Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ben Pyatt's dedication as a lifelong educator in our community. Mr. Pyatt has served generations of Arvada students and is retiring after thirty years in public education.

In addition to his job as a math teacher, Mr. Pyatt helped teach student driving when Arvada High School was short on driving instructors. After the school disbanded the driver's ed program, Mr. Pyatt joined the Arvada Driving School, where he served for nearly three decades.

Mr. Pyatt has played a key part in driver's education for Arvadans, teaching an estimated twenty-thousand people in his community how to drive over his career. It is my honor to recognize Mr. Ben Pyatt for his dedication to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I missed a vote on February 1, 2023, on the Motion Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 83. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 101. I missed a vote on November 3, 2023, on Amdt. 127 offered by Mr. Roy (TX). Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 595. I missed a vote on December 14, 2023, on the Motion to Adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 722.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wolf + Wildflower for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award.

The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Congratulations to Wolf + Wildflower for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Parallel for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award.

The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Congratulations to The Parallel for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize XO Gifts for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award.

The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Congratulations to XO Gifts for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Craft Box for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Sustainability Award.

The Sustainability Award is given to a business in Wheat Ridge with a strong commitment to the environment. Since their opening, The Craft Box has created a sustainable program that has stopped 19,000 pieces of fabric, 6,000 rubber stamps, 14,000 books, and 152,000 craft items from ending up in a landfill--an estimated 12,000 pounds of waste.

I thank The Craft Box for their continued work to help create a greener, more sustainable Wheat Ridge.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Wheat Ridge Community and Family Coalition for Education for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 City Council Partnership Award.

The award is given to an organization in the Wheat Ridge community that has demonstrated dedication, service, and leadership to the local area. The members of this organization selflessly volunteer their time, even in the face of challenging circumstances, to nurture and uplift young people growing up in Wheat Ridge. Initially formed as a response to the impact of the pandemic on Wheat Ridge families, the coalition has continued to support and address the needs of the community, ensuring that every family has the safety and support they need to navigate uncertain times.

Congratulations to the Wheat Ridge Community and Family Coalition for Education on the accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for their contributions to the Wheat Ridge community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wheat Ridge Cyclery for receiving the City of Wheat Ridge's Business of the Year Award.

Wheat Ridge Cyclery has been a pillar of the Wheat Ridge community since 1973. Now in their 50th year, they employ over 80 individuals and are the largest and oldest independent bike shop in Colorado.

Their philanthropic endeavors include sponsoring the Colorado High School Cycling League and the Colorado Mountain Bike Association and providing paid advocacy days for employees to assist in trail stewardship efforts. Wheat Ridge Cyclery also partners with Bicycles for Humanity to collect bikes that would have otherwise been thrown into Colorado landfills. These bikes are taken to Bicycle Empowerment Centers in Africa to help provide basic transportation and mobility. Wheat Ridge Cyclery's continued support to communities near and far is commendable and greatly appreciated.

Congratulations to Wheat Ridge Cyclery on the accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for their continued contributions to the Wheat Ridge community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Wheat Ridge Rotary Club for receiving the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Non-Profit of the Year Award.

The Non-Profit of the Year Award recognizes an organization serving the Wheat Ridge community for their outstanding work and the difference they are making in the community. The Wheat Ridge Rotary Club supports service activities by individuals and groups that are working to improve the community. They raise money by manning the beer tent at the Carnation Festival, volunteering at local schools, sponsoring a coat drive, and also offer scholarships for local students.

We are grateful to the Wheat Ridge Rotary Club for their many contributions to the Wheat Ridge community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Wheat Ridge Theatre Company for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Cultural Commission Award.

The Cultural Commission Award recognizes a local business or organization that helps enrich art and culture in Wheat Ridge. Wheat Ridge Theatre Company strives to promote an artistic community where participants can express their diverse points of view through performative arts with the focus of promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Their hard work and dedication to the Wheat Ridge Community is tremendous.

Congratulations to the Wheat Ridge Theatre Company on the accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for their continued contribution to the Wheat Ridge community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jenny Snell of the Wheelie Bean for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Rising Star Award.

The Rising Star Award is given to a member of the Wheat Ridge business community who has shown growing leadership through the year. Ms. Snell is a thriving small business owner who also gives back to her community through numerous boards, committees, and associations. She has shown incredible dedication to Wheat Ridge and continues to find ways to make Wheat Ridge a great place to live and work.

Congratulations to Ms. Snell on her many accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for her continued contributions to the Wheat Ridge community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul Sullivan, owner of Esters Pub for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award.

The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Congratulations to Paul Sullivan for his contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mestizo Brew Cantina for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award.

The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Congratulations to Mestizo Brew Cantina for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lindsay Reinhart of Intermountain Healthcare for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Member of the Year Award.

The Member of the Year Award is given to an individual who exemplifies exceptional leadership and commitment to the community. Ms. Reinhart embodies the meaning of selfless service and is always inclusive and welcoming. She is known by everyone who meets her to be helpful, well-organized, and willing to collaborate. She attends nearly every Wheat Ridge Business Association event and supports the community wholeheartedly.

Congratulations to Ms. Reinhart on the accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for her continued contribution to the Wheat Ridge community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize King of Wings for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award.

The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Congratulations to King of Wings for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.