A message from Senator Michael Bennet

Welcoming Federal Disaster Aid for Colorado Wildfires

What’s happening: This season, Colorado experienced three large, destructive wildfires within 48 hours, the Aspen Acres Fire, the Gold Mountain Fire, and the Ferris Fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes and structures, as well as energy and water infrastructure. Yesterday, the Trump administration announced federal disaster aid for these three fires. 

What I believe: Following an outpouring of local support for disaster relief, I am glad to see the approval of the State’s request for a major disaster declaration and public assistance. This funding will help Ouray, Dolores, Pueblo, and Custer Counties rebuild after wildfires burned more than 200,000 acres in their counties this summer, destroying critical infrastructure, water supplies, and hundreds of homes and structures. The President must now approve Governor Polis’ request for individual assistance and hazard mitigation funding, as well as the overdue federal assistance for the Lee and Elk Fires and extreme flooding in Southwest Colorado that occurred last year.

What I’m doing: On Friday, I issued a statement following the announcement of federal disaster aid for Colorado’s Aspen Acres, Gold Mountain, and Ferris Fires. I have been fighting for this funding since the beginning; this week, I worked with Governor Jared Polis and Congressman Jeff Hurd to gather support from over 170 community leaders. Last week, I led the entire Colorado Congressional delegation in a letter to President Trump expressing strong support for the Governor’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for these fires. Our work is far from over though, as I remain committed to ensuring that our state receives the federal support it deserves.

2. Building A Future Where Colorado’s Next Generation Can Thrive 

Meeting with Colorado’s future leaders

What’s happening: For younger generations, the path to a good life is getting harder. Housing costs have risen sharply, and many young people are finding that buying a home, building a career, and starting a family are more difficult than for previous generations.

What I believe: Colorado is the best state in the country, but everywhere I go, I hear people who are working hard and still finding it more difficult to get ahead. We must make sure the next generation has the opportunity to build a good life and help shape what the modern American Dream looks like. The government has a role to play here, but it cannot do so alone. Building a stronger future will require people who are willing to get involved, try new things, build their communities, and speak up when they see something that needs to change. 

What I’m doing: This week I hosted two conversations around what that new American Dream should look like with young professionals through CiviCO’s Civic Pop-Up Series and students in an AP Government class at Vista PEAK Preparatory School in Aurora. It was great to hear from Colorado’s next generation, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together.

3. Defending Coloradans' Right to Vote By Mail

What’s happening: In March, President Trump signed an executive order attempting to limit mail‑in voting nationwide. In August, the Supreme Court ruled that the administration was allowed to temporarily continue such efforts, leaving many Coloradans concerned about their voting rights. Last week, though, Colorado election officials formally confirmed that the Supreme Court's decision will not keep Coloradans from being able to vote by mail.

What I believe: Since the beginning of his administration, Trump and Congressional Republicans have taken steps to try to make it harder for Americans to vote. Despite these efforts to sow doubt about mail-in voting, Colorado voters should rest assured that their mail-in ballots will arrive in time to cast their votes in the midterm elections. Colorado will not let the President interfere in our gold-standard election system. 

4. Thanking our Summer Interns for Their Important Work

Meeting with my Denver and D.C. summer interns

What’s happening: Over the past few months, I sat down with my office’s summer intern class in Denver and D.C. to discuss everything from the importance of political engagement to the future of the American political system.

What I believe: Each semester, the interns in my office listen to Coloradans from every corner of our state, earn their trust, and help resolve the issues they’re facing. I’m always glad to meet with our interns and hear what’s on the minds of the next generation of leaders. I thank them for their hard work and continued service to the people of Colorado.

5. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

• This week, the Trump administration announced that 377,000 Coloradans who get health coverage through Medicaid received a notice informing them of new work and renewal requirements as part of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. The Trump administration has created unnecessary red tape that could ultimately result in over 100,000 Coloradans losing access to health care due to administrative hurdles and paperwork requirements. I am demanding Trump withdraw these work requirements for Medicaid recipients. Coloradans should not have to face unnecessary barriers to care.
• On Thursday, the Trump administration announced a proposal that would strip thousands of schools and universities’ tax-exempt status. This is another attempt by President Trump to impose his will on academic institutions, undermining opportunities of hundreds of thousands of students across the country. Vague rulemakings like this do nothing to make our education system better or more effective, but they will make it harder for America to serve the next generation.
• This week, we remember Gloria Steinem and celebrate her incredible contributions to women's rights and gender equality. Gloria was a true trailblazer, and we must carry her legacy forward. 
• Happy Labor Day, Colorado! On this holiday, we celebrate Colorado’s workers and the labor unions who make our state stronger. We must keep fighting for good-paying jobs, fair wages, and an economy that works for everyone.

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