Senator Dylan Roberts and Representative Judy Amabile visited Gilpin County on July 10, 2024, to provide a recap of the 2024 Legislative Session. The event, held at the Historic Courthouse in Central City, was well attended. The presence of all three Gilpin County Commissioners was notable.

Senator Dylan Roberts’ Foci

Roberts, elected in 2022 to represent Colorado’s Eighth Senate District, discussed key legislative achievements. He emphasized his focus on cost of living and affordable housing, as well as significant investments in Colorado’s water resources.

Roberts proudly announced that for the first time in 30 years, the school funding formula was modernized, providing additional funds for rural schools like those in Gilpin County.

Senate Bill 233, a bipartisan effort, aims to offer property tax relief to both residential and commercial property owners by lowering the assessment rate.

Additionally, the senior homestead exemption was made portable, allowing seniors to move and continue claiming the exemption without the previous 10-year ownership requirement.

Roberts also discussed Senate Bill 100, which enhances commercial vehicle safety on Interstate 70 and other mountain passes. The bill mandates tire chains for trucks over 16,000 pounds and increases speeding penalties, addressing safety concerns that cause significant economic losses when I-70 is closed.

The Senator expressed excitement about the Mountain Rail Coalition’s plans to introduce passenger rail service from Denver to Craig, with a stop in Rollinsville. This initiative aims to reduce traffic on I-70 and promote business relocation to northwestern Colorado.

Representative Judy Amabile’s Contributions

Amabile, who will transition to the Senate next year, shared her legislative priorities, including mental health treatment, climate crisis response, and housing affordability. As Chair of the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, she championed a bill that doubled the earned income tax credit and introduced a family tax credit, potentially lifting 40% of children out of poverty.

Amabile also discussed the establishment of statewide jail standards through a legislative oversight committee and advisory board, a unanimous decision ensuring better regulation of Colorado jails.

She worked on the Accessory Dwelling Unit bill (HB24-1152), which helps middle- and low-income households secure loans, with significant support from AARP.

Community Engagement and Future Goals

During the Q&A session, Public Health Director Alisa Witt suggested legislation to help seniors afford costly septic system replacements, which Roberts noted for future consideration.

Amabile expressed disappointment over the demise of a mental health bill for minors because of lack of funding, despite its high success rate.

Looking forward, she plans to focus on energy, environmental issues, and supporting liquor stores affected by grocery store wine sales.

Roberts aims to address affordable housing and workforce issues in what he anticipates will be a challenging budget year.

Senator Jeanne Nicholson inquired about healthcare access and the potential for a single-payer system. Roberts explained that a necessary study for a ballot measure on this issue had stalled in the Senate Appropriations Committee, suggesting that private funding could help advance it.

Several residents raised concerns about homeowners’ insurance coverage being dropped with less than 60 days’ notice. Coroner Zane Laubhan noted the lack of enforcement, to which Amabile responded that a “Fair Plan” will be operational in January to assist those unable to secure insurance.

In closing, Roberts informed the audience about new waterwise landscaping regulations, aimed at conserving water, that prohibit nonfunctional turf on government and commercial properties.

The meeting with the Senator and the Representative was a productive and informative session for the Gilpin County residents. Both lawmakers highlighted their legislative achievements and shared their vision for addressing critical issues such as education funding, property tax relief, mental health support, and environmental conservation.

The engagement and feedback from the community emphasized the importance of these discussions. The commitment of Roberts and Amabile to continue advocating for policies that enhance the well-being and prosperity of Colorado’s rural and mountain communities was evident throughout.