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Dear Southern Colorado,

I hope this email finds you well. I've had a full week performing my duties as a State Representative and meeting with community members. I'm proud that my legislation is making good progress and I strongly encourage you to share your thoughts and concerns by contacting my office.

This week, three of my bills passed through their respective committees with broad support from both parties. These bills will help us combat forest fires and modernize our agriculture industry. Please read the rest of the newsletter to learn more about my efforts to help House District 62.

Here's to another productive week in the legislature!

Sincerely,

Donald Valdez
In the Legislature

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HB 22-1097: Dissolution of Special Districts
Vote tally for Representative Valdez's Dissolution of Special Districts Bill
On Monday, one of Representative Valdez's bills, HB 22-1097, passed through the House on its third reading. This bill makes it easier for counties to dissolve special districts that no longer serve their function. Getting rid of these defunct special districts simplifies and streamlines local government. As Representative Valdez said on the floor of the House, it's better to get rid of these defunct special districts than have them on the tax roll.

This commonsense, bipartisan legislation makes our local governments more efficient and effective. Representative Valdez will continue to spearhead efforts that improve the function of local governments. We will keep you updated as this bill moves through the State Senate.
HB 22-1088: Peace Officer Status For Certain Department Of Revenue Employees:
On Monday, Representative Valdez spoke on the House floor about his bipartisan bill to help local law enforcement. HB 22-1088 specifies that motor vehicle investigators and criminal tax enforcement special agents are peace officers and must be certified by the peace officers standards and training board. This bill makes sure the Motor Vehicle Investigations Unit and Criminal Tax Enforcement agents don't have to rely on the limited resources of local law enforcement to assist in investigations. This bill will help improve response times, especially in rural areas. This bill passed second reading and we will update you as it continues to move through the legislature.
Committee Meetings This Week:
Energy and Environment Committee:

HB 22-1007 by Representative Valdez and Representative Lynch will help prevent future destruction and costly rebuilding through expanded wildfire mitigation. The bill will also create a grant program to support outreach efforts to landowners in high wildfire hazard areas and create an income tax credit to fund landowners' wildfire mitigation efforts. This bill passed Energy and Environment Committee unanimously.

HB 22-1012 by Representatives Valdez and Representative Cutter creates the Wildfire Mitigation and Recovery Grant Program to assist counties in preventing and recovering from wildfires. These measures include removing dead trees and flammable debris. This bill will be critical in preventing wildfires in at-risk areas. This bill passed the Energy and Environment Committee with bipartisan support.

Business Affairs and Labor Committee:

HB 22-1053 by Representative Valdez and Senator Chris Hansen creates a program to teach farmers about implementing blockchain in their daily practices. This bill is a critical step in modernizing Colorado's agriculture industry. As a farmer and a rancher, Representative Valdez understands the importance of supporting producers. This bill passed through the committee smoothly and we will continue to provide updates as it moves through the legislature. We encourage you to read more about his recent legislation
** here ([link removed])
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Representative Donald Valdez (right) testifying in favor of one of his wildfire bills
Community Outreach
Representative Donald Valdez speaking to members of the Pueblo community
On Thursday, Representative Valdez spoke with local leaders from Pueblo about his bills to help rural Coloradans. This was a great way for Representative Valdez to connect with his local community while working in Denver. The Representative looks forward to his continued partnership with these leaders and addressing the core problems facing House District 62.
Representative Valdez pictured with Colorado student leaders from ASU and CSU.
On Thursday, Representative Valdez met with student leaders from Adams State University and Colorado State University. Their discussion revolved around serving rural areas, supporting their respective institutions, food insecurity, keeping water in the San Luis Valley, and prison education. The Representative values their perspective on pressing issues facing our state and looks forward to a continued partnership.
Representative Valdez talking with members of the Colorado Farm Bureau
On Thursday, Representative Valdez spoke with members of the Colorado Farm Bureau. He appreciates their support on his blockchain in agriculture bill and values the work they do to advance Colorado Farmers.
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])

Pueblo City Council Meeting on February 28th at 7:00 PM at 1 City Hall Place,
Pueblo, CO 81003

** -Events in Alamos ([link removed])
a
Adams State University Theatre Presents: French Pig on February 23rd at 7:30 PM at Adams State University Theatre

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

Monte Vista Chamber Executive Board Meeting
on February 24th at 7 AM at 947 1st Ave, Monte Vista, CO 81144, USA
Fun Facts and Information
1. Southern Colorado Farming and ranching is the main income source for the San Luis Valley.

2. The area is considered a desert with an average of only seven inches of annual precipitation.

3. There are approximately 50,000 acres of potatoes grown annually and around 20 different varieties. [1]
[1] Walker, Emma. “A Food-Lover's Guide to Alamosa.” Alamosa , 10 Oct. 2017, [link removed].
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Donald Valdez . P.O. Box 110 . La Jara, Co 81140 . USA