It’s been a hectic start to the legislative session. I’m looking forward to a little family time next weekend for Presidents Day. Recently, many constituents came to the Capitol, including Animas High School’s junior class, local fire chiefs, and advocates from La Plata’s Good Food Collective. Thank you all for advocating for our public schools, emergency response, and children’s nutrition.
This week, I met with doctors from Archuleta and Montezuma counties and the CEO of Southwest Health System. We addressed the challenges our rural hospitals face, especially with federal cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These facilities play a vital role in our healthcare system, and it’s crucial to address their funding needs.
Exciting news! My first bill has passed in the House and is headed to the Senate. Currently, most retired school employees in Colorado can only work up to 110 days a year to keep their full retirement benefits. But rural schools, often struggling to hire teachers and staff, have an exception. This bill extends the same exception to retired BOCES executive directors, who could bring years of experience to our schools. Every extra educator counts in these communities.
This week, I also introduced a bill with Rep. Suckla to help the town of Rico finish its grant-funded battery project. Rico faces frequent power outages, and this battery bank will provide four hours of backup power. The bill has already passed unanimously in the Energy and Environment committee and is now on its way to the floor.
In housing, I’m sponsoring a bill that expands tax exemptions for nonprofits and community developers that create low-income rental homes. This move aims to promote construction without giving large for-profit developers an unfair advantage.
Recently, we passed a resolution in the Statehouse urging the federal government to follow the rule of law during immigration enforcement. Many constituents have expressed concern about how these actions affect families and children in Southwest Colorado. I’m deeply saddened by the recent violence and loss of life in Minnesota. Our commitment to uphold constitutional rights must always guide immigration enforcement, ensuring it is done peacefully and respectfully.
As always, please feel free to reach out to my office. I value hearing from constituents, as it helps me serve you better. Your voice is important.
Katie Stewart represents House District 59 in Colorado, covering Archuleta, La Plata, San Juan counties, and most of Montezuma County. Contact her at katie.stewart.house@coleg.gov.
