In our beautiful and diverse state of Colorado, we continue to see the divide between our rural and urban communities. Time and time again, we see legislation passed that disregards the challenges we face in rural Colorado, often creating obstacles for our communities. Every year, I have the privilege to travel more than 25,000 miles to speak to constituents in southeastern Colorado. And every time I talk to the good people of House District 47, they continue to raise concern our voices fall on deaf ears here under the Golden Dome. When rural Colorado continues to not have a seat at the table, the outcome is clear — the state’s urban fixes exacerbate rural problems.

While the majority continues to focus on metropolitan cities like Denver, many of our rural communities face uphill battles that slow their growth and overall prosperity. From limited access to health care, affordable housing and blue-collar jobs, these challenges continue to drive a stake between rural and urban Colorado. However, this divide is based on much more than a population; it is a cultural divide that shines a light on the different needs and ways of life. This divide does not represent a difference in goals but rather the obstacles we face to reach them.

Coming from southeastern Colorado, I see the challenges we face firsthand. I have had many constituents who have stated their struggles to even access the basic necessities many of our urban cousins take for granted. In these struggles however, I have also had the privilege of witnessing rural resilience and innovation when it comes to working on these problems when they fail to be addressed by our state. I will continue to introduce and support legislation for these communities. We must work hard to try and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.

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This year, I have the honor of working on multiple bills attempting to address the complex problems facing House District 47 and rural communities throughout Colorado. HB25-1203 (Misbranding Cultivated Meat Products as Meat) is a great example of protecting rural communities, specifically, the agricultural communities, that have for generations provided the state with high-quality protein sources through our long-held livestock growing traditions. This bill preserves a key economic driver for the state of Colorado, ensuring transparency for consumers by upholding our agricultural traditions.

Similarly, HB25-1222 (Preserving Access to Rural Independent Pharmacies) ensures Independent Pharmacies throughout the state receive a fair reimbursement and coverage for dispensing prescriptions so they can continue to support our communities. Access to health care services, such as lifesaving prescriptions, has become increasingly difficult for rural Colorado. This bill takes the necessary steps to ensure not only access but also that independent pharmacies have the ability to serve larger communities through courier services and remote evaluation of prescriptions.

Finally, HB25-1126 (Public Utilities Commission Membership Geographic Representation) attempts to address the lack of rural small-town representation within the Public Utilities Commission. The commission has a wide variety of responsibilities for the public, but its effect is often felt the most in rural Colorado. This bill would require the Public Utilities Commission to expand from three to five commissioners, with three of the appointments representing certain geographic regions of the state. This ensures there will always be a seat at the table for rural Colorado when it comes to the rules and regulation of our state’s public utilities.

Bills like these are the first step in alleviating the burden placed on rural Colorado; they are what I was sent up here to do by House District 47. We must advocate for the Coloradans who continue to feed, clothe and power the communities of our urban cousins. I encourage all Coloradans to stand with me in my efforts to improve the lives of those in our rural areas. Please contact your representative, attend town halls and advocate for legislation that reflects the needs of all Coloradans. With continued collaboration and investment in rural Colorado, we can help ensure all Coloradans have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed in life. Colorado, it’s time to bridge the rural-urban divide and build a future for all.

Ty Winter, a Republican, represents District 47 in the Colorado House of Representatives. His district includes Las Animas, Baca, Prowers, Bent, Otero, Crowley and Kiowa counties, along with parts of Pueblo and Huerfano counties. He is a former chair of the Las Animas Republican Party and is a fourth-generation ag producer who lives on a ranch in Las Animas County with his wife and two daughters.