What we have accomplished so far

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** 2021 Colorado Legislative Update
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It’s been a such busy year here at the state capitol. I wanted to take some time to update you all on the progress we have made so far. Here’s a list of bills that are being worked on this session. Click on any of the bill titles to check out the full bill text, fiscal notes, sponsors, and more!

HB21-1002: Reductions Certain Taxpayers' Income Tax Liability ([link removed]) : This bill restores, over time, certain business deductions to federal taxable income. These deductions relate to net operating losses, the application of the federal excess business loss rules, interest expenses, and qualified improvement property. This bill has been passed through both chambers and has been signed into law by Governor Polis!

HB21-1011: Multilingual Ballot Access For Voters ([link removed]) : If this bill is signed into law it would require the secretary of state, county clerks, and recorders of certain counties to provide multilingual ballot access. An election hotline would also be created in order to to provide citizens access to qualified translators or interpreters. This bill has passed through The House Committee on State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs and will soon be heard in the Committee on Appropriations. To keep up with its progress click on the bill title!

HB21-1065: Veterans' Hiring Preference ([link removed]) : This bill would allow private employers to give preference in their hiring process to veterans of the armed forces or the National Guard and/or the spouses of a disabled veterans or a service members killed in the line of duty. This preference is allowed as long as the veteran or the spouse is as qualified as other applicants. This bill is going to be heard in the House Committee on State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs on March 18th.

HB21-1109: Broadband Board Changes To Expand Broadband Service ([link removed]) This piece of legislation if passed would require the broadband board to develop a request for proposal process for deploying broadband into critically unserved areas in the state and would require them to give additional consideration to projects that include discounted service for low-income households. HB21-1109 is critical for my district because many of my constituents don’t have access to broadband in a world where internet connection is becoming necessary. It has passed through the finance committee and will soon be heard on the house floor for debate.

HB21-1045: Invasive Pest Control Administration ([link removed]) : The bill creates the emergency invasive-pest response fund. Local governments in cooperation with the state could use this fun to mitigate or eradicate invasive pests. The commissioner of Agriculture under this bill work cooperatively with the United States secretary of agriculture to implement a joint phytosanitary program if the program would economically or environmentally assist with mitigating or eradicating the spread of a regulated nonquarantine pest. Invasive pests are a threat to the environment here in Colorado. I’m proud to sponsor this bill which has already passed through the house and will soon be heard in The Senate Committee on Agriculture.

SB21-079: Deregulate Meat Sales Direct To Consumers ([link removed]) : The bill would allow a person to sell, without licensure, regulation, or inspection by a public health agency shares of animal meat with a few exceptions. The seller must provide a disclaimer to an informed consumer to allow for full transparency in the sale. This bill would cut out a lot of red tape for local ranchers and consumers. Agriculture and livestock are topics close to my heart so I’m excited to be sponsoring this bill.


** COVID UPDATE
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This graph reflects daily COVID cases for the entire state of Colorado. The most recent day reflected on this graph is March 13th, 2021. On that day 302 cases were reported across Colorado. This is one of the lowest counts for a singular day since September 2020. Please continue to check the data with the link above. Even though we are close to having larger vaccine avaliability and our cases reported per day are dropping were must still be careful and listen to the advice by local authorities and experts.


** Precipitation update
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** The San Luis Valley
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I wanted to take some time this morning to recognize the astounding San Luis Valley. Many people might not know but the San Luis Valley located in my home district is the world’s largest alpine valley. It spans several hundred miles. The valley is 122 miles long and 74 miles wide. It has a depositional basin of 8,000 square miles and is seated 7,664 above the sea.

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This unique valley is home to natural beauty and wonders. The most notable landmark is the Great Sand Dunes National Park.

Photo Credit: Department of The Interior

The San Luis Valley supports the growth of local produce which the people of Colorado have the luxury of enjoying in their own backyards. Potatoes, Lettuce, and Quinoa are just some of the crops that ranchers and farmers in the valley grow. I am so proud to be from such a unique and important part of Colorado.

To search upcoming or past Colorado legislation click here ([link removed])

To reach out to my office with questions or concerns email [email protected]
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Copyright (C) 2021 Donald Valdez. All rights reserved.
From the desk of Donald Valdez

Donald Valdez
P.O. Box 110
La Jara, Co 81140
USA
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