Latest news with #KatieWallace
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New law creates working group to advise on Colorado public land policy
DENVER (KDVR) — Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law on Tuesday that Colorado House Democrats say will help protect public lands in Colorado. The new law establishes a formal working group process to identify opportunities to improve and enhance conservation, agricultural operations and outdoor recreation on state trust lands, according to the House Democrats. Colorado Voting Rights Act signed into law 'This new law will help Colorado protect its iconic landscapes, encourage outdoor recreation, and ensure that farming and ranching continue to thrive on state trust lands,' said Sen. Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, in a statement. 'Balancing these priorities is essential for the future health of our communities and our environment.' House Democrats noted the Colorado State Land Board currently oversees the majority of Colorado trust lands, including state parks and, in total, more than 2.8 million surface acres and 4 million subsurface acres — such as lakes, caves and rivers. The new law will require the established working group to include participation from Colorado's Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes, rural schools and renewable energy organizations, among others, the House Democrats said. New study places Denver second on list of dog friendly U.S. cities 'This work group will make recommendations to ensure that the State Land Board modernizes its priorities to promote conservation but also other benefits our state trust lands can provide, including agriculture, outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and more – all while maintaining the mission of generating funds for our public schools,' said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, in a statement. The law was sponsored by Roberts, Wallace and Sen. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. It was first introduced April 17 and passed the House and Senate on April 30 and May 6, respectively. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Katie Wallace picked to replace Sonya Jaquez Lewis in Colorado Senate
Democrat Katie Wallace will represent Senate District 17 in the Colorado Senate. (Photo Courtesy Katie Wallace) Katie Wallace will replace former Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis in the Colorado Senate, a vacancy committee made of Democratic voters decided Tuesday night. Wallace won on the first round of voting with about 60% of the vote. She will represent Senate District 17, which encompasses Erie, Lafayette and Longmont, until 2026, when she would need to run for reelection. She beat seven other candidates: Andrew Barton, Julie Marshall, Peter Salas, Martha Wilson, Shiquita Yarbrough, Justin Brooks and Kathy Hagen. 'We have to fight for everyone in our communities and for our democracy. I'm ready to lead that fight from Day One. For me, this campaign is not about seeking a title. It's about getting things done for our community, for this place where I grew up and that I'm so proud to still call home,' Wallace said before the vote. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX She said her priorities in the Senate will be pushing environmental protections, supporting affordable housing and preserving funding for education and Medicaid as the Legislature considers the upcoming budget bill. Wallace has been involved in politics and government since 2012, according to her LinkedIn, when she worked as a field organizer in Colorado for former President Barack Obama's reelection campaign. She has experience working on multiple Democratic campaigns and in the congressional offices of U.S. Rep Joe Neguse of Lafayette and former U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo. Jaquez Lewis resigned from the Senate in February amid an ethics investigation over her alleged treatment of her legislative aides. It was found that at least one letter of support the former lawmaker submitted in her response to the investigation was fabricated, according to state investigators. Vacancy committees that comprise voters from the outgoing lawmaker's party decide on replacements. About 100 people participated on Tuesday night. This is the fifth vacancy election this year, following the selections of Republican Sen. John Carson, Democratic Sen. Matt Ball, Democratic Sen. Iman Jodeh and Democratic Rep. Jamie Jackson. With Wallace, Democrats will have a 23-12 majority in the Senate. The legislative session ends in early May. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
