Senator Julie Gonzales Awarded for Enacting Policy to Support Colorado’s Youth

Denver Young Democrats recognize Senator Julie Gonzales as Legislator of the Year for her work to increase access to affordable housing and reform Colorado’s criminal justice system

DENVER, CO — Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) received the Denver Young Democrats’ Legislator of the Year Award for her work during the 2021 General Assembly to improve access to affordable housing and implement criminal justice reform, two major priorities for young Coloradans.

Senator Gonzales currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force charged with allocating $450 million in federal funding to increase access to affordable housing in Colorado. This year, Sen. Gonzales sponsored HB21-1329, which invests millions of dollars in housing solutions to combat Colorado’s affordable housing shortage. Gonzales also sponsored HB21-1315, legislation to save families money by significantly reducing fees levied on families in the juvenile justice system.

“I’m proud to hold a position where I can elevate the issues that Denver’s youth are most passionate about and I’m grateful to be recognized by these young leaders,” Gonzales said. “It’s inspiring to be a part of the hard work that the Denver Young Democrats do each year. Working towards justice alongside the Denver Young Democrats is one of the great honors of my job at the Capitol and I look forward to continuing our partnership in the upcoming legislative session.”

In addition to her work on affordable housing and justice reform, Senator Gonzales championed SB21-057, legislation that provides new protections for students who take out private loans for their postsecondary education.