Spring Updates

March 20th marked the spring equinox. Here in Colorado we know that doesn't mean the end of snow and low temperatures but it marks a point in time where things start changing and growing. As our natural environments begin to bloom and blossom opportunities for Coloradans will too. We are getting closer and closer to the COVID vaccine being available to the general public. We are working hard in the legislature to pass bills that will help us recover progress as a state. This spring will carry with it hope for a better future and many positive changes.

On Monday March 22nd our friends and neighbors in Boulder suffered a horrible tragedy. 10 people were killed in a mass shooting at a local King Soopers. I want to offer by deepest condolences to the victims and their families. I’ve read many of their stories and am saddened to see such wonderful people taken from us so abruptly. This tragic event has rattled all of us here in Colorado. We are one big community. I hope to use my platform to try and prevent more acts of senseless violence. If you have suggestions, concerns, or if you just need someone to talk to please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office using the contacts provided below. I love you Colorado, and we will get through this.

COVID-19 Updates

https://covid19.colorado.gov/data/covid-19-dial-dashboard

This week we have a reason to celebrate! Several counties in the district have now downgraded to green on Colorado’s COVID dial. These counties have test positivity rates lower than 5 percent, they’ve had less than 35 cases per 100,00 in the past week, and they have sufficient local hospital bed capacity. I ask all my constituents to please keep up the good work and continue to follow local guidance. We can conquer this together!

Local Vaccines

As vaccine phases expand I wanted to provide some information for those in the district who are looking to receive their vaccine!

Every Friday, Valley-Wide Health Systems has a mass event to provide vaccines to all that want to receive the vaccine (you do not need to be a Valley-Wide Health Systems patient) All appointments must be scheduled. To schedule, call 719-587-9610.

Location: Multipurpose Building/Alamosa Fair Grounds

Patients can also make appointments to receive their vaccine at one of our Valley-Wide Health Systems Clinics below.

All appointments must be scheduled. To schedule, call 719-587-9610.

Cesar Chavez Family Medical Center, 186 N Hurt St., Center, CO 81125

Edward M. Kennedy Health Clinic, 925 2nd Ave., Monte Vista, CO 81144

La Junta Clinic, 1012 Belmont Ave., La Junta, CO 81050

Valley-Wide Buena Vista, 707 US Hwy 24 N., Buena Vista, CO 81211

Valley-Wide Canon City, 121 N. 6th St., Canon City 81212

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

A Tribute

On March 24th a tribute was read on the house floor recongizing The Colorado Cancer Screening program which has its foundation in Colorectal Cancer screening. This program has helped to save lives, improve living conditions for cancer patients, and has been working to prevent cancer. Cancer is life altering and sometimes life ending. All of us know someone who has been affected by cancer. We must focus on addressing access to care for cancer patients and encourage regular screenings.

Agriculture Day at Colorado Capitol

Agriculture Day was set to be celebrated on March 23rd this year but we pushed it one day forward and recognized the importance of Agriculture in Colorado on March 24th, 2021. Agriculture is an incredibly important part of life here in Colorado as it’s both a thriving industry and a way of life. Agricultural is often invisible. Many people in urban areas don’t get to see the cows, pigs, chickens, and fields of crops but they are the backbone of life. All of our food is a product of agriculture in one way or another. Ranching and farming takes intensive labor and dedication and we ought to recognize everyone who works hard to keep our stomachs full and our smiles wide. To view the resolution that was read in front on the house floor click here.

If you are interested in learning more about The VAPG program please reach out to my office to see if you qualify and how to apply. For more information, access to the application, and other relevant resources you can also visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants

Community Project Funding

New federal funding is becoming available for a wide variety of community projects for the 2022 fiscal year. This is through the Community Funding Project (CFP) program. Eligible applicants will be able to request funding for up to 10 community projects in their district. Congressman Joe Neguse is accepting applications until April 16, 2021. To apply send an email to [email protected]. To access the application, and to find more information on the program you can visit https://neguse.house.gov/community-project-funding

Legislative Update

SB21-079: Deregulate Meat Sales Direct To Consumers: I’m proud to announce that this bill has officially passed through both the house and the senate! We are eliminating a lot of red tape and making it much easier for small ranchers and farmers to engage in the sale of meat shares. Consumers will also benefit as their access to fresh and local meats grow. I was a sponsor on this bill and I hope to continue to work hard for rural Colorado!

If you’d like to keep up with what bills are being introduced and where they are in the legislative process visit Bills, Resolutions, & Memorials | Colorado General Assembly

Please reach out!

I am here to listen! The needs of the community are my concerns.

[email protected]

From the desk of Donald Valdez

Donald Valdez

P.O. Box 110

La Jara, Co 81140

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