The early days of my injury were definitely rough. So grateful and blessed to be on the other side of that now. From flying helicopters to advocating here in Colorado, the journey has never been boring.
The absolute
#ableism
and ignorance on display here against community living with a disability ♿️ AND ANY MOVEMENT we try and make toward securing our basic human rights and
#basicaccess
is astounding.
#COLeg
#COPolitics
NEW: State Rep. Richard Holtorf (R-Akron) argued against civil liability for disability discrimination by likening people with disabilities to those hurt during Pamplona's running of the bulls. "If you're dumb enough to get on this road and run... you own it" Holtorf said.
#coleg
@cologop
Y’all, under your current leadership, have more in common with the Taliban than the founding fathers.
LGBTQ folks served and serve in the military. We are cops, we are firefighters, we are your family members & neighbors.
We will outlast your bigotry and hate.
Voters in CO sent a clear message
1.Stop trying to control what women do with their bodies.
2. Stop undermining our elections.
3. Stop trying to take away the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
4. Stop undermining science
Bigotry, fear, ignorance, and hate have no place in CO
#copolitics
“Colorado’s 1st lawmaker to use a wheelchair will get to wield the gavel this session, thanks to new lift.”
Best Christmas gift to start new year and session.
Basic access is about the BASIC human right to participate in life.
#coleg
#DisabilityTwitter
Vets have the potential to drive out the more extremist factions in this nation from power. Wishing brother Army vet Flowers the best in ousting one of the worst.
#SendFlowerstoCongress
Who’s ready to make CO history today?
Know it may seem like a small thing, for 1st wheelchair user ♿️ to ever be able to chair the COW 🐮 on the House Floor.
But
#accessibility
isn’t just for me, it’s for any and all future legislators that might need it.
#coleg
#CripTheVote
Had a really scary moment with a brother veteran of color that lives two houses down with local police.
I’m thankful for the cooler heads in Littleton PD that allowed me to pull aside and work with a brother veteran of color in crisis.
Fuck. I’m in tears. Glad it ended well.
Disgusted by this vile display of utter disrespect. Not to mention my grandfather who was infantry in WWII... there when freeing these camps is probably rolling in his damn grave out of disgust.
Every time it snows I can’t help but think of two things.
1. The severe drought Colorado has been under for years and we need the moisture.
2. Our unhoused neighbors.
Stay warm and stay safe out there. Please have compassion for those that are struggling.
@MalobBob
@washingtonpost
His chair weighs 400lbs. And lifting someone and their chair around is NOT access. It’s NOT a solution. And the fact that you think it is… reflects deep seated ableism.
After months of negotiation and hours of fighting
#ableism
on the House Floor, HB23-1032 has passed out of the House with a bipartisan vote of 45-17!! Thank you to my colleagues who supported this bill and securing
#basicaccess
and
#disabilityrights
.
#coleg
#copolitics
It’s the next day as we continue the non stop marathon of debate to make sure we’re protecting a person’s constitutional right to have reproductive choice.
#PassRHEANow
#coleg
@ScottWalker
If you can serve your nation and die for your country, then you should be able to vote. Drinking age got moved up to 21 from 18 to prevent hs drinking.
What? We trying to prevent early interest and caring about our free and fair democracy? What a clown…
I am so honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve a second term as your Representative for
#HD38
! I am incredibly proud and grateful for my amazing staff, the wonderful volunteers, and community leaders whose hard work got us here!
#copolitics
2nd only to serving in our Armed Forces, serving the people of
#HD38
has been an honor and privilege.
Ableism & lack of access have made it exhausting but worth it.
With much reflection I have decided not to run for re-election so I can focus on family & personal goals.
INBOX: State Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, will not seek reelection in 2024.
"I’ve decided not to run for re-election so that I can enjoy some of the freedoms that I’ve fought for and defended," the military vet says in a written statement.
#copolitics
#coleg
Reunited for the first time since my crash with the medic that pulled me out of the aircraft and stabilized me that day.
This guy will always be family and what he did that day will NEVER be forgotten.
This is embarrassing… for us & for the people of Colorado.
Weinberg wasn’t sitting in the gallery with protestors of his own interrupting Epps.
Some people are here to do work.. others are here to put on a performance & act like petulant children.
Rep. Ron Weinberg speaking about his experience as Jew from the well of the House floor and Rep. Elisabeth Epps yelled “you’re out of order” from the gallery, where she is sitting with pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Epps is having a tense discussion with sergeants.
#copolitics
Going to take bravery of Ukrainians fighting on front lines AND bravery of Russians like Marina Ovsyannikova… willing to be arrested to protest the invasion and speak truth in the face of propaganda propped up by a tyrannical government and thug in
#Putin
.
#IStandWithUkraine
Marina Ovsyannikova, the woman who protested Russian disinfo and the war on Ukraine live on Russian state TV has been arrested. This act of BRAVERY needs to be seen by all.
Source of pain knowing bros and sisters in arms and I fought in Afghanistan against theocratic patriarchal government that was determined to take away rights of women ONLY to come home to see my nation start devolving into same thing.
Still have plenty of fight in my heart.
Raise your hand if you want this plane landing in your town?
America paid unimaginable costs in Afghanistan because of uniparty globalists who dominated the Bush & Obama administrations.
No more…
Welcome to the team, California. Colorado is excited that you’ve joined gold standard of franchising Americans to exercise their most basic and critical right in a secure, free, and fair election.
It's now official. California is a universal vote by mail state.
Voters in all statewide elections will receive a ballot in the mail. Those who still want to vote in person can do so.
While other states roll back access to voting -- we're EXPANDING IT.
Heartbroken at what happened at East High School but was proud to welcome those students into my office today to discuss important common sense gun safety bills to prevent these horrific acts from continuing. Let’s get it done!
#copolitics
#COLeg
#gunsafety
#stopgunviolence
Lost a vote today because of my support for paid family leave.. lost a vote yesterday because of supporting reproductive choice and women’s rights... guess who is upset about it. NOT THIS GUY. Will never betray my values to be popular or for a vote.
#vote2020
#HD38
#TeamOrtiz
Excited to kick off first day of session.
In light of
#Omicron
numbers and CDC being “encouraged” that this variant only deeply impacts the disabled and co-morbidities, and that I can’t depend on all my peers to do what they can to keep me safe. I will be virtual at 1st.
#coleg
If I come off as the frustrated guy in a chair ♿️, it’s because I’m a caucus of one in the
#coleg
. The weight of speaking up for those in our state that are often an afterthought- those living with a disability- is felt. It’s a privilege but it is felt.
#cripthevote
After the City Councilman hoisted himself on to the stage from his chair on the ground, the decision was made that instead, the debate would be moved to the floor in front of the stage and
@DenverPerfect10
returns to his chair after the five-minute episode. L
Wild start here.
11 years today I survived a catastrophic crash in Afghanistan that I shouldn’t have. Today is my Live Day.
Devil was scared to take me and God wasn’t ready. Wouldn’t have made it without family, friends, and community. Thank you!
Always say I married up. Wife made a grocery run today. We normally shop at King Soopers.
BUT I won’t cross the picket line… this how I know she supports unions and won’t either.
Received great care at the Rocky Mt Regional Medical Center VA. Just discharged and on the mend. Want to thank the staff at the VA for their compassionate and professional care. I will be taking the next few days to rest and heal up. Thank you for all the healing vibes y’all.♿️♥️
Well
#HD38
, I have no words for what I just witnessed.
Bottom line is I will ALWAYS put the constitution first and uphold a person’s right to have reproductive choice and access to abortive care.
That decision is between that person and their doctor.
Was a long day.
#coleg
@JeriLRyan
Resistance is NOT futile!
I support science and facts!
I also support that what we know about science becomes more clear with more scientific discovery and fact.
Fauci had been an amazing life long public servant, scientist, and doctor.
@DanCrenshawTX
Party of personal responsibility, eh? No, Texas’ biggest mistake was privatizing and deregulating which led to cutting corners. Pipelines and Gas infrastructure froze as did your wind turbines DESPITE them working in colder American Midwest.
This is the “leadership” that house
#Republicans
offer Coloradans… to throw a tantrum like children & leave
When parents and kids ask them to do something about
#gunviolence
, THEY IGNORE
When women ask for the right to choose, THEY IGNORE.
They don’t know how to lead.
#COLeg
#Ableism
so clearly on display on a renowned magazine…
Wish I could say I’m surprised.
Mobility devices do NOT equal inability to do a job or being LESS of a capable human.
Neither does
#disability
nor chronic illness.
I swear.. the entitlement of some people’s kids.
I invite anyone to take a day to roll in my wheels ♿️ and try and navigate the world… from employment opportunities, to accessing healthcare, to mass transit, to going out.
Isn’t about pity, it’s about perspective.
#coleg
I appreciate Republican Rep Weinberg supporting disabled veterans and all that live with a ♿️disability in supporting 1032 which will help secure
#basicaccess
for community that lives with a disability.
#COLeg
#COPolitics
Lost my uncle, Joe Tijerina, this morning to COVID19. He loved family and friends. Was life of any gathering or party. Loved cars, dirtbikes, and well made machines in general. He worked hard and found dignity in his work. Rest easy, tío.
Dems need to do a BETTER JOB of showing themselves the true party of supporting vets.
In a bill that automatically enrolls vets for VA care if they’re eligible.. EVERY DEMOCRAT voted in support.
163 Republicans VOTED NO.
#veterans
Started the day fighting for equity in our booming marijuana industry. SB21-111 with
@leslieherod
. BIPOC were over policed and prosecuted for doing what is now legal. Working for equity in the marijuana industry. Ended the day hearing testimony on HB21-1030.
#coleg
Humans can be petty & I shouldn’t be surprised at the hate after last night’s result.
But how many of us young Latino men were doing what he was doing at 26?
I am PROUD of Tim Hernandez! 🧵🪡
Our campaign team knocked thousands of doors in the past 3 days—and with thousands of outstanding ballots, we may not know tonight!
In this moment I only feel proud & grateful: proud of how hard we worked and what we stand for, and grateful to be held by the love of community.
Probably something I kept closest to me for far too long. It was seeing the courage my transgender cousin had in dealing with my entire family that gave me the courage to own every bit of who I am.
#BiVisibilityDay
Too often, bisexual people are excluded from LGBTQ+ spaces and are invisible to each other.
This
#BiVisibilityDay
, know that your experiences are valid and you are seen.
Yowza! After debating from Thursday afternoon until Friday morning at 7am, Team Dem was able to get common sense life saving gun safety legislation of a 3 day waiting period… PASSED! Onto 3rds next.
Proud to burn that midnight oil to make Coloradans safer.
#COLeg
#COPolitics
After a gun was confiscated from a Colorado middle school student, police arrested his father for not having the weapon lawfully secured and stored.
@momsdemand
volunteers helped pass a new secure storage law in Colorado this year.
#coleg
“Colorado bill would require insurance companies to cover athletic prosthetics for kids”
I’m not crying you’re crying! 😭Excited to see
#DisabilityRights
getting so much coverage lately. DO IT FOR THE KIDS! ✊🏽♿️🙌🏽
#DisabilityTwitter
#COLeg
#COPolitics
Do not cross the picket line!
So many ways to enact real economic and social justice.. this is one of the ways you can help.
Shop elsewhere until the workers get what they’ve earned.
🚨We have announced the intent to call for a strike against King Soopers. Please see press release for additional information. 🚨
We will notify you when its time to strike!
Wow… this is NOT it, sir. Do better & be better.
Not your fault that team
#GOP
left you as the sacrificial lamb.. BUT THESE YOUNG ADULTS came to you out of fear, pain, and frustration.
They are TIRED of living in fear and dying. NOT full of impertinence.
#COLeg
#COPolitics
@jabarocas
@cologop
@ColoSenGOP
@COHouseGOP
I spent half an hour with these students and was happy to listen to their grievances. How would you feel if rude and impertinent 15/16 year olds barged into your office unannounced and berated you for an unfortunate situation that you had nothing to do with?
Waking up from catching up on sleep after a marathon of fighting for Reproductive Choice.
True champions of the hour were all the amazing orgs, women, and people that showed up to testify in support of
#RHEA
.
The true champions are the bill sponsors
@Dlesgar
@RepMegFroe
#coleg
Respectfully, this is an area we disagree on.
TABOR is absolute garbage. Which is WHY during a time when red states are taking away the RIGHTS of women & LGBTQ folks, they are NOT passing a law like TABOR..
BECAUSE it’s fiscally irresponsible and other red states know it.
So proud to have
@JoeNeguse
representing us in Colorado and as an impeachment manager fighting for justice and accountability for a violent insurrection that saw the loss of lives and the confederate flag flying at our nation’s cap. Thank you Rep Neguse. 🇺🇸✊🏽♿️
Thank you Speaker
@McCluskieforCO
for rebuking hateful attacks on House Floor & inspiring the better angels of our nature. This is what leadership looks like.
"We were sent here to represent our constituents... not to attack one another, demean one another..."
#coleg
#copolitics
Grabbed pizza for volunteers and just had my hardest hitting moment. A woman waited so she could thank us all. Lost 4 people in her family to this virus... tears in her eyes. 😭😭 I know I like to joke around “you’re crying, I’m not crying.” But I am.. and not ashamed.
I will not allow false equivalencies to be set up between the insurrection and violence of yesterday incited by lies and conspiracy theories that have no standing in courts vs the fight for racial justice and equity backed by proof of vid after vid of black bodies being murdered
I can’t for the life of me understand how (in a party that touts diversity, equity, and inclusion) why
#DisabilityRights
and
#BasicAccess
are such a tough sell. ✊🏽♿️🇺🇸
HB23-1032 Fix to the Anti-Discrimination Act PASSED vote of 7 to 6. Pics sum up committee.
#COLeg
#COPolitics
Today is the anniversary of my crash(June 21, 2012) called a "live day". Fell out of the sky and lived.
My journey is never one I would wish on anyone, BUT IT IS MINE. Been one hell of an adventure. THANK YOU for all that have travelled it with me ♿🇺🇸
#LiveDay
#veteran
#coleg
This is dangerous incitement by a fundamentalist extremist group against their fellow Americans.
Absolutely abhorrent and disgusting. Fought this extremism abroad.. will fight this garbage & the fundamentalist extremists that perpetuate it here at home.
Has been an absolute privilege to serve people of
#HD38
.
In a district that SHOULD HAVE BEEN a close race, you elected a grizzled ♿️ combat
#vet
Through COVID19 & more we supported small businesses, vets, teachers, kids, folks with disabilities.. TY!
#copolitics
#sinedie
Hundreds are now chanting “We will not comply” outside of Jeff Co. Public Health.
Parents say they want to decide if their kids should wear masks in class.
#CoEd
@Nowayjose1979
@KyleClark
@GovofCO
We got word of this executive order right as it was coming out. Per usual from the Gov’s Office.🙄Believe me, we have been in discussion.. and will continue discussing what we will be doing this upcoming legislative session to protect choice here in CO.
Have to keep the senate.
I really appreciate & support the commitment to learning & growth.
This is what I think is truly in his heart.
We ALL have been young. WE ALL have made mistakes. We all don’t have the maturity & humility to own it, apologize, & commit to being better. Thank you
@_timhernandez
I condemn Hamas, and I condemn-- in the strongest ways possible-- all violence against civilians. My heart is heavy for the innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives lost. And I am sorry for the harm I have caused to many in the Jewish community and the Israeli community this week.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Night reflection in light of invasion.
@cologop
@KyleClark
You and your organization… WHEN YOU DO THIS.. perpetuate hate & inspire violence.
You show yourselves to be fundamental extremists akin to those that used a radicalized version of their faith to incite terrorism & violence abroad.
In wake of club Q shooting no less!
She was right before… she tried to warn y’all..
Wasn’t heeded.. we lost Roe… Muslim travel Ban.. Jan 6 and more in the parade of awful.
Don’t make us all learn the hard way twice.. because it will be MUCH WORSE!!
I’m still with her.
If Donald Trump becomes president again, it wouldn't be as bad as it was last time.
It would be much, much worse.
Read about his plans, as he describes them in new TIME interviews, and take them seriously.
Still here on the house floor making sure we protect reproductive choice, abortive care, and a pregnant person’s right to choose! ✊🏽🙌🏽🇺🇸♿️
We’ll be here as long as it takes to enshrine the constitutionally protected rights in statute that are under threat.
#PassRHEANow
#coleg
“She pushed for wildfire alerts in Spanish. Now she’s taking language equality to the state Capitol.”
If y’all don’t know Rep-Elect Velasco, you should get to know her and keep an eye on her. Already Co-Chair for Dem Latino Caucus and more.
#coleg
It’s views like this that make me SO GRATEFUL to live in Colorado and motivate me to keep fighting against climate change.
We are LUCKY to live here folks… Let’s not let it get ruined. 🏔❄️🇺🇸
#coleg
#ClimateCrisis
#Colorado
Hearing
@COHouseGOP
members come to the well & say that they don’t know what’s in SB213 AFTER REQUESTING TO HAVE IT READ AT LENGTH (3+ hours) demostrares how little they care.
If you didn’t understand you should have stayed in the chamber while it was being read.
#COLeg
@jeffhunt
Actually you can use CORA to figure out how any elected is communicating with anyone under any requested topic of the people’s work.
Find out more. CO voters clearly tired of unfounded conspiracy theories like this from y’all.
#copolitics
So shameful that there were veterans, including a retired LTC... Air Force academy grad, at the insurrection. Their benefits should be stripped and they should have the full weight of the law thrown at them.
Democrats… we gotta do better.
On a panel touting 1sts and spoke about
#ableism
& lack of
#BasicAccess
AND HAD a person come up to me stating she doesn’t see my disability. She only sees my ability.
That’s exactly the same energy as “I don’t see color” & reinforces ableism.
Passed Reproductive Health Equity Act out of 2nds. Still have to get through 3rds and then on to Senate.
Fitting to be looking over the CO Fallen Service Member Memorial as a little girl plays on the balcony.
Spent past 24 hours fighting for reproductive choice!
#coleg
#RHEA
From Columbine, Arapahoe High, and STEM school shootings;
#HD38
and surrounding families have seen the toll gun violence takes on our communities. Thankfully, today CO Dems are fighting to make real change, introducing a package of
#GunViolencePrevention
bills.
#coleg
Rise and grind, Colorado. 🌞✊🏽🇺🇸Normally I take weekend for self care.. working out, laundry, and sleeping in. BUT excited because
#HD38
’s
#COVID19
popup
#vaccine
clinic is today. Excited to safely 😷 be in community and see people get protected from the virus.
#coleg
#teamortiz
@RepBoebert
No surprise that a trash seditious bigoted clown like you can’t recognize how US aide has been VITAL to beat back Russian oppression by tyrant
#PutinWarCriminal
.
You’re nothing but a useful idiot helping to push Russian interests and hurt free democracies everywhere.
Receiving a Purple Heart is NOT a free pass to commit crimes!
Vets, rightfully so, have own specialized treatment courts to forego being imprisoned when mental healthcare will rehabilitate.
BUT military honors do NOT = immunity from criminal behavior & personal responsibility
Extremely disgusted & disappointed by behavior of one particular colleague, Rep Bradley.
We are supposed to represent the best in CO.
Fine line between push back & accountability VS inciting violence & threats against your colleagues.
She crossed it.
#GOP
ask for the bill to be read at length and not a single one sticks around to hear it.
They don’t want to govern,
#HD38
. They’re just looking to waste everyone’s time.
Fine.. Team Dem will STILL get the good work of the people done.
#coleg
First day of 2023 leg session &
#TeamOrtiz
is ready to make CO more accessible for ALL! Excited to serve 2nd term and work with our 46 member caucus to serve our beautiful state. It is such an honor to serve
#HD38
and I am ready to make every day count!
#coleg
#copolitics
Tonight is WILD. Total lack of respect and decorum tonight from opposition of the bill is on another level. Not from all. But on the whole.
I’m virtual because still sick but I can taste the anger, hatred, and judgement from here. Won’t be intimidated.
#PassRHEANow
#coleg
Congrats to my friend
@McCluskieforCO
on being elected speaker.
I nominated Rep Benavidez, but we really had an embarrassment of riches for those running for speaker.
Speaker McCluskie, we are behind you and ready to serve Coloradans everywhere.
#coleg
#copolitics
Yes!! Biden mentioning finally getting care for veterans suffering from
#burnpits
. What other proof do you need that Democrats ACTUALLY care about doing the most for vets?
Had similar upbringing. Catholic, went to church. Scholarship to private Catholic uni. Didn’t see pride flags or representation until adulthood.
I’m bi. I’ve always been bi.
Only thing representation, love, & support does is reflect the goodness in your soul.
#HappyPrideMonth
My son is 15
I never bought him a pride onesie when he was a baby.
I never read him a book that had two moms as part of the storyline.
When he was little stores and businesses didn’t have LGBTQ+ displays and we didn’t celebrate pride month.
He was raised Catholic, and went
Shout out to the
#DenverVA
for repairing my all terrain chair, especially since winter is upon us.
My non-vet disabled brothers and sisters do NOT have access to this kind of repair service.. which is why “Right to Repair” is something worth working on and passing.
#coleg
Don’t know how to take this…
I’m parked in accessible spot NEXT TO A COMPLETELY ABLED BODIED guy in his 30s with NO mobility device with a handicap hanger. THEN a staffer comes up to ME (not him) and asks me if I’m staying here and why?
Placard & chair not clue enough? ♿️👎🏽
I’m gonna say the thing we are all thinking as democrats.
That was earth shatteringly bad… really really really bad.
We say it’s the most important election of our lifetimes, but if we don’t at least consider another candidate, then do we even mean it?