What’s Happening in Colorado
* Over 135 bills have been introduced since the 2023 Session began, many of which address behavioral health.
We will keep you informed on the bills we are taking positions on the following webpage.
* Governor Polis delivered his fifth State of the State to a joint session of the legislature on January 17th, where he laid out his vision for Colorado.
Notably, the Governor highlighted housing, public safety, affordable health care, education, and climate as his top priorities.
A View from Washington, D.C.
* The U.S. Congress convened this month to kick off the 118th Session.
The Republicans hold a slim majority in the House of Representatives, whereas Democrats control the Senate, 51 to 49. In this divided government, it is unclear whether one party or the other will be able to enact its entire agenda. We hope our federal representatives will continue working on improving our behavioral health system.
* The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released its annual National Survey on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH).
This report found that in 2021, 61.2 million Americans used illicit drugs, 94% of people with substance use disorder did not receive any treatment, and 25% of adults had a mental illness.
