.  The license can only be used to drive in Colorado. The license will state clearly on its face that it cannot be used for federal identification, voting or public benefit purposes.  

As of now, some immigrant Coloradans cannot obtain a license, even though immigrants live in every county in Colorado and some continue to drive without access to a license or insurance.

Cha-ching! Help is on the way for working families

DENVER -- Today, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed SB 13-001, the Working Families Economic Opportunity Act, into law.  Sen. John Kefalas (D-Fort Collins) and Pres. John Morse (D-Colo. Springs), alongside numerous Colorado families and other advocates, teamed together to get it through the legislature.   

The law establishes a permanent state-level Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit for working families, which are proven to enhance the economic stability of families, improve education outcomes for their children, and support local businesses.

Sen. Guzman helps wrongly imprisoned Coloradans rebuild their lives

DENVER – Today, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill creating a state compensation program for persons who are found innocent of felony crimes after serving time in jail, prison, or juvenile placement.

“This law is about righting a wrong,” said Sen. Lucia Guzman (D-Denver), the bill sponsor. “The state cannot give back the days and years lost to wrongful incarceration, but now it can provide the resources and support necessary for victims to reenter our communities and build successful futures.”

Sen. Jones and Sen. Schwartz champion green building, job creation

DENVER – Today, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed two bills into law that will create clean energy and construction jobs, help Coloradans save on their energy bills, and reduce air pollution. Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Sen. Matt Jones (D-Louisville) are the prime co-sponsors of SB 13-212, which creates the opportunity for new energy conservation and renewable energy financing options for commercial property owners.