Even as many states deem marijuana businesses to be “essential” operations that can continue their activities during the coronavirus pandemic, ongoing federal cannabis prohibition means they can’t get access to relief funds available to other industries under COVID-19 legislation passed by Congress. The governor of Colorado is seeking to change that. “Unfortunately, a large number of small businesses in Colorado are not eligible for these loans due to their involvement in the state-legal cannabi... Read more

Lakewood, Colo.- Today U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) held a telephone town hall with Governor Jared Polis; Dr. Mark Johnson, Executive Director of Jefferson County Public Health; and Patrick Teegarden, Director of Policy and Legislation for Colorado Department of Labor and Unemployment (CDLE). The call was to discuss the latest updates on COVID-19 and answer questions from constituents. To listen to a recording of the April 13th town hall, click below: LINK Read more

The word congress actually means a formal meeting. So for members of Congress, this period of social distancing has been challenging. “We have not figured it out yet,” said Rep. Jason Crow, a Democrat. “We’re not, as a Congress, where we need to be in terms of remote work and technology.” Crow is one person in favor of getting back to the Capitol, where lawmakers were put on an unscheduled recess through at least April 20. Crow said it’s necessary for the type of work that can only be done in pe... Read more

Wanda James sold more cannabis two weeks ago than she usually does on April 20 — the day many marijuana users have come to consider their holiday — after Denver's mayor announced that recreational cannabis shops like hers would have to shut down to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. "There was a huge rush. It felt like people were starting to hoard," said James, who opened her shop, Simply Pure, in 2016. "Everyone was buying cannabis and toilet paper." But since Mayor Michael Hancock quick... Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Jason Crow (CO-06) and Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) today sent a bipartisan letter with Reps. Scott Tipton, Joe Neguse, and Rep. Doug Lamborn to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Small Business Committee Chair Nydia Velázquez, and Small Business Committee Ranking Member Steve Cabot about the need to include local chambers of commerce - 501(C)(6) organizations - within the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) the next COVID-19 relief package. The letter add... Read more

Lakewood, Colo.- Today U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) held a telephone town hall with Dr. Mark Johnson, Executive Director of Jefferson County Public Health; Frances Padilla, District Director of the Colorado SBA Office; and a representative from the Colorado Department of Labor and Unemployment (CDLE). The call was to discuss the latest updates on COVID-19 and answer questions from constituents. To listen to a recording of the April 8th town hall, click below: LINK ### Read more

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Reps. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) and Joe Morelle (NY-25) introduced new legislation to provide additional support for states and tribal governments to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Assistance for States Act will provide additional funding and flexibility for states and tribal governments to adequately protect and care for their residents and help begin the economic recovery from COVID-19. The funding for each state or tribal government is... Read more

Congress has already passed three relief bills worth trillions of dollars in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But as that money flows out, one thing is coming into sharp relief for many lawmakers: It might not be enough. Congressional leaders and the White House are eyeing a fourth coronavirus package. And members of the Colorado delegation already have ideas for what should be included. Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette said she and her House colleagues are working on what they call “CARES 2.0.” ... Read more

Colorado Congressman Ed Perlmutter joins 850 KOA to discuss what the stimulus package will do for individuals and businesses and the challenges the economy is facing during this time. Listen to the interview here. Read more

A $2 trillion bill to aid workers, health care providers and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic is poised to become law following its passage in the U.S. House on Friday. Many House members reconvened in Washington to approve the 880-page measure, which stands to be the largest economic aid package in U.S. history. The chamber passed the measure using a “voice vote” typically used for uncontroversial measures, despite the objection of one House Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, wh... Read more