Welcome to Briefly, Colorado Politics’ daily news briefing. Here’s what’s going on today:

Colorado unemployment rate increased to 4.3% in November

The number of unemployed individuals in Colorado increased by 4,600 to 139,300 from October to November, according to new data from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. 

The state’s unemployment rate for November was 4.3%, compared to the national rate of 4.2%. 

Colorado’s labor force declined by 300 workers in November to 3,253,300. Nearly 68% of Coloradans participated in the labor force last month, unchanged in the past six months. The national labor participation rate for November was 62.5%. 

Over the past year, Coloradans’ average hourly earnings increased from $36.82 to $39.20, $3.59 more than the national average hourly earnings of $35.61. 

Bennet, Crow introduce bill aimed at supporting mental health first responders

U.S. Rep. Jason Crow and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet have introduced the Supporting Mental Assistance Responder Teams (SMART) Community Policing Act to dedicate funding to partnerships between law enforcement and first responders. 

The bill would allow mental health professionals, case managers, and outreach teams to assist people experiencing crises related to mental health, poverty, homelessness, or substance use disorders. 

“Colorado has proven that community policing improves public safety and saves tax dollars by meeting mental health and drug-related emergencies with resource-based responses,” said Bennet. “Law enforcement should focus on violent crime while trained health and social service professionals de-escalate emergencies and connect individuals with services they need. This legislation draws on Colorado’s leadership and expands the successes of community policing nationwide.”

The SMART Community Policing Act is based on Denver’s Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) Program and Grand Junction’s Co-Responder Program. 

Colorado House GOP announces year-round committee assignments 

Colorado House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, and Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, have announced their year-round committee appointments for the 75th General Assembly. 

The 18 committees meet all year, including during the interim when the legislature is not in session. 

“These year-round committees play a critical role in shaping policy and addressing some of Colorado’s most pressing challenges,” said Pugliese. “House Republicans are proud to contribute experienced, dedicated leadership to ensure thoughtful oversight and solutions for all Coloradans. From safeguarding our state’s natural resources to improving infrastructure and advancing public safety, these appointments reflect our caucus’ unwavering commitment to responsible governance and fiscal accountability.”

The committee assignments are as follows:

Colorado Health Insurance Exchange Oversight Committee

• Rep. Mary Bradfield, Colorado Springs
• Rep. Brandi Bradley, Littleton

Commission on Property Tax

• Representative-Elect Chris Richardson, Elizabeth

Committee on Legal Services

• Rep. Matt Soper, Delta
• Rep. Stephanie Luck, Penrose

Legislative Audit Committee

• Representative-Elect Max Brooks, Castle Rock
• Representative-Elect Jarvis Caldwell, Colorado Springs

Legislative Council

• Rep. Rose Pugliese, Colorado Springs
• Rep. Anthony Hartsook, Parker
• Rep. Ryan Armagost, Berthoud 

Legislative Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

• Rep. Ron Weinberg, Loveland

Statutory Revision Committee

• Rep. Stephanie Luck, Penrose
• Rep. Brandi Bradley, Littleton

Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee

• Rep. Ty Winter, Trinidad 
• Rep. Matt Soper, Delta

 Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee

• Rep. Brandi Bradley, Littleton

 Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Colorado Jail Standards

• Rep. Ryan Armagost, Berthoud 

Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning Tax Policy and Task Force

• Representative-Elect Chris Richardson, Elizabeth 

Pension Review Commission

• Rep. Rick Taggart, Grand Junction
• Representative-Elect Max Brooks, Castle Rock

Pension Review Subcommittee

• Representative-Elect Max Brooks, Castle Rock

Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force

• Representative-Elect Chris Richardson, Elizabeth

Statewide Health Care Review Committee

• Rep. Brandi Bradley, Littleton 
• Representative-Elect Dusty Johnson, Fort Morgan 

Transportation Legislation Review Committee

• Representative-Elect Dan Woog, Frederick
• Representative-Elect Larry Don Suckla, Cortez 
• Representative-Elect Carlos Barron, Fort Lupton

Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile

Justice Systems

• Rep. Ryan Armagost, Berthoud  

Wildfire Matters Review Committee

• Rep Ron Weinberg, Loveland
• Representative-Elect Larry Don Suckla, Cortez 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeking applicants for waterfowl habitat restoration grants 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is seeking applications for wetland restoration, enhancement, and creation projects around the state to support its Wetlands for Wildlife Program. 

The agency will award over $1.1 million in funds from Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Waterfowl Stamps to projects that support the Wetlands Program Strategic Plan’s two main goals: improving the distribution and abundance of ducks and opportunities for public waterfowl hunting and increasing the populations of declining or at-risk species of waterfowl. 

Application instructions are available here. Applications are due February 10. 

“Wetlands are so important,” said CPW Wetlands Program Coordinator Brian Sullivan. “They comprise less than 2% of Colorado’s landscape, but provide benefits to over 75% of the species in the state, including waterfowl and several declining species. Since the beginning of major settlement activities, Colorado has lost half of its wetlands.”

Since it was established in 1997, the Colorado Wetlands Program has preserved, restored, enhanced or created more than 220,000 acres of wetlands and adjacent habitat and over 200 miles of streams. 

Polis, Union Pacific reach agreement on Moffat Tunnel lease renewal 

Gov. Jared Polis and Union Pacific have reached an agreement on a new 25-year lease of the Moffat Tunnel on the Continental Divide, laying the groundwork for increase access to Union Pacific tracks for Mountain Rail passenger service.  

“Today marks a major milestone in negotiations between the State of Colorado and Union Pacific for a new modern 25-year lease of the Moffat Tunnel and a 25-year access agreement,” said Polis. “This is a big step forward in making Mountain Rail from Denver to Craig a reality. Passenger Rail on this corridor will relieve traffic to one of Colorado’s iconic mountain communities and provide safe, reliable, affordable transportation options for tourists and skiers as well as workers traveling along the corridor. This historic agreement is an important step to protect continuous freight operations and finally deliver on the promise of passenger rail to Coloradans and I thank Union Pacific for its partnership.”

Opened in 1928, the Moffat Tunnel is 6.2 miles long and provides a commercial route from Denver to the western part of the state through the Continental Divide.