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News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Mass. Gov. Healey, Climate Chief Hoffer to Tout Massachusetts' Climate and Economic Leadership in Vatican City State, Rome
BOSTON, Massachusetts, May 9 -- Gov. Maura Healey, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
From May 14 - 17, 2024, Governor Maura T. Healey and Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer will visit the Vatican City State and Rome to tout Massachusetts' climate and economic leadership, as well as strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Massachusetts and Italy.
"I'm excited for this opportunity to showcase Massachusetts' climate and economic leadership on the global stage, and to make the case for why businesses should consider starting and growing in our state," said Governor Healey. "Massachusetts
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, May 9 -- Gov. Maura Healey, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:
From May 14 - 17, 2024, Governor Maura T. Healey and Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer will visit the Vatican City State and Rome to tout Massachusetts' climate and economic leadership, as well as strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Massachusetts and Italy.
"I'm excited for this opportunity to showcase Massachusetts' climate and economic leadership on the global stage, and to make the case for why businesses should consider starting and growing in our state," said Governor Healey. "Massachusettsdeeply values our close relationship with Italy and the Vatican City State, and we see this trip as an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties and strategize on future opportunities for collaboration."
"This trip presents an incredible opportunity to learn from leaders from around the world how they are advancing emissions reduction, resilience, and support for communities facing intensifying climate impacts," said Chief Hoffer. "It is truly the honor of a lifetime to present at the Vatican Summit and I am eager to share our accomplishments and vision for Massachusetts and collaborate with other global leaders as we navigate the many challenges and opportunities presented in this unprecedented moment in human history."
Governor Healey was invited to provide a keynote address at the opening session of the Vatican Climate Summit: From Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience. This is a Global Summit organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences under the leadership of UMass Boston Chancellor Suarez-Orozco and Ram Ramanathan, Distinguished Research Professor at UC San Diego and climate solutions scholar at Cornell University. Pope Francis will preside over the Summit.
Governor Healey's address, "Governing in the Age of Climate Change," will take place on Wednesday morning. She will highlight Massachusetts' global climate leadership, particularly in the emerging industry of climatetech, and announce a new initiative to grow the climate workforce.
Governor Healey will also participate in two panels during the conference. On Wednesday evening, she will Co-Chair the Energy Session with Professor Cheikh Mbow of Senegal. Governor Healey will deliver opening remarks and introduce each panel, which includes: Access/Clean/Affordable Energy by Dan Esty of Yale University; Renewable Energy Transition by Arunaba Ghosho of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water; Resilient Grid by Vida Rozite of the International Energy Agency; and Clean Cooking by Ali Mohamed, Kenya's Climate and Clean Cooking Envoy.
On Thursday, Governor Healey, Chancellor Suarez-Orozco and Ram Ramanathan will participate in Highlights and the Way Forward, during which they will reflect on the sub-regional summits that took place during the course of the summit. The session will end with proposals from all mayors and governors on next steps.
While in Italy, Governor Healey will be focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Italy and Massachusetts. On Tuesday, she will host a roundtable with the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy with Italian business leaders considering establishing, growing, or expanding their footprint in Massachusetts. Governor Healey will highlight all that makes Massachusetts a great place to do business, learn more about what the businesses are interested in and the challenges they face, and discuss opportunities for further collaboration.
Italy is currently Massachusetts' 10th largest trading partner globally. In 2023, total trade between Massachusetts and Italy was $2.05 billion. Italian companies, such as Enel North America and Piaggio Fast Forward, have operations in Massachusetts.
Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer will also speak at the Vatican Summit, providing a report "from the front lines." She will be visiting the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) alongside UMB Professor Paul Kirshen on Tuesday. Later on Tuesday afternoon, she will meet with Edoardo Zanchini, the Director of the City of Rome's Climate Office, and Environment, Science, Technology, and Health (ESTH) personnel from the U.S. Italian Embassy.
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Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Who: Governor Healey, Chief Hoffer, business leaders
What: American Chamber of Commerce in Italy Business Roundtable
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 14:00 CET (8 am ET)
Press: Closed
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Who: Governor Healey, Chief Hoffer, Ambassador to the Holy See Joe Donnelly
What: Meeting with the Ambassador to the Holy See
When: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 16:30 pm CET (10:30 am ET)
Press: Closed
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Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Who: Governor Healey
What: Vatican Climate Summitt Keynote Address: Governing in the Age of Climate Change
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 10:15 am CET (4:15 am ET)
Press: Open, please contact the Dicastery for Communications for information: accreditamenti@salastampa.va.
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Who: Governor Healey and Prof. Cheikh Mbow of Senegal
What: Vatican Climate Summit: Energy Session
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 18:20 CET (12:20 pm ET)
Press: Open, please contact the Dicastery for Communications for information: accreditamenti@salastampa.va
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Who: Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer
What: Vatican Climate Summit: Report from the Front Lines
When: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 19:40 CET (1:40 pm ET)
Press: Open, please contact the Dicastery for Communications for information: accreditamenti@salastampa.va
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Thursday, May 16, 2024
Who: Governor Healey, Mayor Wu, Pope Francis
What: Audience with the Holy Father
When: Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10:40 am CET (4:40 am ET)
Press: Closed
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Who: Governor Healey, Chancellor Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, Ram Ramanathan
What: Vatican Climate Summit: Highlights and the Way Forward
When: Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 16:40 CET (10:40 am ET)
Press: Open, please contact the Dicastery for Communications for information: accreditamenti@salastampa.va
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-climate-chief-hoffer-to-tout-massachusetts-climate-and-economic-leadership-in-vatican-city-state-rome
Maine House Majority Leader Terry Issues Statement Following Appropriations Committee Votes to Fund Bills Championed by House Democrats
AUGUSTA, Maine, May 9 -- The Maine House Democrats posted the following statement on May 8, 2024, from House Majority Leader Mo Terry, D-Gorham:
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On Tuesday, the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee met to consider the 245 bills that made it to the Special Appropriations Table. During their meeting, the committee made recommendations to fund 80 bills, including nearly 40 bills championed by House Democrats.
Following the committee votes, House Majority Leader Mo Terry, D-Gorham, issued the following statement:
"Throughout this session, House Democrats have been
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AUGUSTA, Maine, May 9 -- The Maine House Democrats posted the following statement on May 8, 2024, from House Majority Leader Mo Terry, D-Gorham:
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On Tuesday, the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee met to consider the 245 bills that made it to the Special Appropriations Table. During their meeting, the committee made recommendations to fund 80 bills, including nearly 40 bills championed by House Democrats.
Following the committee votes, House Majority Leader Mo Terry, D-Gorham, issued the following statement:
"Throughout this session, House Democrats have beensteadfast in our commitment to thoughtfully invest in Maine families and support our most vulnerable community members.
"The bills from our caucus that the Appropriations Committee voted to fund today build on all of the good work we have done in the last two years to make Maine a better, more equitable place to call home. They include targeted, limited investments that intend to balance addressing many of our state's most pressing challenges while still protecting our long-term fiscal and economic health."
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=HouseDems+News&id=12707549&v=article2019
Following Recent Bomb Threats Against Houses of Worship, N.Y. Gov. Hochul Hosts Roundtable With Jewish Community Leaders to Spotlight $60M State Funding for At-Risk Groups
ALBANY, New York, May 9 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
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FY 25 & FY 24 Enacted Budgets Include Combined $60 Million for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program
Governor Urges All Eligible Nonprofits to Apply for Funding Ahead of May 17 Application Deadline
Governor Secured Changes in State Law to Allow Additional Charges, Such as Falsely Reporting an Incident, to be Prosecuted as Hate Crimes
Photos of Governor Hochul's Roundtable with Synagogue Leaders, Some of Whom Received Bomb Threats Are Available Here (https://www.flickr.com/photos/govkathyhochul/albums/72177720316803268/)
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ALBANY, New York, May 9 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
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FY 25 & FY 24 Enacted Budgets Include Combined $60 Million for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program
Governor Urges All Eligible Nonprofits to Apply for Funding Ahead of May 17 Application Deadline
Governor Secured Changes in State Law to Allow Additional Charges, Such as Falsely Reporting an Incident, to be Prosecuted as Hate Crimes
Photos of Governor Hochul's Roundtable with Synagogue Leaders, Some of Whom Received Bomb Threats Are Available Here (https://www.flickr.com/photos/govkathyhochul/albums/72177720316803268/)
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Governor Kathy Hochul today urged all eligible nonprofits to apply for New York's Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program ahead of the May 17 application deadline. Governor Hochul secured $60 million for this initiative as part of the FY 25 and FY 24 Enacted Budgets, and spotlighted these available resources during a roundtable discussion with synagogue leaders, many of whom represent congregations that received bomb threats this past weekend.
"In the State of New York, people of all faiths and backgrounds should be able to worship without fear or intimidation," Governor Hochul said. "I'm outraged by the recent hateful threats against synagogues and encourage all eligible nonprofit groups to apply for these security grants ahead of next week's application deadline. Public safety is my top priority and I'm committed to using every tool at my disposal to keep New Yorkers safe."
Governor Hochul secured $35 million in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget and $25 million in the FY 2024 Enacted Budget to support this grant program to strengthen safety and security measures at non-profit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs or mission. Funding through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC) grant program will allow eligible organizations to request up to $200,000 for physical security and cybersecurity projects, such as security cameras. The deadline to apply is noon on Friday, May 17 and more information is available here.
Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, "No one should feel unsafe in spaces that are designed to bring people together. I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to ensuring that nonprofit organizations have the funding necessary to improve safety and security of those who worship, convene and work at those locations. We look forward to supporting this diverse constellation of organizations with measures to safeguard their members and critical missions."
In the FY25 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul secured changes to the law to expand the list of charges eligible to be prosecuted as hate crimes. The 28 charges now eligible that can now be prosecuted as hate crimes include falsely reporting an incident, gang assault, rape, forcible touching, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal obstruction of breathing and circulation, murder, aggravated murder.
Today's roundtable builds on Governor Hochul's commitment to public safety and eradicating hate crimes across New York State. In October 2023, Governor Hochul launched a new hotline and online form to make reporting hate and bias incidents easier for victims and announced actions to deploy resources to keep New Yorkers safe.
In November 2023, Governor Hochul announced New York would increase staffing to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and directed an additional $2.5 million to the New York State Police to deploy additional investigators in New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Rochester. Governor Hochul also allocated $3 million to expand the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Domestic Terrorism Prevention Unit's Threat Assessment and Management training to all colleges and universities in New York State.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/following-recent-bomb-threats-against-houses-worship-governor-hochul-hosts-roundtable-jewish
DCAS, NYPA Complete $17 Million LED Lighting Installation at New York City Police Department Facilities
NEW YORK, May 9 -- The New York State Power Authority issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced the completed installation of energy-efficient LED lights at New York City Police Department (NYPD) facilities. The nearly $17 million lighting replacements and retrofits will save the City nearly $750,000 in annual energy and maintenance costs and will reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,800 metric tons--the equivalent of taking 400 cars off the road.
"We at DCAS
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NEW YORK, May 9 -- The New York State Power Authority issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced the completed installation of energy-efficient LED lights at New York City Police Department (NYPD) facilities. The nearly $17 million lighting replacements and retrofits will save the City nearly $750,000 in annual energy and maintenance costs and will reduce carbon emissions by more than 1,800 metric tons--the equivalent of taking 400 cars off the road.
"We at DCASare proud to partner with NYPA on this transformative LED lighting project at NYPD facilities," said DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. "By implementing energy-efficient solutions through the Direct Install Lighting Program, we not only enhance the safety and functionality of these crucial spaces but also make significant strides towards reducing the city's carbon footprint. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to sustainability and underscores the power of collaboration in advancing our shared environmental goals."
"NYPA and DCAS have a shared goal of shrinking New York City's carbon footprint by implementing cost-effective, common-sense, energy efficient solutions," said New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. "The fixtures installed throughout police precincts and facilities will save the NYPD nearly $750,000 annually and provide reliable lighting to 67 facilities throughout the city."
More than 37,000 state-of-the-art LED lights were installed to replace existing fluorescent light fixtures at 67 NYPD facilities across all five boroughs. The new energy efficient lights were installed in corridors, hallways, offices and mechanical equipment rooms. As part of the projects, NYPA also installed lighting controls.
DCAS, in partnership with NYPA, is accelerating LED lighting upgrades throughout New York City as part of the Direct Install Lighting Program by retrofitting existing fixtures on a one-for-one basis with pre-configured kits, reducing costs and project timelines by up to 70%. The vast scale of the city's portfolio of buildings requires a systems-based approach to delivering projects rather than thousands of unique designs to reduce costs, increase speed, and simplify maintenance.
Moving forward, DCAS will also deploy the Direct Install Lighting Program in other portfolios, including New York City Public Schools as part of the Leading the Charge initiative, which will install energy-efficient LED lights in 800 schools across the city. These efforts are all geared towards compliance with New York City's Local Law 97 mandates, which require city government operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2025 and 50% by 2030.
"We need all the tools available to decarbonize city government operations," said New York City's Chief Decarbonization Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Energy Management Sana Barakat. "The Direct Install Lighting Program is just that: another tool added to our toolbox that enables the city to scale more efficiently and quickly. The LED lighting upgrades across a broad swath of NYPD facilities are a great example of turnkey design and delivery by DCAS, all made possible through the important partnership with NYPA."
"New York City continues to follow through on the mayor's pledge to make tremendous investments in clean, efficient buildings to combat climate change and create healthier environments for our communities," said Beatrice Thuo, DCAS Executive Deputy Commissioner for Citywide Operations. "With the completion of lighting upgrades at 67 police facilities to utilize the most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technology, we have created substantial energy savings for NYPD and the city, and are providing environmental benefits and a better overall lighting experience for our city's finest. This could not have been possible without the partnership of NYPD and NYPA, and we thank them for their efforts in service of our city."
NYPA provides upfront financing for the projects, with payments to NYPA made in the years following from the cost-savings created by the reduced energy use. Over the last five years, NYPA has implemented energy efficiency projects totaling nearly $200 million for its New York City governmental customers, reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 27,000 metric tons--the equivalent of removing more than 6,000 gas-powered vehicles from the road.
Buildings are one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in New York State and integrating energy efficiency and electrification measures in new and existing buildings will reduce carbon pollution and help achieve more sustainable, healthy, and comfortable buildings in support of the State's ambitious goal to achieve 2 million climate-friendly homes by 2030. Through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Power Authority and other utility programs, more than $6.8 billion is being invested to decarbonize buildings to achieve the state's decarbonization goals. By improving energy efficiency in buildings and including onsite storage, renewables, and electric vehicle charging equipment, the State will reduce carbon pollution and advance the target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion Btus by 2025, the equivalent of powering 1.8 million homes.
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New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35%, with a goal of 40%, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation's most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $46 billion in 65 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector as of 2022 and over 3,000% growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York's climate action with 400 registered and more than 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State's largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.
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About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.
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About the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services
The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes city government work for all New Yorkers. Our commitment to equity, effectiveness, and sustainability guides our work providing City agencies with the resources and support needed to succeed, including:
* Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees
* Managing 55 public buildings
* Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property
* Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies
* Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country
* Leading the City's efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government Operations
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Original text here: https://www.nypa.gov/news/press-releases/2024/20240508-led
Colo. Senate Democrats: Bill to Bolster Crime Victim Support, Behavioral Health Programs Passes Senate
DENVER, Colorado, May 9 -- The Colorado Senate Democrats issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Today the Senate passed legislation to refer a measure to the ballot that would fund the Colorado Crime Victims Services Fund and behavioral health crisis response services by creating an excise tax on the firearm industry.
If approved by voters in the November 2024 election, HB24-1349, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors beginning April 1, 2025. As amended, this
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DENVER, Colorado, May 9 -- The Colorado Senate Democrats issued the following news release on May 8, 2024:
Today the Senate passed legislation to refer a measure to the ballot that would fund the Colorado Crime Victims Services Fund and behavioral health crisis response services by creating an excise tax on the firearm industry.
If approved by voters in the November 2024 election, HB24-1349, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors beginning April 1, 2025. As amended, thisbill would generate approximately $39 million annually.
"Coloradans have shown time and again that they want to make our communities safer, and supporting crime victims is a critical part of that," Hansen said. "With this measure, Coloradans would have the chance to vote to ensure victim services like youth behavioral health care and violence prevention are sustained for years to come. These programs are essential across the state and can help cut off the cycle of crime before it continues."
"With federal funding for the Victims of Crime Act to decrease in Colorado by 40 to 50 percent in the next year, it is so important we pass this measure to support victims of crime," said Buckner. "Many families in my community rely on services like housing support and legal advocacy as they navigate their painful ordeal - which is why I'm proud to sponsor this legislation to create consistent funding for them."
The funds would be allocated in the following manner:
* $30 million to the Colorado Crime Victims Services fund for crime victim services grants;
* $8 million to the Behavioral Health Administration to provide crisis resolution services to youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis, and to provide mental health services for veterans;
* $1 million to support school safety; and
* Any remaining funds to the Crime Victim Services fund for additional grants to support crime victims and survivors.
Small businesses with less than $20,000 in annual retail sales and retail sales to peace officers, law enforcement agencies, and active duty military members are exempt from this bill.
The bill now heads back to the House for concurrence of amendments. Follow its progress HERE (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1349).
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Original text here: https://www.senatedems.co/newsroom/bill-to-bolster-crime-victim-support-behavioral-health-programs-passes-senate
Colo. Secretary of State Office's Electronic Recording Technology Board Awards Nearly $900,000 to Six Counties
DENVER, Colorado, May 9 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release:
The Department of State's Electronic Recording Technology Board (ERTB) has awarded a total of $894,411.57 to Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Dolores, Pueblo and Yuma Counties to continue the indexing and digitizing of county records and improve public accessibility to historical documents.
"The grant money we've awarded to Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Dolores, Pueblo and Yuma Counties represents an investment in Colorado's future. It's a privilege to be able to support these counties in their commitment
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DENVER, Colorado, May 9 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release:
The Department of State's Electronic Recording Technology Board (ERTB) has awarded a total of $894,411.57 to Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Dolores, Pueblo and Yuma Counties to continue the indexing and digitizing of county records and improve public accessibility to historical documents.
"The grant money we've awarded to Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Dolores, Pueblo and Yuma Counties represents an investment in Colorado's future. It's a privilege to be able to support these counties in their commitmentto preserving historical records and making documents more accessible for their constituents."
Arapahoe County's Grant Agreement (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2024/20240508ArapahoeERTBGrantAgreement.pdf)
Cheyenne County's Grant Agreement (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2024/20240508CheyenneERTBGrantAgreement.pdf)
Clear Creek County's Grant Agreement (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2024/20240508ClearCreekERTBGrantAgreement.pdf)
Dolores County's Grant Agreement (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2024/20240508DoloresERTBGrantAgreement.pdf)
Pueblo County's Grant Agreement (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2024/20240508PuebloERTBGrantAgreement.pdf)
Yuma County's Grant Agreement (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2024/20240508YumaERTBGrantAgreementAmendment1.pdf)
The ERTB was created in 2016 with the mission of developing, maintaining, improving, replacing, or preserving land records systems in our state. The ERTB's statutory authority was renewed in 2021 with new legislation that allows the board to consider security improvements for counties' land recording systems. The grants help counties - especially in rural Colorado - invest in technological upgrades. Since its creation, the board has awarded more than $10 million dollars to ensure county clerks are able to improve and maintain property records and other important documents.
More information on the ERTB (https://www.ertb.org/)
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Original text here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2024/PR20240508ERTB.html
Colo. House Democrats: Bipartisan Bill to Make Colorado More Affordable, Reduce Property Taxes Passes House
DENVER, Colorado, May 9 -- The Colorado House Democrats issued the following news release:
The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy that would provide permanent property tax relief to homeowners and businesses while protecting funding for public schools. SB24-233, which passed by a vote of 57-6, will build on the billions of dollars in temporary savings the state has provided over the last three years.
"After months of hard work on the Commission on Property Tax, I'm proud that we have come up with a long-term, bipartisan solution that
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, May 9 -- The Colorado House Democrats issued the following news release:
The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy that would provide permanent property tax relief to homeowners and businesses while protecting funding for public schools. SB24-233, which passed by a vote of 57-6, will build on the billions of dollars in temporary savings the state has provided over the last three years.
"After months of hard work on the Commission on Property Tax, I'm proud that we have come up with a long-term, bipartisan solution thatwill save Colorado homeowners and small businesses money on property taxes," said Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "This legislation will responsibly reduce property taxes in a meaningful way to save people money while protecting school funding. Today we made clear that there is no reason for deep-pocketed special interests to move forward with ballot measures that would devastate our communities, school funding, and public safety resources."
SB24-233 is sponsored by members of the bipartisan Commission on Property Tax Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy and Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock. The bill would ensure that Colorado homeowners won't see an increase in their property taxes for 2024 and reduce statewide local taxes by more than $1 billion.
In 2026 and beyond, the bill would reduce property taxes by seven to 10 percent compared to current law for homes valued at $700,000 or less. Annual savings would equal $300-$400 for a home valued at $700,000. Savings would depend on local mills and any changes in assessed home values. SB24-233 would also reduce the commercial property assessment rate to 25 percent by 2027, down from 29 percent.
To offset revenue loss resulting from the next year of property tax reductions, the bill would backfill school districts, ensuring public schools remain fully funded.
Finally, SB24-233 would protect Coloradans against future spikes in property taxes by capping local property tax growth at 5.5 percent starting in 2025, creating more certainty for homeowners and businesses. Local governments would still have the opportunity to temporarily or permanently opt out of the cap by a vote of the people.
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Original text here: https://www.cohousedems.com/news/bipartisan-bill-to-make-colorado-more-affordable%2C-reduce-property-taxes-passes-house
