Putting Community First

Dear Neighbor, It has been wonderful seeing so many of you over the past week as we’ve traversed the district, visiting with constituents, small-businesses, local leaders and more. In every interaction, I’m reminded of the work folks are doing to put politics aside and put community first — and I couldn’t be more proud to do the same!  

To that end, as the Member of Congress who represents the headwaters of the Colorado River, I was honored to launch just this week a bipartisan Congressional Colorado River Caucus, joined by my colleagues from both the Upper and Lower Basin States. Together, and with our colleagues in the Senate, we are working to help foster collaborative conversations between state and local leaders, putting the interests of our communities above all else and working together towards our shared goal to mitigate the impacts of record-breaking levels of drought. 
 
Also this past week, Colorado Senator Michael Bennet and I called on officials at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) to suspend any decision authorizing the construction of the Uinta Basin Railway until a full community safety evaluation and environmental assessment can be completed. The recent train derailment and environmental disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, has made clear the threats that can be posed by these railways, and we must ensure that all possible adverse effects of this project are properly accounted for.

And lastly, last week, I introduced the Save Children’s Coverage Act. This bill will help hundreds of thousands of kids across the country who are eligible for public health coverage—including tens of thousands of kids in Colorado—stay insured. Just as we did throughout COVID-19, we must remain committed to caring for the health and wellbeing of some of our country’s most vulnerable citizens. Learn more here.

SECURING CRITICAL FUNDS FOR OUR COMMUNITIES

Last year, we secured over $500,000 for the Lyons Emergency & Assistance Fund (LEAF). This incredible organization provides critical services to folks in Lyons and its surrounding mountain communities, whether it be providing a Food Pantry or helping businesses recover from fire. I was grateful to have the opportunity this past week to see their work to help families and individuals in our town. Read more here.

WHAT ELSE HAVE WE BEEN WORKING ON?

• I visited with the folks at Flatirons Rotary this week. Together, we spoke about our work to build a better, brighter future for all. 

• The FY23 open textbooks applications are now open! This program helps increase access to high quality, comprehensive education. Learn more HERE.

• ICYMI: Honoring our community’s Vietnam Veterans: If you, or an immediate family member, served our nation in Vietnam, or if you are a widow of a Vietnam Veteran, and you are interested in attending an event where we will be honoring National Vietnam War Veterans Day this month, please click HERE to register for the event.

Should you need any assistance from our office, please do not hesitate to reach out. 

Please stay safe, stay healthy, and stay hopeful!