Updates from the federal delegation
Senators Bennet / Hickenlooper
Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome up to $1.1 Billion from Inflation Reduction Act for Rural Electric Cooperatives in Colorado
Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed $7.3 billion from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program to help rural energy and utility providers bring affordable, reliable clean energy to their communities across the country. The announcement includes up to $1.16 billion for three providers in Colorado. Bennet helped secure nearly $13 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to support rural clean energy initiatives through USDA, including the New ERA program.
“Our rural electric cooperatives are central to our nation’s ability to transition to a clean energy economy,” said Bennet. “This funding will enable the critical work of helping modernize co-op energy infrastructure across rural Colorado to lower energy costs for families, farms, ranches and small businesses, and to drive opportunity in rural communities.”
“The Inflation Reduction Act isn’t just about clean energy, it’s also about reducing electric costs for Coloradans and helping rural communities take power generation into their own hands. Cheaper, cleaner, more reliable electricity for rural Coloradans is a win-win-win,” said Hickenlooper.
The New ERA program is a $9.7 billion program created in the IRA that helps rural electric cooperatives transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. It is part of the largest investment in rural electrification since the New Deal. This funding includes investments for three of Colorado’s rural electric cooperatives:
- Up to $679 million to Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association to procure renewable energy including solar, wind, and battery storage and to support the retirement of coal-fired power generation while maintaining energy reliability;
- $261 million to United Power to offset the cost of its transition to a strategic, clean energy portfolio; and
- $225 million to CORE Electric Cooperative to procure renewable energy sources including wind, solar, and batteries through several power purchase agreements.
“This Empowering Rural America New ERA investment will be used for CORE Electric Cooperative to procure approximately 550 megawatts of new wind and solar renewable energy. It will also allow CORE to invest in energy reliability through roughly 100 megawatts of energy storage,” said Pam Feuerstein, CEO, CORE Electric Cooperative. “These efforts are estimated to provide more than 1.9 million MWh of GHG-free energy annually, create new short and long-term jobs, reduce costs for member-owners, and help meet Colorado’s clean energy goals.”
“New ERA represents the largest investment in rural electric cooperatives and the communities they serve since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936,” said Duane Highley, CEO, Tri-State. “We couldn’t be more excited by this opportunity to leverage New ERA to serve our cooperative’s members and support our communities through unparalleled investments that achieve significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions while maintaining the reliable, affordable electricity rural communities count on.”
“The Empowering Rural America New ERA investment will have an immediate positive impact on all United Power members who have experienced increased costs for food, property taxes, insurance, and all utilities over the past few years,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO, United Power. “We are excited to start receiving the funds so we can promote how USDA’s support of our power supply’s decarbonization as laid out in Our Cooperative Roadmap will benefit the communities, we serve for generations to come.”
In December 2023, Bennet called on USDA to focus its awards on projects that maximize greenhouse gas emission reductions and to follow the IRA’s intent to make clean energy more reliable and affordable for Americans living in rural communities. In May 2023, Bennet joined USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Biden administration leaders at the White House to announce nearly $11 billion in rural clean energy grants and loan opportunities – including $9.7 billion through the New ERA program. This funding was part of the nearly $13 billion Bennet championed in the IRA to accelerate clean energy deployment, create local economic opportunities, and lower costs for families in rural communities. Bennet helped secure these investments alongside direct pay provisions in the IRA that allow rural electric cooperatives, public power companies, Tribes, and other entities without tax liability to access clean energy tax credits for the first time.
Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Nearly $100 Million for Colorado Airports
Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed nearly $100 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to improve airport infrastructure across the state. This funding is made available through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as well as discretionary supplemental grant funding.
“Colorado’s regional and municipal airports help connect communities across our state and support local economic development,” said Bennet. “These dollars will help them invest in safety and capacity upgrades to meet Colorado’s changing needs.”
“Colorado’s airports connect rural communities and power local economies,” said Hickenlooper. “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is still delivering improvements to make air travel safe and accessible for all Coloradans.”
Specifically, this funding for Colorado airports includes:
| Location | Airport Name | Project Description | Amount |
| Grand Junction | Grand Junction Regional Airport | This project shifts existing paved Runway by 594 feet to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. | $34,761,151 |
| Colorado Springs | City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport | This project reconstructs 3,700 feet of the existing paved Taxiway A pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. | $14,407,551 |
| Durango | Durango-La Plata County Airport | This project expands the existing terminal by 19,728 square feet. This grant funds new gates, passenger hold rooms, and TSA passenger screening and baggage claim areas. This expansion will facilitate the movement of passengers and baggage to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. | $12,959,580 |
| Hayden | Yampa Valley Airport | This project rehabilitates 10,000 feet of the existing paved Taxiway A to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life and reconstructs the existing lighting on Taxiway A that has reached the end of its useful life. | $11,062,271 |
| Denver | Denver International Airport | This award funds Runway 17L-35R drainage improvements and wildlife hazard mitigation to prevent accumulation of precipitation on the airfield. | $6,231,000 |
| Broomfield | Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport | This project constructs a new 1,300 foot paved Taxiway O to bring the airport into conformity with current standards and reconstructs 970 feet of the existing paved Taxiway D pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. | $5,498,829 |
| Englewood | Centennial Airport | This project rehabilitates 5,250 feet of the existing paved Taxiway C to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement to extend its useful life and rehabilitates 4,000 feet of the existing paved Taxiway D to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement to extend its useful life. | $4,909,501 |
| Denver | Denver International Airport | This project acquires and installs low-emission equipment including 15 electric vehicle charging stations. | $3,768,045 |
| Gunnison | Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport | This project reconstructs 1,157 feet of the existing paved Taxiway A4 to A8 pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. | $2,544,129 |
| Broomfield | Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport | This project conducts a noise compatibility plan study. | $1,400,633 |
| Englewood | Centennial Airport | This project acquires and installs zero emissions equipment including a vehicle and a recharger. | $92,465 |
Representative Pettersen
Rep. Pettersen Honors Her Mother’s Seven Years of Sobriety and the Beginning of Recovery Month by Announcing New Bill to Improve Medical Coverage for Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Pettersen Announces New Bill to Enable Medicaid Beneficiaries Receive Appropriate Substance Use Disorder Treatment
DENVER — U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) hosted a press conference today at Sobriety House, where her mother was treated for a substance use disorder, to announce her new bill to address the opioid epidemic – the Recovery Act. Pettersen’s announcement was made alongside her mother, who just celebrated her 7-year anniversary in recovery. Pettersen introduced the Recovery Act today in honor of her mother’s sobriety anniversary and the beginning of National Recovery Month. Pettersen was also joined today by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and local experts, advocates, and leaders in the substance use disorder recovery space.
The Recovery Act removes outdated residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment limitations for people on Medicaid, ensures evidence-based care, and helps states draw down federal dollars to do so. This new piece of legislation establishes a new state Medicaid plan option that covers the number of days of detox, inpatient, and residential SUD treatment a patient medically needs. To incentivize states to adopt this new option, this bill draws down federal dollars by increasing the federal match to state funds for the first five years of implementation and offers planning grants to states opting in.
Pettersen saw first-hand how broken the system was in her fight to save her mom’s life from an opioid addiction. Like far too many Coloradans, she found out that Medicaid only covered the cost of detox for up to 3 days and did not cover in-patient or residential care. Rep. Pettersen had to get a court order to get her mother the treatment she desperately needed. She later took her fight to the Colorado legislature to direct the state to apply for a waiver through Medicaid to cover detox, residential, and in-patient SUD treatment.
During the first three years of the waiver, Medicaid member access to SUD residential and inpatient services increased by 150% for individuals with an opioid use disorder. In one year alone, more than 12,000 Coloradans on Medicaid received residential substance use disorder care. While Colorado has made great strides, there are still significant barriers that exist at the federal level to provide the necessary continuum of care. Currently, state Medicaid programs cannot cover stays in residential facilities for the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) that are more than 15 days without applying for a waiver from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
That’s why Rep. Pettersen introduced the Recovery Act to streamline the process by removing outdated treatment limitations, ensuring evidence-based care, and increasing the federal reimbursement rate to incentivize states to opt into the plan. The bill would also provide grant funding to states to assist in implementing the state plan option.
The location of the announcement, Sobriety House, is particularly meaningful to Pettersen as her own mother, Stacy, was treated there for a substance use disorder after a 30-year long struggle with opioids, heroin and fentanyl. After Stacy overdosed 20 times in one year and 3 times in a single day, Rep. Pettersen was finally able to get funding for the care she needed through a court order.
Stacy recently celebrated her 70th birthday and her seventh year in recovery. She serves as a powerful example of what’s possible when people gain access to the treatment and services they need. Unfortunately, far too many people aren’t as lucky. Pettersen’s bill, the Recovery Act, is in honor of her mom’s struggle and others like her who are often left behind and forgotten. This bill will ensure people across the nation have access to the medical care they desperately need and are able to rebuild their lives and live in recovery.
The introduction also marks the beginning of September as National Recovery Month which is observed to recognize the more than 21 million Americans in recovery from substance use disorder. Observed every September, National Recovery Month began in 1989 to honor the strength and resilience of the recovery community and promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices.
The Recovery Act will streamline the process for states to opt-in to covering vital care through Medicaid, break down the outdated time limits for care, and increase the reimbursement rate for SUD treatment for 5 years to support states in addressing the opioid and overdose epidemic.
“My mom wouldn’t be alive today without finally getting the medical care she needed,” said Pettersen. “My mom is an example of what’s possible when people struggling with substance use disorder have access to the resources and support they need, but I know she was one of the lucky ones. Far too many people are left without care because of the stigma associated with addiction and the lack of funding and priorities at every level of government.”
“We must reduce the stigma around opioid addiction and those in recovery. More support for treatment is needed because too many people lack access to treatment or have inadequate treatment. This crisis continues to take and harm lives, and we must do more. I appreciate Rep. Pettersen’s leadership and her courage telling her and her mom’s story,” – Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
“The expansion of Medicaid to provide coverage for residential SUD treatment services will significantly increase our ability as providers to serve more clients and fulfill our mission. Without this coverage, state and federal funding is limited, and access to care is difficult for those needing help. The change in legislation will allow for expanded access, which is imperative.” – Crystal Ahles, Executive Director of Sobriety House.
“Our nation is experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Many people with mental health conditions also face co-occurring substance use disorders, but arbitrary barriers often keep people from getting the support and care they need. NAMI applauds Representative Pettersen for introducing the Recovery Act to increase comprehensive coverage of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in Medicaid and improve access to behavioral health care. This is a critical step toward making sure that individuals receive the appropriate care they need, when they need it. NAMI is proud to support this legislation.” – Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
“Too often, people who are struggling with substance use disorders do not get the right level of treatment when they need it, and treatment is cut short because of payer authorization requirements and length of stay limits. It is heartbreaking to witness how many lives are lost when treatment ends too early. Recovery for substance use disorders is possible. And it requires a seamless progression of care tailored to the unique person’s treatment and wrap-around support needs.” – Kiara Kuenzeler, President and CEO of the Jefferson Center
“Meeting the complex needs of individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) requires a continuum of treatment and recovery services, which too often are not available for low-income patients. The Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) recently convened a group of Colorado-based clinical experts on this issue, and the group affirmed our longstanding position that aligning Medicaid’s coverage for inpatient and residential care is key to providing adequate SUD treatment. CHA strongly supports Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen’s (D-CO) legislation in meeting this goal by proposing to strengthen Medicaid program resources by increasing the federal match to 90 percent for states that opt-in and the creation of a new state Medicaid plan option to improve coverage based on the individual patient’s needs across the continuum of residential, inpatient, and detox SUD treatments in Institutions of Mental Disease,” – The Colorado Hospital Association.
“If we want to create a culture that promotes recovery, we need to allow time to heal. Our brains and bodies are extremely resilient if we give them enough time to develop new pathways. One of the things my team and I loved about the Recovery Act, is it will allow more time for better transitions of care for our patients. People will benefit not only from more time to heal their bodies in a safe environment, but also to establish the necessary support to maintain their recovery after leaving a 24/7 care facility.” – Mandy Kaisner, CEO of Solvista Health.
“My name is Tonya Wheeler, and I am a woman living in active and long-term recovery for over 34 years (since May 23, 1990). I am the Executive Director of Advocates for Recovery Colorado. One of the hardest decisions for an individual to make is to ask for help when they are battling active addiction due to the stigma and discrimination against our community. The ability for a person to get access to treatment at the appropriate level of care is imperative. The allowance for Medicaid to pay for these services provides a life saving solution to this problem.” – Tonya Wheeler Executive Director of Advocates for Recovery Colorado.
Numerous local and national organizations have endorsed the Recovery Act including Solvista, Jefferson Center, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, Young People in Recovery, Colorado Providers Association, Colorado Hospital Association, Mental Health Colorado, Women’s Recovery, CU Anschutz, Denver Health, Naloxone Project, Advocates for Recovery, Sobriety House.
Click here for the full text of the bill
The Recovery Act is just the latest in Pettersen’s ongoing efforts to address the drug epidemic in the United States. In the Colorado state legislature, she spent a decade championing policies to improve access to substance use disorder treatment and has been working on the federal level to attack the opioid crisis head-on. Last year Petersen introduced the The Hospitals As Naloxone Distribution Sites (HANDS) Act to require Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE to cover the cost when medical providers physically hand naloxone, the overdose-reversal drug, to patients who are at risk of an overdose, before they are discharged, at zero cost to the patient. Pettersen has also introduced measures to address everything from the import of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, the financing of drug cartels, expanding access to treatment, and preventing overdose deaths by ensuring airplanes, law enforcement and hospitals are able to distribute naloxone when necessary.
Representative Lopez
Rep. Greg Lopez Questions DHS Secretary on the Presence of Illegal Immigrant Gangs in Aurora, Colorado
WASHINGTON D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Greg Lopez sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, urging him to apprehend, detain, and deport any members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and any other known foreign criminal gangs within the United States. Congressman Lopez additionally questioned Secretary Mayorkas’ knowledge of and response to the presence of Tren de Aragua in Colorado.
Background:
In recent weeks, video footage of members of the Tren de Aragua gang operating in residential apartments in Aurora, Colorado has spread and caused significant fear and discomfort amongst Coloradans, including those living in Colorado’s 4th District. According to reports, the Venezuelan gang has wreaked havoc across Aurora, allegedly taking several apartment buildings and collecting rent from tenants there. Tren de Aragua leadership has instructed gang members to attack and use lethal force against U.S. law enforcement.
Read the full letter HERE and below.
The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas
Secretary
Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528
Dear Secretary Mayorkas,
I write to you today following the shocking news reports and video that Americans have watched over the last week showing the illegal gang takeover of residential buildings in Aurora, Colorado. According to latest reports, this gang has taken over an apartment building, is collecting rent, and have encouraged their members to attack law enforcement officers. It’s outrageous that this is being allowed to happen in the United States of America and it must end.
We urge you to immediately issue a directive to the Field Officer Director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Colorado to aggressively apprehend, detain, and deport any members of Tren de Aragua, or other known foreign criminal gangs, located in the state of Colorado with a particular emphasis on the Denver urban corridor and the City of Aurora, Colorado.
Recently we learned, per the memo that your agency sent to the Albuquerque Police Department, Tren de Aragua leaders have given its members the “green light” to attack and open fire on United States law enforcement. The calls for brazen violence against our nation’s police officers are wholly incompatible with our American way of life and it is squarely your responsibility to ensure that these murderous gang members are expeditiously detained and removed from our country. Failure to do so will result in the loss of innocent American life.
Even worse, your Department has been aware of threats from this gang and chosen not to act. This past July, President Biden labeled the group as a transnational criminal organization. Based on the recent events in Aurora, it is clear why this decision was made.
Under your leadership, the United States has lost control of our southern border. With millions of encounters every year, criminal networks including Tren de Aragua have taken advantage of the situation and are wreaking havoc on our communities. Every crime committed by illegal gang members in the United States is entirely preventable. We call on you to end this senseless policy of catch and release and to deport all known foreign gang members, so that violent criminal enterprises like Tren de Aragua and others may not terrorize the American people.
Please provide confirmation that you have issued the requested directive and answers to the following questions by no later than September 12, 2024:
- Did the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have intelligence on Tren de Aragua in Aurora and these residential buildings ahead of this takeover?
- Is anything similar occurring in other cities around the country? If so, what is being done to apprehend and deport these gang officials? How are you preventing similar situations from occurring nationally?
- Are you in contact with surrounding police departments and agencies in Colorado about the potential for this to spread to their communities? What resources are being provided to correct this situation?
- Have these specific individuals identified as members of Tren de Aragua been on your agency’s radar for previous crimes or criminal activity? If so, why have they not already been deported? When did these individuals first enter the United States?
- How many other individuals in the US have ties to Tren de Aragua? How many members of Tren de Aragua have been deported?
Sincerely,
U.S. Rep. Greg Lopez – 4th Congressional District