Guest Columns - The Journal

Welcoming the 2026 legislative session amid federal Medicaid changes, water funding challenges

With the 2026 legislative session starting in just a few days, I’ve been making the most of my time with my family before heading off to Denver. I’ve also had a series of meetings with const...

DATE: Jan 16, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

My New Year’s resolution: Lower the volume, raise the results

Every January, people make resolutions they half-expect to break. Exercise more. Eat better. Spend less time staring at their phones. Members of Congress don’t usually make resolutions in pu...

DATE: Jan 9, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Building Cortez’s future together: Progress made and opportunities ahead

I want to wish everyone a joyous Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year this holiday season. As I reflect on 2025, I am pleased to share that despite significant cuts in grant fu...

DATE: Dec 26, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Stewart’s 2026 legislative priorities: EMS pay, jail safety, health care subsidies

We have less than six weeks to go before the 2026 legislative session, so I’d like to give an overview of my bills for the coming year. These policy proposals may look different by the time ...

DATE: Dec 19, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Rep. Hurd, it’s time to introduce the Dolores River National Conservation Area bill

As County commissioners from Montezuma and La Plata counties with multigenerational histories in the Dolores River Basin, we have spent nearly two decades working together to address the com...

DATE: Dec 14, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Making life less affordable, one hidden tax at a time

You know those streaming services that quietly raise their prices every few months, and suddenly you’re paying $49.99 a month to watch one show? That’s what a lot of Coloradans tell me their...

DATE: Dec 12, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Coming together in a time of need: A ‘thank you’ to our community

Over the past four weeks, Montezuma and Dolores counties have shown our region – and the state – what true community looks like. When the SNAP funding freeze left many of our neighbors sudde...

DATE: Dec 5, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Lawmakers outline budget crisis, SNAP impacts and immigration concerns at LWV forums

In November, the Montezuma County League of Women Voters hosted two programs to update the community about important issues. Sen. Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa) and Rep. Katie Stewart (D-Durango...

DATE: Nov 28, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Keeping Montezuma County clean begins with each one of us

Montezuma County is known for its stunning landscapes, rural charm and strong sense of community pride. From the open vistas to the quiet country roads, the county’s natural beauty is one of...

DATE: Nov 21, 2025 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Colorado River crisis demands leadership before Washington takes the reins

On Nov. 11, the seven states that share the Colorado River missed a critical deadline. The Department of the Interior asked them to agree on the bones of a post-2026 management plan – the ru...

DATE: Nov 16, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Funding for Healthy School Meals for All means active kids and business for local farmers

I’m proud to say that Election Day was a win for Colorado families with the passage of Propositions LL and MM, which will extend the Healthy School Meals for All program and boost SNAP assis...

DATE: Nov 14, 2025 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

From a modest win to bigger goals: Delivering for Colorado

On Oct. 24, my first bill as your congressman, the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act, passed both the House and Senate. I’m proud to be among the first freshmen in this Congre...

DATE: Nov 7, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion