(Colorado Newsline) State Sen. Faith Winter said Thursday she is receiving care for substance abuse disorder and is stepping down as chair of the Colorado Legislature’s Senate Transportation and Energy Committee.

A spokesperson for Senate Democrats confirmed to Newsline that Winter, the Senate’s assistant majority leader, is seeking treatment for alcohol abuse.

The announcement follows a community meeting Wednesday in Northglenn at which Winter, who arrived late, appeared on a panel. Her speech and manner at times appeared sluggish or halting.

The Colorado Sun first reported that Winter was seeking treatment.

“I deeply regret my behavior last night. I made a mistake and I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience or discomfort I caused,” Winter said in a statement. “I take full responsibility for my actions and I am committed to making things right …I deeply care about your thoughts and community. I am now under the care of medical professionals and receiving treatment for my substance abuse disorder.”

District Attorney Brian Mason of the 17th Judicial District was sitting next to Winter on the panel during the Thornton meeting. Asked if he detected signs of intoxication or behavior indicative of substance abuse on the part of Winter, he declined to comment through a spokesperson.

The Westminster Democrat was first elected to the Legislature as a representative in 2014. She jumped to the upper chamber after the 2018 election.

Among Winter’s accomplishments are successful environmental protections, such as landmark greenhouse gas emissions reduction legislation from 2019.

Winter has recently experienced several health issues, Colorado Politics has reported, including a traumatic brain injury that resulted from a bicycle crash.

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