Western Colorado University Honors Marc Catlin
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Office of Colorado
State Representative Marc Catlin
303-866-2955
marc.catlin.house@coleg.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Western Colorado University Honors Marc Catlin
Marc Catlin is named Rural Legislative Champion by Western Colorado University. Western Colorado University is in Gunnison, Colorado.
Denver, Colorado – Marc Catlin received Western Colorado University Rural Legislative Champion Award. The award was presented to Representative Marc Catlin in Crested Butte, CO. Representative Catlin was honored with the award from Western for his efforts on ensuring rural higher education received fair funding from the state of Colorado. The award states “in appreciation and recognition of your loyal dedication and service to Western Colorado University.”
Representative Marc Catlin has represented all of Gunnison County since 2022, when the redistricting commission incorporated Gunnison in House District 58. During that time, Rep. Catlin has brought forth several bills that help or will help with rural higher education. For instance, Catlin ran and passed the Transfer From Severance Tax Operations Cash Fund bill (SB23-250), which appropriated $4 million to Western Colorado University to provide additional teaching and laboratory space for the University’s petroleum geology program and to allow for the expansion of the natural and environmental sciences department. Catlin also passed the Higher Education Crisis and Suicide Prevention (HB23-1007) bill, which placed crisis and suicide prevention contact information on college student identification cards. In 2022, Catlin passed the Opportunities for Credential Attainment (SB22-192) Act, which worked with institutions to create “stackable credential pathways.” In other words, schools can create pathways, which enables students to earn-and-learn. A student can turn a short-term certificate in cyber security to credits toward an associate degree in information systems technology, on their way to a bachelor's degree in computer information systems.
Representative Catlin says, “It is an honor to be presented with the Western Colorado University Rural Legislative Champion Award. I was excited when Gunnison was drawn in to the 58th. My office has done everything that we could to represent Gunnison and Western at the Capitol. I truly believe that we need to make the investments in our young people so that they can continue to thrive and be able to stay, if they would like, in this great place that we call home.”
Colorado State Representative Marc Catlin represents the eight counties of Dolores, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel. Representative Catlin is the Vice Chair of Agriculture, Water, & Natural Resources Committee, is a member of the Capital Development Committee, and is Ranking member of the Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee.
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