As many of you may recall, prior to serving in the state legislature I was a member of the Arvada City Council. On behalf of the Council, I was assigned to several transportation groups including the Gold Line Advisory Committee (GLAC), the Jefferson County Transportation Action & Advocacy Group (JEFFTAAG), and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). Prior to that, I was also a member of the Arvada citizens' Transportation Committee and the Transit Alliance Board of Directors. By my estimation, I have worked on transportation issues--particularly transit--for nearly two decades.

Given my history and interest in transit and transit-oriented development, I couldn't be more pleased to be the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 21-238 concerning the creation of a Front Range Passenger Rail District. Currently, the Passenger Rail Commission (aka, the Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Commission) is in charge of efforts to develop rail service for the Front Range. In 2017, the legislature repurposed the Commission to work on a plan for future passenger rail along Interstate 25. Then, in 2018, the legislature invested $2.5 million to support the Commission's efforts to advance a practical pathway for Front Range passenger rail. Since then, the Commission and CDOT have worked collaboratively to plan out next steps for this important transportation corridor along the Front Range.

That leads us to today, where Senate President Leroy Garcia and myself will present SB21-238 to the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee. The timing of this bill could not be better. Amtrak has shown interest in President Biden's infrastructure proposal that includes $80 billion to expand passenger rail. Also, just this week, the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission voted unanimously for a route that would complete RTD's northwest rail route from Denver to Boulder/Longmont. While the bill merely creates the district, we are now on track for the planning, designing, developing, financing, and constructing of a passenger rail system for the Front Range. The bill will be heard on Tuesday, April 27 at 2:00 pm.

COVID-19 vaccine questions? Call the vaccine hotline at 1-877- CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926). Vaccine call center staff are trained to answer COVID-19 vaccine-related questions, provide information about vaccine providers across the state, and give general information about COVID-19.

Officials lift pause for Johnson & Johnson vaccine: After pausing to investigate concerns over a risk of developing rare blood clots as a result of the vaccine, US health officials have lifted the temporary pause for the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This decision was announced last Friday by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can read more about this story, HERE.

All Coloradans 16+ eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine: As part of the Vaccines for All effort, the Governor has launched several State Community Vaccination Sites, including one at Dick's Sporting Good Park in Commerce City. All vaccines are free with no co-pay. The drive-through clinic will run Sunday through Wednesday, from 9 am - 5 pm. Individuals who are eligible to receive the vaccine can register HERE or by calling 720-263-5737. To learn more about where you can get vaccinated visit: https://covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/vaccine/where-can-i-get-vaccinated.

SB21-239 2-1-1 Statewide Human Services Referral System: Concerning the statewide communication system for referral to behavioral health services, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. This bill will be heard in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee tomorrow, Monday, April 26 at 1:30 pm.

SB21-238 Create Front Range Passenger Rail District: Concerning the front range passenger rail district, and, in connection therewith, creating the district for the purpose of planning, designing, developing, financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining a passenger rail system and specifying the territory, governing structure, powers, and duties of the district. This bill will be heard in the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee on Tuesday, April 27 at 2:00 pm.

SB21-232 Displaced Workers Grant: Concerning an appropriation to the department of higher education for the Colorado Opportunity Initiative's displaced workers grant. The bill will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Friday, April 30.

SB21-039 Elimination of Subminimum Wage Employment: Concerning the elimination of subminimum wage employment by providing supports to ensure successful transitions for individuals currently working in subminimum jobs, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. This bill passed unanimously in the Senate on Second Reading.

HB21-1104 Professional Educator Licensure Renewal: Concerning extending the renewal period for professional educator licenses from five to seven years, and, in connection therewith, making and reducing an appropriation.

HB21-1099 Policies and Procedures to Identify Domestic Abuse: Concerning authorization to implement best practices for child welfare caseworkers to recognize domestic abuse, and in connection therewith, addressing domestic abuse as a form of child abuse or neglect, and making an appropriation. This bill passed the Senate Appropriations Committee and will be heard in the Senate on Monday, April 25.

HB21-1021 Peer Support Professionals Behavioral Health: Concerning supporting the peer support professional workforce, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.

On Monday... I met with education stakeholders to discuss upcoming legislation... I passed HB1099 on Domestic Abuse and Child Welfare out of the Health & Human Services Committee... I met with a current nursing student and constituent Emily A. to discuss healthcare and other legislation... I met with officials from the Colorado Motorcarriers Association... On Tuesday... I had a bill signing ceremony with the Governor for HB21-1152 to Repeal the obsolete Capitol Dome Restoration Fund... I attended the Transportation & Energy Committee hearing for SB200 on reducing greenhouse gases and increasing environmental justice (until 10 pm!)... On Wednesday... I chaired the Senate Education Committee... I met with officials from the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Markerters & Convenience Store Association... I met with education stakeholders to discuss upcoming legislation... I met with officials from DFER... On Thursday... I attended the CHFA board meeting... I chaired the Senate Education Committee... On Friday... I presented and passed SB39 & HB1099 out of the Senate Appropriations Committee... SB39 then passed unanimously on Second Reading... I attended an organizational meeting on the School Finance Act... I attended the Statutory Revision Committee meeting... On Saturday... I attended the Pueblo area Education Association meeting.

Colorado Times Recorder: Hearing Spotlights Conflict Between Polis & Top Dems in State Legislature on Climate Change Bill

Colorado Sentinel: LETTERS: Reduce greenhouse gasses, increase environmental justice

Denver Business Journal: Bill capping Colorado greenhouse gas emissions moves forward despite softer rules for utilities

Grand Junction Sentinel: Legislature advances animal, agriculture bills

The Denver Gazette: The road-funding bait and switch

Mark your calendars for the next legislative town hall meeting hosted by Representatives Brianna Titone, Lindsey Daughterty, and myself, on May 15 at 10:30 am.