This week, several important bills made their way through committees that I want to update you on. As always, don't hesitate to contact my office if

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Dear Southern Colorado,

I hope this email finds you well. From meeting with leaders in the aerospace industry to evaluating capital development requests, I've been hard at work on behalf of rural Colorado.

This week, several important bills made their way through committees that I want to update you on. As always, don't hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or ideas. 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 books!

Sincerely,

Donald
In the Legislature

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Farewell to Senate President Garcia:
[1]
This week, Senate President Leroy Garcia officially retired from the Colorado State Senate. During his ten years of service in the legislature, President Garcia has been a champion for Pueblo and the state of Colorado. Whether it's serving in the U.S Marine Corps or the state legislature, he has dedicated his life to service and our state is better off for it. We wish him the best as he begins his work at the Pentagon.
Rural Education Bills 22-1101 & 22-1070

Yesterday, two bills passed the House that will improve Colorado's rural education system. First, ** HB22-1101 ([link removed])
will allow retired public employees to return to full-time work in rural school districts without impacting their retirement benefits. This program will also include school nurses and paraprofessionals.

** HB22-1070 ([link removed])
will make it easier to form an early childhood development service district. These special districts provide services to children ages 0-8. Furthermore, this bill will allow early childhood districts to receive grants and other sources of funding to provide early learning opportunities for students.

Representative Valdez strongly supported these bills because he remains committed to addressing the shortage of teachers in rural Colorado and increasing access to early childhood education.
HB 22-1169: Prohibit Sexual Act Without Consent
On Tuesday, the House unanimously passed HB 22-1169. In the words of one of the bill's sponsors, “Through modernizing the definition of sexual assault, we’re making it clear that without known consent, it's sexual assault in the eyes of the law. This session, we’re taking big steps towards making Colorado safer, and this bill works to modernize the definition of sexual assault to make it easier for prosecutors to charge perpetrators and get survivors the justice they deserve.” Representative Valdez is deeply committed to preventing sexual assault and this bill is a critical step in that direction.
Committee Meetings This Week:
Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee:

In yesterday's Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee meeting, members unanimously approved House Bill 22-1168. Representative Valdez is a strong supporter of HB 22-1168. This optional elective course will teach students about wildlife management, conservation, hunter ethics, and the responsible use of firearms. This bill is a crucial step in connecting young people to the outdoors and all Colorado has to offer. We strongly encourage you to read more about this bill on the ** General Assembly Website ([link removed])
. This is a great bill for rural Colorado and Representative Valdez will continue to support HB 22-1168 as it moves through the legislature. If you want to learn more about hunter education, visit the ** Colorado Parks and Wildlife Website ([link removed])
.

Transportation and Local Government Committee:

In this week's Transportation and Local Government committee meetings, members continue to work towards improving our transportation system and simplifying and improving local governments. If you'd like to read more about the specific bill heard in the Transportation and Local Government Committee this week, we encourage you to visit the ** General Assembly Website ([link removed])
.
Representative Valdez (left) in a Transportation and Local Government Committee meeting.
Caucus Meetings:
Rep. Valdez speaking to the Lieutenant Governor (left) and members of the aerospace industry
On Wednesday, Representative Valdez co-chaired the Aerospace and Defense caucus meeting. This was a great chance for Representative Valdez to meet with industry experts, the Lieutenant Governor, and other legislators to discuss recent developments in aerospace. Colorado ranks second (behind California) in total private aerospace concentration and our state continues to attract aerospace companies large and small because of our friendly business climate. There's also a big emphasis on making sure the Space Command stays in Colorado, despite former President Trump's threat to move it to Alabama. Representative Valdez looks forward to continued partnership with industry experts and elected officials to keep the Space Command in Colorado and support the aerospace industry.
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])
-Legislative Breakfast Series Saturday, March 5th 8:00- 9:30 AM. Pueblo Convention Center
-Pueblo Agriculture Expo Thursday, March 10th 1:00-6:00 PM. Colorado State Fair Grounds, Pueblo, CO
** Events in Alamos ([link removed])
a
-TBRI Caregiver Training Wednesday, March 2nd 9:00- 4:00 PM. 330 San Juan Ave
** Events in Monte Vista ([link removed])

-SLV Business Taskforce March Meeting Tuesday** , ([link removed])
March 1st 3:00-4:00 PM.
Fun Facts and Information
1. Pueblo is one of the top historic cities in the country.

2. Pueblo is hometown to four Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients: William J. Crawford; Carl L. Sitter; Raymond G. "Jerry" Murphy; and Drew D. Dix.

3. The oldest high school football rivalry west of the Mississippi is in Pueblo, and is played between Central and Centennial High School. The teams have been playing since 1892. [2]

[1] Miller, Faith. “Colorado Senate President Leroy Garcia to Resign, Accept Pentagon Role.” Colorado Newsline, 3 Feb. 2022, [link removed].

[2] Orcutt, Amanda. “30 Things You Need to Know about Pueblo before You Move There.” Movoto Real Estate, [link removed].


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