Governor Polis Calls for Special Session Commencing November 17th 2023

Governor Polis Calls Special Session of 74th General Assembly, Urges Legislature to Put People Over Politics to Save Coloradans Money on Property Taxes

DENVER - Coloradans are facing an extreme property tax increase – up to forty to fifty percent next year according to certain projections due to higher assessments. This will affect Coloradans from all corners of the state if the legislature does not take action. This is an immediate, statewide, and bipartisan concern. 

Governor Jared Polis shared details of the scope of the Special Session of the 74th General Assembly, scheduled to commence at 9 a.m. on November 17, 2023. This is the second special session Governor Polis has called, the previous special session was focused on providing bipartisan relief to Coloradans during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“I am calling this session to urge the legislature to bridge partisan divides and put people over politics to provide immediate property tax relief to Coloradans facing extreme spikes from their 2023 property bills,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “Coloradans are looking to us to reduce property taxes and provide relief to families, and as we always have, we will work to deliver solutions that protect and enhance the Colorado we love.”

Governor Polis is tasking the legislature to tackle two specific and urgent issues during the special session:

First, providing immediate relief for Coloradans at risk of receiving 40-50% increases in their property tax bill and to renters who may bear the burden of an increase that’s passed onto them through no fault of their own. The General Assembly already set aside $200 million for property tax relief that could be utilized right now, and Governor Polis is hopeful even more can be put toward saving people money. 

Second, a recently passed federal law provides Colorado with an opportunity to provide food and nutrition benefits to over 300,000 Colorado children during the summer months beginning as soon as the summer of 2024. Passing legislation as soon as possible will enable us to stand up this critical program in time for this summer and access approximately $35 million in federal benefits. Working together in partnership with the legislature, over 300,000 Colorado children could gain access to summer meals if action is taken during this special session. 

Lacey Hays elected President of the Colorado Lobbyist Association

With Kachina Weaver as the Vice-President they work to re-energize the Colorado Lobbyist Association  

Denver, CO- October 25, 2023: The Colorado Lobbyist Association elects Lacey Hays as their new President and Kachina Weaver as their Vice-President. The Colorado Lobbyist Association was originally founded in 2017. With its new leadership comes new initiatives, enthusiasm, and membership opportunities. 

“As a third generation contract lobbyist in this state it has always been my passion to ensure our industry is seen as an ethical resource to our Legislature, State Departments, and the Governor’s Office,” said Lacey Hays. “In my view, lobbying is essential to our democratic processes, as we represent the same constituents that elect our state leaders. The contributions we make, advocating on behalf of the diverse perspectives around our state, ensures Legislators and the Administration craft fully informed policy. I am honored to have the support of my colleagues along with the expertise of Kachina Weaver to revitalize this association.”

Ms. Hays comes to the association with 10 years of experience in the state lobby corp, and Ms. Weaver with almost three decades in the lobby corp both in Colorado and Connecticut.  Together, they are passionate in making this a robust, successful association. 

“I am excited to work with my colleagues to bring a better understanding of our industry and forge closer relationships with all parties involved in the political process,” said Kachina Weaver.  “Too often lobbyists are considered a negative part of the process.  On the contrary, it is critical that public policy be crafted with the input, experience, and insight of all impacted individuals.  Our role is to ensure that all voices are heard, unintended consequences are understood, and a well rounded and thoughtful final policy is passed.”

The Colorado Lobbyists Association is the statewide professional society for Colorado’s lobbyist community. 

Membership in the Colorado Lobbyists Association means you make the strongest possible statement about your professional and ethical values. Your membership in CLA also means you want more Coloradans to avail themselves of the expertise of our members. Our members are committed to integrity, good works and high ethical standards. Our association strives to inform our members of best practices, including professional and public education, in pursuit of their lobbying activities. Join us!

CLA is managed by Civica in partnership with Lacey Hays and Legacy Consulting Colorado. 

This Friday Is What? 

Posted: March 25, 2018

This Friday is the 80th Session Day and final passage of the long budget bill in the Colorado House. 

Check out the full calendar.