This is an official communication from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Family & Medical Leave Insurance Division. |
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Happy Thursday, Colorado! |
Today’s National Bagel Day — a good reminder to nourish your body and your people. |
Personally, we like cinnamon raisin, but we’re a little different like that; we certainly don’t begrudge a good sesame. |
A bagel takes about three minutes to toast. While it does, here’s a simple wellness routine: |
- Put on Stevie Wonder's 'Love Is In Need of Love'
- Open your phone, forget why you opened your phone, close your phone
- Open it again and finally send that overdue “thinking of you” text
- Wonder briefly who decided bagels needed holes
- Enjoy bagel
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Celebrating birthdays this week: |
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Mary J. Blige, and current Bronco linebacker Jonathon Cooper — who told us his favorite bagel is also cinnamon raisin. |
This month, find FAMLI featured in the news, ways you can celebrate MLK Day throughout Colorado, and the first 2026 guest blog from Nathan in Aurora. You can share your story too — tell us how FAMLI helped you here. |
Now, on to the good stuff. |
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Don’t miss out on Colorado’s Tax Credits |
Many Colorado families qualify for thousands of dollars in tax credits — including through the Earned Income Tax Credit, Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate, and new Family Affordability Credit that started in 2025. |
Support child care and homelessness solution projects — receive a tax credit |
Colorado taxpayers can receive a state income tax credit for qualifying contributions to approved projects across the state. Contributions must be at least $100 and certified by the recipient organization. Learn how to claim the credit → |
Emergency Rental Assistance Accepting Applications |
The Division of Housing (DOH) has emergency rental assistance funding for Coloradans who have fallen behind on their rent. The random selection will be open to Coloradans, and those facing eviction will be prioritized. Learn more → |
Looking for your FAMLI 1099G? |
Update your 1099 delivery preference |
Elect FAMLI coverage in 2023? |
The end of your initial agreement may be approaching! Coverage is renewed automatically. Review your options → |
Federal tax rules for paid leave delayed to 2027 |
In 2026, you can continue choosing tax withholding, and FAMLI will keep issuing 1099-Gs. Learn more → |
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When caregiving costs rise, paid leave can be a lifeline |
As caregiving expenses continue to climb nationwide, Gabe in Durango shared how paid FAMLI leave made it possible to care for his mom without falling behind financially. His story from last month shows how affordable paid leave is crucial when families are balancing care, work, and rising costs all at once. Read more → |
A new leave type, a new day for Colorado workers |
Colorado is now the first state in the country to offer paid leave specifically for families with newborns in intensive care. Neonatal Care Leave gives parents additional time — and income — without having to choose between being there for their baby and saving bonding time for when they come home. Read more → |
Neonatal Care Leave draws national attention |
People Magazine featured Colorado’s new Neonatal Care Leave — putting a national spotlight on our paid leave leadership for the entire country to see. Read more → |
Op-Ed: Putting Families — and Our Future — First |
In The Colorado Sun, FAMLI Director Tracy Marshall writes about why Neonatal Care Leave matters, and how it gives families the time and financial stability to be present, heal, and be ready to return to the job they love. Read more → |
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Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day |
Without paid leave, losing a paycheck due to a medical emergency can be a generational set-back. As FAMLI Director Tracy Marshall writes, |
Rising healthcare costs, unpredictable insurance, and the broader affordability pressures being faced throughout the country mean that any single unexpected medical event threatens not only a family’s savings, but their housing, their credit, and their long-term financial stability. |
That’s why paid leave is a crucial way for Colorado to protect itself and its economy. |
Of course, paid leave can’t prevent medical emergencies. But FAMLI is working to prevent a loss of income that makes those emergencies worse — ensuring everyone can give themselves and their loved ones the care they’re worth. |
If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy this month: |
Western Slope & Eastern Plains |
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Guest Blog — When Life Stacks Up |
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“Back-to-back medical misfortunes could have easily left me out of a job with a hole in my pocket — but FAMLI made sure I was taken care of.” |
After using paid leave to care for his mom following a serious kidney diagnosis, Nathan thought the hardest part was behind him. |
Then, life stacked up again — this time with his own unexpected hospitalization. His story is about caregiving, recovery, and the relief of not having to choose between health and income. |
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Want to be featured as a guest writer for FAMLI? |
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Spending Time — In Conversation |
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What Olympic sport would Division Director Tracy Marshall win gold medals in? |
“Without a doubt, swaddling babies. Years and years of practice, and I stand by it.” |
In this month’s conversation, Tracy reflects on Neonatal Care Leave, what’s surprised her most about the program’s first few years, and why stability for workers and employers alike remains the heart of paid leave. |
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Song of the Month — Love’s In Need of Love Today |
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Favorite line: Love’s in need of love today—don’t delay
Send yours in right away |
Why this song: Stevie reminds us that love is something we choose to act on. And we’re big believers in showing up with care when it’s needed, rather than putting it off for an easier moment. |
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Tell us what about something or someone who deserves some recognition —
we’ll pick a few to & send our thanks your way. |
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Favorite line: won’t you celebrate with me / what i have shaped into / a kind of life?
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Why this poem: Clifton celebrates survival as an act of creation. She reminds us that shaping a life amid uncertainty, care, and change is something worth honoring. |
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Tell us something you’re glad you kept going with —
we’ll pick a few to feature, and send a thank-you your way. |
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If someone you know could use time — to heal, to care, or to welcome someone new — forward this newsletter. Sometimes the most important help starts with knowing what’s possible. |
That’s a wrap — see you next month! |
Need a hand navigating your leave? Find printable guidebooks, FAQs, and online resources below — as well as user guides to make your FAMLI experience as easy as possible. |
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Be sure to follow us and engage with the account at @coloradofamli
on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. |
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Colorado Division of Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) 707 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202 Unsubscribe |
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