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Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) recently announced that she is requesting millions of dollars in federal funding to support 15 community projects across Colorado’s 7th Congressional District including $1.5 million for Colorado Department of Corrections to help rehabilitate a closed childcare facility in Cañon City. 

According to a letter Pettersen sent to Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04), chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, the project would provide significant benefits to the people of Colorado. 

“The funding would be used to rehabilitate a closed childcare facility in Canon City, Colorado. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because of the severe childcare shortage in Fremont County. With a growing population of young children and a median income of $32,259, affordable childcare options are scarce. The CDOC, in partnership with local organizations, aims to alleviate this burden by providing essential childcare services, supporting working families, and fostering early childhood development.”

In response to the announcement, ECHO & Family Center Early Childhood Council Director Dorothy Day, expressed her support for the funding request

“ECHO & Family Center Early Childhood Council is pleased to learn of Representative Pettersen's support for a proposal aimed at enhancing childcare access in Fremont County,” said Day. “We commend Representative Pettersen's ongoing commitment to promoting affordable and accessible childcare, particularly in rural communities.”

While tax dollars aren’t guaranteed, members can submit up to 15 requests to allocate funds to support local projects under the Community Project Funding (CPF). Pettersen is also looking to bolster wildfire prevention efforts, upgrade critical water infrastructure, and more. 

“At a time when the Trump administration continues to make life more expensive for hardworking families and rip funding away from essential services, I’m working on projects that will address our community’s needs – like expanding access to affordable childcare and ensuring every family has a safe place to live,” said Pettersen. “These projects will make a positive difference in the lives of people throughout Colorado’s 7th Congressional District from Lakewood to Salida and everywhere in between. I’ll keep fighting throughout the appropriations process to secure the funds to support these community-driven initiatives.”