Western Slope lawmakers landed leadership positions on two committees in the state House of Representative for the upcoming lawmaking session, according to a Monday announcement.
House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, who is the first woman speaker of the House from the Western Slope, is responsible for setting committee assignments.
Committee members, particularly those in leadership roles, help shape the debate over various bills as they are considered by lawmakers. Committees are the first step for any bill introduced. If they don't approve a bill in its initial hearing, it doesn't progress any further.
"House Democrats are excited to continue our work to lower costs for families, safeguard our air and water, build safer and healthier communities and protect our future," McCluskie stated in an announcement.
Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, will serve as the chair of the Education Committee. Lukens, who was recently re-elected to her second term representing House District 26, served as a member of the Education Committee and the Agriculture Water & Natural Resources Committee for the past two years. She will continue to be a member of the Agriculture Water & Natural Resources Committee.
Lukens, who is a teacher, said in a statement Monday she is committed to uplifting public schools, higher education and early child care.
"I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities in our education system," she said, according to an emailed statement. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to strengthen Colorado's schools and ensure every student has the resources and support they need to succeed."
Rep. Matthew Martinez, a Monte Vista Democrat who represents a district from Pueblo through the San Luis Valley, will be the vice chair of the Education Committee.
Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, will serve as the Vice Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. She will also be a member of the Appropriations and the Agriculture Water & Natural Resources committees. For the past two years, she has been a member of the same three committees.
Velasco, who represents House District 57, was also just re-elected to her second term.
During the past two legislative sessions, two House committees had Western Slope representation in their leadership. The Education Committee was chaired by Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango and vice-chaired by Martinez. Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, was the vice chair of the Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee.
Colorado Senate committee assignments have not yet been announced.
There are 10 House Committees of reference, including Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources; Finance; Appropriations; Health & Human Services; Business Affairs & Labor; Judiciary; Education; State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs; Energy & Environment; and Transportation, Housing & Local Government.