Colorado lawmakers seek permanent residency of U.S. Space Command

Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) are advocating the state become the permanent home of U.S. Space Command after gaining provisional headquarters status for at least the next six years.

The senators recently forwarded correspondence to Colorado Gov. Jared Polis seeking support for military spouse licensure reciprocity, among other requests, to make the strongest case possible for Colorado’s selection for the permanent headquarters.

“We know you share our excitement regarding Colorado’s selection as the provisional headquarters of U.S. Space Command, but all of us must continue working together to demonstrate to the Air Force that Colorado is the perfect place for the permanent headquarters of the critical mission,” the senators wrote. “Most of the evaluation criteria will be informed by federal data sources, however, the impact of state efforts meant to support military spouse licensure reciprocity will be scored based on current state laws, interstate compacts, military specific rules, and executive actions. Exceptions or restrictions that limit reciprocity for certain occupations will also be factored in the state’s overall score. Given the latest guidance from the Air Force and Secretary Esper’s prioritization of military spouse employment and licensure reciprocity, we ask for your consideration to ensure the state’s arguments in favor of the community support category are adequately portrayed in your endorsement of Colorado’s self-nomination.”