Posts by Bell Policy Center Staff

equal pay for equal work act

Testimony: Support Equal Pay for Equal Work Act

While pay inequity should first be recognized as a moral issue, it is also an economic issue. Colorado loses more than a combined total of $13 billion every year due to the gender wage gap.

Two individuals engaged in a conversation about compensation information practices at a table inside a room with natural light.

Testimony: End Prior Compensation Information Practices

Policies that focus on a job’s worth, versus an applicant’s salary history, have been implemented by companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Google. Still, a recent survey found only 5 percent of employers say it’s already existing practice not to ask about a candidate's pay history.

local control of minimum wage in colorado

Testimony: Support Local Control of Minimum Wage in Colorado

The hourly wage needed to be self-sufficient for an adult and a preschooler is $26.86 in Boulder County, $17.41 in Mesa County, $20.18 in El Paso County, and $14.80 in Yuma County. Yet the state minimum wage is the same for all. 

colorado health care coverage options

Testimony: Study Colorado Health Care Coverage Options

Many Coloradans, particularly those in mountain and rural communities, are reaching a health care crisis point. We need to problem solve now.

colorado secure savings plan

Testimony: Colorado Secure Savings Plan Offers Coloradans Retirement Security

In our 2016 study, we found almost 900,000 Colorado private sector workers in their prime working years are not participating in any type of retirement savings plan at work. The Colorado Secure Savings Plan could change that.

colorado medicaid work requirements

Testimony: Oppose Colorado Medicaid Work Requirements

A work requirement is unlikely to spur large numbers of additional non-disabled adults to get a job, but it will lead to tens of thousands of people losing coverage.

colorado legislature

The Bell Calls on Colorado Legislature to Invest in Child Care, Early Childhood Education

Money spent on children under age 4 have an enormous return on investment, including less reliance on social services later in life and an economic boost by allowing parents the time and ability to work.

White chalk question mark on Colorado's middle class blackboard.

What Happened to Colorado’s Middle Class?

Research done for the Bell Policy Center shows "traditional success is unobtainable for families earning the median income, regardless of county, age of children, or year studied." 

retirement in colorado

We Need to Talk About Retirement in Colorado

Whether you're just starting out or getting closer to the end of your career, saving for retirement must be a priority for all Coloradans.

child care expenses

Testimony: Support Expanding Child Care Expenses Income Tax Credit

Increasing the state tax credit for child care expenses as a percentage of the federal tax credit and extending eligibility to those with middle incomes will help more Coloradans afford child care. The Bell supports HB18-1208 to expand the child care expenses income tax credit and urges a yes vote on it.