Read the newsletter to learn about my efforts to help rural Colorado

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Dear Southern Colorado,

I hope this email finds you well. From restoring our ecosystem after wildfires to modernizing the agriculture industry, I'm continuing to make progress on my legislation to help rural Colorado.

As contentious bills make their way through the legislature, I will continue to keep the needs of rural Coloradans at the heart of my decision-making. As a rural Coloradan myself, I understand the unique challenges you and your communities face. I'm committed to preserving the rural way of life and delivering much-needed support to remote areas of the state.

Now that the budget package passed the House of Representatives, my bills will start moving through the pipeline at a quicker pace. I will make sure to keep you updated along each step of the way.

To view a complete list of my bills and their status in the legislative process, go to my home page on the General Assembly website ([link removed]) .

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 week thirteen of the legislative session!

Sincerely,

Donald
Fighting for Agricultural 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, a project called Renewable Water Resources 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.

From a persistent and severe drought to water usage limits set by the Colorado River Compact, irrigated agriculture already faces its fair share of challenges. Representative Valdez is committed to making life easier for Colorado's farmers and ranchers by supporting policies that promote responsible water conservation and management. To see a comprehensive list of bills that affect water usage across the state, click here ([link removed]) .
This map shows snowpack levels for each river basin as of April 8th
In the Legislature
San Luis Founder's Day:
On Tuesday, Representative Valdez honored the town of San Luis, originally known as San Luis de la Culebra. As the oldest town in Colorado, San Luis has a unique place in history. Initially part of a Mexican land grant, the town continues to honor its heritage with adobe architecture, reverence for the land and community pride. The town of San Luis is home to the San Luis People's Ditch, Colorado's first recorded water right (1851); Sangre de Cristo Parish, one of the oldest churches in the state; R&R Market, the oldest continuously operated business in Colorado (1857); and La Sierra, the original Mexican-era land grant (1843) still used today by land grant heir for traditional land uses.

On April 5th, 1851, settlers official laid claim to the land grant that is present-day San Luis. With a population of 629, it remains the oldest continuously occupied town in the state. On Tuesday, we celebrated the 171st anniversary of San Luis' founding. We honor its history, the legacy of the early settlers, and the strength and resilience of the citizens of San Luis.
Representative Valdez honoring San Luis founder's day.
Affordable Housing & Behavioral Task Force Bills:

Last year, Colorado set aside $850 million of American Rescue Plan Act money to improve affordable housing and Colorado's behavioral health system. $400 million was allocated to affordable housing and $450 million was allocated to behavioral health investments. The legislature then convened two separate task forces composed of legislators, department officials, and subject-matter experts to finalize a series of recommendations for spending these federal dollars.

This year, legislators from both parties have been working to translate the task force recommendations into a package of streamlined bills. Representative Valdez strongly supports investments in these policy areas since they are especially relevant to rural Colorado. Rural Coloradans face a heightened risk of psychological illness and often don't have the resources to recover. Similarly, affordable housing is scarce in rural parts of the state. Representative Valdez has been monitoring the work coming out of these task forces and continues to make sure rural Colorado isn't overlooked in the allocation of these federal funds.
HB 22-1154: Colorado Rotary License Plates:
House Bill 22-1154: "Colorado Rotary License Plates", passed the House of Representatives on a preliminary vote Tuesday morning. This is a bipartisan bill that will help fix outdated transportation infrastructure and celebrate the contributions of Rotary club members. To read more about this bill, click here ([link removed])
Mary Ontiveros Memorial:
On Wednesday, Representative Valdez delivered a memorial for Mary Ontiveros. Born in Pueblo, she became the first person in her family to attend college. Upon graduating from Colorado State University, she worked in several administrative positions, most notably as the school's first vice president for diversity. She dedicated her life to the education of young people and leaves a lasting impact on her community and state. She led a life of service and her contributions will not be forgotten. Mary Ontiveros will be dearly missed.

Representative Valdez honoring the legacy of Mary Ontiveros on Wednesday morning

Thursday's Presentation Of The Colors:

Presentation of the colors by Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officials:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife 125th Anniversary:
On Thursday, members of the General Assembly celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Agency. According to the CPW website, "CPW’s mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources." Representative Valdez is a strong supporter of CPW's commitment to responsible conservation and stewardship of the land. Colorado's public lands preserve the natural beauty of Colorado. We encourage those reading to appreciate and experience public lands near them.
Representative Valdez's House Bills:
Attached below is a list of Representative Valdez's House bills. To read more about these bills, click this link ([link removed]) .
Representative Valdez's Senate Bills:
Here is a list of bills that originated in the Senate that he's helping move through the House of Representatives. To read more about these bills, click here ([link removed]) .

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Committee Meetings This Week:
Agriculture, Livestock, and Water:
On Monday, Representative Valdez took part in a House Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee meeting. Members discussed several key bills, including House Bill 22-1308. This bill will create an online program/portal for agricultural workers to access important labor resources and provide grants to employers for workplace improvements. As stated by bill sponsor, Representative McCormick, "This bill is designed to build a stronger workplace relationship between employers and employees by centralizing critical workplace information, including mental health resources and updated labor regulations. Agriculture is a critical industry for Colorado and our goal is to streamline the outreach process so employers and employees can work together to build safer workplaces for everyone." Representative Valdez voted in favor of this bill because we need to support our agricultural workforce and continue providing high-quality food to the rest of the state and nation.
Representative Valdez (far right) at Monday's Agriculture, Water, and Livestock Committee Meeting
Transportation and Local Government Committee:
On Tuesday, Representative Valdez took part in a House Transportation and Local Government Committee. Members discussed several bills, including House Bill 22-1306. This bill will help improve the process for awarding grant projects to upgrade broadband in rural areas.

During Wednesday's Transportation and Local Government Committee, Representative Valdez voted in favor of House Bill 22-1315. This bill will provide additional funding to Colorado 2-1-1. Colorado 2-1-1 helps Coloradans navigate community resources like SNAP benefits, rental assistance, childcare, and housing. This is a valuable resource for rural Coloradans and we encourage you to spread awareness for Colorado 2-1-1.
Representative Valdez at Tuesday's Transportation and Local Government Committee.
Community Outreach:
Agriculture Council Meeting:
On Wednesday, Representative Valdez heard from members of the agriculture industry during an Ag. council meeting. Representative Valdez greatly values discussions with fellow farmers and ranchers. From a historic drought to supply chain shortages, our agricultural workers face an extremely demanding set of circumstances. Representative Valdez has faced these challenges too and is deeply committed to supporting the folks that help put food on our tables.
Colorado Ute Tribes Lunch & Learn:
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs met virtually with legislators about key issues for Colorado's Native American reservations and communities. Representative Valdez strongly supports the commissions' work to provide the necessary state resources to Colorado's reservations and looks forward to their continued partnership.
Combatting the Fentanyl Crisis:
The abuse of synthetic opioids like fentanyl is widespread throughout our communities and state. Last year, 709 people were killed by illegal fentanyl right here in Colorado. This crisis is especially high in rural areas of our state.

Representative Valdez is committed to combatting the fentanyl crisis and will closely monitor several bills aimed at preventing the abuse of dangerous narcotics. If you'd like to learn more about this type of legislation, visit the
** Colorado General Assembly website ([link removed])
.
Rural Resources, Programs, and Departments

** Department of Local Affairs- Rural Economic Development Initiative: ([link removed])

"The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program is designed to help rural communities comprehensively diversify their local economy and create a more resilient Colorado."

** Office of Economic Development and International Trade- ([link removed])
** Rural Jump-Start Program ([link removed])

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

** Colorado Department of Agriculture Website: ([link removed])

"Our vision is that Colorado agriculture be strong and vibrant, a key driver of the state’s economy, and recognized worldwide for its safe and abundant supply of high-quality food and agriculture products."

** Skill Advance Colorado ([link removed])

"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."

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

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

** 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])

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
** Events in Pueblo ([link removed])
-Click this link to see Pueblo's events calendar
** Events in Alamos ([link removed])
a
-Click this link to see Alamosa's events calendar

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

-Click this link to see Monte Vista's events calendar

** Events in Walsenburg ([link removed])

-Click this link to see Walsenburg's event calendar

Fun Facts and Capitol History
1. "Robert Ford, the assassin of outlaw Jesse James, operated a combination saloon & gambling house in Walsenburg. " [1]

2. Huerfano County was one of the original 17 counties created by the Territory of Colorado in 1861. [2]

3.) The town of Walsenburg is known as the heart of "Spanish Peaks Country". [3]

Map of the Territory of Colorado [4]

The mural in the picture above states, "Then shall the River-namers track the Sunset singing the long song to the Shining Mountains". These historic murals throughout the Capitol invoke a sense of opportunity and possibility associated with the American West. In today's hustle bustle, it's important to remember our state's incredible history and why its founders worked so hard to settle here.
The inside of the State Capitol provides an in-depth homage to Colorado's history and most treasured resources. Intended to look like the United States Capitol building, many details are constructed of Colorado white granite and topped with gold flakes. The entire rotunda is adorned with what many Coloradan's believe to be the whole supply of Colorado Rose Onyx, a rare marble found only in Beulah, Colorado.

[1] History - Robert Ford and Walsenburg. City of Walsenburg. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2022, from [link removed]
[2] profile, H. G. V. (2021, May 28). Huerfano County Mountains. PeakVisor. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from [link removed]
[3] Blog. Free Colorado Travel Guide Vacations Travel and Tourism. (n.d.). Retrieved April 7, 2022, from [link removed]
[4] Monk, Jacob. “Map of Colorado Territory Embracing the Central Gold Region Copy 1.” Library of Congress, [link removed]. Accessed 8 Apr. 2022.
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Donald Valdez . P.O. Box 110 . La Jara, Co 81140 . USA