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Dear Southern Colorado, 

I hope this email finds you well. Week eleven of the legislative session has been productive and we are continuing the make significant strides in helping bridge the rural-urban divide. 

This week, one of my bills, Senate Bill 22-141, passed through committee. We also had several important votes throughout the week 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 week in the books! 

Sincerely, 

Donald 
Protecting Water
As a farmer and a rancher, Representative Valdez understands the importance of protecting rural Colorado's water. Water is the lifeblood of our land, and it is our responsibility to preserve that water for generations to come. Unfortunately, Renewable Water Resources (RWR) aims to purchase local agricultural water and export it to Douglas County. Representative Valdez strongly opposes the RWR exportation plan and encourages his constituents to research this program. 
In the Legislature
HB 22-1001: Reduces Fees For Business Filings
On Monday, House Bill 22-1001 passed on third reading by a vote of 46-19. The bill will reduce fees for starting a business. This includes new business registrations, annual renewals, and other fees typically paid to the Secretary of State's Office. As prices rise rapidly across the state and nation, it's important to cut costs and foster Colorado's entrepreneurial spirit. Representative Valdez voted in favor of this bipartisan legislation and will continue to support efforts to reduce the cost of living in our state. 
HB22-1202: At-risk Student Measure For School Finance
On Monday, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 22-1202 on a vote of 48 to 17. This bill will assist students at risk of below academic outcomes because of socioeconomic disadvantages. In the words of one of the bill's prime sponsors, Representative Leslie Herod, "This bill creates a new holistic method for pinpointing at-risk students that goes beyond those eligible for free and reduced-price lunches to include data from Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus program. It also considers important neighborhood socioeconomic factors that can affect academic success including unhoused status, an incarcerated parent and English as a Second Language. Gathering this information is vital for getting school districts that serve at-risk students the funding they need." Representative Valdez was a strong supporter of this bill and remains committed to improving the rural education system. 
World Water Day
On Tuesday, members celebrated World Water Day. From supporting our agriculture industry to fostering development across the front range, water plays a vital role in fulfilling day-to-day functions in Colorado. Much of Colorado has been in a persistent drought and Representative Valdez is committed to making sure we protect and conserve agricultural water for generations to come.  
Representative Valdez speaking on the House floor about World Water Day
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day: 
On Wednesday, members of the General Assembly celebrated Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Day. People with disabilities help make up the fabric of our state and we must continue to help these people thrive. We encourage you to spend time with those with developmental disabilities and learn from their experience. 
Representative Valdez recognized for his commitment to helping those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
HB 22-1234: Preventing Identity-based Violence Grant Program:
On Wednesday, the House passed House Bill 22-1234. In the words of bill sponsor Representative Bacon, “Colorado does not tolerate targeted crimes and threats against specific communities...This bill focuses on preventing identity-based violence in our state through strengthening local collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations. We’re intent on improving public safety and our legislation will work to stop identity-based crimes before they happen.” Representative Valdez supported this bill because we need to continue to reduce crime across our state and keep people safe. 
HB22-1295: Department Early Childhood And Universal Preschool Program
On Thursday, the House of Representatives voted in favor of House Bill 22-1295. This bill will pave the way for universal preschool in Colorado. As stated by the Speaker of the House, "Our legislation is going to save families money by providing free preschool to every four-year-old in the state while giving kids access to the type of high-quality early childhood education that sets them up for success in life. The new Department of Early Childhood will be a one-stop-shop for families to easily navigate and access their child’s free hours of preschool." Representative Valdez strongly supports this bill and efforts to make education more accessible. To read more about this legislation, visit the Colorado General Assembly Website. 
Tuskegee Airmen Tribute:  
On Thursday, members of the General Assembly rose in support of the last living original Tuskegee airman from Colorado. According to The History Channel, "The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps (AAC), a precursor of the U.S. Air Force. Trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, they flew more than 15,000 individual sorties in Europe and North Africa during World War II." The Tuskegee airman demonstrated a deep commitment to service to the United States. To learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen's place in history, visit their page on The History Channel. 
Members of the State House of Representatives rising in support of the Tuskegee airmen 
Colorado Agriculture Day:
On Friday, members heard Senate Joint Resolution 22-009. The resolution designated Friday as Agriculture Day in Colorado. As stated in the resolution, "Americans enjoy the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the world, thanks largely to the efficiency and productivity of America's farm and ranch families". The agriculture industry is vital to our state and nation, yet most of their hard work goes unseen. The resolution also states that "Agriculture ranks among the most important 9 economic sectors in Colorado, supporting more than 195,000 jobs and 10 generating an estimated $47 billion of economic activity annually." As a member of the agriculture industry, Representative Valdez is committed to providing much-needed support for fellow farmers and ranchers. 
Members of the House of Representatives standing in support for the designation of Agriculture Day
Committee Meetings This Week: 
Transportation and Local Government
On Tuesday's Transportation and Local Government Committee, members heard two key bills. First, House Bill 22-1254, will improve and increase motor vehicle registrations by cutting registration fees. The second bill, House Bill 22-1253, will allow people with disabilities to request adaptive equipment when using a rental car. Representative Valdez was a strong supporter of both of these bills. Please read more about this legislation on the General Assembly Website. 
Transportation and Local Government: 
Representative Valdez speaking with fellow committee member, Representative Froelich ahead of the committee meeting
On Wednesday, three bills were heard before the Transportation and Local Government Committee, including one of Representative Valdez's. SB 22-141 makes several changes to Title 43 in the Colorado Revised Statutes. Title 43 covers laws, procedures, and regulations surrounding transportation. While these changes are purely technical, they are nevertheless important. The state government ought to streamline the language of laws and make them more accessible to the public.
Community Outreach: 
Agriculture Council Meet And Greet: 
On Monday morning, Representative Valdez met with members of the Colorado Agriculture Council and the Department of Agriculture. This was a chance for him to discuss with fellow farmers and ranchers from all across the state. Representative Valdez is committed to supporting our agriculture industry and protecting our water. Please don't hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns regarding agriculture. Feel free to visit the Representative's homepage on the General Assembly Website to learn more about his bills and how they help rural Colorado. 
Agriculture Producer Panel: 
On Monday afternoon, Representative Valdez heard from a panel of leaders in agriculture, including the Agriculture Commissioner, the Governor, and a member of the livestock board. The panel focused on environmental successes in the industry and how they can make their operations more efficient and productive. Topics discussed included egg production, conservation easements, virtual fencing, and cutting the cost of fertilizers. It's critical to help farmers transition from barely making ends meet, to producing a consistent profit each year. 
Agriculture producers panel briefing legislators on their work to make the industry more efficient and sustainable 
77th SWCS International Annual Conference Student Moderator Program: 
You can now submit your applications for the 77th Soil and Water Conservation Society's International Annual Conference Student Moderator Program. They will select up to 10 student members of SWCS to assist with breakout session moderation and room support. This is a great chance for student leaders to deepen their knowledge about conservation and help run an important event. Please use this link to learn more about the program and submit your application. SWCS will cover the costs associated with this event.
SWCS Conservation Photo Contest: 
Enter the free photo contest by June 1, 2022, if you'd like a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Photos must showcase soil and water conservation. Click this link to learn more about the application. If you know someone who might be interested, please send them the link. 

Colorado Ag Council Lunch & Presentations

On Wednesday, Representative Valdez went to an Agriculture Council Lunch. The Representative met with fellow farmers and ranchers about the issues they care about most. Agriculture week at the Capitol has been insightful and Representative Valdez looks forward to his continued work to help bridge the rural-urban divide.

One of the bills he introduced this year, HB 22-1053, creates a program to teach farmers how to implement blockchain technology in their daily practices. This bill will help modernize Colorado's agriculture industry. To read more about this specific bill, visit the Colorado General Assembly Website. 
Representative Valdez speaking with members of the agriculture industry on Wednesday's luncheon
Junior League of Denver Meet & Greet: 
On Thursday morning, Representative Valdez met with members of the Junior League of Denver. According to their website, the Junior League of Denver is "an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable." Representative Valdez is excited to support their mission and all the great work they do. If you'd like to learn more about the Junior League of Denver, please visit their website. 
Representative Valdez meeting with members of the Junior League of Denver
Business Day Luncheon:  
On Thursday, Representative Valdez spoke to members of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB). Representative Valdez reaffirmed his commitment to improving the business climate in Colorado. As prices continue to rise across our state and nation, we need to find ways to cut costs and support our small businesses . Representative Valdez looks forward to working with his fellow legislators to advance the needs of small businesses in rural and urban areas. 
Representative Valdez speaking to members of the National Federation of Small Businesses on Thursday
Rural Resources, Information, and Programs

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."

Location Neutral Employment Community Matching Grant
"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
Click the above link to view a more comprehensive list of rural programs and funding from the Office of Economic Development and International Trade

Care for Colorado Program:
"The Care for Colorado program is made up of a coalition of partners across the state that share important messaging about preserving and protecting our state’s natural resources."
In the Community
-Click this link to see Pueblo's events calendar
-Click this link to see Alamosa's events calendar

Events in Monte Vista
-Click this link to see Monte Vista's events calendar
Fun Facts and Information
1. "The columbian mammoth, even larger than its well known cousin the woolly mammoth, had teeth the size of a human head and once roamed the San Luis Valley." [1]

2. "Humans have inhabited the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes area for 11,000 years, as early as the Stone Age." [2]


3.) "Covering nearly 8,000 square miles in southern Colorado, the San Luis Valley is the largest valley in the state and the largest high-altitude desert in North America." [3]

[1] “12 Things You Didn't Know about Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.” U.S. Department of the Interior, 16 Mar. 2020, https://www.doi.gov/blog/12-things-you-didnt-know-about-great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve.

[2]  “12 Things You Didn't Know about Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.” U.S. Department of the Interior, 16 Mar. 2020, https://www.doi.gov/blog/12-things-you-didnt-know-about-great-sand-dunes-national-park-and-preserve.

[3] Yongli. “San Luis Valley.” Articles | Colorado Encyclopedia, 13 Mar. 2020, https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/san-luis-valley.
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Donald Valdez · P.O. Box 110 · La Jara, Co 81140 · USA