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Sen. Cleave Simpson headshot

Cleave Simpson Voting Record & Scorecard | Christian Employers Alliance

CO Senator

District: 6 • Republican

2025 Alignment:

60.42%

Lifetime Alignment:

65.37%

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Lifetime Ratings by Policy Category

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Sen. Cleave Simpson (R-CO-6) earned a 60% Christian Employers Alliance score for 2025, showing moderate alignment with biblical business policy positions. Cleave Simpson voted on 47 of the 47 key bills CEA scored in 2025. Across 2 years rated, Cleave Simpson's lifetime CEA score averages 65%, with 75 votes recorded across 76 scored bills. Cleave Simpson represents the 6th District in the Colorado State Senate. Highest category scores: First Freedom (95%), Operational Freedom (77%), and Economic Freedom (52%).

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1001Senate 20252x

Subjecting a Greater Range of Businesses to Draconian Penalties and Civil Liability Under State Employment Laws.

With CEA
This bill expands enforcement authority under state employment laws by broadening the definition of "employer" to include individuals who own at least 25% of a business. The bill increases the wage claim threshold for administrative enforcement from $7,500 to $13,000 beginning July 1, 2026 and requires future increases based on inflation. The bill also authorizes employees to pursue equitable relief and damages in court without exhausting administrative remedies and permits local governments to enact and enforce their own wage payment laws. Additionally, the bill creates new fines for employee misclassification ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 per violation and expands retaliation protections and potential civil damages against employers. This bill adds to the already extensive regulatory burden on businesses, making it harder for small businesses to operate and it opens up employers to intimidation, meritless claims, and costly litigation.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, justice in the workplace should protect workers while also maintaining fair and balanced governance. Expanding government enforcement powers and financial penalties risks creating excessive legal burdens that can harm businesses and economic opportunity.
Isaiah 10:1-2 – "Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless."
Leadership Insight
God pronounces woe on lawmakers who deprive workers of their rights through forced union membership, mandatory dues extraction, and laws that trap workers in systems they never chose. Workforce freedom is justice for the oppressed worker - the right to keep their full paycheck, to negotiate directly with employers, and to be free from coercive representation. Unjust labor laws that force workers to fund political causes they oppose are exactly the oppressive decrees Isaiah condemns.
HB 1004Senate 20252x

Infringing Landlord Rights to Utilize Algorithms to Determine Rental Rates or Terms.

With CEA
This bill prohibits the sale, distribution, or use of algorithmic devices that set or recommend rent amounts, occupancy levels, or other rental housing terms when those tools are used by multiple landlords in the same or related markets. The bill also prohibits companies that provide rent-setting algorithmic services from using nonpublic competitor data such as rent prices, occupancy rates, or lease terms when generating pricing recommendations for rental housing in Colorado. Violations are classified as illegal restraints of trade and are subject to and penalties under state antitrust law. By prohibiting landlords from using certain data-driven pricing tools and expanding antitrust enforcement authority, the bill imposes government restrictions on pricing decisions in the rental housing market.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, justice and responsible stewardship require fair markets that respect economic freedom and voluntary exchange. Expanding government controls over pricing decisions risks undermining innovation and responsible private enterprise in housing markets.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
Leadership Insight
Operational freedom begins with stewardship. God entrusts leaders with resources, influence, and people - not to control them, but to multiply them for His Kingdom. Faithfulness is Heaven’s metric for leadership success.
HB 1005Senate 20253x

Worsening Cronyism Through Millions in Tax Credits for Film Festivals.

Against CEA
This bill creates a refundable state income tax credit for global film festival entities and smaller Colorado film festival organizations that host film festivals in the state. Beginning in tax year 2027 and continuing through 2036, the bill allows qualifying entities to receive tax credits based on qualified expenditures such as salaries, venue costs, marketing, travel expenses, equipment rentals, and other operational costs associated with operating a film festival in the state. The bill allows the Office of Economic Development to reserve up to $4 million per year in credits for global film festivals through 2028, $5 million in 2029, and $3 million annually from 2030 through 2036, along with up to $500,000 per year for smaller Colorado film festivals. By creating refundable tax credits to attract and subsidize film festivals, the bill expands government-directed tax incentives and taxpayer-funded subsidies for private entertainment events.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, responsible stewardship calls for careful use of taxpayer resources and avoiding special subsidies for selected industries. Public policy should promote fair markets and opportunity rather than directing public funds toward private entertainment ventures.
Proverbs 11:1 – "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him."
Leadership Insight
Integrity in business is not optional - it’s spiritual obedience. Every transaction reflects the character of the Kingdom. Honesty is Heaven’s currency for influence.
HB 1010Senate 20252x

Providing the Governor Overreaching Powers to Impose Price Controls.

With CEA
This bill prohibits price increases of more than 10% for certain goods or services when the Governor declares a disaster emergency that cites the price gouging statute. The bill also expands the definition of "disaster" in state law to include market disruptions such as trade disruptions or atypical disruptions affecting production, distribution, or consumption of a product or service. Under the bill, sellers that increase prices above the 10% threshold may be found to have engaged in price gouging unless the seller proves the increase is directly attributable to seasonal pricing. By imposing a fixed cap on price increases and expanding the types of emergencies that trigger the restriction, the bill creates new government price controls in private markets. The free-market plays an essential role during times of disaster by properly allocating scarce resources and incentivizing the shipment and production of additional goods to the disaster zone. Anti-price gouging laws - like all price controls - merely worsen a disaster by encouraging hoarding, creating shortages and disincentivizing the flow of additional goods and relief.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, public policy should protect vulnerable people during crises while also respecting responsible stewardship and sound economic principles. Government price controls risk disrupting supply and limiting access to essential goods when communities need them most.
Proverbs 29:2 – "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Leadership Insight
Righteous governance creates environments where businesses operate freely and fairly; wicked rulers weaponize regulation, licensing, and bureaucracy to control enterprises. Operational freedom thrives when leaders protect businesses from government overreach and predatory litigation. When the wicked rule, businesses groan under arbitrary enforcement, selective prosecution, and rules designed to punish rather than protect.
HB 1010 (Amd. 2)Senate 20251x

Limiting the Scope of the Draconian Price Gouging Bill by Exempting Small Businesses.

With CEA
The R. Pelton amendment #2 to a bill establishing price gouging restrictions exempts businesses headquartered in the state that employ fewer than 50 individuals. The amendment specifies that the bill's pricing restrictions do not apply to the sale or offer for sale of goods or services by these small employers. By carving out an exemption for small businesses, the amendment limits the regulatory overreach of the bill and protects smaller employers from compliance burdens tied to government price control rules.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, supporting small businesses reflects responsible stewardship and respect for the dignity of work. Reducing regulatory burdens on smaller employers helps sustain local enterprise and strengthens communities.
Luke 16:10 – "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."
Leadership Insight
God tests capacity through consistency. The smallest tasks reveal whether a leader can be trusted with influence. Faithfulness in little always precedes favor in much.
HB 1021Senate 20252x

Doling Out Tax Credits for Business Owners to Convert to Employee-Owned Businesses.

Against CEA
This bill creates new income tax preferences for owners who sell a qualified business to an employee ownership structure, including an employee stock ownership plan, employee ownership trust, or worker-owned cooperative. Beginning in tax year 2027 and continuing through 2037, the bill allows owners to subtract qualifying capital gains from their Colorado taxable income when at least 20% of a business is sold to an employee-owned structure. The bill also allows worker-owned cooperatives to subtract up to $1 million of federal taxable income each year and expands existing tax credits by allowing up to 75% of conversion, expansion, or support costs to qualify for refundable tax credits, with a statewide cap of $2 million in credits annually beginning in 2026. By creating new income tax exclusions and expanding refundable tax credits tied to specific business ownership structures, the bill expands targeted tax preferences and government-directed incentives in the marketplace.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, responsible stewardship encourages fair and neutral economic policies that do not favor particular business structures through government subsidies. Expanding targeted tax preferences risks distorting markets and shifting the tax burden onto other taxpayers.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 1040Senate 20251x

Reducing Energy Costs by Including Nuclear Energy as a Clean Energy Resource.

With CEA
This bill adds nuclear energy to the statutory definitions of "clean energy" and "clean energy resource" in state law governing energy policy and emissions reduction planning. The bill allows electricity generated from nuclear energy, including projects funded through U.S. Department of Energy advanced nuclear reactor programs, to qualify as a clean energy source under Colorado's energy statutes. By expanding the range of technologies eligible under clean energy definitions, the bill allows energy markets and utilities greater flexibility to pursue reliable power generation options at lower costs.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, responsible stewardship includes pursuing reliable and sustainable energy solutions that support human flourishing. Expanding the range of clean energy technologies can help provide affordable and dependable power while caring for the environment.
Luke 14:28-30 – "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"
Leadership Insight
Vision must meet calculation. God honors leaders who count costs before claiming promises. Stewardship without foresight breeds collapse.
HB 1094Senate 20251x

Lowering Drug Costs by Combating PBM Schemes Caused by Obamacare.

With CEA
This bill establishes new requirements governing pharmacy benefit managers (PBMS) that administer prescription drug benefits for health plans. The bill prohibits PBMs from earning income based on the price of prescription drugs, including revenue from spread pricing, manufacturer-derived revenues, or markups tied to drug costs. The bill also requires pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse pharmacies at least the national average drug acquisition cost plus a dispensing fee and mandates that contracts with health benefit plans include disclosure of prescription drug pricing data and allow annual audits of PBM practices. The bill largely helps correct the market distortion caused by Obamacare's medical loss ratio provision. That mandate helped push insurers to merge with PBMs, and today three vertically integrated firms control roughly 80 percent of the market. This monopolistic structure has enabled PBM schemes that artificially inflate drug costs at the expense of taxpayers and patients.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, promoting fairness and accountability in the health care system reflects a commitment to justice and care for families facing rising medical costs. Policies that increase transparency and reduce unnecessary cost burdens can help ensure patients have better access to needed medications.
Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Leadership Insight
God questions spending on what fails to nourish or satisfy. Healthcare freedom means rejecting one-size-fits-all mandates that force individuals and employers into systems that violate conscience or fail to meet real needs. Leaders who protect healthcare choice allow families and businesses to pursue treatments, coverage, and providers aligned with their values - "eating what is good" rather than consuming what government prescribes.
HB 1122Senate 20253x

Restricting Innovation by Requiring a Human Driver in Autonomous Commercial Vehicles.

With CEA
This bill prohibits the use of an automated driving system to operate a commercial motor vehicle on a roadway unless an individual with a commercial driver's license is physically present in the vehicle and monitoring its operation. The bill establishes penalties for violations beginning at $1,000 and increasing to $2,000 for a second offense, with penalties doubling for each subsequent violation. By requiring a human driver to remain present in commercial vehicles using automated driving systems, the bill restricts the deployment of autonomous trucking technology and limits innovation in the commercial transportation market.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, responsible innovation should be encouraged when it can improve efficiency and serve communities. Policies that unnecessarily restrict technological advancement risk limiting economic opportunity and responsible stewardship of human creativity.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
Leadership Insight
Operational freedom begins with stewardship. God entrusts leaders with resources, influence, and people - not to control them, but to multiply them for His Kingdom. Faithfulness is Heaven’s metric for leadership success.
HB 1147Senate 20252x

Weakening Public Safety Through a Criminal Justice "Reform" Limiting Sentences for Municipal Offenses.

Against CEA
This bill imposes new statewide sentencing limits for municipal ordinance violations matching the maximum penalties allowed for comparable offenses under state law. The bill prohibits municipal courts from imposing jail sentences, fines, or consecutive sentences that exceeding state law and restricts municipalities from imposing mandatory minimum sentences or enhanced penalties unless the same penalties exist under state law. The bill also requires municipalities to provide court-appointed counsel for indigent defendants whenever a municipal offense carries a possible sentence of incarceration and presumes that in-custody defendants are indigent and automatically entitled to counsel at all court appearances. Additionally, the bill requires municipal courts to provide remote public observation of criminal proceedings and establishes additional procedural requirements for hearings involving defendants held in custody. By imposing new statewide mandates on municipal courts and requiring expanded public defense services, the bill increases regulatory burdens and costs for local governments. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, justice requires fairness while also respecting responsible stewardship of public resources and local governance. Expanding mandates that increase government costs and centralize authority risks undermining accountable and sustainable governance.
Psalm 82:3-4 – "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
Leadership Insight
God commands leaders to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Justice is not passive - it requires intervention. Leaders who ignore the vulnerable betray their calling. Advocacy for the powerless is not optional; it's obedience.
HB 1208Senate 20251x

Minimizing the Disastrous Consequences of Minimum Wage Hikes by Allowing Higher Tip Offsets in Local Minimum Wage Jurisdictions.

With CEA
This bill establishes statewide rules governing the tip offset associated with local minimum wage laws enacted by local governments. The bill sets the tip offset for jurisdictions with local minimum wages at $3.02 and requires local governments to apply that offset when determining wages for tipped employees. Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill allows local governments that impose minimum wages above the state minimum wage to increase the tip offset, provided the tipped wage does not fall below the state minimum wage minus $3.02. This bill is largely in response to restaurant closures in localities such as Denver, where the tipped minimum wage is $15.79. By allowing local governments to increase the tip offset in jurisdictions with higher minimum wages, the bill provides flexibility to reduce labor cost pressures on restaurants and other tipped-service businesses affected by locally mandated wage increases.
Christian Employers Alliance supports this bill because allowing higher tip offsets provides local governments with a mechanism to ease regulatory cost pressures on small businesses created by higher local minimum wage mandates. This bill demonstrates the negative consequences of minimum wage hikes on businesses. The minimum wage - like all price controls - distorts the marketplace, increasing unemployment for individuals who lack experience or whose productivity does not meet the higher wage level set by government.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
1 Timothy 5:18 – "The worker deserves his wages."
Leadership Insight
God’s justice includes fair compensation. Exploitation contradicts His design. Leaders who value their teams reflect the righteousness of Heaven in the workplace.
HB 1220Senate 20252x

Increasing Barriers to Employment by Imposing Unnecessary Licensure Mandates on Dieticians and Nutritionists.

Against CEA
This bill, the "Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Act," establishes a new state licensing system for dietitians and nutritionists. The bill requires individuals to obtain a state license to provide medical nutrition therapy beginning September 1, 2026, establishes education, examination, and supervised practice requirements for licensure, and authorizes the state to investigate complaints and impose disciplinary penalties. The bill also creates a seven-member Dietetics and Nutrition Advisory Committee, authorizes rulemaking and enforcement authority for the Department of Regulatory Agencies, and establishes criminal penalties for individuals who provide medical nutrition therapy without a license. By creating a new occupational licensing regime and restricting who may provide certain nutrition services, the bill expands government regulation and limits entry into the nutrition services market. Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, responsible governance should protect the public while also respecting economic freedom and the dignity of work. Expanding occupational licensing requirements can create unnecessary barriers that limit individuals’ ability to use their skills to serve others.
Romans 14:3-4 – "The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall."
Leadership Insight
Paul's protection of conscience applies directly to healthcare freedom. No government or employer has authority to mandate medical treatments, vaccines, or procedures that violate sincere religious or moral conviction. Healthcare freedom means patients and providers can follow conscience in medical decisions without coercion, contempt, or punishment. When healthcare mandates override conscience, they violate the biblical principle that each person is accountable to their own Master.
HB 1225Senate 20251x

Infringing Second Amendment Rights by Establishing a Legal Presumption That Carrying a Firearm While Voting is "Election-Related Intimidation".

With CEA
This bill, the "Freedom From Intimidation in Elections Act," establishes new civil prohibitions against actions deemed to "intimidate, threaten, or coerce" individuals for voting, assisting voters, or participating in election administration. The bill creates a legal presumption that a person carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm, or toy firearm while interacting with or observing election-related activities has engaged in prohibited intimidation unless the person proves otherwise. By expanding civil liability standards and creating presumptions of unlawful conduct tied to firearm possession near election activities, the bill increases government regulation and litigation exposure surrounding election-related activity. All law-abiding individuals should be permitted to exercise their Second Amendment rights and defend themselves in these locations.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, elections should be conducted in peace and safety while also respecting fairness and due process in the law. Policies that create broad legal presumptions and expanded litigation authority risk undermining balanced justice and responsible governance.
Luke 22:36 – "He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.'"
Leadership Insight
Jesus affirms the right to self-defense. Preparedness is not paranoia - it's stewardship of safety. Leaders who defend the Second Amendment defend the biblical principle that protection is both a right and a responsibility. Security begins with the citizen, not the state.
HB 1238Senate 20252x

Infringing Second Amendment Rights by Imposing Draconian Regulations on Gun Shows.

With CEA
This bill imposes new regulatory requirements on gun show promoters and vendors. The bill requires gun show promoters to develop security plans, obtain at least $1 million in liability insurance, provide video surveillance of entrances and parking areas, submit event security plans to law enforcement 14 days before the event, and maintain vendor certifications and surveillance recordings for 6 months. The bill also requires all gun show vendors to hold both a federal firearms license and a Colorado state firearms dealer permit and imposes additional compliance requirements governing firearm storage, background checks, waiting period verification, and event access restrictions. By imposing extensive operational mandates, licensing requirements, and security regulations on gun show operators and vendors, the bill expands government regulation of lawful firearm commerce.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while public safety is important, laws should also respect responsible freedom and avoid excessive government control over lawful activities. Expanding regulatory burdens on lawful firearm commerce risks undermining personal liberty without addressing the root causes of violence.
Luke 22:36 – "He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.'"
Leadership Insight
Jesus affirms the right to self-defense. Preparedness is not paranoia - it's stewardship of safety. Leaders who defend the Second Amendment defend the biblical principle that protection is both a right and a responsibility. Security begins with the citizen, not the state.
HB 1239Senate 20252x

Increasing Frivolous Litigation by Expanding Civil Liability and Damages Under State Non-Discrimination Law.

With CEA
This bill modifies the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act by reorganizing and expanding the damages available in civil actions for certain practices. The bill allows for claims to be brought within one year, instead of 60 days. It now allows plaintiffs to recover actual monetary damages and damages for noneconomic loss or injury up to $50,000, or alternatively a statutory fine of $5,000 per violation, in cases involving discrimination in places of public accommodation and other covered activities. The bill also authorizes the recovery of attorney fees and costs and allows individuals to bring civil actions directly in court rather than relying solely on administrative remedies. By expanding available damages, legal remedies, and the time frame of filing claims in discrimination lawsuits, the bill increases civil liability exposure and litigation risks for businesses and organizations.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, justice requires fairness and accountability while also protecting individuals and organizations from excessive legal burdens. Expanding civil liability and litigation incentives risks undermining balanced justice and responsible stewardship in the marketplace.
Proverbs 25:8 – "Do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?"
Leadership Insight
Wisdom delays litigation in favor of reconciliation. Rushing to court escalates conflict and erodes relationships. Leaders promote resolution over retaliation, understanding that legal victories can produce relational losses. Grace must guide justice.
HB 1240Senate 20252x

Forcing Landlords to Participate in Federal Housing Welfare Programs.

With CEA
This bill requires all landlords in Colorado to accept applicants using housing vouchers or subsidies and cannot refuse to rent solely because of the subsidy. The landlords to make reasonable efforts to respond to requests for information and documentation necessary for a tenant's rental assistance application and to cooperate with tenants applying for housing subsidies in good faith. The refusal to accept or cooperate with a housing subsidy is treated as an unfair housing practice and source-of-income discrimination under state law, with penalties including a minimum $5,000 fine in certain violation cases. By creating new legal obligations for landlords and establishing mandatory damages and penalties, the bill expands government regulation and liability exposure in the private housing market.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, compassion for vulnerable families should be paired with policies that encourage stable housing markets and responsible stewardship. Expanding legal mandates and penalties on property owners risks discouraging housing investment and reducing available housing opportunities.
Proverbs 29:2 – "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Leadership Insight
Righteous governance creates environments where businesses operate freely and fairly; wicked rulers weaponize regulation, licensing, and bureaucracy to control enterprises. Operational freedom thrives when leaders protect businesses from government overreach and predatory litigation. When the wicked rule, businesses groan under arbitrary enforcement, selective prosecution, and rules designed to punish rather than protect.
HB 1244Senate 20251x

Expanding Taxpayer-Funded Grants to Illegal Immigrants Under the State's Migrant Welfare Program.

With CEA
This bill requires recipients of the statewide welcome, reception, and integration grant program to prioritize migrants who have arrived in the United States within the past 3 years (previously within 1 year) when providing services funded by the program. The program provides state grants to community-based organizations that offer services to migrants who do not qualify for federal refugee resettlement assistance or other federal support programs, including illegal immigrants. By expanding eligibility priorities within this taxpayer-funded program, the bill increases reliance on government-funded migrant assistance programs and grows government dependency.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, compassion for those in need should be balanced with responsible stewardship and policies that encourage self-sufficiency. Expanding government assistance programs risks fostering dependency rather than strengthening families, communities, and local support networks.
Haggai 1:6 – "You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
Leadership Insight
When priorities drift from purpose, prosperity leaks away. God doesn’t bless motion - He blesses alignment. Economic freedom begins when stewardship follows divine order.
HB 1247Senate 20252x

Hiking Lodging Costs by Tripling the Tax Rate on Hotels and Other Accomodations

Against CEA
This bill increases the maximum county lodging tax rate from 2% to 6%, subject to voter approval, on the price paid for rooms or accommodations in counties that levy the tax. The bill also expands the allowable uses of lodging tax revenue to include public infrastructure maintenance and improvements and public safety services such as law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services. By increasing the maximum lodging tax rate and expanding the uses of tax revenue, the bill increases local government taxing authority and expands government spending funded through tourism-related taxes.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, responsible stewardship calls for careful limits on taxation and government expansion. Increasing tax authority and broadening spending categories risks placing additional burdens on communities and undermining fiscal discipline.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 1269Senate 20253x

Imposing More Fees on Property Owners Through a New "Green" Building Decarbonization Enterprise Office.

Against CEA
This bill creates the Building Decarbonization Enterprise within the Colorado Energy Office to administer programs intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from residential and commercial buildings. The bill authorizes the enterprise to impose an annual building decarbonization fee of $400 on owners of covered buildings beginning November 1, 2025, with future increases limited to adjustments for inflation. The enterprise may use fee revenue to provide financing, technical assistance, energy audits, software tools, and consulting services to support building electrification and energy efficiency upgrades. The bill also establishes new building performance standards, reporting requirements, civil penalties for noncompliance, and a nine-member enterprise board appointed primarily by the governor to administer the program. By creating a new government enterprise funded by mandatory fees and expanding regulatory standards for buildings, the bill increases government oversight and financial obligations on property owners.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship includes caring for creation while also respecting the dignity of private property and responsible economic freedom. Policies that impose new government fees and mandates on property owners risk undermining balanced stewardship and local decision-making.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 1274Senate 20252x

Increasing Taxes by $95 Million to Expand the State's Universal Free School Meals Program.

With CEA
This bill refers two ballot measures to voters related to funding the Healthy School Meals for All program. The first ballot measure asks voters to allow the state to retain and spend revenue generated by existing limits on income tax deductions for taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income of $300,000 or more, rather than issuing an estimated $12.43 million tax refund required under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) in the state constitution. The second ballot measure asks voters to increase state tax revenue by $95 million annually by reducing allowable state income tax deductions for taxpayers with incomes of $300,000 or more to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for joint filers beginning in tax year 2026. This tax increase would also be used to increase wages for school food employees and "ensuring that Colorado grown and raised products are part of school meals." By seeking voter approval for higher tax collections and expanded spending to support a statewide school meal program, the bill increases government taxation and programmatic spending.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while caring for children in need is important, policies should also respect responsible stewardship and limited government. Expanding tax burdens and government programs risks shifting responsibilities away from families, communities, and charitable institutions.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
HB 1291Senate 20252x

Expanding Government Regulation and Liability for Transportation Network Companies Through New Operational Mandates.

With CEA
This bill imposes new regulatory requirements on transportation network companies (such as Uber and Lyft) that operate digital platforms connecting riders with drivers. The bill requires companies to conduct criminal background checks on drivers every 6 months, establish procedures for driver deactivation following certain complaints, and allow riders or drivers to opt into audio and video recording of each ride. The bill also requires companies to submit annual safety reports detailing incidents such as assault, harassment, theft, and motor vehicle accidents and prohibits certain contractual provisions that waive legal rights or require arbitration in cases involving sexual misconduct. Additionally, the bill authorizes civil lawsuits against companies, drivers, or riders for violations that result in injury, death, or harm to a minor. By imposing extensive operational mandates, reporting requirements, and liability exposure on transportation network companies, the bill expands government regulation of private transportation platforms.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while protecting individuals from harm is important, policies should also respect balanced governance and avoid unnecessary regulatory expansion. Excessive mandates on private transportation platforms risk limiting economic opportunity and innovation that help people earn a living and access transportation.
Proverbs 29:2 – "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."
Leadership Insight
Righteous governance creates environments where businesses operate freely and fairly; wicked rulers weaponize regulation, licensing, and bureaucracy to control enterprises. Operational freedom thrives when leaders protect businesses from government overreach and predatory litigation. When the wicked rule, businesses groan under arbitrary enforcement, selective prosecution, and rules designed to punish rather than protect.
HB 1309Senate 20253x

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Expanding Mandates Requiring Coverage for Transgender Procedures.

With CEA
This bill requires all health benefit plans issued or renewed in Colorado to provide coverage for gender-affirming health care when a provider determines the care is medically necessary to treat gender dysphoria. The bill also prohibits insurers from denying or limiting these services when prescribed according to professional standards and removes testosterone prescriptions from the state's prescription drug monitoring program reporting requirements. By requiring insurance plans to cover a broad range of gender-affirming medical procedures and limiting regulatory oversight of related prescriptions, the bill expands government mandates on private health insurance coverage and medical policy.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, public policy should respect human dignity while exercising caution when mandating controversial medical procedures. Government mandates requiring coverage of gender transition treatments raise serious ethical concerns and limit the freedom of individuals and institutions to act according to conscience.
Romans 14:3-4 – "The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall."
Leadership Insight
Paul protects liberty of conscience as a sacred right - the foundation of First Freedom. No government, employer, or cultural force has authority to judge another's servant or coerce compliance on matters of faith and conviction. First Freedom protects religious believers from contempt, discrimination, and forced participation in activities that violate their conscience. When government mandates contradict sincere religious conviction, believers must be free to follow God.
HB 1312Senate 20253x

Denying Biological Reality by Expanding Government Enforcement of Gender Identity Policies.

With CEA
This bill creates new statutory requirements affecting schools, public records, and anti-discrimination law related to gender identity and chosen names. The bill requires school policies regarding student names to allow the use of chosen names for any reason, requires dress codes to permit students to select from any available clothing options, and establishes a statutory definition of "chosen name" tied to protected class status under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. The bill also removes the one-time limit on changing the gender designation on birth certificates and allows individuals to change the sex designation on driver's licenses or identification documents up to three times without a court order. Additionally, the bill requires county clerks to issue new marriage or civil union licenses reflecting a name change without indicating that a change occurred. By expanding legal mandates tied to gender identity and requiring changes across education policy, identification records, and anti-discrimination law, the bill increases government enforcement of gender identity policies across multiple areas of state law.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, public policy should respect human dignity while also protecting freedom of conscience and parental rights. Expanding government mandates around gender identity risks undermining the ability of families, educators, and faith-based institutions to live according to their deeply held beliefs.
Deuteronomy 22:5 – "A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this."
Leadership Insight
God's design for gender is intentional, not arbitrary. Leaders who defend biological truth protect the foundation of family, identity, and society. Cultural pressure to erase distinctions does not change divine design. Clarity about gender honors God's created order.
HB 1335Senate 20252x

Putting the Budget in Jeopardy by Modifying Revenue Triggers for Earned Income Tax Credits.

Against CEA
This bill modifies how the availability and amount of the family affordability tax credit and the expanded earned income tax credit are calculated beginning in tax year 2025. The bill replaces the use of actual state revenue from fiscal year 2024-2025 with the revenue forecast from the March 2024 Office of State Planning and Budgeting when calculating the compound annual growth rate used to determine whether the credits are available and at what level. By adjusting the revenue benchmark used to determine eligibility and amounts for these refundable tax credits, the bill increases the likelihood that larger taxpayer-funded credits will be triggered. This measure prioritizes tax breaks over prudent budgeting, setting up taxpayers to bear the brunt when lawmakers inevitably blame these bloated refunds instead of their own overpromising and excessive expenditures.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while caring for families is important, responsible stewardship requires tax policy that is sustainable and fair to all taxpayers. Expanding refundable tax credits through adjusted revenue triggers risks increasing long-term government spending obligations.
Luke 14:28-30 – "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"
Leadership Insight
Vision must meet calculation. God honors leaders who count costs before claiming promises. Stewardship without foresight breeds collapse.
SB 1Senate 20252x

Weakening Election Integrity By Making it More Difficult to Combat Fraud.

With CEA
This bill, the Colorado Voting Rights Act, establishes new statewide standards governing election administration by political subdivisions. The bill mandates that if political parties use an assembly or convention to nominate candidates, the party must allow a non-in-person voting method. The bill also prohibits election practices that result in a "material disparity" in voter participation or access for members of protected classes and allows individuals, organizations, or the attorney general to bring civil actions against political subdivisions for alleged violations. This codifies expansive standards that could make it harder to implement common-sense safeguards like voter ID, potentially enabling or shielding non-citizen voting.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, maintaining trust in elections requires transparency, accountability, and safeguards that protect the integrity of the voting process. Expanding government control and weakening anti-fraud protections risks undermining public confidence and responsible governance in the administration of elections.
Deuteronomy 16:18-20 – "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you."
Leadership Insight
Moses commands impartial justice - judges who follow "justice alone" without showing partiality. First Freedom depends on courts that protect religious liberty impartially, without favoring secular ideology over sincere faith. When judges show partiality against religious conviction, accepting the cultural bribes of elite approval, they pervert the justice God demands. First Freedom requires judges who fear God more than cultural pressure.
SB 129Senate 20253x

Establishing a "Sanctuary State" for Abortionists and Doctors Performing Transgender Procedures on Minors.

With CEA
This bill establishes new legal protections for individuals and entities engaged in certain healthcare activities, including providing abortions and gender-affirming healthcare. The bill prohibits state agencies, public entities, and licensed professionals from assisting with or providing information for out-of-state or federal investigations seeking to impose liability related to these services. The bill also creates new legal remedies allowing individuals to sue parties who attempt to enforce out-of-state judgments related to these activities. By restricting cooperation with lawful investigations from other jurisdictions and expanding government protections for specific medical procedures, the bill increases state intervention in interstate legal enforcement and public policy disputes surrounding health care practices.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, human dignity and the protection of life are foundational moral principles. Policies that expand government protections for abortion and related procedures raise serious ethical concerns and conflict with the duty to safeguard vulnerable human life.
Psalm 139:13-16 – "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Leadership Insight
David declares that God forms every person in the womb - a truth that shapes First Freedom's protection of religious pro-life conviction. Believers who hold that life begins at conception must be free to operate hospitals, businesses, and ministries according to this conviction. First Freedom protects religious organizations from being forced to fund, perform, or participate in abortion against their sincere belief that God is the Author of life from conception.
SB 144Senate 20252x

Lowering Employee Pay Rates by Expanding Costly Benefits Under the Government-Mandated Paid Leave Program

With CEA
This bill expands benefits under the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act to allow covered individuals to receive up to an additional 12 weeks of paid leave when a child is receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit beginning January 1, 2026. This is in addition to the 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave already allowed under state law. By expanding eligibility for additional paid leave benefits and maintaining an ongoing premium-funded insurance structure, the bill increases government-managed paid leave benefits and long-term program costs.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while supporting families during difficult times is important, policies should also reflect responsible stewardship and balanced governance. Expanding government-managed benefit programs risks increasing long-term financial burdens on workers, employers, and taxpayers.
1 Timothy 5:18 – "The worker deserves his wages."
Leadership Insight
God’s justice includes fair compensation. Exploitation contradicts His design. Leaders who value their teams reflect the righteousness of Heaven in the workplace.
SB 167Senate 20252x

Raiding the Public School Trust Fund to Pay for Wasteful Community Investment Programs and Home Down Payments.

Against CEA
This bill requires the state treasurer to invest at least 20% of the Public School Fund into a newly created "community investment portfolio" by July 1, 2032. The bill directs investments toward projects intended to generate social outcomes for Colorado communities, including loans for housing developments that give preference to public school employees, down payment assistance programs for educators, and investments in housing and community development financial institutions. The bill also requires the treasurer to invest at least $100 million in an Educator First Home Ownership Program by July 1, 2028 and at least $200 million by July 1, 2030 to support shared-equity down payment assistance for public school employees. By directing a portion of a state trust fund toward government-preferred social investments that may generate below-market returns, the bill shifts the fund away from a primary focus on maximizing financial returns for taxpayers.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, stewardship requires managing public resources responsibly and prioritizing long-term sustainability. Redirecting trust fund investments toward government-directed social programs risks undermining careful stewardship of funds intended to benefit future generations.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
SB 177Senate 20251x

Extending an Unnecessary Government Advisory Commission on Early Childhood Leadership.

Against CEA
This bill extends the repeal date for the Early Childhood Leadership Commission for 5 years, from September 1, 2025 to September 1, 2030. By extending the life of a state advisory body rather than allowing it to sunset, the bill continues an additional layer of unnecessary government advisory infrastructure.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, responsible governance values accountability and prudent stewardship of public institutions. Allowing temporary government bodies to sunset when their purpose has been fulfilled helps maintain disciplined and limited government.
Luke 14:28-30 – "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"
Leadership Insight
Vision must meet calculation. God honors leaders who count costs before claiming promises. Stewardship without foresight breeds collapse.
SB 183Senate 20253x

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund Abortions by Expanding Mandates for Medicaid and Insurance Policies.

With CEA
This bill requires health benefit plans issued or renewed in Colorado to cover the total cost of abortion care and repeals provisions delaying implementation for certain individual and small group plans. The bill also requires state-funded health programs, including Medicaid and the Children's Basic Health Plan, to reimburse abortion care services and directs the Medical Services Board to include abortion care in the schedule of covered services for enrolled pregnant persons beginning January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill appropriates $2.9 million for abortion services and allows the state controller to approve expenditures exceeding appropriations if necessary to fund these services.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, the protection of human life is a foundational moral principle. Policies that expand taxpayer funding for abortion raise serious ethical concerns and conflict with the responsibility to safeguard vulnerable unborn life.
Psalm 139:13-16 – "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Leadership Insight
David declares that God forms every person in the womb - a truth that shapes First Freedom's protection of religious pro-life conviction. Believers who hold that life begins at conception must be free to operate hospitals, businesses, and ministries according to this conviction. First Freedom protects religious organizations from being forced to fund, perform, or participate in abortion against their sincere belief that God is the Author of life from conception.
SB 185Senate 20253x

Driving Up Housing Costs by Expanding Legal Liability for Residential Construction.

Against CEA
This bill clarifies that construction professionals have an independent tort duty of care that imposes civil liability for claims that a residential home contained a defect. The bill specifies that this duty applies equally to both original residential purchasers and subsequent purchasers. The bill also declares that a recent Colorado Court of Appeals decision limiting these claims does not reflect the public policy of the state. By expanding the ability of homeowners to pursue tort claims against construction professionals beyond traditional contract remedies, the bill increases litigation exposure and legal liability in the residential construction market.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
Proverbs 25:8 – "Do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?"
Leadership Insight
Wisdom delays litigation in favor of reconciliation. Rushing to court escalates conflict and erodes relationships. Leaders promote resolution over retaliation, understanding that legal victories can produce relational losses. Grace must guide justice.
SB 205Senate 20251x

Paving the Way for a Gun Registry by Establishing a Firearm Dealer Serial Number Check System with Reporting Requirements.

With CEA
This bill creates a process for federal firearms licensees (FFLs) to request a firearm serial number check from a local police department or county sheriff before purchasing a firearm from an individual. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to respond to the request within 3 days and allows the agency to charge a fee for performing the check. The bill also requires firearms dealers to report to law enforcement within 48 hours if they know or reasonably believe a firearm being sold to them is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation, with penalties for failing to report. By imposing new reporting requirements and administrative procedures on firearm dealers and law enforcement agencies, the bill expands regulatory oversight of private firearm transactions. This is a slow creep to a broader gun registry as it creates a government-involved process for serial checks that could be expanded later.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, laws should promote public safety while also respecting responsible freedom and avoiding unnecessary regulatory burdens. Expanding government reporting mandates on lawful commerce risks creating additional bureaucracy without addressing the root causes of violence.
Luke 22:36 – "He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.'"
Leadership Insight
Jesus affirms the right to self-defense. Preparedness is not paranoia - it's stewardship of safety. Leaders who defend the Second Amendment defend the biblical principle that protection is both a right and a responsibility. Security begins with the citizen, not the state.
SB 206Senate 20252x

Fueling Out-of-Control and Wasteful Spending Through a $43.9 Billion Budget.

With CEA
This bill implements a $43.9 billion budget for FY 2025-2026. This budget is chock full of frivolous spending, including raising Medicaid reimbursement rates, over $6.4 billion for the Department of Higher Education, $349 million for the Universal Preschool Program, over $185.7 million for the Child Care Assistance Program, and over $32 million for "Health Benefits for Children Lacking Access Due to Immigration Status". The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while caring for families and children is important, responsible stewardship calls for solutions that empower families and communities rather than expanding government welfare programs. Sustainable support for families should prioritize local initiative, charity, and responsible use of public resources.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
SB 276Senate 20251x

Shunning the Rule of Law by Further Restricting Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement.

With CEA
This bill expands state laws restricting cooperation between state and local government entities and federal immigration enforcement. The bill prohibits state agencies, political subdivisions, and their employees from sharing nonpublic personal identifying information with federal immigration authorities for immigration enforcement purposes unless required by law or a court order. The bill also prohibits public schools, public healthcare facilities, libraries, and other publicly funded institutions from collecting information about a person's place of birth, immigration status, or immigration documents except in limited circumstances and requires those institutions to adopt policies governing how immigration enforcement requests are handled. Additionally, the bill prohibits law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining individuals based on civil immigration detainers and restricts jails from delaying the release of individuals for immigration enforcement purposes. By expanding statewide restrictions on immigration enforcement cooperation and limiting the collection and sharing of immigration-related information, the bill restricts coordination with federal immigration authorities and weakens enforcement of federal immigration law.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, justice requires laws to be applied fairly and consistently while respecting the rule of law. Policies that restrict cooperation with lawful immigration enforcement risk weakening accountability and the proper administration of justice.
Romans 13:1-4 – "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
Leadership Insight
Government authority is legitimate only when it reflects God's design - to punish evil and reward good. Leaders submit to righteous authority but resist tyranny. Romans 13 is not a blank check for government overreach; it's a framework for godly governance rooted in justice.
SB 290Senate 20251x

Adding Another Layer of Welfare by Doling Out Money to Certain Healthcare Providers.

Against CEA
This bill creates the Provider Stabilization Fund to distribute payments to healthcare providers that deliver services to low-income and uninsured individuals through government health programs. The bill finances the fund through interest-free loans from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund, including transfers of $25 million in 2025, $20 million in 2026, and $15 million annually from 2027 through 2029. The bill directs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to distribute these payments and establishes a nine-member advisory board appointed by the governor to assist in administering the program. By creating a new government fund to subsidize providers serving government health programs and uninsured patients, the bill expands state welfare spending and government involvement in the health care system.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while caring for vulnerable individuals is important, stewardship also calls for responsible management of public resources. Expanding government welfare spending risks creating long-term fiscal burdens that can undermine sustainable and accountable governance.
Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Leadership Insight
God questions spending on what fails to nourish or satisfy. Healthcare freedom means rejecting one-size-fits-all mandates that force individuals and employers into systems that violate conscience or fail to meet real needs. Leaders who protect healthcare choice allow families and businesses to pursue treatments, coverage, and providers aligned with their values - "eating what is good" rather than consuming what government prescribes.
SB 3Senate 20252x

Infringing Second Amendment Rights by Prohibiting the Manufacture, Sale, and Purchase of Many Semiautomatic Firearms.

With CEA
This bill prohibits a person from manufacturing, distributing, transferring, selling, or purchasing certain semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and gas-operated semiautomatic handguns with detachable magazines beginning August 1, 2026. The bill also classifies devices that increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm as dangerous weapons and establishes criminal penalties, including a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense and a class 6 felony for subsequent offenses. Additionally, the bill requires individuals seeking to purchase certain semiautomatic firearms to complete firearms safety training, obtain a firearms safety course eligibility card from a county sheriff, and be entered into a statewide firearms training and safety course record system. By prohibiting the sale and purchase of many commonly owned firearms and imposing new licensing and training requirements on gun owners, the bill significantly expands government restrictions on the Second Amendment right of law-abiding citizens.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, government has a duty to uphold justice while respecting the God-given rights and responsibilities of individuals. Policies that broadly restrict lawful firearm ownership risk undermining personal liberty and the ability of individuals to protect themselves and their families.
Luke 22:36 – "He said to them, 'But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.'"
Leadership Insight
Jesus affirms the right to self-defense. Preparedness is not paranoia - it's stewardship of safety. Leaders who defend the Second Amendment defend the biblical principle that protection is both a right and a responsibility. Security begins with the citizen, not the state.
SB 308Senate 20253x

Expanding Medicaid and Spending Through New "Social Needs" and "Justice-Involved Individuals" Funds.

Against CEA
This bill creates the Health-Related Social Needs Reinvestment Cash Fund and the Reentry Services for Justice-Involved Individuals Reinvestment Cash Fund to fund services through the state's Medicaid program. The bill directs the state treasurer to transfer money from the General Fund each year equal to unspent appropriations related to these programs and allows the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to spend the money on Medicaid services addressing housing, social services, and services for individuals leaving correctional facilities. The bill also appropriates approximately $15 million in state funding for fiscal year 2025-2026. By creating new Medicaid-related funds and directing millions of dollars toward expanded welfare services, the bill increases government spending and expands the scope of government-run health and social programs. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $200 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while caring for vulnerable individuals is important, policies should also reflect responsible stewardship and sustainable governance. Expanding government welfare programs risks creating long-term fiscal burdens and shifting responsibility away from families, communities, and charitable institutions.
Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Leadership Insight
God questions spending on what fails to nourish or satisfy. Healthcare freedom means rejecting one-size-fits-all mandates that force individuals and employers into systems that violate conscience or fail to meet real needs. Leaders who protect healthcare choice allow families and businesses to pursue treatments, coverage, and providers aligned with their values - "eating what is good" rather than consuming what government prescribes.
SB 313Senate 20253x

Worsening Government Housing Welfare Programs by Broadening Uses of Proposition 123 Tax Revenue.

Against CEA
This bill modifies the permissible uses of the Affordable Housing Support Fund, which is funded through state income tax revenue associated with Proposition 123. The bill allows program funds to be used for administrative costs beginning in fiscal year 2026-2027 and expands eligible expenditures for housing programs, including down payment assistance for households earning up to 120% of area median income and grants or loans to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and other entities to support housing initiatives. The bill also authorizes funds to support homelessness programs, including rental assistance, eviction defense, housing vouchers, and capital construction or operating costs for state-supported residential communities addressing homelessness. By expanding the allowable uses of dedicated tax revenue to finance housing assistance and homelessness programs, the bill broadens government involvement in housing markets and taxpayer-funded housing subsidies.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while stable housing is important for families and communities, public policy should emphasize stewardship and solutions that empower individuals rather than expanding government dependency programs. Responsible governance requires limiting taxpayer-funded subsidies and encouraging private and community-based solutions to housing challenges.
1 Samuel 8:10-18 – "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots... He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants... and you yourselves will become his slaves'"
Leadership Insight
Centralized power always demands sacrifice from the people. God warned Israel that human kings would grow government at the expense of liberty. Limited government protects freedom; expansive government enslaves. Leaders must resist the temptation to control what they should serve.
SB 4Senate 20252x

Expanding Government Regulation of Private Child Care Providers by Mandating Refundable Fees.

With CEA
This bill requires licensed child care programs to refund application fees, wait list fees, and deposit fees paid by prospective families if the family is not enrolled in the program within 6 months of paying the fee. The bill allows providers to retain only a "reasonable administrative fee," with the amount determined by the Department of Early Childhood. The bill also mandates child care programs to provide families with written fee schedules and refund policies when joining a wait list, registering, enrolling, or when policies change. By imposing new mandates and compliance requirements on private child care providers, the bill increases government regulation of child care businesses.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, families benefit from access to diverse child care options supported by responsible private enterprise. Expanding government mandates on providers risks reducing flexibility and increasing burdens on those serving families in their communities.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
Leadership Insight
Operational freedom begins with stewardship. God entrusts leaders with resources, influence, and people - not to control them, but to multiply them for His Kingdom. Faithfulness is Heaven’s metric for leadership success.
SB 48Senate 20253x

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Policies Provide Coverage for Obesity and Pre-Diabetes Treatments.

Against CEA
This bill requires all large group health benefit plans issued or renewed in Colorado to provide coverage for the treatment of obesity and pre-diabetes. The bill mandates coverage for services including a program comparable to the National Diabetes Prevention Program, medical nutrition therapy, intensive behavioral or lifestyle therapy, and metabolic and bariatric surgery. The bill also requires insurers to offer policyholders the option to purchase coverage for FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, including at least one GLP-1 medication used to regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. By imposing new mandatory coverage requirements on large group health insurance plans, the bill expands government regulation of private health insurance markets. Every health insurance mandate prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, while caring for those struggling with chronic health conditions is important, policies should also reflect responsible stewardship and avoid unnecessary government mandates. Expanding regulatory requirements on private health coverage risks increasing costs and limiting flexibility for families and employers.
Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Leadership Insight
God questions spending on what fails to nourish or satisfy. Healthcare freedom means rejecting one-size-fits-all mandates that force individuals and employers into systems that violate conscience or fail to meet real needs. Leaders who protect healthcare choice allow families and businesses to pursue treatments, coverage, and providers aligned with their values - "eating what is good" rather than consuming what government prescribes.
SB 5Senate 20253x

Further Diminishing the "Right to Work" by Eliminating the Second Election Requirement for Union Security Agreements.

With CEA
This bill repeals the requirement that employees hold a second election before a union security agreement can be included in a collective bargaining contract. Under current law, after a union is certified, employees must approve an additional election before an "all-union" agreement requiring union membership or dues payments can take effect. The bill removes this second election requirement and allows union security provisions to be negotiated directly through collective bargaining without additional employee approval. By eliminating the second vote requirement, the bill makes it easier to impose union security agreements that compel workers to join or financially support a union. All employees should have the "right to work" without being forced to join a labor union.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, protecting human dignity includes respecting the freedom of individuals to make decisions about their work and associations. Policies that make it easier to compel union membership or financial support risk undermining personal liberty and conscience in the workplace.
Galatians 3:28 – "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Leadership Insight
Paul declares that social distinctions - including the slave/free distinction - do not determine value in Christ. Workforce freedom applies this truth: every worker deserves the right to negotiate freely, to keep their wages, and to be free from coercive systems that treat them as collective property rather than individual image-bearers. Forced union membership contradicts this gospel vision by treating workers as categories to be controlled rather than individuals to be respected.
SB 5 (Amd. 9)Senate 20253x

Allowing Employees to Refuse Union Representation and Dues Payments.

With CEA
The Lundeen amendment #9 to a bill that strengthens labor unions adds language allowing an employee in a collective bargaining unit to refuse union representation and be exempt from paying union membership dues, agency fees, or fair share fees. By allowing workers to opt out of union representation and mandatory union payments, the amendment protects individual worker choice and freedom of association.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, respecting human dignity includes honoring an individual’s freedom of conscience and association. Policies that protect workers from being compelled to support organizations against their beliefs promote fairness and personal responsibility.
Galatians 3:28 – "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Leadership Insight
Paul declares that social distinctions - including the slave/free distinction - do not determine value in Christ. Workforce freedom applies this truth: every worker deserves the right to negotiate freely, to keep their wages, and to be free from coercive systems that treat them as collective property rather than individual image-bearers. Forced union membership contradicts this gospel vision by treating workers as categories to be controlled rather than individuals to be respected.
SB 63Senate 20252x

Restricting Parental Rights by Imposing State Standards on School Library Materials.

With CEA
This bill requires local education providers to adopt written policies governing the acquisition, retention, display, use, and reconsideration of public school library resources. The bill requires these policies to comply with specific state standards, including provisions addressing discrimination related to the author, content, or intended audience of materials. The bill also limits who may challenge library materials by requiring that reconsideration requests come only from a parent of a student enrolled in the school and prohibits reconsideration of the same library resource more than once every two years. Additionally, the bill prohibits school library staff from being disciplined or terminated for refusing to remove a library resource before the reconsideration process is completed. By imposing statewide procedural standards and limiting who may challenge library materials, the bill reduces local control and restricts the ability of parents and communities to influence school library content decisions.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, parents and local communities should retain meaningful authority over the educational environments shaping their children. Policies that limit parental oversight and centralize control over school library decisions weaken accountability and the role of families in guiding moral and educational formation.
Acts 4:19-20 – "Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."
Leadership Insight
When truth is silenced, darkness prevails. The apostles refused to edit their message for cultural comfort. Faithful leaders must speak what God says, even when it costs influence.
SB 71Senate 20251x

Addressing Rising Healthcare Costs Caused by Obamacare Through 340B Drug Reforms.

With CEA
This bill creates the "Colorado 340B Contract Pharmacy Protection Act" and prohibits drug manufacturers, third-party logistics providers, and repackagers from restricting or limiting the ability of 340B covered entities and their contracted pharmacies to acquire and dispense discounted drugs under the federal 340B drug pricing program. The bill also prohibits manufacturers from requiring covered entities or pharmacies to submit health information, claims data, purchasing data, or other utilization information that is not required under federal law. Additionally, the bill subjects violations to enforcement under Colorado's deceptive trade practices law and authorizes the attorney general to investigate violations and impose civil penalties. The bill also requires certain hospitals participating in the program to report annual 340B savings and describe how those savings are used in their annual financial reports. By preventing pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting participation in the 340B program, the bill helps protect cost-saving mechanisms that mitigate rising healthcare costs driven by federal healthcare mandates and regulations.
Christian Employers Alliance supports this bill because protecting the 340B program helps counter rising healthcare costs and regulatory distortions created by federal healthcare mandates.
SUPPORT is the CEA Position, based on:
Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Leadership Insight
God questions spending on what fails to nourish or satisfy. Healthcare freedom means rejecting one-size-fits-all mandates that force individuals and employers into systems that violate conscience or fail to meet real needs. Leaders who protect healthcare choice allow families and businesses to pursue treatments, coverage, and providers aligned with their values - "eating what is good" rather than consuming what government prescribes.
SB 77Senate 20252x

Weakening Government Transparency by Extending Response Timeframe for Public Records Requests.

Against CEA
This bill modifies the Colorado Open Records Act by increasing the standard response time for records requests from 3 to 5 working days, and allows extensions of up to 10 additional working days under certain circumstances. The bill also allows custodians to delay providing records for up to thirty working days if the request is determined to be for the direct solicitation of business for pecuniary gain and authorizes agencies to recover costs associated with responding to those requests. By expanding response timelines, exemptions, and administrative discretion over public records requests, the bill weakens transparency and increases government control over access to public information.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, transparency and accountability are important principles for just governance. Policies that reduce public access to information risk weakening trust and responsible oversight of government authority.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
Leadership Insight
Operational freedom begins with stewardship. God entrusts leaders with resources, influence, and people - not to control them, but to multiply them for His Kingdom. Faithfulness is Heaven’s metric for leadership success.
SB 83Senate 20253x

Infringing Private Contracting Rights by Banning Certain Noncompete Agreements in Health Care.

Against CEA
This bill modifies Colorado law governing restrictive employment agreements by prohibiting covenants not to compete that restrict the practice of medicine, advanced practice registered nursing, or dentistry in the state. The bill also provides that agreements preventing healthcare providers from informing patients about their continued practice, new contact information, or a patient's right to choose a provider are treated as unlawful restrictive covenants. By restricting noncompete agreements between employers and healthcare professionals, the bill restricts the ability of private parties to negotiate and enforce voluntary employment contracts.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, responsible governance respects the freedom of individuals and institutions to enter into voluntary agreements. Policies that limit private contracting rights risk undermining economic freedom and the ability of organizations to manage their affairs responsibly.
Isaiah 55:2 – "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Leadership Insight
God questions spending on what fails to nourish or satisfy. Healthcare freedom means rejecting one-size-fits-all mandates that force individuals and employers into systems that violate conscience or fail to meet real needs. Leaders who protect healthcare choice allow families and businesses to pursue treatments, coverage, and providers aligned with their values - "eating what is good" rather than consuming what government prescribes.
SB 94Senate 20251x

Growing the Socialization of Higher Education through Enormous Increases in Appropriations.

Against CEA
This bill increases appropriations to the Department of Higher Education for fiscal year 2024-2025 by modifying previously enacted budget allocations across multiple programs and institutions. The bill increases the total departmental appropriation to $6.235 billion and includes major spending allocations such as $256 million for need-based financial aid grants, $23.1 million for work-study programs, and $10 million for the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The bill also provides $388.7 million for College Opportunity Fund stipends supporting an estimated 111,194 students at $3,480 per thirty credit hours and authorizes $837.6 million in fee-for-service contracts with state institutions for higher education programs. By increasing appropriations and maintaining large taxpayer-funded subsidies across financial aid and institutional funding programs, the bill expands government spending on higher education. These enormous costs should not be imposed on individuals who elect to pursue activities other than higher education, such as those who start their own businesses or work in the trades.
OPPOSE is the CEA Position, based on:
From a faith-based perspective, responsible stewardship requires careful management of public resources and restraint in expanding government spending. Policies that significantly increase state expenditures should prioritize fiscal discipline and accountability to taxpayers.
Luke 14:28-30 – "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"
Leadership Insight
Vision must meet calculation. God honors leaders who count costs before claiming promises. Stewardship without foresight breeds collapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sen. Cleave Simpson's voting record?

Sen. Cleave Simpson (R-CO-6) earned a 60% Christian Employers Alliance score for 2025, showing moderate alignment with biblical business policy positions. Cleave Simpson voted on 47 of the 47 key bills CEA scored in 2025. Across 2 years rated, Cleave Simpson's lifetime CEA score averages 65%, with 75 votes recorded across 76 scored bills. Cleave Simpson represents the 6th District in the Colorado State Senate. Highest category scores: First Freedom (95%), Operational Freedom (77%), and Economic Freedom (52%).

How aligned is Cleave Simpson with biblical business policy positions?

Cleave Simpson earned a 60% Christian Employers Alliance score in 2025, showing moderate alignment with biblical business policy positions.

What is Cleave Simpson's CEA score?

Cleave Simpson has a 60% CEA score for 2025. Across 2 years rated, Cleave Simpson's lifetime average is 65%.

Where does Cleave Simpson serve?

Sen. Cleave Simpson (R-CO-6) represents the 6th District in the Colorado State Senate as a Republican.

What issue categories does Cleave Simpson score highest on?

Cleave Simpson's strongest categories on the Christian Employers Alliance scorecard are: First Freedom (95%), Operational Freedom (77%), Economic Freedom (52%).

Where can I see Cleave Simpson's full voting record?

View the full list of scored bills, category breakdown, and year-over-year voting record above. Christian Employers Alliance updates this scorecard as new key votes are scored.

Christian Employers Alliance — Faith. Family. Freedom.
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