March Designated as Colorado’s Women’s History Month

DENVER – Today, the General Assembly designated March as Colorado’s Women’s History Month.

Senate Joint Resolution 29 honors and celebrates the countless contributions and achievements made by women in Colorado.  

“Our state has a long history of supporting the rights of women,” said House sponsor, Marsha Looper, R-Calhan.  “From being the first state in the nation to give women the right to vote through popular vote to having the highest percentage of women serving the state legislature today, Colorado has much to be proud of.”

SJR 29 was co-sponsored in the House by Jeanne Labuda, D-Denver. Senate sponsors were Nancy Spence, R-Centennial, and Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora.

“I am especially proud to support this resolution as a Republican woman,” said Rep. Cheri Gerou of Evergreen.  “In 1895, the first women elected to the Colorado House of Representatives were all Republicans.”

The resolution passed the General Assembly with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans.

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Beezley Bill to Lower Utility Rates for Medical Patients Signed into Law

DENVER—When Xcel Energy’s tiered rate plan went into effect last June, consumers with high energy needs because of medical conditions were among the hardest hit.  Those Coloradans are one step closer to seeing their electric bills go back down this summer, thanks to a measure that was signed into law this week.

Under the tiered rate plan, the price many customers pay in the summer is determined by how much electricity they use, without regard to whether they use that electricity to provide life supporting machines and technologies. 

Senate Bill 87, sponsored by State Rep. Don Beezley, R-Broomfield, allows the Public Utilities Commission to develop rules that exempt medical patients from the costly tiered rate plan. 

“People who need to use medical equipment or have heat sensitive conditions like multiple sclerosis use more energy, pushing them into a higher tier,” said Beezley.  “This law will lower energy costs for some of the most vulnerable people.” 

The law immediately went into effect with the governor’s signature. 

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Nikkel’s Criminal Justice Bill Signed into Law

DENVER – The Governor has signed a proposal by State Rep. B.J. Nikkel that will increase the information available for the Legislature and the public on the impact of criminal justice related bills.

House Bill 1239 requires certain information to be included in the fiscal analysis provided to legislators for bills creating new crimes, changing the elements of a crime, or increasing or decreasing the classification of an existing crime.  

“The purpose of this proposal is to provide all the information necessary in order to make more well-informed decisions on criminal justice related bills,” said Nikkel, R-Loveland.  “This allows the Legislature to have more in-depth information before deciding on bills that matter to our public safety.”

HB 1239 passed the General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support.  

“This is a common-sense bill that helps provide important background information to legislators,” Nikkel said.  “Crime has both a social and fiscal impact on our state, and this bill will help ensure more responsible and thoughtful policies on both fronts for Coloradans.”

The bill immediately went into effect with the governor’s signature.  

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New Law Will Track Crimes against Pregnant Victims

DENVER—A bill sponsored by State Rep. Laura Bradford to help law enforcement gain a better understanding of crimes against pregnant women was signed into law this week.   

House Bill 1183 requires medical professionals to determine and report on whether or not a decedent was pregnant at the time of death.

“Studies show that certain domestic crimes are more common when a woman is pregnant, but we don’t have good data on this in Colorado,” said Bradford, R-Collbran.  “This law will help us better understand these crimes and hopefully help us prevent them in the future.”     

HB 1183 received overwhelming support from Republicans and Democrats.  The measure is expected to go into effect on August 10, 2011. 

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Scott’s Oil and Gas Commission Bill to be Heard on Wednesday

DENVER—A measure that would help Colorado’s energy economy will be heard in the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday, March 31.


“This bill ensures the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission is made up of members who have practical, working knowledge of energy development,” said bill sponsor, State Rep. Ray Scott.  “We have worked long and hard on this bill to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.  My hope is that members from both sides of the aisle, and the Governor, will support this measure to boost Colorado’s largest industry.”

House Bill 1223 would restore the composition of the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission to what it was prior to 2007, when it included seven members: three with technical experience in petroleum geology or engineering, two who have practical field experience in the industry and two with experience in environmental protection, soil conservation or agriculture production.

“This recession has hit everyone, especially the Western Slope, largely because members of the overly-regulated oil and gas industry are leaving Colorado for more business-friendly states,” said Scott, R-Grand Junction.

Scott brought the bill to Gov. Hickenlooper for support; however, after four weeks of negotiations, the governor’s office had not yet endorsed the bill.

“Rep. Scott has reached out to those who have an interest in this important industry,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “We have tried to find common ground.  This bill is perfectly in line with Gov. Hickenlooper’s request that we need to get regulators off the back of industry; that’s exactly what we’re trying to do here.”

HB 1223 is scheduled to be heard in committee upon adjournment.

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Conti Bill to Help Disabled Veterans Signed into Law

DENVER – State Rep. Kathleen Conti's second bill was signed into law this week by Gov. John Hickenlooper.  The measure, House Bill 1226, will expedite the application process for disabled veterans to receive their property tax exemption.


"This law will speed up the application process disabled veterans go through, quickly giving them the economic help they need in this tough economy," said Conti, R-Littleton.

HB 1226 allows the Division of Veterans Affairs to use an applicant’s entire Social Security number to verify the veteran status for the disabled veteran property tax exemption.  Current law requires that the first five digits of the applicant's social security number be removed or permanently obscured on the application. The law eliminates this requirement.

The protection of the social security numbers of applicants will not be comprised as the application will be directly received by the Division of Veterans Affairs.

"Our disabled veterans deserve better than to have their rightful property exemptions slowed down by an unnecessary extra step in their applications,” Conti said. “Having them use their entire social security number on their applications will complete all the necessary checks without risking their Social Security numbers falling into the wrong hands.”

HB 1226 passed the General Assembly unanimously and immediately goes into effect.

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Becker’s Bill Signed into Law: House Bill 1262 ensures transparency for energy utility acquisitions

House Bill 1262 ensures transparency for energy utility acquisitions


DENVER – State Rep. Jon Becker’s House Bill 1262 was signed into law today by Gov. John Hickenlooper.  The measure ensures transparency in the acquisition of power generation resources and promotes fairness in electric utility competitive bidding processes.

“As a legislator representing a district where energy is critical for everyone from small businesses to local farms, I understand how important energy at a fair price is for Coloradans,” said Becker, R-Fort Morgan.

This law directs the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to publicize rules regarding information that must be provided by investor-owned utilities to electric generation facility owners.

Specifically, the bill requires that facility owners have access to any relevant modeling and assumptions used by the investor-owned utilities in resource acquisition bidding.  The bill safeguards to ensure that confidential information is not compromised.

“This bill makes sure that all the details in an acquisition of an energy facility are as transparent as possible without risking the safety of the facility,” said Becker.  “With the complex nature of energy facility acquisitions, everyone involved in the process will have the information needed so there is fair competition, which will lead to lower energy rates for Coloradans.”

HB 1262 passed the General Assembly unanimously.

The bill immediately went into effect with the governor’s signature.

Rep. Szabo’s Bill Passes Through The House

DENVER – The House gave final approval to a measure today that will give Coloradans a voice in what they pay for local waste management services. 

State Rep. Libby Szabo’s, R-Arvada, House Bill 1116 requires local governments to obtain voter approval prior to providing, contracting to provide, or requiring residents to pay fees for waste services. 

 “With this tough economy, Coloradans deserve a chance to decide how much we pay for our daily waste management services – especially when these services and fees are required by our local governments,” Szabo said. 

HB 1116 now makes its way to the State Senate for further consideration. 

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Swerdfeger’s Job-Creating Hydro Bill Signed into Law

DENVER – Coloradans may soon save a few extra dollars on their electric bills, thanks to a job-creating bill signed into law today. 


State Rep. Keith Swerdfeger’s measure, House Bill 1083, allows the Public Utilities Commission to consider using hydroelectricity and pumped-hydroelectricity operations.

“This law utilizes clean and renewable energy to create jobs and lower the price of electricity for Coloradans,” said Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo West.  “Everyone wins with this measure.” 


HB 1083 passed the General Assembly unanimously, thanks to Swerdfeger’s united effort with Senate sponsors Kevin Grantham, R-Canon City, and Angela Giron, D-Pueblo.


“This law is proof that when Democrats and Republican come together, we can achieve great things for the people of Colorado,” added Swerdfeger.

HB 1083 is scheduled to go into effect on August 10, 2011.


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Colorado Business Groups Unite Behind Senate Bill 200

DENVER—Business Groups came out in strong support of House Majority Leader Amy Stephens’ measure to allow small-businesses and individuals to band together to buy affordable health insurance. In a memo sent to members of the House Health and Environment Committee and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado Competitive Council, Colorado Concern and the National Federation of Independent Business hailed Senate Bill 200, saying: “The business coalition worked with sponsors to create a bill that provides great access to affordable care, while promoting a competitive marketplace that protects private industry jobs, and provides employers with additional affordable choices when considering health benefits for employees.” SB 200 creates a market-based health exchange to allow families and small businesses to pool together to find affordable and quality coverage. “This bill is good for Colorado,” said Stephens, R-Monument. “Large corporations already have the ability to buy insurance at a group rate. This bill simply clears away government barriers and allows individuals and small businesses to join together to buy insurance at a group rate in the free-market.” The NFIB went a step further and issued a press release supporting SB 200, saying: “In a 2010 NFIB member survey, 60 percent of our membership supported establishing a Colorado Health Benefit Exchange and not allowing the Federal Government to impose a one-size-fits-all exchange on our Colorado members.” Stephens added, “Coloradans want a free-market, Colorado-based solution to health care. Senate Bill 200 is just that.”

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Conti Helps Charter Schools Reach New Heights

Conti Celebrates as First Bill Signed into Law DENVER—State Rep. Kathleen Conti’s first bill was signed into law on Friday, March 25. The measure, House Bill 1089, expands the pool of federal grants for which charter schools are able to compete. “Charter schools are playing a critical role in educating children in Colorado,” said Conti, R-Littleton. “With this new law, charters can obtain additional funds and reach new heights in education.” Conti’s proposal follows Senate Bill 10-161. The 2010 law granted charter schools the ability to compete for an expanded pool of grant money. Conti’s proposal builds on the success of SB 161 by expanding the ability of charter schools to compete for additional grants that were excluded from the original bill. “Colorado’s charter schools can now compete with charters from across the country for additional funds,” added Conti. “I’m proud to take part in this common-sense bill to help our children.” HB 1089 received support from both Republicans and Democrats. The law goes into effect immediately.

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Ramirez’s First Bill Signed into Law

Law Provides Another Tool for Counties to Promote Development

DENVER—Governor John Hickenlooper signed State Rep. Robert Ramirez’s first bill into law on Friday, March 25.

House Bill 1176 streamlines the process for crude oil transporters to obtain approval to use certain routes to transport crude oil. Currently, the Colorado State Patrol has route designation authority for gasoline, diesel fuel and liquefied petroleum gas.

“This law helps clear away unnecessary red tape so that this important fuel can be safely transported to where its needed,” said Ramirez, R-Westminster. “When we keep commerce moving, we help consumers, businesses and our economy.”

Without the bill, transporters had to obtain multiple waivers from a variety of jurisdictions in the state, in addition to the Colorado State Patrol.

The bill specifies that certain safety conditions must be met before the State Patrol authorities transport of crude oil on the designated routes.

HB 1176 is expected to go into effect on Aug. 10.

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Acree Honored with Excelsior’s Triumphant Women Award

DENVER—State Rep. Cindy Acree was recognized as one of Excelsior Youth Center’s Triumphant Women for 2011 for her many successes and for overcoming difficult obstacles.

Excelsior is a residential treatment program that services girls ages 11-18 with emotional and behavior difficulties. The Center is committed to ensuring 180 girls who participate in the program receive the treatment and education necessary to successfully reintegrate into their families and communities.

Acree was one of three women recognized by Excelsior at a gala on Saturday, March 19.

“Excelsior does a wonderful job helping young women in the Denver Metro Area overcome tremendous adversity in their lives and helps them achieve success,” said Acree, R-Aurora. “I’m honored to be recognized by such an important organization.”

The other women recognized include Excelsior alumna Rebecca Bell and philanthropist and community volunteer Ryta Sondergard.

For more information about Excelsior and these women they have recognized, visit http://www.excelsioryc.org.

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The Heat is Still On

Law Continues the Interagency Task Force on Drunk Driving

DENVER—The heat is still on thanks to legislation signed into law by the Governor this afternoon.

Senate Bill 93, sponsored by State. Rep. Glenn Vaad and Sen. Steve King keeps the state’s Interagency Task Force on Drunk Driving operating.

“The Task Force has done a great deal to keep Colorado’s streets safe,” said Vaad, R-Mead. “By keeping the task force in operation, we’re helping ensure drivers get the message that Colorado doesn’t tolerate drunk driving.”

The ITFDD is credited with creating programs to train officers to spot drunk driving, to perform sobriety tests, and to provide funding for local entities to set-up checkpoints during high-visibility enforcement periods.

The task force is probably most recognized for its “Heat Is On!” program, which resulted in as many as 531 statewide arrests during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday alone.

“Senate Bill 93 is critical in that it continues the work of the DUI Task Force,” said Senator Steve King, R-Grand Junction. “This allows continued collaboration and consensus building among agencies and law enforcement in their efforts to reduce drunk driving and the loss of life and injury that result from this criminal behavior.”

The law, which received unanimous support in both the House and Senate, went into effect immediately.

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Colorado Legislative Leadership Honors Israel

Today Colorado legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle came together to honor the nation of Israel with Senate Joint Resolution 11-027 that proclaims “continued support by the Colorado General Assembly for a strong relationship between the United States and Israel.”

Senate President Brandon Shaffer said, "It was an honor to have Ambassador Oren at the Capitol today. We share with Israel not only a mutual friendship, but mutual economic and trade interests. Today, Colorado boasts more than $36 million in annual exports to Israel. Tomorrow, and in the years ahead we hope to grow this trade relationship many times over. It was wonderful to hear Democrats and Republicans share their fond stories and feelings about Israel, and we look forward to growing our friendship."

Senate Republican Leader Mike Kopp said, “It’s very appropriate that the Colorado General Assembly honor Israel with this resolution. Citizens of our state and those across the nation share a bond with the Israeli people through shared values of promoting democracy, offering educational opportunities and advocating for free-market principles.”

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty said, “Since 1948, the United States and Israel have developed a close and committed friendship that has lasted through times of war and times of peace, times of economic vitality and times of recession. Through it all, we have worked together and learned from each other. It’s an honor to recognize Israel’s steadfastness and commitment to furthering democracy and freedom, as well as the deep friendship and respect between the people of Colorado and Israel.”

House Democratic Leader Sal Pace said, "I'm proud to join the rest of the leadership in the Colorado General Assembly to cosponsor this resolution. Israel is an important partner and a good friend, and I'm glad to have the privilege of honoring them today."

This resolution was introduced shortly after Colorado lawmakers held a breakfast in the honor of Israeli Ambassador Dr. Michael Oren. For more information about Dr. Oren please visit http://www.israelemb.org/index.php/en/the-embassy/ambassador.

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Looper Scores a Victory for Military Families

Measure Providing Affordable and Quality Childcare Signed into Law

DENVER—State Rep. Marsha Looper scored a big victory for military families yesterday when Gov. John Hickenlooper signed House Bill 1027 into law.

HB 1027 allows the Department of Human Services to establish a pilot program for licensing childcare facilities utilizing Department of Defense quality standards.

Looper, who has spent the past four years working with the Department of Defense and military families to craft this legislation, said,

“Military families living in Colorado give so much to this country. The last thing they should worry about is finding access to quality and affordable childcare.”

Under HB 1027, facilities will apply to participate in the pilot program, and sites will be selected by DHS with input from local county public health agencies, local county resources and early childhood councils located in participating counties.

Funding for the program will come from gifts, grants and the federal government, including money from the Department of Defense that will follow the children to the authorized pilot.

HB 1027 goes into effect immediately, and requires DHS to report the results of the pilot programs in 2015.

“One of the best ways we can thank our military members is by helping their families,” added Looper. “This law does just that.”

The law was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton.

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Speaker McNulty's Statement on New State Revenue Expectations

DENVER—Today, the Colorado Legislative Council and Office of State Planning and Budgeting released their March Revenue Forecasts to the Joint Budget Committee, showing a slight increase in state revenue expectations.

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement about the forecasts:

“Even though today’s forecasts show next year’s budget shortfall has decreased, there still remain difficult decisions to ensure the state lives within it means.

“House Republicans remain committed to working with Gov. Hickenlooper and our House and Senate colleagues to craft a responsible budget that helps create an environment that encourages economic recovery.”

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House Republican Bill Would Reinstate State Spending Limit And Create A Rainy Day Fund

DENVER--Republicans in the statehouse yesterday introduced a proposal to reinstate the state spending limit that was repealed without voter approval in 2009.

House Bill 1280 is being sponsored by Reps. Don Beezley, R-Broomfield, and Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland.

“Coloradans were upset when Democrats in the legislature repealed the long-standing spending limit,” said Beezley. "This proposal reinstates that limit and ensures that Colorado has a prudent spending limit in place."

HB 1280 will reinstate the government spending limit that prevented the state's operating budget from growing more than six percent each year. Democrats repealed that limit despite Republican opposition by Senate Bill 09-228. The proposal also creates a rainy day fund for the state equal to eight percent of the state's operating budget, or General Fund. The fund would be built over time with the revenues above the reinstated spending limit.

"This bill would set a more responsible course for the future and would better serve the needs of our state, particularly during difficult economic times in the future,” said DelGrosso, who chairs the House Finance Committee.

Joint Budget Committee member Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan, supports the measure.

Becker said. “The budget process this year has been painful, for legislators having to make these difficult decisions and more importantly for citizens who are impacted when our budget has to be reduced so drastically and so suddenly."

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Sonnenberg Proposal to Reinstate Ag Tax Exemption Clears Committee

DENVER—Yesterday, State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg’s proposal to rollback last year’s tax increase on certain agricultural products cleared a key legislative hurdle with the approval of the House Finance Committee on a party line vote.

Sonnenberg’s House Bill 11-1005 repeals House Bill 10-1195, which suspended a tax exemption on the purchase of essential products that many ranchers rely on. A piece of the controversial “Dirty Dozen,” Sonnenberg says the proposal has hit Colorado’s agricultural communities hard at a time when they can least afford.

“Repealing this tax increase on farmers and ranchers is a top priority,” Sonnenberg said. “Increasing taxes on already struggling families was a bad idea then and now deserves to be revisited by the legislature.”

Sonnenberg says he has been besieged by his constituents who are struggling under the burden of increased taxes on essential products in an already down economy.

“As the owner and operator of a small farm, I know how even a minor cost increase can affect the bottom line,” Sonnenberg said. “I am happy to see this proposal to repeal this tax moving forward.”

HB 1005 will now head to the House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

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Rep. Swalm’s School Choice Bill Clears Legislative Hurdle

DENVER—State Rep. Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial, today passed his school choice legislation, House Bill 1048, through the House Finance Committee on a 7 to 6 vote, with Democrats opposing the measure. Titled the “Quality Education and Budget Reduction Act,” Swalm’s legislation provides income tax credits to families who choose to send their children to private school or to homeschool them.

“Education is the most important priority for our future generations,” Swalm said. “Providing increased opportunities is a good way to put children’s education back into the hands of parents.”

The bill offers qualifying parents an income tax credit of approximately $3,400 if their children move from a public to a private school. Children already attending private school would not qualify for the income tax credit.

“This is a step in the right direction,” Swalm concluded. “Let’s empower Colorado’s parents and children to succeed.”

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Rep. Coram’s First Bill Signed into Law

Bill Empowers Counties to Promote Tourism and Economic Development

DENVER—On Tuesday, State Rep. Don Coram reached a milestone at the capitol when he watched his first bill get signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Coram’s House Bill 1006 was dubbed the “Regional Tourism Act” and cleared statutory roadblocks that made it impractical for multiple counties to join together to create tourism zones.

“Our communities need to be able to work together to get the word out about what a great travel destination Colorado is,” Coram said. “Tourism is one of our state’s largest industries and is an economic keystone, particularly in many of the state’s rural areas.”

HB 1006 clarified the composition of Regional Tourism Authority Boards, which manage tourism zones. Without the bill, the boards for multi-county tourism zones would have had as many as 100 members.

“There is nothing more important to me than revitalizing Colorado’s economy,” Coram said. “This simple bill clears the way for additional tourism projects and will help get our economy back on track.”

Regional Tourism Authority Boards are tasked with overseeing and aiding regional tourism projects approved by Colorado’s Economic Development Commission.

HB 1006 passed General Assembly with unanimous support.

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Republican Leaders Introduce Legislation to Override the Federal Health Care Law

DENVER--Today the Healthcare Opportunity & Patient Empowerment (HOPE) Act was introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives. The bill would allow Colorado to opt out of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) by joining an interstate compact which, once approved by the U.S. House and Senate, would supersede prior federal law and give regulatory authority to the states in the compact.

The signature of the President is not necessary to approve interstate compacts, so President Obama could not veto the legislation if approved by Congress.

Republican House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, Majority Whip B.J. Nikkel and Senate Republican Leader Mike Kopp are sponsoring this legislation to preserve Coloradans’ individual liberty and control over healthcare decisions.

This legislation was introduced just shortly after U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson ruled the federal PPACA unconstitutional. Republican House Majority Leader Amy Stephens emphasized the necessity of this legislation by saying, “We need to discuss creative ways to move the healthcare debate forward in light of Judge Vinson’s ruling. Most importantly, this conversation must be founded on the principles of promoting the free market and consumer choice.”

“The U.S. Constitution allows Colorado and other states to form interstate compacts which, once approved by Congress, give them complete regulatory authority outside federal law,” said Senate Republican Leader Mike Kopp. “We believe healthcare decisions should be made on the local level, not by bureaucrats in Washington.”

Senator Kopp and Representative Stephens are in discussions with legislative leaders in several states. Arizona, Montana, North Dakota, Missouri, and Tennessee have already introduced compact legislation, and leaders in Texas and Florida are considering it. Only two states are needed to create an interstate compact.

Authority for this action comes from the “Compact Clause” of the U.S. Constitution (Article I Section 10). The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that Congressional consent transforms interstate compacts into federal law in the 1981 case Cuyler v. Adams. Approval of the President is not required. Once the compact is approved by Congress, the signatory states would become responsible for the regulation of healthcare within their own jurisdictions without federal mandates.

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Scott’s First Bill Signed into Law

House Bill 1022 will help get Colorado’s Housing Market Back on Track

DENVER—State Rep. Ray Scott’s first bill was signed into law today by Gov. John Hickenlooper. The measure, House Bill 1022, will help Colorado’s economy, especially in rural areas, by supporting seller financing for residential property.

“I was elected to help get our economy back on track,” said Scott, a Grand Junction Republican. “A key component to our state economic recovery is to revive the housing market.”

HB 1022 exempts property owners providing seller financing on up to three residential properties in a 12 month period from having to be licensed as mortgage loan originators.

Current law places more restrictions on seller financing than what the federal government dictates. Presently, a large number of resort, farm and ranch properties are unable to secure conventional financing because they exceed Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limits or are considered too risky by lending institutions.

“With credit tight, and too many homes on the market, especially in rural areas, it’s vital we find a responsible way to absorb the excess inventory,” Scott said.

“We can’t get our economy back on track without a recovery in the housing market,” added Scott. “I decided to carry this bill because it didn’t make sense for the state government to put unnecessary restrictions upon willing buyers and sellers.”

HB 1022 passed the General Assembly unanimously.

The bill will go into effect on August 10, 2011, assuming the General Assembly adjourns as scheduled.

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Swerdfeger Named to CHFA Board of Directors

DENVER—State Rep. Keith Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo West, was appointed to the Colorado Housing Financing Authority board of directors.

CHFA, which has been in existence since 1973, is a self-sustaining public enterprise that provides fixed-rate financing to homebuyers and small businesses. CHFA also provides educational and technical assistance on affordable housing issues. All of this is done through a network of partners such as banks, developers and local governments, at no cost to taxpayers.

“Revitalizing Colorado’s economy is my number one goal as a legislator,” said Swerdfeger. “I look forward to working with the organization to strengthen our state’s economy by helping lower income Coloradans and small businesses.”

CHFA is governed by an 11-member board of directors, consisting of community and government leaders, including one member of the Colorado General Assembly. Swerdfeger’s four year term begins immediately.

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