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Fighting for Agricultural Water
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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.
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This map shows snowpack levels for each river basin as of April 8th
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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.
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Representative Valdez honoring San Luis founder's day.
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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.
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HB 22-1154: Colorado Rotary License Plates:
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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
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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.
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Representative Valdez honoring the legacy of Mary Ontiveros on Wednesday morning
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Thursday's Presentation Of The Colors:
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Presentation of the colors by Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officials:
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife 125th Anniversary:
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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.
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Representative Valdez's House Bills:
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Attached below is a list of Representative Valdez's House bills. To read more about these bills, click this link.
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Representative Valdez's Senate Bills:
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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.
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