February 10th
I have lots of legislation in the works and am so excited about all the work we're doing to help Coloradans. It makes for a busy schedule though!
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with some of our amazing fire chiefs!
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from the desk of Senator Lisa Cutter
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This week was full but fun. Over the past four years, I’ve worked on several environmental and wildfire bills. This week, I got to attend several gatherings in these communities. It is always wonderful to see valued friends and collaborators, and be reminded why I am here. And no matter how long the day has been, it’s energizing to be in spaces where people are so passionate about helping to create a better world!
As we enter week six of our session, I’m excited and optimistic about the good work I’ll get to be part of in the days ahead. Which is a good attitude to have now, because I know there will be stressful days ahead. I hope you are headed into the weekend with optimism and good energy!
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I was honored to sponsor the Joint Resolution in honor of Colorado's Gold Star Families today on Military Day at the Captiol. I also like the chance to go to the House Floor and sit with my old house colleagues.
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HB23-1134 - My bill with Representative Kipp and Jones was passed out of the House Energy and Environment committee passed legislation today. It would allow homeowners to replace their under warranty gas appliances with electric appliances. HB23-1134 aims to give Coloradans more eco-friendly and energy efficient options when it comes to replacing their everyday appliances. Don't worry if you love your gas stove it's safe.
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Town Hall in Golden on March 4th
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Mark your calendars for my next town hall, which will be with several legislators of Central JeffCo. Saturday, March 4th at 9am in Golden. Come with your questions!
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My happy place -- I got to address a crowd of zero waste enthusiasts at a
reception hosted by Recycle Colorado
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I was surprised to learn that my work on zero waste, accomplished along with EcoCycle, Environment Colorado, CoPIRG, Inland Ocean Coalition and others, was the focus of an EarthX event this week. It was an incredible honor to be acknowledged by First Gentleman Marlon Reis in his remarks. I'm grateful beyond words for the opportunity to help create a more healthy, green and sustainable Colorado.
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A bill I'm working on with Representatives Kipp and Willford would help keep us on track to moving towards more efficient appliances. Starting in a couple years, less efficient furnaces, water heaters, and other household appliances would no longer be sold in Colorado. These energy-saving appliances are already required in states like Texas and Utah, and help prevent household NOX pollution as well as save money in the long term over the lifespan of the appliance. Denver Post wrote an article about the bill:
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'Fair Workweek' Bill
As the co-chair of the Women's Caucus, I support this bill -- it's one of the caucus' priorities this session. Workers have the right to know when they'll be working, so they can plan financially as well as for things like childcare needs. No business with fewer than 250 employees would be affected, so this is not going to hurt our vital small businesses.
Big business is trying to kill the bill: Colorado Politics Article
Workers and their stories of how this would help them: Denver Post Article
Colorado Democratic Women’s Caucus
The Women's Caucus also made the news for our overall agenda and our policy goals this session:
Denver Post Article
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"We created the Democratic Women’s Caucus to help ensure every person in our community is whole, happy and supported. We know that the way to a better world is through compassion, understanding, and community. It is shameful to disparage and tear down a peaceful community of people because they are embracing who they are.
The Democratic Women’s Caucus proudly stands by our trans friends and neighbors. We will continue to fight for policies to benefit and protect the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community."
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CO and the IRS are at odds over taxing your TABOR refund
9News Story and CBS News Story and CPR Story
That $750 you got at the end of last year might actually be taxable, despite what the state's been saying. Colorado has previously said that Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) refunds are not taxable, but the IRS isn't so sure. The IRS is now telling taxpayers in 19 states, including CO, that they should wait to file their taxes, while the IRS works with our state government on the question.
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Some of you might be concerned about PFAS or "forever chemicals" that have been affecting the water supply across the Front Range. These "forever chemicals" have harmful health effects. I worked on legislation to address PFAS last session, but there is clearly more work to be done. For more information about PFAS, where these harmful chemicals are concentrated, and how to limit your exposure to these chemicals, see the link below.
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