Blog: Wrap-Up: The Colorado Women's Forum on Economic Opportunity

Statement

Dear Fellow Coloradan,

Our great state has been shaped and molded by the strong Colorado women who lead their communities, bolster our economy and provide for their families. One of the best parts of my job representing Colorado in Washington, D.C., is to promote policies that open up economic opportunities for everyone -- and last week, I co-hosted the Colorado Women's Forum on Economic Opportunity to bring all those ideas and idea-makers together.

At the forum, we heard from women from across our state about the challenges they face -- and those they have overcome. For example, Olivia Mendoza of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade spoke about ensuring access to capital for minority business owners and entrepreneurs. Hannah Gushurst-Jones -- a recent graduate of CU-Boulder -- discussed tackling student loan debt as way to bolster our nation's economic success. Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett shed light on some of the economic challenges facing families in rural Colorado. And that's just the beginning.

Their stories underscore exactly why I started my Women's Policy Network more than one year ago -- to hear more about what matters to you. From ensuring equal pay for equal work and raising the minimum wage to increasing access to childcare and confronting student loan debt, I've listened to what you all have shared with me and tackled these issues head-on in Washington.

To read more about the issues and ideas discussed at the forum, click here: http://blogs.denverpost.com/thespot/2014/08/15/mark-udall-student-loan-debt-women/.

My Colorado Women's Forum on Economic Opportunity marked a milestone, not the end, of our work to ensure a fair shot for everyone. And I'll continue to work side-by-side with Colorado women from all walks of life to ensure your concerns remain a top priority in the U.S. Senate.

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