Today is Sine Die, the final day of Colorado’s 2022 General Assembly. I expect us to adjourn late tonight, having passed historic legislation to address Colorado’s mental health crisis, increase resources for unhoused people, promote cleaner air through bold climate action, make producers more responsible for plastic waste, protect communities from wildfires, launch universal preschool, provide tax relief to Colorado families and businesses, increase affordable housing, infuse public schools with more resources, and many other initiatives. Here are some thoughts on my …

In the last two weeks, we have made more progress on mental health care access in Colorado than we’ve seen in decades. On Wednesday, my bill for more adult residential treatment beds passed in the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee, 9-1. If the bill goes on to pass the Assembly, it will create more treatment capacity for adults with serious mental illness, bringing a measure of relief to their …

I am introducing a bill designed to make the insurance claims process easier and more fair for people who have experienced a catastrophic loss in a fire. Sadly, this bill will not help survivors of the Marshall Fire, but it is a step toward greater resiliency in the face of the climate crisis, drier weather, and more fires. The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Bob Rankin-R of Grand County.   I’ve …

The devastation in our community is overwhelming and comes on top of crisis after crisis. It’s estimated that these fires have taken up to 1,000 homes. For the many thousands of people impacted, the losses are much more than structures and stuff. People have lost their sense of safety, their shelter, their homes. We have to pull together again, be resilient, and support one another. It’s going to be a long …

Boulder County is asking for input on how to spend ARPA (American Recovery Plan Act) funds. I believe these dollars offer a unique opportunity to address one of Boulder County’s hardest problems: helping those who suffer from untreated, serious mental illness and intransigent substance use disorders like methamphetamine addiction.   Commissioners will hear public input at their upcoming Town HallSeptember 9 from 5:30 – 7:00 | Sign up to speak at …

Yesterday marked the end of the 2021 Colorado legislative session. It was an historic session that saw the passage of landmark legislation to improve the lives of Coloradans. Together, we injected billions of dollars into the Colorado economy to aid in the recovery from COVID-19. Protected immigrants from extortion.  Enhanced the safe storage of firearms.  Reformed marijuana regulations to better protect Colorado kids.  Improved the care of dogs and cats.  Safeguarded our air, land, …