Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Colorado Passport Agency on its 20th anniversary.

Since opening on September 29, 2005, the Colorado Passport Agency has been assisting constituents in Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming with their urgent travel needs. The Colorado Passport Agency serves as a vital lifeline for travelers facing urgent situations. Since 2023, the Colorado Passport Agency has processed nearly 1.3 million passport applications on-site through 2025.

During the unexpected surge of passport applications in 2023, our office relied heavily on the Colorado Passport Agency, and they worked tirelessly to assist our constituents and my team. Through my office alone, the agency has assisted hundreds of constituents--helping them attend weddings abroad, reunite with loved ones, and navigate unexpected travel emergencies with confidence and peace of mind.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate the Colorado Passport Office on its 20th anniversary and thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Stout Street Foundation on their 50th anniversary.

Fifty years ago, the Stout Street Foundation opened its doors as a safe, supportive home for Coloradans battling addiction. For the past five decades, it has provided hope, stability, and a real pathway to lasting recovery. What started as a small recovery house in Denver has grown into one of Colorado's most trusted long-term residential treatment communities, offering recovery services, workforce development, counseling, and peer support to individuals working to rebuild their lives.

Today, the Foundation serves more than 400 individuals each year through its therapeutic community model, which emphasizes accountability, life skills development, and lasting personal growth. Over the last 50 years, its work has helped over 10,000 Coloradans achieve lasting sobriety, reconnect with their families, and return to their communities with renewed purpose and genuine opportunity.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate the Stout Street Foundation on its 50th anniversary and wish the organization continued success in its important work for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aldin Mednolucanin for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Aldin has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Aldin, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Aldin's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada West High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future.

It is my honor to congratulate Aldin Mednolucanin on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Chris Lynn for his years of service at Seniors Resource Center and to congratulate him on his retirement.

Chris Lynn has dedicated his career to treating older adults with dignity, respect, and the support they deserve, making a lasting difference across Colorado. As President and CEO of Seniors Resource Center, he has been a compassionate and thoughtful leader, guiding one of the Jefferson County community's most impactful senior services organizations.

Since 1978, the organization has built a legacy of being a comprehensive, community-based provider delivering in-home care, adult day programming, care management, and other essential services to thousands of seniors and their families. Chris's leadership reflects a deeply personal investment in ensuring older adults are supported with independence, stability, and access to the resources they need to thrive.

Chris has been a strong voice in Colorado on issues such as unstable funding, service accessibility, and the growing demand for aging services, consistently emphasizing the real human impact behind policy decisions. He serves our community in many capacities, including on regional advisory bodies like the Jefferson County Commission on Aging and the Denver Regional Council on Governments. He also supports mission-driven organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Colorado Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Courageous Faces Foundation. Through advocacy and action, Chris has never lost sight of the challenges faced by seniors, especially those on fixed incomes, while helping expand essential services such as food distribution and coordinated care.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Mr. Chris Lynn and thank him for his service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Daniel Rosales for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Daniel has overcome many challenges along his journey to success, demonstrating perseverance at every step. Students who strive to make the most of their education, like Daniel, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Daniel's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada West High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future.

It is my honor to congratulate Daniel Rosales on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States of America's 250th anniversary.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, announcing our sovereignty as a Nation and proclaiming the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While our country has often failed to live up to these ideals, through the work of many courageous Americans, we have made slow but steadfast progress toward our shared goal of a country that truly embodies liberty and justice for all.

Across our fifty states and many diverse communities, our country has countless proud traditions and accomplishments. For myself, as a high- risk youth who grew up in Jefferson County, Colorado. I know personally what is possible in this country when we invest in people and give them the resources they need to succeed. As a lifelong Coloradan, I was raised with a deep appreciation for our outdoor spaces and public lands. Our country's people and places are what make the United States so special. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, I am struck by the ingenuity, generosity, resilience, and bravery of my fellow citizens, both past and present, who have helped shape what it means to be an American and encourage our country to strive for the better angels of our nature.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, I celebrate our country's 250th anniversary. With an eye to how we can learn from our past, I am excited and hopeful as we move forward into a new period in our country's history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Philip C. Sneed for his extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities as he retires after nearly 14 years as President and CEO.

Philip Sneed's connection to the Arvada Center spans nearly its entire 50-year history. At 17, he received his first paycheck from the Arvada Center for a role in its inaugural theatre season. After a distinguished career in the arts in both Colorado and California, Philip returned to Arvada to lead the very institution where his artistic journey began--bringing his career full circle.

During his tenure, Philip became the longest-serving leader in the Arvada Center's history. His leadership helped guide the organization through some of its most significant milestones and challenges, including its transition from a City of Arvada entity to an independent nonprofit organization. He also helped the Center endure the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, ensuring that this treasured cultural institution remained strong during a time when communities could not gather in person. Philip has worked to make the Arvada Center a more welcoming and inclusive place, one where all people feel they belong and where the arts can be experienced by everyone in our community.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Philip C. Sneed and thank him for his contribution to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Kalen Rasmussen, from Lakewood, Colorado, for his participation in the Department of Energy's National Laboratory Research SLAM in D.C. as the representative for the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR). Dr. Rasmussen received the Energy Security award for his presentation, ``From Microbes to Metals: Powering Energy Security.''

Every year, Americans discard hundreds of thousands of tons of valuable metal-containing batteries. Dr. Rasmussen's work at NLR advances biologically enabled methods for recovering critical metals from battery waste, using microorganisms and bio-based systems to help break down and process complex materials. Through his research, he has advanced the United States' capability to utilize its domestic waste, recover critical metals, and strengthen energy security and independence.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Dr. Kalen Rasmussen on winning the Energy Security award and representing Colorado in the 2026 DOE National Laboratory Research SLAM.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tim Miller, who is retiring from his service to our community as a Drawing, Painting, and Graphic Arts Instructor at Golden High School.

For more than 20 years, Tim has inspired generations of students through his creativity, dedication, and leadership. His positive outlook and ability to encourage and challenge students have left a lasting impact on both the students of Golden High School and the art community in Colorado.

During his time teaching, Tim has consistently gone above and beyond for his students. He has regularly taken them on field trips to assisted living homes, the Children's Hospital, the Denver Indian Center, and the Denver Rescue Mission to inspire them through art in the Metro Denver community. Tim's commitment to his students has been evident in everything he has done--including obtaining a bus driver's license to ensure his students would continue to get these meaningful experiences while cutting down on costs and logistical hurdles for the school. These opportunities have challenged students artistically and taught them compassion, service, and connection.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Tim Miller on his retirement from Golden High School and sincerely thank him for his contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Dominick Breton of Wheat Ridge for his impactful contribution to small businesses and the community of Wheat Ridge. Leaving behind a legacy of kindness, Mr. Breton passed away on June 18, 2026.

Fondly known as ``Mr. Wheat Ridge,'' Dominick was a beloved contributor to our community, participating in events, service projects, and business advocacy. Dominick served as president of the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce for over seven years and was a member of Kiwanis for nine years. Dominick had an inspirational gift to mobilize his neighbors and community members to help with projects or initiatives to benefit the community. Through his dedication, he made a deeply positive impact on our community.

During his final months, Dominick persevered through his work with the same strength and passion. Though he will be missed, his legacy of service lives on in the many lives he touched.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to recognize Dominick Breton for his impact and thank him for his contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and beyond. We will remember him fondly as Wheat Ridge carries on his mission.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jefferson County Public Library Director Donna Walker on her retirement after 14 years of service. Donna's tenure is best characterized by her commitment to making library services more accessible to all patrons.

Under Donna's transformational leadership, underserved communities saw expanded library services, including greater access for Spanish- speaking residents as she championed the hiring of bilingual employees. Donna strongly supported library services in rural communities by working on plans to develop three new campuses in our remote neighborhoods.

Thanks to Donna's outstanding work, Jefferson County became home to our Nation's first staffless library, which provides residents with access to books, office supplies, and other library resources.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Donna Walker on her retirement and thank her for her commitment to serving our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Steve Art on his retirement from the City of Wheat Ridge and to thank him for 15 years of dedicated service to the community.

Since 2011, Steve has played a pivotal role in shaping the economic future of Wheat Ridge, serving as both the Economic Development Manager and the Executive Director of the Urban Renewal Authority. Since his first major project, which brought a Sprouts Farmers Market to the area, Steve has worked tirelessly to build strong partnerships with businesses, developers, and community leaders. His commitment to redevelopment and his talent for attracting new investment have helped guide Wheat Ridge into a new chapter of economic vitality.

Thanks in large part to Steve's efforts, Wheat Ridge has grown into a thriving, sustainable suburban community with accessible public transportation, vibrant businesses, and improved amenities for residents. Steve's legacy will be represented in his final major project, the Clear Creek Crossing, which will bring new opportunities and continued growth to Wheat Ridge for years to come.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Steve Art on his outstanding service and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate RecoveryWorks on its 5th anniversary.

Since opening in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, RecoveryWorks has served as a reliable safe place for the unhoused community in Colorado. RecoveryWorks offers comprehensive services for those in need, including mental health support, addiction recovery programs, and job placement assistance, as well as respite care and hygiene facilities. Originally founded as a low-barrier emergency day shelter, RecoveryWorks has since evolved. They have relocated to the Mountain View Flats, which now serves as the site for their Bridge Housing program and through this new facility, they offer 34 units of immediate, short-term housing.

Having grown up as an at-risk youth, I understand firsthand that access to resources and a strong support system are foundational to achieving success. This is precisely what RecoveryWorks offers to so many individuals. RecoveryWorks brings dignity, hope, and stability to people during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. They have had and will continue to have a lasting impact on the entire community.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate RecoveryWorks on celebrating their 5th anniversary and thank them for their service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Peaceworks, Inc. on 40 years of important work serving domestic violence survivors in rural Colorado mountain communities. Since 1986, Peaceworks, Inc. has offered advocacy and support to survivors of intimate partner violence in Colorado. The non-profit has provided nearly 2,000 nights of shelter since its original establishment in the spare bedroom of a Park County Commissioner, who took on the need she saw in her town.

Forty years later, Peaceworks, Inc. has become a critical resource, providing shelter, counseling, and educational services across Jefferson and Park counties as the only domestic violence shelter in a 2,800-square-mile region within these mountain communities.

Through its 24/7 SafeLine, Mountain Peace Shelter, mobile and non- residential advocacy, Community Wellness Program, and prevention outreach, PeaceWorks, Inc. addresses both immediate safety and the long-term impact of trauma. With its SafePet program, Peaceworks, Inc. is one of the few domestic violence shelters in the state that allow survivors to bring their pets when seeking services. Under the leadership of Executive Director Sabrina Fritts, the organization has worked tirelessly to address trauma and promote healthy relationships through communal wellness sessions and educational outreach.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Peaceworks, Inc. on 40 years of serving and advocating for survivors and wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Frank Barnes, faculty member of Red Rocks Community College, for his service to our community.

Frank has been an essential part of the Red Rocks Facilities department for nearly a decade, serving the campus with dedication and compassion.

He started his career serving our country in the United States Air Force from 1981 to 1988, and continued working for the public as a civil engineer before joining Red Rocks Community College in 2016.

Those who have worked with Frank at Red Rocks Community College know him for his hard work, reliability, and generosity. In addition, my staff has appreciated his support and reliability with our Congressional Art Competition over the last four years. Though Frank will be deeply missed within the Red Rocks Community, his retirement is well-deserved.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Frank Barnes on his time with Red Rock Community College and sincerely thank him for his service to our country and the Colorado community. I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.