Colorado Senate Democrats

WE HAVE MOVED

2009-03-24T08:50:00.004-06:00

OUR NEW WEBSITE IS: Colorado Senate Democratic Majority
COME SEE US THERE!
THANKS!

COMPREHENSIVE JOBS PACKAGE RECOMMENDED

2009-01-29T14:47:00.006-07:00

(DENVER) On the Capitol steps this afternoon, backed by business leaders and workers, the legislature’s Joint Select Committee on Job Creation and Economic Growth recommended a comprehensive package of job-creation bills. When enacted, these proposals will create tens of thousands of jobs.
The proposed legislation will focus on five key areas:
1. Transportation: Create Thousands of Jobs Repairing Our Crumbling Roads and Bridges;
2. New Businesses: Offer Tax Incentives to Companies that Move to Colorado and Create Jobs;
3. Credit: Increase the Availability of Loans to Small Business to Help Create Jobs;
4. New Energy Economy: Expand New Energy and Clean Technology Jobs, and;
5. Rural Job Creation: Create Rural Medical Jobs and Promote Job Training.
The announcement was led by Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass Village), Chair of the Select Committee, who said, "While Colorado has fared better than most other states, we know we are not immune. Just this week we heard the latest job numbers. Even though Colorado's unemployment rate is still lower than the national average, it does not make up for the fact that almost 47,000 Coloradans have lost their jobs in the past year. The Joint Select Committee on Job Creation and Economic Growth started looking at how to address these challenges and we are proud of these nine bills. Let's get more Coloradans to work."

Rep. Joe Rice (D- Littleton), Co-Chair of the Committee said, “We all feel these tough times, whether we are here working to balance the budget in the Capitol, or tightening our belts at home with our families, or facing budget cuts at work. We brought together the best ideas from many different leaders, from all different sectors and perspectives, and put the very best of those ideas into legislation that will get Colorado working again. We are here today to proudly announce that we have begun to meet our goal: with this job creation package, we begin to put Colorado back to work, and to put our economy back on the right track.

“In this Job Creation package, we have focused in five distinct areas: Transportation, creating thousands of jobs repairing our crumbling roads and bridges; New Businesses, offering tax incentives to large companies that move to Colorado and create jobs; Credit: increasing the availability of loans to small business to help create jobs; The New Energy Economy: expanding new energy and clean technology jobs; and Non-Denver Regions: developing rural jobs and job training.”
Other speakers at the mid-day event at the Capitol included Tom Clarke, Executive Vice President, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation/Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce; Tony Gagliardi, Colorado Director, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB); and Don Childears, President and CEO, Colorado Bankers Association.
The Joint Select Committee on Job Creation and Economic Growth includes Senator Gail Schwartz, Chair, (D-Snowmass), Rep. Joe Rice (D-Littleton), Senator Jennifer Veiga (D-Denver), Rep. Judy Solano (D-Adams), Senator Rollie Heath (D-Boulder), Rep. Buffie McFadyen (D-Pueblo), Senator Shawn Mitchell (R-Broomfield), Rep. Larry Liston (R-El Paso), Senator Mark Scheffel (R-Parker), and Rep. David Balmer (R-Centennial).
Business Advisors to the Select Committee include: Gail Lindley, Denver Bookbinding Co, Inc.; Neil Hall, Building Construction Trades Council; Craig Cox, Interwest Energy Alliance; Jim Hertel , Colorado Managed Care Newsletter; Mark Mehalko, AECOM; Felix Lopez, Trinidad State Junior College; Chuck Ward, Qwest Communications; Patricia Barela-Rivera, Consultant; Rob Perlman, Steamboat Ski Resort; and Michael DeBerry, Chevron.

SENATOR HODGE HONORED BY COLORADO AGRICULTURE GROUP

2009-01-29T12:41:00.001-07:00

DENVER – Senator Mary Hodge ( D- Brighton) has been honored by the Colorado Corn Growers Association as the 2009 Dave Dunivan Amicas-Friend of Agriculture Award recipient.

Each year, Colorado Corn Growers Association and Colorado Corn Administrative Committee recognize and individual who demonstrates outstanding commitment and service to Colorado Agriculture.

“ I am honored to receive this recognition, “ said Senator Hodge. “ Agriculture is such an important part of Colorado’s economy and our state history. Across Colorado, in every corner of the state, Colorado farmers work hard to help feed our families and provide jobs in our communities. I am thankful for their support of my legislative efforts.”

PRESIDENT GROFF AWED AT INAUGURAL SPEECH

2009-01-20T13:18:00.002-07:00

President Barack Obama sworn-in
DENVER— Today Senate President Peter C. Groff (D-Denver) attended the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, President Barack Obama, in Washington, D.C. with his wife, Rev. Regina Groff.

“I am proud to have stood at the foot of the U.S. Capitol to witness the swearing-in of the country’s first African-American president,” said Sen. Groff. “The bridge has been built and our children will be able to look back on this day as one of the most important days in American history. President Obama said we have tough challenges ahead, and we know that all too well, but with his leadership and vision he will meet these challenges.”

Today, President Barack Obama delivered his inaugural address as the 44th President of the United States minutes after taking the oath on the same bible President Abraham Lincoln used. “We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.”

President Groff delivers emotional speech on MLK's birthday

2009-01-15T15:04:00.003-07:00

On the floor of the Senate this morning, President Peter Groff delivered a personal and emotional speech on Rev. Martin Luther King Jr's birthday.

TEXT:

Thank you Madam President Pro Tempore. Members, we generally do this on the actual holiday which always falls on a Monday so I have time to actually prepare some remarks. This year I had even wondered, since we're going to the inaugaration, whether we should even do this, and recognized that because of the accomplishments of this country made on November 4. But, Speaker Carroll and I decided that it would be best to do this on his birthday. This is something we hadn't done in recent history. The body use to do that when the debate was going on over the holiday itself. Then, I struggled whether or not I should make comments and then Senator Schultheis reminded me that we are doing this today.

As you think about this, America is blessed in the fact that we have these great historical intersections. Moments in this country's history that mark historic and abrupt changes, direction, and hope. Not necessarily in a political sense, but in that quintessential American journey that we are on.

Tuesday, at noon, as prescribed by the Constitution, Amendment 20, there will be a peaceful transition. One that is looked upon throughout the rest of the world as something so unique about the greatest democracy that has ever been created. At noon, at the steps of the building built by slaves, a person of African descent will raise his hand and swear to the oath of the Presidency of the United States. A historic intersection again will occur.

At that moment, when I am sitting there with my wife, I'll probably think about 12 people. The same 12 people that I thought about on election night; the same 12 people that I thought about on August 28 when then Senator Obama accepted the nomination of my party for the Presidency of the United States. That moment in June when he stood center stage in Minneapolis to claim that nomination. I'll think of my great-grand parents some of whom were one generation out of slavery, one of whom was an actual slave. And, I will think about their parents who were at the foot of the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee under the overseer's whip on my father's side and on my mother's side who toiled under America's peculiar institution on the red clay of Georgia. I will think about how far we have come in the bridge that was built for me to stand in this body on this red carpet at the foot of our majestic Rocky Mountains and see how far America has come. So, I will think about them.

I will think about my children who didn't necessarily understand the significance of what was happening on November 4, but knew that it was critical to their parents. I'll remember when we walked in that night and it was either West Virginia or Kentucky that reported first. And, my daughter just happened to walk in at that time. I was watching MSNBC or CNN and they said John McCain had won. It must have been West Virginia and this tear came down my daughter's cheek and I looked at her and I said, "What's wrong?" She threw her head back and tears just began to roll and she said "Barack Obama lost." It was one of those parental moments where you are thinking, "How do I explain this?". She is now well-versed in the Electoral College. "No, not quite, but there are some other things that will go on." I will think about them and the bridge that was built for them on that night.

Selfishly, I will think about me, born April 21, 1963. Three days before I was born, on the south-side of Chicago in the same district represented a little bit later by a state senator named Barack Obama -- that night, three days before there was a speech by Martin Luther King that was pulled together by scraps of papers that were smuggled in to the Birmingham jail and then out of the Birmingham jail. That letter talked about the role of the civil rights movement in the faith community. Particularly, his brothers and sisters in that community who had not necessarily done what they were suppose to do. Then, I will think about how in June of 1963, Medgar Evers was slain in his driveway in Mississippi. I will think about, in 1963, how in August of that year, right after the slaying of Medgar Evers, John Kennedy said, "We need to move aggressively on civil rights legislation so I am sending a bill up Pennsylvania Avenue." That became the Civil Rights bill of 1963 that became the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

I'll think about the hundred thousand people that gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to hear about the dream that he had for America. I will think about how not three weeks later, four little girls attending Sunday school, dressed up in their Sunday finest, in the bathroom that was leading up to a stairwell where a bomb had been placed the previous evening by members of the Ku Klux Klan. I will think about how that bomb exploded. And, how those four girls were killed because of the hate that was in America.

I'll think about the bridge that has been built in just my lifetime. I'll think about Dr. King, who probably didn't think that, when he died that, in forty some odd years, a person of African descent would become President. We often think about him as this dream maker who talked about what America could be. But, now we ought to see him as a bridge builder for all of us; for my great grandparents, for my children, for me, for his grandchild who was born last year.

What an unbelievable country that we live in. I don't know the scripture and I'm going to cheat because I'm not a theologian. There is a scripture in the Book of Numbers that talks about when Kaleb and Moses were talking about the land that they were going to go into and I think it's Numbers 13:30. This talked about how the people were silent and the fact that they were told by Kaleb, "We should go and take up the possession for the land for certainly we could do it." There are lots of different translations of the Bible. I wonder if one version of Numbers where it says, "certainly we can do it" will some day be translated as, "Yes we can."

On Tuesday at noon, that bridge that so many of us have hoped for, that so many of us have talked about from this spot, will be built. Many of us, half of us in this room, maybe didn't vote for him, but at one point and time I suspect all of us thought, "Wow, what an unbelievable country we live in. What an unbelievable country to come through the chasm of racism that we have had." We have built the bridge. What an unbelievable country that we live in where the only two African Americans in this body-- not because of our color -- but because of what our members, our colleagues, saw in us, that we could run this chamber, just two of us. I go to meetings nationally and they say how many African Americans are there in the body and I say two. They say like two on your row or two that share an office and I say no just two. But, Colorado did that and the bridge that we built for our children who will one day walk through and look at these pictures and say, "Wow,

look at that." And then go up to the Presidential area where the gallery is on the third floor and say, "Wow, look at that." What a tremendous, unbelievable country that we live in. What an unbelievable state that we serve.

So, thank you all very much and on Tuesday think of those 12 people when Barack Obama says that he will "uphold the Constitution of the United States of America so help him God." Thank you all very much.

Senator Gibbs Missed State of the State...But He Had a Good Reason

2009-01-09T09:33:00.002-07:00

SENATOR GIBBS HAD A REALLY GOOD REASON
FOR BEING ABSENT

From Matt McClain
Rocky Mountain News

DENVER— This morning, as Colorado’s General Assembly gathered to hear Governor Bill Ritter’s State of the State address, one lawmaker was conspicuously absent. State Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Summit County), was working to save homes as part of a team of firefighters on Neva fire in Boulder County.

As the Governor presented his annual address, Senator Gibbs was activated at about 10 p.m. to help fight the raging fire as part of the Wildland Firefighting team’s mutual aid agreement with Boulder County. He worked through the morning hours on the front lines of the fire.

In spite of his absence, Senator Gibbs was remembered in the House Chambers as Gov. Ritter acknowledged the thousands of Colorado families affected by the fire in his State of the State address.

Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Summit County) co-sponsored legislation in the 2008 session to establish a Wildfire Interim Committee, which he chaired. This Committee created the four bills which were introduced in the Senate on the first day of the session.

The text of Governor’s address follows:

“Even as I speak, wildfires fed by extreme winds burn in Boulder County threatening homes and other property. The airwaves are full of Coloradans volunterring or offering shelter to the evacuated. And instead of being here in this Chamber this morning, Senator Dan Gibbs is on the front lines fighting that fire. Ironically yesterday, Senate Bill 1 was read across the desk. This bill deals with a host of significant recommendations on your Interim Committee on wildfires and its Senate sponsor is Dan Gibbs. We pray for the safety of Senator Gibbs and all of the firefighters as they battle that blaze and that wind.”

President Peter Groff and Speaker Terrance Carroll on CNN

2009-01-07T18:39:00.015-07:00

President Peter Groff and Speaker Terrance Carroll spoke with CNN on the opening day of the session.

Colorado political leaders make American history
Story Highlights
Two African-Americans elected to top Colorado legislature spots

Both men -- Terrance Carroll and Peter Groff -- are Democrats

They consider themselves part of a new generation of black leaders

Ku Klux Klan once had heavy influence on Colorado politics

By Jim Spellman
CNN All-Platform Journalist

DENVER, Colorado (CNN) -- In Washington, all eyes are on President-elect Barack Obama, but 1,700 miles away, in Colorado, another historic swearing-in has taken place.

For the first time in American history, African-Americans lead both chambers of a state legislature.

"I'm honored and humbled that my colleagues chose us to lead the Senate and the House. And it's more humbling when you look and this is a state with 4 percent African-American population," said new Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll, who joins Senate President Peter Groff in the state Capitol.

"And it leads you to believe and impresses upon you that they were more concerned with our character and our ability to lead as opposed to the color of our skin," he added. Watch Colorado's legislative leaders reflect on their roles »

Carroll said he's mindful of history.

"And where we come from and whose shoulders we stand on. Although we live in an environment where you can have a Senate President Groff or a Speaker Carroll, we know there's still a lot of work to be done in this country in terms race relations, but I think we've made some huge steps forward in recent times," he said.

"The wonderful thing about today is this won't have to happen again, at least in Colorado. So, those generations that come behind us won't have to shatter that glass ceiling. We've already done that."

Carroll, 39 ,was elected to the state House in 2003 representing northeast Denver. Born in Washington, D.C., to a single mother, he is an ordained minister and practicing lawyer. He was sworn in as speaker of the House on Wednesday.

Groff, 45, also represents Denver. He is a college lecturer and host of a radio talk show on the XM Satellite Network. A Chicago native, he has been a state senator since 2003 and was elected president of the state Senate in 2005.

Both men are Democrats who supported then-candidate Barack Obama, and they consider themselves part of a new generation of black leaders who have been called "post-racial."

"We come from a generation where we're more concerned about policy first rather than trying to prove something to past generations," Groff said. "Colorado has a rich history of kind of stepping out on faith and stepping out on independence and saying were going to elect or put into position the best person to do the job."

Maybe so, but it wasn't always that way. In the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan had tremendous influence in the state, according to Robert Alan Goldberg, a history professor at the University of Utah and author of "Hooded Empire: The Ku Klux Klan in Colorado."

"Politicians were summoned to Klan meetings where they pledged loyalty to the Invisible Empire," Goldberg said "On Election Day, Klansmen and women put 'pink sheets' under voters' doors. The sheet designated who the Klan supported."

Goldberg says that in the 1920s, about 35,000 Coloradoans joined the Klan. He finds the election of Groff and Carroll very encouraging.

"What a pleasant surprise," he said. "Perhaps we can overcome the difficult history of bigotry that scars this nation."

All AboutColorado • Racial Issues

Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/07/colorado.legislature/index.html?iref=newssearch

Senate President Peter Groff's Opening Day Address to the 67th General Assembly

2009-01-07T12:04:00.006-07:00

SENATE PRESIDENT PETER GROFF CONVENES OPENING DAY
OF COLORADO’S 67TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

DENVER— Today the Colorado Senate convened for opening day of the 1st Regular Session of the Colorado Senate’s 67th General Assembly. Taking the gavel Senate President Peter C. Groff (D-Denver) welcomed new senators and spoke about goals for the next 119 days.
Groff was joined by four time Grammy-award-winning vocalist Dianne Reeves who sang the National Anthem and America The Beautiful. Reeves was awarded the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings which was a Grammy first in any vocal category.
President Groff congratulated Speaker Terrance Carroll (D-Denver) on his election, saying: " The historic uniqueness of what is happening in the Senate and House today is not a testament to Speaker Carroll or me but a testimonial to Colorado and her people and members of the 67th general assembly." This morning Rep. Terrance Carroll was sworn in as Colorado's first African-American Speaker of the House and one year ago, Senator Peter Groff made history when he was named the first African-American President of the Colorado Senate.
President Groff acknowledged the challenges facing the 67th General Assembly. He said, "Coloradans are resilient. It is our pioneering DNA -- and like our forefathers we will be modern day Joshua’s. We will be strong and courageous in the decisions we make as we lead our state in the land we’ve inherited."
President Groff went on to say: " It does take strength and courage to transform this august chamber into an arena of policy concepts and ideas that produces not Democratic answers nor Republican responses, but generates Colorado solutions where the winner in 119 days are the people of Colorado as we lead them in the land we inherited."

Below is the full text of President Groff’s remarks.

"Mister Majority Leader, Mister Minority Leader, Senate colleagues, distinguished guests, friends and my family. Let me begin by thanking the Senate for my election as president of the Colorado Senate for the 67th General Assembly.

It has been an honor to serve as your President and I am humbled that you would elect me again to lead this august body. I again pledge to work with all of you on both sides of the aisle to continue to build a better Colorado -- one we can be proud to leave our children and one we can be proud to present to the nation and the world. Thank you for this tremendous responsibility and honor.

I want offer my congratulations to Speaker Terrance Carroll on his election just moments ago. It is yet another stitch in the great fabric that is the history of our great state. The historic uniqueness of what is happening in the Senate and House today is not a testament to Speaker Carroll or me but a testimonial to Colorado and her people and members of the 67th general assembly.

Let us welcome our new members.

Senators please stand when I call your name:

Senator Morgan Carroll of Aurora, Joyce Foster of Denver, Rollie Heath of Boulder, Evie Hudak of Arvada, Linda Newell of Littleton, Mark Scheffel of Parker, Keith King of Colorado Springs, and Al White of Hayden and Mary Hodge of Brighton.

Welcome to the Colorado Senate and strive to never lose the feeling you felt when you entered this historic chamber this morning -- if you can maintain that feeling our state will be better after your service. I also offer congratulations to the families and friends who were the foundation for your victories -- now say good bye for the next 119 days.

Much has been made of the challenges we will face over those 119 days -- a precarious economy, rising unemployment, crumbling bridges, a broken education system and thousands of Coloradans without health care.

The mountainous challenges we face today pale in comparison to the struggles faced by the pioneers who came to the foot of our majestic Rocky Mountains to build a life and a state with a vision that would not be diminished in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Driven by a collective yearning to conquer any and all barriers that stood in their way, Colorado’s pioneers faced and vanquished every challenge -- whether it was a rocky and unfamiliar terrain, unrelenting and unpredictable weather, deceptive people and practices or a dismissive government the pioneers soldiered on not to be deterred. Making the decisions that would build this magnificent state.

Colorado’s foundation is based on this pioneering spirit. When these pioneers first came to this region in search of land and opportunity, they found a rugged terrain but also the best land possible for agriculture. They found a land with endless possibilities, but possibilities dependent on hard work and determination. Not unlike the landscape we see before us as we head into this next session. Since even before Colorado was a state, Coloradans have been used to hard work and tough decisions.

We sit in this grand house built by the children and grandchildren of those pioneers -- some five and a half generations later we are the descendants of their land and decisions facing daunting challenges of our own -- with tough decisions of our own to make.

The decisions made by the pioneers shaped the future of Colorado. The decisions we will make over the next 119 days will also shape the future -- but this time it is for our children and grandchildren who will be the beneficiaries.

These decisions will begin a new chapter in Colorado’s history -- one that must be written by all of us. Democrats and Republicans; farmers and businesspeople; urban dwellers and suburbanites; by engineers and teachers. The decisions we make will be difficult ones, but we have made tough and difficult decisions recently and while we have made progress we still have work to do;

Despite decisions and investments we have made in our efforts to create the new energy economy and assist small businesses which has placed Colorado in a much better economic situation than many states face -- we are not immune from the national financial crisis -- we face a tremendous budget deficit of $604 million, we now have 43,000 people in our unemployment insurance system and saw $48 million paid in unemployment benefits in November the highest unemployment rate in the history of state; in the first three quarters of 2008 there were almost 30,000 foreclosure filings, and according to the Food Bank of the Rockies nearly half a million people rely on food banks and the last six months that number has increased by 20% or 91,000 people;

Despite the decision in the closing hours of our last session to introduce a late bill to repair 122 structurally deficient bridges and handle other transportation needs -- that effort failed and we crossed our fingers and prayed to God that those bridges would hold and we wouldn’t have a Minneapolis tragedy. We didn’t. But we now face 126 structurally deficient bridges that must be repaired at a total cost of $1.3 billion and an overall yearly shortfall of $1.5 billion for all other transportation needs;

Despite our decisions to expand school choice and create innovation in our K-12 system to the point that we are national leaders in education reform -- our college readiness rate is only 34%, colleges spend $14.6 million on remedial classes and 52% of parents can’t attend school related events because they aren’t granted sensible leave;

Despite our decision to establish building blocks in the area of health care and health insurance to create better access, to lower cost and insure more Coloradans -- including covering an additional 50,000 children by next year, we still have nearly 800,000 Coloradans who face the frightening specter of being uninsured.

Together we have made decisions that have created a better Colorado and put us in a better stead than most, but as you can see we still face monumental and watershed challenges that will require difficult decisions to preserve the land bequeath to us by the pioneers and our maker.

In Joshua 1:6 it says “be strong and courageous, because you will lead the people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.”

It doesn’t take strength and courage to turn this chamber into a stadium of political gamesmanship where the score is kept when Mr. McGowne calls the roll on some legislation offered to get the other party on record and then we announce the winner in November of 2010.

However, it does take strength and courage to transform this august chamber into an arena of policy concepts and ideas that produces not Democratic answers nor Republican responses, but generates Colorado solutions where the winner in 119 days are the people of Colorado as we lead them in the land we inherited.

It will take strength and courage to make the difficult decisions that we must over the next 119 days -- but as we muster that strength and courage we must balance it with the overriding role of government which is to stand for the people that live in margins.

That role is our responsibility and our moral obligation.

That responsibility and moral obligation accompanies every elected official as we make the difficult decisions that will have to be made -- that responsibility and moral obligation will not let us not forget about the family in Greeley who after years of savings and planning and prayers they were able to purchase they dream home several years ago, but last spring their dream became a nightmare as they now bounces from relative to relative all but homeless with their dream home foreclosed;

That responsibility and moral obligation will not let us not forget the father from in Colorado Springs who came home shortly before Thanksgiving to tell his wife and young family that he had been laid off from his job and who now worries how he is going to buy diapers for their newborn and food for the rest of the family;

That responsibility and moral obligation will not let us not forget the young student from Jefferson County who in September during her first week of college sat numb in her dorm room after being told that she would have to take remedial classes because she wasn’t prepared for college;

That responsibility and moral obligation will not let us forget the couple in Grand Junction who have made a difficult choice of their own and have decided to forgo the potentially life saving and maintenance drugs for the husband so that they make mortgage payment.

Let us not forget those stories and those individuals and so many others who await our decisions and our leadership. We will have to make some difficult decisions this session, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that these decisions affect real people, with real lives and real dreams and hopes.
However, Coloradans are resilient it is our pioneering DNA -- and like our forefathers we will be modern day Joshua’s. We will be strong and courageous in the decisions we make as we lead our state in the land we’ve inherited.

A land that remains one of endless possibilities and opportunities, under girded by a persistent hope, pushed forward by an eagerness for change and steadied by an unwavering dedication to conquering every challenge.

We are better than we think and we must be better than we’ve been -- our future depends on it.

God bless you, God bless this honorable body and God bless the great state of Colorado. "

Senate President Groff's Opening Day Address

2009-01-07T11:28:00.002-07:00

Mister Majority Leader, Mister Minority Leader, Senate colleagues, distinguished guests, friends and my family. Let me begin by thanking the Senate for my election as president of the Colorado Senate for the 67th General Assembly.

It has been an honor to serve as your president and I am humbled that you would elect me again to lead this august body. I again pledge to work with all of you on both sides of the aisle to continue to build a better Colorado -- one we can be proud to leave our children and one we can be proud to present to the nation and the world. Thank you for this tremendous responsibility and honor.

I want offer my congratulations to Speaker Terrance Carroll on his election just moments ago. It is yet another stitch in the great fabric that is the history of our great state. The historic uniqueness of what is happening in the Senate and House today is not a testament to Speaker Carroll or me but a testimonial to Colorado and her people and members of the 67th general assembly.

Let us welcome our new members, Senators please stand when I call your name:

Senator Morgan Carroll of Aurora, Joyce Foster of Denver, Rollie Heath of Boulder, Evie Hudak of Arvada, Linda Newell of Littleton, Mark Scheffel of Parker, Keith King of Colorado Springs, and Al White of Hayden and Mary Hodge of Brighton.

Welcome to the Colorado Senate and strive to never lose the feeling you felt when you entered this historic chamber this morning -- if you can maintain that feeling our state will be better after your service. I also offer congratulations to the families and friends who were the foundation for your victories -- now say good bye for the next 119 days.

Much has been made of the challenges we will face over those 119 days -- a precarious economy, rising unemployment, crumbling bridges, a broken education system and thousands of Coloradans without health care.

The mountainous challenges we face today pale in comparison to the struggles faced by the pioneers who came to the foot of our majestic rocky mountains to build a life and a state with a vision that would not be diminished in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Driven by a collective yearning to conquer any and all barriers that stood in their way, Colorado’s pioneers faced and vanquished every challenge --
whether it was a rocky and unfamiliar terrain, unrelenting and unpredictable weather, deceptive people and practices or a dismissive government the pioneers soldiered on not to be deterred. Making the decisions that would build this magnificent state.

Colorado’s foundation is based on this pioneering spirit. When these pioneers first came to this region in search of land and opportunity, they found a rugged terrain but also the best land possible for agriculture. They found a land with endless possibilities, but possibilities dependent on hard work and determination. Not unlike the landscape we see before us as we head into this next session. Since even before Colorado was a state, Coloradans have been used to hard work and tough decisions.

We sit in this grand house built by the children and grandchildren of those pioneers -- some five and a half generations later we are the descendants of their land and decisions facing daunting challenges of our own -- with tough decisions of our own to make.

The decisions made by the pioneers shaped the future of Colorado. The decisions we will make over the next 119 days will also shape the future -- but this time it is for our children and grandchildren who will be the beneficiaries.

These decisions will begin a new chapter in Colorado’s history -- one that must be written by all of us. Democrats and Republicans; farmers and businesspeople; urban dwellers and suburbanites; by engineers and teachers. The decisions we make will be difficult ones, but we have made tough and difficult decisions recently and while we have made progress we still have work to do;

Despite decisions and investments we have made in our efforts to create the new energy economy and assist small businesses which has placed Colorado in a much better economic situation than many states face -- we are not immune from the national financial crisis -- we face a tremendous budget deficit of $604 million, we now have 43,000 people in our unemployment insurance system and saw $48 million paid in unemployment benefits in November the highest unemployment rate in the history of state; in the first three quarters of 2008 there were almost 30,000 foreclosure filings, and according to the Food

Bank of the Rockies nearly half a million people rely on food banks and the last six months that number has increased by 20% or 91,000 people;

Despite the decision in the closing hours of our last session to introduce a late bill to repair 122 structurally deficient bridges and handle other transportation needs -- that effort failed and we crossed our fingers and prayed to God that those bridges would hold and we wouldn’t have a Minneapolis tragedy. We didn’t. But we now face 126 structurally deficient bridges that must be repaired at a total cost of $1.3 billion and an overall yearly shortfall of $1.5 billion for all other transportation needs;

Despite our decisions to expand school choice and create innovation in our K-12 system to the point that we are national leaders in education reform -- Our college readiness rate is only 34%, colleges spend $14.6 million on remedial classes and 52% of parents can’t attend school related events because they aren’t granted sensible leave;

Despite our decision to establish building blocks in the area of health care and health insurance to create better access, to lower cost and insure more Coloradans -- including covering an additional 50,000 children by next year,

we still have nearly 800,000 Coloradans who face the frightening specter of being uninsured.

Together we have made decisions that have created a better Colorado and put us in a better stead than most, but as you can see we still face monumental and watershed challenges that will require difficult decisions to preserve the land bequeath to us by the pioneers and our maker.

In Joshua 1:6 it says “be strong and courageous, because you will lead the people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.”

It doesn’t take strength and courage to turn this chamber into a stadium of political gamesmanship where the score is kept when Mr. McGowne calls the roll on some legislation offered to get the other party on “record” and then we announce the winner in November of 2010.

However, it does take strength and courage to transform this august chamber into an arena of policy concepts and ideas that produces not Democratic answers nor Republican responses, but generates Colorado solutions where

the winner in 119 days are the people of Colorado as we lead them in the land we inherited.

It will take strength and courage to make the difficult decisions that we must over the next 119 days -- but as we muster that strength and courage we must balance it with the overriding role of government which is to stand for the people that live in margins.

That role is our responsibility and our moral obligation.

That responsibility and moral obligation accompanies every elected official as we make the difficult decisions that will have to be made -- that responsibility and moral obligation will not let us not forget about the family in Greeley who after years of savings and planning and prayers they were able to purchase they dream home several years ago, but last spring their dream became a nightmare as they now bounces from relative to relative all but homeless with their dream home foreclosured;

That responsibility and moral obligation will not let us not forget the father from in Colorado Springs who came home shortly before Thanksgiving to tell

his wife and young family that he had been laid off from his job and who now worries how he is going to buy diapers for their newborn and food for the rest of the family;

That responsibility and moral obligation will not let us not forget the young student from Jefferson County who in September during her first week of college sat numb in her dorm room after being told that she would have to take remedial classes because she wasn’t prepared for college;

That responsibility and moral obligation will not let us forget the couple in Grand Junction who have made a difficult choice of their own and have decided to forgo the potentially life saving and maintenance drugs for the husband so that they make mortgage payment.

Let us not forget those stories and those individuals and so many others who await our decisions and our leadership. We will have to make some difficult decisions this session, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that these decisions affect real people, with real lives and real dreams and hopes.

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However, Coloradans are resilient it is our pioneering DNA -- and like our forefathers we will be modern day Joshua’s. We will be strong and courageous in the decisions we make as we lead our state in the land we’ve inherited.

A land that remains one of endless possibilities and opportunities, undergirded by a persistent hope, pushed forward by an eagerness for change and steadied by an unwavering dedication to conquering every challenge.

We are better than we think and we must be better than we’ve been -- our future depends on it.

God bless you, God bless this honorable body and God bless the great state of Colorado.

SENATE SUPPORTS INSURANCE ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

2008-05-05T16:45:00.001-06:00

DENVER—Today the Senate gave initial approval to the Insurance Accountability Act of 2008, which would push insurance companies to pay consumers what they are owed for valid claims. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon (D-Denver) and Speaker of the House H. Andrew Romanoff, HB08-1407 would strengthen the ability of the Insurance Commissioner to deter unreasonable conduct by an insurer, help consumers recover damages, and clarify the definition of restitution. “This bill creates penalties for insurance companies who fail to pay valid claims—it will protect Colorado citizens,” said Gordon. “Insurance companies that do the right thing will have nothing to fear.” The bill would provide the Division of Insurance increased authority to penalize bad conduct by state regulated insurance companies. It would also prohibit insurance companies from unreasonably delaying or denying benefits owed to policyholders. If an insurance company unfairly denies a legitimate claim, customers would be able to take their insurance company to court. In instances where a claim has been illegally denied, insurance companies would be directed by the court to pay the policyholder twice the full benefits owed plus insurance fees. HB08-1407 will next be considered by the full Senate on third and final reading.

SCHWARTZ PULLS BACK CURTAIN ON MINING CONTRACTS

2008-04-28T12:54:00.000-06:00

DENVER—Today the full Senate voted 28-7 in favor of a measure that would provide increased transparency in the mining industry by making notices of mining intent open to the public.

Sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Representative Kathleen Curry (D-Gunnison), SB08-228 would make all information submitted to the Mined Land Reclamation Board in a notice of intent to conduct prospecting or modify existing notices subject to the Colorado Open Records Act.

“This bill provides a level of transparency for the public where it is often not found,” Schwartz said. “People deserve to know what’s happening in their communities. The more information people have access to, the better equipped they are to make decisions.”

The bill would require the person filing the notice to provide an electronic version to the board so that it could be posted on the board’s web site. One exception to the bill would exempt information specifying the location, size, nature of the mineral deposit, and other information designated by the operator as proprietary.

The bill next heads to the House for consideration.

HIGHER ED FUNDING CLEARS SENATE

2008-04-28T12:53:00.002-06:00

Capital Construction
Measure Moves Forward

DENVER—Today the full Senate voted 29-6 in favor of a bill that would direct a portion of Federal Mineral Lease dollars to fund higher education capital construction projects.

Sponsored by Senator Sue Windels (D-Arvada), Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora), and Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley), SB08-233 would authorize certificates of participation to provide funding for capital construction.

“Our colleges and universities are starved for capital construction funding, which means higher costs for students,” Williams said. “It’s time the state give schools the support they need to ensure the very best learning environments for our students.”

The bill requires the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to submit a prioritized list of higher education capital construction projects to the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB). OSPB will turn over the list to the Capital Development Committee and forward it to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC). The bill also allows the State Treasurer to enter into lease-purchase agreements for the construction of the projects identified in the resolution set by the JBC based on the priority list.

SB08-233 next heads to the House for consideration.

COMMITTEE APPROVES HIGHER ED FUNDING

2008-04-24T14:37:00.000-06:00

Capital Construction Measure Moves Forward

DENVER—Today the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill that would direct a portion of Federal Mineral Lease dollars to fund higher education capital construction projects.

Sponsored by Senator Sue Windels (D-Arvada), Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora), and Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley), SB08-233 would authorize state-backed bonds to provide funding for capital construction.

“Our colleges and universities are starved for capital construction funding, which means higher costs for students,” Williams said. “It’s time the state give schools the support they need to ensure the very best learning environments for our students.”

The bill requires the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to submit a prioritized list of higher education capital construction projects to the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB). OSPB will turn over the list to the Capital Development Committee and forward it to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC). The bill also allows the State Treasurer to enter into lease-purchase agreements for the construction of the projects identified in the resolution set by the JBC based on the priority list.

SB08-233 next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

TAX RELIEF ON THE WAY FOR SMALL BUSINESS

2008-04-24T14:36:00.001-06:00

DENVER—Today the Senate Finance Committee approved a bill that would exempt more than 30,000 Colorado businesses from the business personal property tax.

Sponsored by Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora), Representative Joe Rice (D-Littleton) and Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction), HB08-1225 would raise the business personal property tax exemption threshold from $2,500 to $7,000, giving thousands of small businesses much needed tax relief and allowing them to reinvest in their own businesses.

“As both our country and our state face an economic downturn, this bill gives small businesses the breathing room they need to thrive and grow,” Williams said. “Ultimately we know that good jobs and steady paychecks mean a stronger financial future for Colorado.”

The bill next heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

SENATE APPROVES BI-PARTISAN CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING PLAN

2008-04-24T14:35:00.002-06:00

DENVER—Today the Senate voted 21-12 in favor of SB08-198, which would require the legislature to create more competitive congressional districts in Colorado.

Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon (D-Denver) and Representative Rob Witwer (R-Golden), the bill would ensure that the legislature consider all the current criteria in state and federal law, such as keeping cities and counties intact and making the districts as compact as possible, but would add that, to the extent practicable, it consider whether districts contain balanced numbers of Democratic, Republican and unaffiliated voters.

“Competitive congressional districts are districts where you don’t know who is going to win in advance—you actually have to hold the election to find out,” said Gordon. “Congress will function better if the congressmen and women are beholden to the people who vote in general elections rather than the people who vote in partisan primaries. Competition is an integral part of our democracy.”

The bill would also require the General Assembly to:
• conduct at least 12 public hearings throughout the state on proposed redistricting plans;
• make redistricting data and mapmaking tools available to the public in at least one location in each congressional district; and
• allow for the submission of redistricting maps, recommendations, and inquiries from the public.

SB08-198 next heads to the House for consideration.

GIBBS TO BARK BEETLES: MAKE LIKE A TREE, AND LEAF!

2008-04-23T10:20:00.000-06:00

Senator Warns of Critical Wildfire
Risk in Colorado’s High Country

DENVER—Today the Senate voted unanimously in favor of HB08-1269, which would help reduce the threat of devastating wildfires in Colorado’s forests by providing incentives for products that use timber killed by the bark beetle infestation.

Sponsored by Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne), the bill would provide an exemption from sales and use tax for sales, storage, and use of wood products, such as lumber, furniture, or wood chips that use wood from salvaged trees killed in Colorado by bark beetles. The bill would also provide cities and counties the option of exempting such sales from taxation.

“Colorado’s forests and watersheds are among our most critical resources and we must do all we can to protect them,” said Gibbs. “It’s heartbreaking to see the extent of the devastation in our mountain forests. With passage of this bill we’re tackling this crisis head-on; removing all that dead timber will greatly reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires and will help protect our forests, our water, and our way of life.”

Gibbs is a Type II Wildland Firefighter and last year crafted and passed the 2007 Colorado Forest Restoration Act, which also dealt with the bark beetle epidemic in Colorado’s high country.

The bill next heads back to the House for concurrence.

SENATE APPROVES LANDMARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE

2008-04-22T14:26:00.001-06:00

DENVER—Today the Senate passed a landmark package of economic development bills designed to invest in local businesses and bring financial security and new prosperity to Colorado.

The Senate gave final approval to the following five bills:

Bioscience Grants (Bacon/Riesberg) – Extends the grant program to make $26.5 million available to universities and start-up companies to energize one of Colorado’s most promising industries.

Eliminate the “Fly-Away” Tax (Bacon/Buescher) – Encourages aircraft manufacturers to come to Colorado by eliminating the sales tax imposed on airplanes manufactured in the state.

Rural Broadband (Schwartz/Riesberg) – Directs the Chief Information Officer of Colorado to create public WIFI service areas. The bill could provide rural communities access to telemedicine, online education resources and equip small business owners with the tools they need to compete globally.

TIF Downtown Development Authority (Bacon/Buescher) – Extends the period for tax increment financing revenue collected by a downtown development authority.

Performance-based Incentive for New Jobs (Veiga/Hodge) – Creates monetary incentives for business to create at least one new job every five weeks in rural areas and every two and half weeks in urban areas.

The Senate also gave initial approval to the following bill:

New Solar Energy Technologies (Schwartz) – Directs the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to encourage utilities to enhance renewable energy standards and to evaluate energy efficiency regarding public projects. Requires the PUC to publish findings regarding the economic characteristics of varying types of energy technology.

CENTENNIAL CARE CHOICES CLEARS SENATE

2008-04-22T11:37:00.002-06:00

Landmark Public-Private Health Care Proposal Heads to House

DENVER—Today the full Senate voted 24-10 in favor of Centennial Care Choices, a proposal that aims to decrease Colorado’s uninsured population by helping individuals and businesses obtain affordable health insurance through balanced public-private partnerships.

Sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora), the plan is targeted at Coloradans who earn too much to receive Medicaid but don't buy insurance.

“Colorado’s uninsured population is having a serious impact on the cost of health insurance and to the health care delivery system in our state,” said Hagedorn. “The majority of Americans do not want a big government health program, but something they can have faith in and something that gives them choices. Centennial Care Choices will get us there.”

The proposal includes:
A request for health insurers to create a menu of “Value Benefit Plans” (VBPs) that would be evaluated and endorsed by the state and would be made available to all Coloradans.
Assistance to low income individuals and employees of businesses through a state subsidy of a portion of the VBP premium for those who do not qualify for government programs and cannot afford health insurance.
Assurance that this program builds upon the existing employer-based health insurance system, does not encourage businesses currently offering coverage to discontinue it, and promotes administrative efficiencies.

Supported by Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver), Senator Steve Johnson (R-Ft Collins), Representative Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs) and Representative Ellen Roberts (R-Durango), Centennial Care Choices next heads to the House for consideration.

SENATE OKs CENTENNIAL CARE CHOICES

2008-04-21T15:01:00.001-06:00

Landmark Public-Private
Health Care Proposal Advances

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave initial approval to Centennial Care Choices, a proposal that aims to decrease Colorado’s uninsured population by helping individuals and businesses obtain affordable health insurance through balanced public-private partnerships.

Sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora), the plan is targeted at Coloradans who earn too much to receive Medicaid but don't buy insurance.

“Colorado’s uninsured population is having a serious impact on the cost of health insurance and to the health care delivery system in our state,” said Hagedorn. “The majority of Americans do not want a big government health program, but something they can have faith in and something that gives them choices. Centennial Care Choices will get us there.”

The proposal includes:
A request for health insurers to create a menu of “Value Benefit Plans” (VBPs) that would be evaluated and endorsed by the state and would be made available to all Coloradans.
Assistance to low income individuals and employees of businesses through a state subsidy of a portion of the VBP premium for those who do not qualify for government programs and cannot afford health insurance.
Assurance that this program builds upon the existing employer-based health insurance system, does not encourage businesses currently offering coverage to discontinue it, and promotes administrative efficiencies.

Supported by Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver), Senator Steve Johnson (R-Ft Collins), Representative Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs) and Representative Ellen Roberts (R-Durango), Centennial Care Choices will next be considered by the full Senate on third and final reading.

TUPA SEES YOUR $5, RAISES YOU

2008-04-21T14:14:00.001-06:00

DENVER—On Friday Senator Ron Tupa (D-Boulder) introduced SCR08-08, which would eliminate the $5 betting cap in Colorado’s casinos.

The measure is a proposed constitutional amendment and requires a 2/3 supermajority in both the Senate and the House before going before Colorado voters in November.

“The public mood has really changed in the last twenty years toward gaming revenues as a way to pay for state services,” said Tupa. “The projected revenues for the first year alone are $40-50 million. That’s money that could go to pay for things like roads, bridges, public safety and other critical services. I think it’s time the people of Colorado had a say on this issue.”

The proposal could be considered by the Senate as early as the end of this week.

SENATE RISES AGAINST DISCRIMINATION OVER GOP OBJECTIONS

2008-04-18T12:27:00.001-06:00

Senators “Disgusted” by

Intolerant Comments from Far Right

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave initial approval to SB08-200, but not without considerable and at times heated debate.

Sponsored by Senator Jennifer Veiga (D-Denver), the bill would add sexual orientation to Colorado’s non-discrimination statutes for 23 areas, including housing, employment, education, public accommodations and health care.

Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver) objected to a joke amendment offered by Republican Senator Greg Brophy, which attempted to include a person’s height in non-discrimination statues.

“Making light of the fear and disadvantage suffered by gay Coloradans is disgusting,” said Groff. “Discrimination is the birth defect of our country – discrimination is not a joke.”

Some Republican senators also argued that there is a lack of statistical evidence that proves the existence of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

“I can understand that some people may choose to ignore discrimination in their day to day lives,” said Veiga. “But I can tell you that discrimination still exists and is very real for so many Coloradans.”

SB08-200 was passed on a voice vote and will next be considered by the full Senate on third and final reading.

SCHWARTZ BRINGS BROADBAND TO RURAL COLORADO

2008-04-18T12:24:00.002-06:00

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave initial approval for a measure that would help bring broadband internet service to rural areas in Colorado.

Sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass), the bill would direct Colorado’s Chief Information Officer to identify broadband telecommunications service areas within Colorado and to develop a map of those areas, with the goal of using the map to help plan the deployment of broadband service to unserved areas of the state.

“This bill is a huge step into the 21st century for Colorado,” said Schwartz. “Many parts of rural Colorado have fallen behind Front Range areas in access to broadband communications. Broadband communication is crucial for economic development, and extending this technology will dramatically improve health care and educational services and strengthen local businesses in rural Colorado.”

SB08-215 will next be considered by the Senate on third and final reading.

SENATE APPROVES LANDMARK EDUCATION PACKAGE

2008-04-17T11:30:00.001-06:00

DENVER—Today the Senate passed a package of landmark education bills aimed at giving all Colorado students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in tomorrow’s globally competitive 21st century economy.

The Senate gave final approval to the following two bills:

Building Excellent Schools Today (Schwartz & Groff/Romanoff) – Makes up to $1 billion available to repair and rebuild Colorado’s crumbling schools.

Safe Schools (Morse) – Establishes a school Safety Resource Center and Advisory Board in the Department of Public Safety. The center will develop safety/emergency readiness plans to ensure safety in schools through prevention and intervention.

The Senate also gave initial approval to the following five bills:

Cap4K (Romer/Scanlan) – Aligns rigorous course content standards with meaningful proficiency assessments with standardized college admission requirements. Cap4K is a complete redesign and realignment of Colorado’s education systems from pre-school through college.

Teach for Colorado (Shaffer/A. Kerr) – Provides scholarship incentives for college students to pursue careers in mathematics, science, and other high-demand teaching areas in Colorado.

College Opportunity Fund for National Guard Members (Shaffer) – Makes members of the Colorado National Guard eligible for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend.

Streamlining Rural Education (Schwartz) – Streamlines the delivery of administration programs and services in rural school districts. Expands regional service areas throughout the state, leverages resources and encourages collaboration locally to meet varying needs and priorities.

Child Nutrition School Lunch Program (Sandoval/Madden) – Provides school lunches for all eligible children under the federal “National School Lunch Act.”

BILL TO REBUILD AND REPAIR COLORADO’S CRUMBLING SCHOOLS CLEARS SENATE

2008-04-17T11:29:00.000-06:00

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave final approval to HB08-1335, which would address health and safety issues by providing funds to rebuild, repair or replace our most dangerous and most needy K-12 facilities.

Sponsored by Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver), Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and House Speaker H. Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver), the bill calls for a statewide needs assessment for the selection of schools and projects, and leverages as much as $1 billion in funds while keeping within our balanced budget.

“It’s time the state steps up to address the condition of our schools, especially those in our rural districts,” Schwartz said. “We included measures in this bill to give schools a fighting chance to teach their children in safe environments.”

Colorado's public school buildings across the state are aging. Hazards include failing roofs, structural problems, inadequate fire safety, faulty and dangerous boilers, asbestos and carbon monoxide contamination.

“By investing in school safety we are also investing in the overall education of Colorado students,” Groff said. “This bill not only offers a solution to crumbling schools, but it does it in way that is fiscally reasonable.”

The plan will leverage $30-40 million of revenue annually from the School Trust Lands to raise up to $500 million in capital. Local matching could raise another $400-500 million, bringing the total to nearly one billion dollars, enough to repair hundreds of existing schools or to build scores of new ones.
The School Trust Lands are property the federal government granted to the state in 1876 for the benefit of Colorado’s schoolchildren.

HB08-1335 now returns to the House for concurrence .

GIBBS BILL HAILED AS ANTI-WILDFIRE MEASURE

2008-04-16T16:42:00.001-06:00

Amid Talk of Forming Committees to Study Wildfires,
Bill Takes Action to Reduce Threats to Colorado Forests

DENVER—Today the Senate unanimously gave final approval to SB08-71, which would address the bark beetle devastation and reduce the threat of wildfires posed by thousands of acres of dead standing trees in Colorado’s forests.

Sponsored by Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) and Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Dillon), the bill would extend the repeal date for the Forest Restoration Pilot Program and its related technical advisory panel from 2008 to 2012.

Gibbs created the Forest Restoration Pilot Program in 2007 as part of the Colorado Forest Restoration Act. It directed the Colorado State Forest Service, the Division of Forestry and the Department of Natural Resources to solicit proposals for experimental forest restoration projects that protect water supplies. It also established a technical advisory panel to assist the state forest service in the proposal selection process.

“Colorado is blessed with 22.6 million acres of forests. Sadly, 1.5 million of that forest now stands dead,” Gibbs said. “It’s heartbreaking to see the extent of the devastation in our mountains. With passage of this bill we’re tackling this crisis head-on; finding uses for all that dead timber will greatly reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires and will help protect our forests, our water, and our way of life.”

Gibbs is a Type II Wildland Firefighter and last year spent a month fighting wildfires in California.

SB08-71 next heads to the House for consideration.

GIBBS HAS Rx FOR AILING COLORADO FORESTS

2008-04-15T13:00:00.002-06:00

Senate OKs Forest Restoration Act

DENVER—Today the Senate gave initial approval to SB08-71, which would reauthorize last year’s forest health measure to address the devastating infestation of bark beetles in Colorado.

Sponsored by Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) and Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Dillon), the bill would extend the repeal date for the Forest Restoration Pilot Program and its related technical advisory panel from 2008 to 2012.

Gibbs created the Forest Restoration Pilot Program in 2007 as part of the Colorado Forest Restoration Act. It directed the Colorado State Forest Service, the Division of Forestry and the Department of Natural Resources to solicit proposals for experimental forest restoration projects that protect water supplies. It also established a technical advisory panel to assist the state forest service in the proposal selection process.

“Colorado is blessed with 22.6 million acres of forests. Sadly, 1.5 million of that forest now stands dead,” Gibbs said. “It’s heartbreaking to see the extent of the devastation in our mountains. With passage of this bill we’re tackling this crisis head-on; finding uses for all that dead timber will greatly reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires and will help protect our forests, our water, and our way of life.”

Gibbs is a Type II Wildland Firefighter and last year spent a month fighting wildfires in California.

SB08-71 will next be taken up by the Senate on third and final reading.

RAINY DAY & PERMANENT FUNDS BILL MOVES FORWARD

2008-04-10T16:41:00.002-06:00

Schwartz Steers Landmark
Measure Through Committee

DENVER—Today the Senate Education Committee approved a measure to create a rainy day fund and ongoing funds dedicated to higher education and local communities most impacted by oil and gas drilling in Colorado.

Sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Representative Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction), the bill would set aside money from the state’s energy boom to create lasting funds for Colorado’s future.

The proposed measure:
Directs more than $1 billion to communities impacted by oil and gas drilling over the next 10 years.
Designates more than $650 million in future Federal Mineral Lease revenue to capital construction projects at colleges and universities.
Creates a rainy day fund by depositing half of any future lease bonus payments into a newly created Higher Education Maintenance and Reserve Fund. Interest from this fund will pay for higher education projects. In the case of a recession, this fund could be tapped to ensure higher education operating budgets are protected.
Deposits the other half of any future bonus payments into local government permanent fund for impacted communities.
Directs more than $700 million to K-12 education and more than $150 million to the Colorado Water Conservation.

“We are standing on the cusp of an enormous opportunity to set aside money from our state's energy boom and to create lasting funds to address Colorado’s future needs in the event of an economic downturn,” said Schwartz. “We have worked hard on this bill to ensure that the outcomes will be beneficial to all stakeholders.”

The bill moves next to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

SCHWARTZ BRINGS BROADBAND TO RURAL COLORADO

2008-04-10T08:39:00.002-06:00

DENVER—Today the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee passed a measure that would help bring broadband internet service to rural areas in Colorado.

Sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass), the bill would direct Colorado’s Chief Information Officer to identify broadband telecommunications service areas within Colorado and to develop a map of those areas, with the goal of using the map to help plan the deployment of broadband service to unserved areas of the state.

“This bill is a huge step into the 21st century for Colorado,” said Schwartz. “Many parts of rural Colorado have fallen behind Front Range areas in access to broadband communications. Broadband communication is crucial for economic development, and extending this technology will dramatically improve health care and educational services and strengthen local businesses in rural Colorado.”

SB08-215 next heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

CENTENNIAL CARE CHOICES CLEARS COMMITTEE

2008-04-09T12:47:00.001-06:00

Landmark Public-Private
Health Care Proposal Advances

DENVER—Today the Senate Health and Human Services approved Centennial Care Choices, a proposal that aims to decrease Colorado’s uninsured population by helping individuals and businesses obtain affordable health insurance through balanced public-private partnerships.

Sponsored by Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora), the plan is targeted at Coloradans who earn too much to receive Medicaid but don't buy insurance.

“Colorado’s uninsured population is having a serious impact on the cost of health insurance and to the health care delivery system in our state,” said Hagedorn. “The majority of Americans do not want a big government health program, but something they can have faith in and something that gives them choices. Centennial Care Choices will get us there.”

The proposal includes:
A request for health insurers to create a menu of “Value Benefit Plans” (VBPs) that would be evaluated and endorsed by the state and would be made available to all Coloradans.
Assistance to low income individuals and employees of businesses through a state subsidy of a portion of the VBP premium for those who do not qualify for government programs and cannot afford health insurance.
Assurance that this program builds upon the existing employer-based health insurance system, does not encourage businesses currently offering coverage to discontinue it, and promotes administrative efficiencies.

Supported by Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver), Senator Steve Johnson (R-Ft Collins), Representative Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs) and Representative Ellen Roberts (R-Durango), Centennial Care Choices next heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

SAFER HOMES BILL CLEARS COMMITTEE

2008-04-08T13:54:00.000-06:00

Hagedorn Seeks to Make Carbon Monoxide
Detectors Mandatory in Colorado Homes

DENVER—Today the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee approved a bill to require carbon monoxide detectors in new or resold Colorado homes.

Sponsored by Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora), the bill would require all single and multi-family dwellings sold after July 1, 2008 to be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms if the dwelling has a fuel burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, and/or an attached garage.

The bill would also require that any building permit issued for new construction of a single or multi-family dwelling, including rental properties, be subject to the same provisions.

“Carbon monoxide is called ‘the silent killer’ because it’s odorless and colorless,” said Hagedorn. “A cracked furnace box can be fatal to a family. A $20 carbon monoxide monitor can prevent long-term health complications or death caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a common sense safety measure to save lives in Colorado.”

The bill would establish requirements for the maintenance and installation of alarms in rental properties, and requires that prior to renting to a new tenant a landlord must replace or repair an existing alarm as needed. A multi-family rental building may be installed with an alarm near the central heating unit in the building, if the alarm is able to notify a responsible person. The bill permits a local government to set more stringent requirements for the installation of alarms.

SB08-187 next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

BIOSCIENCE BOOST CLEARS SENATE

2008-04-07T11:35:00.001-06:00

Bacon Moves Major Economic
Development Package Forward

DENVER—Today the Senate gave final approval to HB08-1001, which would extend the Bioscience Research Grant Program to make $26.5 million available to universities and start-up companies to energize one of Colorado’s most promising industries.

Sponsored by Senator Bob Bacon (D-Ft Collins) and Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley), the bill would build on the award-winning grant program created in 2006 and re-authorized last year. The bill could provide as much as $150,000 per project to Colorado research institutions, accelerating the development of new technologies and new Colorado-based companies. It will also make up to $250,000 available to startup companies in Colorado.

“Passing this bill today means great progress for economic development in Colorado,” Bacon said. “Fort Collins is one of the top cities in the nation recognized for its strides in improving entrepreneurship development, which is a key part in retaining and growing local bioscience companies.”

The grant program is a major part of the economic development package announced last fall. A key economic driver for Colorado, estimates suggest the biosciences industry already contributes $415 million in state revenues each year. To date, the program has provided funding for 27 projects at institutions across the state, including CU, CSU, UNC, National Jewish Medical & Research Center and the University of Denver.

Research from the program has led to potential new treatments for schizophrenia, HIV, cancer, lung disease, and technologies that can be applied to environmental pollution, gait problems from chronic illness, optical microscopy and several other diagnostic tools and medical devices.

HB08-1001 next heads back to the House for concurrence.

DEMOCRATS BALANCE, PASS BUDGET

2008-04-04T12:53:00.002-06:00

DENVER—Today the Senate gave final approval to the state budget for 2008-2009, making critical investments in education, health care and economic development.

Those investments include providing 50,000 more kids with health care, $7.2 million in grant funding for college-bound students, and $13.5 million for economic development projects.

“It takes courage to invest under the threat of economic downturn, but that’s what is needed to minimize the impact of the downturn,” said Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs), a member of the powerful Joint Budget Committee. “Some suggest there are torpedoes in the water – we will watch for them. We will take action to avoid them when they are really in the water headed toward us, but we will not avoid the mission out of fear.”

Some Budget Highlights:

Invested in our children by providing thousands more kids with access to the health care they need to grow and learn. Lawmakers also worked to secure an additional $8 million to provide services for disabled persons on a waiting list that far surpasses the number of people receiving aid. Based on recommendations from the 208 Commission, a $43 million increase in provider rates was secured so that more doctors would be willing to treat Medicaid patients.

Invested in Colorado’s education system to ensure that every child can learn in safe, healthy schools and be ready to compete in a global economy. This budget provides 22,000 additional full-day kindergarten slots and adds 70 new school counselors to work with those students through to graduation. In higher education, $63 million was secured to keep college within reach of every Coloradan who wants to attend, as well as $10 million in need-based aid and $53 million to expand the College Opportunity Fund to more than 30,000 students.

Invested in our economy by creating incentives to lure alternative energy companies to Colorado, bringing high-paying jobs and useful technologies to improve the quality of life in our state. Democrats are keeping Colorado competitive in a growing global economy by streamlining and cutting bureaucratic red tape for businesses and investing in new technologies.

“Damn the torpedoes!” said Morse. “They will not keep us from making Colorado the best place it can be to live, to work, to raise a family and to address the hardships in each of our own lives.”

GIBBS SHREDS I-70 TOLLS

2008-03-27T14:19:00.003-06:00

Senator Tells Front Range Lawmakers to Legislate in Their Own Backyards

DENVER—Today Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) and Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Dillon) ripped into proposals to toll along the I-70 mountain corridor.

Gibbs and Scanlan held a rally with mountain and Front Range community leaders in advance of hearings by the Senate Transportation Committee to consider two bills—one by Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver) and another by Senator Andy McElhany (R-Colorado Springs)—that would impose tolls on the interstate leading through mountain communities to Colorado’s ski resorts.

Romer’s proposal includes using tolls to encourage carpooling and decrease traffic during peak travel times and to add bus service. McElhany’s would charge a $5 toll each way to raise money to widen the highway.

Legislators that represent the areas that would be affected were outraged at not having been consulted about the proposals by the bills’ sponsors.

“Both of these proposals were rushed through the process without any analysis on the environmental, economic and community impacts that would result from tolling I-70,” Scanlan said. “This is not the right way to serve the people of Colorado.”

“The communities in the mountains and foothills that I represent won’t stand for these toll proposals,” said Gibbs. “Our state and federal tax dollars pay for I-70, and it amounts to double taxation for these Front Range legislators to stick their hands in our pockets too. The senators pushing these tolls want an easier cruise up to the mountains to go skiing on the weekends. The folks that will be hit hardest here are the people that actually live and work along this artery and depend on it to move goods and to go about their daily lives.”

Romer’s bill was killed on a 5-2 committee vote, but McElhany’s was approved 5-2 and now advances to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

HAGEDORN ANNOUNCES CENTENNIAL CARE CHOICES

2008-03-27T13:11:00.003-06:00

DENVER—Today Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora) announced the introduction of Centennial Care Choices, a landmark proposal that would lay the foundation for implementing the recommendations of the Governor’s Health Care Reform Commission.

The measure aims to decrease Colorado’s uninsured population by helping individuals and businesses obtain affordable health insurance through balanced public-private partnerships.

The proposal includes:
A request for health insurers to create a menu of “Value Benefit Plans” (VBPs) that would be evaluated and endorsed by the state and would be made available to all Coloradans.
Assistance to low income individuals and employees of businesses through a state subsidy of a portion of the VBP premium for those who do not qualify for government programs and cannot afford health insurance.
Assurance that this program builds upon the existing employer-based health insurance system, does not encourage businesses currently offering coverage to discontinue it, and promotes administrative efficiencies.

“Centennial Care Choices is about doing what we can right now,” said Hagedorn. “It presents innovative ideas, maintains the assurance model, and offers the health care choices people demand.”

Hagedorn's proposal is supported by Representative Anne McGihon (D-Denver), Senator Steve Johnson (R-Ft Collins), Representative Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs) and Representative Ellen Roberts (R-Durango).

BILL TO REBUILD AND REPAIR COLORADO’S CRUMBLING SCHOOLS CLEARS COMMITTEE

2008-03-26T15:31:00.000-06:00

DENVER—Today the Senate Education Committee unanimously passed HB08-1335, which would address health and safety issues by providing funds to rebuild, repair or replace our most dangerous and most needy K-12 facilities.

Sponsored by Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver) and Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass), the bill calls for a statewide needs assessment for the selection of schools and projects, and leverages as much as $1 billion in funds while keeping within our balanced budget.

“It’s time the state steps up to address the condition of our schools, especially those in our rural districts,” Schwartz said. “We included measures in this bill to give schools a fighting chance to teach their children in safe environments.”

Colorado's public school buildings across the state are aging. Hazards include failing roofs, structural problems, inadequate fire safety, faulty and dangerous boilers, asbestos and carbon monoxide contamination.

“By investing in school safety we are also investing in the overall education of Colorado students,” Groff said. “This bill not only offers a solution to crumbling schools, but it does it in way that is fiscally reasonable.”

The plan will leverage $30-40 million of revenue annually from the School Trust Lands to raise up to $500 million in capital. Local matching could raise another $400-500 million, bringing the total to nearly one billion dollars, enough to repair hundreds of existing schools or to build scores of new ones.
The School Trust Lands are property the federal government granted to the state in 1876 for the benefit of Colorado’s schoolchildren.

HB08-1335 next heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

MORSE STANDS UP FOR SENIORS, GOP SITS DOWN

2008-03-26T08:15:00.002-06:00

Funding for Seniors’
Fund Clears Committee

DENVER—Today the Senate Finance Committee approved HB08-1108, which would provide vital assistance to some of Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens.

Sponsored by Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs), the bill increases funding to the Older
Coloradans Cash Fund from receipts collected from the state sales and use tax.

“This bill is so important not only because it makes fiscal sense, but also because it is just the right thing to do—keeping seniors in their own homes make the most sense for the seniors, their families and the taxpayers,” said Morse. “I was speechless at the votes against funding this measure, and apparently so were the Republican members of the committee. I didn’t hear a single argument from them as to why our senior citizens aren’t worth the funding in this bill.”
The Older Coloradans Cash Fund was established in 2000 and is administered by 16 statewide Area Agencies on Aging. Program services include personal care, assisted transportation, congregate meals, home-delivered meals, homemaker services, adult day care, transportation, and legal assistance.

HB08-1108 next heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

GIBBS GIVES BARK BEETLES THE FLICK

2008-03-25T16:28:00.002-06:00

Senator Warns of Critical Wildfire
Risk in Colorado’s High Country

DENVER—Today the Senate Finance Committee approved HB08-1269, which would help reduce the threat of devastating wildfires in Colorado’s forests by providing incentives for products that use timber killed by the bark beetle infestation.

Sponsored by Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne), the bill would provide an exemption from sales and use tax for sales, storage, and use of wood products, such as lumber, furniture, or wood chips that use wood from salvaged trees killed in Colorado by bark beetles. The bill would also provide cities and counties the option of exempting such sales from taxation.

“Colorado’s forests and watersheds are among our most critical resources and we must do all we can to protect them,” said Gibbs. “It’s heartbreaking to see the extent of the devastation in our mountain forests. With passage of this bill we’re tackling this crisis head-on; removing all that dead timber will greatly reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires and will help protect our forests, our water, and our way of life.”

Gibbs is a Type II Wildland Firefighter and last year crafted and passed the 2007 Colorado Forest Restoration Act, which also dealt with the bark beetle epidemic in Colorado’s high country.

The bill next heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

WILLIAMS KEEPING PEACE IN COLORADO COMMUNITIES

2008-03-25T11:21:00.001-06:00

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave final approval to SB08-192, which would create guidelines for residential picketing.

Sponsored by Sen. Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora), the bill would prohibit targeted residential picketing, establish restrictions on the size and number of signs that picketers can carry and specify the distance from a residence that picketers must remain.

“This bill is about peace and privacy for Colorado families,” said Williams. “The parameters created in this bill support and guide law enforcement in their efforts to keep our communities safe.”

Williams introduced a similar measure in 2001 that was killed by the Republican-controlled House. SB08-192 differs from the 2001 measure by providing additional clarification for law enforcement officers keeping the peace in residential areas. Violators could be charged with an unclassified misdemeanor and be subject to up to $5,000 in court fees.

The bill next heads to the House for consideration.

WILLIAMS EXPANDS ACCESS TO EDUCATION FOR RURAL STUDENTS

2008-03-25T11:18:00.002-06:00

Bill to Offer Duel Enrollment
for Ute Students Moves Forward

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave final approval to SB08-20, sponsored by Sen. Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora), which would extend the “Fast College, Fast Jobs” pilot program to include American Indian students who live on Colorado’s Indian reservations.

The bill would open program eligibility for the Fast College, Fast Jobs pilot program by adding school districts and high schools that serve those students.

“We need to make sure that the programs that are offered through the educational system that provides optimal educational opportunities are inclusive to all students wishing to participate,” Williams said.

Fast college, Fast jobs allows enrolled students to receive a high school diploma and an associate’s degree or a career and technical education certificate within five years. Students take a mix of high school and higher education courses and must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average during four years of high school.

Currently, 23 school districts and 62 target schools are eligible to participate in the program.

The bill next heads to the House for consideration.

SHAFFER GOES FOUR FOR FOUR

2008-03-19T17:00:00.001-06:00

Senator Passes Four
Bills in One Afternoon

DENVER—Today Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) successfully pushed four pieces of legislation through two different Senate committees.

In a single afternoon, Shaffer faced the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee, where he won approval for four bills that address major issues for our military communities and for public health.

Tuition Assistance for Colorado National Guards—HB-1252 allows a member of the Colorado National Guard to receive tuition assistance when enrolled at a private institution of higher education in a certificate or degree program in homeland security.

Benefits for Military Spouses—HB-1180 extends unemployment insurance benefits to spouses of military personnel who are transferred as part of their military responsibilities.

Dental Assistance Programs for Seniors—HB-1116 requires the State Board of Health to set reimbursement levels for medical providers participating in the Dental Assistance Program.

Wastewater Exemption—HB-1073 allows the Water and Wastewater Facility Operators Certification Board to exempt certain facilities from the requirement to operate under the supervision of a certified operator.

In addition to successfully passing four bills, Shaffer also chaired the Judiciary Committee.

SENATE PRESIDENT TO RECEIVE EDUCATION WARRIOR AWARD

2008-03-19T16:59:00.002-06:00

DENVER—On Thursday, Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver) will travel to New York City, where he will be honored with the Education Warrior Award by Democrats for Education Reform.

In addition to Groff, honorees will include New York Governor David Paterson and former NBA star Kevin Johnson, a charter school founder and candidate for mayor of Sacramento.

“These are transformational times in America,” said Groff. “The education reforms we are proposing in our state this year have the potential to transform the educational landscape in Colorado and be a model for the rest of the country. I look forward to working with education leaders across the nation as we continue to revitalize our education systems and move our states and our country forward.”

BACON SIZZLES IN FINANCE COMMITTEE

2008-03-18T16:06:00.001-06:00

Major Economic Development
Package Clears Committee

DENVER—Today the Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved HB08-1001, which would extend the Bioscience Research Grant Program to make $26.5 million available to universities and start-up companies to energize one of Colorado’s most promising industries.

Sponsored by Senator Bob Bacon (D-Ft Collins), the bill would build on the award-winning grant program created in 2006 and re-authorized last year. The bill could provide as much as $150,000 per project to Colorado research institutions, accelerating the development of new technologies and new Colorado-based companies. It will also make up to $250,000 available to startup companies in Colorado.

“Passing this bill today means great progress for economic development in Colorado,” Bacon said. “Fort Collins is one of the top cities in the nation recognized for its strides in improving entrepreneurship development, which is a key part in retaining and growing local bioscience companies.”

The grant program is a major part of the economic development package announced last fall. A key economic driver for Colorado, estimates suggest the biosciences industry already contributes $415 million in state revenues each year. To date, the program has provided funding for 27 projects at institutions across the state, including CU, CSU, UNC, National Jewish Medical & Research Center and the University of Denver.

Research from the program has led to potential new treatments for schizophrenia, HIV, cancer, lung disease, and technologies that can be applied to environmental pollution, gait problems from chronic illness, optical microscopy and several other diagnostic tools and medical devices.

HB08-1001 next heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS ACT CLEARS SENATE

2008-03-17T10:50:00.003-06:00

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave final and unanimous approval to SB08-130. Sponsored by Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver), the bill would allow schools and school districts to innovate in their approach to improving student performance by creating Zones of Innovative Performance (ZIPs).

If schools’ applications are approved by their local board of education, they could be granted the power to control budgets, hiring, curriculum, length of the school day and teacher compensation, for example. Upon local board approval, these schools would submit the innovation plan to the State Board of Education for designation as an innovative school or zone of innovation.

The bill serves as a tool to allow schools to assess their particular needs and to remove barriers by implementing strategies based on individual school assessments.

“A status quo approach is no longer working and in fact is hindering our ability to graduate our students with the skills they need to succeed in a global economy,” said Groff. “With passage of this bill, we have new tools to improve student performance and close the achievement gap by allowing more innovation in the way we educate our kids.”

The bill next moves to the House for consideration.

CHEAPER TEXTBOOKS ONLY A SIGNATURE AWAY

2008-03-14T12:20:00.006-06:00

College Textbook Affordability
Act Clears Senate

DENVER—Today the Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Senator Ron Tupa (D-Boulder) and Representative John Kefalas (D-Ft Collins), which would help lower the cost of textbooks in Colorado.

The College Textbook Affordability Act will prohibit college professors from ordering textbooks until they know how much the publisher is going to charge for those textbooks. The proposal also requires publishers to disclose changes made to each new edition of their textbooks. The bill will also prohibit publishers from bundling textbooks with additional materials such as CD-ROMs, as they are rarely used by instructors or students but significantly increase the price of textbooks.

“Passage of Senate Bill 73, the College Textbook Affordability Act, will save students and their parents hundreds of dollars a year in college expenses,” Tupa said. “This bill is an important piece of legislation that reduces the overall cost of higher education, by injecting competition into the otherwise “closed” college textbook market.”

Tupa represents Boulder, which has the highest student population in the state. Many of his constituents are already making enormous financial sacrifices to even enroll in colleges and universities.

The bill next heads to the Governor for signature.

EAGLES SPREAD WINGS, PASS SENATE

2008-03-14T11:19:00.002-06:00

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave final approval to HB08-1304, which would make it illegal to hunt, take, or illegally possess bald eagles in Colorado.

Sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass), the bill would make each violation an unclassified misdemeanor that would carry a fine of $1,000 to $100,000, up to one year imprisonment in a county jail, or both. Additionally, a fine of 20 points could be assessed against a violator’s hunting license.

Although the bald eagle will continue to be protected under the federal “Bald Eagle Protection Act” and the “Migratory Bird Treaty Act,” once the bald eagle is not listed as threatened or endangered, the penalties for illegally taking or possessing bald eagles will drop significantly.

“The recovery of the bald eagle in America is a major conservation accomplishment,” said Schwartz. “It is imperative that Colorado maintain its aggressive protection of bald eagles so that future generations can enjoy these magnificent symbols of America.”

The bill next heads back to the House for concurrence.

BACON BRINGS HOME….THE BACON

2008-03-14T11:17:00.006-06:00

Senator Completes
Hat Trick in Senate Ed

DENVER—Today Senator Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins) successfully steered three bills through the Senate Education Committee. In a single afternoon, Bacon passed bills to allow more financial independence for schools, set parameters for charter school classification and clarify current education statutes.

“It was a good day to have three excellent successes and have in depth discussion on significant education issues,” Bacon said.

-HB08-1002 would grant investment authority and fiduciary responsibility to the Board of Trustees at Mesa State College and to the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University.

-HB08-1159 would establish good neighbor policies between the Charter School Institute and school districts to exchange information and create a process by which districts are granted and denied chartering authority. The bill would set guidelines on addressing interactions between a school district's local board of education, the State Board of Education, and the State Charter School Institute.

-HB08-1079 would amend Colorado statute by replacing the term “vocational education” with the term “career and technical education” to conform to federal law. The bill would amend money counted toward enterprise status for the Community College Board, and mitigate the likelihood of community colleges going in and out of enterprise status depending on the level of capital construction funding in any given fiscal year.

Bacon plans to spend his evening in an easy chair.

WILLIAMS KEEPING PEACE IN COLORADO COMMUNITIES

2008-03-12T16:47:00.002-06:00

DENVER—Today the Senate State Affairs Committee passed SB08-192, which would create guidelines for residential picketing.

Sponsored by Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora), the bill would prohibit targeted residential picketing, establish restrictions on the size and number of signs that picketers can carry and specify the distance from a residence that picketers must remain.

“This bill is about peace and privacy for Colorado families,” said Williams. “The parameters created in this bill support and guide law enforcement in their efforts to keep our communities safe.”

Williams introduced a similar measure in 2001 that was killed by the Republican-controlled House. SB08-192 differs from the 2001 measure by providing additional clarification for law enforcement officers keeping the peace in residential areas. Violators could be charged with an unclassified misdemeanor and be subject to up to $5,000 in court fees.

The bill next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

UNUSED MEDS BILL PASSES COMMITTEE

2008-03-12T16:46:00.003-06:00

Bill Could Help Keep Pharmaceuticals
Out of Colorado’s Drinking Water

DENVER—Today the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed Senate Bill 190, which requires pharmacists to re-dispense certain unused medicines in licensed care centers.

Sponsored by Senator Lois Tochtrop (D-Thornton), the bill requires pharmacists, including those who are Medicaid providers, to re-dispense Medicaid medications that are returned and meet certain criteria related to packaging, proper storage, and expiration dates. Currently, pharmacists are not required by law to re-dispense returned medications.

“This bill will go a long way to alleviate some of the concerns about pharmaceuticals in Colorado’s drinking water,” Tochtrop said. “When pharmacists re-dispense unused drugs it saves taxpayer dollars in Medicaid costs and reduces the amount of pharmaceuticals going out in the garbage.”

The bill comes amid concerns that pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking-water supplies of at least 41 million Americans.

The bill next heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

ROMER POSTS WIKI-BILL

2008-03-12T12:08:00.002-06:00

Draft Bill Open for Comments, Criticism

DENVER—Today Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver) announced that he has posted a draft of the bill that will give every Coloradan the historic opportunity to help craft legislation to ease weekend traffic on Interstate 70.

Last month Romer launched an online forum to gather suggestions, comments and criticism on his proposal. Some of the bill’s provisions are a direct result of the information collected from citizens.

"We expect a certain amount of pushback from the trucking industry," Romer said. "Though small, this group has a powerful voice at the state Capitol, and it's time for the public to have their say."

Log on to view and comment on the Wiki-Bill at:

http://groups.google.com/group/fixI70now

INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS ACT GETS PASSING GRADE

2008-03-12T10:52:00.001-06:00

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave initial approval to SB08-130. Sponsored by Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver), the bill would allow schools and school districts to innovate in their approach to improving student performance by creating Zones of Innovative Performance (ZIPs).

If schools’ applications are approved by their local board of education, they could be granted the power to control budgets, hiring, curriculum, length of the school day and teacher compensation, for example. Upon local board approval, these schools would submit the innovation plan to the State Board of Education for designation as an innovative school or zone of innovation.

The bill serves as a tool to allow schools to assess their particular needs and to remove barriers by implementing strategies based on individual school assessments.

“A status quo approach is no longer working and in fact is hindering our ability to graduate our students with the skills they need to succeed in a global economy,” said Groff. “With passage of this bill, we have new tools to improve student performance and close the achievement gap by allowing more innovation in the way we educate our kids.”

The bill will next be considered by the Senate on third and final reading.

FLY-AWAY TAX CUT SOARS OUT OF COMMITTEE

2008-03-12T08:54:00.002-06:00

Bill Repeals State Tax Aircraft
Manufactured in Colorado

DENVER—Today the Senate Finance Committee passed HB08-1261, sponsored by Senator Bob Bacon (D-Fort Collins) to repeal state sales tax on an aircraft manufactured in Colorado and sold to buyers outside the state.

Colorado was formerly a leader in the aerospace industry, but in recent years aircraft manufacturers and their high-paying high-tech jobs have left the state in search of more favorable business environments.

“We want to reverse that trend in Colorado by creating incentives for the aerospace industry to grow,” Bacon said. “This bill is part of a package of bills aimed at revitalizing this sector of our economy.”

Currently, a newly-manufactured aircraft is subject to both sales and use taxes in Colorado. To avoid paying sales tax, some sellers would fly new planes out of Colorado to sell them, which proved too costly and cumbersome for aircraft manufacturers.

The bill next moves to the full Senate next for consideration.

KELLER WINS NATIONAL AWARD

2008-03-11T15:06:00.001-06:00

DENVER— Chosen from a national pool of state legislators, Senator Moe Keller (D-Wheat Ridge) was named by the American Psychological Association (APA) Practice Organization as 2008 State Legislator of the Year.

Keller will be presented with an award by the organization on March 10 at the State Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. Keller is recognized for her leadership in successful legislation related to mental health equality and sponsorship of several bills directly benefiting citizens and consumers of psychological services in Colorado.

“Even though we have made a lot of progress in Colorado, there is still a lot of work to be done,” Keller said. “I would like to expand community based mental health treatment for individuals and their families and implement a triage program to handle the mentally ill taken to hospital emergency rooms.”

In 2007 Keller passed an extension of mental health parity coverage in Colorado to include nine additional mental disorders: PTSD, drug and alcohol disorders, dysthymia, cyclothymia, social phobia, agoraphobia with panic disorder, general anxiety disorder, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

“Considering her long-standing efforts to improve the mental health system in Colorado, I believe that she is an outstanding candidate for this distinguished award,” said John Mahalik, Ph.D., M.P.A., legislative committee chair & board member-at-large for the Colorado Psychological Association (CPA). “In addition to her legislative efforts towards updating and expanding mental health parity, Sen. Keller has demonstrated a passion for recognizing and improving human services in Colorado.”

Last year, Keller was presented an award by the APA as the 2007 CPA State Legislator of the Year.

BACON BOOSTS BUCKS FOR BIGGER BIOSCIENCE BANG

2008-03-11T13:53:00.003-06:00

Major Economic Development
Package Clears Committee

DENVER—Today the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee approved HB08-1001, which would extend the Bioscience Research Grant Program to make $26.5 million available to universities and start-up companies to energize one of Colorado’s most promising industries.

Sponsored by Senator Bob Bacon (D-Ft Collins) and Representative Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley), the bill would build on the award-winning grant program created in 2006 and re-authorized last year. The bill could provide as much as $150,000 per project to Colorado research institutions, accelerating the development of new technologies and new Colorado-based companies. It will also make up to $250,000 available to startup companies in Colorado.

“Passing this bill today means great progress for economic development in Colorado,” Bacon said. “Fort Collins is one of the top cities in the nation recognized for its strides in improving entrepreneurship development, which is a key part in retaining and growing local bioscience companies.”

The grant program is a major part of the economic development package announced last fall. A key economic driver for Colorado, estimates suggest the biosciences industry already contributes $415 million in state revenues each year. To date, the program has provided funding for 27 projects at institutions across the state, including CU, CSU, UNC, National Jewish Medical & Research Center and the University of Denver.

Research from the program has led to potential new treatments for schizophrenia, HIV, cancer, lung disease, and technologies that can be applied to environmental pollution, gait problems from chronic illness, optical microscopy and several other diagnostic tools and medical devices.

HB08-1001 next heads to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

Facts: Colorado Bioscience Companies

Bioscience Companies: 380
Number of Bioscience Jobs: 16,000
Indirectly Supported Jobs: 20,204
Average Employee Salary: $63,000
Total Taxes Generated: $415.7 million

Source: Colorado BioScience Association

GIBBS KEEPS COLORADO MOTHERS WORKING

2008-03-10T16:36:00.002-06:00

Workplace Breastfeeding
Measure Clears Committee

DENVER—Today the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee passed HB08-1276, which would make it easier for mothers to continue breast-feeding when they go back to work.

Sponsored by Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne), the bill would establish a standard that employers provide basic accommodations for their breastfeeding employees. This would include providing reasonable break time for employees who are breastfeeding to express milk, and to make reasonable efforts to provide those mothers with a private location in which to express milk.

“This is about families, first and foremost,” Gibbs said. “Employees are more productive when they feel they can balance their work and family responsibilities. This bill is pro-family, pro-working mothers, and pro-business.”

According to the National Association of Working Women, women with infants and toddlers are the fastest growing sector of today’s labor force, with at least 70% working full-time. One-third of American mothers return to work within three months of giving birth, and two-thirds are back at work within six months.

The bill next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

SENATE HALF-TIME REPORT: DEMOCRATS DELIVERING FOR COLORADO

2008-03-10T13:16:00.001-06:00

Mid-Session Report Shows Great Progress
Made & More Challenges to Overcome

DENVER—Today Senate Democrats released their mid-session legislative update, showing major progress made in the first half of the legislative session and a snapshot of the work yet to be done in the coming months.

“On opening day we talked about the mountainous challenges facing our state,” said Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver). “We have made historic strides up those mountains this year, and I’m excited to continue our work to improve our state’s economy, healthcare and education, as we press on to move Colorado forward.”

Economic Development & Renewable Energy

Bioscience Grants (Bacon) – Extends the grant program to make $26.5 million available to universities and start-up companies to energize one of Colorado’s most promising industries. HB08-1001 has passed the House and is currently before the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee.

Business Personal Property Tax (Williams) – Raises the business personal property tax (BPPT) exemption from $2,500 to $7,000. This will give 30,400 businesses much needed relief so they can invest more in their business. HB08-1225 is currently before the House Appropriations Committee.

Single Factor Tax (Shaffer) – Cuts bureaucratic red-tape for business owners by moving to one consistent tax. This bill has yet to be introduced.

Eliminate the “Fly-Away” Tax (Bacon) – Encourages aircraft manufacturers to come to Colorado by eliminating the sales tax imposed on airplanes manufactured in the state. HB08-1261 has passed the House and is currently before the Senate Finance Committee.

Homegrown Power (Shaffer & Isgar) – Promotes energy independence for agricultural producers and rural communities statewide by allowing the extra energy they generate to be credited back. HB08-1160 has passed the House and is before the full Senate.

Forest Restoration Act (Gibbs) – Continues to address the devastation of Colorado’s forests by the bark beetle epidemic and spearheads forest restoration projects to protect water supplies. SB08-71 is currently before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Healthcare

Covering Colorado Kids (Hagedorn) – Will provide access to more than 50,000 Colorado kids who are currently uninsured. SB08-160 is currently before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Health Care for Kids (Boyd) – Extends health care eligibility standards for people applying for Medicaid and CHP+. SB08-161 is currently before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Alzheimer’s Council (Boyd) – Creates a council to assess the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease in Colorado, and to develop a state plan to address the impacts of the disease. SB08-58 has passed the Senate and is currently before the full House.

Autism Commission (Shaffer) – Creates an Autism Commission to study spectrum disorders, identify existing services and gaps in services for people with autism, and identify best practices in providing services. SB08-163 has passed the Senate and is currently before the House Health and Human Services Committee.

Funding for Developmental Disabilities (Keller & Morse) – The JBC has approved $6.8 million to fund services to the developmentally disabled. With federal matching funds, the state could add as much as $14.7 million to services provided to some of our most vulnerable citizens.

Education

Building Excellent Schools Today (Schwartz & Groff) – Makes as much as $1 billion available to repair and rebuild Colorado’s crumbling schools. HB08-1335 is currently before the House Appropriations Committee.

Innovative Schools Act (Groff) – Encourages schools and school districts to innovate to improve student performance by creating Zones of Innovative Performance (ZIPs) free of certain district and state regulations. SB08-130 is currently before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Teach for Colorado (Shaffer) – Provides scholarship incentives for college students to pursue careers in mathematics, science, and other high-demand teaching areas in Colorado. SB08-133 is currently before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Early Intervention Services (Williams) – Provides early intervention services to children who are not yet identified with a disability, but need additional academic and behavioral support. SB08-89 has passed the Senate and is before the House Education Committee.

Streamlining Rural Education (Schwartz) – Streamlines the delivery of administration programs and services in rural school districts. Expands regional service areas throughout the state, leverages resources and encourages collaboration locally to meet varying needs and priorities. SB08-38 is currently before the Senate Appropriations Committee.

College Textbook Affordability Act (Tupa) - Prohibits professors from ordering textbooks until they know textbook prices, requires publishers to disclose changes made to each new edition of books, and prohibits publishers from bundling textbooks with additional materials. SB08-73 has passed the Senate and is currently before the House Education Committee.

WESTERN PAINTED TURTLE INCHES CLOSER TO BECOMING STATE REPTILE

2008-03-10T13:14:00.001-06:00

Turtle Thrilled at Opportunity
to Serve Colorado

DENVER—Today the Senate gave initial approval to HB08-1017, sponsored by Senator Jennifer Veiga (D-Denver), which would designate the Western Painted Turtle as the Colorado state reptile.

“I was so impressed to see the students from Skyline Vista Elementary School engaged in the legislative process to bring this idea forward,” remarked Veiga. “It was great to see the kids talking and the Senators listening. I’m delighted that Colorado now has an official state reptile.”

The Western Painted Turtle is the largest of the four species of painted turtles is marked with red, yellow and olive designs on its shell. The turtle is unique to North America, Canada and Northern Mexico and lives in ponds, lakes, marshes, and in slow-moving rivers that have soft, muddy bottoms.

Though thrilled at the opportunity to serve, the turtle declined to comment further on the appointment.

The bill will next be considered by the Senate on third and final reading.

INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS ACT CLEARS SENATE APPROPRIATIONS

2008-03-07T10:10:00.002-07:00

DENVER—Today the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 130. Sponsored by Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver) and Senator Nancy Spence (R-Centennial), the bill would encourage schools and school districts to innovate to improve student performance by creating Zones of Innovative Performance (ZIPs) free of certain district and state regulations.

If schools’ applications are approved by their local board of education, these schools could be granted the power to control budgets, hiring, curriculum, length of the school day and teacher compensation, for example. Upon local board approval, these schools would have the option of submitting the innovation plan to the State Board of Education for designation as an innovative school or zone of innovation.

The bill would serve as a tool to allow schools to assess their particular school needs to reform and remove barriers by implementing strategies based on individual school assessments.

“A status quo approach is no longer working and in fact is hindering our ability to graduate our students with the skills they need to succeed in a global economy,” said Groff.

“These schools and districts of innovation would have the potential to instruct students in exciting new ways,” said Spence. “I think we have the potential to improve student achievement by offering flexibility in the way education is administered.”

The bill next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

JBC APPROVES EXPANDED FUNDING FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

2008-03-06T16:54:00.001-07:00

DENVER—This week the Joint Budget Committee tentatively approved Governor Ritter's request to expand funding to the Developmentally Disabled.

The JBC added $6.8 million to fund services to the developmentally disabled but with federal matching funds, the state could add as much as $14.7 million to services provided to this very vulnerable population.

Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) said, "This is one of those examples that proves the adage that the budget is a moral document. Caring for those among us that are most vulnerable is not only good stewardship, it is also the right thing to do. We will no longer turn our back on these citizens. These funds will help reduce the list of those waiting for services.”

JBC members were quick to caution that nearly four times this amount would be needed to eliminate the waiting lists. Morse added, “There is still much work to be done, but our tight budget does not permit additional progress on this front at this point.”

PUT DOWN THE BALD EAGLE AND COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP!

2008-03-06T16:53:00.002-07:00

Bill Addressing Eagle
Legality Passes Committee

DENVER—Today the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee passed HB08-1304, which would make it illegal to hunt, take, or illegally possess bald eagles in Colorado.

Sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass), the bill would make each violation an unclassified misdemeanor that would carry a fine of $1,000 to $100,000, up to one year imprisonment in a county jail, or both. Additionally, a fine of 20 points could be assessed against a violator’s hunting license.

Although the bald eagle will continue to be protected under the federal “Bald Eagle Protection Act” and the “Migratory Bird Treaty Act,” once the bald eagle is not listed as threatened or endangered, the penalties for illegally taking or possessing bald eagles will drop significantly.

“The recovery of the bald eagle in America is a major conservation accomplishment,” said Schwartz. “It is imperative that Colorado maintain its aggressive protection of bald eagles so that future generations can enjoy these magnificent symbols of America.”

The bill next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES RECOMMENDATIONS

2008-03-06T15:06:00.001-07:00

DENVER—Today members of the Legislative Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Reform held their last meeting and announced their recommendations in an afternoon press conference.

The committee was charged with examining Colorado’s statutory and constitutional initiative process and recommending potential improvements.

Senate President Pro-Tem Abel Tapia (D-Pueblo) said, “This committee has been one of the most satisfying things I’ve been a part of this session. We took our charge very seriously, and I’m proud of the committee’s work in bringing these recommendations forward. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we move these proposals through the legislature and onto the ballot.”

Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood) said “I look forward to hearing from the voters about creating a more thoughtful process for amending Colorado’s most sacred document."

The Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Reform began meeting in early February. The committee was chaired by Senate President Pro-Tem Abel Tapia (D-Pueblo), and included Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), Senator Shawn Mitchell (R-Broomfield), Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), Representative Ellen Roberts (R-Durango) and Representative Al White (R-Hayden).

The Select Committee was advised by former U.S. Senator and CU President Hank Brown, former Senate President Stan Matsunaka, former Senate Majority Leader Norma Anderson, former Senator Penfield Tate, Barbara Montgomery, Cathy Shull and Lorez Meinhold. The Select Committee also reviewed the recent constitutional study and 12 recommendations proposed by the University of Denver’s constitutional panel.

SHAFFER’S AUTISM MEASURE CLEARS SENATE

2008-03-06T11:13:00.002-07:00

Bill Would Create Autism Commission to
Develop Strategic Plan for Colorado

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 163, which would support research and treatment for people diagnosed with Autism.

Sponsored by Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), the bill calls for the creation of an Autism Commission to study autism spectrum disorders, identify existing services and gaps in services for people with autism spectrum disorders, and identify best practices in providing services.

If passed, the Autism commission would develop a 10-year strategic plan for Colorado that would clarify the range and effective coordinated services needed to provide support for people with autism spectrum disorders. The plan would also explore possible sources of funding needed to provide those coordinated services.

According to the Colorado Autism Commission, Autism is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, to reason and to interact with others. The disease is a spectrum disorder that affects people in varying degrees of severity and is often found in combination with other disabilities. Most side affects of the disease can be recognized before a child reaches three years old. The disease is more commonly passed through hereditary genes. In uncommon cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects.

Research shows that early intervention leads to improvements in behavioral, development of functional skills, communication and intelligence.

The 23-member commission would be asked to provide a report to the Governor and to the General Assembly in the fall of 2009.

The bill next heads to the House for consideration.

HOMEGROWN POWER ROUNDS THIRD, HEADS FOR HOME

2008-03-06T10:53:00.001-07:00

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave final approval to HB-1160, which would expand homegrown energy opportunities for agricultural producers and rural communities statewide.

Sponsored by Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), Senator Jim Isgar (D-Hesperus) and Representative Judy Solano (D-Brighton), the bill allows customers who generate more energy than they use to sell excess power back to the utility company for others to use.

“This bill is about creating jobs in Colorado,” Shaffer said. “By encouraging the development and use of renewable energy in all four corners of the state, we will stimulate the economy and move towards energy independence.”

HB-1160 streamlines the inconsistent patchwork of rural electric association (REA) and municipal utilities’ (MUs) rules for connecting and metering individual wind and solar systems. By creating a uniform statewide standard, Coloradans will have the opportunity to produce renewable energy easily and efficiently.

“This is the culmination of a lot of tremendous work done by a lot of people,” said Solano. “When Governor Ritter signs this bill into law, all Coloradans will finally have a genuine chance to participate in the new energy economy.”

If a customer generates electricity in excess of his or her monthly consumption, the additional kilowatt-hours must be carried from month-to-month and credited back to the customer's electricity consumption in subsequent months. Within 60 days after the end of each billing year, the power company is required to credit the customer for any excess generation in a manner deemed appropriate by the utility company.

The bill next heads to the Governor for consideration.

GROFF CAPS PREDATORY LENDERS

2008-03-05T17:35:00.002-07:00

DENVER—Today the Senate Judiciary Committee passed HB-1310, which is designed to stop predatory lenders from unfairly targeting Colorado’s most vulnerable populations.

Sponsored by Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver), the bill would help people who take out short-term – or payday – loans pay the loan back without getting caught in an endless cycle of debt.

“The dishonest practices of predatory lending are a real and urgent problem in Colorado,” said Groff. “For many people caught in the debt trap, a payday loan can mean total financial ruin for themselves and their families.”

Payday loans are short-term (usually two weeks) and made for a small amount ($300-$500). Payday lenders can charge $60 for a $300 loan for two weeks, resulting in an APR of 521 percent. House Bill 1310 caps annual interest rates at 45% for all payday loans. It also changes current practice on finance charges: the proposed legislation allows lenders to charge a maximum finance fee of $60 one time per twelve months.

After an interest rate cap regulating the industry was abolished in 2000, statistics have spiraled: since 2003, payday loan volume in Colorado has increased 117 percent. Based on average APR, payday loan customers will pay $544 in finance fees on an average $343 loan. And more than 70% of short-term loans went to borrowers with 11 or more loans in the last full year. Excessive fees on payday loans are estimated to cost Colorado working families more than $76 million annually.

“We are taking this bold step to bring some measure of relief to those who would otherwise be taken advantage of by predatory lenders, while still allowing the industry to operate in an already lucrative market,” Groff said. “It’s time these outfits stopped enriching themselves on the backs of Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens.”

The bill next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

COMMITTEE APPROVES V.O.T.E. ACT

2008-03-05T16:07:00.002-07:00

Verifiable, Open and Transparent
Elections Act Moves Ahead

DENVER—Today the Senate State Affairs Committee approved SB08-189, the long-awaited VOTE Act of 2008, a bi-partisan bill aimed at ensuring accurate and secure elections in 2008.

Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon (D-Denver) and Senator Andy McElhany (R-Colorado Springs), the bill will help to restore voter confidence in Colorado’s election system following Secretary of State Mike Coffman’s decertification of voting machines. The bill calls for the use of paper ballots at polling places in addition to early or mail voting and federally-mandated electronic voting machines.

Given the unprecedented voter turnout in Colorado’s caucuses and across the country, the 2008 general election will likely have a larger turnout than any previous election conducted in the state’s history.

“This bill will require that the 2008 election be conducted primarily by paper ballot,” Gordon said. “We think that this is the method that will best ensure that everyone will be able to vote and that the votes will be counted accurately.”

Details of the legislation:

The 2008 election will be conducted primarily by paper ballots. Polling places will be located in precincts, “super”—i.e. combined—precincts, or vote centers. The bill allows counties that have successfully conducted vote center elections in the past to continue to do so.

The counties will educate voters about exactly where to vote as the primary and general elections near.

Voters may still choose and are encouraged to vote by mail-in ballot. All electors are still eligible to gain permanent mail-in ballot status.

The electronic voting machines required by the Help America Vote Act will still be available to voters who wish to use them.

All Colorado voters may continue to cast ballots at early voting sites—early voting sites open 15 days before the general election, and 10 days before the primary election.

The voter information card will now be sent to all registered electors except those who have changed addresses and been designated inactive. The voter information card includes the registered elector’s name and address, precinct number, and polling place, and gives voters the option to choose mail-in ballots permanently.

The bill directs the Secretary of State’s office to convene a working group to consider how to improve audits and recounts.

HOMEGROWN POWER GATHERING STEAM

2008-03-05T10:03:00.001-07:00

Bill Supporting Energy Independence and
Savings for Colorado Passes on 2nd Reading

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave initial approval to HB-1160, which would expand homegrown energy opportunities for agricultural producers and rural communities statewide.

Sponsored by Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) and Senator Jim Isgar (D-Hesperus), the bill requires power providers with more than 5,000 customers to credit those customers who produce excess energy in their homes or businesses. Residential customers who generate up to10 kilowatts and commercial or industrial customers who generate up to 25 kilowatts of renewable energy would be able to make up for their retail electricity consumption with the generated electricity.

If a customer generates electricity in excess of his or her monthly consumption, the additional kilowatt-hours must be carried from month-to-month and credited back to the customer's electricity consumption in subsequent months. Within 60 days after the end of each billing year, the power company is required to credit the customer for any excess generation in a manner deemed appropriate by the utility company.

HB-1160 streamlines the inconsistent patchwork of rural electric association (REA) and municipal utilities’ (MUs) rules for connecting and metering individual wind and solar systems. By creating a uniform statewide standard, Coloradans will have the opportunity to reap the benefits of our new energy economy.

The bill will next be considered by the Senate on third and final reading.

SHAFFER BACKS AUTISM RESEARCH, TREATMENT

2008-02-29T08:31:00.003-07:00

Bill Would Create Autism Commission
to Develop Strategic Plan for Colorado

DENVER—Today the Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 163, which would support research and treatment for people diagnosed with Autism.

Sponsored by Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), the bill calls for the creation of an Autism Commission to study autism spectrum disorders, identify existing services and gaps in services for people with autism spectrum disorders, and identify best practices in providing services.

“We are making significant progress in learning about and treating autism,” Shaffer said. “This bill would provide a coordinated network of services to kids and families living with this disorder everyday.”

If passed, the Autism commission would develop a 10-year strategic plan for Colorado that would clarify the range and effective coordinated services needed to provide support for people with autism spectrum disorders. The plan would also explore possible sources of funding needed to provide those coordinated services.

According to the Colorado Autism Commission, Autism is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, to reason and to interact with others. The disease is a spectrum disorder that affects people in varying degrees of severity and is often found in combination with other disabilities. Most side affects of the disease can be recognized before a child reaches three years old. The disease is more commonly passed through hereditary genes. In uncommon cases, autism is strongly associated with agents that cause birth defects.

While there is no cure, research shows that early intervention leads to improvements in behavioral, development of functional skills, communication and intelligence.

The 22-member commission would be asked to provide a report to the Governor and to the General Assembly in the fall of 2009.

SB08-163 next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

HOMEGROWN POWER STEAMS AHEAD

2008-02-28T16:18:00.001-07:00

Bill Supports Energy Independence and
Provides Savings Options for Colorado

DENVER—Today the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee unanimously passed HB-1160, which would expand home-grown energy opportunities for agricultural producers and rural communities statewide.

Sponsored by Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) and Senator Jim Isgar (D-Hesperus), the bill requires power providers with more than 5,000 customers to credit those customers who produce excess energy in their homes or businesses. Residential customers who generate up to10 kilowatts and commercial or industrial customers who generate up to 25 kilowatts of renewable energy would be able to make up for their retail electricity consumption with the generated electricity.

“This bill preserves local control while encouraging the development of renewable energy systems,” Shaffer said. “Developing renewable energy systems will stimulate economic activity in our state and local communities, and will result in economic development in rural areas.”

If a customer generates electricity in excess of his or her monthly consumption, the additional kilowatt-hours must be carried from month-to-month and credited back to the customer's electricity consumption in subsequent months. Within 60 days after the end of each billing year, the power company is required to credit the customer for any excess generation in a manner deemed appropriate by the utility company.

HB-1160 streamlines the inconsistent patchwork of rural electric association (REA) and municipal utilities’ (MUs) rules for connecting and metering individual wind and solar systems. By creating a uniform statewide standard, all Coloradans will have the chance to harvest part of the renewable energy economy.

The bill next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

TEACH FOR COLORADO MOVES FORWARD

2008-02-28T16:16:00.003-07:00

Bill Would Provide Scholarship
Incentives for Prospective Teachers

DENVER—Today the Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 133, which would encourage prospective teachers to pursue careers in Colorado.

Sponsored by Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), the Teach for Colorado Scholarship Initiative grants scholarship money to pay for tuition, fees, and books necessary to complete a bachelor's degree in mathematics, science, special education, and other high-demand teaching areas.

“I firmly believe that a high quality education starts with a high quality teacher,” Shaffer said. “I want to remove barriers for prospective educators to complete their teaching degree by offering those students incentives.”

The bill creates a nine-member advisory committee to work with the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) to establish the program and designate awards. The committee and CCHE will be responsible for developing an application process, publish written policies and guidelines concerning a student's service commitment, eligibility requirements, and repayment obligations for failure to complete the program. They will also be responsible for awarding scholarship recipients and proving a biennial report to the General Assembly.

Students in the program are required to sign a commitment contract after completing one academic year and prior to beginning the second academic year. However, students who drop out of the program prior to signing the contract are not obligated to repay the award. The bill stipulates money appropriated by the General Assembly, and any gifts, grants, or donations received to fund the program.

If enacted, Teach for Colorado scholarships will be available for students beginning with the graduating class of 2009.

The bill next heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

LETTER FROM LAWMAKERS TO CHSAA

2008-02-27T17:16:00.001-07:00

Dear Bill Reader, Bert Borgmann, Chuck Howell, Administrators of CHSAA,

It has come to our attention that a request made last November by the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy men's basketball team to reschedule the regional finals game was recently denied by the board of the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA). The team had asked to be accommodated should they advance to the regional finals, as the championship game conflicts with the team's observation of the Jewish Sabbath. By now you are very much aware of the dilemma you have wrought on these students, who face the possibility of forfeiting the last game of their season because of their devotion to their faith.

The CHSAA mission statement states that “CHSAA will provide diverse and equitable opportunities for participation that encourages all qualified students to take part in the activity/athletic experience.” The athletes of Herzl/RMHA have been provided with neither a diverse nor equitable opportunity to participate in a full basketball season, because their faith would prohibit them from participating in the regional finals game. We are asking that CHSAA show respect for the diversity of their member schools and adhere to their mission.

This situation is not only unfair to the athletes of Herzl/RMHA who have worked so hard both on and off the court to get where they are, it is unfair to their opponents who may very well see the culmination of their season end in a victory by default. This possibility sullies the idea that CHSAA provides, “… an environment that enhances personal development through sporting behavior, character education, teamwork, leadership, and citizenship while increasing values that partner the educational standards of the State of Colorado.” We ask that CHSAA reconsider their decision and do what is right for these athletes.

LAWMAKERS URGE CHSAA TO DO THE RIGHT THING FOR JEWISH ATHLETES

2008-02-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

Senators Support Team’s Schedule Request
With Respect to Religious Observance

DENVER—Today state lawmakers joined Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver), Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon (D-Denver) and Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) to urge the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) to respect the religious diversity of all Colorado high school students, and to accommodate the Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy men’s basketball team’s observance of the Jewish Sabbath in scheduling their regional finals game.

“We want to encourage young people to excel in sports, and we want to encourage them to be observant of their faith,” Gordon said. “These athletes have worked hard on and off the court to get where they are. As adults, the CHSAA board needs to send the right message to these young people.”

Shaffer said, “CHSAA has said that it would be inconvenient to change their policy for this school. Doing the right thing isn’t always convenient, but what’s right is right, and this is the right thing to do. We call upon CHSAA to do what they need to do in order for these kids to play their game.”

Senators of both parties have signed on to a letter urging the CHSAA board to reconsider their scheduling of the game should Herzl/RMHA advance to

BI-PARTISAN LAWMAKERS UNVEIL 2008 ELECTIONS BILL

2008-02-26T15:45:00.001-07:00

DENVER—Democratic and Republican legislative leaders today announced the introduction of a major bi-partisan bill designed to ensure fair and secure elections in 2008.

Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon, Senate Minority Leader Andy McElhany, House Minority Leader Mike May and House Majority Leader Alice Madden, the bill calls for the use of paper ballots at polling places in addition to early or mail voting and federally-mandated electronic voting machines.

The 2008 general election will likely have a larger turnout than any previous election conducted in Colorado. In order to take pressure off of Election Day, to reduce the possibility of long lines, and allow clerks to start counting votes at the earliest possible time, the bill’s sponsors are encouraging Coloradans to exercise their right to vote by ordering a mailed ballot, or by voting at an early-vote location.

“The election bill filed today will require that the 2008 election be conducted primarily by paper ballot, said Gordon. “We think that this is the method that will best ensure that everyone will be able to vote and that the votes will be counted accurately.”

“We look forward to working with our clerks to provide transparent, accountable and fair elections, even if that means going ‘Old School,’” said Madden.
“It is essential that we do all that we can to ensure that our election process is fair and accurate,” May said. “The legislation we are announcing today is a step in the right direction toward safeguarding that process for every registered voter in Colorado.”

Details of the legislation:

The 2008 election will be conducted primarily by paper ballots. Polling places will be located in precincts, “super”—i.e. combined—precincts, or vote centers. The bill allows counties that have successfully conducted vote center elections in the past to continue to do so.

The counties will educate voters about exactly where to vote as the primary and general elections near.

Voters may still choose and are encouraged to vote by mail-in ballot. All electors are still eligible to gain permanent mail-in ballot status.

The electronic voting machines required by the Help America Vote Act will still be available to voters who wish to use them.

All Colorado voters may continue to cast ballots at early voting sites—early voting sites open 15 days before the general election, and 10 days before the primary election.

The voter information card will now be sent to all registered electors except those who have changed addresses and been designated inactive. The voter information card includes the registered elector’s name and address, precinct number, and polling place, and gives voters the option to choose mail-in ballots permanently.

The bill directs the Secretary of State’s office to convene a working group to consider how to improve audits and recounts.

STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT GROFF ON AMENDMENT 41 RULING

2008-02-25T16:41:00.004-07:00

DENVER—In response to the ruling today on Amendment 41 by the Colorado Supreme Court, Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver) released the following statement:

As a lawmaker I respect the ruling of our state’s highest court, though I am disappointed that we are back where we started. However, SB07-210, which I sponsored with Senator McElhany last year, created a commission that may now begin to answer some of the questions that surround the ambiguity of Amendment 41.

MORSE STANDS UP FOR TROOPS, FAMILIES

2008-02-25T11:27:00.002-07:00

Bill Would Reauthorize Tax Checkoff
For Military Family Relief Fund

DENVER—Today the Senate gave initial approval to House Bill 1035, which would reauthorize the tax checkoff for the Military Family Relief Fund on Colorado tax forms. The fund provides financial assistance for military families who face financial hardship due to military service.

Sponsored by Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs), the bill would extend the program created in 2005 to help military families pay for various living expenses, including day care, marital or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling, car or home repair, even mortgage payments.

"Resolutions supporting our troops are important, but real financial support is critical,” Morse said. “With the passage of this bill, every taxpayer has the ability to put their money where their heart is."

The fund is available to all branches of the military, active, reserve and National Guard.

The bill will next be considered by the Senate on third and final reading.

BOTTOMS UP! SUNDAY LIQUOR SALES CLEARS SENATE

2008-02-25T11:26:00.002-07:00

DENVER—Today the Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 82 by Senator Jennifer Veiga (D-Denver), which would allow liquor stores to open on Sundays.

“This is an important step for us,” said Veiga. “It’s time we move ahead as a state in the interest of Colorado consumers.”

Currently, 34 states permit Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages. Since 2002, 12 states have authorized Sunday liquor sales for the first time. Data compiled by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States suggest that in 2006, with 31 percent of the stores open in those new states, sales of alcoholic beverages increased an average of 4.4 percent. Projected statewide increases in the 12 states at full Sunday operation would yield an increase of 9 percent in sales.

State law has banned liquor stores from opening on Sundays since Prohibition ended in 1933.

The bill next moves to the House for consideration.

SENATE SATISFIED WITH SUDS ON SUNDAYS

2008-02-22T12:41:00.002-07:00

DENVER—Today the Senate gave initial approval to Senate Bill 82 by Senator Jennifer Veiga (D-Denver), which would allow liquor stores to open on Sundays.

“I think it’s time that Colorado makes its move,” said Veiga. “The vast majority of people agree that this is a bill whose time has come.”

Currently, 34 states permit Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages. Since 2002, 12 states have authorized Sunday liquor sales for the first time. Data compiled by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States suggest that in 2006, with 31 percent of the stores open in those new states, sales of alcoholic beverages increased an average of 4.4 percent. Projected statewide increases in the 12 states at full Sunday operation would yield an increase of 9 percent in sales.

State law has banned liquor stores from opening on Sundays since Prohibition ended in 1933.

The bill will next be considered on third and final reading in the Senate.

ROMER LAUNCHES WIKI-BILL

2008-02-22T12:39:00.002-07:00

DENVER—Today Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver) announced the launch the country’s first
Wiki-Bill, which will give every Coloradan the historic opportunity to help craft legislation to ease weekend traffic on Interstate 70.

Romer first floated the idea of congestion pricing on I-70 after a four hour drive up to a Colorado ski resort.

“My fervent hope is that the collective brain of all of Colorado is at least as powerful as the people in the Capitol,” said Romer. “I believe that Colorado’s pioneering spirit can solve this problem and fix I-70 now.”

Log on to the Wiki-Bill at:

WILLIAMS SUPPORTS NEEDY KIDS

2008-02-22T10:46:00.002-07:00

Bill Provides Early Intervention Services
for Children Who Need Additional Support

DENVER—Today the Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 89, which would provide early intervention services to children who are not yet identified with a disability but need additional academic and behavioral support.

Sponsored by Senator Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora), the bill would authorize a school district to offer early intervention services for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. While services are available for all grade levels, the legislation is aimed at children in 3rd grade or younger.

“The bill would enable children to succeed in a general education environment and utilize fewer special education services later in life,” Williams said. “Studies show that early intervention provides economic benefits to society, resulting from the child’s increased educational gains and eventually maximizes the child’s eventual contribution to society.”

The bill provides opportunities for learning and development and lays a foundation for success in the children’s later learning and working years.

The bill next moves to the House for consideration.

JBC APPROVES HEALTH DISPARITIES FUNDING

2008-02-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Continued Funding Helps All Coloradans Stay Healthy Regardless of Race or Ethnicity

DENVER—This week the Joint Budget Committee gave initial approval to continue funding for the Health Disparities program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The Office of Health Disparities is a state program of multi-cultural professionals dedicated to eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities in Colorado, by fostering systems change and capacity building through multi-sector collaboration.

“Communities of color suffer at a greater rate from medical afflictions,” remarked Morse. “We don’t completely understand why, but understanding and addressing why would drastically improve thousands of lives.”

Having been approved by the JBC, the funding will be incorporated into the state budget which will be considered by the legislature in April.

MEET THE PREZ

2008-02-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

DENVER—On Friday, February 22nd, Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon (D-Denver) will jointly host a media availability with Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver). The Senators will be available for questions for 30 minutes.

WHAT: Senate Majority Media Availability

WHEN: Friday, February 22nd from 1pm – 1:30pm

WHERE: Senate President’s Office

WHO: Sen. Groff
Sen. Gordon

SETTING SAIL? BETTER LAY OFF THE GROG

2008-02-21T16:51:00.005-07:00

Gibbs & Tupa Pass Bill Decreasing
Legal Alcohol Limit for Boaters

DENVER—Today the Senate Transportation Committee passed Senate Bill 159, which would improve public safety on Colorado’s waters by lowering the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) from 0.10 to 0.08 for boat operators.

Sponsored by Senators Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) and Ron Tupa (D-Boulder), the bill stipulates that boaters above the .08 threshold would be charged with boating under the influence. The bill also expands boating under the influence to include all vessels, not just motorboats or sailboats.

“Drunk boating is as serious an issue as drunk driving, and just as dangerous,” Tupa said. “Senate Bill 159 will help ensure public safety on Colorado waterways by applying the same blood alcohol content limit for boats as we have for cars and motorcycles.”

“I’m happy to see this bill pass unanimously out of committee today,” said Gibbs. “This bill will help reduce instances of dangerous activity so that Coloradans can safely enjoy our state’s beautiful lakes and rivers.”

The penalty for operating a motorboat or sailboat under the influence would include a mandatory five days in jail and up to one year in county jail. Additionally, lawbreakers could face fines between $200 to $1,000 as well as community service.

In 2007, there were 27 reported cases of boating under the influence. Currently, 36 other states have similar regulations for boating.

The bill next moves to the full Senate for consideration.

GORDON GETS GREENER GOVERNMENT GOING

2008-02-21T12:15:00.002-07:00

Bill Would Save Tax Dollars Used
For State Facilities Maintenance

DENVER—Today the Senate Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 147 to increase energy efficiency in state-assisted facilities.

The bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon (D-Denver), authorizes the Department of Personnel to incorporate national and local energy efficient practices in performing life-cycle costs analyses.

Life-cycle costs analysis is a method for assessing the total cost of facility ownership. The process compares all costs of acquiring, owning, and disposing of a building or building system. The purpose is to find ways to maximize efficiencies and net savings.

“With the passage of this bill, Colorado will be a leader in energy efficiency in state buildings,” Gordon said. “In this day and age it is inexcusable for us to build buildings that waste energy. We can do better than that.”

The bill calls for energy efficiency within the designed, constructed and renovated housing projects and facilities of the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). With high performance buildings, Colorado stands to decrease energy consumption by nearly 30 percent and water use by between 30 and 50 percent.

The bill next moves to the full Senate for consideration.

MORSE SALUTES COLORADO TROOPS, FAMILIES

2008-02-21T12:11:00.002-07:00

Bill Would Reauthorize Tax Checkoff
For Military Family Relief Fund

DENVER—Today the Senate Finance Committee passed House Bill 1035, which would reauthorize the tax checkoff for the Military Family Relief Fund on Colorado tax forms. The fund provides financial assistance for military families who face financial hardship due to military service.

Sponsored by Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs), the bill would extend the program created in 2005 to help military families pay for various living expenses, including day care, marital or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling, car or home repair, even mortgage payments.

"Resolutions supporting our troops are important, but real financial support is critical,” Morse said. “With the passage of this bill, every taxpayer has the ability to put their money where their heart is."

The fund is available to all branches of the military, active, reserve and National Guard.

The bill next moves to the full Senate for consideration.

GIBBS GETS FRESH WITH SOFT DRINKS

2008-02-20T14:24:00.003-07:00

Bill Encourages Healthy Choices for Kids’ Drinks

DENVER—Today the Senate Education Committee approved Senate Bill 129 in support of healthier beverage options in schools and healthier kids in Colorado.

Sponsored by Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne), the bill requires school districts and the Colorado State Charter School Institute to establish policies prohibiting the sale of unhealthy beverages at school cafeterias, vending machines, school stores, and fund-raising activities.

“We can do better in Colorado and our kids deserve better,” Gibbs said. “With the passage of this bill we’re setting our sights on the problem of childhood obesity.”

The bill directs the State Board of Education to determine which drinks are considered healthy enough to meet child nutrition beverage standards. Those drinks could include milk, 100 percent fruit and vegetable juices and bottled water.

The bill also encourages schools to adopt a wellness policy ensuring a child's access to healthy food and beverages on the school premises, nutritional information, daily physical activity; and instruction regarding proper nutrition and health.

If passed, both parts of the bill would take effect Sept. 8, 2008. The federal "Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004" requires adoption of such a policy by all districts receiving funding under either the National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.

The bill next heads to the full Senate for consideration.

BOYD SHINES LIGHT ON ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

2008-02-20T11:24:00.001-07:00

Measure Would Create Council
To Address Disease in Colorado

DENVER—Today the Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 08-58, sponsored by Senator Betty Boyd (D-Lakewood), which would address issues related to Alzheimer's disease in Colorado.

The bill would create the Colorado Alzheimer's Coordinating Council to assess the current and future impact of Alzheimer's disease in the state and to formulate a plan to address the disease. The Council will report its findings to the Governor, the General Assembly, and participating state departments.

“With the passage of this bill people with Alzheimer’s and their families have new hope for support in their ongoing battle with the disease,” Boyd said. “We hope to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and find more opportunities for shared community support.”

The Council would include 22 members and would begin meeting no later than March of next year.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease every 72 seconds. The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias amount to more than $148 billion in annual spending. In 2000 nearly 49,000 Coloradoans suffered from Alzheimer's disease. That number is expected to grow by 47 percent, rising to 72,000 by 2010.

Senate Bill 58 next moves to the House for consideration.

TUPA: NO BUTTS FOR UNDERAGE SMOKING

2008-02-20T11:03:00.002-07:00

Bill to Curb Underage Smoking Clears Senate

DENVER—Today the Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 88, sponsored by Senator Ron Tupa (D-Boulder), which would close a loophole in law and make it illegal for minors to possess or use tobacco products.

Currently, Colorado law only prohibits the sale and distribution of tobacco products to people younger than 18 years old. Colorado is one of 15 states to have no prohibition on minors possessing tobacco products.

Ninety percent of tobacco users pick up the habit before age 18. The bill will help keep children safe and ultimately save taxpayer dollars in long-term health costs.

About 92,000 youth smokers 17 years old and younger are expected to die prematurely as a result of tobacco use. For every person who dies from tobacco, another 20 suffer with at least one serious tobacco-related illness.

The bill next moves to the House for consideration.

TUPA DRAWS THE LINE ON HIGH COST OF TEXTBOOKS

2008-02-20T11:02:00.002-07:00

College Textbook Affordability Act Clears Senate

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Senator Ron Tupa (D-Boulder), which would help lower the cost of textbooks in Colorado.

The College Textbook Affordability Act will prohibit college professors from ordering textbooks until they know how much the publisher is going to charge for those textbooks. The proposal also requires publishers to disclose changes made to each new edition of their textbooks. The bill will also prohibit publishers from bundling textbooks with additional materials such as CD-ROMs, as they are rarely used by instructors or students but significantly increase the price of textbooks.

Tupa represents Boulder, which has the highest student population in the state. Many of his constituents are already making enormous financial sacrifices to even enroll in colleges and universities.

The bill next moves to the House for consideration.

TUPA WINNING FIGHT AGAINST HIGH COST OF TEXTBOOKS

2008-02-19T15:19:00.001-07:00

College Textbook Affordability
Act Passes on 2nd Reading

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave initial approval to Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Senator Ron Tupa (D-Boulder), which would help lower the cost of textbooks in Colorado.

The College Textbook Affordability Act will prohibit college professors from ordering textbooks until they know how much the publisher is going to charge for those textbooks. The proposal also requires publishers to disclose changes made to each new edition of their textbooks. The bill will also prohibit publishers from bundling textbooks with additional materials such as CD-ROMs, as they are rarely used by instructors or students but significantly increase the price of textbooks.

Tupa represents Boulder, which has the highest student population in the state. Many of his constituents are already making enormous financial sacrifices to even enroll in colleges and universities.

The bill will next be considered by the full Senate on third and final reading.

TUPA SNUFFS OUT UNDERAGE SMOKING

2008-02-19T15:08:00.002-07:00

Bill to stop underage smoking

passes with strong bipartisan support

DENVER—Today the full Senate gave initial approval to Senate Bill 88, sponsored by Senator Ron Tupa (D-Boulder), which would close a loophole in law and make it illegal for minors to possess or use tobacco products.

Currently, Colorado law only prohibits the sale and distribution of tobacco products to people younger than 18 years old. Colorado was one of 15 states to not have that law. This bill goes is a big step in reducing the incidence of teens picking up the habit of smoking.

Ninety percent of tobacco users pick up the habit before age 18. This bill will help keep our children safe and will ultimately save taxpayer dollars in long-term health costs.

About 92,000 youth smokers 17 years old and younger are expected to die prematurely as a result of tobacco use. For every person who dies from tobacco, another 20 suffer with at least one serious tobacco-related illness.

For the first time ever it requires a retailer to ask for an identification card if the purchaser looks younger than 30 years old. According to testimony from Jodi Radke with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 54 percent of teens were not asked for identification before purchasing tobacco products.

The bill will next be considered by the full Senate on third and final reading.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM COMMITTEE GETS STARTED

2008-02-12T16:26:00.004-07:00

DENVER—Today the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Reform began working to find possible solutions to the tangle of contradictory provisions in Colorado’s State Constitution.

Chaired by Senate President Pro-Tem Abel Tapia (D-Pueblo), the committee also includes Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), Senator Shawn Mitchell (R-Broomfield), Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), Representative Ellen Roberts (R-Durango) and Representative Al White (R-Hayden).

“We have quite a challenge in front of us and limited time to address these issues,” Tapia said. “We are not here to reinvent the wheel or create more reports to file away. I hope we can accomplish something great for the state of Colorado.”

The Committee will meet again at 8 a.m. Thursday in House Committee Room 112. Senate President Peter Groff and House Speaker Andrew Romanoff have asked the committee to present their recommendations by March 7.

On Thursday authors from the 2007 Colorado Constitutional Panel from the University of Denver will be asked to give a presentation to the committee. The committee will review the recent constitutional study and 12 recommendations proposed by the University of Denver’s constitutional panel.

The Select Committee will work with former legislators who have a unique understanding of Colorado’s constitutional quagmire, including former U.S. Senator and CU President Hank Brown, former Senate President Stan Matsunaka, former Senate Majority Leader Norma Anderson, former Senator and JBC member Penfield Tate.

BILL GIVES MINORS SECOND CHANCE

2008-02-11T17:45:00.001-07:00

Williams’ bill looks at rehabilitation

for felony minors

DENVER— Today the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Suzanne Williams (D-Aurora) to provide a path of rehabilitation for youthful offenders convicted of murder.

Senate Bill 08-66 reduces the penalty from first degree murder to a class-2 felony for people younger than 18 years old. With this bill, minors who are charged with felonies and did not commit or assist in committing the act who pled down could now qualify for the Youthful Offender System.

“Studies show us that rehabilitating juvenile offenders not only will decrease their likelihood for reoffending, but also help us keep numbers in our prisons down,” Williams said. “The bottom line is an issue of fairness.”

The bill moves to the Appropriations Committee next for consideration.

TUPA CRACKS DOWN ON UNDERAGE SMOKING

2008-02-11T17:28:00.002-07:00

Bill to stop underage smoking
passes with strong bipartisan support

DENVER—Today the Senate State Affairs Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 88, sponsored by Sen. Ron Tupa (D-Boulder), to close a loophole in law and make it illegal for minors to possess or use tobacco products.

Currently, Colorado law only prohibits the sale and distribution of tobacco products to people younger than 18 years old. Colorado was one of 15 states to not have that law.

“This bill is a long overdue change that closes Colorado’s ‘teen nicotine’ loophole,” Tupa said. “No longer will anyone younger than age 18 years old be able to legally use and posses tobacco products. This goes a long way toward reducing the incidence of teens picking up this dangerous, if not, deadly habit.”

Ninety percent of tobacco users pick up the habit before age 18. This bill will help keep our children safe and will ultimately save taxpayer dollars in long-term health costs.

About 92,000 youth smokers 17 years old and younger are expected to die prematurely as a result of tobacco use. For every person who dies from tobacco, another 20 suffer with at least one serious tobacco-related illness.

For the first time ever it requires a retailer to ask for an identification card if the purchaser looks younger than 30 years old. According to testimony from Jodi Radke with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 54 percent of teens were not asked for identification before purchasing tobacco products.

The bill moves to the full Senate next for consideration.

PIRACY BILL CREATES STRICTER PENALTIES

2008-02-11T17:28:00.001-07:00

Senator Gibbs’ bill ups illegal recordings fine
to a Class 6 for repeat offenders

DENVER— Today the Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Senate Bill 08-104 sponsored by Sen. Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) to increase penalties for music piracy.

The bill increases the penalty for selling illegally packaged recordings to a Class 6 felony if the offense involves more than 100 articles or the person has already been convicted of the same crime. This bill allows law enforcement to confiscate the recordings and any equipment used to make them and turn them over to the local district attorney.

The district attorney may request a court order to destroy the recordings and a court order to allow for the equipment to be donated to a charitable or educational organization. Under current law, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to sell illegally packaged recorded materials.

“The loss to our small businesses is staggering,” Gibbs said. “My hope is to restore the estimated $8.1 tax revenue of lost music sales in Colorado and restore the 518 jobs piracy takes from hardworking people.”

With this law, offenders are liable to felony prosecution thus giving Colorado law enforcement agencies the legal tools needed to create an impact against music piracy.

The bill moves to Finance Committee next for consideration.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM COMMITTEE CONVENES TUESDAY

2008-02-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

DENVER— Early Tuesday the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Reform will convene its first meeting to begin a substantive legislative discussion on untangling contradictory provisions in Colorado’s State Constitution.

Chaired by Senate President Pro-Tem Abel Tapia (D-Pueblo), the committee will also include Senator Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), Senator Shawn Mitchell (R-Broomfield), Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), Representative Ellen Roberts (R-Durango) and Representative Al White (R-Hayden).

The Committee will meet at 8 a.m. in the Senate Committee Room 353 to begin their work.

The Select Committee will work with former legislators who have a unique understanding of Colorado’s constitutional quagmire, including former U.S. Senator and CU President Hank Brown, former Senate President Stan Matsunaka, former Senate Majority Leader Norma Anderson, former Senator and JBC member Penfield Tate.

The Select Committee will also review the recent constitutional study and 12 recommendations proposed by the University of Denver’s constitutional panel.

BIPARTISAN PROGRAM INCREASES JOBS FOR DISABLED

2008-02-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Senator Williams’ SB-05 boosts employment for developmentally disabled

DENVER— Today the Senate unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Suzanne Williams, (D-Aurora) to help create initiatives for community centered boards and other vendors to provide employment services for developmentally disabled persons.

The purpose of Senate Bill 08-05 is to create a two-year pilot program to improve the efficiency of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and to increase the number of persons with developmental disabilities who are employed. The bill would require the DVR to create a funding system to support employment services for persons with developmental disabilities, chronic mental illness, and traumatic brain injuries.

“Our goal is to make it easier for people who are developmentally disabled to become active members of our community,” Williams said. “It is also important that we back that up with incentives for those changes to take place.”

The bill would be implemented within existing appropriations and would improve Colorado’s fiscal strength by allowing people to work, thus expanding our tax base.

The bill moves to the House next for consideration.

LAWMAKERS DEMAND FAIR PLAY FOR COLORADO FANS

2008-02-04T15:10:00.001-07:00

Bill giving fans more control over the tickets they buy for events passes Senate

DENVER–One day after Senator Lois Tochtrop (D-Thornton), Representative John Soper (D-Thornton) and others gathered at Invesco Field at Mile High to discuss the bill informally known as the “Colorado Fan Act,” Senate Bill 24 passed the Senate unanimously on its final vote. The proposed legislation would allow individuals to resell their tickets without team or venue approval.

“I’m pleased to see this bill pass today,” remarked Sen. Tochtrop. "Denver has some of the most loyal fans in the country, and it's unfair not to allow these people to sell their tickets to whomever they choose. This is a personal property rights issue, and I’m proud to stand with the fans on this.”

The proposed legislation is intended to counter professional sports teams from monopolizing the secondary ticket market by ensuring that once a fan buys a ticket, he or she is the sole owner. It also ensures that fans receive refunds for event cancellations, admission denials, counterfeits, or if a ticket fails to conform to its description as advertised.

“It’s not about punishing any one team,” said Rep. Soper. “It’s about clarifying and enforcing the rights of ticket holders. And it’s about consumer freedom. It is absolutely wrong not to let fans who love and follow these teams resell their tickets.”

The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

BI-PARTISAN BILL ON VOTING MACHINES CLEARS SENATE

2008-02-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

DENVER—Today House Bill 1155 passed through the Senate on its third reading. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon (D-Denver), Senator Steve Johnson (R-Ft Collins), Representative Rosemary Marshall (D-Denver) and Representative David Balmer (R-Centennial), the bill takes the first step toward solving the voting machine problem in Colorado and ensuring that our state’s elections are operated a manner that is fair, accurate, accessible and transparent.

The bill gives Secretary of State Mike Coffman authority to recertify voting machines, which were decertified in December of last year. The bill prohibits Coffman from relaxing existing standards for voting systems and requires him to identify the reasons for any decision to amend or rescind certification orders.

General and primary elections are conducted by county clerks and recorders in Colorado using voting equipment purchased by the counties. Prior to its use, this equipment is subject to certification by both federal and state agencies to ensure it meets certain standards. State leaders plan to have both electronic and paper ballots available for voters in time for the presidential election.

SEN. MORSE & GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCE SCHOOL SAFETY BILL

2008-01-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

DENVER—This morning Governor Bill Ritter joined Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) to announce Senate Bill 1, which will create a Colorado School Safety Resource Center to assist schools in preventing, responding to and recovering from emergencies.

The bill would establish a resource center within the Department of Public Safety to gather best practices from safe schools around the country. The bill would also create a pilot program in five districts to begin to implement these best practices. The Center would blend expertise from education, law enforcement, mental health, and social service professionals as a resource for schools and communities. Colorado would join approximately 21 other states that have adopted some form of a state-wide school safety center.

"Senate Bill 1 strives to ensure the safety of our schoolchildren by gathering real world solutions and best practices from safe schools around the country,” remarked Morse. “Our children are among our most precious resources; there can be no exception to their safety."

SB08-01 will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee next week.

TEXT OF SENATE PRESIDENT’S MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY ADDRESS

2008-01-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

On the Doorstep

40 years ago this April, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood in the pulpit of a Memphis, Tennessee church and with his sanctified imagination stood on the mountain top, gazed over and saw the Promised Land that would be created by his dream. Despite that vivid trip, he knew that he would not get there with us.

The next day a gun shot rang out from across the parking lot of the Lorraine Motel and shattered the quiet peace of that early spring evening in Memphis. That gunshot also felled the dreamer. The architect of America’s dream was gone and many thought that the dream had died with him. That night one could not help but think of the scripture from Genesis chapter 37 verses 19 and 20:

"Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams."

Four decades later what has come of his dream?

While the dreamer may be gone, his vision did not die with him that day on the balcony; nor did the dream. Each generation since then has acted as the custodian of that dream – moving us from the mountain top through the thicket and rugged terrain that is America’s rocky path toward freedom and equality to the reality of the Promised Land.

That generational journey has brought us to the doorstep of the once unimaginable Promised Land. From this doorstep we have two choices. One we can shrink from our generational responsibility and relinquish our historic custodial role.

We can accept the recent nightmares of nooses being hung on professors’ doors at Columbia and Maryland Universities, on the properties of the Coast Guard, hanging from trees in Jena, Louisiana or darkly adorning the cover of a popular sports magazine; and

We can accept the nightmarish racial taunting of a young man in Steamboat Springs and students of color on campus of the University of Virginia; and

We can accept people, according to the ominous article in yesterday’s Denver Post, that there are some people across the south who will “never vote for an African-American” for president of the United States; and

We can accept the horrendous readiness and achievement gap that some students suffer simply because of where they live, the devastating impact of health disparities and lack of economic stability and empowerment; and

We can accept the new un-King-like divisions in America. A burgeoning new class system that highlights the remaining inequity in America which has created as one presidential candidate so eloquently speaks of as two Americas.

On the doorstep we have two choices: one is to support these problems by ignoring their existence and hoping all those issues go away or through our stony silence. But as Rev. King once said “in the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” So let us shake the shackles of caution, convenience and silence, open our mouths and choose the other option.

The other option on the doorstep is for us to be bold, innovative and inclusive, accepting our generational charge. From our position on the doorstep we can now glimpse into the Promised Land and see the America Dr. King dreamed of and unlock the door to a better tomorrow and make a dream come true.

We can stand on the doorstep and glimpse into the Promised Land and see:

African-Americans running fortune 500 companies;

An African-American Governor of the commonwealth of Massachusetts;

2.3 million African-Americans in college, an increase of 1 million in 15 years;

African-American-owned businesses that generated nearly $90 billion in revenue last year; and

See a steady increase in median income.

We can stand on the doorstep and steal a glimpse of the most diverse field of presidential candidates in the history of America. A Mormon winning in Wyoming, Nevada and Michigan; A women winning in New Hampshire and Nevada and an African-American winning in Iowa and winning 11 of 17 counties in Nevada, including some of the most rural counties in the silver state.

From that doorstep we can glimpse into the Promised Land and see another state in the west which recently elected its Senate’s lone African-American as only the third African American president of a state Senate in the history of the United States.

It is that latter choice that I hope we take. That we accept the role of generational custodian of the dream and actually be the generational custodian that finds the combination that unlocks the door and allows America to enter fully into the promise land.

We can now see what has become of the dream, we can see that it can be and actually is close to being realized for all Americans. Not just African-Americans or people of color or the poor, but for everyone.

But as we stand on the doorstep, understand that the combination to unlock the gate to the Promised Land is in all of us and each morning when I bang the gavel I hope that it awakens the dreamer in all of us. And in each day that we stand on the doorstep we find somehow and some way to discover the combination that will open the lock so that we can all march into the Promised Land together. Not as blacks or whites or Hispanics; or men or women or children; or as Christians or Jews, straight or gay, Democrats or Republicans, Conservatives or Liberals but as God’s children realizing a vision of a dreamer who wanted nothing more than America to fulfill her awesome potential in a land swept with equality and justice.

May God bless you, May God bless the dreamer and may God continue to bless the great state of Colorado.

SENATE DEMOCRATS KICK OFF FRIDAY MEDIA AVAILABILITIES

2008-01-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

DENVER—Today Senate President Peter Groff (D-Denver) announced the first in a series of weekly media availabilities set for Fridays at 1:00pm. The Senate President will be joined this week by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont). The Senators will be available for questions for 30 minutes.

WHAT: Senate Majority Media Availability

WHEN: Friday, January 17^th from 1pm – 1:30pm

WHERE: Senate President’s Office

WHO: Sen. Peter Groff,
Sen. Brandon Shaffer

SENATE DEMOCRATS LAUNCH NEWS WEBSITE

2008-01-14T08:41:00.001-07:00

DENVER-Today the Democratic Caucus of the Colorado Senate announced the launch of its new homepage. The site will contain breaking news from the Senate, information on each Senator, and will host live audio and video links from the Capitol.

“I’m delighted to announce our new website,” remarked Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon (D-Denver). “Coloradans deserve a fair and balanced source for Senate news and we’re happy to offer that.”

Log on to www.coloradosenatedems.com for more.