With Democrats firmly in control of the General Assembly and the governor’s office, Colorado lawmakers took only three days to approve more than $200 million of relief for businesses and individuals in a special legislative session.
“During this session, we worked in a bipartisan way to use our limited state resources to help those who have been hit hardest by this pandemic,” said House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Colorado stepped up to bridge the gap until we have a vaccine or until Congress can pass relief.”
Proposals for another large federal stimulus
“We know there is more work to be done and we continue to urge Washington to take action and give Coloradans the support we need to get through these tougher times and build back stronger,” said Gov. Jared Polis, previously a congressman from Boulder County.
During the session, lawmakers passed 10 bills to improve internet access for students and educators, aid child care providers, provide a lifeline for small businesses and restaurants through tax relief and assistance, and “bridge the gap on rent, utilities and food pantry programs for Coloradans who have been hit the hardest,” Polis said.
“With limited resources, we were able to come together and work across the aisle to deliver results for our state — passing meaningful legislation to address child care shortages, housing instability, and small-business struggles,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “At the same time, the people of Colorado are not out of the woods yet, families and businesses are fighting to survive, and without Congressional action, people will continue to suffer serious, lasting consequences.”
Senate Bill 1 will send $57 million in direct aid, grants, and annual fee waivers to small businesses, prioritizing those operating in counties experiencing severe capacity restrictions. It will also create grant programs and allocate funds specifically for art and cultural organizations as well as minority-owned businesses.
Senate Bill 2 provides $60 million for emergency housing assistance to individuals and households who are in financial need due to the COVID-19. Of that funding, $1 million will specifically support the Eviction Legal Assistance Fund, which will help Coloradans stay in their homes this winter.
Senate Bill 3 appropriates $5 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund to provide financial relief to Coloradans struggling to pay utility bills.
Senate Bill 4 allocates $100 million to protect public health while waiting for further federal stimulus and reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
House Bill 1001, dedicates $20 million toward increasing state broadband capacity as an aid to distance education.
“This special session shows what is possible when people from both parties work together — we can provide meaningful relief to help the small businesses and families who have been hit hardest by this pandemic,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “We have challenging months ahead, but we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
