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Hello everyone,
During stops in Minturn, Hayden, and Craig this week, I had the opportunity to see first hand how federal funding I helped secure through the Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process will help tackle the challenges Coloradans face.
Minturn plans to use $1 million in federal funding to help construct a new water tank for the community, which will help lower water costs, increase water quality, and secure the area’s water supply. In addition, I heard from local officials how this improvement will help combat wildfires and support the development of affordable housing for the community — something that is very much needed.
(Minturn water tank visit)
In Hayden, the town will use over $2.8 million to expand a child care facility and create a cultural arts and technology space at the old high school, now called The Hayden Center. It was great to tour this space to see how it will expand after-school activities, host art and music classes for the community, and bring people in the region together as the population continues to grow.
(The Hayden Center visit)
I wrapped up my day in Craig, where I had the chance to see how Moffat County will use over $4.6 million to renovate an old K-Mart building into a new courthouse and county building after years of safety and security concerns about the aging Moffat County courthouse. The future economic growth of Moffat County depends on adequate public services, and this project will help secure the Sheriff’s office, veteran services, and other essential services for the community.
(Moffat County Courthouse visit)
The CDS process was an opportunity for Coloradans — a lot of them from communities that have felt completely invisible to Washington in recent years — to tell Congress directly about the challenges they face. During my visits this week, I felt a sense of optimism from Coloradans about the future of our communities. I’m delighted that we were able to get this done to address these pressing issues, and I look forward to seeing more projects soon.
Read on for more highlights from my week in Colorado. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office to share your thoughts and concerns.
Sincerely,
Michael
P.S. As National Parks Week comes to a close, I hope you were able to celebrate in Colorado. From Rocky Mountain to Mesa Verde, our national parks are home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. If you couldn’t make it this week, plan your visit soon.
HEARING FROM COLORADANS ON SKYROCKETING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS COSTS
Throughout my time in the U.S. Senate, I've heard time and again from Coloradans about how the skyrocketing price of medications has affected their lives. This week, I joined Colorado patients and advocates at Pueblo Community Health Center to discuss this urgent issue. In no other industrialized country do parents go to the pharmacy window to pick up their kid's prescription, look at the price tag, then walk away because it's too expensive. It's a disgrace. I’ll keep fighting to lower drug costs because no Coloradan should go bankrupt just to keep their families healthy.
(Prescription drug roundtable in Pueblo)
KICKING OFF FARM BILL LISTENING SESSIONS
This week in Pueblo, I kicked off a series of listening sessions to inform our work for the 2023 Farm Bill. From severe drought to volatile supply chains, Colorado farmers and ranchers have faced a difficult few years. We can give them a lot more certainty with an updated Farm Bill.
(Kicking off Farm Bill listening sessions in Pueblo)
As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, I have worked closely with my Senate colleagues to craft past Farm Bills using input from Coloradans during listening sessions just like this. I look forward to carrying their ideas and concerns back to Washington with me to ensure we write a Farm Bill that Colorado can be proud of.
SURVEYING MARSHALL FIRE DEBRIS REMOVAL
The Private Property Debris Removal program is finally underway in Boulder County in the wake of the Marshall Fire. Fire survivors have had their lives upended — the last thing they need is to encounter more hurdles to recovery. I’m pleased Senator John Hickenlooper, Congressman Joe Neguse and I helped secure federal approval for this program.
(Surveying debris removal in Superior)
This week, we also welcomed news that the Small Business Administration will expand access to disaster loans for survivors of the Marshall Fire — something we pushed for in the aftermath of the fire. This disaster tore through our communities, leaving millions of dollars in damage and destruction.
The Boulder County community is resilient, and we will keep working with the administration to ensure survivors can access the federal support needed to help cover the cost of reconstruction.
Marshall Fire survivors can learn more about the SBA Disaster Loan Program, including how to apply, HERE.
CELEBRATING EARTH DAY
Earth Day is an important reminder of how integral our outdoors are to who we are in Colorado. As climate change fuels extreme disasters, I worry we won't recognize our state in a few years.
To protect our landscapes and hand down the Colorado that we love to our kids and grandkids, we must act on climate. A big part of that is investing in our forests — something President Biden took action on today when he announced important steps to protect our mature and old growth forests. With climate change driving longer and more severe wildfire seasons across Colorado, we must invest in our forests to mitigate fire risk, create thousands of jobs, and protect our communities.
(Thompson Divide)
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