Colorado Initiatives Move Into Committees

Discussion begins in the next two weeks on two of our top 2022 Colorado legislative priorities.

The Senate Education Committee anticipates discussing School Meals For All, which is a permanent solution so students have a nutritious meal and the food they need to learn, on March 2.

Discussion begins in the next two weeks on two of our top 2022 Colorado legislative priorities.

The Senate Education Committee anticipates discussing School Meals For All, which is a permanent solution so students have a nutritious meal and the food they need to learn, on March 2.

Food insecurity is at an all-time high. We know that proper nutrition is critical to children’s short- and long-term health outcomes. Students who participate in school meals, particularly those who are experiencing food insecurity, have better health outcomes, have improved test scores, and are better able to concentrate in school. 

School Meals for All will benefit hundreds of thousands of kids each day, eliminate the stigma some kids experience through participation in the free and reduced-price schools meal program, and be a major step forward to eliminating health inequities

The Health & Insurance Committee will consider a bill on March 9 that would end the sale of all flavored tobacco products, which target youth, keep adults addicted to nicotine, and disproportionately impact communities of color.

For decades, tobacco companies have attracted new users to their deadly products with flavors like menthol, gummy bear, blueberry muffin, and more that mask the harsh taste of tobacco. More than 8 in 10 youth who have ever used tobacco products started with a flavored product, introducing them to what is often a lifelong addiction through sweet and fruity flavors that seem harmless.

Tobacco companies have also targeted communities of color with marketing for menthol cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products like flavored cigars for decades. Their predatory marketing has had a devastating impact and is largely responsible for tobacco-related health disparities for communities of color. 

Stay tuned for ways to show your support to legislators.