PROTECT

FROM PAGE 6 state Sen. Robert Rodriguez and state Rep. Steven Woodrow, both Denver Democrats. e bill passed the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee on Tuesday with a partisan 4-3 vote.

Many large Colorado school districts voluntarily recognize employee unions and have contracts that include collective bargaining rights, but there is no requirement that they do so. Union members say that leaves many teachers vulnerable.

Mountain Valley School District teacher Kevin Walek, a San Luis Valley teacher union vice president, said teachers worry if they speak out narrowly passed with 50.6% of voters in favor. e Colorado Licensed Beverage Association, which represents small liquor retailers, opposed the measure and warns that its members could be crushed by the change.

Both grocery and convenience stores with a license to sell beer can begin selling wine March 1. at’s approximately 1,900 licensees as of this month, according to the Department of Revenue. ey’ll also be able to o er beer and wine tastings.

“While many liquor stores will adapt and outsell grocery stores be- that school district leadership will punish them. Many teachers like him are within their rst few years of teaching and on a probationary period. e bill would help teachers feel like they can use their voice.

“A lot of teachers just keep their head down,” Walek said. “It’s a tough environment.” e Colorado Education Association and other advocacy groups say the bill grants rights and protections that were skipped over in last year’s collective bargaining bill for many public employees.

In addition to K-12 and higher education workers, the bill would cover a large group of workers, such as county, city, re, library and public health workers.

Multiple groups want to amend the