Historically, constituents of Senate District 19 have named education, transportation and housing as their top three issues. This year, however, environmental issues shot up to number one. For this issue of the newsletter, I'll recap some of the major pieces of legislation we passed this session to address climate change.

There were three different categories of legislation that covered the environment: Air Quality & Climate, Environment & Natural Resources, and Wildfire Prevention.

In the first category, Air Quality & Climate, the most comprehensive bill was SB22-193 Air Quality Improvement Investments. The bill provides funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Enviornment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado's air quality. The bill invests $109 million toward clean transportation initiatives, air quality monitoring, regulation and incentives. To view the other nine bills, click HERE.

In the second category, Environment & Natural Resources, there were a variety of bills but after hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park this past weekend, the most interesting bill to me was HB22-1323 Updates to State Forest Service Tree Nursery. This bill requires that the Colorado State Forest Service updgrade and improve its seedling tree nursery to expand capacity and contribute to reforestation efforts. This will help us better address reforestation needs in response to wilfire, flood, insect, and disease events. To view the other nine bills, click HERE.

I believe the third category, Wildfire Prevention, also relates to the environment because climate change has fueled a wildfire season that’s starting earlier, lasting longer and growing more intense. We devoted a high number of bills toward the issue, but the most comprehensive bill was SB22-206 Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources. The bill creates the Office of Climate Preparedness in the Governor's office, tasked with coordinating disaster recovery efforts and developing a climate preparedness roadmap to ensure Colorado is better prepared for future climate-induced disasters. To view the other ten bills, click HERE.

We even devoted portions of our federal pandemic relief funds toward several environmental initiatives including: SB22-028 Groundwater Compact Compliance Fund and HB22-1379 Wildfire Prevention Watershed Restoration Funding. This Saturday we will focus on water issues at our virtual town hall meeting.** Members from the Department of Natural Resources and the Colorado Water Conservation Board will discuss legislation that we passed this session concerning water, as well as the Colorado Water Plan. For more details, click HERE.

**Please note, due to circumstances beyond our control, the town hall will now be virtual rather than in person.

Even though we are no longer meeting down at the Capitol every day voting on legislation, we continue our legislative work during the interim by participating on various committees. According the most recent Legislative Council Staff newsletter, there are at least 25 year-round and interim committees that will meet during the 2022 legislative interim. To see the complete list of scheduled meetings, for my interim committees and/or others, click HERE. Additionally, here is a list of my committee assignments during the interim:

Joint Budget Committee: Technically, we classify the JBC as a "Year-Round Committee." These committees meet during the legislative session and interim to provide oversight to legislative staff agencies, conduct hearings regarding the state budget and capital construction, and consider other issues of importance to the state. For example, we met last week with members of the Governor's cabinet to discuss the Emergency isaster Declaration and related Executive Orders. We will also be meeting next Tuesday, June 21 for the June Quarterly Revenue Forecast and to consider interim supplemental funding requests. For more informationn, click HERE.

Statutory Revision Committee: The SRC is also a Year-Round Committee. We make an ongoing examination of the statutes of the state and current judicial decisions for the purpose of discovering defects and anachronisms in the law and recommending needed reforms. There are no upcoming meetings scheduled at this point. For more information, click HERE.

Legislative Interim Committee on School Finance: We meet to study issues related to school finance and consider changes to the Public School Finance Act of 1994. This committee was established by a bill I sponsored in 2021 and is slated to meet for a two-year term. We are entering our second year of the two-year term. In our first year, we sponsored several bills that made changes to school finance including SB22-127 on Special Education Funding and HB22-1202 on the At-risk Student Measure For School Finance. Our first meeting will be in late July. For more information, click HERE.

EMS System Sustainability Task Force: This is a brand new assignment for me. This task force was created by a bill I sponsored, SB22-225 Ambulance Service Sustainability And State Licensing, in order to make recommendations on how to preserve, promote, and expand consumer access to emergency medical services in the state, including recommendations:

The first meeting has not yet been scheduled.

CDOT Efficiency & Accountability Committee: The Colorado Department of Transportation Efficiency And Accountability Committee was re-established through legislation in 2016. The Committee seeks ways to maximize the efficiency of the department to allow increased investment in the transportation system over the short, medium, and long term. Our first meeting will be on Thursday, July 21. The first meeting will be a summary of everything the legislature has accomplished over the last two years under the dome (SB260 and other funding measures), and then we will discuss the Bridge and Tunnel Enterprise's mission. For more information, click HERE.

Colorado Commission on Higher Education: The Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) was established in 1965 by the legislature. In 1985 the legislature gave the Commission increased authority and specific directives through the passage of House Bill 1187. Specific responsibilities include developing long-range plans for an evolving state system of higher education. In 2008, Senate Bill 08-018 made the Department of Higher Education (DHE) separate from CCHE in order to clarify the individual roles of the DHE and CCHE. The Commission meets frequently and our next meeting will be our annual retreat in July. You can find their schedule HERE and for more information about the Commission, click HERE.

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority: The CHFA team works together throughout Colorado to Increase the availability of affordable, decent, and accessible housing for lower income Coloradans; and strengthen the state's economy by providing financial assistance to businesses. The Board of Directors is the governing body of CHFA and is vested with all of CHFA's statutory authority. The Board of Directors: establishes policies that further CHFA’s statutory authority and mission, adopts credit policies and credit guidelines for CHFA's lending programs, and authorizes bonds and investments to support CHFA’s lending activities. We meet on a monthly basis. For more information, click HERE.

Statewide Internet Portal Authority: SIPA was created through legislation. SIPA was charged to create an efficient, effective, and user friendly statewide internet portal to serve as a place where citizens can electronically access state government information, products, and services, as well as provide e-Government services to state and local governments. SIPA meets monthly. For more information, click HERE.

Juneteenth newest state holiday: Juneteenth is a commemoration of the end of slavery and honors freedom for all of us. Juneteenth was recognized as a national holiday last year by the U.S. Congress and President Joe Biden. Legislation to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday in Colorado was first introduced this February and passed the legislature with bipartisan support. Juneteenth celebrations will take place across Colorado in the coming days. State offices will be closed Monday June, 20, 2022 in observance of the holiday. To view a calendar of events, click HERE.

City of Westminster Community Survey: The City of Westminster has opened up its 2022 Community Survey. Responses are completely confidential, and the survey results will be used by City Council and City staff to analyze the effectiveness, responsiveness and value of City services. The deadline to submit the survey is Friday, June 24 at 5 p.m. To take the survey, click HERE.

June quarterly revenue forecast: On Tuesday, June 21 at 9:00 am, members of the Joint Budget Committee will receive a presentation from the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting on the June Economic and Revenue Forecast. The purpose of the presentation is to learn about the current state of the economy to determine the implications of the forecast for the state's General Fund budget and spending limit. To listen to the forecast, follow this link and then select Committee Audio.

City of Westminster hires new Fire Chief: The City has named Derik Minard as its new Chief of the Westminster Fire Department. Minard brings more than 30 years of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) experience to the role, four of which he served as deputy chief of operations of the Westminster Fire Department. Congratulations Chief Minard! For more information, click HERE.

City of Arvada hosts large item drop-off: Arvada residents are invited to participate in bulky item drop-off events as part of the city’s Waste and Recycling Program minimum services fee. The next drop-off event is June 18, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at Stenger Sports Complex, 11200 W. 58th Ave. Residents may drop off tree branches/limbs at this event. You will be required to show proof of residency and the wait time may be lengthy. Also, you will need to unload your own items. There is a five-item limit and yard waste must be bagged. For more information about the event, including a list of acceptable and non-acceptable items and additional bulky item event dates, click HERE.

Colorado Cashback refund: In order for Coloradans to receive the Colorado Cashback refund this summer, you must file your taxes by June 30, 2022. Individuals who filed by this date will receive the more than $500 or $1000 rebates this summer. To receive the refund in August, full-year residents must either file a Colorado individual income tax return for the 2021 tax year or apply for the 2021 Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate Credit (PTC) by June 30, 2022. Taxpayers who don't file a return by June 30 can still file on extension before Oct. 17, 2022. Those who file on extension in October can expect to receive their refund check in January 2023. For questions or assistance, click HERE.

Come see me at Arvada on Tap: On Saturday, June 18, the Arvada Festivals Commission will host their annual Arvada on Tap event. Arvada on Tap (AOT) is a fun outlet for craft beer and BBQ sampling. The event will feature craft breweries, local food, vendors, and great music. I'll be working a shift with other members of my Kiwanis Club. The event runs from 12:00 pm - 4 pm at Ralston Park (64th & Quail). All proceeds from this event will go to various community partners. For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

Please join us this Saturday, June 18 for our monthly town hall meeting! We will host representatives from the Department of Natural Resources to discuss the state of water in Colorado. This meeting will be in person, so please plan to join us at the Standley Lake Library at 10:30 am. For more details, click HERE.

Slash Gear: Why Powered Wheelchair Users Are Fighting For The Right To Repair Their Own Equipment

Colorado Public Radio: A new program could help build 16000 homes in Colorado as part of a bigger $650 million plan

Cision PR Web: Colorado ABLE Accounts Enhanced With New Benefits and Protections for Coloradoans With Disabilities

Colorado Politics: Gov. Polis OKs extending public health whistleblower protections after pandemic

The Colorado Sun: New Colorado teachers eligible for loan forgiveness, student teaching stipends

Chalkbeat Colorado: New Colorado teachers eligible for loan forgiveness, student teaching stipends

Colorado Public Radio: Colorado's plan to mark “America 250” is underway, with a focus on BIPOC history

For a full list of this week's press and videos visit rachelforcolorado.com/news.

SB22-008 Higher Education Support for Foster Youth: Concerning postsecondary education support for certain students who have been in out-of-home placement.

SB22-011 America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission: Concerning the establishment of the America 250 - Colorado 150 commission.

SB22-017 Fluid Milk Products Not Divisible Load: Concerning the determination that a load of fluid milk products hauled by a vehicle is not a divisible load under the vehicle weight limits permitted by law.

SB22-054 Recommend Community School for Turnaround Plan: Concerning the addition of a recommendation that a district public school be converted to a community school if the district public school fails to make substantial progress under its turnaround plan.

SB22-064 Neighborhood Youth Organizations: Concerning requirements for neighborhood youth organizations that provide services designed for the development of youth.

SB22-085 Colorado Safe Student Protection Program: Concerning creating the Colorado safe student protection program. Postponed Indefinitely

SB22-121 Tuition Revenue Pledged by Institution Higher Education: Concerning increasing the amount of tuition revenues pledged by an institution of higher education.

SB22-127 Special Education Funding: Concerning funding for special education services.

SB22-137 Transition Back to Standard K-12 Accountability: Concerning measures related to the transitional return to standard education.

SB22-142 Repeal Municipal Bond Supervision Advisory Board: Concerning the repeal of the municipal bond supervision advisory board.

SB22-144 Public and Nonprofit Entities Rideshare Contracts: Concerning the provision of transportation services by a transportation network company not in connection with a business operated for profit.

SB22-146 Middle Income Access Program Expansion: Concerning the expansion of the Colorado housing and finance authority's middle income access program.

SB22-159 Revolving Loan Fund Invest Affordable Housing: Concerning the creation of a revolving loan fund within the division of housing in the department of local affairs to make investments in transformational affordable housing.

SB22-162 Administration Organization Act Modernization: Concerning the modernization of the terminology used in the Colorado Revised Statutes relating to the organization of Colorado state governmental agencies without altering the status of the powers assigned to those agencies pursuant to the "Administrative Organization Act of 1968."

SB22-164 Correction Property Tax Disclosure Information Metropolitan District: Concerning the substitution of the word "treasurer's" in place of the word "assessor's" in a statutory provision requiring disclosure of property tax information for purchasers of newly constructed residences within the boundaries of a metropolitan district.

SB22-192 Opportunities for Credential Attainment: Concerning the creation of opportunities for credential attainment, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SB22-202 State Match for Mill Levy Override Revenue: Concerning providing state matching money for property tax revenue collected by school districts.

SB22-210 License Supplemental Health-care Staffing Agencies: Concerning the regulation of supplemental health-care staffing agencies by the department of public health and environment.

SB22-215 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Cash Fund: Concerning the creation of the "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" cash fund to be used for non federal match funding requirements for infrastructure projects eligible to receive federal funding under the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act."

SB22-216 Reallocation Of Limited Gaming Revenues: Concerning the reallocation of the limited gaming tax revenues for fiscal years following a significant decrease in the revenues, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SB22-217 Programs That Benefit Persons With Disabilities: Concerning motor vehicle related programs that benefit persons with disabilities, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SB22-225 Ambulance Service Sustainability And State Licensing: Concerning emergency medical services in the state, and, in connection therewith, creating an emergency medical services system sustainability task force and requiring ambulance services to obtain a state license from the department of public health and environment.

SB22-235 County Administration of Public Assistance Programs: Concerning county administration of public assistance programs, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

SR22-003 Single Parent Day: Concerning recognition of Single Parent Day in Colorado.

SJR22-006 Police Week and Peace Officers' Memorial Day: Concerning declaring the week of March 11-16, 2022, as Police Week, and in connection therewith declaring March 15, 2022, as Peace Officers' Memorial Day.

HB22-1009 Continue Workforce Diploma Pilot Program: Concerning continuing the workforce diploma pilot program as the workforce diploma program. Postponed Indefinitely

HB22-1031 Consumer Right to Repair Powered Wheelchairs: Concerning a requirement that a powered wheelchair manufacturer facilitate the repair of its powered wheelchairs by providing certain other persons with the resources needed to repair the manufacturer's powered wheelchairs.

HB22-1051 Mod Affordable Housing Tax Credit: Concerning modification of the Colorado affordable housing tax credit, and, in connection therewith, extending the time during which the credit may be claimed and increasing the yearly amount of credits that can be allocated.

HB22-1057 Public Employees' Retirement Association Employment After Teacher Retirement: Concerning public employees' retirement association employment after retirement limitations.

HB22-1093 Updates to Bingo and Raffles Law: Concerning the conduct of charitable gaming activity, and, in connection therewith, modernizing the "Bingo and Raffles Law" to accommodate the use of improved electronic aids and devices in the conduct of games of chance and making an appropriation.

HB22-1099 Online Marketplaces and Third-party Sellers: Concerning mandatory disclosures of third-party sellers selling through online marketplace.

HB22-1101 Public Employees’ Retirement Association Service Retiree Employment in Rural Schools: Concerning the expansion of a program that allows a public employees’ retirement association service retiree to work full-time without any reduction in the service retiree’s retirement for benefits for a rural school district that has a critical shortage of qualified individuals with specific experience, skills, or qualifications that the service retiree has.

HB22-1114 Transportation Services For Medicaid Waiver Recipients: Concerning authorizing a transportation network company to provide nonmedical transportation services to persons who are enrolled in certain medicaid waiver programs, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

HB22-1162 Motor Vehicle Digital Number Plates: Concerning authorization to use digital number plates in lieu of metal number plates on a vehicle.

HB22-1202 At-risk Student Measure For School Finance: Concerning the creation of a new measure in the public school funding formula for identifying at-risk students, and, in connection therewith, creating a working group in the department of education to implement the new measure in a future budget year.

HB22-1220 Removing Barriers To Educator Preparation: Concerning removing barriers in educator preparation to support educator candidates entering the educator workforce.

HB22-1245 Foster Youth in Transition Program Clarifications: Concerning clarifications related to the foster youth in transition program.

HB22-1248 Extend School Leadership Pilot Program: Concerning continuation of the school leadership pilot program, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

HB22-1250 Nonsubstantive Changes to Title 7 of Colorado Revised Statutes: Statutes: Concerning nonsubstantive changes to title 7 of the Colorado revised statutes.

HB22-1255 Improve Higher Education for Students With a Disability: Concerning measures to improve postsecondary education outcomes for students with a disability.

HB22-1258 Essential Services For Youth Special Districts: Concerning the creation of an essential services for youth special district in each judicial district in the state. Lost on Third Reading in the House.

HB22-1290 Changes to Medicaid for Wheelchair Repairs: Concerning changes to medicaid to allow for expedited repairs to complex rehabilitation technology.

HB22-1293 Medical Record Requests By Attorneys: Concerning the provision of medical records in the custody of a health-care facility. Laid over in the House on Second Reading.

HB22-1294 Special Education Services in Charter Schools: Concerning additional pathways to provide special education services to children with disabilities in charter schools.

HB22-1320 Achieving a Better Life Experience Savings Accounts: Concerning the achieving a better life experience (ABLE) savings program for individuals with disabilities, and, in connection therewith, modifying who may create and control an ABLE program account, preventing the state from filing certain claims against an ABLE program account upon the death of the designated beneficiary, and allowing contributions to an ABLE program account that are withdrawn for qualified disability expenses to be deducted from a taxpayer's federal taxable income for purposes of determining the taxpayer's state taxable income.

HB22-1329 2022-23 Long Bill: Concerning the provision for payment of the expenses of the executive, legislative, and judicial departments of the state of Colorado, and of its agencies and institutions, for and during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, except as otherwise noted.

HB22-1331 Supplemental Funding for Facility Schools: Concerning supplemental funding for facility schools, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. 

HB22-1333 Increase Minimum Wage for Nursing Home Workers: Concerning an increase in the minimum wage for nursing facility employees, and, in connection therewith making an appropriation. 

HB22-1334 Food Distribution Program Administrative Fee: Concerning the collection of an administrative fee from an agency that receives commodities through a food distribution program.

HB22-1336 Streamline Processing of Judicial Department Collections: Concerning the streamlining of the processing of certain money collected by the judicial department. 

HB22-1339 Merge Department of Revenue Division of Motor Vehicles Cash Funds: Concerning the Colorado DRIVES vehicle services account of the highway users tax fund, and, in connection therewith, merging the licensing services cash fund into the account and requiring account investment earnings to be credited to the account. 

HB22-1340 Capital-related Transfers of Money: Concerning capital-related transfers of money.

HB22-1341 Marijuana Tax Cash Fund: Concerning measures to ensure that the marijuana tax cash fund is in balance.

HB22-1390 Public School Finance: Concerning the financing of public schools, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

HB22-1395 Transportation Innovation Grant Program: Concerning creating the competitive transportation innovation grant program to address the public school transportation shortage. Laid over in the House in the Appropriations Committee.

HB22-1415 Repeal Registered Manager Requirement Liquor Licensees: Concerning elimination of the requirement that certain businesses licensed to sell alcohol beverages for consumption on the licensed premises register a manager of the licensed premises with the state licensing authority.

HB22-1418 Extension Of Certain Unused Tax Credits: Concerning the extension of the period for which unused and expiring Colorado job growth incentive and enterprise zone income tax credits may be carried forward to subsequent years.

HJR22-1002 Study State and Interstate Highway Vehicle Weight: Concerning a request that Congress allow the state of Colorado to conduct an analysis of and possibly move forward on harmonizing the gross vehicle weight for trucks on the Interstate Highway System in Colorado with that of other state highways.

HJR22-1006 Military, Veterans, Missing in Action/Prisoner of War Appreciation Day: Concerning recognition of military, veterans, and MIA/POW Appreciation Day.