Things are looking a little different at the Capitol, with trees blooming and the dome reconstruction fully underway. The thawing snow and budding plants of Colorado springtime connote progress of the seasons, and, despite the incremental nature of the legislative process, we can celebrate progress on our bills lately. I’m pleased to announce the passage of two key pieces of my 2012 agenda: The “Local Foods, Local Jobs Act” and the “Electronic Recycling Jobs Act” both passed through the legislature with bipartisan support and will create important job opportunities for Colorado.
My chairmanship of the Senate Agriculture committee continues to be an important role, as I preside over range of issues that affect our rural communities. My priority legislation includes reauthorization of the Building Excellent Schools Today (B.E.S.T.) program, which has been an enormous success for Senate District 5 and rural Colorado since its inception in 2008. Additionally, the “Rural Broadband Jobs Act” that I’m sponsoring with Rep. Coram awaits a final senate vote and our Forest Health bill will be introduced shortly. I’m also focused on legislation to complete the Parks and Wildlife department merger, legislation to expand the Homelake Veterans Cemetery, and a bill concerning funding for Colorado Water Conservation Board projects, which contains an important opportunity for storage in the San Luis Valley.
In addition to legislative work, I’ve had the opportunity to visit the district for some fun and meaningful events. I traveled to Monte Vista for the opening of the Shriver-Wright State Wildlife Area and Representative Vigil and I held a town hall in Alamosa. This past weekend, Rep. Hamner and I delivered a proclamation for Lindsey Vonn’s homecoming to Vail. It was great to meet Lindsey and other community members who will become my new constituents when Eagle County joins Senate District 5 in 2013. I’ve even had the luxury of spending some time with my kids and grandkids, enjoying what’s left of our valuable high-country snow. I look forward to spending more time with my family over the upcoming holiday, and I wish all my friends and constituents a peaceful weekend filled with the joys of the season.
As always, please take time to stay engaged at www.colorado.gov and contact our office to have your perspective heard.
Sincerely,
Senator Gail Schwartz
Senate District 5