Well, the weather outside is a bit frightful lately, and I do hear those sleigh bills ring, but at the time of this writing, I don’t have a piece of tinsel or evergreen bough up anywhere in my house yet. 

Is it just me, or did the holidays swoop down quickly on us this year?  It feels as if we just got done with Labor Day.

So, why are we in such a hurry to get through the holidays? There is so much emotion and stress surrounding these few weeks of the year, no matter your beliefs or traditions. Will I have enough money to buy my kids presents? Will I have time to get everything done? Will my family be able to talk about Uncle Jim who died last year during the season?

As for me?  I love them!  I’m fortunate to be an optimist.  Although this year will be a very lean year for our family, we still love each other, we still talk to each other, and we all recognize that the spirit of the season has nothing to do with presents or gift cards. For us, it’s about being with family, enjoying music and slowing down enough to feel the peace around us.

While right now I would like to be hanging mistletoe and relaxing with my family, I have a lot of work to do. Too many families and businesses in my district are struggling, and it’s my job to help get our economy moving again. I’m preparing for the legislative session that begins in January. I’m having meetings, doing research, working with bill drafters, and staying informed on the issues of the state budget.

To prepare for the session:

Each legislator has a deadline in December and one in January to submit our five bills to the Office of Legislative Legal Services. A group of very committed attorneys who draft the bills and often work through their own holidays to meet the deadlines imposed on legislators.

Prior to the bill being introduced, I meet with stakeholders (people who have a stake in the outcome of the legislation). For instance, this year I’m introducing a bill to create and retain jobs in Colorado. So, I’m meeting with business leaders, workforce development professionals, and economic development experts to ensure it will be effective and avoid unintended consequences.

 I believe the best legislation is made when Democrats and Republicans work together, so most of my bills have a Republican sponsor in the House. Good policy has no party affiliation, and by working together we make sure our bills will be beneficial to all of Colorado. I also work with the governor’s office on each of my bills and ask for suggestions and input.

Finally, I’ll meet with the bill drafter again to fine-tune the language of the bill and incorporate the feedback I’ve heard so that when it’s introduced, it will have a good chance of passing.

It takes a lot of collaboration, strategy, and attention to the smallest detail to make good legislation, but it is well worth it in the long run. 

Although my holiday trimmings may be slim, I know the work I’m doing will be well worth it.  We can meet the challenges we face if we work together and keep our focus on creating jobs and strengthening our economy.

 I wish you happy and peaceful holidays!

State Sen. Linda Newell serves District 26, which includes Littleton, Englewood, Sheridan, Cherry Hills Village, west Centennial, BowMar and Columbine Valley. She can be reached at Linda.Newell.senate@gmail.com