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Dear Southern Colorado, 


I hope this email finds you well. As of Monday, we are 3/4ths of the way through this year's legislative session. While we have accomplished a lot- from securing a historic state budget package to combating the fentanyl crisis- we still have a lot of crucial work in the few weeks remaining. I will continue to keep you updated along the way. 

Finally, I wanted to yet again voice my commitment to closing the rural-urban divide and supporting Colorado agriculture. These principles have guided my work this legislative session and how I big pieces of legislation. 

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. 

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 fourteen of the legislative session! 

Sincerely, 

Donald 
Snowpack Levels & Drought Conditions

As stated by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, "Agriculture is a cultural and economic cornerstone of Colorado". Our state's agriculture industry contributes roughly $41 billion annually to the state economy, puts food on our tables, and employs approximately 170,000 hardworking Coloradans. However, a historic drought continues to suppress this critical industry. Representative Valdez continues to monitor snowpack conditions for each river basin in the state. These are often good indicators of how much water farmers and ranchers will be able to use during dry summer months. 

As a farmer and a rancher, Representative Valdez understands the urgency with which we must protect agricultural water. At the State Capitol, he continues to support the responsible conservation and management of our natural resources and will keep the needs of the agriculture industry at the center of his decision-making. To see a comprehensive list of bills that affect water usage across the state, click here. 
This map shows snowpack levels for each river basin as of April 14th
In the Legislature
Ute Day At The Capitol: 
During "Ute Day" at the State Capitol, Representative Valdez met with members of both Ute tribes and gauged some of the issues facing their communities. Representative Valdez has a deep respect for Colorado's indigenous peoples. They were our state's initial inhabitants and have made significant contributions to Colorado's cultural history. Their reverence for the land, natural resources, and centuries-old traditions are inspiring and exemplify the best of Colorado. Representative Valdez looks forward to his continued partnership with the Ute tribes and advancing the needs of Native Americans across our state. 
Representative Valdez meeting with tribal leader, Terry Knight on Monday morning 
Representative Joe Nuñez Memorial:  
On Monday, Representative Valdez joined his colleagues in memorializing former State Representative Joe Nuñez. Representative Nuñez was born on April 5th, 1937 in Greeley Colorado. As a Vietnam Veteran and a former legislator, Joe Nuñez dedicated his life to the service of our state and the nation. Our prayers go out to his four children- John Michael Nuñez, Daniel Nuñez, Teresa Curtis, and Lili Nuñez Mueh. 
HB 22-1282: The Innovative Housing Incentive Program
On Tuesday morning, the House passed HB 22-1282 on a preliminary vote. This bipartisan bill will invest $40 million in affordable housing solutions. As stated by Representative Mullica, one of the bill's co-sponsors, "This legislation will boost the construction of homes that can be built efficiently while meeting our state’s ever-increasing demand for affordable housing. These modular and manufactured homes are innovative, affordable, and will save hardworking Coloradans money on housing while boosting homeownership in our state." Representative Valdez will continue to help address the affordable housing crisis and make sure rural Colorado isn't overlooked in these discussions. 
Aerospace and Defense Caucus Announcement: 
On Wednesday morning, Representative Valdez invited his colleagues to attend this week's Aerospace and Defense caucus meeting. As co-chair of the Aerospace and Defense Caucus, Representative Valdez is laser-focused on keeping the U.S Space Command permanently in Colorado. As Russia and China continue to expand their military powers, we must ensure the Space Command quickly reaches full operational capacity. Transferring the Space Command to Alabama would disrupt their vital mission and put our nation at a disadvantage. 
Representative Valdez reminding his colleague about Thursday's Aerospace and Defense Caucus meeting 
Maestas Case Tribute: 
On Thursday morning, Representative Valdez joined members of the Latino Caucus in honoring the Maestas Case. Francisco Maestas was instrumental in ending the segregation of Latino and Caucasian students in Alamosa, Colorado. In 1912, the Alamosa School Board supported the separation of these students because of differences in language fluency. Maestas helped raise funds to hire a lawyer and took the school district to court. The court victory paved the way for Latino desegregation in Colorado. Let's continue to honor his commitment to educational equality.
Representative Valdez, joined by members of the Latino Caucus, honoring the Maestas Case
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 22-1364. This bill extends the food pantry assistance grant program through July 1st, 2028. This program allows food pantries to purchase products from Colorado Proud vendors and distribute them to those in need. Representative Valdez was a strong supporter of this bill because it supports local producers and those who are in most need of food. To read more about this critical program, please visit their page on the Department of Agriculture's Website. If you'd like to read more about HB 22-1364, visit the bill's page on the General Assembly Website. 
Representative Valdez (far right) at Monday's Agriculture, Water, and Livestock Committee Meeting 
Transportation and Local Government Committee: 
On Wednesday, Representative Valdez and the rest of the House Transportation and Local Government Committee heard several key bills, including HB 22-1356. This bill will allocate $35 million in federal pandemic relief funds to non-profits that were directly impacted by Covid-19. Representative Valdez supported this bill because NPOs are a critical resource for underserved communities, especially in rural Colorado. Our state has been through a lot these past couple of years and it's because of community-driven non-profits that we will emerge stronger than before. 
Representative Valdez at Tuesday's Transportation and Local Government Committee. 
Energy and Environment: 
On Wednesday, Representative Valdez testified in favor of his bill to promote the use of green hydrogen throughout Colorado. The bill would require the Governor's office to add green hydrogen to the greenhouse gas pollution reduction roadmap for electric utilities to use in meeting energy standards and goals. This is a bipartisan bill that would our entire state become cleaner and diversify Colorado's energy portfolio.
Representative Valdez (left) testifying before the House Energy & Environment Committee
Capital Development: 
On Thursday morning, Representative Valdez and members of the Capital Development Committee discussed several development projects at the Community College of Aurora and Auraria Higher Education Center. The Capital Development Committee has been hard at work to uphold critical infrastructure and maintenance standards at state-owned facilities. Representative Valdez has made sure rural Colorado isn't overlooked in the allocation of capital development resources and funds. Click this link to read more about the Capital Development Committee's work. 
Community Outreach: 
Golf Day At The Capitol: 
Tuesday was "Golf Day" at the Capitol. Legislators met with members of the golf industry and gauged their legislative priorities. While the golf industry might not seem like a top priority for the state government, it's important to monitor how golf courses manage water when maintaining thousands of acres of grass. The golf industry plays a critical role in the development of our state and must demonstrate responsible use of our natural resources. 
Sikh Day At The Capitol:  
On Wednesday, members of the Sikh community came to the State Capitol. This was a great chance for them to showcase their culture and religion. Colorado's ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity makes us a stronger state, and Representative Valdez will continue to celebrate those of different backgrounds.   
Aerospace And Defense Caucus Meeting:
On Thursday, Representative Valdez met briefly with the Aerospace and Defense Caucus to discuss HB 22-1350. This bill will invest in a grant program to expand talent development initiatives. This will help improve the workforce pipeline, increase opportunities for upward mobility, and foster Colorado's entrepreneurial spirit. Representative Valdez will continue to monitor this legislation as it moves through the House and Senate. 
Maestas Traveling Art History Exhibit: 
On Thursday, Representative Valdez joined his fellow legislators, the Latino Caucus, and constituents from Alamosa, in celebrating the Maestas traveling art history exhibit. This exhibit showcases the legacy of Francisco Maestas and his contribution to the fight for civil rights. During this event, Representative Valdez presented a joint tribute in honor of Francisco Maestas. To learn more about this critical court case, click on this link.  
Representative Valdez presenting the tribute honoring Francisco Maestas
Rural Resources, Programs, and Departments

Department of Local Affairs- Rural Economic Development Initiative:
"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- Rural Jump-Start Program
"This program helps economically distressed communities attract new businesses and jobs."

Colorado Department of Agriculture Website:
"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
"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
"This program helps rural communities create economic development strategies by providing free technical assistance and consulting services."

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

Events in Walsenburg
-Click this link to see Walsenburg's event calendar
 
Fun Facts and Capitol History 
1. Adams State University, located in Alamosa, Colorado is "the most publicly diverse university in Colorado  [1]

2. "In 2000, Adams State was Colorado’s first higher education institution to be federally designated a Hispanic Serving Institution".  [2]

3.) "Adams State was founded in 1921 for the purpose of educating teachers to serve rural areas of Colorado, including the San Luis Valley" [3]
The above mural states, "Here shall the melting Snows renew the Oxen here Firewood is and here shall Men build Cities". These historic murals harken back to a time when Colorado was an undeveloped, desolate landscape. Settlers fought tooth and nail to make it here because of the sense of opportunity associated with the Western United States. It's important to remember that Colorado is more than just urban areas and work towards a state our founders would be proud of. 

[1] “About.” Adams State University, 8 Apr. 2022, https://www.adams.edu/about/#:~:text=Adams%20State%20was%20founded%20in,would%20allow%20them%20to%20succeed.
 
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Donald Valdez · P.O. Box 110 · La Jara, Co 81140 · USA