2021 Policy Recommendations
Colorado’s Roadmap to a New Normal: Policies to Advance Health, Well-being and Equity in 2021
While the year 2020 may be in our rear view, its impacts will last far beyond the page turn of the calendar. There has been much talk of “going back to normal.” At The Colorado Health Foundation, we believe that we can’t simply “go back to normal,” because that would continue to leave health and well-being out of reach for many of us in Colorado. To help focus decision-makers at the federal, state and local levels of government, our team identified a list of policy recommendations they can implement to advance health, well-being and equity in 2021. Our recommendations reflect what we heard directly from the people of Colorado through our 2020 Pulse poll and from community, nonprofit and business leaders from all corners of our state.
The Foundation sees these recommendations as a part of ongoing conversations – all focused on moving Colorado toward a new normal, a better normal, and a more equitable normal. Questions? Email us at [email protected].
Governor Polis and Members of the Administration
The Foundation recommends Colorado Governor Jared Polis and his administration continue to focus on COVID-19 relief and vaccination efforts, address issues of homelessness and hunger, and increase state government’s focus on racial equity.
Colorado State Legislature
State policymakers should take this time to support relief for Coloradans experiencing hunger and housing insecurity, issues of behavioral health, and access to broadband internet for rural and frontier communities, as well as communities of color and those living on low incomes.
Local Policymakers
Local and municipal policymakers play a critical role in addressing the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring early childhood institutions are safely opened, equitable distribution of vaccinations, and supporting safety net organizations so they can continue to serve Coloradans who need it most.
Colorado Congressional Delegation
U.S. Senators and Representatives from Colorado must continue to be a voice for the Coloradans they represent and protect and extend existing emergency benefits increases, economic relief, and strengthen protections for immigrants, communities of color, and Americans living on low incomes.