Despite being only two weeks in, it’s been a long year so far, and we hope you’re staying safe and healthy.

Before we can give you an update on the State Legislature, we feel we must address the moment that our nation is currently experiencing. Perhaps there’s not much we can say that hasn’t already been said, but our silence would speak louder. Yesterday, President Donald Trump was impeached by the House for the second time. He is the only president in American history to be impeached twice, and now with only six days left in his term. The heinous violence and telegraphed attacks on our nation’s Capitol brought not only death and injury, but a forced reckoning with deeply radicalized movements emboldened by the words of a sitting president. Pipe bombs, zip tie restraints, hanging nooses and brutal beatings – we witnessed on January 6 an act of domestic terrorism. This act was echoed even louder in our own district by our new Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, whose questionable tweets and refusal to acknowledge Joe Biden as the president-elect encouraged the violence we witnessed. Western Colorado Alliance condemns the events that took place on January 6 and believes accountability is needed to begin a long journey of resolution and healing. We wish for a safe and peaceful transfer of power next week.

January 6 was also a lesson for grassroots organizations across the country.  The dedicated and steadfast work of organizers in Georgia helped turn out thousands of new voters, both in communities of color and rural areas across the state. On the very day that white supremacists clung to power through reactionary violence at the Capitol, community organizing changed the face of the US Senate through deep rooted and long-term organizing efforts. Our work in the rural West may look slightly different, but the tools used to get out the vote and the success achieved are a lesson that steadfast organizing for justice will ultimately win the day.

Ok, now, on to the local news.

In our own backyard, our state legislature has kicked off the 2021 legislative session! Yesterday, Colorado legislators gaveled in for the First Regular Session of the 73rd General Assembly. They won’t be there for long however, as they plan to gavel out on Friday and adjourn until February 16. This three-day window will serve as an opportunity to swear in new legislators and address some urgent bills revolving around ongoing needs during the COVID-19 crisis. The temporary adjournment is an acknowledgement of the still very present danger of the coronavirus and an attempt to mitigate potential spread of the illness at the state Capitol. When lawmakers return in February, our hope is that the session will begin to feel more familiar compared to years past.

Our West Slope lawmakers looks similar to last year despite the assumption that we might see at least one new face. During the primary in 2020, State Senator Ray Scott (R) lost his bid for a Mesa County Commission seat and will stay in the State Senate through the remainder of his term. And although Karl Hanlon (a previous candidate for the 3^rd Congressional District) got close, he ultimately lost his race against incumbent Bob Rankin (R) in Garfield county.  

For the first time in years, Western Colorado Alliance is not planning an in-person trip to the Capitol this year. But that does not mean our members are off the hook! Several of our committees are engaging in some big bills set to be introduced once the legislature reconvenes in February. We will need your help to get our voice over the Rockies, and will communicate opportunities including remote testimony, written testimony, as well as calls and emails to legislators. During these initial three days of session, one of the bills legislators will be discussing involves avenues to broaden remote capabilities. We will communicate the outcome of this bill as soon as we know more and hope it will be a stepping-stone to more connectivity between residents of western Colorado and lawmakers at the Capitol.

In this cold and isolating season, we want to make sure you all have an opportunity to stay connected in a time that’s more challenging than ever. If you’re interested in getting involved in one of our committees or just want to reach out and connect on the state of the nation, we’re here. You can write me anytime at jeriel@westerncoloradoalliance.org.