U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), Colorado Mesa University, and the University of Colorado invite Colorado residents to attend the 2017 Colorado Capital Conference in Washington, D.C., on June 21-23.

The conference affords residents across Colorado a better understanding of the federal legislative process by giving them the opportunity to interact with members of Congress, the President’s cabinet, and other relevant leaders in Washington, D.C. 

“Without an informed public, representative democracy does not work. Events like the Colorado Capital Conference are an essential part of creating that informed public, and I’m grateful to Colorado Mesa University and the University of Colorado for organizing this gathering,” said Gardner. “This conference gives Coloradans an opportunity to interact with and learn from academics, business leaders, and policymakers, and, more importantly, gives those of us in public life a chance to hear and learn from Coloradans.”

“Events like these allow us to listen to the voices we represent and learn more about what’s most important to them. After all, the best ideas for Colorado don’t come from Washington D.C. They come from Coloradans,” stated Bennet. “We are grateful to Colorado Mesa University, the University of Colorado, and Senator Cory Gardner for helping to arrange this conference. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with the people who make Colorado a great place to live and work.”

“A healthy republic relies upon active, informed citizen participation in every level of government,” Foster said. “This conference gives Coloradans an audience with key decision-makers in Washington, D.C.”

“Our democracy works best when we have informed and engaged citizens, and the Capital Conference helps achieve both those imperatives. It is an excellent overview of how the legislative process works and it provides insight into how our government works. The conference is not only a great opportunity for participants, but also for elected officials and business and community leaders to hear from Coloradans about the issues important to them. We are proud to partner with Senators Bennet and Gardner, as well as President Tim Foster and Colorado Mesa University, to make this opportunity available,” University of Colorado President Bruce Benson stated.

Participants who represent a diverse cross-section of the state will be selected through an application process. All applications must be received no later than March 27, 2017. Conference participants will be announced no later than April 7th. Participants are responsible for their own accommodations (at a group rate) and airfare. There is a $375 registration fee, which covers most meals and conference materials. For more information on the conference or to apply, visit www.coloradomesa.edu/capitalconference/ or call 970-623-9388.