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Hello everyone,
This morning, Colorado woke up to devastating news about a shooting in Colorado Springs that cut five lives tragically short. I’m thinking of their families and loved ones, and sending strength to those who were injured, the survivors, and Colorado’s LGBTQ community.
I will continue to closely monitor this situation. As we seek justice for this unimaginable act, we must do more to protect the LGBTQ community and stand firm against discrimination and hate in every form.
Sincerely,
Michael
NO NEW CORPORATE TAX BREAKS WITHOUT AN EXPANDED CTC
In the wealthiest country in the world, too many kids go hungry and live in poverty. As I have often said, this is unacceptable — and I’m working diligently to better support our next generation. Because when children and infants don’t get the nutrition and support they need, it stifles their opportunities to grow and limits their chance at achieving the American Dream.
Last year, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan to help Coloradan families weather the COVID-19 pandemic, and I fought to include an expanded Child Tax Credit — an idea I first introduced years ago in my American Family Act — to help cover the rising costs of food, child care, rent, and other necessities.
That policy worked. Thanks to my expanded Child Tax Credit, we saw dramatic decreases in childhood hunger and poverty. As I traveled the state, I heard from parents and grandparents about how these tax credits made a huge difference in their lives.
However, partisanship and politics allowed for these vital tax credits to lapse last year. Now, as tax breaks for corporations worth over $49 billion are set to expire at the end of the year, I’m saying no to new tax breaks for billion-dollar corporations until we expand the Child Tax Credit. I’m committed to putting Colorado’s working families and children first.
CELEBRATING ONE YEAR OF INVESTING IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE
Some of this country’s most iconic landmarks came from infrastructure investments made a long time ago. Whether it’s the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or the Eisenhower Tunnel right here in Colorado, these landmarks have stood the test of time and represent the power of forward thinking and investing in our future.
Last year, Congress took up the task of investing in our roads and bridges across the country and passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. One year ago this week, I joined President Biden at the White House to sign that once-in-a-generation investment in America's future into law.
This legislation has already delivered billions to Colorado to rebuild our highways, invest in clean energy, protect our forests, and bring internet across the state. I’ll continue fighting for more funding for Colorado’s priorities and making sure that we invest right here in America.
PROTECTING OUR VETERANS FROM BAD ACTORS
We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for their service, and we have an obligation to ensure they have convenient and unobstructed access to the care and benefits they earned. Current law prohibits unaccredited individuals and businesses from charging a fee for assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of a VA benefit claim. However, the VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law because criminal penalties were eliminated from the statute nearly 20 years ago.
This week, I introduced the Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act to protect veterans and hold bad actors accountable for predatory financial practices.
LEARNING FROM PROVIDERS, TREATING HEALTH HOLISTICALLY
Colorado is experiencing a worsening mental health crisis, and Coloradans who experience both mental and physical health challenges need more support and better access to care.
Our American health care system often fails to address the intersection between mental, behavioral, and physical health. It also fails to consider the social determinants of health, such as economic status and food insecurity.
Denver Health is leading the way in providing a more comprehensive approach to healthcare by helping providers connect their patients with behavioral health care when they identify mental health concerns. This week, I introduced a bill that learns from the experiences of Colorado medical professionals and empowers providers to treat patients holistically.
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Tribal communities are central to Colorado’s history and we have so much to learn from their generations of knowledge, especially when it comes to the stewardship of our wild lands and resources. This week, I joined bipartisan colleagues in introducing and passing a resolution designating this month as National Native American Heritage Month.
Last month, I had the chance to join students and community members from Fort Lewis College to tour their “As Seeds, We Grow: Student Reflections on Resilience” exhibit. The display features work by students from Indigenous backgrounds and highlights the college’s beginnings as a federal Indian boarding school. I encourage everyone to celebrate Native American Heritage Month by learning more about Native American culture, art, and history through valuable exhibits like theirs.
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