Southern Colorado, 

This was the last full week of the legislative session, and as we begin to wrap things down at the State House, I wanted to provide you with several updates.

This week, several of my bills passed through committee. First, SB 22-227 will fund critical programs within the Department of Agriculture. The second bill, SB 22-195, will continue funding Colorado’s seventy-five conservation districts for the foreseeable future. Conservation districts play a vital role in the management of our water, soil, and other precious natural resources. Finally, SB 22-118, promotes geothermal energy. This bipartisan bill will help Colorado prepare for the future by diversifying its energy portfolio and becoming more sustainable. 

My bill to increase educational opportunities for veterans, HB 22-1407, passed the House and is moving through the Senate. This bill will allow veterans to audit courses without paying the hefty entrance fee, which costs over one-thousand dollars at schools like UCCS. To read more about this legislation, click here. 

Please read the rest of this week’s newsletter for more updates and reach out to my office if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. 

Sincerely, 

Donald 

During Monday’s floor work, the House of Representatives commemorated Private Joe P. Martinez by designating a portion of Highway 85 in his name. Private Martinez was assigned to the 7th infantry division of the United States Army, where he helped protect the Aleutian Islands from the Japanese invasion. During battle, Martinez sacrificed his life to protect the United States. He demonstrated immense bravery, patriotism, and gallantry. This past Monday, the General Assembly remembered his extraordinary legacy and keeps his family in our prayers. 

During Monday’s floor work, the House of Representatives passed HB 22-1407, which allows veterans to audit college-level courses without paying the hefty entrance fee. Auditing these courses will teach veterans new skills, improve job placement, refine abilities that can be applied to a civilian career, and reward them for their service to our country.

Many veterans juggle school, work, and family life simultaneously, which can be overwhelming. While programs like the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon are great for veterans who want to become full-time students, many cannot make that type of commitment. We must offer a more flexible alternative that allows veterans to absorb information in the classroom while also caring for their families and holding stable jobs. This is a complementary initiative to programs like the GI bill.

On Tuesday, the House recognized May as National Asthma Awareness Month. Asthma is a serious disease, affecting roughly eight percent of Americans and can be induced by exercise, pollution, wildfires, and airway infections. Legislators extended their deep appreciation to Colorado’s healthcare providers for their commitment to treating this pervasive and deadly disease. 

SJR 22-012: Rename Section Of Route 115

On Tuesday, The House passed a resolution to commemorate Veterans of Foreign Wars, an organization, “an organization of US war veterans, who, as military service members fought in wars, campaigns, and expeditions on foreign land, waters, or airspace”. Colorado is home to roughly 400,000 veterans. This resolution honors their courage, patriotism, and commitment to service. To read the resolution in full, click this link. 

HB 22-1151: Turf Replacement Program

On Tuesday, Representative Valdez spoke in support of HB 22-1151, a bill that will help save money and water by replacing irrigated turf with “water-wise landscaping”. It’s not just the agriculture industry that has to play a role in the conservation of water, urban areas do too. This bill ensures the entire state plays an active role in water conservation. Finally, this bill won’t just save water, it saves money. Homeowners spend a ton of money irrigating their grass. This bill will incentivize people to replace grass with drought-resistant, native plants. 

Foster Parent Bill of Rights Signing Ceremony: 

On Tuesday, Representative Valdez joined Governor Polis and his colleagues in the legislature in celebrating the passage of HB 22-1231. This bill increases rights for foster parents, which includes the right to receive training and support, timely financial reimbursements for the foster parents’ work, and clear descriptions of their expectations. The Foster Parent Bill of Rights will make life easier for Colorado’s foster parents by ensuring they receive the support they deserve. Foster parents have dedicated themselves to a truly noble cause, and we ought to support them however we can.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives honored Park Ranger of the year, Darcy Mount. As the Park Manager at Eleven Mile State Park, Darcy has worked tirelessly to manage an unprecedented volume of visitors. She has been with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for fourteen years and is characterized by her professionalism, leadership, and love for the outdoors. 

The Park Officer of the year, Eric Harper, has worked for Colorado Parks and Wildlife for over thirty years. He holds a reputation for being responsive and team-oriented. Mr. Harper has provided quality instruction and mentorship to his colleagues at CPW, and we extend our deep appreciation for his commitment to protecting natural resources and landscape.

On Thursday, the House of Representatives celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of Western Governors University. Starting in 1997, the school has provided a high-quality, affordable education. Since its inception, it has been instrumental in training the next generation of healthcare workers, teachers, and business professionals. WGU has kept Colorado’s economy strong and looks forward to its continued work. 

On Thursday, Representative Valdez joined the Democratic Latino Caucus in celebration of Cinco De Mayo. In 1881, Mexico issued a moratorium on paying the foreign debt to stabilize their country. France objected to this decision and attacked Mexico. Despite being significantly outnumbered, Mexico prevailed. Their victory gave birth to Cinco De Mayo, and we encourage you to join us in celebration of this holiday and its unique place in history. 

During Monday’s Transportation and Local Government Committee, Representative Valdez testified in support of SB 22-195. This legislation continues the Conservation District Grant Fund indefinitely. According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado’s seventy-five conservation districts “improve soil health, water quality, water conservation, wildlife habitat, forest health, plant communities, and energy conservation.” Conservation districts play a vital role in the responsible management of our state’s natural resources. As a farmer and rancher, I understand the urgency with which we must conserve our water and protect our natural landscapes. This bill will ensure we can meet these challenges head-on and prepare Colorado for the future. 

During Monday’s Finance Committee, Representative Valdez testified in support of Senate Bill 22-118. This bill promotes the use of geothermal energy. Geothermal is a reliable source of renewable energy. Unfortunately, it is 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. 

During Wednesday’s Appropriations Committee, Representative Valdez testified in support of three bills. The first bill, SB 22-118, promotes geothermal energy, a vastly underused renewable energy source. SB-22 195 will continue funding for Colorado’s Conservation Districts. This bill is a critical step in protecting precious natural resources like water and forests. Finally, SB 22-227 will fund several critical programs within the Department of Agriculture, including the Colorado State Fair. All three bills passed the Appropriations Committee.  

During Thursday’s Capital Development Committee, legislators discussed several critical projects for the University of Colorado. First, CU Denver plans to build a new building for their college of engineering, design, and computing, which would accommodate an additional 500 students. This new building will help satisfy the demand for these types of technical skills and improve Colorado’s growing economy. 

Similarly, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs will upgrade its engineering building by adding faculty offices, increasing lab space, and creating a new lobby. There is a steep demand for engineers, especially given UCCS’ proximity to several air force bases and aerospace companies.

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." The application process is closed, but it's never to0 early to start preparing for next year. 

Office of Economic Development and International Trade- Rural Jump-Start Program
"This program helps economically distressed communities attract new businesses and jobs." This application has a rolling deadline. 

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."

For this week's section on Colorado history, we selected a mural that highlights our state’s industrial spirit. Inscribed beneath the mural is the quote, “Deep in the Earth where roots of Willows drank shall Aqueducts be laid to nourish Cities.”

Our state’s founders worked tirelessly to harness natural resources to support rapid development and growth. Fast forward to the present day, and you'll see a state with water levels at historic lows, dry forests, and soil depleted of nutrients. This has been especially detrimental to farmers and ranchers, who depend on a healthy natural environment to produce food and make a living. But it's not just our farmers and ranchers who bear the brunt of an unhealthy natural environment. This past winter, the Marshall Fire destroyed over 1,000 properties with a combined value of $500 million. We must bridge the rural-urban divide and think about the responsible use of natural resources. 

“The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.” The Official Seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., https://www.vfw.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=branded&gclid=CjwKCAjwjtOTBhAvEiwASG4bCFoND3Cmv_RekV-89tR0CD6SOSjgvJms3k1UB_ZjnDYHyphO-ndX6BoC-yoQAvD_BwE.

“Colorado General Assembly.” Colorado General Assembly |, https://leg.colorado.gov/.