Nonprofit Coalition praises house passage of build back better package, urges immediate Senate consideration

With the U.S. House of Representatives taking action today to pass its version of the budget reconciliation bill, known better as the Build Back Better Act, Colorado nonprofit groups and advocates praised its passage and urged the U.S. Senate to move to consider it in that chamber as soon as possible.

The “Build Back Better” agenda, which will lower costs for a range of everyday expenses like health insurance and child care, will make major investments in our ability to be resilient to climate change, and will improve quality of life for millions of families by reducing poverty, also includes tax reforms that will ask corporations and people who make over $400,000 in income to pay their fair share. Polling conducted this summer and fall by national opinion research firms (Hart Research Associates and Data For Progress) showed strong support among Colorado voters for the package.

Members of the Fund Our Future coalition issued the following statements in support of today’s House vote:

"House passage of this transformational bill is a huge step forward for Colorado’s working families, and additional support to help them make ends meet is particularly welcome as the economy is still rebounding from the effects of the pandemic-caused recession,” said Carol Hedges, executive director of the Colorado Fiscal Institute. “The work is not done, however, and the Senate should move quickly to improve the bill. Taking out provisions that overwhelmingly favor the wealthy, like the state tax deduction for the wealthy, will mean that more of the bill is paid for and that those with the most are contributing more to the well-being of the country." 

"House passage of the Build Back Better package is a huge step to improving health equity and affordability,” said Adam Fox, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative’s Deputy Director. “Nearly 240,000 Coloradans will benefit from increased financial assistance to make health insurance affordable, including 87,000 who aren't currently enrolled. 950,000 Coloradans will gain hearing care with the expansion of Medicare, tens of thousands will benefit from improved Medicaid coverage, and allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices can benefit all Coloradans. This is a huge investment in our health and well-being, and the Senate should pass this bill without delay.”

“We are relieved to see the U.S. House move forward on this important package that will help Colorado families,” said Ashley Wheeland, Director of Public Policy Hunger Free Colorado. “The package includes options for more children to get school meals and food while school is out for summer. This is vital as families who continue to be economically disadvantaged by this pandemic are low income families with children. These provisions will keep children from going hungry and we need the U.S. Senate to pass legislation that includes them as well. It’s time to say every kid should have the food they need while they learn.” 

"Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is thrilled to see the Build Back Better plan make it past this hurdle, and we are hopeful that the critical investments in housing are preserved in the Senate,” said Cathy Alderman, Chief Communications and Public Policy Officer with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. “This package will mean a huge boost to Colorado's housing stock and increased access to housing vouchers for thousands of families who need them most."

About the fund our future coalition:

Center for Health Progress works to create opportunities and eliminate barriers to health equity for Coloradans. 

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless works collaboratively toward the prevention of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for families, children, and individuals who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness throughout Colorado.

Colorado Consumer Health Initiative is nonpartisan, nonprofit group that advocates for equitable access to high-quality, affordable health care for all Coloradans.

Colorado Fiscal Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization advocating for tax and economic policies that promote equity and widespread prosperity.

Hunger Free Colorado is a statewide nonprofit organization that connects people to food resources to meet existing needs and drives policy, systems and social change to end hunger. We envision a day when every Coloradan has equitable access to the nutritious food needed to thrive and reach their full potential.