Democrats in Congress are holding out for a couple things during the government shutdown: Concessions from the GOP on Medicaid cuts and Affordable Care Act premium subsidies. 

More than 700,000 Coloradans get their health insurance through the ACA. About 300,000 of them are looking at 2026 premiums that will be about 30 percent higher. 

Now, you may think, I'm not covered by the ACA, so what does this mean for me? 

Rep. Diana DeGette, who represents Denver, and the state insurance commission laid out the impact in a news conference. When more people are uninsured, those costs get spread throughout the population, and it's bad news for everyone's insurance rates. 

Where does our congressman Jeff Hurd stand? Well. He thinks Congress should provide relief on these rate increases. He also thinks Democrats are... wrong to demand relief on rate increases. Got that? 

The Colorado Democratic Party has launched a new campaign -- A Stronger Colorado. 

It's designed to help the state party organize better and, as the website says, win some damn elections. 

Learn more about the campaign here and find out what you can do to help. 

Attorney General Phil Weiser met with about 40 constituents on Sept. 10 at Uncle's. 

The meeting began on a solemn note. The AG reflected on the death earlier that day of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and delivered a clear message: Political violence is unacceptable. 

People at the meeting raised several issues of local concern: affordable housing programs, broadband access, minimum wage requirements.

The AG also addressed worries about ICE activities in our state and questions of due process. He was asked about the town's recent proposed ordinance (since tabled) to require permits, 30 days' notice, and liability insurance for any gathering of more than 25 people. Weiser offered practical advice for citizens who oppose such a law. 

The 2025 session of the Colorado Legislature just wrapped up, and Democrats took several steps to save Coloradans money, improve access to health care, boost education, and protect our environment. 

Want to know more? Check out this list of everything they accomplished. 

Be sure to let our HD59 representative, Katie Stewart, know how much you appreciate her hard work.