President Shaffer convenes the Colorado Senate's 67th opening day
Wednesday, January 13 2010
DENVER— Today the Colorado Senate came together for the opening day of the first regular session for the 67th General Assembly. Senate President Brandon 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.
Senate Majority Leader John Morse applauded from the Senate floor. “Thanks to smart decision-making, Colorado is in a much better financial situation than many other states, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t plenty of challenges to overcome this session,” said Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs). “The road to recovery can be tough, but so are Coloradans. I’m very excited to start working towards real results for Colorado families.”
The upcoming session will also see bills seeking to expand Colorado’s New Energy Economy through the increase of our Renewable Energy Standard; bills which will continue to reform education and keep Colorado at the top of the “Race to the Top”; and a bill which will secure retirement for the 450,000 state employees who are relying on a stable, sustainable system. (click here for press release)
President Shaffer concluded: “Our task is to lead Colorado to a better tomorrow. Our agenda is to create jobs and balance our budget. We were sent here in difficult times to solve difficult problems. And solve them we will.”
Click here for the full text of President Shaffer's speech.
