January 10, 2022 03:35 PM UTC

What you can do to fight for progress this week (January 10)

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• by: ProgressNow Colorado

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On Wednesday, the Colorado General Assembly gavels in for the 2022 session! Building on the historic progress made last year on a broad range of important issues like health care, education, environmental protection, and civil rights, your progressive majority is moving forward this year with another ambitious agenda:

Saving people money. Last year, Colorado passed the Colorado Option to bring down the cost of insurance premiums. This year, the trend of saving money on healthcare, prescription drugs, fees paid by businesses and individuals, and other expenses incurred by families and small businesses accelerates.

Keeping the promise of paid family leave. Colorado voters spoke, and it’s time for the legislature to carry out our wishes. At the top of the progressive agenda this year is the funding to set in motion Colorado’s landmark paid family leave plan giving thousands of Colorado workers a measure of control over their work-life balance.

Restoring funding to public education. For many years, Colorado has been forced to short-change public education in order to balance the state’s budget. This year, the plan is to reduce the so-called “budget stabilization factor” to its lowest level in years, and get closer than ever to keeping the promise made to Colorado kids by the state’s voters two decades ago.

Protecting reproductive choice in a post-Roe world. With abortion rights under a threat that was considered unimaginable just a few short years ago, the complete overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing abortion rights to every American, defending the reproductive rights Coloradans have had enshrined in law since before Roe is a crucial priority. Even after Colorado voters have rejected attempted to ban abortion in this state over and over in the past fifteen years, we’re still just one election away from disaster.

That’s just the beginning of what is expected to be another action-packed and historic session of the Colorado General Assembly. And we need your help to make it happen! Watch this space for alerts on opportunities to help pass (and when necessary, help kill) legislation. And thanks as always for everything you do to fight for our shared progressive values.

Here are some more ways to make a difference for the week of January 10, 2022:

Chalkbeat Colorado’s 2022 Legislative Preview

Join us for our annual discussion of key education topics likely to surface during the upcoming legislative session. This year’s conversation will be held virtually on Zoom Webinar from noon – 1:30 MT on Tuesday, Jan. 11. Last year, our conversation with lawmakers ranged from standardized testing and learning loss to funding for K-12 and higher education and school discipline. This year, we’ll discuss possible changes to K-12 funding, efforts to expand college access, the rollout of universal preschool, parental rights in the classroom, next steps for school accountability, the state’s role in addressing staffing shortages and transportation challenges, and more!

When: Tuesday, January 11 at 12:00pm

Click here to RSVP.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute

Known as the most prominent spokesperson and leader in the American Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remains one of the most inspirational figures in history for his pursuit of equal rights and his nonviolent approach to civil rights protests. The evening will feature special guest performances and will honor recipients of the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Awards.

When: Tuesday, January 11 at 7:30pm
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver

Click here to RSVP.

Showing Up for Racial Justice – SURJ Denver: Canvassing for STAR in Cap Hill

Join Denver SURJ on Saturday, January 15th as we chat with local businesses about Denver’s Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program, which deploys mobile emergency response teams of paramedics and mental health professionals to engage individuals experiencing crises related to mental health issues, poverty, houselessness, and substance abuse.

When: Saturday, January 15 at 4:00pm
Where: Capitol Hill Books, 300 E Colfax, Denver

Click here to RSVP.

Air Quality and Climate Justice in Colorado (In-Person and Virtual)

Hosted by Colorado Jewish Climate Action and Ekar Farm, celebrate Tu Bishvat and Martin Luther King Jr. Day by joining scientists, community activists, and elected officials to learn why Colorado suffers from such bad air quality, which communities suffer the most, and the actions we can take to achieve climate justice.

When: Sunday, January 16 at 4:00pm
Where: Congregation Rodef Shalom, 450 S Kearney St., Denver

Click here to RSVP.

Save the date: OneCO Legislative Kickoff

The 2022 legislative session will soon reconvene and there will be several bills that will impact the lives of LGBTQ Coloradans and their families. Join One Colorado and members of the Colorado General Assembly at X BAR (629 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203) for our Legislative Kickoff! This will be an opportunity to meet pro-equality legislators and learn about what we’re expecting in 2022.

When: Wednesday, January 19 at 6:00pm
Where: X BAR, 629 E Colfax, Denver

Click here to RSVP.

We’ll be back next week with more ways to take action. Thanks again!