Senate designates portion of Highway 92 as 'Educators and Teachers Memorial Highway'

The Colorado Senate on April 8 read House Joint Resolution 1024 at length and adopted the measure unanimously, designating a four-mile stretch of State Highway 92 in Delta County as the "Educators and Teachers Memorial Highway." The chamber added the current roll call as co-sponsors.

Senator Catlin framed the resolution as recognition of "the countless women and men who have dedicated lives ... to instilling the skills and knowledge" of Colorado students. Senator Coleman placed the matter in local context, noting Delta County's early schools and referencing recent losses of longtime local teachers; he described the designation as a "meaningful recognition of the profound impact educators have on the lives of Colorado students and our communities."

The resolution's text, read into the record at length, traces Colorado's early adoption of public education from territorial times, recounts Delta County school history and asks the Colorado Department of Transportation to accept gifts and grants for initial placement of signs marking the designated segment. The resolution also directs that copies be sent to local education entities including the Colorado Education Association and the Delta County School District 50J Board.

Senator Coleman urged Coloradans "to write a letter to your favorite teacher while they're still alive," a personal plea echoed by other members during personal-privilege remarks following the resolution's adoption. The Senate adopted HJR1024 by voice vote recorded as 35 yes, 0 no, 0 absent, 0 excused and immediately added the current roll call as co-sponsors.

The Department of Transportation is authorized under the resolution to accept private gifts or grants to fund initial sign placement marking the highway segment.