DENVER, CO – In response to the ongoing public health crisis facing the world, Colorado Democrats brought people together and proposed legislation focused on providing immediate relief for hardworking families. Today, two such proposals passed the Senate, bringing the state one step closure to ensuring workers can earn paid sick days and receive health care virtually. 

SB20-205 Sick Leave For Employees, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges and Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, this bill will empower all Colorado workers to protect themselves and their coworkers by earning paid sick days. Currently, 40% of Colorado’s workforce are not afforded the opportunity to earn paid sick days–– creating a “work while sick” culture in Colorado that increases the deadly transmission of viruses such as COVID-19. This bill will allow those who are feeling ill to keep their coworkers, customers, and loved ones safe by staying home, without the fear of losing their income.

“No one should have to go to work when they’re ill,” said Majority Leader Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Not only is it unhealthy for the person who is sick, but it puts their coworkers and customers at risk. Earning sick days is a basic benefit that all employees should have access to, especially after we’ve witnessed the carnage one virus can inflict on the world. Paid sick leave will help communities curb infection rates and avoid similar devastation caused by COVID-19 happening again.”

“In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that we don’t have many of the necessary provisions in place to protect Coloradans,” said Sen. Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “When people are going to work sick it hurts all of us. That’s why we are sponsoring this legislation to ensure no Coloradan has to choose between their health and their income.”

SB20-212 Reimbursement For Telehealth Services, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Jack Tate, extends patients’ ability to receive care via telehealth that was granted during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Telehealth has kept Coloradans safe by allowing patients to continue their care plan with their providers. This access could have ended when the declared emergency ends unless the state legislature acts.  

“Increasing access to health care is one of the most important things we can do to make a difference in the lives of Coloradans,” said Sen. Winter, D-Westminster. “We are taking the steps necessary to protect all Coloradans by extending this service. This is the responsible thing to do to make sure that while COVID is still with us we have the resources for all Coloradans.  Right now communities across the state, particularly rural areas, struggle to see a doctor in a reasonable timeframe–– often forcing people to forego care or turn to emergency services. This bill protects people’s ability to speak to their doctor virtually and saves families from neglecting their health or going to the hospital unnecessarily.”