News
Latest updates from Senator Rod Pelton:
April Newsletter 2024
February Newsletter 2024
January Start of Session Newsletter
2023 Special Session Newsletter
Special Edition Newsletter - Pray for Israel!
Take a look at this Special Edition Newsletter that was authored by my wife.
Senator R Pelton's 2023 Interim Newsletter
It's hard to believe that it is October already and that we only have about three months before the 2024 Legislative Session convenes. Check out my below October 4th newsletter for a quick summary of what I have been up to this interim and why Prop HH is a bad idea.
Senator R Pelton's Interim Newsletter about State Member's Eastern Plains Tour
Front Range legislators tour Eastern Plains agriculture By Rachel Gabel with the Fence Post
Each summer, rural Colorado’s legislators host a tour of some agricultural operations within their districts so legislators further removed from production agriculture can attend, tour, and hear from ag producers in the state. Republican Sens. Byron Pelton and Rod Pelton and Reps. Richard Holtorf and Ty Winter hosted the two-day tour with the first day in northeastern Colorado and the second day in the southeast. Click here to read how this two-day Joint Eastern Plains Tour went.
Letter to the Editor: The Eastern Plains Are Vital to Colorado
Three of my rural colleagues and I have come up with what we hope is a partial solution to this [urban/rural] divide. We have extended an invitation to all of our fellow State Senators and State Representatives to join us on a two-day tour of the eastern plains. Discussions on this tour will focus on agriculture, water, and energy – all of which are vital resources here in Colorado. We cannot afford to lose the amazing resources that Colorado has to offer, so we need to spread awareness of their importance to our state’s economy... It is one thing to talk to urbanites about rural Colorado and the many resources we have to offer; it is another to actually show them. Click here to read more.
Rural Route Radio - CO is the tip of the spear for challenge in using the great resources the state has & Sen Rod Pelton is seeking to be the bridge
Had an interview with Trent Loos on June 2nd about Colorado is the tip of the spear. Thanks for the opportunity to talk about being a rural legislator. Listen here.
Recognized for the Faith, Family, and Freedom Award
2023 Session Wrap Up Newsletter
The Denver Gazette - Nuclear power generation renaissance underway
In reference to HB23-1247: Because in my mind, nuclear is the next real economic energy producer. These small modular nuclear reactors that are starting to come online show a lot of promise. To read, click here.
2023 Newsletter April 27th
2023 Newsletter April 20th
SB23-255 & SB23-256: Wolves Reintroduction Feedback
https://www.coloradopolitics.com/opinion/we-support-sb23-255-sb23-256-feedback/article_4615642a-d8b2-11ed-b454-7b6592892d0f.html
2023 Newsletter-April 5
2023 March Newsletter: Half Way Through the Session
Joint Press Release
Burton Brown: Response to Polis’ 2023 State of the State
The Cheyenne County Cartel
https://www.burlington-record.com/2023/01/26/the-cheyenne-county-cartel/
Check out my latest op-ed on my issues page! (Just click on "Issues" above)
Representative Rod Pelton Named Behavioral Health Champion
Representative Rod Pelton was recently named a 2022 Community Behavioral Health Champion by the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council. He says he is "truly honored and humbled to receive this honor."
Representative Rod Pelton Receives Faith, Family & Freedom Award
For the fourth year in a row, Representative Rod Pelton was honored to receive the Faith, Family & Freedom Award from the Centennial Institute at the recent Western Conservative Summit. This award places value on legislation related to tax cuts, limited government, compassion for the poor, the sanctity of life, traditional family values, original intent of the Constitution, free markets, reducing drug use, and other important social issues. Pelton received the award along with several fellow Republican legislators.
Representative Rod Pelton Named Legislator of the Year by Colorado Chiropractic Association
Representative Pelton was honored to be receive the 2021 Legislator of the Year award from the Colorado Chiropractic Association. Thank you to Dr. Jason Barnes who presented him with the award.
Representative Rod Pelton Named Legislator of the Year
Representative Rod Pelton was recently named Legislator of the Year by Pro 15, a non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to helping to shape the future of Northeastern Colorado. Each year Pro 15 recognizes Colorado legislators who they feel have been outstanding in their work, support, and advocacy for Northeastern Colorado. Rod was chosen in particular because of the work he has done at the Capitol in the areas of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse.
Rod Pelton Announces Candidacy For Newly Formed Senate District 35
Representative Pelton announced that he will be a candidate for the newly formed Senate District 35, which is comprised of parts of former Districts 1 and 35 in southeast Colorado. His hope is to take the skills and the knowledge that he has acquired as a State Representative and put them to use in the Colorado Senate representing the people of southeastern Colorado.
As Colorado’s House Republican leaders, we think Democrats are taking a wrong turn on transportation
Their "Democrats" bill is titled, “Sustainability Of The Transportation System,” but it’s hard to see how this 207-page policy behemoth is “sustainable.”
Local highway to be renamed honoring the late Jack ‘Mr. NJC’ Annan
A little over a mile of U.S. Highway 138 is being renamed to honor Northeastern Junior College legend Jack Annan.
Behavioral Health Administration Forms Amid Rising Suicides, Overdose Deaths
A bipartisan bill that Governor Jared Polis signed into law on April 22 lays the groundwork for a new government entity to manage the state’s myriad programs in one central place and streamline care. House Bill 21-1097 — sponsored by Representatives Mary Young (a Democrat from Greeley) and Rod Pelton (a Republican from Cheyenne Wells).
Local highway to be renamed honoring the late Jack ‘Mr. NJC’ Annan
A little over a mile of U.S. Highway 138 is being renamed to honor Northeastern Junior College legend Jack Annan. State Reps. Rod Pelton and Richard Holtorf are sponsoring the joint resolution in the House.
PELTON’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILL AIMS TO CONSOLIDATE PROGRAMS
On April 14, the General Assembly sent to the governor a bill that could establish a new state agency. House Bill 1097 contains recommendations from a behavioral health task force, including setting up the behavioral health administration, initially to be housed within the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Colorado looking to make it easier for ranchers to sell meat to consumers
Colorado is about to let meat eaters buy steaks and pork chops directly from the producer. Republican bill sponsor Rep. Rod Pelton of Cheyenne Wells believes the bill would help solve a few problems.
Virtual Town Hall: Thursday, March 25th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm *Click here for more information*
COMMISSIONERS PROCLAIM MARCH 20 PHILLIPS COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S DAY
In an event separate from the barbecue, state representative Rod Pelton will be visiting Inklings Book Store on Saturday, March 20, at 10:30 a.m. for a “Meat and Greet” in response to “MeatOut Day.” He will be there to listen to constituents’ concerns and encourage people that he’s fighting for their interests. State Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg may also be in attendance, depending on scheduling.
"Meat" and Greet with Rod Pelton on March 20th
Hosted by Inklings Bookstore in Holyoke, CO 12:00pm
221 N Interocean Ave Holyoke, CO 80734
House passes bill to create Colorado Behavioral Health Administration
The Colorado House on Tuesday morning voted to pass a bill that would create a statewide behavioral health administration agency. Sponsored by Reps. Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, the bill to create the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration passed by a vote of 52-8.
Governor Polis: Proclamation led to grassroots effort to support beef
Now this session of the Colorado Legislature, we have a unique opportunity in Colorado to pass the “Deregulate Meat Sales Direct to Consumers” bill, sponsored by Senator Jerry Sonnenberg, Representative Rod Pelton, and Representative Donald Valdez, a bill that removes barriers to consumers purchasing beef directly, and if it reaches my desk, it’ll be one of the bills that I’m most excited to sign.
Can Republicans flip Colorado? Brauchler, others say they can at annual Morgan County Lincoln Day dinner
Colorado’s state government, controlled by a Democrat governor and with Democrat majorities in both the House and Senate, does not have to stay that way, Morgan County Republicans were told Monday during their annual Lincoln Day Dinner. “We’re in a fight, but it’s a fight worth having,” Pelton said. “We haven’t changed. The Front Range has changed.”
Legislature moves bill allowing farmers, ranchers to sell meat directly to consumers
On February 22 HB 1062 was killed, but it was then combined with the Senate “Deregulate Meat Sales Direct To Consumers” bill sponsored by Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling and Rep. Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells.
Two bills were recently presented to the Colorado General Assembly to help farmers and ranchers weather the dismal markets for their animal products caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s response. The two bills have since merged into one, which has been moved forward in the Senate.
Bill to ban sale of puppies, kittens in new Colorado pet stores see major changes
Rep. Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, noted that the bill caps the number of pet stores that can sell puppies and kittens to those already in existence. The amendments Thursday clarified that no new pet stores would be granted new licenses to do so under the bill.
"I applaud you for working so hard," Pelton said, but that didn't move him to vote for the bill.
Rep. Pelton elected as the Whip for the Minority in the House of Representatives
In an uncontested election yesterday, Rep. Pelton was unanimously selected as the Whip for the Minority in the House of Representatives for the 2021 session. He will be serving alongside Representative Hugh McKean as Minority Leader, Representative Tim Geitner as Assistant Minority Leader, Representative Janice Rich as Caucus Chair, and Representative Kim Ransom serving as our Joint Budget Committee Member.
Rep. Pelton receives endorsement from NRA
The National Rifle Association of America awarded Rep. Pelton an "A" rating and endorsement for the 2020 Colorado General Election. This endorsement is a reflection of his steadfast support of the Second Amendment and excellent voting record on firearm-related issues during his tenure in the Legislature.
Endorsements from FOP and COC
Representative Rod Pelton has received multiple influential endorsements in the past week. Endorsements came from the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police and the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. Both endorsements reflect Representative Pelton's commitment to work towards legislation that promotes safety, security, and law and order in our communities and to protect the men and women that put service over self as well as legislation that promotes economic security and prosperity in all parts of Colorado. Representative Pelton will continue to fight for the principles that these endorsements exemplify.
Awards Received for the 2020 Session
During the 2020 Session, Representative Rod Pelton fought hard against government overreach and stood steadfast for the principles of the rural Colorado way of life. With the strong stances that he took in the unprecedented session, Rep. Pelton received multiple awards during the interim. Rep. Pelton's accolades have included a 2020 Faith, Family, and Freedom award from the Centennial Institute and a Commonsense in the Courtroom award from Colorado Civil Justice League. Representative Rod Pelton is looking forward to continuing to fight for House District 65 and all of Colorado in the 2021 session of the General Assembly.
Rural Lawmakers Rod Pelton, Matt Soper Says Governor Slow to Respond to Them
State Rep. Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, heaped criticism toward Gov. Jared Polis during a virtual town hall Monday for the inability he has experienced to get a timely response to communication.
“We’ve written, collectively and individually, letters to the governor. I think every [Republican] member has reached out in some way,” Pelton said. “It takes two to three days and even up to a week to ever get him to answer me.”
As Democrats Try to End Private Prisons in Colorado, Critics Warn of Economic Ruin in Rural Colorado
Prisons bring a huge economic boost to rural Colorado and leave a gaping hole when they leave. For rural Colorado, in my district and outside of my district, Representative Pelton fights for the protection of economic gains.
Sonnenberg, Pelton Hope For Final Resolution on Conservation Easement Credits in 2020 Legislative Session
One of the Legislative goals that Representative Pelton is pursuing in the 2020 Legislative Session
Rep. Rod Pelton Visits Israel
Representative Pelton and his wife were able to take a trip to Israel. He has described it as a once in a lifetime experience that has made him more aware of the perspective of others.
Rod Pelton, Class of 2019
A reflection on the 2019 Legislative Session
Meat Needs Feet, Says Rancher-Legislators Behind a Food Labeling Bill
Another Legislative Priority of the 2020 Legislative Session
"The Barn" Interviews Pelton for HD 65 Race
Rod Pelton was interviewed on August 16 by Brian Allmer of "The Barn". Listen to what he had to say!
Fair Season Is Underway!
We've been busy hitting the local fairs. So good to see so many people and feel their support!
Parade Season Begins!
We started off the 2018 Summer Parade Season with a very patriotic and well-attended parade in Brush on July 4.
Rod Pelton Wins Spot on Republican Ballot
At the Colorado State Republican Multi-County District Assembly on 13, Rod Pelton was nominated unanimously by the delegates present to be placed on the Republican ballot for the Primary Election on June 26.
Republican Opponent Withdraws from Race
Laura Teague, Morgan County Commissioner, announced Saturday at the Morgan County Republican Assembly that she was withdrawing from the race for State Representative for the 65th Congressional District. This leaves Pelton as the only Republican running for the position.
We wish Laura well and congratulate her on a race well run. We look forward to having the support of all of the Republicans in the 65th Congressional District in the General Election in November.
Republican Joins Race to Replace Jon Becker
Rod Pelton Announces Candidacy
Rod Pelton announces he is a candidate for Colorado State House District 65.