What’s Happening in Colorado

* Governor Jared Polis took executive action to address the state’s affordable housing challenge.

The executive order, which was signed earlier this month, aims to cut red tape to expedite housing production across the state. The order directs the Division of Housing to execute contracts for affordable housing developers faster and requires the Department of Local Affairs to turn grants to 90 days, which is a third of what is currently required.

Click here to read the complete executive order.

* Tim Hernández, a teacher who inspired student protests at Denver Public Schools last spring, was selected to represent northwest Denver in the Colorado House next year.

He will replace former House member Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, who was elected to an at-large Denver City Council seat in April.

Click here to read more.

* According to the Denver’s Office of the Medical Examiner, there has been a 50 percent increase of deaths among houseless individuals in Denver with accidental overdoses driving the surge.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston released a preliminary list of potential sites for micro-communities, a step toward his administration’s goal to house 1,000 unhoused people by the end of the year.

Click here to read more.

* Thanks to HB23-1126, your credit report can’t include information about your medical debt anymore, which means your unpaid medical bills won’t affect your credit score.

The Colorado Center on Law and Policy and their partners have created a fact sheet and guide to consumer rights to help you understand your rights under the new law.

Click here to learn more and download resources.

* Eagle Valley Behavioral Health has immediate availability!

For folks in Eagle County who are having difficulty finding immediate access for psychiatry in a rural mountain region, Eagle Valley Behavioral Health has announced that they currently have immediate access to child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry services. Specifically, they have same-week, and at times, same-day availability for both new and established patients.

Click here (or call 970-445-2489) to learn more.


A View from Washington, D.C. 

* The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the release of their 2023-2026 Strategic Plan

It emphasizes a more person-centered approach and introduces a new mission and vision, key priorities and guiding principles.

Click here to read the plan.

* A new poll revealed that 3 in 10 adults say they or someone in their family has been addicted to opioids, with rural areas being hit the hardest.

Additionally, two-thirds report they or a family member has been addicted to substances, or has experienced homelessness, hospitalization or death as a result of addiction.

Click here to read the full report.

* Threats by the House Freedom Caucus to force a shutdown linger in exchange for the opportunity to negotiate on key priorities.

As August Recess comes to a close, Congressional Leadership is working on a continuing resolution – or stopgap— spending bill to avoid a government shutdown on October 1 at the end of the fiscal year and keep the government funded through early December.

Click here to read more.