Wrapping up the 2020 Legislative Session and Hitting the Campaign Trail!

Life has been moving fast since we adjourned Sine Die on June 16 for the last day of the 2020 Legislative Session! The 2020 legislative session was unlike any other session before it. From an unprecedented global health emergency and the dire budget consequences we faced, to the chaotic flashpoint of a centuries-long struggle for justice taking place outside of the Capitol, we’ve had everything but business as usual at the General Assembly this year. I am proud of how the House of Representatives rose to the occasion and worked to pass responsible laws to protect the health and safety of hardworking Coloradans and get our state back on track to a full economic recovery.

Here are a few of the highlights from this exceptional legislative session:

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented $3.3 billion state budget shortfall. As the newest of the six members of the Joint Budget Committee, I’m proud to say we took our responsibilities seriously in crafting Colorado’s budget. We spent weeks agonizing over very difficult funding decisions while we prioritized resources for public schools, higher education and critical health and safety services. For a complete overview of the long bill, including the funding narrative and state agency budgets, click here.
We put together a package of COVID-19 Relief bills that provide small business loans & grants, housing, food and utility assistance, paid sick leave, and expanded unemployment insurance.
We expanded access to health care and put the reinsurance program on a sustainable funding path for the next five years with (SB20-215);
With (HB20-1427), we referred a nicotine tax measure to the ballot that would generate revenue for public schools, particularly small, rural school districts, for the next three years, and then provide funding for a statewide early childhood education program for all 4-year-olds in Colorado!
We empowered local communities in accessing grants for rural broadband (HB20-1137); strengthened the rights of mobile home owners (HB20-1196); ensured lower wealth communities had access to wildfire mitigation funds (HB20-1057); modernized Colorado’s 9-1-1 emergency notification system (HB20-1293) and established an early childhood mental health consultation system in statute for the first time in our history (HB20-1053).
Visit leg.colorado.gov for a complete look at all of the bills from the session!

Since returning home, I’ve had time to catch up with constituents in House District 61, better understand the challenges facing the hardworking people of the high country, and reflect on the cries for social justice heard from every corner of our country. While members of the general assembly were able to work effectively during a constrained session to pass some rather significant legislation, it is clear we have a great deal more to do for the hardworking people of this state.

I praise Coloradans for putting the health and safety of one another first by wearing masks, socially distancing and staying home when possible. I celebrate the ingenuity and resiliency of my neighbors and friends during these difficult times; and I commend all of you who are supporting your own families and then sharing your time, talent and treasure with those less fortunate. We are Colorado Strong!

It is with all this in mind that I proudly share my hope to continue as your State Representative and ask for your support as I hit the campaign trail in search of re-election in November 2020! I need your help to win this seat and here’s what you can do: