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Sen. John Curtis briefs League on federal priorities: water, forest-fire legislation, Olympics and Medicaid cost debates
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Summary
U.S. Sen. John Curtis addressed League members on federal actions affecting cities — highlighting water, forest-fire management legislation, Olympic coordination, and federal budget and Medicaid debates — and encouraged local officials to use his office for casework and earmark requests.
The meeting paused to host U.S. Senator John Curtis, who addressed the Legislative Policy Committee about federal priorities that affect local governments. Curtis praised municipal officials: "I think you rock," he said, and emphasized that much of the "real work" in the state happens in cities and counties. He invited local leaders to use his office's outreach staff and casework program for federal interactions such as IRS, Social Security or immigration matters.
Curtis described several federal topics of interest to municipalities: water and water infrastructure, a bipartisan forest-fire management bill he characterized as a major piece of legislation, and ongoing negotiations about the Colorado River Compact. On the Olympics, he said the delegation and state leaders were trying to consolidate requests into a single, prioritized state ask so that federal assistance can be targeted and effective.
On federal budgeting and health care, Curtis said Congress had completed most appropriations work and that the fiscal debate included scrutiny of Medicaid spending. He stated a policy position that has been politically controversial: "if you don't work, you don't get Medicaid," while also noting exemptions for seniors, people with disabilities, students and caregivers of young children. Curtis framed the change as an effort to address cost drivers rather than cut necessary services for vulnerable residents.
Members used the time to raise local questions. Saint George’s Sean Guzman asked about how conservancy districts would be treated under state water proposals; Curtis said the federal delegation was "watching" and generally waiting for state direction on Colorado Compact negotiations. Curtis closed by encouraging local jurisdictions to coordinate with his outreach staff and nominated his staff member Jenny Reese as a point of contact for scheduling outreach and follow-up.
Next steps: Curtis invited municipal leaders to reach out to his office with project needs; League staff noted continuing coordination with federal delegation offices on earmark and grant opportunities.
