Press Room

Progressive 15 Honors Senator Hodge for Efforts to Boost Regional Economy

Friday, June 15 2012

DENVER - This week, Senator Mary Hodge (D-Brighton) was honored by Progressive 15 as a “Legislator of the Year,” for her work to strengthen economies in northeastern Colorado. Senator Hodge was specifically honored for her efforts in the 2012 legislative session to help Colorado achieve a spaceport designation from the Federal Aviation Administration. Several other states have already received spaceport designations which allow for the creation of facilities to launch commercial space crafts. Senator Hodge sponsored the Colorado Aerospace Jobs Act to further the process of achieving a spaceport designation to grow the state’s existing aerospace industry. Colorado is already home to 400 space-related companies, and the industry is estimated to generate $3 billion in state revenue annually.

Senator Hodge offered the following comment on receiving this award and the Colorado Aerospace Jobs Act:

“As lawmakers our first priority should be working to grow the economy and get Coloradans back to work.  Passing legislation to assist Colorado in achieving a spaceport designation will attract high paying jobs and investment to the state, and so I'm honored to receive this award and I look forward to seeing this bill help our local economies."

Progressive 15 is a nonpartisan membership organization that advocates and affects legislation and policy for the economic vitality and quality of life for the citizens of Adams, Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Douglas, Elbert, Kit Carson, Larimer, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld, and Yuma counties.