I enjoyed a relaxing three day weekend. It was filled with grandchildren and the coloring and hiding of eggs. We were at least the second hunt of the day so the enthusiasm was somewhat dampened--which means we are still finding plastic eggs in a variety of places.All over the map: Redistricting
Redistricting is the next big challenge. Colorado's population grew by 16.8 percent since 2000. The US Constitution requires state legislatures to redraw congressional boundaries every 10 years to equalize population in these districts. This year, both parties have proposed a total of 11 maps with newly-drawn congressional districts. There is a variety of criteria for how maps must be drawn including preserving communities of interest, city boundaries, county lines, compactness, etc. My hope is that we create as many competitive districts as possible.
Share in the Care
Over the last 100 years, our Golden Dome has fallen into disrepair. Due to Colorado’s heat and freeze climate and water leaks, the cast iron structure that holds up the Capitol dome is deteriorating. The deterioration of the structure creates a serious hazard for the people who visit and work in the building. To complete this $17 million repair, we partnered with Colorado Preservation, Inc. to roll out Share in the Care Colorado. Share in the Care Colorado is a public-private initiative to give the people of Colorado the opportunity to help fund the work required to fix the dome. This is a unique chance to be a part of the restoration and preservation of our state’s grand Capitol.
Here is how you can donate:
· Come and see what you are helping to fix. The Capitol is open 7:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. There is a donation box located by the tour desk on the first floor near the south entrance.
· You can make a $10 donation by texting the word DOME to 50555. Donations may also be made online at www.ShareintheCareColorado.org or by sending a check to:
Capitol Dome Restoration Trust Fund
c/o Colorado Preservation, Inc.
2100 Downing Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80205
Any level of donation is appreciated and goes a long way. Thank you in advance for your generosity toward preserving this symbolic building for Colorado.
End of session town halls
After the session I will be hosting a series of town halls to recap the session and listen to what you think needs to be addressed next session. I will send out a list of dates, times and locations in a subsequent newsletter when they are scheduled.
As always, feel free to contact me with ideas, comments, and/or suggestions!
Senator Mary Hodge
