Happy May! Spring is here and there is so much to look forward to this month! ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Happy Mother’s day to all the incredible Mothers out there! And May the Force be with you to all the Star Wars fans! We hope that as the weather warms up you are able to enjoy this beautiful Spring and maybe even get out to knock on a few doors to canvass for Dems in your neighborhood!

On Saturday, April 13th we had our virtual State Assembly & Convention that over 1,800 Democrats from across Colorado joined and made their voices heard electing candidates to the ballot and members to the National Convention.

The Democratic National Convention will be in Chicago from August 19 to the 22nd. We are proud to send all of our delegates for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to Chicago to kick off the general election. See the full list of State Convention results here.

Are you interested in helping re-elect Congresswoman Caraveo in the most competitive house district in the country? Do you want the chance to help make a difference? 

Good news– the Horizon Project is hosting canvass launches in May. You can sign up here for both training and canvasses. 

Join us in learning about ways to effectively connect with members of CD-8, how to discuss the issues that matter, and fighting to help save democracy. 

If you or any students you know are interested in learning how to become trained in Deep Canvassing, they can apply for the Summer 2024 Deep Canvassing training program. Learn how to canvass and be an effective student leader under both the CDP and Attorney General Phil Weiser! Apply here to get engaged this summer. 

Want to learn more about Deep Canvassing? Check out this incredible TedTalk with David Fleischer.

I am thrilled to introduce you to Pat, our amazing front desk volunteer who helps keep CDP running smoothly. Pat is dedicated, reliable, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether she is answering phones, responding to emails, or assisting with administrative tasks, Pat does it all with a smile on her face. But don't let her friendly demeanor fool you, Pat also knows how to stand her ground when necessary. Her assertiveness and strong communication skills make her an invaluable member of our team. We are grateful for Pat's hard work and commitment to making a difference in our democracy and the lives of others. Thank you, Pat, for all that you do!

Thank you to all of our volunteers, we appreciate every one of you! If you would like to nominate a volunteer to be Volunteer of the Month please fill out the nomination form here. 

Volunteer Ask of the Month

We would love to challenge our volunteers to reach out to 5-10 friends and family in the month of May to check if they are registered to vote. Please ask them if they know about the upcoming Primary on June 25th and do they have a plan to vote.

We have a number of important races happening including the CD 4 Special Election! We need everyone's help in turning out the vote for Democrats up and down the ballot this year.

Bennet, Hickenlooper, DeGette, Crow, and Pettersen Welcome Nearly $39 Million for Colorado Flood Control Projects

April 11, 2024 —  Funding for Projects in Golden, Aurora, and Denver Comes from the Department of Transportation Grant Program Created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, alongside U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen welcomed $38.6 million for three Colorado projects from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) grant program. Bennet and Hickenlooper sent letters supporting the applications for all three projects.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the most significant investment in America's transportation infrastructure since President Eisenhower built the interstate highway system,” said Bennet. “This funding will help Golden, Aurora, and Denver rebuild essential roads and bridges, and protect Coloradans’ property from future flooding. I’ll keep working to ensure Colorado continues to benefit from this historic legislation.”

“Colorado is on the frontline of climate change and our infrastructure is bearing that brunt,” said Hickenlooper. “These Colorado PROTECT grants, funded by our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will protect against flooding in Aurora and Golden and create a safe route to school in Denver.” 

"Once again, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law led by Congressional Democrats continues to deliver for Coloradoans," said DeGette. "Investing in modern infrastructure to improve safety and connectivity in Denver will ensure that our community remains resilient against natural hazards. I'm proud to have worked alongside my Colorado delegation colleagues to secure this funding, and I will continue to advocate for long-term resiliency improvement plans for Denver."

"Coloradans are all too familiar with the climate crisis, from drought to flooding disrupting our families’ daily commute and impacting our economy. I supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to safeguard critical infrastructure and achieve our climate goals – and today it’s delivering for Colorado,” said Crow. “These federal dollars will continue to fix our roads, keep our economy on track, and pave the way to a more resilient future for our state.”

“Floods and other natural disasters have the potential to completely uproot families, destroy businesses, and damage infrastructure,” said Pettersen. “I’ve been fighting to protect our communities from damaging floods and other natural disasters since coming to office, and I’m thrilled that we were able to secure funding for such an important project that will protect families and businesses along Lena Gulch, while still prioritizing sustainability and access to outdoor recreation spaces.” 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the PROTECT grant program to invest in surface transportation resiliency projects. These grants help communities across the country safeguard their critical infrastructure from the effects of climate change, flooding, extreme weather events, and other natural disasters.

Specifically, this funding includes:

$23.8 million for Golden to control flooding in Lena Gulch and improve water flow during future flooding events;

$10.8 million for Aurora to reconstruct the flood-damaged 56th

Avenue and Hudson Road crossings and reduce future flooding risks; and

$4 million for Denver to address flood risks as part of the Sanderson Gulch Resiliency Project.

Read more here.

Bennet, Hickenlooper Urge Senate Appropriations Committee to Continue Funding Arkansas Valley Conduit

April 16, 2024 — Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper urged the Senate Appropriations Committee to increase funding for the Arkansas Valley Conduit (AVC) in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 spending bill.

In their letter, the senators requested increased funding in line with the $13 million proposed in the Biden administration’s budget. This increase comes after the senators sent a letter to President Biden earlier this year encouraging additional support for the AVC in the President’s Budget Request. “We join the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, the State of Colorado, and the many local water providers in support of $13 million for the Arkansas Valley Conduit. These funds will allow Coloradans to maintain on-time construction, delivery of pre-construction activities, including updating environmental documents, design activity, contract negotiation, land acquisition, and right of way work,” wrote Bennet and Hickenlooper. 

More than 50,000 Coloradans in 39 communities in the Arkansas River Valley rely entirely on groundwater and several face water contamination from naturally-occurring radioactive elements. The AVC is the final phase of the Fryingpan Arkansas Project and would connect these communities with clean drinking water. Bennet and Hickenlooper have consistently advocated for increased funding for the AVC.

In July 2023, the senators welcomed $100 million in funding from the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to expedite the construction of the AVC after they urged BOR to consider allocating additional funding for the system. Following Bennet and Hickenlooper’s call to the Senate Appropriations Committee last March to continue to fund the project, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget included $10.1 million for the AVC.

Read more here.

Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo, U.S. Dept of Energy Undersecretary David Crane Announce $22.3 Million Federal Investment in Golden Aluminum of Fort Lupton

FORT LUPTON, Colorado —Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo, MD (CO-08) and U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary for Infrastructure David Crane today announced a $22.3 million investment in Fort Lupton-based aluminum supplier Golden Aluminum.

“Today we showcased that Colorado is a national leader in decarbonizing energy-intensive industries and advancing clean energy technologies,” said Congresswoman Caraveo (CO-08). “The $22.3 million investment in Golden Aluminum is proof that slashing our emissions doesn’t have to come at the cost of our manufacturing sector. In fact, the obligation to meet our climate goals presents us with an opportunity to boost our industrial base and create high-skilled, good paying jobs across Colorado.

“I thank Under Secretary Crane for his support of this project, and I look forward to witnessing the growth of Golden Aluminum in the coming years as they implement this historic investment in our community,” added Congresswoman Caraveo.

The Nexcast - Next Generation Aluminum Mini Mill project, led by Golden Aluminum, plans to upgrade Golden Aluminum’s Fort Lupton, Colorado facility using the Nexcast process to reduce natural gas consumption, improve process efficiency, and recycle 15% more mixed-grade aluminum scrap. The upgrades would allow the facility to produce aluminum products for electric vehicles and other clean energy technology applications. In addition to reduced emissions, this project would be highly replicable among other U.S. aluminum producers and can help solidify the U.S. as a world leader in decarbonized secondary aluminum production. 

As part of the project, Golden Aluminum proposes to train existing Fort Lupton employees on this new technology and work with partners to develop workforce training programs available to the whole community. Additionally, this project is projected to improve air quality and the Nexcast technology utilizes ~86% less water as compared to direct chill technology, which is critical in the increasingly arid western U.S.

Read more here.

Chairman Aguilar: House Democrats will never stop fighting to restore reproductive freedom

April 10,2024 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu held a press conference alongside DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene and Rep. Greg Stanton on the extreme budget released by the House Republican Study Committee and GOP efforts to ban abortion nationwide. 

CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. I want to thank Vice Chair Lieu and Chair DelBene and Representative Stanton for joining us today — Representative Stanton specifically to talk about the local impact and the devastating ruling that we saw out of Arizona yesterday. 

Shortly before the recess, the Republican Study Committee, which speaks for 80 percent of House Republicans, unveiled a blueprint for a total Republican control, including the White House. 

The contrast between their vision and House Democrats could not be more stark. House Republicans want to cut Social Security and Medicare, and Democrats want to protect these programs. 

House Republicans want to end IVF. We want to protect Americans to start and grow their families. Their budget is a foundational document and their goal is to ban abortion. House Democrats will never stop fighting to restore reproductive freedom.

House Republicans want to take health care away from millions of Americans and have drastic cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. House Democrats want to protect the ACA and lower the cost of insurance and prescription drugs. 

Their budget will raise energy costs and housing costs at a time when Americans are struggling to make ends meet. House Democrats passed a tax cut that would lower utility bills and are working to make homeownership more affordable. 

House Democrats fought to bring back jobs from overseas and to invest in America, while their budget will reverse those gains by cutting the Inflation Reduction Act. 

We will always stand against these extreme policies and put People Over Politics. 

Read more here.

PAIR OF BILLS TO PROMOTE GUN SAFETY CLEAR COMMITTEE

April 11, 2024 – DENVER, CO – Today the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee voted to advance two bills to reduce gun thefts from vehicles and strengthen firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits.

HB24-1348, sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, would require firearms in unattended vehicles to be stored in locked containers to reduce firearm thefts. The bill would also require vehicle safe storage information to be published on the Office of Suicide Prevention’s website and displayed at gun stores.

“Safe storage of firearms in vehicles or at home is an effective way to keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people and create safer communities,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Last year, there were 1,221 guns reported stolen in Denver. This bill represents one of this year’s many efforts to reduce gun violence in Colorado and I’m proud to see it move forward today.”

“We have seen alarming rates of firearms being stolen from vehicles in Colorado, including one instance here at the Capitol,” said Fields. “It’s on gun owners to responsibly and safely store their firearms – whether that’s in their home or their vehicle. This important bill promotes a commonsense gun safety practice that will help reduce theft and make our communities safer.”

The bill requires handguns to be stored in a hard-sided container and other firearms to be stored in a hard or soft-sided container. A person who violates this civil infraction can receive up to a $500 fine. The bill includes exemptions for antique firearms, non-handgun storage on a farm or ranch vehicle on private property, peace officers, military service members, and certain individuals engaged in hunting.

The committee also advanced HB24-1174, sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to require handgun training classes to be held in-person and include training on:

- Safe handling of firearms and ammunition;

- Safe storage of firearms and child safety;

- Safe firearm shooting fundamentals;

- Federal and state firearm laws;

- State laws related to the use of deadly force for self-defense;

- Interacting with law enforcement who are responding to emergencies; and

- Techniques for conflict resolution and judgmental use of lethal force.

Read more here.

BILL TO IMPROVE COLORADO PRIVACY ACT, PROTECT COLORADO CONSUMERS CLEARS COMMITTEE

April 16, 2024 – DENVER, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted to advance Senator Chris Hansen’s, D-Denver, bipartisan bill to amend the Colorado Privacy Act to include protections for biometric data.

Biometric data is highly unique to an individual and includes fingerprints, facial recognition used to unlock smartphones, and iris scanning. Cosponsored by Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, HB24-1130 would require biometric data to be destroyed within two years of collection or when the data is no longer needed, whichever is earliest, and to be stored at a higher level of security.

“Coloradans have the right to know which companies have their biometric data and what specific data they have,” said Hansen. “Biometric data is increasingly being used for security purposes, like using a fingerprint or faceprint as a password, which means companies are in possession of highly sensitive data. This important policy will improve transparency, reduce the risk of exploitation, and bolster consumer protections.”

In 2021, legislators passed SB21-190 to enact the Colorado Privacy Act and make it a deceptive trade practice for entities who control the personal data of at least 25,000 people to process sensitive data without consent.

Read more here.

Bill to Protect Coloradans, Prohibit Firearms in Sensitive Spaces Passes Committee

April 17, 2024 - Legislation would apply to key locations consistent with SCOTUS rulings

DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Mandy Lindsay that would protect communities from gun violence and create safer public spaces by prohibiting the carrying of firearms in certain locations. SB24-131 passed by a vote of 8-3.

“Too many Coloradans have been impacted by gun violence, and this bill would keep these dangerous weapons out of certain sensitive spaces,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “From preschools to polling places to the Colorado Capitol, there are places where guns pose a serious threat to Coloradans’ safety and can be used to intimidate people from their constitutional rights to free speech and to vote. Coloradans deserve to feel safe, and I am proud to sponsor this commonsense gun violence prevention bill.”

“Colorado Democrats are dedicated to addressing gun violence in our communities, which is why we’re bringing this bill to keep vulnerable Coloradans safe,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Our legislation follows the guidance from U.S. Supreme Court rulings to prohibit guns from certain sensitive spaces, like government buildings and polling centers. This gun violence prevention policy will save lives and make Coloradans feel more confident that they will not be endangered or intimidated by firearms in specific places.”

SB24-131 would restrict the presence of firearms in certain locations where children and families may be present. The bill would prohibit carrying a firearm - openly or concealed - in the following locations and their parking areas: government buildings where legislative meetings and offices are located; courthouses; preschools, K-12 schools, and colleges; and polling locations. The bill includes exemptions for peace officers, members of the US Armed Forces performing official duties, working student resource officers, and more.

Read more here.

House Passes Legislation to Reduce Maternal Mortality, Address Disparity of Care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

April 17, 2024

DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Iman Jodeh to improve maternal health care in Colorado. HB24-1262 includes modifying the midwife licensure process and creating a new professional title, collecting more data on mistreatment during the perinatal period, and requiring advance notice to a patient when a facility reduces or ends maternal health care services. HB24-1262 passed the House by a vote of 48 to 12.

“Coloradans increasingly want expanded birth options, especially in Black and Latino communities, but existing barriers prevent community birth facilities from providing these services,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Increasing access to maternal care, including midwives, will allow Colorado parents to choose a birth plan that fits their needs. By giving Coloradans more options for maternal health care, we can reduce the impacts of the maternal mortality crisis and save lives.”

“The worsening maternal mortality crisis is a growing issue, especially for Black, Indigenous, and rural parents, and our bill seeks to address these preventable deaths,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Maternal health deserts and other barriers to maternal health care access prevent parents from receiving necessary, and sometimes life-saving care. By boosting health care provider options and perinatal resources, we can create a health care system that keeps our parents and newborns safe and healthy.”

Starting September 1, 2024, HB24-1262 would require any individual who practices certified professional midwifery to have a valid license. The bill would update the title of “direct-entry midwives” to “certified professional midwives” (CPMs) and change the regulation from registration to licensure. The licensure process includes passing an exam, graduating from an accredited midwifery education program, holding a CPM credential from the North American Registry of Midwives, being certified by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to perform adult and infant CPR, or having an equivalent education that is approved by the director of the Division of Professions and Occupations. 

The bill would also:

• Direct the Civil Rights Commission to collect reports of mistreatment in maternity care to help identify ways to address prenatal mistreatment and discrimination,
  
  
• Create an advisory panel to provide recommendations on disciplinary actions against CPMs,
  
  
• Add a midwife who is practicing in a freestanding birth center, in a rural area, or as a home birth provider to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board,
  
  
• Require a healthcare facility that provides maternal health care services to provide public notice at least 90 days before the discontinuation of these services,
  
  
• Require the Colorado Maternal Mortality Prevention Program to study the availability of perinatal health care, facility and practice closures and the impacts on maternal and infant health, and provide recommendations to the General Assembly, and
  
  
• Add pregnancy as a protected class for the purposes of discrimination in places of public accommodation.

Read more here.

Committee Passes New School Finance Formula to Boost Student Success, Increase Equity in School Funding and Support Rural Schools

April 18, 2024 - Bipartisan school funding updates drive more resources to support at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education students, and rural districts

Committee also passes bipartisan bill to improve transparency into higher education costs and reduce barriers to completing higher education degree or certificate programs

DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed two bipartisan bills aimed at supporting Colorado students. 

HB24-1448, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, would update Colorado’s outdated and inequitable school finance formula by increasing funding for rural schools and at-risk, special education, and English Language Learner students. SB24-164, also sponsored by McCluskie, would improve transparency requirements for higher education institutions and increase the rights of higher education students seeking transfer credits. 

“Updating Colorado’s public school finance formula to be student-centered is a bold step toward improving equity in school funding and delivering a high-quality education to every student in Colorado no matter where they reside,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Building on the recommendations from the Public School Finance Task Force and in collaboration with districts and education leaders across the state, this plan increases funding for the students with the greatest needs and provides additional resources to rural and smaller districts that have historically been underfunded. Investing in high-quality education means we’re fostering a lifetime of success for our learners, and I am incredibly proud of our bipartisan efforts to make education funding in our state more equitable and student-centered.” 

“For over 30 years, Colorado has used an inequitable school funding formula that is now outdated, and as a result, we haven’t been able to meet the needs of our most vulnerable students,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “The need to change the formula is clear, which is why we’re championing this legislation that puts students first. Using recommendations from the Public School Finance Task Force, we’re making school funding more equitable by increasing funding for at-risk students, English Language Learners, and students in special education. Public education funding in Colorado is the highest it’s been in decades, and this bill overhauls the school finance formula to better meet the educational needs of every learner.” 

Read more here.

McCluskie, McCormick Legislation to Protect Streams, Rivers and Wetlands Passes Committee

April 8, 2024

DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands.

“This bill outlines a Colorado-specific approach to protecting our streams, rivers and wetlands so we can sustain our water quality and ensure future generations enjoy all the activities that make Colorado unique,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “After the Supreme Court removed important protections and left our waterways in jeopardy, we’re taking steps now to secure our state’s water future. We know fresh, clean water is necessary for everything from brewing beer and maintaining our world class ski resorts to keeping up with increased household demands and sustaining our agriculture industry. This bill protects our water now and into the future.”

“We’re stepping up to protect our vital freshwater resources to ensure that for future generations, Coloradans will have clean and accessible water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Our important legislation creates regulatory certainty for our businesses and landowners when it comes to Colorado’s water – this means we can effectively manage and protect our wetlands, rivers and streams. From agriculture and tourism to everyday families living in the four corners of our state, Colorado’s water is a steady and essential resource that must be conserved and protected for generations to come.” 

The Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to define “Waters of the United States” and the Army Corps of Engineers to regulate discharges from dredge and fill activities into waters that meet that definition. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA in 2023 redefined what constitutes waters subject to federal regulation and placed an estimated 60 percent of Colorado wetlands at risk of losing protections. The impacted wetlands and seasonal streams in need of protection work to ensure adequate water supply, aid groundwater recharge, and provide for wildlife habitat in Colorado. 

Read more here.

(if you have events you want featured in future Dem Dispatch newsletters, please send to [email protected]!)

Cinco de Mayo - Civic Park May 4 & 5 from 10:00am-8:00pm

If you are interested in volunteering for this event please fill out this form and we will be in touch.

May 12, 2024 - Larimer Dems Spring Fundraiser - Empowering Women

May 19, 2024 - 3rd Annual Spring Into Action Fundraiser @ Homestead Bar and Grill, 303 River Valley Ranch Rd, Carbondale, CO 81623 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM

May 27, 2024 - Commerce City Memorial Day Parade starts at 9:00 AM

July 22nd, 2024 - Register here for the 5k 10k fundraiser!

That is it for now, thank you for reading.

Go, fight, win!

Colorado Dems

The Colorado Democratic Party works to elect and protect Democrats who are committed to fighting for good jobs, access to healthcare, affordable housing, and a good education for our children.

Our party has some big goals, including ousting Lauren Boebert from Congress, breaking up Republican majorities in local offices, and protecting our legislative majorities and frontline Democrats.

If you want to support our efforts, consider chipping into our 2024 Democratic Action Fund today >>

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