Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Colorado!

One year ago today, I had the honor to attend the first Official State visit hosted by the White House for Prime Minister Micheál Martin of Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day. President Trump and Prime Minister Martin celebrated an Irish American tradition that dates to 1952, with the gift of Shamrocks to the White House.

During the event, I met several legislators from Ireland, and we discussed ways to increase trade between Colorado and Ireland. Upon returning to Colorado, I met with Senator Mark Daly, President of the Ireland Senate, and we set out to create the Ireland–Colorado Trade Commission.

Over the last year and a half, I have been working with the Denver Metro Chamber, Colorado Chamber, and my local chamber the Parker Chamber of Commerce, to create a Trade Commission bill between Ireland and Colorado. An Ireland–Colorado Trade Commission would strengthen economic ties, attract investment and innovation, and open global opportunities for businesses in both places.

Similar commissions have already been established in 25 States. It also would have created incredible opportunities for study abroad programs and broader educational partnerships. Ireland has one of the highest qualities of higher education in the world. Ireland is a gateway to the European Union,  and the United Kingdom. We would have been able to trade anything from medical equipment like heart stents to everyone’s favorite Colorado Beef. Unfortunately, we were unable to move the bill forward this session, but we will bring it back next session.

My great-grandparents were immigrants from Ireland. They settled in Douglas, Wyoming. 31.5 million Americans claim Irish ancestry (about 1 in 10 Americans), and about half of all U.S. Presidents had Irish ancestry. Irish Americans have served our country with pride in the military and have played a major role in building and shaping the United States. Their legacy continues to be a meaningful part of the American story.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat, “May the road rise to meet you.”

It was an incredible honor to receive the Ireland Seal of Office from the President of Ireland’s Senate, Mark Daly.