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Speaking Out Against Cuts to Public Education
What’s happening: Last week, the Supreme Court paved the way for President Trump to dismantle the Department of Education and terminate 1,400 employees. This week, I spoke out against this decision on Fox 31’s Colorado Point of View.
How this affects Colorado: President Trump’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education show he has no idea what’s going on in public schools in Colorado or across the country. Reading scores in the U.S. have hit a twenty-year low, and kids in Colorado are not prepared to enter the 21st-century economy. When students need more support than ever, demolishing the Department of Education will leave Colorado’s most vulnerable children behind.
What I believe: As the former Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, I believe our kids deserve better. We need to work together to reimagine a 21st-century school system that delivers high-quality education, prepares students for economic success after graduation, and makes higher education more accessible for those who want to go to college.
2. Fighting to Improve Postal Service for Coloradans
What’s happening: For years, Colorado’s rural and mountain communities have faced deteriorating postal service, delivery delays, staffing shortages, and facility issues.
What I’m doing: I led my Colorado Democratic Congressional colleagues to invite David Steiner, who was recently appointed the 76th Postmaster General of the United States, to visit Colorado. I urged him to prioritize improving postal service in our rural and mountain communities. I will keep pushing for improved communication with local leaders and better mail delivery for Coloradans.
3. Celebrating Colorado’s Parks
What happened: A new study by the Trust for Public Land found that over 20 million people visited the City of Colorado Springs’ parks in 2024, including the world-famous Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain and Garden of the Gods. Colorado Springs’ parks generated over $90 million in economic benefits for local residents in 2024.
How our parks benefit Coloradans: Colorado’s parks are essential to our economy, health, and way of life. Take a closer look at how they benefit our state:
- Our parks and recreation system generates $7 billion in economic benefits each year, and local parks support over 39,000 jobs across Colorado.
- Parks provide Coloradans with recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and bird watching, often at little or no cost. This helps local residents save money on travel and avoid paying fees to do the same activities through private entities.
- Parks drive local tourism economies and increase nearby property value. In Colorado Springs alone, they increase property tax revenues by $3.8 million per year.
- Parks help protect our environment by improving water quality and reducing air pollution.
- Access to parks encourages Coloradans to stay active, which improves overall health and reduces health care costs.
What I believe: Our parks – big and small – make Colorado the most beautiful state in the country. This summer, I hope every Coloradan gets outside to enjoy them. Find somewhere to explore near you with Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s State Park Finder.
4. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
- I spoke out against Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s release of a hyper-partisan House intelligence report on Russia’s intervention in the 2016 presidential election. This dangerous report does not change the conclusion of the bipartisan, unanimous Senate report in 2020, which affirmed that Russia meddled in the 2016 election. Director Gabbard must resign.
- Sunday marked 13 years since the mass shooting in an Aurora movie theater that took the lives of 12 innocent Coloradans. On this solemn anniversary, my thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the Aurora community. We must commit to building a future free from gun violence.
- I was sorry to hear of Dr. Joe Vigil’s passing. A legendary coach who put Adams State on the map for world-class track and field athletes, Coach Vigil was a beloved husband, teacher, and community advocate. He will be dearly missed.
- Colorado, it’s time to celebrate our state’s 149th birthday! From July 25 until August 3, Coloradans can enjoy free and discounted events across the state during Celebrate Colorado week. I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the festivities.
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