Each spring, the Colorado state capitol bursts to life as lawmakers convene to address pressing legislative issues that affect the lives of Coloradans. Topics ranging from labor rights to gun control and immigration policy take center stage under the iconic gold dome, where students from CU Denver are not just observers but active participants in the legislative process.
One of the key programs facilitating this unique engagement is CU at the Capitol, a course led by Tony Robinson, PhD, chair of the political science department at CU Denver. This course allows students to earn academic credit while interning in the offices of state senators and representatives, bridging classroom learning with practical legislative experience.
Upon registering for CU at the Capitol, students receive support from Robinson to secure internships within state legislators’ offices, a process many find fruitful as most students successfully land positions. Once in the program, they engage in biweekly discussions, typically held in a casual setting over lunch at a nearby pizzeria, where they reflect on their observations and experiences at the capitol.
Students’ work within the legislative process is both significant and varied. They contribute to essential tasks such as writing bill summaries, crucial documents that inform senators on the details and implications of bills under consideration. These summaries provide insights into a bill’s objectives, fiscal impacts, and the positions of various stakeholders.
One such student, Pricila Talamantes, interned for Colorado State Senator Lisa Cutter of District 20 during the spring 2025 legislative session. Talamantes, a political science major set to graduate in 2026, expressed how being immersed in the legislative process changed her understanding of state government dynamics. “It’s so different to actually be in legislation, specifically within the actual bill text, reading them, interpreting them,” she remarked.
In her role, Talamantes was primarily tasked with crafting bill summaries, participating in stakeholder meetings, and responding to constituent inquiries. She often conducted research for Senator Cutter regarding various legislative matters. Reflecting on her diverse experiences, she noted, “Each day was a different task.”
Among her proudest achievements were the numerous bill reports she produced, a challenging task that she embraced. “The thing that I’m the most proud of is all the bill reports I wrote,” Talamantes stated, crediting the support from her senator and her aide for helping her navigate the complexities of her role. These reports played a vital role in informing Senator Cutter’s decisions during committee deliberations.
Talamantes also highlighted a memorable moment when she witnessed Senator Cutter participating in a protest to support immigrants shortly after the legislative session began. This experience resonated deeply with Talamantes as she observed a legislator taking action to advocate for the community, an experience that underscored the impactful nature of political involvement.
Another student in the program, Mario Quinones Rabelo, also made his mark as an intern for State Representative Meg Froelich from District 3. Like Talamantes, Rabelo focused on drafting bill summaries, but he delved more into the political maneuverings surrounding legislative processes. His observations included tracking interactions between lobbyists and his representative’s office, particularly noting influences from individuals outside her district.
Rabelo’s internship provided him with unique insights into the dynamics at play within the capitol. “Seeing how these people tried to gain political influence was, for me, the most interesting part of the job,” he reflected.
A highlight of Rabelo’s experience was attending debates in the gallery, a privilege that allowed him to witness firsthand the legislative process and the discussion surrounding key issues. He shared, “I got the chance to be there when the budget bill was passed, which is one of the most important bills for this session.”
He fondly recalled the intensity of bill debates, particularly a session focusing on gun control, drawing attention to the heated exchanges that often characterized these discussions. Rabelo noted the immense public interest, mentioning that hundreds attended to testify on pivotal legislation. “It was just very strange, kind of surreal, almost, but getting to see how laws were passed was definitely interesting,” he concluded.
Through CU at the Capitol, students like Pricila Talamantes and Mario Quinones Rabelo are gaining invaluable experience, making meaningful contributions to the legislative process in Colorado, and preparing for future careers in public service and politics.
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