Last week I was very pleased to see one of the bills that I've dedicated months of work toward, pass unanimously out of the Senate. Senate Bill 21-053 concerning adjustments to school funding, represents our state's commitment to protecting K-12 education funding for the current and upcoming fiscal years. Students and teachers throughout Colorado have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this funding will ensure that they have the resources they need to finish this school year strong.

In addition, I was also very pleased to sponsor and pass Senate Bill 21-110, legislation that will transfer $30 million from the general fund to the state highway fund to provide additional funding for CDOT's Revitalizing Main Streets and Safer Main Street programs. As the state recovers from the economic recession, this bill will also provide a number of employment opportunities by revitalizing local businesses.

Having passed the Senate on Third Reading, these bills now move to the House for consideration. I look forward to the positive impact these bills will have on our students and our economy when they ultimately receive the Governor’s signature. To track the progress of this legislation, visit the Colorado General Assembly’s website.

Jefferson County moves to Level Blue: As of last Friday, Jeffco moved to Level Blue: Caution on the state's COVID Dial 2.0. The shift to Level Blue comes after the county’s one-week incidence and test positivity rates for COVID-19 have fallen. Under Level Blue, restrictions will ease further, with higher capacity limits on restaurants, gyms, group sports, indoor and outdoor events, manufacturing and more. For more information, visit the following press release: https://www.jeffco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1501.

Jeffco Public Schools will shift to fully in-person learning in April: Jefferson County Public Schools announced last week that the school district will be returning to 100% in-person learning for the secondary grades (6 - 12) beginning in March. The shift will occur in phases, with the first phase beginning March 15 where schools will start bringing students back for full in-person learning. Then, beginning the week of April 5, the Hybrid option will end all students currently learning in a Hybrid model will be 100% in-person Monday through Thursday. Fridays will remain for asynchronous learning. For more information, visit the district's website at: Grades 6-12 Return to 100% In-Person Learning.

Jeffco reaches 70% vaccinated of 70+ population: As of last Wednesday, Jefferson County reached a significant milestone of vaccinating at least 70% of residents ages 70+ by the end of February. A huge congratulations goes out to Jefferson County Public Health for reaching this important goal. For more information, please follow the link to the department's press release: https://www.jeffco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1499.

Below you will find a list of bills I am sponsoring that have been introduced thus far, including two new bills: SB21-115 concerning the Talking Book Library, and SB21-135 concerning Circus Animals. Updates and new bills are highlighted in red text.

Three of my bills are scheduled for their first committee hearing this week: SB21-038 on the Expansion of Complementary or Alternative Medicine for non-ambulatory individuals will be in committee on Monday; SB21-115 on the Talking Book Library will be in committee on Tuesday; and SB21-039 on the Elimination of the Subminimum Wage for individuals with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability will be in committee on Wednesday.

SB21-017 Sexual Contact By An Educator: Concerning sexual contact between a student and an educator in violation of the public trust. Passed 5-0 in Senate Judiciary and placed on the Consent Calendar for 2nd Reading on Monday, March 1.

SB21-038 Expansion of Complementary or Alternative Medicine: Concerning an expansion of the complementary or alternative medicine pilot program for a person with a primary condition resulting in the total inability for independent ambulation (spinal cord injury). Scheduled for the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, March 1 at 1:30 pm.

SB21-039 Elimination Of Subminimum Wage Employment: Concerning the elimination of subminimum wage employment by providing supports to ensure successful transitions for individuals currently working in subminimum wage jobs. Scheduled for the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee on Wednesday, March 3 at 1:30 pm.

SB21-053 Adjustments To School Funding Fiscal Year 2020-21: Concerning adjustments to school funding for the 2020-21 budget year, and, in connection therewith, making appropriations. Passed through the Senate unanimously on 3rd Reading and now heads to the House.

SB21-104 Sunset Special Education Fiscal Advisory Committee: Concerning the continuation of the special education fiscal advisory committee, and, in connection therewith, implementing the recommendations contained in the 2020 sunset report by the department of regulatory agencies. Passed 7 - 0 in the Senate Education Committee and referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

SB21-110 Fund Safe Revitalization Of Main Streets: Concerning funding for the safe revitalization of Colorado's main streets. Passed through the Senate on 3rd Reading and now heads to the House.

SB21-115 Annual Funding For Talking Book Library Services: Concerning the use of money in the Colorado telephone users with disabilities fund to support talking book library services for certain persons with disabilities. Introduced and assigned to the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, March 2 Upon Adjournment.

SB21-135 Prohibit Certain Animals In Traveling Animal Act: Concerning a prohibition on the use of certain animals in a traveling animal act. Bill was introduced and assigned to the Senate Agriculture Committee.

HB21-1083 State Board Assessment Appeals Valuation Adjustment: Concerning the modification on appeal of property valuation set by the county board of equalization. Passed out of House Local Govt & Transportation Committee unanimously and sent to the Committee of the Whole for 2nd Reading on Monday, March 1.

HB21-1094 Foster Youth In Transition Program: Concerning the transition of youth in Colorado's foster care system to successful adulthood. Introduced and assigned to House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee on Tuesday, March 16 at 1:30 pm.

HB21-1099 Policies And Procedures To Identify Domestic Abuse: Concerning authorization to implement best practices for child welfare caseworkers to recognize domestic abuse, and, in connection therewith, addressing domestic abuse as a form of child abuse or neglect. Introduced and assigned to House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee on Tuesday, March 16 at 1:30 pm.

HB21-1125 Suspend State Assessments In 2020-21 School Year: Concerning suspending the administration of state assessments for the 2020-21 school year. Introduced and assigned to the House Education Committee on Wednesday, March 3 at 1:30 pm.

On Monday... I met with Education stakeholders to discuss upcoming bills... I met with Indivisible's CLEAN committee to discuss legislation... I met with representatives of groups wanting to address high potency marijuana... I met with members of the Coloradans for Common Good... On Tuesday... Two of my bills, SB53 and SB110, were heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee... I met with housing advocates to discuss affordable housing... I attended the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee were we confirmed several important appointments including the PUC and the COGCC... I was interviewed by a group of doctoral students from DU about special education... I was interviewed by my nephew's Cub Scout Troop about being an elected official... I met with members of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association... On Wednesday... I chaired the Senate Education Committee where we heard SB56 concerning expanding cannabis-based medicine at schools... I met with SIPA's executive director, Ajay Bagal... I met with Education stakeholders to discuss upcoming bills... I met with members of the Conservation Colorado Protegete Program... On Thursday... I received the Cyberschool Families "Golden Apple" Award... I chaired the Senate Education Committee... I presented SB104 on the Special Education Finance & Advisory Committee to the Senate Education Committee and it passed unanimously... My bill SB13 passed out of Senate Judiciary unanimously... I attended the Broadcast Journalists & Legislators Mixer... I presented a training on how to become a citizen lobbyist to members of the Coloradans for the Common Good... On Friday... I passed two of my bills on 3rd Reading... I met with the Statutory Revision Committee... I met with constituents representing SCAN to discuss early childhood education issues.

Chalkbeat Colorado: Bill to maintain Colorado school funding passes Senate

KRDO Colorado Springs: School funding bill passes senate unanimously

EIN News: Senate Passes Critical Funding Bills Prioritizing Schools, Business Owners, Environment

The Denver Post: Colorado bill aims to cancel CMAS testing this spring, but legislators would need OK from the feds

Canon City Daily Report: Colorado bill aims to cancel CMAS testing this spring, but legislators would need OK from the feds

The Colorado Sun: Colorado lawmaker pushing ahead with effort to suspend state testing despite federal requirement

Colorado Springs Independent: 2021 Legislative session: Some bills to watch

The Denver Channel: Colorado lawmakers propose bill to cancel standardized testing this year

The Coloradoan: Colorado bill seeks to suspend CMAS testing this year

Chalkbeat Colorado: Colorado lawmaker pushing ahead with effort to suspend state testing despite federal requirements

The Denver Channel: Bill introduced at the Capitol could forever change Colorado's domestic violence laws

Chalkbeat Colorado: Colorado bill seeks to suspend CMAS testing this year

Mark your calendar for our next virtual town hall meeting! We are hoping to discuss the 2021-22 State Budget.