Representative Emily Sirota

Emily Sirota is a Democratic member of the Colorado House of Representatives for District 9 , serving since 2019. She is a social worker and progressive known for leadership on budget and appropriations committees, championing policies on education, worker rights, environmental justice, healthcare, and fiscal reforms benefiting families.

Born August 7, 1979, Emily Lipp Sirota resides in Denver with her husband, writer David Sirota, and their two children. Elected in 2018 with 71% of the vote, she was re-elected in 2020 and 2022. As of 2026, she serves as Chair of the Joint Budget Committee ** and **Chair of the House Appropriations Committee . She previously held roles as Vice Chair of the Early Childhood and School Readiness Legislative Commission and served on committees including Energy and Environment, State, Veterans, and Military Affairs, School Safety, and Pension Review.

Notable achievements include creating the Colorado Child Tax Credit and boosting the Earned Income Tax Credit, ending corporate tax giveaways, banning junk fees , launching the Universal Pre-K Program , and increasing pay for home care and child care workers. Her priorities encompass accessible healthcare, gun violence prevention, campaign finance reform, public education, and protecting consumers from price gouging and insurance costs.

Prior to elected office, she directed admissions and operations at Rabbi Steven Foster Early Learning Center , worked as a civic engagement organizer for Colorado Progressive Coalition , family advocate at Warren Village , and economic development specialist in Montana's Governor's Office . She also served as legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. Baron Hill and legislative aide to U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh , focusing on healthcare and budget policy.

Education and Political Experience

• BA in Political Science and Jewish Studies, Indiana University Bloomington
• Attended The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• MSW in Social Work, University of Denver

Her political experience spans congressional and gubernatorial staff roles, community organizing for paid sick leave and against anti-opportunity measures, and nonprofit policy work before her 2019 entry into the Colorado House.