DENVER - Governor Jared Polis and Treasurer Dave Young today sent a letter urging members of Colorado’s Congressional Delegation to provide additional funding in the next stimulus package in areas that will protect the health and wellbeing of Coloradans.
“We want to reiterate our appreciation for the CARES Act funding and direct, immediate aid that was necessary. This funding was crucial in providing relief to families and small businesses, unemployment benefits and support, and additional funding for state and local aid. However, we believe there are more critical steps that must be taken as soon as possible to address the continuing critical needs and move Colorado forward and ensure the health of our population,” Gov. Polis and Treasurer Young write in the letter.
Those areas include:
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Economic Security
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Child Care and Education
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Health care
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Housing
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Clean Energy Economy
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Environment and Natural Resources
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Agriculture
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Immigration
"These essential services exist to help our most vulnerable populations and it is our duty as Government officials to ensure that they are not interrupted," said CO Treasurer Dave Young. "Without financial relief directly from the Federal Government, we will see essential services cut and the delivery of services compromised at a time when Coloradans need them the most."
“We want to sincerely thank you for your work in Congress to provide necessary relief for Coloradans. We remain committed to ensuring our state and local governments receive the assistance we need to continue COVID-19 response and keep Coloradans safe and healthy during this unprecedented time,” the letter continues.
In particular, the Governor and Treasurer highlight:
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Expansion and Extension of Food Assistance to Colorado Families
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Additional Funding for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
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Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
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Low-income Heat and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
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Support for Child Care and Early Childhood Education
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Cultivating Opportunity and Response to the Pandemic through Service (CORPS) Act
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National Health Service Corps Funding (NHSC)
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Federal Medical Assistance Program (FMAP)
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Federal Support for Rural Housing
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Support for Children, Youth, and Families Experiencing Homelessness
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Federal Support for Colorado’s Clean Energy Economy
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Federal Support for State and Local Environmental Health and Resource Responsibilities
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Agriculture, Farming and Ranching Support
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Automatic Extension of Work-Authorization and Other Immigration Statuses
Read the full letter.
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