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Dear Southern Colorado,

I hope this email finds you well. I've had a full week visiting Pueblo and performing my duties as a Representative at the State Capitol. I'm proud that my legislation is passing through committee smoothly and I strongly encourage you to share your thoughts and concerns by contacting my office.

HB22-1097 and HB22-1088 (which I will explain more about below) both passed the Transportation and Local Government committee and will be voted on by the rest of the Colorado State House soon.

Here's to another productive week in the legislature!

Sincerely,

Donald
In the Legislature

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** ([link removed])
Representative Donald Valdez's bill passes second recording

Today, one of Representative Valdez's bills, House Bill 22-1097, easily passed through the House on its second reading. This bill makes it easier for counties to dissolve special districts that are no longer serving their function. Getting rid of these defunct special districts simplifies and streamlines local government. As Representative Valdez said on the floor of the House this morning, it's better to get rid of these defunct special districts than have them on the tax roll.

This commonsense legislation makes our local governments more efficient and effective. Representative Valdez will continue to spearhead efforts that make local governments more efficient.
** ([link removed])
Thanking Farmers and Ranchers:

On Thursday, Representative Valdez spoke on the house floor about Colorado's farmers and ranchers. He recognized all they do for our state and wished them good luck as they continue to produce the food that so many of us take for granted.

** ([link removed])

Supplementals Week:

This week at the Capitol, known as supplementals week, is when the legislature considers additional requests to the state budget. The Joint Budget Committee considers these requests and once they vote on each item, Joint Budget Committee staff prepare a supplemental appropriation bill for each department. These bills were presented to the House floor this week for a second reading.
This Weeks Committee Meetings:
Transportation and Local Government Meeting- 2/9/2022:

Representative Valdez provided testimony for two of his bills during Tuesday's Transportation and Local Government committee meeting. These bills will improve the efficiency of government and received bipartisan support.


** HB22-1097 ([link removed])
by Representative Donald Valdez; also Senator Simpson passed House Transportation & Local Government Committee 13-0. This bill makes it easier to abolish defunct special districts and streamlines local government.


** HB22-1088 ([link removed])
by Representatives Donald Valdez and Will; also Senators Liston and Lee passed the House Transportation & Local Government Committee 12-1. This bill requires motor vehicle investigators and criminal tax enforcement special agents to be certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training Board. This will help the Department of Revenue enforce laws and allow agents to respond to incidents faster.
Representative Donald Valdez (left) testifying in favor of his bill.
Community Outreach
Representative Valdez meeting with fellow legislators and members of the Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association.
On Thursday, Representative Valdez spoke with fellow legislators and members of the Colorado Independent CattleGrowers Association. They discussed the challenges facing the beef production industry including the introduction of wolves, the American Beef Labeling Act, and the consolidation of the beef industry. Colorado's beef producers face serious challenges that negatively impact both producers and consumers.

Hearing directly from industry experts is important to Representative Valdez. He recognizes the unique set of challenges these people face and will continue to support Colorado agriculture producers.
On Tuesday, Representative Valdez put the final touches on his letters to each of the Coloradans competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. These athletes embody Colorado's spirit of adventure and ambition. We encourage you to support your fellow Coloradans as they compete on the world state.

Representative Valdez also sent a congratulatory to Pueblo County High School student, Jocelyn McMullen, on winning the Denver Center for the Performing Arts High School Playwriting Competition. Thank you to Jocelyn for her representing Pueblo and for her contributions to the art and culture industry.

For Representative Valdez, writing to his constituents is an important part of his job as a legislator and a way for him to connect with his community while he's working in the Capitol.
OEDIT Rural Economic Resources

** Colorado Rural Resiliency and Recovery Roadmaps ([link removed])

"This program provides technical assistance and grants for regional teams of rural communities to drive economic relief, recovery, diversification and long-term resilience."

** Rural Technical Assistance Program ([link removed])

"This program helps rural communities create economic development strategies by providing free technical assistance and consulting services."

** Rural Jump-Start Program ([link removed])

"This program helps economically distressed communities attract new businesses and jobs."

** Enterprise Zone Program ([link removed])

"This program encourages development in economically distressed areas of the state through tax incentives."

** Location Neutral Employment Community Matching Grant ([link removed])

"This grant provides marketing funds to help rural areas attract out-of-state companies to create new jobs in their communities."

** All Rural Programs and Funding ([link removed])
In the Community
** -Events in Pueblo ([link removed])

** -Events in Alamos ([link removed])
a

** -Events in Monte Vista ([link removed])

Fun Facts and Information
1. The San Luis Valley is a major hay-producing region and the crop is second behind potatoes as the Valley’s most valuable crop.

2. The San Luis Valley specifically grows malt barley which is supplied to Coors Brewing Company to make beer.

3. Carrots are usually a contract crop grown by local farmers under a contract with Grimmway Farms who lease the land, plant the carrots, and harvest them in the fall. [2]
[1] Walker, Emma. “A Food-Lover's Guide to Alamosa.” Alamosa , 10 Oct. 2017, [link removed].
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Copyright © *|2022|* *|Representative Donald Valdez|*, All rights reserved.
From the desk of Donald Valdez

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