Governor Polis Signs Bills to Protect Colorado Water, Strengthen Colorado’s Rural Economy and Workforce, Support Mountain Rail, and Create Access to More Affordable Healthcare
SUMMIT COUNTY/YAMPA VALLEY - Today, Governor Polis signed the following bills into law in ceremonies. The Governor signed new laws in Silverthorne to protect Colorado's water resources:
- HB24-1379 - Regulate Dredge & Fill Activities in State Waters, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Karen McCormick, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Barbara Kirkmeyer.
- HB24-1435 - Colorado Water Conservation Board Projects, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Marc Catlin, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Cleave Simpson.
“Water is life in Colorado and today I was proud to protect our water resources that are essential for our agriculture, our economy, and our way of life,” said Governor Jared Polis.
Next, Governor Polis traveled to Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs to sign:
- SB24-197 - Water Conservation Measures, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Marc Catlin, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Perry Will.
- HB24-1362 - Measures to Incentivize Graywater Use, sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Marc Catlin, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Cleave Simpson.
Later today, Governor Polis will sign legislation in Hayden that will drive economic development in Colorado’s rural communities and increase access to child care.
- HB24-1001 - Reauthorization of Rural Jump-Start Program, sponsored by Representatives Megan Lukens and Rick Taggart, and Senators Dylan Roberts and Cleave Simpson.
- HB24-1237 - Programs for the Development of Child Care Facilities, sponsored by Representatives Mary Bradfield and Meghan Lukens, and Senators Janice Marchman and Janice Rich.
“We are proud to build on the success of Rural Jump-Start and help even more businesses plant roots and grow in our incredible rural communities. This effort drives economic development and creates new jobs across our state,” said Governor Polis.
“I’m proud to break down barriers to access for childcare, helping more families get the needed support to be able to raise their kids and work,” he continued.
In Craig, Governor Polis will sign SB24-190 - Rail & Coal Transition Community Economic Measures, sponsored by Representatives Megan Lukens and Julie McCluskie, and Senator Dylan Roberts.
“This law will help make mountain passenger rail a reality while supporting a just transition and creating more economic opportunities for workers in communities like Craig,” said Governor Polis.
In Frisco, Governor Polis will sign:
- SB24-168 - Remote Monitoring Services for Medicaid Members, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts and Cleave Simpson, and Representatives Julie McCluskie and Matthew Martinez.
- “Part of reducing healthcare costs means increasing access and that’s what this law does. Telehealth is an important tool for Coloradans across the state to get the care they need, but especially in our rural communities,” said Governor Polis.
- HB24-1219 - First Responder Employer Health Benefit Trusts, sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Mike Lynch, and Senators Byron Pelton and Kyle Mullica.
- “Our first responders help protect Coloradans and communities across our great state year round and this bill is about returning the favor by strengthening benefits for our firefighters,” said Governor Polis.
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