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DENVER, CO – Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie today announced her appointment of Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy to the role of Speaker Pro Tempore.
“Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy’s institutional knowledge, proven leadership and dedication to making Colorado a better place for everyone are exactly why he will make an excellent Speaker Pro Tempore,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion. “As outgoing Chair of our State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee and a prominent member of the Health and Insurance Committee, Rep. deGruy Kennedy has stepped up to fight for Coloradans, their families and the caucus values we all share. Chris will make a wonderful addition to our new leadership team and I could not be happier to have him take on this important role.”
“I am humbled and excited to take on the role of Speaker Pro Tempore,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Throughout my years at the Capitol, I have taken on a variety of roles and responsibilities and I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together for the people of Colorado. In this new role, I will have the honor of joining the most diverse leadership team in House history to help guide and support the work that lies ahead as we take on the state’s most significant challenges.”
Rep. deGruy Kennedy will be serving his fourth and final term in the House of Representatives. He will also serve as Vice Chair of the House Health & Insurance committee and as a member of the House Finance committee. He represents House District 30, which includes eastern Lakewood and Edgewater in Jefferson County. During the 72nd General Assembly, Rep. deGruy Kennedy served as Assistant Majority Leader under Speaker KC Becker.
The Speaker Pro Tempore presides over the House when the Speaker is absent. One of the only leadership positions not elected by the majority caucus, the Speaker Pro Tempore is appointed by the Speaker.
Rep. deGruy Kennedy’s legislative accomplishments include robust cost transparency requirements for hospitals, a prescription drug affordability board, advancement of value-based payments and integration in primary care, increased support for renters and utility customers, improved prevention and treatment for substance use disorders, regulation of toxic air contaminants, and multiple innovative democracy reforms.