DURANGO—It is often the job of elected officials to make tough decisions and choose between competing interests. Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) is no stranger to tough decisions, but this Saturday, he will face choices very different from those he faced during the recent legislative session.
“I hear the competition will be pretty serious,” said Sen. Whitehead. “I hope my experience in the legislature is enough to prepare me for this challenge.”
This Saturday, the La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association will host its 7th annual Chuck Wagon Cook-Off at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Eight wagons will be competing in five categories, including, top round, potatoes, bread, beans, and dessert. Sen. Whitehead will be one of five judges.
WHAT: 7th Annual Chuck Wagon Cook-Off, Sponsored by the La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association WHEN: Saturday, July 31 at 5 p.m. WHERE: La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave. WHO: Senator Bruce Whitehead Members of the La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association
The U.S. Department of Education today named Colorado one of 19 finalists for Phase 2 of the federal Race to the Top grant competition. The finalists were chosen from applications submitted by 35 states and the District of Columbia. Winners are expected to be announced in September. (complete press release from Governor Ritter’s Office below)
“I am so proud to see that Colorado has been named a finalist for Round Two of Race to the Top,” said Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs). “Everyone worked so hard this year on the application, and I look forward to making sure more communities in Colorado have quality teachers and principals to prepare every child for the future.”
"Our selection as a finalist is a testament to Colorado regaining its place as a national leader on education reform,” said Senator Mike Johnston. “Commissioner Jones and his team worked incredibly hard on this application and our selection confirms that Colorado is on the right path to improving outcomes for all children. At a time when were forced to cut education budgets at the state level, it’s exciting to have the opportunity to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars that can help support classrooms and districts across the state."
I’ve known Fred Garcia over the past several years. He is the principal of the Sangre de Cristo Elementary School in Hooper, Colorado in the southern part of my senate district.
Fred had been a student at Sangre de Cristo years ago and he believed in the school so much, he returned to the same building as principal. Unfortunately, the school hadn’t changed much since Fred was a student there. In 2009, the building was in such disrepair Fred knew and we knew we had to do something about it. Of greatest concern: there was no plumbing on the second floor and no handicap access in the school.
Unfortunately, Sangre de Cristo is not alone, especially in the rural parts of our state. Alamosa’s Polston Elementary School had to put up gutters inside the building to catch leaking water. At Sargent High School near Monte Vista, you can see the foundation coming up into the classrooms.
Colorado’s under-funded rural school districts are most in need. Many of Colorado’s kids are going to school in 100-year-old buildings with asbestos contamination, crumbling ceilings, moldy roofs, pest infestation, clogged sewer lines and poor insulation. Some students have to wear hats and gloves in the classroom, as too many dollars pay propane bills instead of opportunities in the classroom.
Thankfully, many of these schools in the San Luis Valley and Delta County are being rebuilt and repaired with grants from the BEST program. BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) was a bill signed into law in 2007, and a bill that I passed along with Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff, and Senate President Peter Groff. I am truly proud of this bill and want to also thank Treasurer Cary Kennedy for her work to help develop this concept and implement this important piece of legislation. It was an ambitious plan to provide up to $1 billion towards fixing and replacing K-12 schools across Colorado and it’s a plan that’s working.
Under BEST, the state of Colorado will dedicate up to $500 million, at no cost to the state taxpayer, in capital construction for schools, which will then be matched with local voter-approved funds. In total, BEST will provide close to $1 billion to K-12 capital construction over the next several years to our neediest districts — the largest state investment in school construction in Colorado’s history. The BEST program will help fix Colorado’s crumbling school problem without any new state taxes or fees.
To date, the BEST program has already awarded more than $170 million, primarily funded through Certificates of Participation (COP) in the lease purchase agreements for 87 new projects and 15 new schools. COPs are an important tool for building our state’s education infrastructure, as they are similar to a loan on your home and backed by the equity in the district. For two years we have taken advantage of new low-interest federal bonding programs, with as low as a zero percent interest rate. These rates have lowered costs overall and benefited the districts, even with the guidelines requiring local competitive wages for the construction.
Today, the Sangre de Cristo district has money to build a new K-12 school and replace the historic elementary school. The new building will actually consolidate the two schools with safe and energy-efficient buildings. No more clogged sewer lines and no more $900,000 heating bills. So far, the San Luis Valley will be building $87 million of new K-12 buildings, providing our children with the 21st century classrooms they deserve!
We can all agree that our children are our most important investment and we must provide each of them with the best possible resources, teachers, and facilities. We want teachers to be concerned about the materials they teach, not the materials holding the building up around them. This is better for the future of our students and our state.
Award Honors Commitment to Agriculture, Support of the Agriculture Community and Advocacy On Behalf of the Industry
Yesterday, the Colorado Farm Bureau, the state’s largest agricultural organization, announced Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) as a recipient of its 2010 Pinnacle Award. This is the highest award given by the Farm Bureau to recognize legislators “for their support on legislation that was vital to the agriculture community, overall commitment to Colorado Agriculture, and their willingness to advocate on behalf of the Industry.” The award is given to one Democrat and one Republican from both the House and Senate.
“The most rewarding part of my job is when I get to speak with my constituents, hear about issues facing them, and work with them to find solutions,” said Sen. Whitehead. “Farmers and ranchers are a part of our state’s heritage and they make up the backbone of our economy. It’s an honor to be recognized by the Farm Bureau, and I look forward to continuing my work with their members in the years to come.”
Sen. Whitehead has worked in water policy for over 25 years, and he was recently appointed chair of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.
Saturday: Senator Whitehead helps take bids at the Junior Livestock Auction
Saturday, Senator Bruce Whitehead will be in the ring helping to take bids at the Junior Livestock Auction at the San Miguel Fair. Stop by and see him… support 4-H… and have a good time at the fair.
“I’m really excited to be a part of the Junior Livestock Sale this weekend in Norwood,” said Sen. Whitehead. “Both of my daughters are in 4-H and it's a great leadership and learning opportunity for them. I know the auction will be a lot of fun.”
WHAT: Sen. Whitehead helps take bids in the ring at the 4-H Junior Live Stock Auction at the 2010 San Miguel Basin Fair and Rodeo
WHEN: 1pm, Saturday, July 17, 2010
WHERE: San Miguel County Fairgrounds, Norwood, Colorado (address: 1165 Summit, Norwood, CO 81423)
WHO: Sen. Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) With 4-H’ers and livestock…
Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) congratulates Monte Vista and Salida schools for having passed the third round of construction grants announced yesterday. The board’s recommendations go to the State Board of Education in August for final approval. Monte Vista C-8 in Rio Grande County and Salida R-32 in Chaffee County were among the schools on the list.
"I could not be happier and prouder to celebrate with Salida and Monte Vista on the success of their BEST grants, " said Sen Schwartz. "Both of these communities are so deserving and worked so hard to get these grants. It has been my honor to have worked closely with them in pursuit of this goal, as this is going to have a tremendous impact on these communities, the school districts and our children."
Senator Schwartz was a key sponsor of the 2008 legislation that created the B.E.S.T, or Building Excellent Schools. Today, program. B.E.S.T. increases the financial assistance provided to school districts for desperately- needed energy efficient, capital construction projects, particularly in rural school districts.
When I first took office as your state senator two years ago, I listened to you. You didn’t want a politician who played political games. You told me you wanted a moderate and logical representative who worked hard for you and your interests in a transparent, bipartisan way. I wanted to be that type of state senator.
As you probably know, Senate District 26 is a very diverse district. We have blue, white and green collar employees, Republicans, unaffiliateds, Democrats and Libertarians — some of the wealthiest and poorest citizens in the state.
This diverse make-up is one of the reasons I am proud to speak up and vote for you. Despite significant budget challenges, I’m proud of the work the state Legislature did this session. At the state level, most of us played fairly and worked in a bipartisan way while we attended to your dollars and interests.
DENVER— Residents of Delta County in rural Colorado proudly opened the doors of a brand new medical park earlier this month that will provide citizens in the area with access to much needed health care. The building will provide office space for various physicians and specialists who will now be able to see patients in the area 1-2 days a week. The facility has 13 available office spaces, however only 5 lots have been sold. Delta County residents hope the new building will attract physicians to the underserved community.
House Bill 1138, sponsored by Representative Sara Gagliardi (D-Arvada) and Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs), just may help Delta residents draw in the health care professionals they need. This law, which takes effect July 1, 2010, improves access to health care in rural communities by encouraging doctors and nurses to practice in neglected areas. Millions of dollars will be available for health care professionals who choose to work rural and low-income areas to help them repay student loans. Funding available to assist in loan repayment will be increased from $120,000 a year to millions a year without any negative fiscal impact on the state. “
“Colorado citizens are some of the healthiest and fittest in the country. Having access to quality, affordable health care throughout the state is vital to maintaining this reputation,” stated Senator Morse. “House Bill 1138 will ensure that all citizens, whether living in an urban downtown apartment or a ranch on the Western Slope, have access to excellent healthcare.”
Re: "Two visions of America in this year's elections," June 20 John Andrews column.
In a recent attempt to redefine all mankind under his limited political scope, John Andrews would have us believe there are only two visions for America in this year's election.
Honestly, I don't think Colorado citizens of any political persuasion care to be so lightly categorized, or characterized one way or another.
I'd like to suggest a broader vision for Colorado. In her winning essay in the Longmont Times-Call's 2010 writing contest, eighth-grader Rachel Gabbard writes, "Leaders must be understanding of circumstances beyond their own and not be judgmental of what others bring to the table."
Quick, dirty character assassinations and sound-bite labels are used by those who don't trust the electorate to understand difficult concepts or nuanced issues.
Lumping everyone into a binary system of "fit" or "unfit" does not create a continuing dialogue for governing. And it rejects the possibility that a leader in the Democratic Party could accept good ideas and principles all along the political spectrum.
Group to Assist in Creation of Child Protection Ombudsman
DOUGLAS COUNTY—Today, the Child Protection Ombudsman Work Group held its first meeting to fulfill the requirements of SB 171, the landmark child protection reform bill, passed this year in response to lapses in Colorado’s child welfare system. Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton), the prime sponsor of SB 171, took part in the all-day meeting of the work group.
“I am looking forward to the implementation of this critical legislation,” said Sen. Newell after the morning session. “The creation of a child protection ombudsman will provide the necessary oversight and accountability to ensure every child in Colorado is protected and that cases of abuse and neglect are acted upon quickly and fairly.”
DENVER- Today the state’s chief economist announced that while the recovery continues in Colorado, economic growth will be modest for the next few years. The state will finish the current fiscal year (FY 2009-10) with a balanced budget, but additional budget cuts of at least $37 million will be needed to balance the budget in the coming fiscal year (2010-11). Inflation, caseload growth, and continued budget woes could mean a shortfall of up to $1 billion in future fiscal years (2011-12). You can read the entire June economic forecast here.
“No one likes to see these kinds of forecasts come in,” said Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs). “Colorado is recovering, but, as predicted, it will be a slow and long recovery. While more cuts are inevitable, we, as legislators, must do what we can to make those cuts as painless as possible. The future of the state depends on it.”
Senators Whitehead, Schwartz to Lead Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee
DENVER—Today, Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) announced his leadership appointments for the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) takes over as Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) will serve as vice-chair of the Senate Ag. Committee. Sen. Whitehead will replace Senator Mary Hodge (D-Brighton), who is stepping down to serve as a member of the Joint Budget Committee. Both Sens. Whitehead and Schwartz represent districts on Colorado’s West Slope.
Sen. Morse said, “The agriculture industry is vital to the economic health of our state. Water is the single most important issue facing farmers and ranchers in Colorado, and that’s why I chose Senators Whitehead and Schwartz to lead this committee. They have the knowledge, experience, and expertise, particularly in the area of water policy, to work with the agricultural community and ensure the industry remains strong.”
“There are no greater voices for agriculture in the Colorado legislature than Bruce and Gail,” said Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont). “They understand the way of life, they know the people, and they will be strong advocates for the needs of rural Colorado.”
Sen. Whitehead is a Colorado native and has worked in water policy for over 25 years. He is now the Executive Director of both the Southwest and Animas-La Plata water districts. In his multi-decade career in public service, he has worked with community members, local leaders, farmers, and ranchers to develop and protect the state’s most precious resource.
Sen. Whitehead said, “It is an honor to represent the people of Southwestern Colorado and to ensure their voices and needs are heard at the Capitol. I am pleased to serve in this new role and have an even greater opportunity to support and strengthen the agriculture industry in our state. Rural Colorado needs knowledgeable, passionate advocates, and I look forward to continuing to be their voice on the Senate Ag. committee.”
Sen. Schwartz represents one of the largest rural districts in Colorado, and she has been a tireless advocate for issues facing rural communities. She previously served as vice-chair of the Ag. Committee during her first two years in office, and since then has carried many bills to support agricultural development, including legislation to protect Colorado water quality and keep water in our basins.
“Colorado farmers and ranchers are the future of our state’s economy,” said Sen. Schwartz. “Communities and people throughout my district depend on agriculture for their livelihood. My number one priority in the coming session will be to work with local producers to increase Colorado’s competitiveness and bring local food to local markets.”
Governor Signs New Energy Economy Bills into Law Today
DENVER, Colorado – Senator Gail Scwhartz (D – Snowmass) stood by Governor Ritter as he signed two green jobs bills she sponsored into law. The signing was held at the Veterans Green Jobs training center, an organization that trains returning veterans in green technology fields. HB 1328 and 1333 will create new funds for employment and training in the field of green construction.
“Thanks to our commitment to Colorado’s New Energy Economy, this state is the best place for renewable energy in the country”, said Sen. Schwartz. “Thousands of green jobs have already been created, and demand for skilled workers is building. We are working to ensure these growing industries have the workforce needed.”
Taken together, these bills address the full range of issues that will allow Coloradans to find and excel in this new environmental field. HB 1328 establishes the Colorado New Energy Improvement District (PACE), which will provide statewide financing for homeowners for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. HB 1333 creates the Green Jobs Colorado Training Program and a cabinet, which will create grants to provide training in wind, solar, renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.
Stimulating Local Economies, Protecting Drivers, Loving Puppies
VAIL—Today, Governor Bill Ritter visited the Donovan Pavilion in Vail to sign signed into law three bills sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass).
Senate Bill 177 Promote Biomass Energy Development (Schwartz & Gibbs/Scanlan) promotes biomass energy development through tax incentives and renewable energy initiatives. This is one in a series of bills championed by Sen. Schwartz which will support job creation and strengthen Colorado’s energy portfolio.
“Tourism, timber, energy: they are all key to Colorado’s economy,” Sen. Schwartz said. “By protecting our forests we support industry and protect jobs. By helping the timber industry grow, we create jobs. By bringing biomass to Colorado’s viable energy development, we create jobs. Creating and preserving jobs is our No. 1 priority, and this bill is all about growing Colorado's economy.”
House Bill 1214 Adopt a Shelter Pet License Plate (McCann/Schwartz) promotes the adoption of shelter pets who need homes and creates a new fund to help offset costs for spaying and neutering animals and creates a new Adopt a Shelter license plate.
“Coloradans have generously given to the Pet Overpopulation Tax Check- off to support shelters throughout the state,” Sen. Schwartz said. “To additionally fund these important efforts, we now have an Adopt a Shelter Pet license plate. Pets enrich our lives and our families, but every day in Colorado thousands of animals are locked up in shelters, waiting for a family to take them home. This new license plate will raise awareness of the availability of homeless pets and fund the effort to place these pets in loving homes and reduce animal overpopulation.”
VAIL ─ Delivering keynote remarks at a statewide economic conference, Gov. Bill Ritter today highlighted the work of his Jobs Cabinet and called for greater creativity and collaboration among Colorado’s education, employee-development and business-development communities.
At the conference, Gov. Ritter signed:
Senate Bill 28 (Heath/Pace), which creates the Colorado Workshare Program and gives employers an alternative to employee layoffs by allowing them to reduce the overall work hours of a group of employees. The employees can then access a pro-rated share of unemployment benefits.
“People all over Colorado are hurting right now,” Sen. Rollie Heath said. “We need to do what we can to keep people in their jobs and off the unemployment line. Work Share will allow Colorado workers and businesses to get the help that they need and deserve without layoffs.”
Senate Bill 202 (Whitehead/A. Kerr), which encourages the use of 529-like savings plans by adults already in the workforce and creates a new state income tax deduction as a way to encourage savings for lifelong learning.
“If someone wants to continue their education and work hard to make themselves a better employee, we should support that,” Sen. Bruce Whitehead said. “We have been successful in creating jobs this session, but, if we don’t have a qualified workforce to fill these new positions companies will look elsewhere. This bill will help our workers, help our businesses and help our state.”
DENVER— Today, Governor Bill Ritter signed into law Senate Bill 3 which will protect higher education in Colorado. Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) lead this charge to keep colleges and universities accessible for all students by allowing governing boards more flexibility to adjust tuition, streamline administration, and cut costs. Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction) was a Senate cosponsor.
Providing access to an affordable college system in this state is not only imperative to a quality education, but it facilitates the creation of a skilled work force, attracts large industries and corporations to Colorado, and strengthens the economy. However, the legislature this year faced a $1 billion shortfall resulting in necessary cuts to many state entities. Colleges and universities will probably see further reductions next year and so Senator Morse looked for innovative solutions to ensure the survival of higher education in Colorado.
“With higher education facing cuts next year it was imperative that we take action to keep colleges and universities affordable, and open for Coloradans of all income levels,” said Sen. Morse. “Senate Bill 3 is about doing what is absolutely necessary to keep colleges and universities open and to keep Colorado’s economy on track.”
Bills to Boost Rural Economies and Protect Seniors
MONTE VISTA – Gov. Bill Ritter today signed three important bills that will help rural Colorado by encouraging development of hydro-electric facilities, protecting Colorado’s potato export market and providing financial security to senior citizens. Gov. Ritter was joined by Sen. Gail Schwartz, Rep. Ed Vigil and community members at the Monte Vista Co-op to celebrate Senate Bills 19, 42 and 72.
“Monte Vista and the San Luis Valley’s important farming and energy industries help drive our state’s economy,” Gov. Ritter said. “Sen. Gail Schwartz has been a strong leader in bringing good jobs and helping build vibrant, sustainable communities in the Valley through her legislative work. I’m proud to stand with her today to sign these bills, which will support rural economies across Colorado.”
“This legislation is about making Colorado stronger and more competitive,” said Sen. Schwartz. “I am proud to have been the sponsor of so many bills that will create jobs, stimulate growth in the clean energy and agriculture industries, and strengthen economic prosperity for people across the state.”
DURANGO – Today, Senator Bruce Whitehead (D – Hesperus) fulfilled his promises to his constituents today, as Governor Bill Ritter signed into law six bills sponsored by Senator Whitehead. These bills will improve the lives of Coloradoans by reducing their late fees for trailers, improving our water efficiency, and makes sure the state is complying with federal regulations when it comes to pesticide distribution.
“Colorado has been through a rough year with the economy and it’s our job as elected officials to try to make things just a little bit easier for our constituents,” Sen. Whitehead said. “I’m proud of the strides that we’ve made this year and proud of what I’ve been able to do for my constituents in my first year in the legislature.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to come to Montezuma County and be with Sen. Whitehead,” Gov. Bill Ritter said. “Sen. Whitehead has been a strong leader, a great partner and a determined advocate for the people of southwest Colorado. I am pleased to be able to sign his legislation into law.”
DENVER- Today, the Legislative Audit Committee presented the long-anticipated results of Pinnacol’s performance and financial audits requested by the legislature in 2009 (SB 09- 281). Click here for the complete performance audit. Click here for the complete financial audit.
“I’m very concerned by the results of this audit,” said Senator Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora), member of the Legislative Audit Committee. “We found golden parachutes, the maximum possible executive bonuses every year, 75% violation rate of their own travel policies, and disregard for Colorado law when it comes to rate-setting for Colorado’s small businesses.”
Pinnacol Assurance is a quasi- governmental agency which provided workers compensation insurance to more than 50% of the market. It insures 55,000 businesses in Colorado and nearly 1.5 million workers.
Sen. Carroll continued: “Actions speak louder than words. We will reconvene in September and expect to see documented, tangible changes by then.”
Sen. Morse's Legislation will Improve Safety in Hospitals
DENVER— Tomorrow, Governor Bill Ritter will sign two pieces of legislation into law to provide protections for the sick and continue improving the state’s health care system. House Bill 1414 and 1415 were drafted in response to a recent case of a surgical assistant who exposed over 6,000 patients to Hepatitis C by stealing syringes of pain killers to use herself and then returning them to the hospital to be reused. The infected surgical tech was sentenced in February to 30 years in prison.
House Bill 1415, sponsored by Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs), will require that all surgical assistants be registered with the Department of Regulatory Agencies to prevent hospitals from hiring technicians with a criminal background or a history of patient mistreatment.
“Individuals with criminal records, particularly for drug use, should not be allowed to have access to these powerful drugs,” said Senator Morse. “This bill will ensure that hospitals know who they are hiring and that patients are receiving quality care. I’m proud to have sponsored a bill that creates strong protections for citizens when they are most vulnerable.”
Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien today signed two important bills that will improve early-childhood education and health care for youngsters throughout Colorado.
“These two bills will provide opportunities for Colorado’s children to grow up happy, healthy and to achieve their full potential,” Lt. Gov. O’Brien said. “By helping families find quality, accessible childcare and other services, we’re helping to ensure children have every chance to thrive and succeed.”
Senate Bill 195, sponsored by Sen. Linda Newell and Rep. Judy Solano, creates the Early Childhood Leadership Commission. The Commission’s goal will be to efficiently coordinate federal and state-funded services for children from birth to age 8.
“Our most important responsibility is to protect and support the kids of our state,” Sen. Newell said. “That means thinking about all aspects of a child's growth. By looking at what we do for kids in their early years, when the most significant development occurs, we can ensure every child will grow up healthy, ready to learn, and prepared to become productive citizens. This year, we took huge strides for Colorado kids, and I am proud to have been a part of it."
AURORA ─ Gov. Ritter today signed eight pieces of legislation that will continue to make Colorado a leader in the delivery of quality health care, in improving efficiencies and cost-savings, and in preventing childhood injuries.
“For four years, we have delivered reform after reform to slow rising costs, improve quality and increase access,” Gov. Ritter said during a signing ceremony at The Children’s Hospital at the Anschutz Medical Campus. Dozens of health-care providers and advocates and numerous state lawmakers attended.
“In difficult budget years, we have found creative ways to get the most value out of every dollar,” the Governor added. “Because of these efforts, because we didn’t wait for Washington, Colorado is now one of the best-positioned states in the nation to effectively implement health care reform. Working with the legislature, we are once again delivering a package of laws that will improve quality and contain costs.”
One of the main bills signed today was Senate Bill 167 (Boyd/Riesberg), the Medicaid Efficiencies Act, which will save taxpayer money by eliminating waste and improving efficiencies in the state’s Medicaid system.
“This bill will ensure that we are doing everything possible to make Medicaid as efficient, effective and tight a program as possible,” Sen. Betty Boyd said. “In light of the current budget situation and the growing Medicaid caseload, this bill couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m proud to be by Gov. Ritter’s side as he signs it into law today.”
Bills Will Make State Government Work Better and Keep Citizens Safer
Today, Governor Bill Ritter signed two bills by Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) that will make state government work better and keep Colorado citizens safer. One bill, HB 1347, increases the penalties for drunk driving for multiple offenses. The other bill, SB 143, fixes a law that prohibited the Secretary of State from returning money to individuals and businesses who overpaid administrative fees to the Secretary’s office.
Sen. Morse, a former police officer and paramedic, has seen what happens when people make the decision to drive drunk. HB 1347 sends a clear message for Coloradans: don’t drink and drive or it’ll cost you, and if you do it more than once, you will suffer greater consequences.
Sen. Morse said, “This bill strikes an important balance between the certainty of punishment if you drive drunk and necessity of treatment for chronic alcohol abusers.”
In the State Senate, Sen. Morse has been a constant leader in the effort to make government more efficient and effective. That’s why he was eager to sponsor SB 143 which allows Secretary of State Bernie Buescher to refund overpayments made by individuals and businesses.
"It has been a pleasure to work with the Secretary of State to return money to taxpayers they may not even know they are entitled to,” said Sen. Morse. “As an elected official one of the most satisfying things I can do is add some common sense to make sure the state treats people fairly and works better for the people we serve."
DENVER—"I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Colorado and faithfully perform the duties of the office of State Senator to which I was duly elected to the best of my ability, so help me God."
Today, in the Colorado Senate chambers, the Reverend Lucia Guzman, a long-time civic leader and business owner, took her oath of office becoming the newest Senator from Senate District 34. Sen. Guzman was sworn in by Colorado Supreme Court Justice Alex Martinez.
Senator Lucia Guzman (D-Denver) said, “Having lived and worked in the community here in Denver for so many years, it is a great honor to be given the opportunity to represent my friends and neighbors in the state legislature.”
Senator John Morse with constituent Hal Seiferd who brought him the idea for SB 71
DENVER— Governor Bill Ritter signed Senate Bill 71 into law today, creating a lifetime pass to all Colorado state parks for all of Colorado’s seniors.
Hal Seiferd, came to his neighbor, state Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs), with the idea for this “Aspen Leaf Lifetime Pass” which allows all seniors to have unlimited access to the majesty of Colorado’s outdoors. Under the new law, seniors, who represent a large proportion of people enjoying the state parks, will not have to renew park passes when they expire; instead they will be able to buy one affordable pass that gives them full access for life.
Sen. Morse said, “I’m proud that this bill has passed and I’m pleased with the benefit that we’re giving seniors. For all of the seniors on fixed incomes, this law will ensure that they can spend their golden years in the great outdoors. I would like to thank my neighbor, Hal Seiferd, who brought me this great idea. It’s always great when constituents bring you great ideas for laws.”
Senators Newell and Steadman Protect Kids from Abuse and Neglect
Click Here to view a video of Sen. Newell speaking.
DENVER—Today, at the Denver Child Advocacy Center, Governor Bill Ritter signed several of Senator Linda Newell’s bills into law to strengthen Colorado’s child protection system and improve the way we keep Colorado kids safe. The bills were sponsored in the Senate by Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) and Pat Steadman (D-Denver): Senate Bills 152 (Mandatory Reporter) and 171 (Child Protection Ombudsman) and House Bill 1359 (Change of Venue).
“It’s a great day for children in Colorado,” said Sen. Newell. “Our most important responsibility is to protect those who cannot protect themselves: children.”
Gov. Bill Ritter today congratulated lawmakers for successfully concluding the 2010 legislative session, thanking them for adopting a fair and balanced state budget, positioning Colorado for a sustainable economic recovery, and advancing Colorado as a national leader on energy, education and health care.
“Congratulations to lawmakers for keeping Colorado on the road to recovery, solving some of the biggest challenges facing the state and improving our overall quality of life,” Gov. Ritter said. “Together, we crafted initiatives that will support small businesses, encourage job-creation, improve education and healthcare, and accelerate Colorado’s New Energy Economy. Even in the face of a very difficult economy, this was a very successful legislative session.”
DENVER-- Today, Senate Democratic caucus elected Senator Mary Hodge (D-Brighton) to replace Senator Abel Tapia (D-Pueblo) on the Joint Budget Committee. Senator Tapia resigned this week because he is term-limited and will not be back for the next legislative session.
“I am humbled by the support of my colleagues to represent them on the Joint Budget Committee,” said Sen. Hodge. “Drafting the budget is a thorny, complex task, but I am eager to take on this challenge. I look forward to working with the members of the JBC and the other members of the General Assembly to draft budgets that serve the best interests of Colorado."
Senator Hodge has a hands-on knowledge of education and small business issues and she and her husband, Richard, own and operate a small business in Brighton. Hodge served as House District 30's State Representative before becoming State Senator. Senator Hodge has experience with agriculture, water, education and business.
“I have full faith in Sen. Hodge’s ability to represent the best interests of the people of Colorado on the Joint Budget Committee,” said Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont). “She is thoughtful and deliberative; she has the experience, knowledge and skills required to serve on the JBC. Sen. Hodge has the respect and trust of her colleagues.”
DENVER-Gov. Bill Ritter today signed House Bill 1242, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Apuan and Sen. Lois Tochtrop, which will require insurance carriers to accept a standard initial application.
“House Bill 1242 is another great building block to simplify the application process for consumers in the individual health insurance market,” Gov. Ritter said. “This bill makes it easier for Coloradans seeking individual health insurance by reducing the amount of paperwork involved.”
House Bill 1242, part of the Governor’s 2010 health care agenda, requires that the Commissioner of Insurance implement a uniform application form for individual health benefit plans.
Individuals are often required to approach more than one insurer to determine the best and most affordable plan meeting their needs. However, to do so, they must complete a separate application for each individual insurance provider. These applications are burdensome, requiring applicants to provide comprehensive information regarding their medical history and answer lengthy questionnaires which vary from carrier to carrier.
House Bill 1242 eliminates this burden on the consumer by creating a standardized initial application.
Senate passed Campaign Finance Transparency Act on party line vote
DENVER-- Today, Senate Republicans voted to allow corporations to spend unlimited money to influence candidate elections without transparency or accountability. By a party-line vote, the Senate passed SB 203, the Campaign Finance Transparency Act, sponsored by Senator Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) and House Majority Leader Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Longmont).
SB 203 brings transparency to Colorado’s campaign finance laws and defends fair elections in Colorado. This bill will address the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, in which the United States Supreme Court held that corporations may spend money to influence candidate elections through the use of Independent Expenditures (“IE”). Without this legislation, corporations and labor unions will be able to spend an unlimited amount of money in Colorado elections this year, without disclosure or needing to identify themselves as the funders of an ad.
“I was shocked the Republicans voted against bill today,” said Sen. Carroll. “This bill is about transparency and allowing people to know where political support is coming from. It seems the Republicans would prefer to hide their contributions and keep doing their work in the shadows."
Wednesday, Gov. Bill Ritter signed Senate Bill 100 in Aspen, sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Rep. Joe Miklosi, which will allow homeowners and businesses to obtain financing to cover upfront costs of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
“As Colorado continues to expand our renewable energy sector, we must address the evolving needs of consumers and local communities,” said Sen. Schwartz. “Voters in Colorado continue to approve programs to finance affordable energy improvements to their homes. Innovative programs like Energy Smart Bonds will make renewable energy accessible to most Coloradans and keep Colorado leading the nation in the New Energy Economy."
Bill will Help Citizens Get the Training to Get Back to Work
DENVER— Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) is sponsoring legislation to help Colorado citizens get the training they need to find jobs in a new and rapidly changing workforce. The Savings Accounts for Job Retraining Program created by Senate Bill 202 will authorize the CollegeInvest program to promote and administer Job Retraining Accounts which are employer matched, portable, employee-owned, accounts that are used to finance additional training or education. The Senate Ed Committee passed SB 202 by a vote of 7-1
While there are other federal and state programs in place to provide opportunities for employee improvement, many citizens are still unable to afford the high cost of re-training. SB 202 will provide workers with a helpful means of paying for their own advanced training and achieve their career goals.
“We have been successful in creating jobs this session; however, if we don’t have a qualified workforce to fill these new positions companies will look elsewhere,” stated Senator Whitehead. “This bill will make sure that Colorado citizens are properly trained, highly skilled, and ready to work.”
DENVER— With an estimated budget shortfall next year, $300 million of which could hit higher education, what needs to be done to keep Colorado’s colleges and universities open and accessible to Colorado’s students? Senate Bill 3 is the answer. Senate Bill 3 is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) and Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction).The Senate passed SB 3 today by a vote of 34 -1.
“We’re at a point where doing nothing is not an option,” said Sen. Morse. “This is about helping Colorado’s economy, Colorado’s businesses and, most importantly, Colorado’s students and their families. We need to keep the system going to make sure college is accessible to all kids in Colorado who want to go, regardless of their parents’ income.”
DENVER— The Colorado State Senate is working hard to promote efficiency and lower energy costs for the state facilities long term. House Bill 1349 sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Senator Abel Tapia (D-Pueblo) will establish the “Re-energize Colorado” program to have all State Parks running on green energy by 2020. This legislation will give a state agency the opportunity to develop the best renewable practices with in Colorado. The committee passed HB 1349 by a vote of 4-3.
Re-energize Colorado is expected to continue the trend of job creation in the renewable energy sector, that began with the passage of HB 1001 sponsored by Sen. Schwartz, which increased the state’s overall renewable energy standard to 30%. The measure will also allow parks to reduce state spending as the money saved from utilizing efficient energy can then be reinvested in new green energy projects.
“I have worked on numerous pieces of legislation to promote and invest in Colorado’s New Energy Economy,” said Senator Schwartz. “This program will make Colorado's State Parks system a front-runner nationally in renewable energy, while creating new jobs and reducing costs.”
DENVER— With an estimated budget shortfall next year, $300 million of which could hit higher education, what needs to be done to keep Colorado’s colleges and universities open and accessible to Colorado’s students? Senate Bill 3 is the answer. Senate Bill 3 is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) and Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction). The Senate passed SB 3 today on second reading.
“We’re at a point where doing nothing is not an option,” said Sen. Morse. “This is about helping Colorado’s economy, Colorado’s businesses and, most importantly, Colorado’s students and their families. We need to keep the system going to make sure college is accessible to all kids in Colorado who want to go, regardless of their parents’ income.”
Senate Committee passes Sen. Carroll’s Campaign Finance Transparency Act
DENVER- “Powerful special interests and their lobbyists should not be able to drown out the voices of the American people… Passing the legislation is a critical step in restoring our government to its rightful owners: the American people.”
Those are the words of President Barack Obama in reference to the federal legislation sponsored by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) to control the role corporations could play in elections following the Citizens United Supreme Court ruling. Citizens United opened up the floodgates to corporate and union spending on elections through independent expenditures that was previously prohibited.
These words could also apply to Senate Bill 203, sponsored by Senator Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) and House Majority Leader Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Longmont). The Campaign Finance Transparency Act (Senate Bill 203) to bring transparency to Colorado’s campaign finance laws and defend fair elections in Colorado. The Senate State Affairs Committee passed SB 203 by a vote of 3-2.
“We need to ensure that our democracy is really represented ‘by the people’ and not simply bought by the highest bidder,” said Sen. Morgan Carroll. “It should be one person one vote not one dollar one vote."
DENVER— A bill that will increase penalties for repeat DUI offenders, championed by Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D – Colorado Springs), passed the Senate Judiciary Committee today. The bill sends a clear message for Coloradans: don’t drink and drive, or it’ll cost you, and if you do it more than once, thanks to House Bill 1347, you will suffer greater consequences.
“The public is telling us that they want harsher punishments for repeat drunk driving offenders and we’re going to listen to them,” Sen. Morse said. “We are going to send a clear message that driving under the influence simply will not be tolerated in Colorado.”
While judges have some leeway on sentencing for repeat DUI offenders, this bill will require mandatory jail time for second-time offenders and significant increases in jail for subsequent offenses. Additionally, HB 1347 will require repeat offenders to get treatment following their punishment.
The bill will reflect much of the thinking of the Colorado Criminal and Juvenile Justice Reform Commission, which took up the issue over the summer and fall, exploring how best to maximize public safety.
Senate Passes “Great Teachers and Leaders” bill on second reading
DENVER— The Senate passed groundbreaking legislation on second reading tonight. Senate Bill 191, the Great Teachers and Great Leaders bill, is sponsored by Senator Mike Johnston (D-Denver) and will ensure high quality educators for Colorado’s kids and great leaders within our state school systems by creating an efficient and effective means for evaluating teachers and principals.
“This bill has been improved by every teacher and principal I’ve listened to over the past six months. This bill has been changed so significantly and I want to thank them all for their input and collaboration,” said Sen. Johnston. “We all have the same goals: to provide our kids with the best education- an education they deserve.”
Sen. Johnston, a former teacher and former principal, has worked for months on this legislation meeting with teachers, principals, parents, students and fellow legislators. Sen. Johnston and Sen. Chris Romer (D-Denver) hosted a teleforum Wednesday night, April 28, and spoke with 8,000 callers with questions, concerns and suggestions about the bill.
“Change is hard for adults, but the status quo is even harder for kids,” said Sen. Johnston.
DENVER— There are 28 publically funded institutions in Colorado educating 218,000 students (click here to learn more). With an estimated $1 billion budget shortfall next year, $300 million of which could hit higher education, what needs to be done to keep Colorado’s colleges and universities open and accessible to Colorado’s students? Senate Bill 3 is the answer.
Senate Bill 3 is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) and Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction). If senators from opposite sides of the aisle can come together to work on a solution, you know it’s the right answer to a serious problem. That’s why the Senate Education Committee unanimously passed SB 3 today.
“This is about helping Colorado’s economy, Colorado’s businesses and, most importantly, Colorado’s students and their families,” said Senate Majority Leader John Morse. “It’s not an option to allow our Higher Ed system to fail or falter. We need to keep the system going to make sure college is accessible to all kids in Colorado who want to go, regardless of their parents’ income.”
Gov. Ritter signs Sen. Whitehead’s SB 82 into law as daughter stands by
DENVER— A trip to the zoo. A visit to the Denver Art Museum. A tour of the state capitol. And seeing Colorado’s Governor Bill Ritter sign your dad’s bill into law. How cool is that?
Today, surrounded by Isabel Whitehead and her fifth grade class from Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary, Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) stood by as Governor Bill Ritter signed SB 82 into law.
"It was fantastic to have my daughter with me today to witness the bill signing," said Sen. Whitehead. "It's not every day a 5th grader can stand by and watch bills become law. I know Isabel and her class were grateful for the experience."
SB 82 closes a legislative loophole that imposed term limits on non-tribal members of the Southern Ute Indian tribe/state of Colorado environmental commission, a loophole that has been impeding the state’s ability to effectively deal with its environmental issues in this region. Many of the 5th graders from Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary live in the affected area. Tribal members of the environmental commission already have no term limits.
“The bill is a common sense solution to an arbitrary problem.This bill just makes sense for all parties involved,” stated Senator Whitehead. “The non-tribal commissioners have been effective in their positions, as have the tribal commissioners, and all have been responsive to their communities. I am proud to dispense with these arbitrary term limits.”
It’s where the jobs are, although most Republicans disagree
DENVER— Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) don’t think in this economy you can ever have enough jobs and economic development programs. That is why they lead the effort to develop more renewable energy job training programs though HB 1333. The Senate passed HB 1333 by a bipartisan vote of 23-11. Supporters included Senators Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction) and Ken Kester (R- Las Animas).
Some Republicans disagree: This morning, the Republicans argued that “we have enough of them already.” Senator Bill Cadman (R-Colorado Springs) was referring to jobs in Colorado’s growing new energy economy. Cadman said, “It’s a 500,000 grant for a new green jobs development program- as if we don’t have enough of them already.”
“As the rest of the country continues to recover, Colorado has found an innovative solution to overcome the recession,” said Senator Schwartz. “The economic boost and thousands of jobs that renewable energy will bring to our state are just as valuable as the positive effects they will have on our environment.”
“This is a great way to build our talent pipeline,” stated Senator Newell. “We can get people the transferrable skills that get them back to work.”
Legislation will Create Unified Database for Health Care Information
DENVER— HB 1330 sponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) has passed second reading today in the state Senate. This bill titled, The Health Care Cost Transparency Act, will improve the state healthcare system by creating a unified database of information for all healthcare transactions in Colorado.
Currently, health care data is hard to find and even harder to interpret. HB 1330 will charge the Center for Improving Value in Health Care with establishing one data collection system to gather and unify health care information in the state. This all payer data-base would include eligibility information as well as claims data pertaining to medical, dental or pharmacy visits.
“This bill represents a common sense solution to improve our health care system”, said Senator Morse. “By creating one information database we can give consumers the knowledge to make responsible choices about their health care and provide physicians with accurate and easily interpreted patient information.”
Democrat Bruce Whitehead brought an expertise in water issues to the legislature when he was appointed to a vacant Senate seat last summer.
The 51-year-old Fort Collins native lives about 15 miles southwest of Durango with his wife, Becca, and their daughters, Isabel, 10, and Risa, 8.
Q: You took the seat held by Sen. Jim Isgar, D-Hesperus, who resigned to take a federal ag job. I think people were surprised to learn that in this vast Senate district, Isgar's successor also hailed from Hesperus.
A: I live in a very rural community. I got thechoice of two post offices, Hesperus or Marvel. I asked what was the difference, and they said in Marvel, I would have a post office box and Hesperus delivered. So I opted for Hesperus for my mailing address.
Denver Post By Richard Lamm, Roy Romer, Bill Owens and Bill Ritter Jr. Posted: 04/22/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT
Over the 36 years we collectively governed this state, the four of us have disagreed over a number of issues. Today, we join together to enthusiastically support Senate Bill 191, Sen. Michael Johnston's proposal to help Colorado develop great teachers and leaders. With one voice, we passionately urge the legislature to pass this bill.
As governors, we each worked to improve public schools because we know a high quality education system is the key to Colorado's economic future. Today's education is tomorrow's prosperity.
Colorado is honored to have many great teachers. We are in awe at their dedication and hard work, but the current system does not distinguish between effective and ineffective educators. It does not take the crucial step to link evaluations to actual impact on student growth. At a time when we have the tools to measure performance, this is a mistake. A recent influential study, called The Teacher Quality Crisis, found that 43 percent of the variance in student achievement is based on teacher effectiveness, only slightly less than the 49 percent influence of home and family.
We know principal and teacher effectiveness counts — a lot. Any new system should be designed to identify our most effective teachers and principals so we can learn from their success. It must create good feedback for educators so they can improve, and it should identify teachers who are not bolstering student achievement. We believe it honors all of the great teachers and leaders in the state to recognize that we have uneven teacher and principal quality, and we should use the evaluation process to improve performance.
DENVER— Today, Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass), Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) and Rep. Ed Vigil (D-Alamosa) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar asking him to preserve the federal funding for Colorado’s affected counties. The federal government is in the process of refiguring the formula for federal support of many rural communities and these communities are at risk of losing significant funding.
“The federal money that comes to these communities is critical to Colorado’s counties,” said Senator Schwartz began this morning in front of the congressional delegation. “We must preserve this funding, especially for the counties that are so heavily impacted.”
“I’m confident Secretary Salazar will listen to our concerns,” said Sen. Whitehead. “Being raised in Colorado, he truly understands the impact this funding has on many Colorado communities and I look forward to working on this important issue with him.”
New Program will help Homeowners Get on Board with the New Energy Economy
DENVER— During her four years in office, Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) has passed legislation through the state senate making Colorado a leader in renewable energy. HB 1328, the PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Program will create a statewide, voluntary, improvement district to help home owners finance renewable energy projects. While green energy typically reduces overall utility costs, the upfront financial requirement often deters people from utilizing it. PACE will encourage citizens to invest in renewable energy by helping to alleviate this cost, with no additional fee for Colorado tax payers. Home owners utilizing renewable energy can expect to increase their property value long term while watching their energy bill shrink. Today the Senate passed HB 1328 on final reading by a vote of 20-13.
“We already know that the New Energy Economy creates jobs, helps the economy, and utilizes our state's renewable resources,” stated Senator Schwartz. “Passing this bill will help everyday Coloradans benefit from green energy in their own homes more efficiently.”
Sen. Gibbs joined by Rep. Scanlan to testify on forest health
DENVER— Tomorrow, Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Summit County) and Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) will testify before the United States Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests on the need for federal support with the bark beetle epidemic in Colorado’s mountain communities.
“I am eager to testify in front of the Senate Committee and continue fighting for federal support for Colorado,” stated Senator Gibbs. “There are 2.9 million acres of dead lodge pole pine and growing. This creates potential wildfire challenges that can destroy communities, water sources, and power lines. With proper resources we can effectively overcome this threat and turn it into a unique opportunity in the state.”
"It is critical that Sen. Udall's legislation become law, and I am pleased to have an opportunity to discuss Colorado's need for federal funding," said Rep. Scanlan. "The bill is a multi-pronged, smart approach to the bark beetle issue, and is essential to Colorado's pro-active and effective management of our forests during what is one of the largest infestations of insects ever recorded in North America."
Bipartisan measure will cut air pollution, create jobs & boost Colorado natural gas sector
Gov. Bill Ritter today signed into law the historic Colorado Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act, landmark legislation that gives other states and the entire nation a new roadmap to a sustainable energy, economic and environmental future.
“This law is a template for tomorrow that allows us to transform our energy portfolio, our economy and our environment by working strategically and collaboratively,” Gov. Ritter said. “By shifting our oldest and least efficient coal plants to cleaner, Colorado-produced natural gas, we send a strong message to the rest of the country that we absolutely can cut air pollution and protect public health while also creating jobs and protecting ratepayers.”
The bill’s main sponsors were Reps. Judy Solano (D-Brighton) and Ellen Roberts (R-Durango) and Sens. Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) and Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction.)
The Colorado Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act requires Xcel to cut nitrous oxide emissions by up to 80 percent from several Front Range coal plants by the end of 2017, most likely sooner. Xcel will work with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to submit a plan to the Public Utilities Commission by Aug. 15, detailing how it will retire or retrofit 900 megawatts of coal-fired capacity. Xcel will give primary consideration to replacing or repowering those plants with natural gas, renewables, greater efficiencies and other cleaner energy sources.
“With the signing of HB 1365, Colorado is creating jobs by phasing out older technology and replacing it with cleaner burning energy sources,” Sen. Whitehead said. “This will not happen overnight, but this is a necessary step towards building Colorado’s economy and improving Colorado's air quality for future generations. To act proactively is to act responsibly, and that’s a Colorado that I'm proud to be a part of.”
DENVER— Did you have a hard time finding your home room? Did you get shoved in a locker? Did you make the football team? Being a freshman can be tough.
Monday, April 19, Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), will be joined bythe freshmen legislatorsto discuss their freshman year in the Colorado Senate. What was their first year like? What was the hardest vote? What was their biggest accomplishment? Come Monday to hear the answers
WHAT:
“Meet the Fresh.”
WHEN:
1pm, Monday, April 19, 2010
WHERE:
Senate President’s Office
WHO:
Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus), Sen. Mike Johnston (D-Denver) , Sen. Pat Steadman(D-Denver)
DENVER— Two important measures for health care in Colorado have been passed through the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today. Senators Lois Tochtrop (D-Thornton) and Chris Romer (D-Denver) are sponsoring legislation to reduce administrative cost, duplication, and complexity in the health insurance industry.
Senator Tochtrop is sponsoring a bill to simplify the health insurance system for consumers. HB 1242 will create one standardized health insurance application that will be used by all health insurance providers. Under the current system citizens have to fill out lengthy, complicated, and confusing forms for each carrier when applying for health coverage in the private sector. The complex nature of these forms often leaves people unsure of what information is required or what their agreeing to sign. HB 1242 passed 5-2.
“This bill will provide additional consumer protection and ensure that Colorado citizens understand the terms of their coverage,” said Senator Tochtrop. “Insurance companies can drop an individual if they fail to provide even a minor detail of their medical history so it’s important the citizens have one standardized, clear, and concise form.”
Special Report The Best Places For Business And Careers Kurt Badenhausen, 04.14.10, 6:00 AM ET Forbes.com
The Great Recession ravaged almost every big city across the United States in 2009. Home prices were down in 182 of the 200 largest metro areas, while household incomes fell in 94% of these areas. The employment picture was even tougher: only four areas posted positive job growth with a paltry gain of just 4,300 positions created--combined. The other 196 metros together lost 3.5 million jobs last year.
The worst may be over, but businesses on both coasts still face outrageous costs and indebted state governments with budget shortfalls that will have to be filled from the flesh of local firms. Those problems won't be resolved anytime soon.
What to do? Our 12th annual ranking of the Best Places for Business and Careers has an answer: Move to Middle America.
Our ranking of Best Places looks at the 200 largest metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S., which range in size from the New York City metro, with 11.7 million people, to Merced, Calif., home to 245,000. We ranked areas on 12 metrics including costs (business and living), job growth (past and projected), income growth, educational attainment and projected economic growth.
We also factored in quality-of-life issues like crime, cultural and recreational opportunities as well as net migration patters. Lastly we examined the percentage of subprime mortgages handed out over a three-year stretch and the number of highly ranked four-year colleges in the area, per our annual college rankings.
DENVER— Today, the Senate Local Government and Energy Committee passed an important piece of legislation which will create more New Energy jobs, bring down energy bills, increase property values, and continue to build Colorado’s reputation as a leader in the New Energy Economy, helping us to expand and attract businesses in Colorado.
HB 1328, New Energy Jobs Creation Act, is sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass). HB 1328 promotes Property Assessed Clean Energy or PACE programs. These are convenient finance programs that raise funds for residential and commercial projects that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy and remove the obstacles to obtaining funds to finance the project. PACE payments are made through individual property assessments from those who voluntarily choose to participate.
“Often, cost is the major obstacle a consumer faces when it comes to energy efficiency and renewable energy production,” said Sen. Gail Schwartz. “Coloradans want to tap into the benefits of the New Energy Economy, but the start-up costs can be prohibitive. If we can make it easier for consumers, they will see lower energy bills, and Colorado will see new, New Energy jobs.”
Placing Doctors and Nurses Where Colorado Needs Them Most
DENVER—While national leaders debated the federal health care bill in Washington, Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) and other state legislators have been working on reform to improve health care in Colorado while also creating jobs for doctors and nurses statewide. Today, the Senate passed House Bill 1138, Health Care Jobs for Colorado, sponsored by Sen. Morse and Sara Gagliardi (D-Arvada).
“This is as much a jobs bill as it is a health care bill,” said Sen. Morse. “We want to create opportunities for the people who are helping Colorado’s citizens. Colorado desperately needs qualified doctors and nurses in these communities and this bill will help get them there. It’s the right thing to do.”
DENVER— Senator Mike Johnston (D-Denver),Senator Nancy Spence (R-Arapahoe County), Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County), and Representative Carole Murray (R-Douglas and Teller Counties) introduced Senate Bill 191 today. The Great Teachers and Leaders Bill will help us define what it means to be a highly effective teacher and principal and make sure that educators are evaluated in significant part based on the impact they have on the growth of their students.
“Research proves that teachers and principals are the two most important ingredients in determining students’ academic success,” said Senator Johnston. “This bill will ensure that we can define and identify effective teachers and principals by basing a significant portion of their evaluations on the actual impact their efforts have on student learning.”
Senate Bill 191 will then utilize those evaluations to provide teachers valuable support on how to improve their practice and will help inform the key decisions made throughout an educator’s career like access to career ladders, professional development, and earning and keeping the privilege of non-probationary status. “Teachers really want to be evaluated,” commented Mark Sass, a teacher at Legacy High School. “We expect all students to achieve at a rigorous, high-level of academic achievement, and I think we should hold educators to that same level. This bill also recognizes that principals ensure there are high-quality teachers in their building and creates a great incentive for them to work with their teachers and foster a sense of collaboration.”
DENVER— Today, Colorado’s Congressional Delegation visited the State Capitol to meet with legislators. Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) spoke with the delegation and voiced her concern about a proposed federal action which will negatively impact Colorado’s rural communities. (click here for a chart showing how Colorado's communities could be impacted: 4.12.10 counties fed funds.pdf)
“This is a critical issue I must bring to your attention,” Senator Schwartz began this morning in front of the congressional delegation. “The federal money that comes to these communities is critical to Colorado’s counties; we must preserve this funding, especially for the counties that are so heavily impacted.”
Many rural communities in Colorado rely on federal funding for the federal property that lies within its counties. When districts have federal land within its borders, it means there are less citizens who can contribute to its tax revenue and these counties must rely on federal support for schools, roads and important services.
DENVER— Today, after hours of debate, the Colorado Senate passed the budget for fiscal year 2010-11 on second reading. The 10-11 budget lays out the entire general fund budget for the next fiscal year starting July 1, 2010. The final vote will be Friday.
“From day one of this session we had a plan, and we worked through that plan today,” said Senate President Brandon Shaffer. “One of our main goals is to have a balanced budget- both literally and figuratively- and that is what we passed today. These cuts are not easy, but leadership means making tough decisions in tough times.”
The Senate adopted the following amendments to the long bill:
Amendment 6 (Sen. Moe Keller) removes a footnote added in the House and adds a footnote that states that the department of Correction will work with the Mentally Ill Task Force to develop a plan for the implementation and ongoing evaluation of the mental health unit at Colorado State Penitentiary (CSP) and submit a report to the General Assembly detailing the progress of that mental health unit.
Amendment 8 (Sens. Betty Boyd and Josh Penry) adds a footnote saying the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing not include any more prescription drugs in the State Maximum Allowable Cost (SMAC) pricing methodology than necessary to achieve the savings included in the Long Bill calculations.
Amendment 9 (Sen. Pat Steadman) supports Colorado’s child welfare system by increasing the appropriation to the Department of Human Services for Child Welfare Services by more than $3 million ($1 million General Fund) to restore 1% of a 2% rate cut.
Amendment 13 (Sens.NancySpence, Ted Harvey, Mike Kopp, Suzanne Williams, Rollie Heath, Betty Boyd) states that no revenue shall be transferred from veterans nursing homes to pay for costs at the Trinidad State Nursing Home, or vice versa. Amendment 13 strikes Amendment 25-A which was passed by the House. Amendment 13.
Amendment 15 (Sen. Lois Tochtrop) takes funding from the Off-highway Vehicle Recreation Fund and puts it into the Off-highway Vehicle program which goes to funding law enforcement and trail management, among other things.
Amendment 25 (Sen. Suzanne Williams) corrects a bill from last year and rolls forward HB 1047 to allow the Department of Health Policy and Financing to seek a federal waiver to allow alternative therapies for people with disabilities.
Today, Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) applauded the revised state petition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture concerning the management of 4.2 million acres of roadless national forest in Colorado submitted by Governor Bill Ritter.
The Governor asked Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to adopt Colorado’s roadless rule and roadless inventory, which was developed during four years of exhaustive public and stakeholder outreach. Colorado originally elected to pursue development of a state rule because the national 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule was being challenged in federal district court.
“I’m pleased this new roadless rule plan includes the need to expand our coal mines,” said Sen. Schwartz. “Now that these mines in the North Fork Valley have access to vent and capture methane, they will be able to expand and continue to develop their reserves. This helps to secure the viability of the mines and the jobs in the North Fork area.”
A bill to create an independent ombudsman office where people can report suspected child abuse — or problems with the child-welfare system — passed the Senate with unanimous approval on Monday and is now making its way to the House of Representatives.
"It's absolutely an historic victory in the state," said Cindy Sovine-Miller, a lobbyist for foster care and adoption agencies in Colorado. "The legislators had the political courage to stand up and say, 'We're not doing something right.' "
The move to create oversight for the state's human services agencies arose after 30 children in protective services died over a three-year period. The child deaths included Chandler Grafner, 7, who starved to death in the care
House Bill 1365, the Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act that I sponsored with Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction), passed the Senate last week on third and final reading. It will help Colorado achieve clean-air requirements by retrofitting or replacing outdated coal-fired power plants on the Front Range with low or non-emitting energy sources such as cleaner-burning natural gas.
Overall, the bill will create many new jobs in Colorado, but there were concerns raised about costs to consumers and potential impacts to the coal industry. Therefore, we included two amendments in the bill to protect against unintended and unforeseen consequences.
I supported an amendment that requires the Public Utilities Commission to take into account economic, health and environmental impacts on communities when implementing the bill. In drafting its plan to reduce harmful emissions, the PUC will make special consideration for communities where coal is economically prominent.
DENVER— Monday, April 5, Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), will be joined by Joint Budget Committee members Senator Moe Keller (D-Wheat Ridge) and Senator Abel Tapia (D- Pueblo) to discuss the Long Bill.
WHAT:
“Meet the Pres.” – Long Bill edition
WHEN:
1pm, Monday, April 5, 2010
WHERE:
Senate President’s Office
WHO:
Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), Senator Moe Keller (D-Wheat Ridge), vice-chair Joint Budget Committee and Senator Abel Tapia (D- Pueblo), member, Joint Budget Committee
DENVER— Today, the Senate passed the Clean Air- Clean Jobs Act (HB 1365) on second reading. HB 1365, the Clean Air - Clean Jobs Act, is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) and Senator Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction) in the Senate. This bill creates job, cuts air pollution, and increase the use of cleaner energy sources by requiring Xcel Energy to sharply reduce pollutants by retiring, retrofitting or repowering Front Range coal-fired power plants by the end of 2017—and possibly sooner—and replacing them with facilities fueled by natural gas and other lower- or non-emitting energy sources.
“This bill is good for our air, our health, and our economy. This bill is good for Colorado,” said Senator Bruce Whitehead. “I'm proud to help Colorado lead the country with this innovative legislation. We need to be proactive, and not wait for Washington or the EPA to mandate change for our state!”
DENVER (AP) -- Gov. Bill Ritter said Monday it's time to end discrimination in health care as he signed a bill ensuring that women in Colorado will no longer have to pay higher insurance rates than men.
Ritter said gender discrimination allowed insurance companies to charge rates up to 60 percent higher than rates for men.
''This bill ensures access to care and coverage for all at an equitable price and eliminates the financial burden that gender rating puts on women,'' he said.
Sen. Gail Schwartz, a Democrat from Snowmass Village, said affordable health care for women will help their children and families.
''Gender should not be considered a preexisting condition,'' she said as the governor signed the bill on the steps of the state Capitol. Sen. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, said Colorado isn't waiting for Congress to act on health care, despite the historic health care bill signed last week in Washington.
UPDATE- Senator Gibbs is being prevented from testifying before the committee by the GOP lockdown, as reported on the Denver Post Blog, The Spot. Click hereto see the story.
DENVER— Today, Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Summit County) and Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) will travel to Washington D.C. to testify in front of the United States Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests. Tuesday, they will speak to the need for federal support with the Beetle Bark Epidemic in Colorado’s mountain communities. Colorado Senator Mark Udall, who is sponsoring S. 2798, The National Forest Insect and Disease Emergency Act, asked Senator Gibbs and Rep. Scanlan to come to D.C. to explain the importance of federal support (click here for testimony: Gibbs Scanlan testimony S.2789.doc). The National Forest Insect and Disease Emergency Act seeks to address the catastrophic effects of wildfire in the west through the facilitation of disease infestation treatment.
(photo courtesy of Colorado State Forest Service)
Senator Gibbs, a volunteer Type II wild land firefighter, has been outspoken on the bark beetle problem in Colorado. Senator Gibbs’ district encompasses lands affected by the Pine Beetle Epidemic. “I am eager to testify in front of the Senate committee and continue fighting for federal support for Colorado’s forests,” stated Senator Gibbs. “The pine beetle infestation has destroyed millions of trees and jeopardized the safety of multiple municipalities, however with proper planning and funding we can effectively overcome this threat and turn it into a unique opportunity for growth.”
“We must continue to bring to Washington's attention the extreme risk Colorado faces for a catastrophic wildfire in our mountain communities, and I am eager to testify before the Senate committee,” said Rep. Scanlan. “This is an issue of urgent national importance. The vast majority of beetle kill acreage is on federal lands, where the critical infrastructure and essential watersheds that most Coloradans rely on are located.”
Legislation will create thousands of new jobs and require nearly one-third of Colorado’s electricity come from sustainable renewable energy sources
Gov. Bill Ritter today signed into law landmark legislation that gives Colorado the highest renewable energy standard in the Rocky Mountain West, requiring that 30 percent of electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2020.
House Bill 10-1001 – sponsored by Rep. Max Tyler and Sens. Gail Schwartz and Bruce Whitehead – will create thousands of new jobs, lead to 100,000 solar rooftops over the next decade, and help protect consumers and ratepayers.
“Today we continue to chart a new course for Colorado’s New Energy Economy and America’s clean energy economy,” Gov. Ritter said, signing the bill at SolSource Inc., a Denver-based solar installation company. “Colorado is giving every state and the entire nation a template for tomorrow. This is a game-changer. We are transforming the future of Colorado and our country.”
Gov. Ritter also thanked Excel Energy for its continued leadership and partnership in building Colorado’s New Energy Economy.
In 2004, Coloradans passed Amendment 37, which set the country’s first voter-approved renewable energy requirement at 10 percent by 2015. In 2007, Gov. Ritter and the legislature doubled the requirement to 20 percent by 2020. Twenty-nine states now have renewable energy requirements.
The 30 percent requirement in HB 1001 is the best in the Rocky Mountain West and among the highest nationally.
HB 10-1001 also calls for 3 percent of the standard to be met by local solar power. This solar distributed generation will encourage clean, renewable local power without expensive new transmission lines to be built and create thousands of Colorado jobs.
"With HB 1001 we will manufacture and install panels and turbines all over Colorado to capture free energy,” said Rep. Tyler said. “The sun will always shine for free, the winds will always blow for free, and our energy production will be cleaner. Renewable energy, green jobs, and a cleaner future -- what's not to like?"
“It was extremely gratifying to sponsor HB 1001,” Sen. Schwartz said. “I have been a strong advocate for renewable energy throughout my career because I see the advantages it brings to Colorado. This bill will attract hundreds of companies, create thousands of jobs, and ensure these are the kind of companies and the kind of jobs that will build Colorado's economy for years to come. HB 1001 will create a diverse portfolio of energy resources to keep energy affordable in the long term, and keep Colorado leading the country in renewable energy and economic recovery.”
“Encouraging green energy in Colorado is not only an investment in the beauty and health of our state but also in our economy,” Sen. Whitehead said. “Renewable energy will create thousands of jobs for Coloradans and get our state back to work. We have attracted over 230 solar companies to our state already, and passing HB 1001 to increase our renewable energy standards will only continue this trend.”
Colorado Attorney General announces lawsuit blocking health care reform
DENVER— Today, Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) and Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) commented on Colorado Attorney General John Suthers’ announcement to join 10 other states in blocking federal health care legislation.
President Shaffer says: “The Attorney General doesn’t recognize what most Americans do: health care is broken in this country and needs to be reformed. This legislation may not be perfect but it’s clearly a major step forward in covering 32 million Americans and saving the taxpayers nearly $ 1 trillion in the next 20 years. I’m disappointed that the Attorney General is choosing to use state resources in needless litigation.”
“This litigation is based on the ideology of the extreme right wing, instead of being based on compassion for the 800,000 uninsured men, women and children in Colorado,” said Senate Majority Leader John Morse. “We should be supporting every effort to bring down health care costs and eliminate real human suffering.”
DENVER— Colorado’s Legislative Council released its economic forecast and there was promising news: The FY 2009-10 General Fund budget is in balance and there is no need for additional cuts in 09-10, although there is still a projected shortfall in 10-11 General Fund.
Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) commented on the forecast today: “The economic forecast tells us that the state’s budget situation has stabilized, which is a sign that Colorado’s economy is slowly recovering. Families and small businesses should be and have been our number one priority. Our first responsibility as legislators is to our constituents, and we will continue working on creating jobs and strengthening our economy with them in mind”
“The economic forecast is an important tool for guiding our budgeting choices,” said Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs). “As we work through this economy we will continue to balance the budget in a manner that is consistent with our values and focused on our top priority; Colorado families.”
Monday, March 22, 2010: 3:00 p.m. Gov. Ritter will be joined by Rep. Tyler, Sen. Gail Schwartz, Sen. Bruce Whitehead and other supporters of this historic and significant legislation to sign House Bill 1001. Gov. Ritter will sign the Bill at SolSource Inc., a Colorado solar installation company based in North Denver. House Bill 1001 will increase Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard to a “Best in the Rocky Mountain West” 30 percent by 2020 requirement from the current 20 percent level. Location: Warehouse and office of SolSource Inc., 6850 Broadway, #D, Denver, CO 80221.
Driving directions: Exit I-25 at 58th Avenue and go west on 58th. Turn right (north) on Broadway. Proceed about 1 mile, Turn right into the Clear Creek Business Center. Drive to Building 6850 and park in front of the building. Enter Suite #D. Look for the ORANGE SolSource sign.
Denver— Today, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services passed HB 1004, requiring a standardization of health insurance information. This bill, sponsored by Senator Joyce Foster (D-Denver), seeks to protect consumers and help them better understand their health insurance forms. Thanks to HB 1004 consumers will spend less time trying to understand their health insurance information. HB 1004 passed by a vote of 5-2.
“It is important for people to understand their policies,” said Senator Foster. We need to protect consumers. There needs to be a standard form for all carriers, so people can compare policies when buying insurance and know what they are getting.”
There are 3 million acres of dead lodge pole pine in Colorado contributing to a massive risk of forest fires
Tourism is the second largest industry in Colorado in terms of jobs, employing 143,700 people. Nearly one in four jobs in Colorado is in the tourism sector. Overall, these employees earn some $4 billion annually, contributing to state revenue.
The Governor’s Energy Office forecast that 200,000 new jobs in the next 20 years will be created in solar, wind, geothermal and biomass industries.
Today, the Senate passed two important bills on biomass and geothermal energy on second reading. The first bill which will expand our energy portfolio to include biomass, which will keep our forests green thus helping our tourism industry and which will get our timber businesses moving again. SB 177, sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Sen. Dan Gibbs (D-Summit County) will promote biomass energy development in Colorado.
“Tourism, timber, energy: they are all key to Colorado’s economy,” said Sen. Gail Schwartz. “By protecting our forests we support industry and protect jobs. By helping the timber industry grow, we create jobs. By bringing biomass to Colorado’s viable energy development, we create jobs. Creating and preserving jobs is our number one priority this session and this bill is all about jobs.”
Bipartisan group sponsors Clean Air- Clean Jobs Act: (left to right) Rep. Judy Solano (D-Brighton), Sen. Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus), Rep. Ellen Roberts (R-Durango), Sen. Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction)
Gov. Bill Ritter and a bipartisan group of lawmakers today announced the introduction of the Colorado Clean Air-Clean Jobs Act, which will serve as a national model for reducing air pollution, increasing the use of cleaner energy sources and strengthening the economy. The lead sponsors are Sens. Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) and Josh Penry (R-GrandJunction) and Reps. Judy Solano (D-Brighton) and Ellen Roberts (R-Durango).
“I’m honored to co-sponsor this bipartisan bill,” Sen. Whitehead said. “This shows that when we work together we can accomplish great things. On both sides of the aisle we believe in job creation, clean air, and a diverse energy portfolio – and this bill get us there.”
The Colorado Senate Democrats have accomplished a lot in the first half of the session, and we'll continue our work to keep our budget balanced and keep Colorado the best state in the country.
We will work to create jobs for a strong economic rebound, to build opportunities for new and existing industries so we can compete in a global market, and to lay the foundation for achievement so every Coloradan has the chance to achieve his or her potential.
We know it all starts with a good job. We also know the ability to access and afford basic health care and quality education will propel every Coloradan's success, and that's what we need for a strong Colorado.
The Denver Post By: Governor Bill Ritter March 11th, 2010
Congratulations to the state legislature for giving final approval this week to landmark legislation that keeps Colorado at the epicenter of America's New Energy Economy and once again demonstrates how we are transforming the country's energy, economic and environmental future.
House Bill 1001 requires our largest utility companies to generate 30 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020. Six years ago, the people of Colorado showed incredible foresight by adopting the nation's first voter-approved renewable energy standard, 10 percent by 2015.
I salute the dedication and commitment of all lawmakers who support the expanded use of renewable resources and cleaner-burning natural gas. The energy of our future generations will be cleaner and more sustainable because of their vision and their leadership. Colorado's workforce will usher in a new era of economic opportunity to compete in and be a leader in a fast-changing world.
Sen. Schwartz brings biomass and geothermal bill to Senate
DENVER— Take a look at this:
There are 3 million acres of dead lodge pole pine in Colorado contributing to a massive risk of forest fires
Tourism is the second largest industry in Colorado in terms of jobs, employing 143,700 people. Nearly one in four jobs in Colorado is in the tourism sector. Overall, these employees earn some $4 billion annually, contributing to state revenue.
The Governor’s Energy Office forecast that 200,000 new jobs in the next 20 years will be created in solar, wind, geothermal and biomass industries.
Today, the Senate Local Government and Energy Committee unanimously passed two important bills on biomass and geothermal energy.
The first bill is an important bill which will expand our energy portfolio to include biomass, which will keep our forests green thus helping our tourism industry and which will get our timber businesses moving again. SB 177, sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Sen. Dan Gibbs (D-Summit County) will promote biomass energy development in Colorado.
“Tourism, timber, energy: they are all key to Colorado’s economy,” said Sen. Gail Schwartz. “By protecting our forests we support industry and protect jobs. By helping the timber industry grow, we create jobs. By bringing biomass to Colorado’s viable energy development, we create jobs. Creating and preserving jobs is our number one priority this session and this bill is all about jobs.”
I had a few visitors from people in our district last week. These visits always are welcome because it is difficult being so far from family and friends in Southwest Colorado. These constituents were Fort Lewis College students. On Wednesday, hundreds of college students marched to the Capitol to protest state cuts to higher education. I met with students from our district to talk about the problem of education funding in our state.
There is no easy solution to this problem, but I believe tuition increases should not be the only consideration. We should be working to make college more affordable for students and families, particularly in this economy. The governor established a commission to study higher education funding, and it will return with recommendations about how we can better fund our schools.
These will be the results of House Bill 1001, sponsored by Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) and Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) and Rep. Max Tyler (D-Golden), which will increase Colorado’s Renewable Energy Standard to 30% by 2020. That means that nearly a third of the power generated from large utility companies like Xcel and Black Hills must come from renewable sources, like solar and wind, in the next 10 years.
The Senate Local Government and Energy Committee passed HB 1001 by a vote of 4-3.
Everyone knows the environmental benefits of renewable energy technology, but people often overlook the boost renewable energy can have on an economy.
We have been working with Rep. Max Tyler, Governor Bill Ritter, the environmental community, investor owner energy companies, and rural electric associations to come up with a plan to use these technologies to bring jobs to Colorado. In 2004 Colorado voters approved a Renewable Energy Standard (RES) for the first time in the nation. In 2007, Governor Ritter and the legislature (including Sen. Schwartz) doubled that standard to 20 percent by 2020. With House Bill 10-1001, Colorado is expected to exceed this goal so we are proposing to increase our RES to 30 percent by 2020 for investor-owned utilities. This 30 percent standard could lead to 100,000 solar rooftops over the next decade, bring thousands of jobs, and incredible economic benefits to the people of Colorado.
DENVER -- Legislation was introduced Thursday that would institute an independent ombudsman to look into child abuse cases if a person reporting the abuse believes the county human services workers are not doing enough.
“We cannot wait for one more child to be bruised, starved or even die while in our protective custody,” said state Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, who sponsored the bill. “Over the past three years, there have been 32 deaths of children while in our protective custody.”
The bill follows a three-year CALL7 Investigation that showed the Denver Department of Human Services repeatedly failed to save the lives of children that were supposed to be under DDHS protection.
DENVER— With nearly 86,600 people losing their jobs from December 2008 to December 2009, Senator Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) has introduced a bill to help get these people back to work. Senate Bill 39, The Job Training Scholarshipsbill, will help put people back to work or even start a new business by getting unemployed Coloradans job training thanks to scholarships. Today, the Senate Education Committee unanimously passed SB 39.
“We can’t allow good, hard-working people to be out of work,” said Sen. Carroll. “If we can help them update their training and gain more knowledge which will help them get rehired or even start their own business, we have won. As Colorado starts its economic recovery, and Colorado businesses are starting to put people back to work, we need to make sure Colorado workers are ready for these jobs.”
click below for details about the bill and a fact sheet
“Transparency equals openness and accountability, leads to better value”
(DENVER) “You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” said Rep. John Kefalas as he today presented House Bill 1330, the “Health Care Cost Transparency Act” to establish an all-payer health claims database.
The bill passed out of the House Health Committee unanimously. The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. John Kefalas (D-Fort Collins) and Rep. Daniel Kagan (D-Englewood).
Rep. Kefalas said, “You can’t fix a problem if you don’t know what it is. This is especially true with our big, complicated and broken health care system. The compilation of transparent data will start to give us a better picture of where we are spending money so that we can wisely drive down costs and drive up value. You can’t manage what you can’t measure.”
Senate sponsor John Morse said, “"This bill increases quality, decreases costs, and is good for Colorado."
Rep. Daniel Kagan said, "This will improve health care value and increase transparency in the health care system by establishing a database of claims to better understand how Colorado is spending its health care dollars."
DENVER— In a time when Colorado is facing an historic budget crisis and the state will need to make another $1.3 billion in cuts to the 2010-11 budget, the need is greater than ever to be able to follow every taxpayer dollar in order to maximize efficiency and ensure proper accountability. Today, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 114, Senator Morgan Carroll’s (D-Aurora) Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2010.
The state's total budget is approximately $18 billion and the agencies and departments are clearly subject to Colorado's Open Records Act. However, over $3 billion was spent in 2009 alone to state contracts with private vendors or in "public-private partnerships". Ambiguity over the applicability of open records requirements with state contractors has left significant gaps in our ability to follow taxpayer money.
"In a time of budget crisis and bailouts, we cannot afford anything other than 100% transparency to taxpayers of where their money is spent so we can make informed decisions about maximizing efficient use of limited dollars." said Sen. Carroll.
DENVER— Today, Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmmont) sent an open letter to Governor Bill Ritter asking for the Governor to join the legislature in supporting Colorado’s locally owned auto dealers.
President Shaffer said, "Our laws and tradition entitle everyone to be treated fairly, and the conduct of Chrysler is arbitrary and capricious. It should not be tolerated."
In the letter, President Shaffer writes: “When General Motors and Chrysler filed for Federal bankruptcy reorganization in the summer of 2009, they terminated over 2,089 automobile dealer franchises in America, 39 were in Colorado. These franchise agreements were terminated without notice or compensation for the investment of the local Colorado families that owned and operated these stores.”
The letter concludes: “We ask that your office direct the Department of Revenue to immediately cease any and all approvals of new automobile dealer franchise licenses until such time that the General Assembly has had the full opportunity to review and debate the merits of HB10-1049.”
DENVER-- It’s the day these three will never forget. The day that was followed by doctors’ visits, surgeries, painful treatments, and a new perspective on life:
On September 21, 1988: Rep. Dianne Primavera received the news from her doctor that she had breast cancer
January 3, 2007, his birthday: Rep. Michael Merrifield received the news from his doctor that he has throat and neck cancer
July, 2009: Senator Rollie Heath received the news from his doctor that he has esophageal cancer
January, 2010 these legislators are doing well. They are happy, healthy, and grateful for the exceptional medical care they received at Colorado hospitals. That is why Senator Rollie Heath (D-Boulder), Rep. Dianne Primavera (D- Broomfield), and Rep. Mike Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs) honored the CU Anschutz Medical Campus today with a Joint Resolution.
“I have experienced, on a very personal level, the quality of our doctors, nurses and researchers who are a part of the facilities represented by the Anschutz Cancer Center and the University hospital,” said Sen. Heath. “I can attest to the value of these institutions in cancer research and their role in leading cancer research nationwide. I also wanted to highlight their seriously positive impact on Colorado’s economy.”
Johnston last spring was appointed to the northeast Denver Senate seat held by Peter Groff, who resigned to take an education post in President Barak Obama’s administration.
Johnston is the senior policy adviser for a group for New Leaders for New Schools, a non-profit he co-founded that recruits and trains principals for urban schools. He previously served as principal of the Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts in Adams County, the first public high school in the state of Colorado to get all of its seniors admitted to a four-year college.
Johnston, 35, was raised in Vail. He and his wife Courtney, an assistant district attorney, have twin sons, Seamus and Emmet, who turned 2 in October.
State Sen. Lois Tochtrop (D-Thornton) agrees. Thursday, she'll introduce a bill that will allow Colorado's long-term care facilities to circumvent state regulations so that most non-scheduled drugs can be saved and shipped to relief workers in Haiti.
"It's something that Project Cure, Red Cross and Doctors without Borders are interested in doing," Tochtrop said. "There are many countries in the world, the Third World, that would appreciate having these medications and the doctors to hand them out."
Moreover, Tochtrop says her bill, if passed, could finally reform the state's archaic medicine disposal process, which currently forces pills to be ground up and disposed of into waste water.
"That gets into the water we all drink," she said. "So, this not only helps the people of Haiti, but it could be a win-win for Colorado in that it improves our own environment."
Friends and family gathered at the Colorado Capitol on Wednesday to watch Longmont Democratic lawmaker Brandon Shaffer preside over the state Senate on the opening day of the Legislature’s 2010 session.
“We start this decade with a promise borne of hope — hope this Legislature will lead Colorado to a better future,” Shaffer, the first Longmont resident to hold the post of Senate president, told his fellow senators and their guests.
Among Shaffer’s own guests in the Senate chamber on Wednesday: his wife, Jessicca; their 8-year-old son, Dylan; and their 5-year-old daughter, Madison; as well as his mother, Toby Beamguard of Denver, and Jessica Shaffer’s mother, Kathy Gallagher of Longmont.
Shaffer told senators that while each of them “represents a unique region of our state,” it’s more important to remember that collectively, they represent “the people of Colorado.”
“We are here for the school teachers and farmers, police officers and office workers, construction workers and miners,” said Shaffer, an attorney.
The state Senate broke with tradition on its largely ceremonial opening day to speed along a teacher- tracking bill that could help the state qualify for hundreds of thousands in federal Race to the Top dollars.
The legislation would allow institutions that teach teachers and principals to track how effective their training programs are by how well their graduates perform in the classroom. It's been fast-tracked to meet Tuesday's application deadline for the federal grant program.
Colorado would be the first state in the nation to provide the information on both teachers and principals if Senate Bill 36 passes, said freshman Sen. Michael Johnston, D-Denver, the proposal's sponsor. The proposal passed its second hearing in the upper chamber on a 29-6 vote.
DENVER— Today the Colorado Senate came together for the opening day of the first regular session for the 67th General Assembly. Senate PresidentBrandon Shaffer (D-Longmont) began the session by greeting senior senators, welcoming new faces, and laying out goals for the ambitious 2010 legislative session.
“We start this decade with a promise borne of hope – hope this legislature will lead Colorado to a better future,” began President Shaffer. “We face no easy task. We expect no easy solutions. Our problems will not be solved by slogans, but with hard work and sacrifice.”
The primary focus of this session will be leading Colorado towards a stable vital economy. “It all starts with a good job” has become this session’s mantra as the senators plan to roll out several bills focusing on job creation and job training.
DENVER— Today, freshman Senator Mike Johnston (D-Denver) and the Senate Democrats get things done in the Senate within hours of opening the 67th session of the General Assembly.
“I’m proud not only to be serving today, but to be leading the way on this important bill,” said Sen. Johnston. “Our efforts today not only show how dedicated we are to education in Colorado, but how dedicated we are to making real progress in Colorado this session.”
Senate Bill 36 will require the Department of Education to prepare an annual report on the effectiveness of educational preparation programs to help improve curriculum. It increases transparency and accountability, advances our teacher assessment program, improves teacher effectiveness, makes us competitive in Race to the Top, and, above all, it helps Colorado kids.
DENVER—Senate President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), House Speaker Terrance Carroll (D-Denver), and Governor Bill Ritter detailed an ambitious 2010 legislative session focused on creating good jobs for Coloradans, continuing Colorado’s economic recovery and keeping the state budget balanced.
“The most important thing we can do for families and small businesses this session is to help lead them toward recovery,” said President Shaffer. “We will continue to make Colorado the leader in our New Energy Economy, prepare Colorado’s workers for jobs of the future, and keeping our workers healthy, all while balancing the budget. We won’t allow special interests to control our agenda. We’re working for the people of Colorado.”
"This session is about the economy, jobs, and fiscal responsibility," said Speaker Carroll. We know that times are tough for families and small businesses. So big businesses and special interests will no longer enjoy the luxury of tax breaks and loopholes. Profitable big industries need to pay their fair share." Legislative goals for the 2010 session include:
The Aspen area is often written off by the rest of Colorado as an oddball bastion of liberal politics, but Gail Schwartz of Snowmass Village has managed to shake off the label and ascend to a leadership role in the Democratic majority of the state Senate.
Schwartz will start her fourth and final year of her first term when the legislative session starts Jan. 13. She is eager to assume more of a leadership role as a legislative veteran.
“What I strive to do is to find what we have in common as opposed to what our differences are,” she said.
President Obama hopes to sign a bill that guarantees access to insurance, outlaws the denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions and subsidizes premiums for many low- and middle-income people. Heading into Congressional elections this fall, Democrats hope voters will reward them for a historic achievement.
About 800,000 Colorado residents, representing one-sixth of the state’s population, are uninsured. The state’s politics are mixed and somewhat unpredictable. Colorado has a sizable contingent of people who want a single-payer government-financed health care system, as well as libertarians and Tea Party protesters opposed to big government.
Brandon C. Shaffer, a Democrat who is president of the Colorado Senate, said, “It’s amazing to me how the insurance industry lobby has shaped the debate in Washington.”
Sen. Gibbs helps raise more than $150,000 for local hospital
FRISCO, CO— This weekend, Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Summit County) put on a “Michael Jackson” white glove and danced his way to first place for the 2nd Annual Dancing with the Mountain Stars fundraiser. 560 people attended the fundraiser which brought in more than $150,000 for the Summit Medical Center Health Foundation’s 10 Bed Expansion Wing Project at St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco
“I had such a good time,” said Senator Gibbs. “It was a blast practicing for this, and I’m so proud we were able to raise so much money for a great cause. I have a new respect for what dancers do and it was such an honor to dance with an internationally-known dancer like Mandy.”
Whitehead to Make Some Serious Choices
The U.S. Department of Education today named Colorado one of 19 finalists for Phase 2 of the federal Race to the Top grant competition. The finalists were chosen from applications submitted by 35 states and the District of Columbia. Winners are expected to be announced in September. (complete press release from Governor Ritter’s Office below)
Aspen Daily News
Group to Assist in Creation of Child Protection Ombudsman 
DENVER—Today, Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) announced his leadership appointments for the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee. Senator 
Sen. Whitehead said, “It is an honor to represent the people of Southwestern Colorado and to ensure their voices and needs are heard at the Capitol. I am pleased to serve in this new role and have an even greater opportunity to support and strengthen the agriculture industry in our state. Rural Colorado needs knowledgeable, passionate advocates, and I look forward to continuing to be their voice on the Senate Ag. committee.” 
DENVER— Today, Governor Bill Ritter signed into law Senate Bill 3 which will protect higher education in Colorado. Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) lead this charge to keep colleges and universities accessible for all students by allowing governing boards more flexibility to adjust tuition, streamline administration, and cut costs. Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction) was a Senate cosponsor.
faced a $1 billion shortfall resulting in necessary cuts to many state entities. Colleges and universities will probably see further reductions next year and so Senator Morse looked for innovative solutions to ensure the survival of higher education in Colorado.
DENVER- Today, the Legislative Audit Committee presented the long-anticipated results of Pinnacol’s performance and financial audits requested by the legislature in 2009 (
Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien today signed two important bills that will improve early-childhood education and health care for youngsters throughout Colorado.
Bills Will Make State Government Work Better and Keep Citizens Safer
Newest Senator Sworn In to Fill Sandoval Vacancy
Senators Newell and Steadman Protect Kids from Abuse and Neglect
Gov. Bill Ritter today congratulated lawmakers for successfully concluding the 2010 legislative session, thanking them for adopting a fair and balanced state budget, positioning Colorado for a sustainable economic recovery, and advancing Colorado as a national leader on energy, education and health care.
DENVER-- Today, Senate Democratic caucus elected Senator Mary Hodge (D-Brighton) to replace Senator Abel Tapia (D-Pueblo) on the Joint Budget Committee. Senator Tapia resigned this week because he is term-limited and will not be back for the next legislative session.
DENVER-Gov. Bill Ritter today signed House Bill 1242, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Apuan and Sen. 
DENVER-- Today, Senate Republicans voted to allow corporations to spend unlimited money to influence candidate elections without transparency or accountability. By a party-line vote, the Senate passed SB 203, the Campaign Finance Transparency Act, sponsored by Senator Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) and House Majority Leader Representative Paul Weissmann (D-Longmont). 
DENVER— The Senate passed groundbreaking legislation on second reading tonight. 
Gov. Ritter signs Sen. Whitehead’s SB 82 into law as daughter stands by
SB 82 closes a legislative loophole that imposed term limits on non-tribal members of the Southern Ute Indian tribe/state of Colorado environmental commission, a loophole that has been impeding the state’s ability to effectively deal with its environmental issues in this region. Many of the 5th graders from Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary live in the affected area. Tribal members of the environmental commission already have no term limits.
The Denver Post
DENVER— Today, Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass), Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) and Rep. Ed Vigil (D-Alamosa) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar asking him to preserve the federal funding for Colorado’s affected counties. The federal government is in the process of refiguring the formula for federal support of many rural communities and these communities are at risk of losing significant funding. 
Special Report
DENVER— 
support on how to improve their practice and will help inform the key decisions made throughout an educator’s career like access to career ladders, professional development, and earning and keeping the privilege of non-probationary status. “Teachers really want to be evaluated,” commented Mark Sass, a teacher at Legacy High School. “We expect all students to achieve at a rigorous, high-level of academic achievement, and I think we should hold educators to that same level. This bill also recognizes that principals ensure there are high-quality teachers in their building and creates a great incentive for them to work with their teachers and foster a sense of collaboration.” 
DENVER— Today, Colorado’s Congressional Delegation visited the State Capitol to meet with legislators. Senator Gail Schwartz (D-Snowmass) spoke with the delegation and voiced her concern about a proposed federal action which will negatively impact Colorado’s rural communities. (click here for a chart showing how Colorado's communities could be impacted: 
DENVER— Today, the Senate passed the Clean Air- Clean Jobs Act (HB 1365) on second reading. HB 1365, the Clean Air - Clean Jobs Act, is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus) and Senator Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction) in the Senate. This bill creates job, cuts air pollution, and increase the use of cleaner energy sources by requiring Xcel Energy to sharply reduce pollutants by retiring, retrofitting or repowering Front Range coal-fired power plants by the end of 2017—and possibly sooner—and replacing them with facilities fueled by natural gas and other lower- or non-emitting energy sources. 
New York Times
Legislation will create thousands of new jobs and require nearly one-third of Colorado’s electricity come from sustainable renewable energy sources
- Thousands of new jobs,
DENVER-- It’s the day these three will never forget. The day that was followed by doctors’ visits, surgeries, painful treatments, and a new perspective on life:
Johnston last spring was appointed to the northeast Denver Senate seat held by Peter Groff, who resigned to take an education post in President Barak Obama’s administration.
FRISCO, CO— This weekend, Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Summit County) put on a “Michael Jackson” white glove and danced his way to first place for the 2nd Annual Dancing with the Mountain Stars fundraiser. 560 people attended the fundraiser which brought in more than $150,000 for the Summit Medical Center Health Foundation’s 10 Bed Expansion Wing Project at St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco
