Rep. Junie Joseph Participates in Joint SMART Act Hearing on Energy, Environment, and Public Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2026

Denver, CO — Today, Representative Junie Joseph participated in a Joint Senate Transportation and Energy Committee and House Energy and Environment Committee SMART Act hearing, where lawmakers reviewed the performance, priorities, and accountability of key state agencies responsible for Colorado’s energy, environmental, and public health systems.

During the hearing, committee members heard presentations from the Joint Budget Committee, the Office of the State Auditor, the Department of Public Health and Environment, the Department of Natural Resources, the Colorado Energy Office, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, the Public Safety Power Shutoff Panel, as well as testimony from members of the public.

During the SMART Act discussion, a bill sponsored by Rep. Joseph that would revise the allowable uses of the Nursing Home Penalty Cash Fund to better align with federal law was referenced. It was noted that the proposal could make approximately $16 million available for statewide nurse training programs and tuition reimbursement initiatives, helping strengthen Colorado’s healthcare workforce and improve care for seniors.

The SMART Act process provides legislators with a critical opportunity to evaluate how state agencies are using public resources, meeting statutory goals, and responding to the needs of Colorado communities—particularly as the state faces growing challenges related to energy reliability, environmental protection, and public safety.

“These hearings are about accountability and transparency,” said Rep. Joseph. “They allow us to closely examine how agencies are performing, ask important questions, and hear directly from the public about how state policies are impacting their lives.”

Coloradans are encouraged to stay engaged in the legislative process. Constituents can watch or listen to committee hearings live through the Colorado General Assembly website at https://leg.colorado.gov/ and may also sign up to testify and share their perspectives during hearings.