Gail Schwartz, a champion of P-20 Education, an advocate for Rural Health and the Environment, and a leading proponent for Rural Economic Development, is proud to serve as a Democrat in the State Senate representing the citizens of the 5th District.

Her district encompasses some of the beautiful lands in our nation – 11 counties from the Elk Mountain Range, to the upper Arkansas River Valley and the San Luis Valley. Senator Schwartz was elected to the Colorado State Senate in November of 2006.

Senator Schwartz serves on a significant number of committees that address the needs of her constituents and the people of Colorado.

Currently, she Chairs the Joint Senate & House Select Committee on Job Creation & Economic Growth, the Local Government & Energy Committee, and the Home Care Task Force. Senator Schwartz is also a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee, the Capital Development Committee, the Legal Services Committee, the Health Care Task Force, the Electronic-Waste Task Force, the Water Resources Review Committee, and the School Finance Committee. Senator Schwartz also serves as the legislative liaison to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, the Colorado Heritage Tourism Committee, and the Energy Council.

Senator Schwartz has dedicated much of her career to enhancing educational opportunities for all Coloradans. Prior to being elected
to the Colorado Senate, Gail was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to be a member of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, and was elected by the voters of the 3rd Congressional District to serve as a member and Vice-Chair of the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Senator Schwartz is equally committed to preserving Colorado's majestic environment, and to protecting our State's water, natural resources and agricultural lands. Her current legislative focus is on re-energizing Colorado's economy by creating jobs and investing in the future of renewable energy.

Key legislative accomplishments have included mapping the State's Renewable Energy Resources and Broadband Network, protecting In-stream Flows, expanding Health Care opportunities for rural residents, and implementing New Solar Technologies. Senator Schwartz was extremely proud to sponsor the "BEST Bill" – Building Excellent Schools Today – which was signed into law in 2008 and brings $1Billion dollars in new construction to K-12 schools throughout the rural parts of our state – an investment which was desperately needed to repair crumbling schools and ensure our rural children's educational future.