By Shannon Lukens.
General Assembly Committee assignments are being announced at the State Legislature. (Complete press releases are below.)
The Senate Democrats have appointed State Senator-Elect Dylan Roberts as chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. Senator-Elect Roberts will also serve on the Judiciary Committee and the Local Government & Housing Committee.
“I am truly honored to have been entrusted to lead the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee as its Chair. And with our state’s natural resources under threat due to an unprecedented drought and historic wildfires, it is more important now than ever that we protect our water, our agriculture industries, and our Colorado way of life. And that’s what I will do as chair of this committee in the State Senate. And I look forward to collaborating with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to debate and pass bills through our committee that delivers solutions for our state’s agriculture industry and protect our natural resources here in Western Colorado.”
“I am also very excited to have been named to the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee where I look forward to continuing our work on affordable housing and bringing more solutions to that crisis to Northwest Colorado so more people can afford to live here. And I’m also looking forward to serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee where I will bring my experience as a prosecutor to help support law enforcement and victims of crime and improve our civil and criminal legal system to make our state more safe.”
Senator-elect Dylan Roberts currently serves Eagle County and Routt County as a Representative for House District 26 in the Colorado State House. Starting Jan. 9, he will serve as State Senator for Senate District 8, comprised of Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Summit counties.
Representative-Elect and Steamboat Springs High School teacher Meghan Lukens will serve on the Education Committee. She has also been appointed to the Agriculture-Water-Natural Resources Committee.
“Agriculture is so important in House District 26, to our economy, to our culture, to our communities, and to our heritage. And I look forward to working with our ranchers and our farmers to really get results and advocate for our agricultural communities at the State Legislature.”
Lukens is the Representative-Elect for House District 26, which serves Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Eagle counties.
Both Lukens and Roberts will be meeting with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. Philip Anderson is the president of CCA and a native of neighboring Jackson County. The Colorado Cattlemen have their annual meeting Jan. 16-17 in Denver, where they plan to visit the capitol and then host the Ag Committee members at a reception.
“We’re going to visit the capitol. And then we’re asking the legislators to come back to the hotel with us for a reception that afternoon. It will be a good time for us to network with both sides of the aisle, the Republicans and the Democrats. We’re really looking forward this year to trying to make sure that we get some input into the Agriculture Committee so that we can go forward with some of the laws that are going to be coming our way. It’s so important that we talk instead of argue. We cannot be on both sides of the fence. We can’t be in the middle of the fence. We have to cooperate with everybody.”
Press Release from Senator-Elect Dylan Roberts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 14, 2022
Contact: Senator-elect Dylan Roberts | 970.846.3054 | senrobertsoffice@gmail.com
Senator-elect Dylan Roberts is appointed Chair of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and to serve on the Judiciary and Local Government & Housing Committees
AVON, CO – This week, Colorado Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno announced Senate committee assignments for the 2023 General Assembly. Senator-elect Dylan Roberts was appointed to serve as the chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and as a member of the Judiciary and Local Government & Housing Committees.
“I am honored and thankful to have been entrusted to lead the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee,” said Senator-elect Roberts, D-Avon. “With our state’s natural resources under threat due to an unprecedented drought and historic wildfires, it is more important now than ever that we protect our water, agriculture industries, and our Colorado way of life. I look forward to collaborating with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to debate and pass bills through our committee that deliver solutions for our state’s agricultural industry and protect our precious natural resources.” The Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee generally considers matters concerning water, agriculture, wildlife, and recreation. In addition, the committee has legislative oversight responsibility for the state departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Senator-elect Roberts will also serve on the Local Government & Housing Committee, formerly the Local Government Committee, which Majority Leader Moreno renamed to acknowledge the importance of affordable housing. “I know that for many residents of our region and across the state, housing has become too hard to find and impossible to afford,” said Senator-elect Roberts. “While we have made great progress on sending funding to our communities to help build more housing, there is more to do. I am glad that our Senate leadership has made this important change to facilitate legislation that advances affordable housing policies, and I am excited to continue my work on this vital issue for our workforce, businesses, and communities.”
Senator-elect Roberts will also serve on the Senate Judiciary committee where he will bring his experience as a former prosecutor to the panel. “Public safety has always been a top priority of mine and I am glad to have the opportunity to provide critical oversight of our legal system and work with important public safety stakeholders across the state to support law enforcement and improve both our civil and criminal legal system in Colorado,” said Senator-elect Roberts.
For more information on the Legislature’s Committee Assignments for the 2023 session, please visit these links:
SENATE DEMOCRATS UNVEIL 2023 GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Majority Leader Moreno: “I am excited for our new committee leadership and for our members to dive into the issues, have informed and thoughtful deliberations, and create lasting results for the people of Colorado.”
DENVER, CO – Colorado Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, today announced Senate committee assignments for the 2023 General Assembly.
“Our caucus members have been hard at work preparing to hit the ground running when we convene next month so we can tackle the challenges that matter most to our communities and build on the progress we made last year,” Moreno said. “I am excited for our new committee leadership and for our members to dive into the issues, have informed and thoughtful deliberations, and create lasting results for the people of Colorado.”
“As our 2023 legislative session approaches, I am excited to continue working to create a more just and resilient Colorado,” said President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Our committee leaders are energized and ready to bring momentum to the new year, and I am excited to watch them collaborate on the issues, move important policies through the legislative process, and deliver results for our state. The Senate Democrats are ready to hit the ground running, and I am eager to see all we will accomplish together as we continue fighting to move Colorado forward.”
In order to emphasize the importance of increasing access to safe and affordable housing, Majority Leader Moreno announced plans to seek a rule change to rename the Local Government Committee to the Local Government & Housing Committee.
Agriculture & Natural Resources, 7 members (4-3)
Senator-elect Dylan Roberts, Chair
Senator Nick Hinrichsen, Vice Chair
Senator-elect Janice Marchman
Senator Kevin Priola
Appropriations, 7 members (4-3)
Senator Jeff Bridges, Chair
Senator Rachel Zenzinger, Vice Chair
President Pro Tempore James Coleman
Senator Chris Hansen
Business, Labor, & Technology, 9 members (6-3)
Assistant Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Chair
Senator Jessie Danielson, Vice Chair
President Pro Tempore James Coleman
Senator Joann Ginal
Senator Nick Hinrichsen
Senator-elect Tom Sullivan
Education, 7 members (4-3)
Majority Caucus Chair Janet Buckner, Chair
Senator-elect Janice Marchman, Vice Chair
Senator Rhonda Fields
Senator Chris Kolker
Finance, 7 members (4-3)
Senator-elect Kyle Mullica, Chair
Senator Chris Kolker, Vice Chair
Senator Kevin Priola
Senator Faith Winter
Health & Human Services, 9 members (6-3)
Senator Rhonda Fields, Chair
Senator Joann Ginal, Vice Chair
Majority Caucus Chair Janet Buckner
Senator-elect Lisa Cutter
Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis
Senator-elect Kyle Mullica
Judiciary, 5 members (3-2)
Majority Whip Julie Gonzales, Chair
Assistant Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, Vice Chair
Senator-elect Dylan Roberts
Local Government & Housing, 7 members (4-3)
Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Chair
Senator-elect Tony Exum, Sr., Vice Chair
Majority Whip Julie Gonzales
Senator-elect Dylan Roberts
State, Veterans, & Military Affairs, 5 members (3-2)
President Pro Tempore James Coleman, Chair
Senator-elect Tom Sullivan, Vice Chair
Majority Whip Julie Gonzales
Transportation & Energy, 7 members (5-2)
Senator Faith Winter, Chair
Senator Kevin Priola, Vice Chair
Senator-elect Tony Exum, Sr.
Senator-elect Lisa Cutter
Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis
Press Release from Representative Elect Meghan Lukens
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Dec. 13, 2022
Contact: Meghan Lukens | 970-846-9168 | RepMeghanLukens@gmail.com
Representative-Elect Lukens Assigned to Committees that Prioritize House District 26
ROUTT COUNTY, CO – Representative-Elect Meghan Lukens, a Routt County local, was recently elected to serve as the Colorado State Representative for Eagle, Routt, Rio Blanco, and Moffat counties. Rep.-Elect Lukens has been assigned to be on the Education Committee and Agriculture, Water, & Natural Resources Committee at the State Legislature.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve on committees that directly impact the hardworking people in our district and in every corner of our state,” said Rep.-elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat. “From protecting our water to investing in our public schools, I am excited to get to work alongside stakeholders, experts, and people in our communities to move Colorado forward.”
As a social studies teacher, Rep.-Elect Lukens knows first-hand the issues impacting our rural schools and will work with stakeholders to improve school systems. The issues that the Agriculture, Water, & Natural Resources Committee will focus on have direct impacts on the economy and lifestyle in Colorado and Northwest Colorado specifically.
On January 9th, Rep.-Elect Lukens will be sworn in as the State Representative for House District 26. She looks forward to serving Northwest Colorado on the Education Committee and Agriculture, Water, & Natural Resources Committee at the State Legislature. Rep.-Elect Lukens believes that serving as a committee member on these committees will lead to real and powerful results for House District 26.
Please reach out to Rep.-Elect Meghan Lukens at repmeghanlukens@gmail.com or 970-846-9168 with questions.
Speaker-Designate McCluskie Announces Committee Appointments
December 12, 2022
DENVER, CO – Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie today announced the chairs, vice chairs and committee appointments for the 11 House committees of reference, appointing six new committee chairs. Of the 22 members in committee leadership, 14 are women—a milestone that is consistent with the historic nature of Colorado having the second majority female legislature in the country.
“I’m so proud of our historic majority and all the lawmakers who are taking on leadership positions on committees,” said Speaker-designate Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The size of our caucus is a recognition that Democrats deliver on behalf of every Coloradan. Our new chairs and vice chairs, alongside our historically diverse, women-led leadership team, will work hard to make life more affordable, improve health and safety in our communities, protect our air and water, and help every person live their Colorado dream.”
Last month, Representative Julie McCluskie was designated Speaker of the House of the 74th General Assembly by her Democratic colleagues. Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, will serve as Majority Leader while Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, will serve as Assistant Majority Leader. Reps. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora and Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins will serve as Majority Co-Whips, while Reps. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada will be the Majority Co-Caucus Chairs. Committee structure, leadership and majority caucus appointments are made by the Speaker.
“I want to join Speaker-designate McCluskie in celebrating our new chairs, vice chairs and committee members—we know they will do fantastic work this session to move Colorado forward,” said Majority Leader-elect, Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Our historically large and diverse class of new lawmakers are going to bring fresh voices and new ideas to our committees, and the leadership team is excited to see so many newly-elected members with experience in public service take on the responsibility of vice chair. Of the 22 committee leadership positions, 14 will be women, recognizing the historic role women will play in mentoring new members and shaping the future of our state.”
“For the first time, the House will be led by three women, and there are a historic number of women of color in leadership positions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Our chairs and vice chairs all share a deep commitment to helping our colleagues advance legislation that responds to the needs of our communities across the state. I’m excited to serve as vice chair of the Judiciary Committee and on the Education Committee where I know we will deliver meaningful policy solutions to improve public education and work towards a future where all Coloradans feel safe in their communities.”
“I am grateful for the current chairs and outgoing members of leadership who are pursuing new ways to serve their communities in the new year; Coloradans are better off because of what they’ve accomplished with their work in the legislature,” continued Speaker-designate McCluskie.
The complete list of Majority committee assignments is below:
Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee (9-4)
- Chair, Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont
- Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora
- Representative-Elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs
- Representative-Elect Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista
- Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango
- Representative-Elect Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie
- Representative-Elect Tammy Story, D-Conifer
- Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada
- Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs
Appropriations Committee (7-4)
- Chair, Representative Emily Sirota, D-Denver
- Vice Chair, Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster
- Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder
- Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins
- Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver
- Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora
- Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs
Business Affairs and Labor Committee (7-4)
- Chair, Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder
- Vice Chair, Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora
- Representative-Elect Regina English, D-Colorado Springs
- Representative-Elect Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood
- Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield
- Representative-Elect Javier Mabrey, D-Denver
- Representative-Elect Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo
Education Committee (7-4)
- Chair, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango
- Vice Chair, Representative-Elect Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista
- Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver
- Representative-Elect Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial
- Representative-Elect Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs
- Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Aurora
- Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley
Energy and Environment Committee (8-3)
- Chair, Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins
- Vice Chair, Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn
- Representative-Elect Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial
- Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood
- Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver
- Representative-Elect Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs
- Representative-Elect Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs
- Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora
Finance Committee (7-4)
- Chair, Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs
- Vice Chair Representative-Elect Junie Joseph, D-Boulder
- Representative Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City
- Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Aravada
- Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood
- Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins
- Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield
- Representative-Elect Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch
Health and Insurance Committee (8-3)
- Chair, Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada
- Vice Chair, Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood
- Representative-Elect Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood
- Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont
- Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton
- Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora
- Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada
- Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn
Judiciary Committee (9-4)
- Chair, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora
- Vice Chair, Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver
- Representative Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City
- Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada
- Representative-Elect Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver
- Representative-Elect Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch
- Representative-Elect Said Sharbini, D-Brighton
- Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs
- Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver
Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee (8-3)
- Chair, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City
- Vice Chair, Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley
- Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder
- Representative-Elect Regina English, D-Colorado Springs
- Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver
- Representative-Elect Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial
- Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora
- Representative-Elect Tammy Story, D-Conifer
State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee (8-3)
- Chair, Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver
- Vice Chair, Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton
- Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins
- Representative Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville
- Representative-Elect Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver
- Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora
- Representative-Elect Said Sharbini, D-Brighton
- Representative-Elect Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn
Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee (9-4)
- Chair, Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood
- Vice Chair, Representative-Elect William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield
- Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins
- Representative-Elect Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial
- Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora
- Representative-Elect Javier Mabrey, D-Denver
- Representative-Elect Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo
- Representative-Elect Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie
- Representative-Elect Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs