More than 80 people gathered in downtown Pagosa Springs on March 4 to protest the policies of the Trump Administration.
Their signs drew positive feedback from folks driving by -- lots of honking and friendly gestures.
What happens in Washington directly affects us here in Archuleta County.
That’s why our board of county commissioners, along with the National Association of Counties, will be lobbying March 1-4 in Washington.
Before they speak to national leaders, let’s remind them how Trump administration policies hit Archuleta County.
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Fire mitigation: Wildfire Adapted Partnership advises property owners on wildfire mitigation. About 99 percent of its projects are financed by federal funds, and those funds for 2025 are in limbo.
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Federal workers: There are 52 federal employees in Archuleta County. They’re our neighbors, and they contribute to the tax base.
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Southwest Water Conservation District: A $25.6 million grant to mitigate the impact of drought is frozen. Some of that money would fund river restoration in Archuleta County.
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Health care: House Republicans are weighing billions in cuts to Medicaid. What will the impact be on our local hospital?
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U.S. Forest Service: The layoffs of 3,400 Forest Service employees across the country will hurt Colorado’s tourism and wildfire preparedness.
These are just a few examples of the way wholesale budgets cuts affect Archuleta County. Those of you who volunteer with local nonprofits may know of other grants that are in jeopardy.
“But we have to make big cuts to balance the federal budget.” That’s what the GOP tells us. But we need to ask: If we can’t afford assistance for our most vulnerable citizens, if we can’t afford to maintain our public lands, how can we afford to extend $4.5 trillion in tax cuts for the wealthy, as Republicans are proposing?
Our county commissioners are elected to represent the interests of Archuleta County. Let them know that we expect them to do just that when they speak to leaders in Washington.
Contact your county commissioners: