We've reached 740 signatures and 666 supporters. Thank you!!
But the real work begins now. The Colorado legislative session starts January 14, 2026. The last day for bill requests is January 20. We have 11 days to secure legislative sponsors for caregiver workplace protections.
I just published Colorado Policy Brief #1 analyzing how Colorado's $850 million budget deficit and caregiver workforce exits are connected-and presenting a policy solution that costs nothing.
Here's what Colorado lawmakers need to know:
→ 580,000 Colorado adults (13% of our population) are family caregivers → We provide $10.1 billion in annual unpaid labor → 67% of us struggle to balance work and caregiving → When caregivers leave the workforce, we lose an average of $303,000 in lifetime earnings → Colorado's 65+ population will nearly double by 2040
The solution: Workplace accommodations for long-term family caregivers-flexible schedules, remote work options, modified duties during care crises. Negotiated, not mandated. Similar to Colorado's POWR Act (pregnant workers) and CADA (workers with disabilities). No state appropriation required.
This week, I'm reaching out to potential sponsors: Senator Judy Amabile (Appropriations Chair), Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet (President Pro Tempore), Senator Cathy Kipp (Finance Chair), and Senator Marc Catlin (Business, Labor & Technology).
Read and listen to the full policy brief: [https://open.substack.com/pub/therevenueneutralcaregiver/p/colorado-policy-brief-colorados-budget?r=6a52ih&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true]
What you can do:
- Share this petition with Colorado caregivers
- Contact your Colorado state senator and representative
- Share your caregiving story with legislators
Colorado has 580,000 family caregivers who shouldn't have to be lucky. They should have policy.
Thank you for standing with us.
Kindly and Gratefully,
- Mark Fukae The Revenue Neutral Caregiver
Director of Advocacy - Professionals Who Care