News

LAKEWOOD, Saturday Nov. 4, 2023 -- Daylight saving time will end this Sunday, and Coloradans will “fall back” for the biannual time change, which can create a risk of drowsy or fatigued driving. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drowsy driving is a contributing factor in an estimated 100,000 crashes each year, and the AAA Foundation estimates that 16% to 21% of all police-reported fatal crashes likely involve driver fatigue.  

“We know that this change in time can affect the way people sleep and that, in addition to driving more in the dark, can create risk of drowsiness or fatigue behind the wheel,” DMV Senior Director Electra Bustle said. “The DMV wants to remind drivers that if you experience any of the warning signs, don’t get behind the wheel or if you are please pull over safely and take a break. It could be the difference between life and death.”

The DMV is also proud to participate in next week’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which is hosted by the National Sleep Foundation. The Division hopes to help reduce the number of drivers who drive while sleep deprived, making our roads safer. 

The DMV urges drivers to be alert, know the warning signs and plan ahead come Monday morning.

Eight drowsy driving warning signs to watch for:

Finding it hard to focus on the road, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
Starting to daydream, wandering eyes and having disconnected thoughts
Having trouble remembering the last few miles driven 
Missing an exit or ignoring traffic signs
Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
Finding it hard to keep your head up or nodding off
Drifting from your lane, tailgating or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
Feeling restless and irritable or becoming aggravated with common annoyances such as sitting in traffic.
Before getting into the car with someone or driving yourself, ask the following:

Are you sleep-deprived or fatigued? Are you suffering regularly from sleep problems? Less than 6 hours of sleep triples your risk of falling asleep while driving, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Are you planning to drive long distances without proper rest breaks?
Will you be driving through the night, mid-afternoon or when you would normally be asleep?
Are you taking medications that can make you sleepy such as antidepressants, cold tablets or antihistamines?
Have you been working over 60 hours a week? A tightly packed work schedule increases your risk of drowsy driving by 40%, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
Have you been working more than one job and your main job involves shift work?
Did you drink alcohol? Even a small amount of alcohol can have an impact on your body.
Helpful tips for driving, include:

Planning your trip ahead of time.
If it is a long-distance trip, ask a friend to join you so they can help drive and monitor for signs of drowsy driving.
If you feel tired, drowsy or notice any of the signs above, pull over and get some rest and only continue driving when alert.
You can find these safety tips and more at dmv.colorado.gov/drivereducation. The DMV will also share tips on Facebook and X throughout the week to help inform motorists about the dangers of drowsy driving.

For more information on Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, visit www.thensf.org/drowsy-driving-prevention.

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The DMV is committed to providing services for all Coloradans where they are needed most, whether it’s in-office, online or on the go. Visit DMV.Colorado.gov/Anywhere to find out how you can DMV anywhere. Yes, anywhere. 

1,500 Nonfarm Payroll Jobs Added in September;
Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.2 Percent

Household survey data

According to the survey of households, Colorado’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point in September to 3.2 percent compared to the August rate of 3.1 percent. The number of unemployed individuals grew by 3,600 over the same time period to 103,500. The national unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in September, unchanged from the month prior.

Colorado’s labor force decreased by 2,500 in September to 3,252,600. The share of Coloradans participating in the labor force fell slightly to 68.6 percent in September, compared to 68.7 percent the month prior. The U.S. labor force participation rate was 62.8 percent in September, matching the rate it was in August.

The number of individuals employed in Colorado declined by 6,100 in September to 3,149,100, which represents 66.4 percent of the state’s 16+ population. Colorado’s employment-population ratio of 66.4 in September was two-tenths of a percentage point lower compared to the August rate of 66.6 percent. The national employment-population ratio was flat in September at 60.4 percent.

Establishment survey data

Employers in Colorado added 1,500 nonfarm payroll jobs from August to September for a total of 2,917,800 jobs, according to the survey of business establishments. Private sector payroll jobs decreased by 600, while government added 2,100 jobs.

August estimates were revised up to 2,916,300, and the over the month change from July to August was a gain of 5,900 rather than the originally estimated increase of 5,600 (monthly revisions are based on additional responses from businesses and government agencies since the last published estimates).

The Private industry sector with significant job gains in September was: professional and business services (≈2,300). Significant over the month private sector job loss occurred in other services (≈2,600).

Since September 2022, nonfarm payroll jobs have increased 40,000, with the private sector growing by 21,000 and government adding 19,000 jobs. The largest private sector job gains were in leisure and hospitality (≈22,300), professional and business services (≈9,000), and educational and health services (≈5,900). During that same period financial activities (≈8,100), trade, transportation, and utilities (≈4,800), construction (≈4,200), information (≈1,800), and other services (≈600) payroll jobs declined. Colorado’s rate of job growth over the past year is 1.4 percent, lagging the U.S. rate of 2.1 percent.

Over the year, the average workweek for all Colorado employees on private nonfarm payrolls declined from 33.5 to 33.4 hours, while average hourly earnings grew from $34.44 to $35.75. Colorado average hourly earnings are one dollar and eighty-seven cents higher than national average hourly earnings of $33.88.

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All Colorado estimates from the establishment and household surveys, including greater geographic detail, are available at: www.colmigateway.com. Estimates for all states and the nation are available at: www.bls.gov.

For data visualizations, visit public.tableau.com/app/profile/cdle.lmi.

The October 2023 Colorado Employment Situation will be released at 8:00 AM on Friday, November 17, 2023. The full schedule of release dates for calendar year 2023 estimates is available at www.colmigateway.com.

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Technical Notes

This release provides information on industry employment and labor force statistics for September 2023, the most current estimates available from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The reference period for the establishment and household surveys was the pay period or week that includes the 12th of the month.

The unemployment rate, labor force, labor force participation, total employment and the number of unemployed are based on a survey of households. The total employment estimate derived from this survey is intended to measure the number of people employed.

Nonfarm payroll jobs estimates are based on a survey of business establishments and government agencies, and are intended to measure the number of jobs, not the number of people employed. Other series based on this survey include private sector average weekly hours, average hourly earnings and average weekly earnings.

The business establishment survey covers about seven times the number of households surveyed and is therefore considered a more reliable indicator of economic conditions. Because the estimates are based on two separate surveys, one measuring jobs by worksite and the other measuring persons employed and unemployed by household, estimates based on these surveys may provide seemingly conflicting results.

Resources Mentioned

Supplemental InformationLabor Force Summary September 2023City Report September 2023County Report September 2023September 2023 Press Release

Coloradans can present their Colorado ID in Wallet easily, securely at select TSA PreCheck® checkpoints

LAKEWOOD, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 — The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced that the Colorado ID can be added to Google Wallet, providing an easy, fast and secure digital version of their state-issued driver license or ID card.

Coloradans can now choose to add their driver license or state identification (ID) card to Google Wallet, and easily and securely present it with a tap or by showing a QR code on their Android phone at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck® security checkpoints, including within Denver International Airport (DEN).

“Colorado is leading the way in digital innovation to enhance customer service,”  DOR Executive Director Heidi Humphreys said. “We are dedicated to revolutionizing how Coloradans experience time, convenience and security. Our mission is to make these fundamental aspects of daily life easily accessible to everyone in the state.”

Colorado is among the first states to implement IDs in Google Wallet. It is only available to people who have a current, valid Colorado-issued driver license or ID and serves as a companion to the physical, plastic driver license or ID — it is not a replacement, and Coloradans must continue to carry their physical driver license or ID card with them.

“In Colorado, we are continuing to improve the way we do business and implementing services that prioritize the security, privacy and convenience of our residents is one of our priorities,” DMV Senior Director Electra Bustle said. “We are excited to expand our mobile credentialing program by collaborating with the Transportation Security Administration and Google to allow Colorado residents traveling to add their Colorado ID to Google Wallet. This new service will enhance their travel experience by making it more effortless and convenient.”

About adding Colorado ID to Google Wallet

Video: How to add your state ID or driver license to Google Wallet

Video: How to present your state ID or driver license in Google Wallet at Airport Security

How can I use my Colorado ID in Google Wallet at the airport?

At this time, presenting your Colorado ID in Google Wallet as a valid form of identification is only accepted at select airport TSA PreCheck® security checkpoints around the country, including within DEN.

When Colorado ID is added to Google Wallet, Coloradans can simply tap their Android phone or present the QR code from their Colorado ID in Google Wallet at the identity reader at the TSA PreCheck® security checkpoint. From there, users will be shown a prompt on their device displaying the specific information being requested by the TSA. Only after unlocking your phone is the requested identity information released from a device, which ensures that just the required information is shared and only the person who added the driver license or state ID to the device can present it. The TSA reader will also capture a photo to complete the verification process.

All information is shared digitally, so users do not need to show or hand over their device to present their ID.

Adding your Colorado ID to Google Wallet is private and secure

Adding your Colorado ID to Google Wallet keeps Coloradans' ID safe with advanced security built right into their Android phone. Once added to Google Wallet, your driver license or ID card is stored encrypted so your personal details can’t be accessed by anyone unless you choose to share it with them. Coloradans are in control and can review their data before it’s shared. When using a Colorado ID in Google Wallet, neither Google nor the Colorado DMV have access to when or where a Colorado ID in Google Wallet is presented.

For more information, visit dmv.colorado.gov/id-on-your-phone.  

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2023

Media ContactMarc Williams
Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
303-866-3144

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is disappointed in the Department of Justice’s decision to file suit against the State of Colorado. Despite the DOJ’s claims, for decades Colorado has maintained a deep commitment to continue building a system that ensures people with disabilities have the option to live and receive their care in the community. In fact, Colorado serves more than 81% of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members with disabilities in the community.

We are proud of the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) system we have built in collaboration with our stakeholder community: a system that is consistently recognized nationally. Just yesterday, AARP named Colorado best in the nation for 2023 for innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and fifth in the nation overall for LTSS services. Colorado will not waver in its efforts to make community living accessible and available to all individuals with disabilities. 

Giving individuals the opportunity to choose to live in the most integrated setting is at the heart of this commitment. Over the past decade, Colorado has made extraordinary progress in strengthening and enhancing the services that are available to people with disabilities to enable them to thrive in their communities. In addition to 81% of our Medicaid members with disabilities living and being served in the community, the state’s extensive support and focus in this area has resulted in the transition of 794 individuals between 2020 and 2022 back to the community and out of nursing homes or similar settings. 

Since the DOJ’s findings letter was received in March 2022, Colorado has accelerated many of its efforts and dedicated over $100M in additional funds to further strengthen and expand the state’s HCBS options. In particular, the new initiatives are targeted to ensure that those either at risk of institutionalization or who are currently residing in an institution are provided with the supports needed to live independently in the community. 

About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing: The Department administers Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), Child Health Plan Plus, and other programs for Coloradans who qualify. These health care programs now cover about one in four Coloradans. For more information about the Department, please visit hcpf.colorado.gov.

LAKEWOOD, Tuesday Oct. 3, 2023 — The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) proudly announces that one of the state's 150th-anniversary license plates has set an unprecedented record as the fastest-selling plate in state history. 

In a tribute to Colorado's history and spirit, residents have rushed to display the "Pikes Peak or Bust" plate on their vehicles, with 5,700 license plates ordered in the first two months of availability, surpassing the previous fastest seller, the Broncos Charities plate, which took four months to reach comparable sales. 

“Colorado’s 150th birthday is an exciting time to celebrate and take pride in our state. Both of the 150th-anniversary license plate designs showcase unique parts of Colorado, so I am not surprised many people chose one for their vehicles,” Governor Jared Polis said. “Congratulations to Calista and Evan on the success of your license plate designs, and I look forward to seeing more of them on the roads!” 

The license plate, which went on sale in August of this year, is based on the Historic Colorado Contest's U13 Division winning design by Calista Blaschke of Denver. The plate design includes Pikes Peak, the State Bird (lark bunting), and the State Tree (blue spruce). 

“I was so thrilled to learn that my design is the fastest selling license plate in Colorado history,” she said. “I never expected to win the Historic Colorado Contest, let alone design a license plate that so many people like enough to put on their cars. I am proud that my art is a part of Colorado's story."

Additionally, the 13+ Division winning plate, designed by Evan Griesheimer of Denver, is also experiencing strong sales, with nearly 3,000 plates ordered through September.  According to Griesheimer, the plate’s design was inspired by the simplicity and colors of the Colorado State Flag, the Rocky Mountains, and the state’s rich mining history. 

Earlier this year, the DMV released four throwback license plate designs, and while the digitally printed Retired Black Passenger plate has surged in popularity becoming the most popular Colorado specialty license plate to date, the unprecedented demand for the 150th-anniversary plates suggests that they could soon become the state's new favorite choice for celebrating its storied past. 

"The overwhelming demand for this special plate showcases the pride that Coloradans hold for their state's enduring legacy," DMV Senior Director Electra Bustle said. "The DMV is committed to giving Coloradans a vehicle to express their interests through their personalized license plate selection."

Coloradans interested in seeing all available license plate designs should visit DMV.Colorado.gov/License-Plates. Residents can purchase license plates online at myDMV.Colorado.gov or a county-operated motor vehicle office. The license plates cost $8.06 per pair, in addition to local fees.

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The DMV is committed to providing services for all Coloradans where they are needed most, whether it’s in-office, online or on the go. Visit DMV.Colorado.gov/Anywhere to find out how you can DMV anywhere. Yes, anywhere. 
 

Media Kit 

High resolution imageAbout: Creation of this license plate was per House Bill 22-1388.
Available For: Motorcycles, Passenger cars, trucks that do not exceed 16,000 pounds empty weight, noncommercial (not available for any vehicle registered as Tax Class A – International Registration Plan (IRP)) or recreational vehicles and motor homes.Requirements: Pay usual taxes and fee.Plate Options:

Passenger regular license plate
Passenger personalized license plate
Motorcycle regular license plate
Motorcycle personalized license plate
 

Funding to help Coloradans transition from institutional living settings 
into their communitiesFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 28, 2023

Media ContactMarc Williams
Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
303-866-3144

Denver, CO - The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) has been awarded a new four-year, $43M Money Follows the Person Demonstration Grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to support older adults and people with disabilities in Colorado. This funding, in addition to funding received during the 2023 legislative session, will help invest more than $100M into the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) system in Colorado over the next four years. 

“Our Department is deeply committed to creating a system that ensures people with disabilities always have the option to receive their care in the community,” said Bonnie Silva, Director of HCPF’s Office of Community Living. “Over the past decade, HCPF has made extraordinary progress in strengthening and enhancing the home and community-based services that are available to people with disabilities. HCPF is excited to implement this new funding to greatly expand community supports with a focus on expediting transitions out of institutional settings, like nursing facilities, and increasing outreach and support to individuals in the community that are considered at-risk of moving to an institutional setting.”

These significant state and federal investments have helped create a statewide program to connect with Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members to help them make informed choices on whether to stay in their nursing home, live at home or transition somewhere else in the community. The team of counselors provide guidance and resources on a variety of items to support Health First Colorado members, such as information about housing and other services. Counselors also answer questions about members’ rights and options, and connect them with other organizations in their local community. 

Since launching on August 1, 2023, counselors have met with 126 members at 14 nursing homes. The team will provide meetings at 75% of all nursing homes by the end of June 2024. Those members living in the community who may be faced with moving to a nursing home will receive outreach to ensure they receive the support they need to remain independent in their community. 

Access to affordable and accessible housing can be a major hurdle when people are ready to move out of a nursing home and back into the community. For that reason, the State is making significant investments to ensure individuals with disabilities receive assistance in finding and securing accessible housing. Housing navigation is a critical service to provide hands-on support for individuals who need particular housing to meet their unique physical needs. HCPF will be expanding housing navigation to include support for members at risk of institutionalization. In addition, four hundred new housing vouchers will be made available through the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for those transitioning out of an institutional setting or those at risk of institutionalization. Additionally, short-term rental assistance, including funds for security deposits, rental arrears, utility start-up costs and pre-tenancy to support individuals in learning about maintaining community housing, are also available to members transitioning to the community. 

Housing is often not the only barrier to a rapid reintegration back into the community for those who have been institutionalized. Delays related to not having a home that is accessible, insufficient funds to purchase furniture and food, or a lack of care providers to meet care needs can also prevent someone from quickly discharging. To address these potential issues, HCPF has increased the available transition set-up costs and enhanced the funds available to support home modifications, while also allowing modifications to occur prior to discharge. Short-term food assistance is also available to ensure the member has food in their pantry and the option to receive home delivered meals.

The process of transitioning can be incredibly stressful and requires a great deal of coordination. For that reason, HCPF has also increased the support available during a transition to connect an individual with someone who has lived experience. HCPF also received approval to implement Community First Choice, which significantly expands access to consumer-directed services for individuals on Medicaid, allowing them to choose their care provider and manage their care.

While more than 81% of Colorado long-term care members currently receive services in the community as opposed to an institutional setting, there is always more work to be done. The $100M in new funding will further strengthen HCPF’s commitment to community living for all individuals with a disability. In particular, these funds will support those who are either at risk of needing or are currently living in an institutional setting to ensure they are afforded every opportunity to live independently in their community. 

About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing: The Department administers Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), Child Health Plan Plus, and other programs for Coloradans who qualify. These health care programs now cover about one in four Coloradans. For more information about the Department, please visit hcpf.colorado.gov.

(DENVER) — The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)’s celebration of Workforce Development Month is focusing the final week of the month on apprenticeships and work-based learning. Celebrated nationwide, Workforce Development Month brings attention to the critical role workforce development services play in the state’s commitment to support an environment where workers and employers can thrive.

Governor Polis and several state agencies are committed to expanding access to work-based learning opportunities that will ultimately grow Colorado’s workforce. Apprenticeship Colorado housed within CDLE’s Office of the Future of Work, now officially a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA), is dedicated to the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) across the state. Apprenticeship Colorado is also gearing up for Apprenticeship Month in November, asking the public and partners to submit nominations for the 2023 Colorado Apprenticeship Awards by Saturday, Sept. 30. 

During the final week of Workforce Development Month, CDLE will be sharing apprenticeship and work-based learning resources for both employers and workers across its social media platforms including but not limited to:

Small Business Apprenticeship Support grant: provides financial incentives of up to $50,000 in grant funding to small businesses to expand administrative support for launching new or expanding existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). Applications are now due no later than Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. MST.
Apprenticeship Directory: a list of Registered Apprenticeship Programs that operate within and across the state of Colorado covering a wide range of occupations in various industries.
Work-Based Learning Incentive (WBLI): provides funding to help with the start-up costs of developing work-based learning programs, including training dollars that could be used in partnership with institutions of higher education or other training providers. 
More resources are listed on the Workforce Development Month website along with a calendar of workforce development events happening across the state. Among the events happening during the next week:

September 26 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m
2023 Workforce Symposium, A Time of Growth in Greely 
This premier event brings together industry leaders, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs to explore cutting-edge strategies and best practices in driving business growth through dynamic leadership and building a skilled workforce
Tickets: $49 per personPurchase tickets here.
AIMS Community College Welcome Center
4901 West 20th St. 
Greeley, CO 80634
 

September 27 at 9:00 a.m.
Breaking Barriers: Employing People with Disabilities
Discover the resources and services available to employers for hiring this talented and dedicated workforce.Register here.
 

September 27 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Autumn Job Fair At Otero College
Otero College
Rizzuto Banquet Room
2001 San Juan Avenue,
La Junta, CO 81050
 

September 27 at 1 to 5 p.m.
Core Civic Hiring Event
Core Civic will be hosting a hiring event at the La Junta Workforce Center. CoreCivic operates safe facilities that provide education and effective reentry programming to help individuals make positive changes, so they can return to the community successfully.
308 Santa Fe Avenue
​​​​​​​La Junta, CO 81010
 

September 27 at 3:00 p.m.
Workforce Boulder County Workforce Center Open House!
St. Vrain Community Hub
515 Coffman Street 
Longmont, CO 80501
​​​​​​​

September 27 at 3:00 p.m.
Workforce Boulder County Workforce Center Open House!
St. Vrain Community Hub
515 Coffman Street 
​​​​​​​Longmont, CO 80501
 

Wednesday, September 27 at 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
State of Colorado Government Careers Informational Event
The State of Colorado Government Careers Informational Event offers Coloradans the opportunity to connect with State of Colorado agencies who are hiring. Attendees will be able to meet virtually with representatives from the participating agencies who will explain the various roles in their agency, minimum qualifications, provide valuable tips on how to apply, and more. Visit the State’s Career Website to browse the various opportunities. Veterans and their spouses have early access starting at 10 a.m. This is a virtual event. Job Seekers can register here. 

5,600 Nonfarm Payroll Jobs Added in August;
Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.1 Percent

Household survey data

According to the survey of households, Colorado’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased two-tenths of a percentage point in August to 3.1 percent compared to the July rate of 2.9 percent. The number of unemployed individuals grew by 4,700 over the same time period to 99,800. The national unemployment rate increased three-tenths of a percentage point to 3.8 percent from July to August.

Colorado’s labor force increased by 2,500 in August to 3,255,000. The share of Coloradans participating in the labor force remained at 68.7 percent in August, identical to the three months prior. The U.S. labor force participation rate was 62.8 percent in August, increasing two-tenths of a percentage point from the month prior.

The number of individuals employed in Colorado declined by 2,200 in August to 3,155,200, which represents 66.6 percent of the state’s 16+ population. Colorado’s employment-population ratio of 66.6 in August was one-tenth of percentage point lower compared to the July rate of 66.7 percent. The national employment-population ratio was flat in August at 60.4 percent.

Establishment survey data

Employers in Colorado added 5,600 nonfarm payroll jobs from July to August for a total of 2,916,000 jobs, according to the survey of business establishments. Private sector payroll jobs grew by 9,100, while government shed 3,500 jobs.

July estimates were revised up to 2,910,400, and the over the month change from June to July was a gain of 3,400 rather than the originally estimated increase of 800 (monthly revisions are based on additional responses from businesses and government agencies since the last published estimates).

Private industry sectors with significant job gains in August were: leisure and hospitality (≈4,700), educational and health services (≈2,800), and professional and business services (≈1,600). There were no significant over the month declines.

Since August 2022, nonfarm payroll jobs have increased 42,700, with the private sector growing by 26,000 and government adding 16,700 jobs. The largest private sector job gains were in leisure and hospitality (≈24,000), professional and business services (≈7,200), and educational and health services (≈6,400). During that same period financial activities (≈7,300), trade, transportation, and utilities (≈5,500), construction (≈2,500), and information (≈1,500) payroll jobs declined. Colorado’s rate of job growth over the past year is 1.5 percent, lagging the U.S. rate of 2.0 percent.

Over the year, the average workweek for all Colorado employees on private nonfarm payrolls was unchanged at 33.3 hours, while average hourly earnings grew from $34.11 to $35.90, two dollars and eight cents more than the national average hourly earnings of $33.82.

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All Colorado estimates from the establishment and household surveys, including greater geographic detail, are available at: www.colmigateway.com. Estimates for all states and the nation are available at: www.bls.gov.

For data visualizations, visit public.tableau.com/app/profile/cdle.lmi.

The September 2023 Colorado Employment Situation will be released at 8:00 AM on Friday, October 20, 2023. The full schedule of release dates for calendar year 2023 estimates is available at www.colmigateway.com.

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Technical Notes

This release provides information on industry employment and labor force statistics for August 2023, the most current estimates available from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The reference period for the establishment and household surveys was the pay period or week that includes the 12th of the month.

The unemployment rate, labor force, labor force participation, total employment and the number of unemployed are based on a survey of households. The total employment estimate derived from this survey is intended to measure the number of people employed.

Nonfarm payroll jobs estimates are based on a survey of business establishments and government agencies, and are intended to measure the number of jobs, not the number of people employed. Other series based on this survey include private sector average weekly hours, average hourly earnings and average weekly earnings.

The business establishment survey covers about seven times the number of households surveyed and is therefore considered a more reliable indicator of economic conditions. Because the estimates are based on two separate surveys, one measuring jobs by worksite and the other measuring persons employed and unemployed by household, estimates based on these surveys may provide seemingly conflicting results.

Resources Mentioned

Supplemental InformationLabor Force Summary August 2023City Report August 2023County Report August 2023August 2023 Press Release

Grants will help integrate physical and behavioral health 
at 147 locations statewideFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 5, 2023

Media ContactMarc Williams
Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
303-866-3144

Denver, CO - The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) has awarded grants to 81 organizations to improve access to integrated primary care, mental health and substance use services. These grants were made possible by the Primary Care and Behavioral Health Statewide Integration Grant Program created by HB22-1302, which focuses on rural and frontier locations to increase the number of communities with access to behavioral health services. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the need for accessible behavioral health services statewide, and the state legislature prioritized funding to increase these services in primary care offices. The grant prioritizes Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members, yet provides funding for practices serving all Coloradans.

From 2023-2026, the 81 grants totaling $29 million will improve, increase, or add integrated behavioral health services at 147 locations throughout Colorado. The program also funds behavioral health providers who want to offer primary care services, so patients can access whole person care where they get their mental health and substance use treatments.

Grantees can use their awarded funds for projects such as:

New models of care that help an office build special care teams and connect with psychiatrists and addiction medicine specialists and social programs
Advancing telehealth platforms, electronic health records systems, and billing systems
Increasing workforce - such as hiring behavioral health providers and training existing providers on effective mental health and substance use programs
Creating provider space - such as redesigning rooms to provide individual or group counseling
Training, education, and licensing/credentialing for primary care teams 
For patients, this means they can get behavioral health counseling, medications, and integrated care support close to home. This also helps address the workforce shortage, improving primary care offices’ ability to serve people with behavioral health needs. 

“Coloradans, especially those in rural and underserved areas, need more access to behavioral health care,” said Cristen Bates, Director of HCPF’s Office of Medicaid & CHP Behavioral Health Initiatives & Coverage. “These grants will provide the fuel many organizations need to meaningfully increase the amount and quality of behavioral health care they can provide and in a setting where many patients feel more comfortable - in the office of their family doctor.”

The state received hundreds of applications, showing strong interest from local communities to build access in their region. For more information on the grant recipients, where they are and how they’ll be putting the grant dollars to work, visit hcpf.colorado.gov/integratedcare and watch this webpage for updates on how the grant project evolves.

About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing: The Department administers Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), Child Health Plan Plus, and other programs for Coloradans who qualify. These health care programs now cover about one in four Coloradans. For more information about the Department, please visit hcpf.colorado.gov.

For Immediate Release
August 23, 2023
Sheena KadiCommunications Director & Public Information Officersheena.kadi@state.co.us303-349-8113

Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young Calls on Federal Trade Commission to Oppose Kroger-Albertsons Merger; Young Expresses Strong Opposition To Kroger-Albertsons Merger, Citing Adverse Effects On Colorado Residents

Denver, Colorado: TODAY - In a letter sent today, Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young is calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to oppose the proposed merger between major grocery chains Kroger and Albertsons. Treasurer Young knows the merger poses a significant threat to the well-being of Colorado residents, and expressed deep concern and strong opposition to the consolidation between two of the largest grocery store chains in the United States.

“I fully expect the CEOs and Boards of Kroger and Albertsons - both have boards and are publicly traded - to cut costs and return increased shareholder value, as that's their primary job,” stated Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young. “My job and that of the FTC, is to look out for the public good. The risks this merger poses to the public, our workers, and families here in Colorado and across the country, far outweigh the benefit to the shareholders of Kroger and Albertsons.”

The proposed merger has raised concerns regarding reduced competition, and potential price increases and detrimental effects on grocery store workers’ wages and pensions. A study from the Economic Policy Institute, found that the merger between Kroger and Albertsons could result in a staggering loss of $334 million in wages for over 746,000 grocery store workers. 

“The mega-merger, currently undergoing FTC review, would drive out competition, increase food prices, create food deserts, and put hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk as well as hurt local farmers and ranchers,” stated United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7, which represent represents workers at both grocery chains.

Read and download the full letter here.

The FTC is currently reviewing the proposed merger and considering its potential impact on competition and consumers. Treasurer Young has urged the FTC to carefully examine the potential consequences of the merger and take necessary action to protect consumers and preserve competition.

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www.colorado.gov/treasury