2019 Interim Committees and 2020 Session Opening
There were more interim committees in 2019 than in the past and they recommended lots of bills for the 2020 legislative session that have already been introduced within the first two weeks of the session opening.
As the 2020 session kicked off on January 8, Democrats and Republicans discussed priorities for their work in the General Assembly. Governor Polis outlined priorities in his State of the State Address on January 9.
Early childhood education, paid family and medical leave, opioid abuse, water resources, zero waste, death penalty, health care costs, teen suicide, regulation of oil and gas industry, READ MORE
Changes to the Legislative Letter
The Legislative Letter is published for members of the General Assembly, partner organizations, the media, and LWV members by the League of Women Voters of Colorado during regular sessions of the Colorado General Assembly. The Legislative Letter is a digital publication in 2020, a change from prior years. READ MORE
Issues of Interest
Paid Family and Medical Leave
The United States does not have a federal paid family leave policy—the only industrialized nation in the world that does not mandate access to paid family leave, according to Colorado’s Family and Medical Leave Implementation (FAMLI) Task Force. Some states have such policies, however, and for the last several years, lawmakers in Colorado have been attempting to develop a program here too.
Paid family and medical leave would provide wage replacement and job protection to Coloradans who need to take time off to care for their own medical needs or to care for a family member. This is a priority for both the Democrats in the General Assembly and for the Governor. As of yet, no legislation has been introduced, but a bill is expected this session. The 2020 session will mark the sixth year that attempts have been made to establish a program. Last year’s attempt—SB19-188—was amended from program development to a task force study charged with providing recommendations on program structure and implementation.
In the past, opposition from the business community and concerns over the program’s cost have prevented it from becoming a reality. These concerns will have to be balanced against providing protections for employees.
The FAMLI Task Force issued their analysis and recommendations on January 8. The full report can be accessed here.
Bill Tracking
A list of all bills being followed by the League and an explanation of our position on each bill can be found here.
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