From the State House - The Durango Herald

Barbara McLachlan: Assembly work will help Colorado build back stronger

When we began this year’s legislative session, the task before us seemed daunting. Across the state and throughout my district, small businesses were devastated, hard-working families were s...

DATE: Jun 12, 2021 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Barbara McLachlan: Environment, school bills move through Legislature

Last week’s legislative marathon was one of my busiest yet. As we head toward the end of our session, bills are flying between committees and chambers, and it’s all we can do to keep up. But...

DATE: May 29, 2021 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Barbara McLachlan: Priming state Outdoor Rec office to do even more

A group of legislators toured the Winter Colorado Outdoor Recreation Convention in Denver last week, where companies from around the world touted their incredible selection of outdoor equipm...

DATE: Feb 17, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the State House

Rep. Barbara McLachlan: We want to encourage rural business

After a couple of weeks celebrating our Western heritage at the National Western Stock Show, hobnobbing with steers in the Brown Palace Hotel during their high tea, enjoying dinner with memb...

DATE: Feb 1, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the State House

Barbara McLachlan: Good bills to come this legislative session

We’re off and running! The 2020 state legislative session started last week, and the Capitol is buzzing with predictions and expectations about what will happen this year. We’re also reflect...

DATE: Jan 18, 2020 | CATEGORY: From the State House

This is a heap of bills that got passed

Legislators passed many great bills this session, and I am proud to add several from my own list of accomplishments to that lineup, all of which passed with bipartisan support. So...

DATE: May 11, 2019 | CATEGORY: From the State House

We must do better on school lunch

We need to work together to stop school lunch shaming. At a Durango middle school last week, a hand-written sign in the cafeteria that troubled me said “Kiddos – partial lunch wi...

DATE: Apr 26, 2019 | CATEGORY: From the State House

Many health care bills on the move

The multi-faceted issue of health care in Colorado is questioned frequently as I tour District 59, repeated often in the calls and letters I receive. I am the first to admit it is...

DATE: Apr 20, 2019 | CATEGORY: From the State House

I fought for the college – and lost

I had to put up a fight this week. Some might say it was a David and Goliath attempt, or a blood from a turnip attempt. Whatever it was called, my attempt failed, but not for lack...

DATE: Apr 13, 2019 | CATEGORY: From the State House

Oil and gas bill meets all our needs

I voted against Proposition 112 in the last election, a sweeping regulation on all oil and gas drilling in Colorado. It would have hurt the industry. But I did vote for...

DATE: Apr 6, 2019 | CATEGORY: From the State House

Everyone wins with full-day K

Full-day kindergarten may now become a reality in Colorado. The bill I am running with Rep. Jim Wilson and Sen. Jeff Bridges fulfills a promise Colorado made to voters more than 1...

DATE: Mar 30, 2019 | CATEGORY: From the State House

These bills aid education, communities

The House Education Committee has heard a wide variety of bills this year, with many more on the horizon. As the chair, I am avoiding unfunded mandates, excessive red tape or bill...

DATE: Mar 16, 2019 | CATEGORY: From the State House