VOLUME 36 | ISSUE 8
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 22, 2024
Manny Rutinel hopes to make impact in statehouse
Rep. Manny Rutinel, Democrat representing House District 32 which includes Commerce City and parts of Adams County, stands under a picture of him and his mother ROSSANA LONGO BETTER in his office on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.
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BUSINESS
Environmental lawyer appointed to fill Commerce City vacancy in House District 32
BY ROSSANA LONGO BETTER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
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Environmental lawyer turned state legislator Manny Rutinel was chosen by a vacancy committee in November 2023 to represent House District 32, which includes Commerce City. Rutinel, who was originally born in the Dominican Republic, came to Colorado in 2021 with a focus on economic justice and environmental concerns. Colorado Community Media’s La Ciudad sat down with Rutinel to hear more about his journey to the statehouse. Growing up with a single mom and facing economic diffi-
culties have shaped his perspective, said Rutinel. He highlighted legislation, such as HB24-1007, aiming to eliminate discriminatory housing practices. He also strives to engage younger residents and implement policies for a better future. Interviews have been edited for length and clarity. La Ciudad: State Rep. Manny Rutinel, you grew up in the Dominican Republic, went to school in Florida and you ended up in Colorado while you were working as a lawyer with EarthJustice. Share how those life experiences prepared you for the important role you have in the Colorado legislature. Manny Rutinel: First of all, thank you so much Rosanna for having me. I grew up in many different parts of not just the country, but different countries as well. I am the son of a single mother. She brought us from the Dominican Republic when I was six and we bopped around different
parts of the country in California and Florida while she was looking for better economic opportunity. So that really informs the sort of things that I prioritize for myself and for the communities that I represent. I have a very similar working-class background, I have very similar air and water issues that I experienced in the different environmental justice communities growing up. And so when I think about my priorities and who I am and what I represent, it’s that fight for working families and for environmental justice that I experienced growing up. La Ciudad: Since you are mentioning environmental justice, what’s your personal opinion on the $10.5 million fine Suncor just got and how the money is going to be used to counter arrest the problems that this industry brings to the community? Rutinel: It’s probably the largest against a single polluter in Colorado’s history. The sad reality is that Suncor has made billions of dollars in profit off the backs of communities like those in Commerce City, who I represent. And so, although I think it’s great to hold corporate polluters accountable to this extent, I think we can do a lot more, and I think we have to, in order to protect these communities. La Ciudad: What do you see as the most important issues besides the environmental issue as the challenges that your constituents have to face on a daily basis? Rutinel: My district represents Commerce City and a little bit of unincorporated Adams County that surrounds Commerce City. These areas are Latino, working-class areas. When I think about the issues that these communities face, besides the environmental justice concerns, it’s economic justice issues. The affordability issues across the state and in areas like mine, is front and center for so many families.
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Homeowners can delay property tax payments BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORACOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
If you’re staring at your property tax bill and having a meltdown, a Colorado program might offer you relief. The state’s Property Tax Deferral Program allows homeowners to push their property tax payment down the road, potentially for years — depending on eligibility. “Anytime we can keep folks in their homes and help them find tax relief at the same time is a win for Coloradans,” Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young said in a prepared statement. Homeowners can delay, or “defer,” tax payment for as long as they own their home. The program charges interest — or a slow yearly increase — in the amount of taxes you owe. Here’s how the program works. Who is eligible
Colorado’s deferral program has traditionally helped seniors and active military personnel, but it was expanded last year to provide relief to homeowners affected by increased property taxes for the tax years including and between 2020 to 2023. (2023 property taxes are what you’re billed for this year.) The application period closes on April 1. Homeowners who aren’t seniors or active military can apply under different criteria — they’re eligible if their property taxes increased above what the program calls a “growth cap.” The tax-growth cap is met when the current year’s property tax amount has increased 4% or more compared to the average of the two preceding tax years’ amounts. SEE PROPERTY TAX, P12
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