I hope this email finds you well. Week eight at the state capitol has been full of committee meetings, resolutions, and bill readings. I'm continuing to make significant progress on my legislation to help rural Colorado and I wanted to provide you with an update.
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 at the state capitol!
Sincerely,
Donald
In the Legislature
In the Legislature
Resolution to Condemn Russia:
On Monday, the State House of Representatives unanimously passed a joint resolution to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Representative Valdez stands with the Ukrainian people and strongly opposes this unnecessary conflict. As stated in the resolution, "We, the members of the Colorado General Assembly, proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war, and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia fully accountable for its catastrophic decision to invade,”.
Bill to Foster Civic-Minded Businesses Moves Forward
This week, HB 22-045, passed the Business Affairs and Labor Committee. This bill supports the creation of civic-minded businesses by modifying the Colorado Public Benefit Corporation Act. In the words of one of the bill sponsors, Representative Bird, "Coloradans care about the businesses that reside in their neighborhood because it changes the fabric of their community. This bill will make it easier for civic-minded business leaders and innovators to open businesses that make the community a top priority while also turning a profit." Representative Valdez supports efforts to help local businesses and will continue to monitor this legislation as it moves through the legislature.
Senate Joint Resolution 22-002
Today, Senate Joint Resolution 22-002 was brought to the House Floor. This resolution references federal funding for local water projects to make sure drinking water is safe. Representative Valdez will continue to support efforts that upgrade water infrastructure across the state. If you'd like to read more about this joint resolution, we encourage you to visit theGeneral Assembly website.
Committee Meetings This Week:
Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee:
In Monday's Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee meeting, members unanimously approved HB 22-1151. This bill instructs the Colorado water conservation board to provide financial incentives for replacing irrigated turf with "water-wise" landscaping. As stated by one of the bill sponsors, "As we continue to face historic drought for years to come, we cannot rely solely on the agricultural industry for our water conservation goals, we need the whole state to step up. This bill gives our metro areas the tools to join our efforts to conserve our state's precious water.” As a farmer and a rancher, Representative Valdez understands the importance of conserving water and will continue to support these efforts in the future.
Another bill heard in committee, HB 22-1148, creates a pilot program to implement a remote camera wildfire alert system. In the wake of devastating wildfires, Representative Valdez has made wildfire mitigation and prevention a top legislative priority this session. He strongly supports HB 22-1148 and will continue to support efforts to conserve water.
Transportation and Local Government Committee:
In Tuesday's Transportation and Local Government Committee meeting, Representative Valdez supported two bills to improve affordable housing in Colorado. As prices continue to increase in Colorado, Representative Valdez wants to ensure the legislature supports low-income Coloradans.
At Wednesday's committee meeting, members voted on SB 22-059. In the words of one of the bill sponsors, "We want to have a conversation about how... proxies are abused in Colorado." If you'd like to read more about the specific bills heard in the Transportation and Local Government Committee this week, we encourage you to visit the General Assembly Website.
Representative Valdez (far left) at his Transportation and Local Government Committee on Tuesday.
Community Outreach:
On Thursday, Representative Valdez met with members of the Colorado Agricultural leadership class to discuss some of the issues facing the agriculture industry. As a farmer and a rancher, Representative Valdez appreciates hearing from agriculture leaders from across the state. When speaking with the leadership class, Representative Valdez emphasized how he's built relationships with people across both parties to support the agriculture industry. Other topics in this meeting included wolves, the pause amendment, and the importance of keeping water in the San Luis Valley. If you want to learn more about agriculture-related bills, I'd suggest visiting the General Assembly Website.
OEDIT Rural Economic Resources
Skill Advance Colorado "Colorado First and Existing Industry Job Training Grant Programs support Colorado’s workforce development by providing grants to both existing businesses and those locating to or expanding in Colorado. By reimbursing costs associated with job training, the programs increase transferable job skills that support business competitiveness and enhance workers’ resumes and long-term employment opportunities."
Colorado Rural Resiliency and Recovery Roadmaps "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 "This program helps rural communities create economic development strategies by providing free technical assistance and consulting services."
Rural Jump-Start Program "This program helps economically distressed communities attract new businesses and jobs."
Enterprise Zone Program "This program encourages development in economically distressed areas of the state through tax incentives."
Caucus Information Link: -This link provides useful information about caucusing. No matter who you support, it is important to participate in the democratic process. Please reach out to your county party with any questions about how to get involved.
-Mark Dudrow & Martha, Classical cello and piano duets, March 6th 4:00 PM. Society Hall, Alamosa CO 81101
Events in Monte Vista
-SLV Business Taskforce March Meeting Tuesday, March 1st 3:00-4:00 PM.
Fun Facts and Information
1. The Chile and Frijoles Festival in Pueblo celebrates the City’s biggest crops, green chilies and frijoles. [1]
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] Nrc. “10 Most Fascinating Facts about Pueblo, Colorado.” Polco News & Knowledge, https://blog.polco.us/10-most-fascinating-facts-about-pueblo-colorado.
[2] Orcutt, Amanda. “30 Things You Need to Know about Pueblo before You Move There.” Movoto Real Estate, https://www.movoto.com/guide/pueblo-co/moving-to-pueblo/.
