Dear Southern Colorado,

I hope you have been about to get outdoors and experience the spring weather. As we near the end of the legislative session, I wanted to provide everyone with another weekly update and a glimpse into the days ahead.

So far, six of my bills have been signed into law by the Governor: 

1. HB 22-1088: Peace Officer Status for Certain Department of Revenue Employees
2. HB 22-1097: Dissolution of Special Districts
3. HB 22-1264: Change Food And Drug Administration To FDA
4. SB 22-108: Altered Truck Weight Documents
5. SB 22-141: Non-substantive Changes To Title 43
6. HB 22-1231: Foster Parent Bill of Rights

Sincerely, 

Donald

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. As you can see in the graphic below, Colorado's snowpack levels are lower than normal, especially in the southern part of the state. Agricultural communities depend on water to make a living and provide food for the rest of our state. Representative Valdez will continue to monitor our river basins and support efforts to protects and conserves our water for generations of Coloradans. To see a comprehensive list of bills that affect water usage across the state, click here. 

HB22-1349: Postsecondary Student Success Data System

On Thursday morning, Representative Valdez spoke about the role Colorado’s sportsmen play in the responsible conservation of our ecosystems. Hunting is a cornerstone of our way of life and a valuable wildlife management tool. Achieving a balance between wildlife and the land required to support them helps maintain a healthy natural environment. Our sportsmen play an integral role in this mission and I will continue to support their work. 

On Monday, Representative Valdez took part in a House Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee Meeting. Members discussed Senate Bill 22-166: Nongame Conservation Check-off Extension and House Bill 22-1364: Food Pantry Assistance Grant Program. Representative Valdez voted in favor of these bills because they reduce food insecurity and conserve non-game wildlife.

On Thursday, the Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee passed several important bills to support rural Colorado. SB 22-028 directs $60 million in economic relief funds to help our state meet standards outlined in interstate water compacts and responsibly manage groundwater use. Representative Valdez also voted in favor of HB 22-1379, which will invest $20 million to protect Colorado’s watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires. Finally, the committee passed HB 22-1382, which will protect our skies from light pollution. 

For more information on the committee and their work, visit the Colorado General Assembly Website. 

During Tuesday’s Transportation and Local Government Committee, Representative Valdez voted in favor of Senate Bill 22-002. This bill will invest $5 million to help reimburse equipment costs and volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention efforts. SB 22-002 will also expand access to behavioral health care services for firefighters. Colorado’s fire departments are at the front lines of our most pressing emergencies. They risk life and limb to protect our state, and we must continue to provide them with the necessary support.

During Wednesday’s Transportation and Local Government Committee, members heard two important bills, including SB 22-176. This legislation will allocate funding to support the early-stage development of a front range passenger rail system along the front range. This type of rail system would help connect the entire front range, increase access to transportation, and reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This bill passed the committee by a vote of 8-5. 

On Wednesday, Representative Valdez testified in support of his bill to increase geothermal energy use in Colorado. This legislation will put geothermal energy on equal footing with solar energy by capping installation fees, classifying it as a type of pollution control equipment, and educating people about geothermal energy installations.   

Geothermal is a reliable source of renewable energy. Unfortunately, it’s vastly underused in Colorado. According to the U.S Department of Energy, Colorado has an abundance of geothermal resources, including the entire San Luis Valley. This bill will make sure we use these resources to become a cleaner, more sustainable state. This is a bipartisan bill that will help Colorado prepare for the future by diversifying its energy portfolio and becoming more sustainable. The bill passed committee on a vote of 12-1. If you’d like to read more about this bill, visit its page on the General Assembly website.

On Thursday morning, Representative Valdez testified before the House Appropriations Committee in support of one of his wildfire bills, HB 22-1007. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive across our state. That’s why he’s bringing forward a bill to help homeowners save money on wildfire mitigation measures performed on their properties. These efforts could include removing debris and protecting windows. 

This past Wednesday, a fire started in Monte Vista, and local firefighters and police departments have been working tirelessly to evacuate at-risk areas and control the fire. As our state continues to get drier and hotter, we ought to give the most at-risk people the resources to make their communities safer. This bill passed the House on a preliminary vote shortly after its committee hearing on Thursday. 

During Friday's Appropriations Committee, Representative Valdez testified in support of two of his bills. The first one, HB 22-1012, will help our state recover from wildfires. The second bill will modernize Colorado's agriculture industry by teaching farmers about implementing blockchain technology. 

On Thursday morning, Representative Valdez spoke to his fellow Representatives about the fire in Monte Vista. As our state becomes hotter and drier, these instances are becoming more common. This year, Representative Valdez is working on two wildfire bills to provide our communities with needed support. The first one will save homeowners money on wildfire mitigation measures performed on their property. The second bill will help counties recover from wildfires and protect our ecosystems. 

Representative Valdez also extended his deep appreciation to the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Department, Monte Vista Police, Monte Vista Fire, Del Norte Fire, Colorado Division of Fire Protection, and Alamosa Police for swiftly and safely alerting the community of Monte Vista and aiding in the area evacuation.

On Friday morning, Representative Valdez joined his colleagues in the legislature and Governor Polis in a press conference on wildfire prevention and recovery. As you all know, Colorado's wildfire season is no longer confined to a few months during the summer. This past winter, the Marshall Fire destroyed over one thousand homes with a combined value of over five hundred million dollars. These instances are becoming more and more common throughout our state, and we need to take bold action. Representative Valdez is committed to working with his colleagues from both parties to protect our communities from wildfires. 

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."