The polls are closed and the votes are counted, and Colorado is on its way to the next Legislative session, opening January 11, 2027. Between now and then, newly elected and returning lawmakers prepare for the upcoming session through bill drafting, leadership elections, and organizational deadlines. At the same time, the Council is preparing for the legislative session. These priorities will guide our work in the coming legislative and budget discussions.
- Community Living: We advocate for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live in home and community based settings of their choice with the support services they need to live out their vision of a meaningful life.
- Choice: We support flexible delivery systems that allow individuals and families to choose what is most important and essential for their well-being. We support consumer-directed care as the backbone of choice for those who qualify. Choice is essential for person-centered planning and service delivery.
- Support: We value the contributions of direct support professionals and support workforce development efforts. We advocate for a robust workforce that can provide emergency, short-term and ongoing support for individuals without natural supports and for people who prefer additional caregiver options.
- Time: We recognize that when change happens, it has real impacts on individuals and their families. Transition time offers people the opportunity to plan, adjust and avoid crisis situations in continuity of care, household finances, and other needs.
- Long Term Sustainability: We believe that the state budget cannot be balanced by cutting expenses alone, and policy reform to increase state revenue is a critical element of balancing the state budget. We are still waiting for final results on some key ballot issues, especially Amendment 87. Reducing home and community based services in our state budget has negative financial and health impacts we want to avoid:
- Worse health outcomes and increased health care costs long term.
- Loss of independence, dignity, freedom and choice for people with disabilities.
- Unrealized potential and loss of the valuable contributions of people with disabilities to our communities.
- Increased risk of unnecessary and expensive use of emergency rooms, hospitalization, skilled nursing facilities and institutional care.
As the Council enters its 50th year of systems change and advocacy efforts in Colorado, we will continue to fight for our values and educate elected officials about the issues that are most pressing for people with I/DD and their families. We uplift solutions that improve health outcomes, increase belonging, support self-determination, and reduce costs: home and community based services, supported employment, inclusive housing, and community living for people with disabilities.
We stand ready to work with our newly elected officials towards effective policy that results in community, choice, support and sustainability for all Coloradans. Congratulations to Governor Phil Weiser, Lieutenant Governor Lesley Dahlkemper, and the Seventy-sixth (76th) Colorado General Assembly!
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