Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs

Yes, please. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Members of the public, Mr. Chair, committee members like to start by thanking you for the opportunity to discuss this bill today. Along with my colleague, Senator Wallace, the most amazing committee chair members, the late Faith Winter leaves behind a meaningful and lasting legacy in her work supporting young people across the state of Colorado. Her contributions reflect a deep commitment to elevating youth in policymaking and ensuring that the next generation has a seat at the table. Created in 2008, the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, also known as Koyak, is designed to bring 14 to 19 year old students from across 14 and 19 year olds from across the state together to examine, evaluate and discuss issues affecting young people and advise the legislature. Through this structure, Colorado has become a national model for youth civic engagement, one that Senator Winter actively supported and strengthened during her tenure. And what this bill does is seeks to rename the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee in her honor. And this gesture reflects a profound respect for her dedication to youth engagement and her belief in the power of young voices to…