Rep. Junie Joseph Issues Statement on HB26-1360 During Long Bill Debate, Urges Protection of Affordable Housing Investments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2026

DENVER, CO — During floor debate on the state’s annual budget, Representative Junie Joseph delivered a statement highlighting the importance of maintaining Colorado’s commitment to affordable housing through HB26-1360 and the voter-approved framework established by Proposition 123.

Speaking amid discussions of a significant state budget shortfall, Rep. Joseph acknowledged the difficult work of the Colorado Joint Budget Committee (JBC) in balancing competing priorities, while emphasizing the urgent need to protect investments in housing stability.

In her remarks, Rep. Joseph underscored that more than half of her district are renters and that housing affordability remains one of the most pressing challenges facing communities across Colorado. She pointed to rising costs, workforce displacement, and housing insecurity affecting families statewide—from urban centers to rural and mountain communities.

“Colorado is facing a real budget crisis, and these are not easy decisions,” said Rep. Joseph. “At the same time, housing stability is a daily reality for so many Coloradans. We must do everything we can to uphold the commitments we’ve made to address this crisis.”

Rep. Joseph highlighted that Proposition 123 created a dedicated funding stream of approximately $300 million annually to support affordable housing development and homeownership, and noted that more than 200 local governments have opted into the program, demonstrating a statewide partnership to address housing needs.

Through HB26-1360, the legislature is considering policies connected to maintaining and implementing these investments during a challenging fiscal period. Rep. Joseph stressed that sustained funding is essential to ensure that housing projects already underway can move forward and that communities can continue planning for future development.

“We are doing what we can to balance the budget responsibly,” Rep. Joseph added. “But protecting Proposition 123 funding, to the extent possible, means supporting projects already in the pipeline, providing certainty to local governments, and continuing to respond to one of the most pressing challenges facing our state.”

Rep. Joseph reaffirmed her commitment to working with colleagues to navigate the state’s fiscal constraints while preserving critical investments that help ensure every Coloradan has access to stable, affordable housing.