A Message From Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera

As we approach the end of 2024, I am grateful for another year of service to the people of Colorado and the incredible opportunities to help shape our state into a stronger, more inclusive place for all. This year has been marked by collaboration, innovation, and important milestones across the diverse programs and initiatives I’m honored to lead as Lieutenant Governor.


We will continue to chart a path forward that reflects our shared values and the belief in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.


2024 brought meaningful progress in advancing the rights of Coloradans with disabilities, building connections internationally, and solidifying partnerships closer to home.


Reflecting on this year, I’m reminded that our work is about addressing immediate needs and creating lasting systems of equity and opportunity.


In addition, we know that the success of our work is through collaboration, empathy, and commitment. I am lucky to be surrounded by leaders and team members who embody these attributes and help advance our shared goals.

In this newsletter, you’ll hear directly from the programs I oversee about their achievements, including:

Serve Colorado

Office of Saving People Money on Healthcare

Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI)

Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs (CCIA)

Disability Policy

Aerospace


While each program is unique, we are all united by the mission to create a stronger, more equitable state where people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive. Together, we've accomplished a lot, and we should be proud.


As we move into the next chapter, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fighting for a Colorado that works for everyone.

Serve Colorado


From launching innovative pilot programs to strengthening partnerships with national service leaders, Serve Colorado has expanded its impact through various initiatives.


Serve CO Launched New Youth Mental Health Corps

The Youth Mental Health Corps, launched in May, addresses youth mental health by deploying AmeriCorps members as trusted mental health navigators in schools and communities.


This collaborative, pilot initiative partners with the Schultz Family Foundation, Pinterest, AmeriCorps, the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, and the Colorado Community College System.


In its first year, 131 members were enrolled — double the target — and are expected to serve over 4,500 young Coloradans.


This initiative helps address immediate youth mental health needs and develops a pipeline for future behavioral health professionals.


Colorado is 1 of only 4 states awarded a grant for the program's launch.


The Signing of HB24-1240

In June, Governor Polis signed HB24-1240, a new law exempting the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from state income tax. Colorado is now the sixth state in the U.S. to implement this financial relief.


This legislation, a priority for the Polis-Primavera administration with bipartisan support, aims to lessen the financial strain on AmeriCorps alumni who use the award to fund higher education or repay student loans.


Starting in 2026, AmeriCorps alumni who use their Segal Award in Colorado will collectively save an estimated $400,000 annually in taxes, making Colorado an attractive option for members pursuing education and contributing to the state’s workforce needs.


American Climate Corps Launches

President Biden launched the American Climate Corps (ACC) in 2023 to train young people for clean energy and climate resilience careers.


Before the launch of the American Climate Corps, Colorado had already laid the groundwork through bold climate goals, workforce development programs, and conservation initiatives like the Colorado Climate Corps and Youth Corps, which focused on wildfire mitigation, water conservation, and clean energy. These efforts positioned the state to quickly expand and scale this work through the ACC, creating nearly 900 positions to advance climate resilience and clean energy solutions statewide.


The program supports the Polis-Primavera administration's climate goals, like achieving a 100% renewable electricity grid by 2040.


In Colorado, Climate Corps members serve across all 64 counties, tackling wildfire mitigation, invasive species removal, energy and water conservation, regenerative farming, and environmental education.


Their service spans from summer to full-year positions, with an emphasis on earning credentials or certifications to aid future careers. Renewable energy and electrification projects are also being developed as part of this ongoing initiative.
Office of Saving People Money on Health Care

The Office of Saving People Money on Health Care has had an eventful year, advancing initiatives and partnerships aimed at enhancing health care accessibility and affordability across Colorado.


Welcoming First Lady Jill Biden

In a noteworthy visit, Lt. Governor Primavera joined First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden to discuss the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. Together with health professionals from across Colorado, they explored ways to expand women's health research and services.


The Office of Saving People Money on Health Care also continued supporting Colorado’s first Medical-Financial Partnership pilot with Axis Health and the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative.


Medical-Financial Partnerships link health care providers with community-based organizations to offer financial support alongside health services, improving financial security for families in need.


Supporting Reproductive Health
In June, Lt. Governor Primavera welcomed Secretary Xavier Becerra as he kicked off his “Reproductive Health for All” tour.


Joined by reproductive health advocates and providers, the event highlighted Colorado's commitment to reproductive health care accessibility.


Visit to George Washington High School's Health Center

As part of her focus on youth health care, Lt. Governor Primavera joined the Youth Health Care Alliance (formerly CASBHC) for a tour of George Washington High School’s health center.


She engaged with clinic staff, students, and Denver Public Schools and Denver Health representatives, discussing the benefits of school-based health clinics.


Biden Cancer Moonshot Roundtable
Lt. Governor also hosted Arati Prabhakar, Chief Science and Technology Advisor to President Biden, at the University of Colorado Cancer Center for a roundtable dedicated to advancing the Biden Cancer Moonshot, which seeks breakthroughs in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.


Finally, under Lt. Governor Primavera's leadership, the Office worked with legislators and advocates to pass multiple health care bills.

Key measures included:

SB24-093 (Continuity of Health Care Benefits): Protecting consumers from unexpected healthcare costs when changing insurers.


SB24-080 (Transparency in Health Care Coverage): Enhancing transparency in healthcare pricing.


SB24-110 (Medicaid Prior Authorization Prohibition): Improving timely access to care by reducing administrative burdens in Medicaid prior authorizations.
Office of eHealth Innovation

The Office of eHealth Innovation (OeHI) is dedicated to improving digital access, health equity, and technology throughout the state. OeHI engaged communities across Colorado this past year to gather feedback on health information technology (IT) needs and inform the refresh of the 2021 Colorado Health IT Roadmap.

Engaging Communities for the 2025 Health IT Roadmap

This year, OeHI visited communities across the state to refresh the
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2021 Health IT Roadmap . Through listening sessions, we engaged 159 individuals in health care organizations and an additional 371 Coloradans through community-funded sessions offered in eight languages — a total of 530 voices shaping the future of health IT in Colorado.


The draft roadmap will be open for public comment in early 2025, with the final release in April.

Sunsetting the Dollars to Digitize Grant Program
As the transformative
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Dollars to Digitize grant program approaches its sunset in December 2024, we celebrate its impact.


Through this initiative, $19.9 million was awarded to 224 Home and Community-Based Service providers, behavioral health providers, and case management agencies across all 64 counties. This unprecedented investment has helped modernize Electronic Health Records, integrate digital tools, and enhance technology statewide.

Launching the Colorado Social Health Information Exchange

Additionally, OeHI is implementing the first-of-its-kind statewide
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Colorado Social Health Information Exchange (CoSHIE) data-sharing network.


This technology will make it easier for health care providers to connect people to the services they need to lead healthy lives such as food, transportation, and safe housing.


All roads lead to health, and this program helps provide a holistic approach to getting Coloradans the support they need.


The OeHI team, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (our state Medicaid agency), developed the foundation for this system and began infusing funding into communities throughout the state for regional connections to this technology.


We look forward to the next phases of CoSHIE and OeHI in 2025!

Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs

The Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs (CCIA) has had an impactful 2024, fostering collaboration, celebrating Native heritage, and promoting community well-being.

Circle of Nations: Strengthening State-Tribal Relationships

On November 6, CCIA hosted Circle of Nations, a celebration of the vital partnerships between the State of Colorado, Tribal Nations, American Indian/Alaska Native communities, and American Indian/Alaska Native-serving organizations.

The event featured:

Invocation

Delivered by Montoya Whiteman.

Welcoming Remarks

Governor Jared Polis shared his appreciation for these enduring partnerships.

Special Addresses

Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Chairman Heart, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Governor Wassana, and CCIA At-Large Commissioner offered inspiring remarks.

Cultural Highlights

Performances by the Drifting Bull Singers and catering from Tocabe added cultural richness to the event, symbolizing the spirit of unity and shared purpose.


Thank you to those who volunteered for the event, and to everyone present for such a special occasion.

CCIA Quarterly Meeting in Ignacio, Colorado
In September, CCIA staff and stakeholders convened for our first quarterly meeting of the year, hosted in Ignacio.


The meeting highlighted ongoing initiatives and provided an opportunity for state agencies like the Colorado Department of Human Services to conduct meaningful consultations with Tribal representatives, ensuring alignment with shared goals.
Rock Your Mocs: Promoting Health and Wellness
CCIA staff also volunteered at the Denver Indian Health and Family Services’ Rock Your Mocs event. This annual initiative celebrates Native identity while encouraging healthy living and overall wellness through community engagement.

CCIA’s commitment to collaboration and cultural respect continues to make a difference statewide. As 2024 comes to a close, we look forward to building on these accomplishments in the coming year!
Colorado Disability Funding Committee and Disability Policy

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re proud to reflect on tremendous progress in advancing the rights and opportunities of Coloradans with disabilities.


Task Force on the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities
Established by HB24-1360, Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) represents a landmark step forward in how our state approaches disability policy.

With four dedicated subcommittees, the Task Force has focused on:


Rewriting the Disability Sections of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act


Addressing Housing Affordability, Accessibility, and Attainability


Promoting Basic Access to the Outdoors


Enhancing Physical and Programmatic Accessibility within State and Local Governments


As the subcommittees finalize their recommendations, the Task Force will compile its findings into a comprehensive report to the Governor and General Assembly, set to be released on January 30, 2025.


Learn more about the Task Force’s work at
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engagedora.org .


Launching the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO)

Established by
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HB24-1360 , (Colorado Disability Opportunity Office), the CDOO represents a landmark step forward in how our state approaches disability policy.

This office will:

Serve as a central hub for cross-agency disability policy.


Support opportunities for people with disabilities, ensuring a shift away from outdated, pity-based, and charity-based approaches.


Complement individual agency efforts while fostering collaboration across state departments.


CDOO is housed within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), reflecting that agencies focus on creating opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities.


Milestones for the Colorado Disability Funding Committee

Now part of CDOO, the Colorado Disability Funding Committee has achieved remarkable growth, increasing revenue from approximately $100,000 over a decade to over $1 million monthly. These funds directly support grants that enhance the quality of life and independence for Coloradans with disabilities.

Grant categories include:
Disability Application Assistance: Providing support with Social Security, Medicaid, tax filing, housing navigation, and other benefits.

Innovative Programs and Projects: Funding new initiatives to improve independence and quality of life.


For more information, visit the
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Colorado Disability Funding Committee Grants webpage .
Aerospace

Colorado is home to an innovative and collaborative aerospace community of national security, civil, and commercial space assets. The Polis-Primavera administration remains committed to supporting this vital industry and has continued to do so since day one of this administration.


Filling In-Demand Aerospace Jobs

Lt. Governor Primavera and the National Space Council Space Workforce Coalition are taking innovative steps, both within our state and in partnership with the federal government and other national partners, to fill in-demand jobs and connect Coloradans with the skills they need to build careers in the aerospace sector by developing scalable models that can support a broad array of space opportunities.


Expanding Global Partnerships Through Trade Missions
To support our aerospace and other deep tech industries, Lt. Governor Primavera led a Business and Trade Mission to Taiwan and South Korea with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, along with industry partners and economic development professionals.


During this trip, the delegation showcased Colorado’s nation-leading deep-tech industries, including aerospace, quantum, semiconductors, and agriculture. This trip will pay significant dividends for the State of Colorado, expanding our global partnerships and local economy!


Supporting Colorado's Military and National Security Missions
Colorado is immensely proud of our strong military heritage and the operations across our state, which are critical to national security. We are continuing to support our military community and these missions.


Lt. Governor hosted a meeting with the Department of Defense (DoD), military installations, state agencies, and local partners to leverage investment, planning, and assets to meet shared DoD and Colorado energy and climate goals. Colorado is committed to being a trusted partner supporting its installations in meeting federal energy and resilience policies and ensuring operational success.

Celebrating Space Delta 15 at Schriever Space Force Base
We were also thrilled that the Department of the Air Force selected Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs as the preferred and final location of Space Delta 15 (DEL 15). DEL15’s mission is to protect and defend the space area of operations. This selection further demonstrates that Colorado is the epicenter of national security space. The amazing military community in Colorado is helping ensure that “there will never be a day without space."
Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season

This time of year reminds us of the importance of kindness, connection, and coming together to support one another. Whether you're spending the holidays with loved ones, lending a helping hand to a neighbor, or simply taking time to recharge, I hope this season brings you warmth and joy.

At the same time, I know the holidays can be challenging for many.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or need support, please remember there are resources here to help:

Colorado Crisis Services: Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 for support at any time.
2-1-1 Colorado: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with various local resources, including housing, food, and mental health services.


You are not alone, and there is always someone ready to listen and help.


I wish for you a holiday season filled with peace, love, and happiness — and a new year filled with hope and possibility.

With gratitude,

Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera

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