Statement of Senator Kerry Donovan on the Creation of the Office on the Future of Work

September 4, 2019

Denver, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed an executive order creating the Office of the Future of Work at the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to better address how the way Coloradans work is changing and to ensure they are prepared for the jobs of the future. In response, Senator Donovan released the following statement:“The way people work is changing, and we have a responsibility to make sure that nobody gets left behind. It shouldn’t matter if you live in a rural or urban area, everyone should have access to the tools necessary to succeed in the 21st century economy,” said Senator Donovan. “I am proud to have worked to make sure that rural Coloradans have access to more and more economic opportunities, and I am proud to be a part of this effort to make sure all Coloradans are prepared for our changing economy.”While many Americans currently work in growing industries, nearly 21 percent work in profession experiencing declines in employment, according to a report by Third Way. Whether these declines are a result of automation, a shift towards the gig economy, or market forces, workers need to have the tools and skills necessary to move to new jobs and industries.Senator Donovan has carried several pieces of legislation to increase economic opportunities for rural Colorado, prepare Coloradans for the changing economy, help those without traditional retirement benefits save for the future, and help lower the cost of healthcare – particularly for those who do not get their health insurance through an employer. For more information about Senator Donovan’s legislation, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/kerry-donovan.