The Freshman class of Democratic U.S. representatives that took office at the beginning of 2019 had a whole lot of star power, including household names like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. Also among the group was Memorial High class of 1998 alumnus Jason Crow. He has played an unexpectedly important role in Washington during his first two years in office.

A CHAMPION FOR REFORM

Jason, who represents the sixth congressional district of Colorado, is a former Army Ranger who enlisted in the Army after completing college, and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He initially joined the National Guard to get help for his tuition at UW-Madison, but it had a significant influence on his life in the years to come.

Jason went on to become an attorney, influenced by his own difficulties in getting his veterans benefits after he returned home. He made a primary focus of his career helping veterans like him in Colorado transition from military to civilian life and get the benefits they deserved. For this work, he was named the Pro-bono Lawyer of the Year in Denver.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Jason went on to stand up for the less fortunate as a member of Congress.

Jason’s priorities in Congress include protecting DREAMers, passing comprehensive immigration reform to provide more people with realistic pathways to citizenship, combating the effects of climate change and taking concrete steps to bring an end to gun violence.

Jason has also worked toward improving transparency in politics. This first bill he introduced was the End Dark Money Act, which would close loopholes that allow ultra-rich donors to conceal the contributions they make to political candidates and causes.

Additionally, after Jason was denied entry to an ICE detention facility in Aurora, Colorado in February 2019, he took action to increase congressional oversight of ICE facilities. He introduced the Public Oversight of Detention Centers Act – which subsequently became law – which requires members of Congress have access to ICE facilities within 48 hours of requesting it. 

CONTINUING TO LOOK OUT FOR THOSE IN NEED

In Washington, Jason works hard to serve his constituents and help them navigate federal agencies. His office helps constituents navigate the VA system, social security and Medicaid, and many other federal agencies. Jason’s office has helped over 1,000 constituents with cases, and secured over $2,000,000 for Coloradans in the 6^th district. 

We’re so proud to count Jason as a Madison Public Schools alum, and we thank him for his service and great work in Congress!