Since I was first elected to serve, I have worked to ensure that we do everything we can to foster a healthy environment for the growth of small businesses in our state and across the country. Small businesses face unique challenges ranging from accessing the capital they need to expand to finding unique ways to serve their communities; but in the end, it comes down to people. An important factor to hiring and retaining a competitive workforce for any small business is the ability to provide reasonable and affordable health coverage for their employees - health care plans that meet their needs and provide reliable coverage.

Thanks to everyone who joined my Twitter Town Hall on renewable energy. I enjoyed hearing the thoughts of Coloradans across the political spectrum on how we should pursue an all-of-the-above energy strategy that creates jobs, helps the environment and improves our energy security.

This past summer, Colorado experienced one of the most severe wildfire seasons on record. The Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, in particular, reminded us that wildfires don't stop at city limits - and residential areas near our forests, grasslands and public lands are at just as much risk as forestlands. Furthermore, roughly 40 percent of Coloradans live in the risky areas where human development meets or intermingles with undeveloped wildland and vegetative fuels, sometimes called the Wildland-Urban Interface. As we make our way through the fall months, now is the time to look ahead and do all we can to safeguard our homes and communities from the threat of future wildfires.

I'm hosting a Twitter Town Hall to talk about renewable energy with my constituents on Oct. 16, 2012, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT.  Join the conversation by tweeting me your questions using the hashtag #AskUdall and you also can view the discussion on my website.

Congress authorized special compensation for service members whose tours of duty were involuntarily extended under stop-loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009. I proudly supported this bipartisan provision.

October marks the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which provides us with the opportunity to increase awareness, share stories and help educate others about breast cancer.  The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone.  That means one in eight women in your life - a family member, neighbor or co-worker - has been or will be diagnosed.

Our state is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.  As a native Westerner, I’ve always been passionate about preserving our natural environment and our way of life.  We as Coloradans take great pride in our wilderness, but we also must remember to take care of it.  That is why this Saturday, I invite you to partake in the National Public Lands Day volunteer effort.  Saturday, September 29th marks the largest single-day volunteer event for public lands in America. 

Last week in the U.S. Senate, my colleagues came together to consider the Sportsmen’s Act.  This bipartisan legislation includes my proposal, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, which would free up more of the proceeds the federal government collects on sporting equipment and ammunition to expand access to public shooting ranges, all without raising taxes or increasing spending. 

Last week marked the one-year anniversary of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), the law that previously prohibited gay and lesbian members of the military from serving in the armed forces unless they kept their sexual orientation a secret from their colleagues.

In Colorado, it doesn't have to be Hispanic Heritage Month to notice the positive contributions that Colorado's Hispanic community has made to our great state.  This month of recognition provides us with a chance to reflect on how the contributions of Latinos in Colorado have benefited our overall quality of life and how we can collectively celebrate the Hispanic community as a vibrant part of our Colorado family throughout the year.

This week, as we reflect on the 11^th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, I join all Coloradans in renewing our vow to never forget those who were killed, the first responders who risked everything that day so that others might live, and the troops who have fought for us ever since.  In one of the darkest moments in our history, the courage and selflessness of the American people shined brighter than ever as we stood together as one nation. 

 As parents and students navigate the first few weeks of the new school year, it is important to remember that physical activity is a critical part of having a healthy and alert mind.  From rock climbing to mountain biking and skiing to hiking, Coloradans are fortunate to have so many options for fun outdoor activities.