Colorado Economic Recovery & Accountability - Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I suspect discrimination is occurring in a Recovery Act funded program?

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:45:38 GMT

Recovery Act funded programs or activities must comply with all nondiscrimination and equal opportunity statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders that apply to the distribution and use of federal funds. Consequently, Recovery Act funded programs or activities must be free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, and where applicable, sex, religion, age and family status. The federal agency that provides Recovery Act funding to state and local entities is responsible for ensuring compliance with the civil rights laws applicable to the federal agency's grant program. If you know which federal agency is providing the Recovery Act funds, click here for a link to information about filing a discrimination complaint with that agency. If you are not sure which agency funds the program, you may file a discrimination complaint with the Coordination and Review Section of the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. Click here for a complaint form, or call the Title VI hotline (888-848-5306/ TDD 202-307-2678) for additional information. If you are interested in more detailed information about the scope of civil rights statutes that apply to all recovery act funded programs click here to see the Department of Justice's Notice on Civil Rights Obligations.

I'm a Colorado citizen and I want to report a problem related to ARRA funds - what should I do?

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:45:38 GMT

Governor Ritter created the Colorado Economic Recovery Accountability Board (CERAB) to ensure that the state and local agencies that are directing funding do so with transparency, accountability and, ultimately, to the highest benefit possible. Colorado citizens who want to report a problem such as evidence of mismanagement of ARRA funds, a waste of ARRA funds, an abuse of authority related to ARRA funds a danger to the public health or safety related to ARRA funds can report the problem by visiting the "Report a Problem" page.

I work for a public or private employer who has received ARRA funds and I want to report what I reasonably believe is evidence of a waste of funds, gross mismanagement of funds, a danger to the public health or an abuse of authority related to the ARRA funds received by my employer - what should I do?

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:45:38 GMT

Section 1553 of the Recovery Act provides protections for employees of non-federal employers receiving recovery funds. Employees of recipients of ARRA funds who reasonably believe there is evidence of gross mismanagement of ARRA funds, a gross waste of ARRA funds, an abuse of authority related to ARRA funds or a danger to the public health or safety related to ARRA funds can receive "whistleblower" protections under the Recovery Act. For more information click here.

How can I learn more about the Recovery Act and the impact it will have on Colorado?

Thu, 21 May 2009 23:45:38 GMT

Keep checking this website and www.recovery.gov. The websites will be updated regularly with additional information. A helpful website for information across the states is provided by the Council of State Governments..

One easy way to find out about future updates to this page is to Subscribe to this RSS feed. If you subscribe using your preferred RSS reader, you will receive direct notification of any future updates in real time. All new updates will also appear at the top of this page in the future.

How would an organization go about seeking grant assistance made available by the Recovery Act?

Thu, 21 May 2009 23:45:38 GMT

There are a number of grant opportunities for many different types of educational and not-for-profit organizations made available by the Recovery Act. ARRA made few changes to grant processes already in place and they will be managed by the respective federal and state agencies that oversee the relevant issue. Here is a list of federal recovery websites and information on the federal grant application process.

I have heard that the Recovery Act will help pay for health insurance if I lose my job is that true?

Thu, 21 May 2009 23:45:38 GMT

The Recovery Act will provide a benefit to Coloradans who have lost their jobs since September 1, 2008. The Act offers a reduced premium for people who have lost their jobs between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 and choose to enroll in the government's COBRA health insurance program. COBRA allows former employees to continue buying the same health insurance they had when they lost their jobs. Under the Recovery Act, the federal government will pay 65% of the premium, so eligible workers are only responsible for 35% of their premium for up to nine months. People who qualify for the reduced COBRA premium under ARRA will be notified by their provider that they are eligible and must respond within 60 days.

Workers who lost their jobs between September 1, 2008 and February 17, 2009 but failed to initially elect COBRA because it was unaffordable have already been notified by their provider of a second opportunity to enroll in COBRA and receive the reduced premium.

For more information visit:

What requirements does the Recovery Act place on buying American-made goods and products?

Thu, 07 May 2009 23:45:38 GMT

The Recovery Act requires funds used to purchase goods and products to comply with the federal "Buy American" provision. Updated information on compliance with this provision in Colorado will be provided on this website as it becomes available. If you would like to find out more information about the "Buy American" please visit this guide from the Federal Highway Administration. If you would like to find out about the federal Office of Management and Budgeting's guidance on the Buy American provision please see their April 3, 2009 Guidance.

What help is available to Colorado residents who are facing foreclosure on their home?

Thu, 10 Apr 2009 23:45:38 GMT

Please contact the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs or the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) which has links to the Hotline and to twelve other housing counseling partners across the state.

I have been laid off or lost my job. How will the Recovery Act impact help unemployed Colorado residents? What training and services are available to help me find a job?

Thu, 10 Apr 2009 23:45:38 GMT

Eligible recipients of unemployment compensation benefits can receive up to 59 weeks of unemployment benefits. This 59-week total includes 26 weeks of regular state-funded unemployment benefits, and an additional 33 weeks of federally-funded emergency unemployment benefits (known as EUC benefits).

The federal stimulus package extends the deadline on EUC benefits, so they are available through December 2009. In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act increases the weekly benefit by $25.

Eligible individuals will automatically receive payments retroactive to the week of February 21-28, 2009, as soon as the system is updated. The bill also suspends the first $2,400 paid in unemployment benefits from federal income tax for tax year 2009 only. This adjustment will be made when you file your 2009 federal tax forms. To learn about:

Unemployment benefits

Employment and training programs

Starting a business in Colorado

Find Federal Jobs Created by the Recovery Act

I would like to weatherize/insulate my home. How do I apply for assistance?

Thu, 10 Apr 2009 23:45:38 GMT

The Recovery Act includes help for low income Colorado residents to reduce their energy costs by weatherizing their homes. Residents who qualify can receive energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. Upgrade measures can include insulation, a more efficient furnace, air sealing, and more efficient lighting. You can contact your local Weatherization agency today at the Governor's Energy Office.

The Governor's Energy Office is still awaiting details on exact dollar amounts and additional federal guidance on how to direct recovery funds for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and new energy research projects within Colorado. Check the Governor's Energy Office for updates.

Will the Recovery Act help with food assistance? How can I learn more?

Thu, 10 Apr 2009 23:45:38 GMT

If you receive food assistance now (called the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP) the stimulus bill provides a 13% increase in the monthly benefit. If you are currently enrolled in the program, you will automatically receive this increase and it will be added to your monthly benefit allowance. To learn more about food assistance in Colorado visit Colorado Human Service's Website or dial 2-1-1 (the abbreviated dial code for individuals and families in need).

I own a small business and would like assistance in paying my loans or applying for loans, will the Recovery Act help small business owners?

Thu, 10 Apr 2009 23:45:38 GMT

The Recovery Act will help small business in a variety of ways, reducing loan fees, increasing loan guarantee levels and providing small business tax breaks. For more information see the frequently asked questions section at the Small Business Administration website. Additionally, the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network provides free counseling and training.

How will Social Security and Supplemental Security Income be affected by the Recovery Act?

Thu, 10 Apr 2009 23:45:38 GMT

Recipients of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income will receive a one-time payment of $250 which is expected to be available in late May. If you are currently a recipient, you do not need to do anything to receive this payment. This federal program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and not the State of Colorado. Vist their for more information or to see if you are eligible for benefits.

How can I pursue business opportunities made available by the Recovery Act?

Thu, 10 Apr 2009 23:45:38 GMT

Both state and federal projects will present potential business opportunities. The designated federal or state agency sets the criteria for project eligibility following existing state and federal law and regulations. Individuals or business seeking business opportunities need to be aware of federal and state contracting guidelines and regulations. They also need to also become familiar with timelines and additional criteria identified in the Recovery Act. To learn more about federal business and contracting opportunities visit:

To learn more about state business and contracting opportunities visit: