One significant sign summer is winding down are the numerous "First Day of School" photos posted to social media. As a mother with two kids, and a former teacher, the beginning of the school year usually excites me, even if it means fall is around the corner. However, while the return to in-person learning makes the return even more special, the situation at our schools is not quite "normal" yet.

Just this week, Jefferson County Public Health issued a public health order requiring masks for everyone ages 2+ in schools and childcare settings. For more information on the order and what it entails, click HERE. These measures were prompted by the rapid increase in COVID cases over the past month. If you have yet to get vaccinated, now is the time! Click HERE for information on where to find a vaccination clinic near you.

In addition to masking, our students and teachers face other challenges as a result of the pandemic as well. Last week, the results of the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) tests were released and compared to the 2019 school year test scores dropped. However, as we cautioned in the weeks prior to the tests, there was nothing "standard" about these so-called standardized tests. Any conclusion that we reach from the test data, whether positive or negative, is hopelessly misguided.

Regardless of the recent data, the bottom line is that we intend to continue working to support our schools and to provide our students with the resources they need to get the education they deserve. For example, the Colorado Department of Education and the State Board of Education solicited feedback over the summer on how to utilize Colorado's federal stimulus funds. The State Board considered that feedback last week and will finalize the prioritization of those funds very soon. For more information on the recommendations, click HERE.

In addition to short-term needs, the legislature passed a bill that brought back the School Finance Interim Committee so that we may consider our longer-term school finance needs as well. I was very pleased to carry the legislation to form the committee and to be named as a member of the committee once more. Our first meeting will be next Tuesday, August 24 beginning at 9 am. If you are interested in following the committee's work, click HERE.

Finally, I'm excited to announce that we are returning to our in-person town hall meetings. This month our meeting will feature Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent Tracy Dorland and State Board of Education Member Karla Esser, who will be discussing the state of education as our students return back to school. This month the meeting will take place at Pomona High School in the library. For more information, click HERE. I hope you will join us to learn more about the opportunities and challenges facing our students and teachers.

Federal infrastructure bill passes: The federal government recently passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This bill includes the largest long-term investment in our infrastructure in nearly a century, and will address repairs to roads and bridges, improve transportation options, build a network of EV chargers to accelerate the adoption of EVs, increase reliable high-speed internet, and address our drinking water infrastructure, power infrastructure, airports, resiliency and more. Here is a fact sheet on what the bill could mean for Colorado.

Federal eviction moratorium ends, while State grants small extension: While the federal eviction moratorium ended on July 31, Governor Jared Polis extended Colorado's eviction protections ahead of the federal moratorium ending. Governor Polis' executive order helps ensure tenants who apply for rental assistance can't be evicted for at least 30 days after July 31. If you are among those struggling to pay your rent and/or utility bills, there are some federal and statewide resources available to you. To learn more about the local financial assistance available to you, click HERE.

Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force: The Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force created by HB21-1329, a bill that set aside $850 million in American Rescue Plan funds for housing and behavioral health, has begun meeting. The task force will make recommendations on policies focused on housing affordability, expand opportunities to build wealth through homeownership, and address homelessness. You can follow the committee's work HERE.

Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force: Much like the task force aimed at addressing housing, the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force was created as a result of Senate Bill 21-137 the Behavioral Health Recovery Act. The task force will lead a conversation on how to use the Mental Health Cash Fund and other federal stimulus dollars to make transformational investments in addressing the state's mental health and substance use disorder crisis. To follow their work and view the materials presented at the first meeting, click HERE.

I-70 Closure Update: While I-70 through Glenwood Canyon has re-opened after a recent mudslide, the road is not yet fully repaired or fully operational. If you plan to travel through that route you should check CDOT's up to date I-70 Glenwood Canyon Information Site for updates on the current status of the route. The site also includes travel tips and alternate routes should conditions change. CDOT has also announced the following safety protocols that could affect your travel:

We discussed the I-70 closure during the Transportation Legislation Review Committee, an interim committee that met a few weeks ago, and CBS Denver 4 interviewed me about what we learned at the briefing. You can view that interview below.

Here are the latest press articles that touch on legislative issues from the past few weeks. You can view the full list on my website by clicking HERE.

EIN News: Senator Zenzinger Awarded CASE Policy Leader Award for Dedication to Public Education

Denver Gazette: State education assessment shows 'significant decreases' for Colorado students

Grand Junction Daily Sentinel: State education assessment shows 'significant decreases' for Colorado students

Greeley Tribune: Scores on Colorado’s CMAS tests fell significantly in 2021, but what does that mean for kids?

The Denver Post: Dropouts may be eligible for associate’s

Colorado Politics: INSIGHTS | Bipartisanship on education commission will serve Polis well

Please join Sen. Zenzinger, and Representatives Brianna Titone and Lindsey Daugherty, for our next legislative town hall meeting featuring Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent Tracy Dorland, and State Board of Education member Karla Esser. They will discuss issues facing our students and teachers as they return to school. Click here for details.

As of last week, over 70% of Colorado’s eligible population had received at least one dose of a COVI-19 vaccine. While this has allowed our state to have a much more normal summer than in 2020, the work is not done in putting the virus behind us. If you or anyone you know has yet to receive a vaccination, please check out this list of vaccination providers to get signed up as soon as possible.

 

COVID19 cases are on the rise as a result of the highly contagious Delta variant, but even though there have been breakthrough cases among individuals who are fully vaccinated, the vaccine has shown to be highly effective at preventing infection, hospitalization, and death. Fewer than one in 10,000 people who are fully vaccinated have experienced a breakthrough case, and nearly all hospitalizations and deaths from COVID19 have been among those who had yet to receive a vaccination.

For more information on how to approach the Delta variant even if you are vaccinated, take a look at the CDC's Delta Variant Page, which includes the recommendation that you wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission. Above all, getting vaccinated or encouraging someone you know who has yet to receive the shot is the best way to defeat the virus once and for all.