On March 19, more than 700 members of PICO affiliate Metro Organizations for People (MOP) met with legislative leaders to discuss MOP's "Agenda for Hope," which includes state and federal legislation identified as vitally important to MOP's 33 member congregations, schools, youth and neighborhood associations in metropolitan Denver.

State leaders in attendance included Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll, Rep. Mark Ferrandino and Rep. Joe Miklosi as well as Cody Belzley and Matt Gianneschi from Governor Bill Ritter's office. 

"These are difficult times for all of us and it's easy for people to lose hope," Steve Kennedy, a MOP leader told the crowd. "We are gathered here tonight to reassure our elected leaders that we have not lost hope. We are organized and we are fighting hard to make sure these economic and health care issues that are so important to our community are addressed."

MOP members pushed forward a bold legislative agenda, including state legislation on Tuition Equity, the Colorado Healthcare Affordability Act and reform of the Pay Day Lending industry; and federal legislation including the Dream Act, economic recovery and foreclosures, and comprehensive healthcare coverage for all people in the U.S.

The meeting was a lively mix of testimonies, skits and presentations by MOP leaders on each of the target issues. MOP community leaders also asked those in attendance to write messages to their state senator on why they should pass the Colorado Health Care Affordability Act, and sent them directly to state legislators after the meeting.

For more information on Metro Organizations for People, visit www.mopdenver.org

Media Coverage

Event lets activists get creative in pitches to politicians, Denver Post