Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus Supports the Challenge to TABOR’s Constitutionality

DENVER, CO — Today, the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus is proud to endorse Caucus-members Rep. Camacho and Rep. Garcia’s Resolution, HJR25-1023, requiring the constitutionality of TABOR to be challenged. 

“Chronic underfunding of our state caused by TABOR has hindered our ability to effectively govern and deliver on the results our constituents deserve. I am proud that the Latino Caucus has unanimously endorsed this resolution and stands united in our mission to improve the quality of life and opportunity for all Coloradans,” said Rep. Camacho. “The bottom line is that TABOR has harmed the lives of Coloradans for far too long.” 

The U.S. Constitution sets forth that a republican form of government be adopted by the states. Such a mandate means that legislative bodies must retain fundamental law-making authority. The challenge brought forth will contend that TABOR violates the Enabling Act of Colorado and the U.S. Constitution by depriving Colorado’s legislature of essential governing powers. 

We look forward to continuing to work with our fellow members of the legislature, and fighting for a better future for all Coloradans.

Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus Hosts Press Conference Unveiling 2025 Legislative Agenda

DENVER, CO — Today, members of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus gathered to unveil their legislative priorities for the 2025 legislative session. A collective 16 bills (full list included below) have been endorsed by the caucus, each falling into one of the 2025 policy pillars of the caucus. “This is not a new process for the caucus to engage in”, shared Co-Chair Senator Julie Gonzalez in reference to the caucus’ endorsement process, “but it is particularly important at this moment in time and demonstrates our ability to get things done and to govern effectively”. 

Out of 16 bills endorsed, 4 were chosen by members to highlight at today’s press conference. Representative Yara Zokaie shared the importance of Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, which is the most expansive update to Colorado anti-discrimination laws in 70 years. “This bill is about defending the very people that make this state strong” stated Rep. Zokie. 

Caucus Secretary Representative Matt Martinez presented on HB25-1023 which gives authority to local governments to oversee the construction of fencing projects in the San Luis Valley. This legislation is especially important in light of the Cielo Vista Ranch fencing dispute which has disturbed wildlife and caused environmental degradation in the surrounding area. 

Caucus Treasurer Representative Javier Mabrey reinforced the caucus' commitment to safer jobs and higher wages presenting on the Worker Protection Collective Bargaining Act which eliminates unnecessary barriers to the unionization process, which will in turn diminish wage disparities experienced by workers of color. 

The last bill presented in today’s press conference was the Tax Expenditure Adjustment which seeks to expand crucial tax credits to further serve the working class communities of Colorado.  Representative Lorena Garcia emphasized the importance of tax credits as a tool to alleviate poverty and lower the cost of living for hard working Coloradans. 

Today’s press conference clearly demonstrates how the Latino Caucus is leading for our communities. The 13 members of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus represent urban, suburban and rural communities, and their breadth of experience and knowledge is clearly demonstrated in the variety of bills endorsed. 

Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus Reaffirms Denver’s Welcoming City Policies in Wake of Congressional Hearing

Denver, Colorado - In today’s congressional hearing Denver Mayor Mike Johnston joined mayors from other large cities to speak to the efficacy of welcoming city policies and push back against misinformation about immigration and public safety. Their testimony underscored the essential role immigrants play in strengthening communities and economies, while also making it clear that Colorado is focused on real solutions, not political scapegoating.

“Today’s congressional hearing underscores what we in Colorado have long understood: welcoming policies are integral to the fabric of safe and thriving communities," said Caucus Co-Chair Senator Julie. "By ensuring that all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel secure in interacting with local authorities, we strengthen public safety and community cohesion.

During the hearing, Mayor Johnston cited data demonstrating that crime rates in Denver have decreased, reinforcing studies that show welcoming policies build community trust in law enforcement and increase overall safety. 

"Welcoming city policies are designed to uphold the Constitution and make communities more safe, prosperous, and resilient," said Caucus Co-Chair Representative Elizabeth Velasco. "Local law enforcement's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and trust of the communities they serve, not to act as extensions of federal immigration authorities."

The mayors also addressed the challenges posed by a lack of comprehensive federal immigration reform, emphasizing that local governments should not be held accountable for systemic issues beyond their jurisdiction. Several mayors called for collaborative efforts to address immigration comprehensively, rather than placing undue burdens on cities committed to ensuring the best outcomes for their residents.

As advocates for immigrant rights and effective governance, we stand with welcoming city policies and city leaders in their commitment to uphold policies that protect the rights and well-being of all residents. We urge Colorado’s federal delegation to pursue comprehensive immigration reform that reflects our nation's values of fairness, opportunity, and justice.

Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus Announces its Endorsement of SB25-001

DENVER, CO — Today, the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus is happy to announce its endorsement of SB25-001, the Colorado Voting Rights Act. We are proud to partner with  Colorado Common Caucus on this endeavor, and fully support their efforts in the passage of this bill. 

Latino voters make up 17% of the Colorado electorate, but consistently face barriers to participation due to issues of language access, amongst many others. Despite all the strides Colorado has made in breaking down barriers to voter participation, we still have one of the widest racial turnout gaps in the nation; in 2020, there was a 20-point turnout difference between white voters and voters of color. This legislation furthers existing protections for Colorado voters, and sets firmer standards for election management at the municipal level. Municipalities exercise a great deal of discretion in setting election rules and practices. COVRA will set clear, common-sense standards to ensure localities that run their own elections employ practices that do not create systemic disparities in participation or representation between communities.

COVRA is a crucial step forward in safeguarding the rights of the Latino electorate. The Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus is eager to see this legislation passed, and looks forward to continuing the expansion of voter access in Colorado. 

Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis Shares Resignation From Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus With Members

DENVER, CO — This afternoon, the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus received a letter of resignation from Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis. This letter was presented at the caucus’ meeting at 1 pm and accepted by membership. At this time, Senator Jaquez Lewis is no longer a member of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus. 

Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus Meets with Governor Polis to Discuss Community Concerns and Upcoming Legislative Session

DENVER, CO — This afternoon, members of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus met with Governor Polis to discuss the upcoming legislative session and elevate several community concerns. The caucus introduced their four policy pillars for the year: 

Protecting air, land, and water,

Safer jobs and higher wages, 

Addressing the cost of living, and 

Defending our communities.

Much of the legislation that the caucus will be supporting this year will be grounded in these four pillars. 

In addition to discussion of legislation, a primary concern raised by the caucus is the continual conflation between criminality and immigration in the current media landscape and in the Governor’s own remarks. Crime and immigration are two very distinct issues and such rhetoric makes not just immigrants unsafe, but all communities of color. CDLC shares the value of wanting to make Colorado a safe state, but this should not be done at the cost of immigrants. There is no statistical evidence to show that recent arrivals are committing crimes at higher rates than other groups and it has been proven many times that overall immigrants commit crimes at much lower rates than US citizens. As we await the beginning of the Trump Administration, it is more important than ever that all branches of Colorado’s government stand up to protect our most vulnerable communities and prevent the further marginalization of immigrants.