This week started off with a flurry of activity surrounding my Farm Right to Repair bill (HB23-1011). I held a press conference with my co-sponsors which resulted in multiple articles with more coverage due out in the coming days. The committee hearing for the bill was incredibly well attended. So much so that an overflow room had to be set up for the farmers and advocates who took time out of their busy days to tell their stories. After over two hours of testimony, the Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee voted to send the bill to the House floor for consideration. The bill is likely to have its 2nd Reading in the House early next week. If you’d like to see the press conference, visit my YouTube channel and the committee audio recording can be heard here.

The week also brought my first disappointment of the session: I had to request one of my bills (HB23-1083) be postponed indefinitely due to an issue with IRS rules that could not be solved without changes in federal law. It was unfortunate, but pulling a bill from the process isn’t entirely unusual for legislators as we seek creative solutions to unique problems.

We ended the week on a high note when the House and the Senate honored our state’s veterans with a series of Joint Resolutions including recognition of Gold Star families and minority veterans, a commemoration of the 78th anniversary of the end of WWII, and the remembrance of those who served in the Vietnam War. It was a beautiful tribute to those who have served.

Black History Month

BILL SPOTLIGHT:
Local Workforce Development

"Teacher Externship Program For STEM Disciplines"
Waiting for House introduction

The bill I'm personally most excited to run this year centers on creating a program to encourage STEM teachers in K-12 schools to serve in an externship capacity with local industries. The bill was inspired by the work I did on a Jeffco Schools STEM advisory board in 2021 where the connection between education and career pathways was examined.

As more tech companies and advanced industries move into the state, the need for homegrown workers will continue to increase. By giving our teachers opportunities to connect their curricula to real-world scenarios, they will be able to give their students insights into state-based careers they may consider as they approach graduation. Additionally, the program allows participating businesses to take advantage of a tax credit and provides teachers the opportunity to earn additional money and professional development credits. The program will be a win for everyone, especially our students and the future economic success of our state. The program will be housed in the Department of Labor and Employment which currently houses a robust apprenticeship program and many other workforce development initiatives.

Upcoming "Meet Brianna" Events

 2023 Boards and Commissions applications open!

Help shape the future of Golden through volunteering with a board or commission. Bring expertise, interact with fellow Golden residents, and represent the city. Be part of building a Golden where everyone can thrive by applying to serve.  (photo from Pexels)
 

For a list of other upcoming Golden events, check out the Community Calendar: https://www.cityofgolden.net/calendar/

ICYMI

• Denver7: Colorado lawmakers debate bill that would create 'right to repair' for farm equipment
• 9News: Farmers and state lawmakers seek 'right to repair' their own equipment to save money
• Colorado Politics: Colorado advances bill on right to repair agricultural equipment
• Fox31: Right-to-repair bill for agricultural equipment set for debate soon
• Boston Globe: Trans and nonbinary lawmakers made history in 2022. They’re already having to defend their very existence.

• NPR: If you got inflation relief from your state, the IRS wants you to wait to file taxes
• CNN: The truth behind the ‘He Gets Us’ ads for Jesus airing during the Super Bowl
• Reuters: U.S. EPA announces $1 billion for new hazardous waste cleanups

• CPR: CU Board of Regents will discuss campus ban on concealed carry
• Arvada Press: Arvada Chamber of Commerce to participate in National Civics Bee pilot
• Colorado Sun: John Hickenlooper has been quietly convening Colorado River Basin senators to discuss Western water woes
• Denver Post: Bird flu infects Colorado mountain lion, black bear and skunk, all now dead

• Work Begins on Notre Dame’s New Spire—On Track for a December 2024 Reopening