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< Back March 16, 2022 DEMS DEFEAT CONTROVERSIAL GOP CONSTITUTIONAL SHERIFFS BILL DENVER, CO – Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee today defeated clearly unconstitutional legislation sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Luck that would impede federal investigations and law enforcement actions by subjecting them to review and approval by local sheriffs before federal agencies can act. "This legislation is plainly unconstitutional, and it would undermine federal law enforcement,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill purports to allow county sheriffs to block federal law enforcement actions, such as investigations into serious crimes like human trafficking and drug trafficking, to the detriment of everyone in Colorado." HB22-1147 , which is unconstitutional according to analysis prepared by nonpartisan staff, would require federal law enforcement departments to seek approval and notify county sheriffs before engaging in a law enforcement operation within their regions or jurisdictions. This would impede and jeopardize critical federal law enforcement investigations. The legislation is inspired by the Constitutional Sheriff Movement, which argues that county sheriffs should have supremacy over federal law enforcement. They have been labeled an extremist group by the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL states that, “the central tenet of CSPOA [The Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association], borrowed from the anti-government extremist sovereign citizen movement, is that the county sheriff is the ultimate authority in the county, able to halt enforcement of any federal or state law or measure they deem unconstitutional.” The bill was defeated by a vote of 8-3. Previous Next

< Back November 12, 2019 REP. CUTTER: ENCOURAGED BY BIPARTISAN EFFORTS TO INCREASE STATE’S RECYCLING RATE DENVER, CO– Representative Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County), chair of the Zero Waste and Recycling Interim Committee, today released the following statement on the latest “ State of Recycling in Colorado ” report from Eco-Cycle and the Colorado Public Interest Research Group: “A year ago, I set an ambitious goal to greatly increase our state’s recycling rate, which is well below the national average. By recycling more, we can reduce pollution and help address the climate crisis that is threatening our economy and our Colorado way of life. We are making progress on this critical issue, but today’s report shows that we still have a long way to go. Over the last few months, we’ve developed new legislation to help improve recycling rates in Colorado. This issue needs more attention, and I’m encouraged by the bipartisan efforts underway to increase our state’s recycling rate.” Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 HOUSE DEMS PASS BILLS TO HELP TEACHERS & STUDENTS (Apr. 27) – The House gave preliminary approval to two bills that will help provide more resources for Colorado’s teachers and students. “This bill ensures that all teachers who are trained in Colorado are taught best practices through mentorship. Across the board, every department and every teacher should be taught best practices,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “As teachers, we all know what best practices are for teaching, but it’s often not shared with new, incoming teachers. Through this bill, we can have really a great education for our kids that is consistent across the board no matter which Colorado school you graduate from.” Rep. McLachlan is chair of the House Education committee and is a former school teacher. SB19-190 will create the “Growing Great Teachers Act” to prepare more Coloradans for the experience of teaching in our public schools. This bill would allow institutions of higher education to offer approved educator preparation programs of alternative teacher programs through a contract with the Department of Higher Education. This bipartisan bill passed with a voice-vote. A final vote will be taken at a later date. The House also approved SB19-216, sponsored by Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, which incentivizes for local education providers to provide innovative learning opportunities for high school students. “We live in a dynamic and evolving economy. Making sure our students are well prepared for college or entering the workforce requires every student we educate to have a rich educational experience,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “We need strong teachers teaching a strong curriculum in the classroom. We also need innovative learning opportunities like apprenticeships outside of the classroom. This bill gives incentives to school districts to expand opportunities for students so that every child receives a quality education.” The bill creates the high school innovative learning pilot program to support school districts, boards of cooperative services, and charter schools in providing innovative learning opportunities to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12. Each local education provider that is selected to participate in the pilot program can count high school students who participate in innovative learning opportunities as full-time pupils, for purposes of school finance. SB19-216 passed by a voice-vote. A final vote will take place at a later date. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2021 BILLS TO HELP COLORADANS WITH DISABILITIES, CREATE NEW RIGHTS FOR ASSAULT SURVIVORS DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation that will improve statewide protections for Coloradans with disabilities and create new rights for sexual assault survivors to have access to rape kit evidence. HB21-1110 , sponsored by Representative David Ortiz, would update Colorado’s disability laws to ensure they are as protective as the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It would ensure that Coloradans with disabilities have equal access to all government services, including government-managed webpages. It would also prohibit state agencies from promulgating rules that are less protective than the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It passed 11-0. “While the federal ADA was a critical start to equity in basic human rights and accessibility in Colorado, there’s more we can do to align our state’s anti-discrimination laws with federal protections for people with disabilities,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, the first Coloradan to serve in the General Assembly who uses a wheelchair. “Government websites are major access points for critical state services, and we know that Coloradans with significant disabilities are more likely to need these services. This bill will require government websites to be ADA-accessible because we know too many Coloradans have found it difficult to access state services online.” HB21-1143 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Matt Soper, creates new rights for survivors of sexual assault. Under the bill, survivors would have the right to be notified when forensic medical evidence is submitted for testing, when law enforcement has received the results of the analysis, and 60 days prior to the destruction of the evidence. Survivors would also have the right to object to the destruction of the evidence, to be informed of whether a DNA sample was obtained from the analysis and matched to any DNA profiles in state or federal databases, and to receive physical documentation describing their rights under the law, as well as nearby resources, after the exam has been completed. The bill passed 10-0. “No survivor should ever have to find out that their case has been closed and the rape kit evidence destroyed without their input,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The bill we advanced today will create important new rights for sexual assault survivors to preserve invaluable evidence, prevent lost rape kit evidence and advance justice.” Previous Next

Today, Governor Polis, Rep. Cathy Kipp, Rep. Ruby Dickson, Rep. Mike Weissman, Senator Chris Hansen, state lawmakers, and community members discussed a historic bill package that will save people money, cut red tape to accelerate the clean energy transition, and advance Colorado’s position as a leader in clean energy nationwide. The legislative package will help achieve 100% renewable energy in Colorado by 2040 and save Coloradans by increasing opportunities and renewable energy tax incentives for people and businesses including reducing the cost of electric vehicles in Colorado by $5,000, electric bikes by $800, and between $3,000 and $500 for heat pumps depending on the technology type. < Back March 9, 2023 Governor Polis, State Legislators Announce Plans to Save People Money on Energy, Cut Red Tape to Accelerate Clean Energy Transition & Ensure that Colorado Continues to be a National Leader DENVER- Today, Governor Polis, Rep. Cathy Kipp, Rep. Ruby Dickson, Rep. Mike Weissman, Senator Chris Hansen, state lawmakers, and community members discussed a historic bill package that will save people money, cut red tape to accelerate the clean energy transition, and advance Colorado’s position as a leader in clean energy nationwide. The legislative package will help achieve 100% renewable energy in Colorado by 2040 and save Coloradans by increasing opportunities and renewable energy tax incentives for people and businesses including reducing the cost of electric vehicles in Colorado by $5,000, electric bikes by $800, and between $3,000 and $500 for heat pumps depending on the technology type. “We can save people money, cut red tape to help accelerate the renewable energy transition and ensure Colorado continues to lead on clean energy solutions,” said Governor Polis. “Together, with our legislative partners and community leaders, we can put in place the right way to achieve our shared goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040, save people money, and utilize clean energy solutions that protect our planet and our pocketbooks.” Gov. Polis and legislative leaders are presenting renewable energy solutions that work to stabilize and lower energy costs by investing in reliable clean energy alternatives statewide. By increasing access to clean energy upgrades for people and businesses and accelerating processes to implement clean energy transitions, these transformative proposals will save people money on energy costs and further reduce harmful emissions. Today, Governor Polis and state lawmakers were joined by Coloradans who have utilized clean energy technologies resulting in significantly lower energy costs for them and their families. “During the cold snaps we’ve experienced this year, not only has the heat pump been incredibly efficient in heating our home, but we also didn’t see the same spikes in our home heating bills that so many other people around the state did,” said Errin, a Marshall Fire survivor and recently switched to a heat pump said today. “With this legislative package, we hope to see more families like ours get access to these more efficient pumps and save money on their utility bills. The tax credits being proposed can help lower costs for families, saving them money on upfront installation, as well as in the long run. ” The Governor in partnership with the state legislature has taken bold climate action and under his leadership, Colorado is well on its way toward achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040. The new clean energy tax incentives included in this proposal will increase money-saving opportunities and increase access to electric vehicle purchases, electric bikes, heat pumps, heating and cooling technology, and industry and building improvements. The proposed legislation also invests in new technologies that will expand clean energy options and continue to position the state as a leader in transformative clean energy development and usage. “As the effects of climate change become more and more pronounced, it is clear we must implement bold policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts on our climate and our environment,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “Coloradans are demanding we act, and we plan to tackle this challenge head on by implementing policy that will reduce emissions, set achievable goals, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.” “This plan will create jobs while helping us meet our climate goals and lower energy costs for businesses and families,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial . “Highlighted in this energy package are bills that will invest in innovative clean energy sources to power our economy and heat our buildings, as well as reducing emissions even in hard-to-decarbonize sectors. These bills will boost businesses, increase access to clean energy alternatives and ultimately cut back on our harmful carbon emissions.” “Many of the bills in this package take an innovative approach for Colorado to lead the transition to clean energy and meet our climate goals while creating jobs and saving consumers, property owners and businesses money,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This proposal prioritizes reliable, clean energy sources and works to attract new businesses to the state while ensuring we are well-positioned to receive federal funding. Our focus is making Colorado a nationwide leader in energy innovation and reducing the use of fossil fuels.” Colorado is leading a multi-state consortium with Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico to gain additional federal investment as a hydrogen hub . Colorado ranks fifth in the nation for electric vehicle sales. Saving People Money on Energy HB23-XXXX: Tax Incentives For Decarbonization - Representatives Weissman and Joseph and Senator Fenberg - This package of clean energy tax credits draws down the costs of clean energy technologies for residents and businesses across Colorado. The package includes investment incentives in geothermal electricity and high-efficiency heat pumps, efforts to reduce pollution from industrial facilities, and extension and expansion of tax credits for light, medium, and heavy-duty electric vehicles, and electric bikes. SB23-016 Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measures - Representative McCormick and Sirota and Senator Hansen - This establishes new statewide greenhouse gas emissions targets including net-zero emissions by 2050 and importantly enables the possibility of net-zero emissions by giving authority to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) over injection wells for carbon dioxide, a potentially critical tool to permanently remove GHG pollution from the atmosphere. Other provisions include a 30% tax credit on the purchase of electric-powered lawn equipment and technical changes to the community solar garden and electric transmission policy. The bill expands the disclosure of climate risks by insurance companies and encourages the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association to consider long-term climate-friendly investment strategies. HB23-1134: Electric Options in Home Warranties - Representatives Joseph and Kipp and Senator Cutter - This bill gives consumers more choices if a warrantied home appliance like a gas furnace breaks. Rather than requiring a like-for-like replacement, this bill ensures appliance warranties allow switching from a gas to an electric appliance if the consumer chooses. HB23-1005: New Energy Improvement Program Changes - Representatives Willford and Titone and Senators Jaquez Lewis and Marchman - Expands options for building owners to pay off cost-saving energy retrofits on their property tax bill while immediately reducing utility bills. Expands the eligibility of building upgrades to include resilience and water-saving investments. HB23-XXXX: Including Thermal Energy As A Clean Heat Resource - Representatives Lieder and Kipp - This bill continues Colorado’s work to reduce emissions from gas utilities by providing a pathway for those utilities to transition away from expensive fuel commodities like natural gas. HB23-XXX: EV Charging and Parking Requirements - Representatives Mauro and Valdez and Senators Faith Winter and Priola - This bill ensures Coloradans across the State have access to high-quality EV charging, especially for renters or those living in multifamily housing. HB23-1161: Environmental Standards for Appliances - Representative Kipp and Willford and Senator Cutter - This bill updates and modernizes Colorado's water and energy efficiency standards for appliances sold in Colorado. Cutting Red Tape to Accelerate Clean Energy Transitions HB23-XXXX: Assessing Reliable and Affordable Energy in Rural Colorado - Representatives Ty Winter and Lukens and Senator Roberts - This bill helps evaluate existing and potential future infrastructure investments across rural Colorado, with a focus on clean energy and transmission infrastructure opportunities, and next-generation energy production technologies. HB23-XXX: Clean Firm Electricity - Representatives Dickson and Velasco - This bill provides a framework for Colorado to invest in the clean energy technologies of the future like geothermal, hydrogen, and long-duration battery storage which will be critical to completely clean up the power grid while ensuring affordable and reliable electricity. HB23-XXXX: Streamlined Solar Permitting & Inspection Grants - Representative Brown and Soper and Senator Roberts - This bill develops new technology to help local governments accelerate processing time for solar, reduce staff time and costs for local governments, and reduce the time and cost of installing solar. This bill also provides grants for local governments to adopt this tool – which means faster, easier, and cheaper local approvals for rooftop solar projects. HB23-1039: Electric Resource Adequacy Reporting - Representative Bird and Senators Rodriguez and Winter - This bill proactively ensures that electric utilities serving end-use retail customers have adequate resources to provide the energy that homes and businesses rely on each day. Ensuring Colorado Continues to Lead on Clean Energy Solutions HB23-1210: Carbon Management - Representative Dickson and Senator Hansen - This bill helps Colorado companies build and scale the technologies needed for the capture, removal, storage, and use of carbon dioxide pollution which is an area of emerging technology. The bill will also identify early investment opportunities to de-risk projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from the most challenged sectors of the economy. HB23-XXXX: Advancing Clean Hydrogen - Representative Titone - This bill creates a clear regulatory framework and incentives to spur the production of green hydrogen, from renewable energy to power sectors of the Colorado economy like industrial processes, long-haul trucking, and aviation. This bill creates a hydrogen usage credit to encourage the production of the cleanest possible hydrogen fuel and direct it toward these end-uses. Previous Next

Legislation would stand up health care programs at higher education institutions in Greeley, Fort Collins, Denver and Trinidad < Back April 17, 2024 House Passes Bill to Create Northern Colorado Medical School and Boost Health Care Training DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to help create a new medical college at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and support both health care and veterinary care at various higher education institutions across the state. HB24-1231, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty, passed by a vote of 42-17 and would help address health care workforce shortages in Colorado. “This critical bill will help create a new college of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado, which will help meet the physician workforce needs of our region, especially in rural and underserved communities across our state,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “From saving people money on health care to addressing critical workforce shortages, we’ve taken historic steps to increase access to health care Coloradans can afford. From CSU - Fort Collins and MSU Denver to Trinidad State College, this bill supports new higher education health care projects and programs that will serve generations to come.” “All across our state, Colorado is experiencing a shortage of critical health care and veterinary providers, which is why we are standing up new medical and veterinary programs to train the next generation of professionals in these fields,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada . “With this legislation, Colorado will be better positioned to train and educate future osteopathic doctors, veterinarians, nurses, and other critical allied health care providers. I’m proud of our work to lower barriers for Coloradans who want to enter these professions and better serve our communities.” HB24-1231 will stand up four projects related to health sciences education programs for medical professions. Specifically, the legislation would fund the: Construction of a new College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Construction of the Health Institute Tower at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Construction of the Veterinary Health Education Complex at Colorado State University (CSU) Renovation of the Valley Campus Main Building at Trinidad State College This legislation will jumpstart a second-of-its-kind medical program at UNC, which will streamline 150 new osteopathic doctors into the workforce each year and help address primary health care needs of Coloradans. The UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine is expected to generate $1.4 billion over the next 20 years in economic impact, with an estimated $500 million to remain in Weld County. The legislation will also provide funding to help higher education institutions train more nurses, veterinarians and other mid-level health care professionals. Colorado is facing a significant health care provider shortage that is causing lapses in care, longer wait times, and limited critical-care services in both rural and urban communities. HB24-1231 is the state’s largest higher education investment aimed at bolstering the state’s health care workforce so Coloradans can receive the health care they need, when they need it. Previous Next

Legislation would increase housing options Coloradans can afford to help meet demand < Back February 28, 2024 Committee Passes ADU Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Housing Legislation would increase housing options Coloradans can afford to help meet demand DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). HB24-1152 passed by a vote of 9-2. “Nearly 80 percent of Coloradans agree that this bipartisan bill can help solve Colorado’s housing crisis and save people money,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Giving Coloradans the freedom to build an ADU on their own property allows them to care for a loved one with a disability, house an aging parent, or bring in some extra money all while providing much needed housing in our communities. We need to take a multi-faceted approach to address Colorado’s housing crisis, and this bill will create more housing options Coloradans can afford and make it easier to live in this great state.” HB24-1152 , also sponsored by Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would allow homeowners in jurisdictions defined under the bill to build an ADU and create a new state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote the construction of ADUs. The bill would provide local governments with access to grants that support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate or ADUs intended to serve demonstrated housing needs in the community. The bill also provides grants to increase housing accessibility and availability for Coloradans with disabilities. Finally, the bill includes funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners build ADUs, including with down payment assistance, affordable loans, and buying down interest rates on loans for the conversion or construction of ADUs. Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single-family home properties. Previous Next

< Back April 20, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL TO BOLSTER SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME PASSESS COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Mike Weissman to direct $41 million in federal funds to services for crime victims. The vote was 8-3. “The turbulence caused by the pandemic has led to a rise in crime and domestic violence, and as a result, more Coloradans are seeking essential services to help them through some of the toughest challenges in their lives,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This legislation will ensure that essential victim services continue and that Coloradans have access to the support they need. As a survivor of domestic violence, I can’t stress enough how important these services are.” “This bill puts additional resources into state programs that help survivors of crime access critical support and services,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “With crime rising across the country as a result of the pandemic, we are redoubling our efforts to support survivors of crime with community-based programs and services that respond to their needs.” SB22-183 would fill a revenue gap in federal funding for crime victims to continue providing lifesaving services for child and adult victims of crime through a one-time investment of pandemic relief funding. The bill is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans. The bill invests $35 million in pandemic relief funding to the Colorado crime victim services fund to ensure essential victim services can continue for the next four years. SB22-183 also invests an additional $6 million to services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as recommended by the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force. Previous Next

< Back May 30, 2019 GOV SIGNS BILL TO ENCOURAGE MORE GIRLS IN STEM INDUSTRY (May 30) – Gov Polis signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Lisa Cutter that would encourage young girls to go into the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field. “This new law will help get Colorado’s kids ready for jobs that haven’t even been imagined yet. Right now, we can’t see the full extent of the gender gap in computer science classrooms because Colorado doesn’t gather that information,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “If we start gathering this information, we can find the solutions to this challenge.” HB19-1277 provides computer science classroom participation data to understand the extend the gender gap in Colorado. The new law would also provide $250,000 per year to grant funding for three schools and districts who want to offer computer science courses and afterschool programs with an emphasis on participation by underrepresented groups, such as women. “We need to encourage our students, especially our young girls and underrepresented students to get involved in tech and science, which offer high paying jobs,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “This new law is a responsible investment in the future of our children and the future of our state.” Previous Next

< Back Rep. McLachlan: 30 bills sponsored, signed in 2024 Aug 1, 2024 See more This story was originally published in the Durango Herald here . Recently I wrote about what we in the state Legislature did for Colorado this year; I am proud to have been a part of that team effort. This month, I present the 30 bills I sponsored and the governor signed in 2024: 1. HB24-1009 Requires childcare licensing to be offered in the prevalent language of an area. This helps more children get an early start, and more parents find good jobs. 2. HB24-1003 Trains educators and students in harm reduction for drugs through Naloxone; an Animas and Durango High School bill. 3. SB24-013 Fairly compensates district attorneys and assistant district attorneys, especially in rural areas. 4. SB24-005 Conserves water by prohibiting certain nonessential turf landscape practices. 5. HB24-1446 Improves training resources for science educators. 6. HB24-1444 Expands the American Indian boarding school research program for three more years. 7. HB24-1441 Clarifies the number of members on the state board of nursing. 8. HB24-1257 Continues and expands the Colorado Natural Areas Council, showcasing our extraordinary vistas. 9. HB24-1222 Clarifies terminology referring to the entities administering human services programs. 10. HB24-1154 Codifies the potential financial relationship between traditional and charter schools. 11. SB24-128 Edits an obsolete provision in a Colorado Department of Transportation requirement. 12. SB24-105 Clarifies fuel product fees imposed by Department of Revenue. 13. SB24-103 Adds technical changes to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment statutes. 14. SB24-099 Permits rural school administrators to return to work after retiring with PERA benefits. 15. SB24-078 Adds a licensure opportunity for outdoor nature-based preschool programs. 16. SB24-070 Allows online education programs to offer remote state assessment testing. 17. SB24-031 Permits local authorities to control the spread of noxious weeds. 18. SB24-026 Requires the State Agricultural Commission and the Colorado Water Conservation Board to hold regularly scheduled public meetings. 19. SB24-017 Helps K-12 schools budget by regularly distributing their property tax and state payments over a year. 20. SB24-014 Authorizes a Seal of Climate Literacy high school diploma endorsement, an Animas and Durango High School bill. 21. SB24-204 Makes technical revisions to the procurement code. 22. SB24-194 Adds fire and ambulance districts to the list of districts permitted to impose impact fees. 23. SB24-188 Eliminates the Budget Stabilization Factor for Colorado public schools, raising the per-pupil spending and giving a one-time stipend to rural schools. 24. HB24-176 Updates terminology for individuals enrolled in the state medical assistance programs. 25. SB24-175 Adds doulas to health insurance programs to help improve perinatal health outcomes for the most susceptible. 26. SB24-172 Clarifies language concerning hemp in statutes regulating marijuana. 27. SB24-171 Authorizes the restoration of wolverines in Colorado’s mountains, to take place after about four more years of study. 28. SB243-170 Helps fund the America 250 – Colorado 150 program for a statewide celebration of the two birthdays. 29. SB24-148 Allows certain facilities to practice precipitation harvesting for water conservation. 30. SB24-132 Extends confidential evaluation protections for all educators. As I end my tenure, I finished my sixth year as chair of the House Education Committee, and first year as chair of the House Services Committee and vice chair of the Statutory Revision Committee. I am also vice chair of the Sportsmen Caucus and member of the Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee, and the Interim Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee. I was also filled in as the vice chair of the House Finance Committee for 30 minutes during our special session last year. I suppose that will look good on a resume somewhere. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, is serving her fourth term representing La Plata, Montezuma, Archuleta and San Juan counties. She has been a journalist and teacher. Previous Next