Senate Dems Get to Work-Fast!

Wednesday, January 13 2010

Senator Mike Johnston Races his Race to the Top Bill

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.

· 10:30 am: Colorado Senate introduces Senate Bill 36, a bill which will help Colorado in compete in federal “Race to the Top” competition.  Freshman Senator Johnston, a former teacher and principal is sponsoring the bill.
· 11:15am: Senate Education Committee debates and passes Senate Bill 36.
· 2pm:  Senate Appropriations Committee passes Senate Bill 36 by a vote of 8-2.
· 2:30pm:  Senate debates Senate Bill 36 on second reading.
· 3:10pm: Senate passes Senate Bill 36 on second reading.
(* Note: Senate Bill 36 will be on the Senate floor for third and final reading Thursday, January 14 before it heads over to the house.)

“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.

Under the leadership of Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien, Colorado is working diligently to win the Race to the Top.  Race to the Top applications are due Tuesday, January 19, 2010.  According to the U.S. Department of Education, “awards in Race to the Top will go to States that are leading the way with ambitious yet achievable plans for implementing coherent, compelling, and comprehensive education reform.”

Senate Bill 36 is cosponsored by Senators Bacon, Heath, Hudak, Penry, Romer, Shaffer, and Steadman.