Monday, November 22, 2010

Speaker Designee McNulty Names GOP Committee Chairs

Speaker Designee Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, today named his picks to head the committees of reference for the Colorado State House of Representatives.

“In these appointments, you will see a wide range of experience and leadership skills and a recognition of Colorado’s geographic diversity,” McNulty said. “These appointments send a strong message that the House Republican Caucus is committed to strengthening Colorado’s economy, reinventing government, and putting Coloradans back to work.”

“The House Majority leadership team and committee chairs represent all regions of Colorado and more than half of Colorado’s counties,” McNulty added. “As we take the reins of the House, Coloradans will notice that this is not time for business as usual at the Capitol and that will be reflected in our decisions on the important issues facing our state.”

The following is a list of State House of Representatives committees of reference with the newly appointed Chair:

House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee
State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling
Vice Chair, State Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs

“Yes, I did appoint a real farmer as chairman of the Ag committee, there is no one better suited to head it up,” McNulty said. “As Ag Committee chairman, Jerry will be a tireless advocate for Colorado’s agricultural community and will capably navigate the complex natural resource issues Colorado faces.”

House Appropriations Committee
State Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen

“Cheri will bring respect and concern for taxpayer dollars to her role as chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee,” McNulty said. “She will be a leader on the Joint Budget Committee and in the Appropriations hearings.”

House Economic and Business Development Committee
State Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs
Vice Chair, State Rep. Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial

“As a successful businessman and one of the more experienced legislators in the House of Representatives, Larry brings extensive experience and knowledge to the table,” McNulty said. “Colorado’s current economic climate has made the House Economic and Business Development Committee an important piece of our economic recovery. I am certain that Larry will bring the same skills and leadership that served him well as a businessman to the decisions that will ultimately be of great importance to our economic recovery.”

House Education Committee
State Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs

“Tom has earned a reputation at the capitol for being a strong advocate for education and also as someone who has a proven ability to bring together diverse groups in order to make great policy,” McNulty said. “Tom will be a strong advocate for Colorado’s education system as Chairman of the House Education Committee.”

House Finance Committee
State Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland

“As a small businessman and entrepreneur, Brian has the experience and knowledge to evaluate complex financial issues and promote sound fiscal policy on behalf of Colorado families,” McNulty said. “Brian has proven himself to be a thoughtful and effective legislator who has always been concerned about the importance of the people’s role in our legislative process. He will bring that same passion to his work as chairman.”

House Health and Environment Committee
State Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood

“With his experience as a leader in the non-profit community, Ken will be a strong voice as we find solutions to Colorado’s health care challenges,” McNulty said. “Ken’s experience will be a great help in shepherding Colorado through what will be some of the most complex health care issues of our time.”

House Judiciary Committee
State Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs

“Bob is a successful attorney and is known for his understanding of the law and his deep compassion for our fellow Coloradans,” McNulty said. “His background and experience will make him a remarkable leader of the House Judiciary Committee.”

House Local Government Committee
State Rep. Laura Bradford, R-Collbran

“Hailing from Western Colorado, Laura understands the importance of local issues and the consequences state level decisions have on local economies,” McNulty said. “Armed with that knowledge, Laura will serve as a strong voice for Colorado communities that make up the backbone of our state.”

House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee
State Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Littleton

“Jim has spent his time in the legislature cleaning up government, reducing waste, and promoting efficiency,” McNulty said. “This focus is exactly why I have appointed him to head up the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. He’ll bring that same focus and tenacity to his new post.”

House Transportation Committee
State Rep. Glenn Vaad, R-Mead
Vice Chair, State Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan

“With more than 30 years working on transportation issues on behalf of Coloradans, Glenn is eminently qualified to head up our Transportation Committee,” McNulty said. “Glenn has always been willing to propose creative solutions to transportation issues and I am certain that he will bring that same creativity to his work as chairman.”

Thursday, November 4, 2010

House Republican Majority Elects New Leadership

The House Republican Majority today elected a new leadership team for the State House of Representatives. Heading up the new House Majority will be Speaker-Designee Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.

“I want to thank my colleagues for putting their trust in me to serve as Speaker of the House,” McNulty said. “The House Republican Majority is ready to take the reins and do our part to get Colorado’s economy moving again.”

Serving as Majority Leader will be state Rep. Amy Stephens, R-Monument. Stephens says that jobs and the economy will be the number one priority for the House Republican Majority when the session kicks off this January.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us and some tough decisions to make, but I am confident that the House Republicans are ready to meet these challenges head-on,” Stephens said. “The House Majority is made up of Coloradans from across the state who each bring a diverse set of backgrounds and skill sets. We have farmers, ranchers, small business owners who all share the same goal of kick-starting Colorado’s economy.”

Also selected for leadership positions in the new House Majority are House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Mark Waller, R-Colorado Springs, House Majority Whip, Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, and House Majority Caucus Chair, Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock.

“This leadership team is ready to get to work on behalf of the people of Colorado,” added McNulty. “With jobs and the economy as our top priorities, Colorado families can expect a House Majority that is ready to listen to Colorado’s working families and small businesses, reinvent state government, and protect services people care about.”

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Stephens Praises Decision by Federal Judge for Siding with Privacy in Amazon.com Lawsuit

State Rep. Amy Stephens, R-Monument, today praised the decision by U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman, of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, for her ruling against the North Carolina Department of Revenue in their demand for private information detailing customer purchases from Amazon.com for the purposes of internet sales tax collection.

“Judge Pechman today ruled in favor of Amazon.com and their right to protect the privacy and purchase information of their customers,” Stephens said. “I will continue to fight to protect Colorado consumers from the same invasion of purchase and privacy information we face as a result of the internet sales tax law (aka Amazon.com) being implemented here at home. It is my hope that the Colorado law, House Bill 1193, will be overturned by the courts as well.”

Similar to a recent law adopted in Colorado, the North Carolina Department of Revenue demanded detailed information from Amazon.com on the purchases made by North Carolina residents. Amazon.com’s lawyers argued that the request threatened the constitutional free speech and privacy rights of consumers by asking for names and detailed purchase information of online shoppers.

“I feel very strongly that the level of detail being requested by our own Colorado Department of Revenue violates privacy and goes far beyond the comfort level of many Coloradans,” Stephens said. “Coloradans should be free to make online purchases without government looking over their shoulder. I am pleased that Amazon.com has stood up for the protection of consumer privacy in North Carolina and am hopeful that Colorado tax collectors will take notice of this case as well.”

The Colorado law, arising out of House Bill 10-1193, requires Amazon.com and other internet retailers to notify consumers of the sales and use taxes accrued from their annual online purchases. Internet retailers are then asked to provide a detailed list of consumers’ names and purchases to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Similar to the North Carolina case, Amazon.com and Stephens have argued that requiring a retailer to provide detailed information related to customer transactions violates their purchase and privacy rights.

The Colorado law is currently being challenged by the Direct Marketers Association of which Amazon.com is a member. Stephens says this latest court ruling should serve as a reminder to policymakers that you cannot sacrifice the freedoms of citizens to balance the state budget.

The ruling can be viewed online here.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Rep. Nikkel Statement on Loveland Wildfire

State Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, today released the following statement in reaction to the fire burning west of Loveland that has now burned over 640 acres:
“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all who are affected by the fire burning west of Loveland. With my own home in the fire’s path, I know how our community is feeling.

“The important thing for us to do now is to heed the warnings of the authorities and let them do their work. I am confident that with the cooperation of residents, we will have this fire extinguished as fast as possible and our community can begin the process of rebuilding.”

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Republicans Call for Transparency on Teacher Effectiveness

State House Republicans today blasted the House Democrat Leadership for blocking efforts to make the Governor's Council for Educator Effectiveness more transparent and open to the public.

“These are important meetings for the future of education in Colorado and it's incredible to me that anyone would want to keep these meetings from being as transparent as possible,” said House Republican Caucus Chair Amy Stephens. “These meetings should be broadcast far and wide so that all stakeholders, parents, teachers and community members can follow these critical conversations.”

Three of the four members of the House Services Committee agreed to allow meetings of the Council to be held at the capitol and broadcast online. However, Rep. Tom Massey, was informed that Democrat leadership in the House intervened to prevent the Council from being granted that ability.

The Council's initial meetings have been held at the offices of the Colorado Education Association in Denver and have not been broadcast. The CEA vocally opposed the bipartisan teacher and principal effectiveness bill that created the Council in state statute, Senate Bill 191, sponsored by Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock.

“Why would these meetings be held at the offices of a special interest organization that has been openly hostile toward increasing accountability in our schools?" asked Murray. “These meetings shouldn't just be open to people who live in Denver. Our teachers across the state should be able to attend and share their feelings honestly without fear of being intimidated by union bosses.”

House Education Committee Ranking Republican Tom Massey, also a member of the House Services Committee, said he was surprised that leadership intervened in the decision.

"This is a decision that the House Services Committee had purview over and a majority of the members of the Committee saw no problem with allowing these meetings to be broadcast from the capitol,” said Massey. “It will be very disappointing if politics ends up trumping transparency, especially on an issue as important as the education of our children.”

The next Council meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 20.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Gardner Calls on Colorado Congressional Delegation to Reject Collective Bargaining Amendment

State Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, today is calling on Colorado’s congressional delegation to reject a dangerous amendment to a bill working its way through Congress that would force state and local governments to participate in collective bargaining with labor unions.


“Particularly with all of the uncertainty currently surrounding the economy, now is not the time to be making radical changes to the balance between labor unions and local governments,” Gardner said. “The amendment that has been attached to this bill will cause further harm to our economy and hinder our economic recovery.”

The amendment added to H.R. 4899 by Rep. David Obey, D-Wisconsin, would force state and local governments into collective bargaining agreements with labor associations representing police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders, among others.

Joining Gardner in signing the letter are 38 Representatives and Senators from across Colorado. Gardner says the strong showing of support for his letter by his colleagues illustrates the growing concern there is for this issue.

“Legislators from across the state signed this letter because they are just as concerned as I am that this overreaching mandate could be on its way from Washington to Colorado,” Gardner said. “I hope our congressional delegation agrees and joins with us in opposition to this amendment.”

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Rep. Stephens Applauds Challenge to Internet Tax

Complaint Based on Consumer Privacy Concerns, Loss of Colorado Jobs


State Rep. Amy Stephens, R-Monument, today applauded the legal challenge filed against Colorado’s new Internet sales tax policy, recently authorized by House Bill 1193.

“We have said from the beginning that this proposal jeopardizes consumer privacy and gives the government a frightening amount of access to information about personal purchases and services,” said Stephens. “The bottom line is, it’s none of the government’s business what someone wants to buy online.”

Stephens helped lead the fight against HB 1193, a Democrat-sponsored budget balancing proposal that mandates sales tax collection for online purchases.

It was announced yesterday that the Direct Marketing Association filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Colorado challenging the new law as unconstitutional. The DMA cited privacy violations because the new law requires companies to turn over confidential purchasing history information to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The DMA also claims the law unfairly discriminates against interstate commerce.

“I wholeheartedly agree with the concerns raised by the legal challenge,” Stephens said. “These are problems even the sponsors of the bill recognized. Unfortunately, the tax proposal was still rushed through the legislature, causing concern for consumers and leading to the immediate loss of Colorado jobs.”

Immediately following passage of the bill, it was announced that Amazon would no longer be working with its 4,200 affiliates in Colorado.

Prior to filing the lawsuit, the DMA, along with several other entities, registered their concerns about HB1193 with the legislature, with the governor, and with the Department of Revenue during its rulemaking process.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Report Card on Ritter’s Economy

Colorado’s latest economic forecast predicts some tough times ahead, and it's not hard to see why.

Democrats in charge of Colorado are failing the public with their harmful economic policies, including tax increases on businesses and consumers and onerous restrictions that discourage economic activity.

Quotes from the forecast on predictions for Colorado’s job market, economic performance, and energy sector make it easy to see that Democrats are falling short of the mark.

“The Democrats' management of the economy is making a bad situation that much worse,” said House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker. “Higher taxes, increased regulation, and a hostile attitude toward business have hampered Colorado’s recovery. Colorado Democrats are just not making the grade when it comes to managing the economy.”

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

State Rep. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, today released the following statement in reaction to the governor’s veto of his House Bill 1287 that would have restricted state employees from using state-owned vehicles for commuting purposes:


“The intent of HB-1287 was to control the waste and abuse of government vehicles being used for commuting by state employees. That waste has been demonstrated by at least three state audits, and one of the governor’s own studies. Governor Ritter has had years to fix these problems, but has shown no leadership to do so. Nothing in the bill would have prohibited authorized emergency workers from commuting using state vehicles, but would have charged most employees the fair cost to the state for their non-official travel to and from work. Marked State Patrol vehicles were specifically exempted from reimbursement.”

“This bill was just a common sense way to save $3 million per year, and became enormously popular. The Joint Budget Committee, with four Democrats and two Republicans, unanimously sponsored the bill due to the clear waste and lack of oversight in the current system. The bill passed the House 59-2, and the Senate 35-0. Similar bills have been passed in nine other states in the past 18 months.

“It is disappointing that the governor chose to side against both the legislature and the taxpayers by vetoing House Bill 1287. Taxpayer-owned vehicles should be used only in the essential performance of state business, not for a free ride to work. As more Colorado workers lose their jobs, and taxpayers and businesses have to pay higher taxes during a continuing economic crisis with record unemployment, and Colorado families are paying higher vehicle registration fees, it is blatantly unfair for state workers to get a free ride to and from their offices. Unfortunately, this veto is part of a pattern with this governor of protecting wasteful special perks for the government while overcharging already desperate taxpayers. Whatever happened to ‘shared sacrifice’?”

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Balmer Resolution Supporting Health Care Challenge Rejected

Assistant House Republican Leader David Balmer, R-Centennial, today made the case for the General Assembly to support Attorney General John Suthers in his constitutional challenge of the federal health care legislation.

Majority Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee defeated the resolution on a party-line vote citing their support for the Obama-backed government run health care plan.

“There are real constitutional problems with the recently adopted government health care takeover,” Balmer said. “I think Attorney General Suthers deserves the support of the General Assembly in protecting Colorado from an extremely questionable law. Unfortunately, Democrats are unwilling to ask these important constitutional questions.”

Balmer says that House Joint Resolution 1008 raises important constitutional questions about the health care act. Balmer pointed out that the 2010 federal health care law unconstitutionally requires individuals to contract with private corporations.

“As legislators, we took an oath to uphold the federal and state constitutions,” Balmer said. “This new federal law clearly violates the U.S. Constitution, so we have a duty to challenge this unconstitutional law.”

Attorney Generals from across the United States have signed onto the lawsuit challenging the federal health care act. The lawsuit charges that the individual mandate implemented by the act exceeds Congress’ legislative authority and violates the constitutional rights of Americans.

“I think the Democrats who are willing to follow the will of Congress without question are going to find themselves on the wrong side of history,” Balmer said. “Even though my resolution failed, I personally support the AG in this lawsuit and I know many of my colleagues and constituents do as well.”

HJR 1008 was defeated on a 6-4 party-line vote.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Rep. Kerr Marks 11th Anniversary Of the Columbine Tragedy

State Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Littleton, today took time out of a busy legislative schedule to ask the General Assembly to join him in a moment of silence to honor the 11th anniversary of the Columbine High School tragedy.

“Today marks the 11th Anniversary of the Columbine High School shootings,” Kerr said. “It is a day to acknowledge the many innocent victims who died that day. We want to let the families know that they are not alone and that our thoughts and prayers go out to them.”

Kerr remarked that Colorado should never forget the tragedy at Columbine High School in Littleton Colorado, which left 12 students and one teacher dead and 23 other people wounded.

“We will always remember the Columbine victims and their families,” Kerr said. “This tragedy has changed the way we address school safety and other emergency responses so that similar events can be prevented. In fact, the lessons we learned from Columbine prepared the teachers and students of Deer Creek Middle School to recently avert a greater tragedy.”

Rep. Kerr represents Colorado State House District 28, home to Columbine High School.

Monday, April 19, 2010

House GOP Education Committee Rejects End-Run on TABOR

Republicans on the House Education Committee today are gearing up for what is expected to by yet another showdown over the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights.

At issue is House Concurrent Resolution 1002 by Rep. Debbie Benefield, D-Arvada, that would ask voters to allow the legislature the ability to impose tax increases for any education-related purpose without voter approval.

Rep. Tom Massey, Ranking Republican on the House Education Committee, says that the proposal violates the spirit of TABOR by allowing the legislature to impose tax increases without a vote of the people.

“Colorado voters approved TABOR in 1992 and now during a recession is not the time to push for a tax increase,” said Massey, R-Poncha Springs. “Their latest proposal would cripple TABOR and allow for massive tax increases merely to avoid cuts to education in lean economic times. Especially when every other state department is facing the same cuts as education is. That is just not good economic policy.”

Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, is concerned that is adopted, HCR 1002 would allow for unchecked government growth.

“Raising taxes and increasing government spending is not going to help put Colorado families back to work,” McNulty said. “Colorado families and businesses are looking for new solutions that respect their tax dollars and get our economy moving again. This proposal is just more of the same from the party in power.”

The House Education Committee will take up HCR 1002 today, April 19, at 1:30 pm in the Old Supreme Court Chamber. Members of the media and public can listen in to the proceedings live by clicking here and selecting the audio link for the Old Supreme Court Chambers.

Monday, March 29, 2010

During Budget Republicans Lead Bipartisan Reform of Broken System

May: State Ship Must be Righted

As the state House of Representatives readies to take up the state budget, House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, today says that leading on government reform will be the House GOP’s top priority this year.

“House Republicans are interested in tackling some of the big picture problems in state government,” May said. “With the recession comes the opportunity to rethink, reshape, and retool areas of government that are simply not working and improve on aspects that are. House Republicans are ready to step up and provide the leadership necessary.”

May says that Republicans are working with Democrats to push for reforming the way that state government funds Colorado’s system of higher education, the state transportation system, and correctional facilities.

“Year after year we continue to see the same problems in the same areas yet we have not taken the opportunity to address these issues,” May said. “We can’t continue to push these problems off to be dealt with by future lawmakers. We can’t continue to govern by crisis.”

Specifically, May says that Republicans will push for an evaluation of the Department of Corrections to determine how Colorado can better utilize assets and increase efficiency. Another effort will focus on reforming Colorado’s higher education system to eliminate duplication between schools and increase efficiency. May says Republicans are also working on a proposal to re-evaluate our transportation system so that the state can fulfill obligations and eliminate roadblocks that prevent local communities from investing in their own roads.

The House is set to take up House Bill 1376, the state budget bill, later this week. May says that Republicans will offer constructive amendments to the state budget but most of the proposals he is backing will be introduced as separate bills in the coming days.

Monday, February 22, 2010

May: House Defeats Rep. Rice’s Risky Investment Scheme

House GOP and Dems Team Up to Stop Investment Gamble on Retirement Accounts

The state House of Representatives today stopped a Senate Joint Resolution that House Republicans said encouraged risky investments for Coloradans’ individual retirement accounts.

At issue was Senate Joint Resolution 15, by Rep. Joe Rice, D-Littleton, which would have granted the state House of Representatives’ encouragement and stamp of approval for Colorado businesses to add a renewable energy fund to every 401(k) and other defined contribution plans in the state. The resolution was defeated when Representatives on both sides of the aisle saw how risky this investment strategy is.

“The House is not going to encourage people to gamble with their retirement funds,” said House Republican Leader Mike May. “I don’t believe that the state House should set the precedent of trying to pick winners and losers in the stock market. Especially not for Rice’s special interest cronies.”

As an example, May, R-Parker, pointed to a much-hyped foreign corporation that could be included in such an investment that has seen their stock drop nearly 70 percent in the last 20 months.

“We all support and encourage renewable energy,” May said. “But that doesn’t mean that Coloradans should be led to believe that the state House says they are a sound investment for your retirement.”

After a spirited debate, the House defeated the SJR 15 on a vote of 42-21.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Bulk of “Dirty Dozen” Package of Tax Increases Sent to Senate


Bulk of “Dirty Dozen” Package of Tax Increases Sent to Senate

Democrats Rush Forward with “Tax Increases in Effort to Play “Economic Chicken”

Despite continued opposition from citizens, businesses, and consumers, majority Democrats today granted final approval in the House for a package of tax increases that make up the bulk of the ‘dirty dozen.’

“The Democrats’ rush to tax the citizens and businesses who make up the backbone of Colorado’s economy, came full-circle this morning,” May said. “After hours of testimony from business owners and citizens who oppose these tax increases, Democrats still chose to ignore that message and take them one step closer to reality.”

The package of 8 proposals, granted final approval by the House today, would remove tax exemptions that small businesses rely on. Democrats are fast-tracking the package of legislation in order to pay for their over-spending in the previous year.

“Now is not the time to be passing along the cost of government bureaucracy onto citizens and businesses,” May said. “There is no question that a good many Coloradans are going to lose their jobs if this legislation is not stopped.”

May says that the overwhelming display of opposition by concerned citizens and business owners should be enough of an argument to stop these bills. Last week, the House Finance Committee debated the proposals, with one hearing lasting until 2:45 a.m. The committee room was overflowing with Coloradans from across the state who came to testify against the package of tax increases.

“One Democrat went so far as to argue that we should “call businesses bluff” when it comes to the amount of jobs that will be lost as a result of these tax increases,” May said. “When these businesses come to the capitol and tell us that they will have to cut jobs, they mean it. Calling their bluff is simply not good public policy and playing economic chicken with business owners will cost Colorado jobs.”

Among the tax exemptions being proposed for removal are candy, soda, online sales, and energy use.

The proposals, House Bill 1189, House Bill 1191, House Bill 1192, House Bill 1193, House Bill 1194, House Bill 1195, House Bill 1196, and House Bill 1199 were passed by the House on final approval with bipartisan opposition and will now move to the state Senate for further debate.

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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Republican State of the State



House Assistant Republican Leader David Balmer joins with Senate Assistant Republican Leader Greg Brophy to deliver the Republican State of the State.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Gardner Slams Dems for Rosy Unemployment Figures


State Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, today reacted swiftly to a news report showing two Colorado towns in energy producing regions as having the highest percentages of job losses in the country for the 3rd quarter of 2009.

The report, on MSN.com, states that Greeley, Colorado has the 9th highest job-loss rate and Grand Junction the highest rate out of the largest 281 metro cities across America. Greeley had a 2.4 % drop and Grand Junction had a 5.2 % drop in the employment rate over the third quarter of 2009.

“Governor Ritter and Majority Democrats continue to paint a rosy picture of Colorado’s unemployment rate,” Gardner said. “However, Grand Junction and Greeley have experienced some of the worst job-loss rates in the nation.”

Gardner pointed to the governor’s often-criticized oil and gas rules as being a contributor to the rise in the unemployment rate. Citing the new rules, Gardner says that many companies are choosing not to expand operations or to do business in certain areas of Colorado.

“The truth is that many companies are holding back on hiring and expansion and looking instead at more predictable and friendly regulatory environments,” Gardner said. “Democrats who deny that these rules are having an effect just need to look at the numbers in these counties.” Gardner noted that the indirect jobs associated with energy development have suffered as well.

Gardner and other Republicans warned Democrat leaders about the consequences of the rules during lengthy debate in the state House of Representatives. At the time, Gardner and industry leaders warned that overly restrictive environmental regulations and a lengthy and unpredictable permitting process would stifle industry growth. Despite those warnings, the governor moved forward and approved the rules.

“While many cities and towns across America struggle to lessen the effects of the recession, some on Colorado’s Eastern Plains and Western Slope have not been so lucky,” Gardner said. “It is shameful that these rules stay in place as Coloradans continue to lose good jobs.”

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

May: New Appointment Will Hurt Agriculture and Jobs

House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, today reacted sharply to the news that House Speaker Terrance Carroll, D-Denver, appointed Rep. Randy Fischer, D-Fort Collins, to serve as the chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

“Rep. Fischer’s record of hostility toward agriculture and the energy industry does not bode well for Colorado’s economy and job market this year,” May said. “Important policy decisions that will impact farmers, ranchers, miners, and oil and gas workers are now in the hands of a legislator who has actively opposed each of these industries.”

Fischer’s House Bill 1230, from 2008, would have required strict emissions requirements to be placed on all diesel powered equipment. Dubbed the “Tractor Tax,” it would have required farmers to retrofit equipment with costly upgrades.

“Fischer’s tractor tax enraged the agriculture community and even threatened to put some farmers out of business,” May said. “Fortunately, this hostile proposal was defeated, but with Fischer being elevated to this new position, these types of proposals may be back.”

May also points to public statements Fischer made opposing future water storage projects in Colorado. Quoted in a December 2009 Greeley Tribune article, Fischer said that “Colorado does not need any additional water storage.”

“Without adequate water to irrigate, many of Colorado’s farms would simply dry up,” May said. “These are only a few examples demonstrating that Fischer clearly does not understand the issues important to agriculture.”

Fischer also played an important role in the approval of new oil and gas rules that have been criticized as “job-costers,” and has run legislation in the past to curb mining operations in his region.