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On opening day, I felt hopeful that we could band together and bring a renewed sense of optimism and collaboration to the chamber. Although we definitely did endure our fair share of partisan back-and-forth this session, I am proud of the bipartisan agreements and compromises that we have hammered out during the last four months. In fact, every single bill I carried across the finish line this session passed with bipartisan support. I am thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, the hardworking staff, and most importantly, to Michelle and our sons for the support this legislative session.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM THE 2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
(CLICK BELOW TO LEARN MORE!)
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It was an honor to be the commencement speaker at CSU Pueblo this past weekend and to share my reflections on perseverance and motivation with the class of 2019.
My biggest congratulations to all the graduates who worked hard and never let the fear of failure define them.
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The Public Utilities Commission exists to provide oversight of our state’s utilities and protect Coloradans from high costs, which many of you know unfortunately are a reality in Pueblo. I am proud that the Senate passed my bill to renew the PUC for the next seven years and take meaningful steps to hold utility companies more accountable to ratepayers, not investor-owned utility companies.
I am also convening and will chair an interim study group that will find solutions to the high cost of electricity and bring much needed relief to ratepayers across the state. By requiring the PUC to put the interests of the public first, we can ensure the PUC lives up to its mission to protect ratepayers from high costs and save them money on their utility bills.
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Hundreds of Coloradans die every year at the hands of opioids while countless others struggle with drug abuse and addiction. That’s why I made tackling the opioid epidemic a top priority this session by investing in and expanding a pilot program with proven results to help get people, particularly those in southern Colorado, the care they need. Thanks to Senate Bill 1, people across the state will be able to gain access to more treatment programs, support systems, and recovery centers.
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As someone who has worked as an Emergency Medical Service provider for nearly two decades, I know how critical their work is to our healthcare system. That is why I passed a variety of bills this session to support EMS providers and make critical reforms to improve the field:
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I passed SB52 to work within their full scope in clinical settings, which builds on the lifesaving work they do everyday, to get more Coloradans the care they need.
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I know the courage and sacrifice it takes to do such strenuous work, day in and day out, and the passage of Senate Bill 65 will help our hardworking first responders continue to keep our communities safe and healthy.
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The EMS field is becoming more innovative, particularly when it comes to the training and experience required of providers, but those changes are not always reflected in the governing laws. SB242 acknowledges the hard work and continuing education EMS providers have put into their profession and will improve outcomes and help more Coloradans get the care they need, particularly in rural areas of our state.
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SB19-194: As a veteran, I have a great respect for the selflessness and dedication demonstrated by members of the National Guard and all our service branches. That is why I worked to pass a bill that will increase tuition assistance for members of the National Guard.
SB19-174: We owe it to the families of service members who are missing in action or prisoners of war — as well as to our law enforcement officers and first responders — to be there for them. I passed legislation that will help clarify things like tuition assistance for their dependents.
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What else did we accomplish this legislative session?
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The Colorado State Penitentiary II has been closed for years. I am proud that we passed my bipartisan bill to utilize the CSPII facility in Canon City.
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We also increased funding for correctional officers across the state and added 42 psychiatric beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo.
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P.S. You can follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to find out more about what I'm up to after the 2019 legislative session.
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# # #
ABOUT SEN. GARCIA:
Senator Leroy Garcia was elected in 2014 to represent Senate District 3, which covers the Cities of Pueblo, Pueblo West and part of the community in Salt Creek. He is a former State Representative who served in the Marine Corps from 2001-2007. In March 2018, Senator Garcia was elected by his colleagues to serve as Senate Minority Leader, and in January 2019 he was elected to serve as Senate President.
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