The JLD Public Policy Council is the liaison to our membership, the community and elected officials. The group researches issues affecting the JLD, keeps the League informed on areas of interest and advises when action is appropriate.

The JLD has a proud history of public policy and advocacy. In 1987, it was the first league in the United States to hire a government affairs specialist. The Public Policy Council works closely with its government affairs specialist, Aponté & Busam, to monitor, advocate and support various important pieces of legislation at the State Capitol.

Each year, the Public Policy Council hosts a Wine & Ballots virtual event where they discuss Colorado ballot measures on the state and local level through an impartial analysis with experts to help members and the public better understand the pros and cons of each ballot measure before voting. They also host an annual Day at the Capitol event that begins with a Legislative Breakfast, followed by advocacy outside the House and Senate Chamber floors, then a General Meeting, and ending with a group tour of the Colorado State Capitol building.

Legislative Priorities

The Public Policy Council has several partnerships with community partners and Colorado Junior Leagues that combine our organizations’ efforts to break the cycle of systemic poverty for women and families. The Public Policy Council leads the statewide advocacy partnership with the Junior Leagues of Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Pueblo. They also maintain several community partnerships including The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, the Colorado Children’s Campaign, Hunger Free Colorado, Make Colorado Affordable, the Colorado Fiscal Institute, the Colorado Center on Law & Policy and the Neighborhood Development Collaborative. Our community partnerships include aligning legislative agendas, joining coalitions, monthly partnership meetings, research, outreach, attending advocacy events, preparing testimony, hosting training and organizing events.

The JLD’s legislative priorities for this year are the following:

2026 Legislative Session:

Level 1 (League Engagement):

• HB26-1004 Continuation of Child Care Contribution Tax Credit (Bill Passed)
• HB25-1015 Colorado Homeless Contribution Tax Credit Extension (Bill Passed)
• HB26-1202 Strategy to Reduce and Prevent Homelessness (Sent to the Governor)
• SB26-118 Legacy Giving to Charitable Organizations (Signed by Governor)
• SB26-135 State Public K-12 Education Funding (Bill Passed)

Level 2 (Council Engagement):

• HB26-1260 Updates to Child Care Assistance Programs (Bill Passed)
• HB26-1024 Raising Age of Voluntary Relinquishment of Child (Signed by Governor)
• SB26-127 Family Medical Leave Insurance Duration Extensions (Postponed Indefinitely)
• SB26-180 Investment Performance Authority (Postponed Indefinitely)

Read more about these measures in the links above. Questions? Email publicpolicy@jld.org.

2025 Legislative Session:

Level 1 (League Engagement):

• SB25-129 Legally Protected Health Care Activity Protections *
• SB25-130 Providing Emergency Medical Services *
• SB25-183 Coverage for Pregnancy-Related Services *
• SB25-118 Health Insurance Prenatal Care No Cost Sharing
• SB25-169 Restaurant Meals Program – CO BluePrint to End Hunger
• SB25-144 Change Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance Program

***Three bills under one package; JLD is considering these as one for the purpose of our five-bill maximum each year.

2024 Legislative Session:

Level 1 (League Engagement):

• Proposition II Tobacco and Nicotine Product Tax Revenue Measure
• HB24-1164 Free Menstrual Products to Students
• HB24-1297 Baby Bonds Program Grant Study
• HB24-1431 Stable Housing for Survivors of Abuse Program
• Proposition KK Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax – infographic on how this connects to the JLD Mission.
• Amendment #79 Constitutional Right to Abortion – infographic on how this connects to the JLD Mission.

Level 2 (Council Engagement):

• HB24-1017 Bill of Rights for Foster Youth
• HB24-1098 Cause Required for Eviction of Residential Tenant
• HB24-1224 Improved Access to Child Care Assistance Programs
• HB24-1237 Programs for the Development of Child Care Facilities
• SB24-032 Methods to Increase the Use of Transit

2023 Legislative Session:

Level 1 (League Engagement):

• Proposition FF Healthy School Meals for All

Level 2 (Council Engagement):

• SB23-007 Adult Education
• SB23-027 Food Pantry Assistance Grant
• SB23-082 Colorado Fostering Success Voucher Program
• SB23-149 Higher Education Student Financial Aid for Youth Mentors
• SB23-221 Healthy School Meals for All Program Fund
• HB23-1091 Continuation Of Child Care Contribution Tax Credit
• HB23-1112 Earned Income & Child Tax Credit
• HB23-1124 Funding For Services For Colorado Employment First Participants
• HB23-1158 Colorado Commodity Supplemental Food Grant Program
• HB23-1184 Low-income Housing Property Tax Exemptions
• HB23-1290 Proposition EE Funding Retention Rate Reduction