COLORADO LEGISLATIVE STRATEGIES NEWSLETTER

“"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." - Nelson Mandela
 
As Black History Month comes to a close, we reflect on the powerful words of Nelson Mandela and the legacy of those who fought and continue to fight for freedom.
 
For the team at CLS, progress is about the community we cultivate as much as the barriers we remove. As this month of reflection gives way to a year of dedicated action, we invite you to help us champion the potential of everyone in our network. Thank you for contributing to a culture that actively respects and enhances the freedom of others.
 
Adrienne Benavidez Appointed to Senate District 21 Seat
 
Last night, former state Representative Adrienne Benavidez was selected via vacancy committee to replace former Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, who resigned a couple weeks ago. Although there were six other candidates vying for the appointment, Benavidez won the appointment with a 52.63 percent vote. 
 
Among the priorities Benavidez outlined for the remainder of session, she vowed to focus on reproductive healthcare, support for small businesses, and pushing back on the Trump Administration. Benavidez will serve for the rest of this year, and then will be up for election in November for voters to determine who will serve the remaining two years of the term. 
 
Read more – Vacancy committee selects former state Rep. Adrienne Benavidez to replace Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet
 
Sen. Kipp Elected President Pro Tempore
 
On Monday, Senate Democrats elected Senator Cathy Kipp to serve as president pro tempore. Former Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet had previously served in the leadership role before resigning. Senator Tony Exum was the other candidate Democrats had considered for the position. Although it was not released what the final vote count was, there are 22 members of the Senate Democratic caucus, so 12 votes would be sufficient to win.
 
Read more – Colorado Senate Democrats choose Sen. Cathy Kipp as president pro tempore
 
Late Night for House Committees
 
On Thursday, House Energy and Environment had a late night. The committee spent most of the afternoon and evening considering House Bill 1121, a repeat of a bill last year that would’ve required any owner of a facility that emits air pollutants to keep a public record on their website of emissions. The committee postponed the bill indefinitely on a vote of 7-6, with Representatives Goldstein, Paschal, and Valdez joining Republicans in voting no on the bill. 
 
House Business Affairs and Labor committee also had a late night considering House Bill 1054, which would allow the state to create occupational health and safety regulations if federal Occupational Safety and Health Act regulations get repealed. The bill barely passed out of committee on a 7-6 vote, with committee Chair Representative Naquetta Ricks joining Republicans in voting no on the bill. 
 
Tax Bills, Tax Bills, and More Tax Bills
 
On Monday, House Bill 1289 was introduced – a 70-page bill with 39 sections of pure tax policy. Among some of the highlights from the bill are modifications to existing tax incentives, and repealing several tax deductions, exemptions, and credits for industries across a variety of sectors. The wide-ranging bill is part of the Democrat-backed tax bill package that was introduced last week. This bill package is partially in reaction to tax breaks provided to businesses through the federal One Big Beautiful Bill, and also an effort to help mitigate Colorado’s ongoing budget crisis. Several of these bills are currently scheduled to be considered by the House Finance committee in the second week of March. 
 
Piñata Drama in CD-08
 
There was also some drama up in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District this week… involving a piñata. As a reminder, CD-08 is by far Colorado’s most competitive congressional district, and Republican Congressman Gabe Evans flipped the seat in 2024.
 
The Democratic primary is shaping up to be just as competitive as the general election will be for this seat. At an event earlier this week hosted by COLOR Action Fund and the Working Families Power, two of the Democratic candidates appeared in person – current Rep. Manny Rutinel, and Evan Munsing. Also at the forum was a piñata with a picture of Shannon Bird pasted on its head. 
 
Although this is a crowded primary, Bird and Rutinel are widely expected to be the two favorites who will face off in June’s primary election. According to reports, Munsing and Rutinel repeatedly mocked the piñata. The organizer of the event, former state Representative Tim Hernandez, explained to reporters that the piñata was his idea, in order to make a point of Bird’s absence. For reference, Rutinel is the more progressive candidate in the race, while Bird is much more moderate. 
 
Bird has since responded to the incident, calling the piñata stunt “appalling,” especially at a time when political violence is on the rise. 
 
Read more – Scoop: Piñata stunt fuels tensions in 8th District Democratic primary
 
Representative Ron Weinberg Ethics Inquires
 
The Colorado House Ethics Committee has advanced three of seven allegations against Representative Ron Weinberg (R - Loveland) for further review. Following an initial investigation, the committee found probable cause to move forward with claims involving alleged inappropriate comments to colleagues and the unauthorized use of a master key within the State Capitol. Other allegations, including those regarding campaign finance and the carrying of a firearm, were dismissed by the committee. Weinberg now has the option to request a formal hearing before the committee issues its final recommendations to House leadership. 
 
House Ethics Committee dismisses some claims, advances others against Rep. Ron Weinberg - Colorado Politics
 
Sentencing of Former Senator Jaquez Lewis
 
Former State Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis was sentenced to two years of supervised probation and 150 hours of community service on Friday for submitting forged letters of support to a 2025 ethics committee. The committee had been investigating allegations that she mistreated aides and used campaign funds for personal tasks, leading to her resignation. While Jaquez Lewis claimed the forgeries were a mistake made under pressure, the judge and prosecutors described her actions as purposeful and "cruel.” Convicted of four felonies, including forgery and attempting to influence a public servant.
 
Read more – Ex-Colorado Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis avoids prison, gets probation for forged ethics letter
 
What’s Next
 
Next week, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) will continue figure setting recommendations as we inch closer to the introduction of the budget, expected late March or early April. There will be several big-ticket bills considered by various committees of reference in the healthcare, criminal justice, and energy spaces.
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