State Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, a Democrat from Longmont, Colorado, has been stripped of her legislative aides this week following new allegations about her treatment and management of staff.
This decision comes after previous accusations of mistreatment and wage theft, which have now resulted in her aide privileges being suspended indefinitely.
State Senator Faces Suspension of Aide Privileges
New allegations against Jaquez Lewis have surfaced, highlighting concerns about her management of staff.
These latest accusations come after earlier claims that she attempted to withhold pay from a staff member.
The suspension of her aide privileges was decided by Senate leaders, including outgoing Senate President Steve Fenberg and the incoming leadership team of President-elect James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez.
They determined that, given the recurring issues and ongoing complaints about Jaquez Lewis’ treatment of aides, they could no longer support having a legislative aide in her office.
Background on Previous Allegations
This is not the first time Jaquez Lewis has faced scrutiny over her staff management.
Earlier this year, she was removed from a bill concerning wage theft protections after facing allegations that she attempted to withhold pay.
Additionally, she received a reprimand following reports from other staff members and lawmakers who witnessed behavior they found concerning.
Due to these incidents, leadership decided to cut her aide privileges, halting her ability to employ legislative aides through the state budget.
Last year, there were also concerns about her treatment of prior staffers, leading to a restriction on using Senate staff to recruit or vet aides for her office.
Response from Senate Leadership
Concerns about Jaquez Lewis’ staff management were voiced by Senate President Steve Fenberg, who described the situation as a recurring issue that needed to be addressed.
The new leadership, which includes President-elect James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, is taking a firm stance on the issue.
They emphasized that it is critical for Jaquez Lewis not to engage in any retaliatory behavior toward former staff or current aides.
The suspension of her aide privileges is part of an effort to ensure a positive and respectful working environment in the Senate.
