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‘We all expect the ability to vote on LOCAL taxes related to funding OUR LOCAL government’ < Back Rep. Weissman: Here’s a plan to keep local property tax control local Aug 25, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Sentinel here . After years of increasing home values, no one loves property taxes, but they are how we fund our schools, counties, and “special districts” that fight fires, provide drinking water, maintain parks and libraries and more. As Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. put it over 100 years ago “Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.” In Colorado, property taxes are LOCAL taxes paid to LOCAL governments – not the state. So it’s fair to wonder why there’s been a lot of discussion recently about STATE ballot measures that would impact property taxes . Or why, for the second time in less than a year, Gov. Jared Polis summoned the STATE legislature to a special session about property taxes. The short answer is: Our State Constitution and laws have mixed up the state in property taxation for a long time. But given the reality that our state is an economically and politically diverse place, we shouldn’t necessarily keep doing what we’ve been doing. In fact, I think a lot of local government leaders and organizations that care about state and local government decisions in Colorado would rather we don’t. A number of them have said so loudly and clearly, as recently as this past Friday, at a meeting of the state’s Property Tax Commission . That is why, as the Legislature convenes this week, state Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and I will introduce a measure that, if passed by the requisite two-thirds of both the House and Senate, will allow voters statewide to consider whether they want to stop voting on each other’s property tax bills, while retaining the right to vote on their own. Wherever you live in Colorado, you pay property taxes to your school district and your county. You may also pay property taxes to one or more special districts, and possibly to a “metropolitan district” associated with the development of your residential community. We all expect the ability to vote on LOCAL taxes related to funding OUR LOCAL governments. Because of how property tax laws work right now, statewide property tax ballot measures do a lot more than this. But one size does not fit all. For example, when a voter in Douglas County (generally a conservative county) votes yes on a statewide measure to cut property taxes, that impacts local government funds in the San Luis Valley. However, Douglas County is an exurban, affluent, fast-growing area, and the San Luis Valley is a rural, agricultural area in which some counties are actually losing population. Or, consider a different statewide ballot measure, say to increase taxes on commercial property (like office buildings or warehouses). If a voter in Boulder County (generally a pretty liberal county) votes yes, that same yes vote contributes to increasing taxes in conservative areas, such as Mesa County, that probably have a lower tax philosophy. Again, this is in the context of LOCAL government and LOCAL taxes like property taxes (contrasted to income taxes, which we pay to fund state government, of which we’re all a part). Compared to other states, Colorado has a pretty live-and-let-live philosophy. We want to be able to walk our chosen path, and as long as others aren’t keeping us from doing that, most of us are OK if others walk their own chosen paths. In the parlance of government, this live-and-let-live approach is called “local control.” “Home rule” cities and towns (including Aurora) possess authority that would otherwise be a matter for state government. Our 64 counties all choose their own commissioners (or councilors, in Broomfield and Denver) and can, and do, choose to do things differently. Our 178 school districts across the state educate from fewer than 100 to over 80,000 students. Currently however, property tax law treads on local control by putting voters in the position of voting to cut, or potentially raise, local property taxes in parts of our state far from their own, even if they don’t want to be in that position. We can change this. The special legislative session this week will move quickly, and the dominant focus will be on legislation intended to avoid billions of dollars of cuts to schools and other critical services. I hope, in addition, the Legislature will seriously consider the need to truly keep LOCAL taxation LOCAL. If the Legislature does not act on this subject this week, it must do so in the near future, for the sake of stability of communities across Colorado. Democratic State Rep. Mike Weissman represents House District 36 in Aurora, Arapahoe and Adams counties. Previous Next

Join our team! Being a legislative intern at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Legislative Intern House Majority Office Colorado House of Representatives Description: Being a Legislative Intern at the Capitol puts you in the middle of the state’s most exciting political action. Colorado’s House Democrats have worked to turn many of popular proposals into law, moving forward on measures to lower the cost of health care, invest in education, build a fair economy, address climate change, tackle the opioid crisis, reform our criminal justice system, and help hard-working Coloradans get ahead. Legislative interns support legislative aides in keeping the essential day-to-day functions of a legislative office running smoothly. Interns are held to a high level of professional conduct, as they are expected to represent legislators at the Capitol, in their district, and in the broader community. Internships can be specialized or generic. Internships that would like to focus on learning a specialized skill can focus on three main capacities: Social Media Social Media Interns focus primarily on supporting the creation of social media content and other digital communications such as newsletters and website blog posts. Social media interns work directly with one member of the caucus and their legislative aide, but can get additional support from the Colorado House Majority Office. Policy Research Policy Research Interns focus primarily on supporting one member of the caucus with their legislative efforts by conducting thorough research, creating fact sheets based on elements of the proposed bill, preparing the legislator for bill hearings, meetings with constituents, stakeholders, and lobbyists, responding to constituent inquiries, etc. Operations Operations Interns support the overall function of one member of the caucus by providing additional capacity to their legislative aide w ith managing calendars, scheduling meetings, responding to constituent emails and phone inquiries, o rganizing in-person town halls and other events in the district. Q ualifications: Strong verbal and written communication skills Highly, highly organized; excellent time management and attention to detail Motivated self-starter who can provide high quality work without close day-to-day supervision A high level of confidentiality and discretion High degree of self-awareness, humility and openness to feedback Flexible and adaptable work style; ability to stay calm in a high stress environment Eagerness to develop leadership skills; commitment to progressive values and policies Preferred Qualifications: Copywriting and/or graphic design skills Experience with event planning and execution Experience and comfort using Google Suites (Docs, Sheets, Slides) Experience and comfort managing social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) Knowledge of Colorado government a plus Education: Interns are often students that are fulfilling class requirements or are looking for work experience to supplement their education. Depending on the legislative member’s needs, internships may be available to students that are enrolled in higher education programs and also high school programs. If you have questions about availability and qualifications for internships please contact colegislativeaide@gmail.com . Schedule and Compensation: Part-time, flexible. 8-40 hours a week, depending on the legislative member’s needs and the intern’s schedule. Interns are unpaid volunteers; however, student internship credit can be arranged with your school. It is the student’s responsibility to contact his or her advisor and obtain academic credit within the institution’s guidelines. How to Apply: To apply for this position, please complete this form which will ask you to upload a resume. Interns are not required to upload a cover letter, but may do so if they would like. Contact colegislativeaide@gmail.com with any questions. Colorado House Democrats are committed to hiring a diverse staff. We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, membership in an employee organization, parental status, creed, ancestry, military service, or disability. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities to apply.

< Back Lindsay Gilchrist Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist has over a decade of experience in government and non-profit work in national and global public policy. In 2005, she traveled to then-Swaziland, Africa to volunteer with an organization working to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Rep. Gilchrist went on to serve as a Special Assistant to Senator Edward M. Kennedy and as a Professional Staff Member for the US House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health. While receiving her Masters in Public Policy, she worked for an international non-profit that works to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Rep. Gilchrist founded her own company in 2012 to work with organizations, foundations, and policy-makers to improve public policy in the United States and globally. Born and raised in Denver, Rep. Gilchrist has deep roots in House District 8, which encompasses central and northeast Denver, including the Park Hill and City Park neighborhoods. She is excited to bring her extensive policy background to the Colorado General Assembly to help tackle some of Colorado’s most pressing issues, including criminal justice reform, safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights, and passing effective gun violence prevention legislation. Rep. Gilchrist serves as the chair of the House Health & Human Services Committee and a member of the House Education committee.

< Back Meghan Lukens: My first bills will address access to broadband, teacher licensure, affordable housing and more Jan 23, 2023 See more The following op-ed was published in Steamboat Pilot & Today. Being your state representative is truly the honor of a lifetime. The first few days at the state Capitol were filled with excitement and hope. On Jan. 9, all newly elected legislators were sworn in, and we now have a majority women state legislature for the first time in Colorado history. We also elected Julie McCluskie, another Western Slope representative from Summit County, to Speaker of the House. We immediately got to work introducing legislation to make a difference. My first bills will address issues including teacher licensure, agricultural job opportunities, affordable housing, rural broadband access, solar gardens and water quality. Each issue and solution is intertwined with other sectors that all directly impact our community. In fact, addressing the broadband access limitations is the priority of my first bill moving through the state House. HB23-1051 will help get resources and funding to improve rural broadband services, and we will be able to provide higher-quality broadband access to rural communities. Increasing rural broadband access will create jobs, allow remote work, facilitate virtual learning for students and increase the accessibility of emergency services. As I experienced teaching high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, access to high-quality broadband is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Throughout the week, committees heard from the departments we work with. As a member of the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Water Committee, we heard updates from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources. As a member of the Education Committee, we heard from the Department of Education, the Department of Early Childhood and the Department of Higher Education. I am confident that we are heading in the right direction in these sectors. We commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. by passing a joint resolution. As a history and government teacher, my students and I would discuss his speeches and writings at length. His vision and advocacy for equality and justice made such a positive impact on American history, and we are forever grateful for his leadership and courage. On Jan. 17, we heard from the governor during the 2023 State of the State Address during which we heard about the governor’s plans for affordable housing, affordable health care and environmental protections. Colorado is seeing some of the fastest job growth in the country with businesses of all sizes setting up shop here, and our unemployment rate sits well below the national average. While Colorado is heading in a great direction, life is still difficult for too many members of our community. It should not be so hard to just scrape by in our state. Families should be able to not just survive, but thrive. The work we will do this legislative session will help Colorado take steps toward a future in which the costs of living are more affordable and make life for Coloradans even better. During the start of the session, I also had the opportunity to attend numerous legislative receptions, hosted by groups such as the Colorado Restaurant Association, Colorado Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. I believe that building bipartisan relationships is essential in order to best represent Northwest Colorado. By working with leaders from our own community, we can address our unique concerns with unique solutions. In my new role, I have made it a priority to be an advocate for the Western Slope, especially for our communities in Northwest Colorado. By working with other Western Slope legislators including Speaker Julie McCluskie, Sen. Dylan Roberts and Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, we will be able to get results for issues unique to our regions such as the quality of rural schools and the need for water protection, among many others. All this work will not be done overnight. It will take long hours and hard work. It will take bipartisan collaboration between the 100 legislators that have been sworn into the Colorado legislature. And hearing from you makes it easier for me to represent your interests and address your concerns. Meghan Lukens represents District 26, which includes Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Eagle counties, in the Colorado House. Previous Next

< Back Jacque Phillips Rep. Phillips was a teen mom and a high school dropout. She waited tables while attending Aims Community College and went on to get a doctorate and a law degree. With the help of others and a lot of hard work, she became a special education attorney where she helps vulnerable students. Rep. Phillips remembers what it was like to struggle to make ends meet and will always fight for working families. Her priorities include making housing available as a path out of poverty, preserving our right to choose, ensuring economic and environmental justice for working people, and standing up for marginalized communities. She serves on the House Education and the Transportation, Housing and Local Government committees.

< Back Rep. Meghan Lukens: Getting to work for the Western Slope Jan 17, 2025 See more This story was originally published in the Craig Press here . As we begin the 2025 legislative session, I am honored to continue serving as your voice at the State Capitol, where my colleagues and I will spend the next 120 days tackling issues facing Coloradans. I am thrilled to share that the Speaker of the House, Julie McCluskie, appointed me as Chair of the House Education Committee, which holds special significance for me as both a teacher and legislator. I believe every Colorado student deserves the opportunity to thrive in safe, well-resourced schools. Additionally, I am excited to serve on the House Agriculture, Natural Resources & Water Committee, where I will ensure rural Colorado’s voice is heard. After spending months meeting with community members, leaders, and organizations, I am introducing several bills that address key challenges facing our communities. Building on last session’s achievements — which increased total education funding for K-12 schools by over $560 million and modernized our School Finance Act — my legislative priorities focus on education, rural healthcare, housing and making Colorado more affordable. Upcoming Legislation I am introducing several bills this legislative session, one of which was included in the first 10 House bills. The idea behind HB25-1006 came directly from the Eagle County School District and will help maximize resources by removing the current 10-year lease limitation on district properties when used for solar gardens or affordable housing. It is a win-win for meeting our climate goals and creating more housing in the high country. Across House District 26, I heard time and again concerns from educators regarding student cell phone use in schools. In my classroom, I have experienced how smartphones can impact student learning and mental health. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, I am championing legislation this session that would empower school districts to establish their own policies to help with student achievement and address mental health needs. Another bill I am working on will streamline the Division of Water Resources processes to improve water management across Colorado. The goal with this bill is to cut red tape while properly utilizing our valuable water resources. I am also working to strengthen protections for survivors of sexual assault by expanding the Civil Rape Shield Law which prevents unrelated details about a victim’s past to be included in civil court proceedings. Our Focus for 2025 From housing to child care, we have made important progress at the State Capitol to lower costs for working families. As we dive into this session, our focus remains clear — we are building upon our progress to make Colorado more affordable and safer while protecting your rights and freedoms, our investments in public education, and access to quality healthcare. With a tight budget year ahead, I’m committed to protecting our most vulnerable community members while maintaining crucial investments in education, healthcare and public safety. These priorities directly align with what I have heard from community members across House District 26, and I am excited to work alongside my colleagues to deliver results for our rural communities while ensuring Colorado remains a place where everyone can not only get by, but thrive. Please Reach Out As we dive into this legislative session, I remain committed to bringing our community’s pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to the State Capitol. The next four months will be filled with important decisions that impact our Western Slope communities. Your voice matters in this process, and I want to hear from you. Please reach out to my office at meghan.lukens.house@coleg.gov with your thoughts, concerns, or ideas, or join me at one of my upcoming town halls. Together, we can continue making our Western Slope communities even stronger. Rep. Meghan Lukens represents District 26, which includes Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Eagle counties, in the Colorado House. Previous Next

With the legislative session just around the corner, I wanted to share an update about what I’ve been working on this summer and some of my goals for the next session. < Back Speaker McCluskie: Connecting with Colorado: Progress and Goals for Legislative Session Sep 29, 2023 See more This op-ed appeared in The Flume on Sept. 29, 2023 . With the legislative session just around the corner, I wanted to share an update about what I’ve been working on this summer and some of my goals for the next session. While in session, I must spend most of my time in Denver, but I always look forward to the summer months when I can reconnect with our community. Recently, I held town halls and constituent meetings in Park, Summit, Grand, Jackson, Lake, and Chaffee counties. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to drive across Colorado’s most beautiful district and connect with the hard-working local families who are the heart of our mountain and rural communities. In this last session, we worked to save Coloradans money on what are often the three most expensive costs for families: housing, health care, and child care. We also passed legislation to bolster Colorado’s workforce, protect our air and water, and increase education funding to historic levels. This past session, we delivered real resultson the issues that matter most to Coloradans by: Investing a record amount toward Colorado’s K-12 public schools, which equates to more than $10,600 in per-pupil funding, reducing the Budget Stabilization factor by $180 million and a $30 million investment for rural schools. Establishing the wolf depredation compensation fund to compensate livestock owners and agricultural producers for the depredation of livestock and working animals by wolves. Sending Proposition 123 dollars out the door as soon as possible to provide funding for affordable housing across Colorado’s diverse communities. Investing $45 million over two years for aspiring professionals in high-demand fields to receive free college toward short-term degrees and industry certificates. Creating an insurer-of-last-resort or FAIR Plan for individuals and businesses who can’t get property coverage in the traditional market due to the threat of wildfire. Establishing a Colorado River Drought Task Force, which will make policy recommendations for a collaborative solution to future drought on the Colorado River. I am immensely proud of the bipartisan progress that I and the rest of the legislature have made, but we know there is still a lot of work left to do. I remain focused on making sure the voices of rural Coloradans are heard clearly at the Capitol. I am committed to ensuring that people can live where they work, afford a health care plan that doesn’t break the bank, obtain accessible, high-quality childcare options, and have access to sustainable water for agriculture, municipal use, and outdoor recreation. I look forward to continuing discussions with community members to ensure voices are heard ahead of this upcoming legislative session. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at Julie.McCluskie.House@coleg.gov . Previous Next

< Back Yara Zokaie Yara Zokaie is the State Representative for House District 52 in Fort Collins. Representative Zokaie is a first generation child of immigrants and the first Iranian American to serve in the Colorado General Assembly. Rep. Zokaie serves on the House Judiciary and Finance Committees. Representative Zokaie is an attorney with a masters in taxation and former Deputy Assessor. As a tax attorney, she has represented hundreds of individuals and small businesses against the IRS and Colorado Department of Revenue. Rep. Zokaie also founded a non-profit that worked to bring resources to marginalized communities in Northern Colorado, including COVID vaccinations during the pandemic and voter registration drives. Rep. Zokaie is committed to using her expertise to champion policies that bring meaningful and lasting improvements to the lives of working class families and marginalized communities. Her priorities include strengthening public education, supporting workers’ rights, creating affordable housing, increasing access to affordable health care, addressing climate change, and creating an equitable tax code. Representative Yara Zokaie is a mother to three young boys, and enjoys spending her free time with her family and crafting for her children’s school parties and projects.

< Back Rep. Joseph: Rethink the Kids Online Safety Act to balance safety, freedom Aug 20, 2024 See more This story was originally published in Colorado Politics here . As our children and teenagers become increasingly intertwined with social media and online platforms, ensuring their safety has become a pressing issue. The bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), which recently passed the Senate and now awaits action in the House, reflects a unified concern for the well-being of our youth. This cross-party collaboration is a hopeful sign we are collectively invested in protecting our children and promoting their rights. However, as with any legislation, it is crucial to examine both its potential benefits and its possible downsides. KOSA aims to impose a "duty of care" on social media companies to regulate content deemed “harmful to minors.” At first glance, this seems like a prudent step toward safeguarding young users. Yet, the implementation of such regulations could have unintended consequences that might undermine the very protections the bill seeks to enforce. For marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and individuals seeking reproductive health information, online platforms are not just sources of social interaction but essential lifelines. Research shows more than 70% of LGBTQ+ individuals find online communities are pivotal in shaping their understanding of their identities. This digital connection is particularly crucial for transgender youth, who benefit from supportive online networks, contributing to lower rates of attempted suicide among those with access to these spaces. Similarly, the online realm has become a critical source of information and support for those seeking reproductive health care, especially in the wake of the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. Social media platforms provide vital resources and community support for navigating reproductive health, which can be overshadowed by harassment and legal challenges in other forums. However, KOSA's broad mandate to regulate content could lead to overzealous moderation by social media companies. Much like the SESTA/FOSTA legislation from the previous administration, there is a risk platforms may excessively censor content to avoid legal repercussions, potentially erasing valuable resources and support networks for marginalized communities. This overreach could silence crucial conversations and support systems, leaving these communities vulnerable. Moreover, there are concerns KOSA could be weaponized for political or ideological agendas. Some sponsors of the bill, like Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), and affiliated groups have expressed intentions to use KOSA to suppress specific types of content, such as information related to transgender issues. This opens the door for extremist figures, like certain state attorneys general, to exploit the legislation against those they target, further entrenching the suppression of constitutionally protected speech. In Colorado, we have made strides in safeguarding the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals. However, many other states have moved in the opposite direction, highlighting the need for vigilance. The bipartisan nature of KOSA brings a glimmer of hope, reflecting a shared commitment across party lines to protect our children. It is a testament to our collective desire to ensure the safety and well-being of the next generation. As a legislator, this bipartisan effort reassures me there is a common goal to safeguard our youth, and I believe we can find a balanced approach. I urge policymakers to consider amendments to KOSA or explore alternative measures that effectively protect young users while preserving the essential freedoms and support systems that many rely on. By working together, we can ensure our online spaces remain both safe and inclusive for all. Colorado state Rep. Junie Joseph is a child welfare and family law attorney. Previous Next

< Back Lisa Feret Lisa Feret is an Air Force Veteran, Social Worker and Humanitarian. She brings her unique blend of experience and energy to every challenge. From her time as a military policewoman to her work in emergency management and housing advocacy, Lisa loves to tackle tough problems with creativity and heart. She’s a champion for innovative solutions—whether it’s piloting home-sharing programs, responding to natural disasters, or helping older adults remain in their lifelong home. As a mom, Lisa’s dedication to building a brighter future is personal, driving her focus on stronger healthcare systems, and safer neighborhoods. Lisa’s not just about policies—she’s about people. Her hands-on approach to local, national, and international issues shows her commitment to making a real difference. Lisa believes in rolling up her sleeves and working alongside her community to create a Colorado that works for everyone. Rep. Feret is a member of the State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs and the Health & Human Services committees.

< Back Rep. Katie Stewart: Federal cuts and frozen funds threaten Southwest Colorado schools, hospitals, individuals and families Jul 16, 2025 See more This story was originally published in the Journal here . To start off on a positive note, my family and I had a wonderful time celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. We enjoyed the Rotary pancake breakfast in Durango and fireworks in Mancos at Boyle Park. However, the 4th of July also marked the final passage of the budget bill in Congress. The bill includes heavy cuts to funding for health care and education that will hit rural communities hard. It’s projected that 140,000 to 230,000 Coloradans will lose their health care coverage. This doesn’t only mean people will be forced to delay care and go into medical debt. These cuts also mean that when those people get sick, hospitals won’t be able to get reimbursed for their care. Paired with more direct cuts to hospital funding, hospitals in rural Colorado will have to reduce services and some may even have to close their doors – including hospitals here in the Southwest. Colorado will also have to complete regular employment verification for more than 377,000 people enrolled in Medicaid, when strong data shows that the vast majority of Medicaid patients already work. This will force our counties to shoulder heavy administrative overheads that they don’t have the staffing or funds to handle. Confusion around paperwork and deadlines will also cut many people off from coverage, even though they work full time. Arkansas and Georgia both tried – and failed – to put Medicaid employment verification in place in recent years. Both states faced massive administrative costs and losses in coverage due to paperwork errors, with no increase in employment among Medicaid patients. Regarding our schools, the Department of Education has frozen funding for programs focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives, English language education, student mental health, and more. School districts across Southwest Colorado have been blocked from accessing hundreds of thousands of dollars that were promised to them, with the school year starting in less than six weeks. Our rural schools have already been struggling with two decades of underinvestment, and cannot afford delays, much less the cuts that are likely to come after the DOE finishes their ‘administrative review.’ These will directly harm our students' ability to prepare for their futures, and they threaten the jobs of local educators. Right now, Montezuma-Cortez School District stands to lose over $410,000, Archuleta $380,000, Silverton $230,000, Durango $220,000, Mancos $191,000, Ignacio $67,000, Bayfield $54,000, and Dolores $34,000. Unfortunately, as many of you know, Colorado is already in an ongoing budget crisis. We managed to avoid significant cuts to K-12 education and Medicaid at the state level this year by tightening our belt across the rest of the budget and making heavy cuts in areas like transportation and road maintenance. We fought to protect affordable health care and the education our kids need for their bright futures. However, this means that we do not have the funds to cushion federal cuts like some other states do. I have been in many meetings this week and last, both with my colleagues at the State House and local health and education providers, and we are working hard on what to do next. At this point, there is no clear way forward and this is going to be a very difficult road for us. Hope springs eternal though, and tomorrow is another day that I have a chance to fight for rural Colorado. Katie Stewart represents House District 59 in the Colorado State House, which encompasses Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan counties and most of Montezuma County. Reach her at katie.stewart.house@coleg.gov . Previous Next

< Back Karen McCormick Chair of the Ag., Water & Natural Res. Committee Representative Karen McCormick is the Chair of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee, member of the House Health & Human Services and represents House District 11 which includes most of the city of Longmont. Rep. McCormick, a practicing veterinarian for over 34 years, advocates for families, health care, education, LGBTQ+ protections, reproductive rights, economic opportunity and the future of our planet. Rep. McCormick has championed important legislation to protect Colorado’s watersheds, preserve ecosystems, improve access to veterinary care, facilitate the move to renewable energy, expand access to health care and more. Her dog Pippin comes to the capitol to intern regularly!