📌 The Bradley Bulletin: The Truth About Colorado’s Special Session

Partisan Reality

The Special Session came to an end, and it was nothing more than a partisan exercise. The Majority marched in lockstep, parroting talking points while shutting down every opportunity for real debate. On Day 1 alone, every single Republican bill was killed in committee. No collaboration. No willingness to work across the aisle. Just politics as usual.

Republicans offered solutions to cut waste and prioritize families:

• Protecting rural health centers, veterans, and children with disabilities waiting on Medicaid.

• SCR25B-001: Required voter approval for new income “addbacks” (killed).

• HB25B-1008: AI Consumer Protections aligning with federal law to prevent crushing regulations (killed).

• HB25B-1015: My bill would have saved Colorado taxpayers $400 million by cutting wasteful spending on abortions, gender procedures, and healthcare for illegal immigrants.

  
  

  Instead, Democrats voted NO on every single common-sense cut. Representative Bottoms and I came prepared to be the adults in the room—but the Majority chose politics over fiscal responsibility.

  Here’s the reality:

  • 42,000 Coloradans with developmental disabilities are waiting just to get on the Medicaid waitlist.

  • Yet Democrats prioritize illegal immigrants over these families.

  • They spend $90 million on healthcare for incarcerated inmates, including gender-affirming procedures.

  • They pour millions into abortion, while critical needs for Colorado families go unmet.

  
  

  We’re not just “trying” to cut these services for people here illegally—we have to. No other country allows foreign nationals to demand that their healthcare costs be paid for.

  
  

  Why should hardworking Coloradans shoulder that burden?

  
  

  Yes, inmates and illegal immigrants are given priority—but what about the taxpayers who are the backbone of this state? They deserve relief, not more government waste.

Instead of trimming the fat from a bloated budget, Democrats are laying out a hammock for able-bodied adults to stay on welfare. I had some lively comments on able bodies and able minds - If you can work, go to work. Welfare should be a bridge, not a lifestyle. Hungry kids deserve help, not fraud and waste.Meanwhile, Democrats pushed through six new tax measures targeting businesses and working families.

Silenced again

During debate, Rep. Camacho went to the well and complained that it was taking too long — claiming it cost taxpayers $50,000 a day. The Democrats’ solution? Invoke Rule 14 to shut down debate altogether.

These are the same House Democrats who call themselves champions of “tolerance” and “democracy.” Translation: they told half of Colorado, “Sit down and be quiet.”

Every Coloradan deserves to have their voice heard through their elected representatives. Silencing debate doesn’t solve problems — it only deepens division and mistrust.

No shame. Just raw hypocrisy on display.

---

Colorado’s Budget Crisis: The Big Picture

Colorado was facing a $1.2 billion budget shortfall. But instead of cutting waste, Democrats called a Special Session to raise taxes and expand government.

Here’s what you need to know:

• While our population has grown by less than 5%, the state budget has ballooned by 50% in 6½ years.

• Over 1,000 new state employees have been added every year during that time.

• Many programs and salaries were funded with one-time federal COVID money that is now gone.

• Instead of reining in spending, Democrats demanded higher taxes on families and small businesses.

  
  

Colorado is now one of the least affordable and least safe states, and our roads and schools are crumbling. Families are paying the price while the Majority doubles down on failed policies.

Why We Were There

Governor Polis claimed the Special Session was necessary to “balance the budget.”⚖️ The truth: The budget is constitutionally balanced only twice a year—when signed and when supplementals are approved.

This Special Session wasn’t about fiscal urgency. It was about creating a platform to undo federal tax relief and push new taxes.

The Math Problem

• Colorado’s tax code is tied to federal rules (“rolling conformity”).

• HR-1 cut taxes by exempting overtime and tip income federally.

• Instead of letting Colorado workers keep more of their paychecks, Democrats passed HB25-1296, requiring those earnings to be “added back” into taxable income starting in 2027.

➡ The result? Hard-working Coloradans will pay state taxes on overtime pay—even though the federal government exempts it.

Standing for Life

One of the most troubling bills was SB25B-002, which forces Colorado taxpayers to give $4.4 million to Planned Parenthood after the federal government pulled Medicaid funding.

For years, Colorado’s share was roughly $500,000. Instead of protecting families and fiscal responsibility, the Majority poured millions more into abortion.

I held the well for 40 minutes to fight against this bill. I stood firm because every life matters. There’s a reason for every struggle, and I know I made my daughter proud. I will never stop being a voice for the voiceless.

Misplaced Priorities

Instead of addressing what matters most, Democrats chose misplaced priorities:

• Millions more for Planned Parenthood

• Expanded programs for illegal immigrants

• New taxes on overtime and tip income

• Ignored roads, schools, and Medicaid waitlists for children with disabilities

Rep. Yara Zokaie was one of the loudest advocates for taxing overtime through HB 1296.

Bottom Line

Democrats grew the state budget by 50% in just seven years while our population grew only 5%.

We were called into Special Session to cut $1 billion … but managed only $300 million in cuts—while adding $4 million for Planned Parenthood.

Republicans were shut out, our bills killed immediately, and even our constituents were silenced. This Special Session was unnecessary, politically driven, and a direct assault on taxpayers, small businesses, and families.

The so-called “party of working families” is now taxing your tips and overtime—the very lifeline for nurses, construction workers, firefighters, and servers working multiple jobs to survive. At the same time, they spend $400 million on elective procedures and healthcare for illegal immigrants, while families with disabilities wait years for services and rural hospitals struggle to stay open.

In just seven years, the budget exploded, regulations piled up, jobs disappeared, and small businesses—the backbone of our state—have been crushed under bloated government.

This isn’t fiscal responsibility. This is punishment for success. And Colorado, we’re not gonna take it anymore.

In Case You Missed It

🎙️ I joined the Jeff & Bill Show to walk through the truth about Colorado’s budget crisis.▶️

✦ I’ll keep fighting for taxpayers, small businesses, and families. Colorado deserves better.

Your Representative for Colorado House District 39

📌 The Bradley Bulletin: Special Session & We The Parents PAC

Standing Up for Colorado Taxpayers and Families

This week, Governor Polis called the legislature into SPECIAL SESSION to address a projected $783 million budget shortfall. But instead of reining in government and protecting taxpayers, his plan puts politics before people by:

• Protecting Planned Parenthood funding while shifting costs onto hardworking families.

• Expanding SNAP benefits by raiding the Healthy School Meals program—turning a program meant to feed children into yet another welfare expansion.

• Rushing AI regulations that will saddle small businesses and startups with costly compliance.

Let’s be clear: Colorado doesn’t have a revenue problem—we have a spending problem. After seven years of one-party rule, Democrats have grown government by billions, driven away jobs, and made Colorado one of only two states to lose employment—all while crime and regulations skyrocket.

Meanwhile, they’ve diverted hundreds of millions of your tax dollars to pay for healthcare and tax credits for those here illegally, leaving families and seniors struggling with higher costs.

That’s why this special session matters—and why I am fighting back. I am introducing legislation to ensure your taxpayer dollars are used for essential healthcare for Colorado families, not abortion, gender procedures, or benefits for those who are not lawfully residing in our state.

As your Representative,

I will always stand with Colorado families—not special interests or political agendas. Together, we can keep Medicaid sustainable for our most vulnerable—low-income families, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—and protect taxpayer dollars from being wasted on radical priorities.

What My Bill Does

• Prohibits Medicaid reimbursements for abortion and gender-affirming procedures—ensuring taxpayer dollars support life and health, not elective procedures.

• Ends state funding for medical services to individuals unlawfully residing in Colorado—focusing resources on citizens and legal residents who rely on Medicaid as a lifeline.

• Redirects over $150 million currently spent on abortion, gender procedures, and illegal coverage back toward core Medicaid services.

Why It Matters

• Protects Medicaid’s sustainability: With healthcare costs rising and premiums projected to jump 28% by 2026, we must prioritize essential care for those most in need.

• Aligns with Colorado values: Taxpayer dollars should reflect our community’s priorities—supporting families, protecting life, and ensuring fairness.

• Restores trust: Families should have confidence that their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent responsibly and ethically.

Core Principles

• Protecting the vulnerable first – Medicaid must serve children, the elderly, low-income families, and those with disabilities—not elective procedures or illegal coverage.

• Respecting taxpayers – Hardworking Coloradans should not be forced to pay for abortion or gender surgeries.

• Fiscal responsibility – Eliminating wasteful spending on non-essential services saves over $150 million for essential healthcare.

• Putting citizens first – Prioritizing Colorado families over illegal residents ensures fairness in state resources.

• Preserving Medicaid’s future – Keeping the program sustainable means it will continue to serve those who truly depend on it.

The Bottom Line

This bill is about standing up for families, protecting life, and ensuring Colorado’s healthcare safety net serves those who need it most. At a time when the Governor is calling for more spending, more mandates, and higher taxes, I am fighting to put Colorado citizens first.

We are set to gavel in on Thursday, August 21st, at 10 am, and I would love to have your involvement this week, giving testimony in support of my bill in person or online. The first day will be crucial to make your voice heard. Feel free to text my team for more information and assistance with giving testimony during special session- (303) 263-4775

If you want to check out the other pre-released bills, here is a link: https://leg.colorado.gov/2025-special-session-bills-authorized-sponsor-pre-release

Standing With We The Parents

As a Colorado legislator—and more importantly, as a mom—I proudly support We The Parents. This is a grassroots movement founded by parents, grandparents, and community leaders who are deeply concerned about the erosion of parental rights happening behind closed doors.

We don’t just raise awareness—we take action by funding parent-first candidates who will stand for truth, defend families, and restore parental authority in schools and government.

I am committed to ensuring that parents—not bureaucrats—are the ultimate decision-makers for their children. That’s why I stand with We The Parents. Together, we are building a future where faith, family, and freedom come first.

👉 Here’s how you can help:

• Follow us on social media and share our mission. X. Facebook IG

• Sign up for updates to stay informed and engaged. Website

• Consider donating today—your support will directly fund candidates who will fight for parental rights and values-driven leadership.

  
  

Every dollar makes a difference in protecting our children’s future. Will you join us?

Donate Today

Your Representative for Colorado House District 39

📌 The Bradley Bulletin: Every Day is April Fools' in the Colorado Legislature!

Happy April Fools’ Day!

If only the foolishness at the State Capitol was limited to just one day a year. Unfortunately, the radical Left is proving that it’s a year-round event for them! The past few weeks have been some of the hardest since I was elected, but they have only strengthened my resolve to fight back harder. Here is a short recap!

Democrats Side with Child Rapists and Groomers —Again

On March 11th, the Democrats on the Health and Human Services Committee killed my bill to protect minors from dangerous gender “affirming” procedures (HB25-1253). The very next day, the Judiciary Committee killed my bill that would have imposed mandatory jail time for those convicted of sexually assaulting children (HB25-1073). Right now, 70% of child rapists in Colorado get probation. That’s right—probation.

My bill would have changed that. Instead, the Democrats killed HB24-1073 at 3 AM when they thought no one was watching.

These are the facts:

• 70% of child rapists in Colorado get probation.

• No one has spent more than 25 years in prison for raping a child under our current system.

• 73% of convicted child rapists have been paroled, with an average sentence of only 8 years.

They think this fight is over. It’s not. They have NO IDEA the fury they have unleashed. Get your popcorn ready because the truth is coming out.

They Said WHAT?!

If you missed my takedown of the Democrats who voted against this bill, here are some highlights:

Rep. Yara Zokaie (HD 52): "Child rapists have higher recidivism rates if they go to jail."

Wrong. And we brought the data to prove it. They don’t care about facts—they care about protecting criminals.

Rep. Lorena Garcia (HD 35): "We are sentencing child rapists to inhumane torture, and I won’t be a part of that."

Garcia also said: "Even as a survivor of rape, I don’t wish that on anyone—not even my own rapist."

Let that sink in. She would rather let rapists roam free than see them behind bars. And guess what? She makes six figures chairing Elephant Circle, a group that promotes abortion-on-demand in Colorado. Read about her NGO in a recent RMV article.

Listen to the Recap:

Last week, I joined The Dan Caplis Show with George Brauchler to discuss how the Democrats killed my bill, HB25-1073 - they chose to protect criminals instead of the most vulnerable among us—our children.

Listen to the full interview here

When I say the system is broken, I mean it.

The liberal media refuses to cover HB251073, so I’m grateful to social media influencers like @libsoftiktok and @ImMeme0 for spreading the word.

They shared my closing statements, and the Libs of TikTok post has over 600,000 views! Thank you for standing up for Colorado’s children!

Check out the post

---

Stop the Digital Exploitation of Our Kids!

Remember my bill to protect children from digital exploitation in schools that passed committee last month?— the Democrat Majority Leader, Monica Duran, is playing politics by refusing to schedule it for a vote.

Email her TODAY and demand that HB25-1158 is heard!

Schools should be safe spaces for learning, not playgrounds for corporate greed.

Email Duran

---

Democrats Attack Your Gun Rights ... as always!

While Republicans fought to protect your Second Amendment rights, many Democrats spent the debate coloring and scrolling on their phones. If you ever visit the Capitol, pay attention to who is even in the room when critical issues are being debated.

FACT: Colorado cut school safety funding from $50 million to $2 million in just five years. Meanwhile, they push gun restrictions that punish law-abiding citizens while criminals buy weapons off the streets.

FACT: Colorado has 8 million guns and one of the lowest firearm-related death rates in the country. Guns aren’t the problem.

Yet, the Democrats passed SB25-003 anyway. Now, it’s up to Governor Polis to VETO it. Call his office today and demand he vetoes this overreach!

---

The Most Radical Bill in Colorado History

A shocking new bill just dropped HB25-1312—and it’s the most extreme attack on parental rights we’ve ever seen. This bill will:

✅ Define “misgendering” as child abuse—meaning parents could lose custody of their children for using the “wrong” pronouns.

✅ Protect any parent who brings a child to Colorado for irreversible gender surgeries, nullifying other states' laws and court orders.

✅ Force all schools (including charter schools) to comply with child transitioning policies.

✅ Define “misgendering” and “deadnaming” as discrimination for all businesses in Colorado.

This is insane. A bill this extreme shouldn’t even be considered, yet here we are. Sign up to testify TODAY! Will be heard upon adjournment in the Judiciary Committee

Sign Up

---

36 Days Left—Buckle Up

We have just over a month left in this Legislative Session, and the Left is ramming through their radical agenda at record speed. But I won’t back down. If you want to help me fight back, stay engaged, show up, and spread the word.

It’s April Fools’ Day, but in the Colorado Legislature, the foolery happens every day. Lord, save Colorado.

Brandi Bradley

Your Representative for Colorado House District 39