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Hello everyone,
Over the past two weeks, I’ve driven nearly 1,300 miles and held more than 30 events in 13 different counties. In every corner of the state, Coloradans tell me that they are struggling in this economy that for the past 50 years has worked well for the top 10% of Americans but hasn’t worked for anybody else. That’s why, in Washington, I’m working on a package to massively invest in workers, families, and the country’s future.
We need to make sound investments like extending the Child Tax Credit so that it doesn’t expire in December, passing paid family leave so that Americans can stay home with a sick child or an aging parent, and acting urgently on climate change so that we can protect the Colorado we know and love.
We have a lot of work ahead, but I am more optimistic than I’ve been in a long time that the agenda in Washington reflects our priorities in Colorado. That’s in large part thanks to my conversations with Coloradans that I take back to Washington.
As we celebrate Labor Day, I’m remembering the workers who fought to secure rights like fair wages and safe workplaces. We can carry on their legacy by building an economy that works for everyone and treats working people with dignity.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office to share feedback.
Sincerely,
Michael
REFLECTING ON THE END OF AMERICA’S LONGEST WAR
This week marked the end of our mission in Afghanistan and America’s longest war. Our nation owes the men and women who served a debt that can never be repaid. They carried out their mission with bravery, dedication, and distinction. Our work to protect the American people, here and abroad, will continue. As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I will ask hard questions about what we could have done to better plan for the fall of Kabul and swiftly evacuate our citizens, allies, and Afghan partners. Read my reflections on the end of America’s longest war here.
Watching these events unfold in Afghanistan has been hard for many Americans, especially for our veterans who served in Afghanistan. I joined my colleagues in urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to swiftly ensure all veterans have access to critical mental and behavioral health resources. If you or a loved one is struggling, know that there are resources available. I encourage you to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat.
COMMEMORATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11
On Wednesday evening, I was honored to join Senator John Hickenlooper, Governor Jared Polis, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Peyton Manning, Joe Ellis, and many others at Broncos stadium for the Mizel Institute’s commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. On September 11, 2001, our nation came under attack from terrorists who sought to destroy America and everything we stand for. But we endured because Americans united in defense of our nation and our values. We need that unity today.
At the commemoration, we remembered the lives we lost and honored our troops and veterans who have sacrificed so much for us. We were joined by representatives from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and the Colorado National Guard. These men and women are the best of Colorado.
 (At the Mizel Institute’s Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of 9/11)
TACKLING THE HOUSING CRISIS IN COLORADO
In Fort Collins, I toured one of Housing Catalyst's affordable housing developments and heard from community leaders about how they are tackling the housing crisis in Colorado. I learned so much about how Housing Catalyst, non-profits, local officials, and others are working together to make housing more affordable and accessible, and I’ll take their experiences back to Washington with me to make progress on this widespread issue.
 (Roundtable Discussion at Village on Horsetooth in Fort Collins)
GIVING PARENTS A MEASURE OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
On Friday, I joined a discussion with Mile High United Way, community leaders, and parents about how Colorado families are using their expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC). Many parents in Colorado like the ones I heard from today are using the advanced credit to pay rent, buy groceries, and shop for back to school supplies. It’s clear: this credit is transforming the lives of Colorado’s kids, and that’s why I’m pushing to extend it in the Build Back Better budget.
If you would like to share how the expanded CTC has affected your family, please email your story to CTC@bennet.senate.gov. I’d love to hear from you!
 (CTC Roundtable at MindSpark Learning in Lakewood)
EXPANDING ACCESS TO MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Last year, Colorado lost 1,282 lives to suicide. This National Suicide Prevention Month, let us honor their memory as we continue to put resources and supports in place that aid in prevention. These last couple of years have been incredibly challenging for so many of us. I’ve heard time and again from Coloradans about how the COVID-19 public health crisis and subsequent economic crisis only exacerbated an already existing mental health crisis in our country. This is a moment for us to commit to expanding access to mental and behavioral health care in our country.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 1-800-273-TALK for help.
CELEBRATING COLORADO ATHLETES AT THE PARALYMPICS
This weekend will mark the end of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, and Colorado athletes have represented our country with grit and determination. Coloradans took home the following medals:
- Eric Newby and Adam Scaturro both won silver in Wheelchair Rugby
- Elizabeth Marks won gold, silver and bronze in swimming
- Sophia Herzog won bronze in swimming
- Hailey Danz won silver in Triathlon
On behalf of Colorado, you have made our state proud. We're cheering on all of Team USA as the games wrap up!
 (Team USA During the Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics)
(Photo Courtesy of Team USA)
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