Thursday, June 30, 2011

Host of New Laws to Help Job Creators Go into Effect Friday

DENVER – A host of new state laws go into effect on Friday, including measures to help small businesses by reforming Colorado’s Unemployment Insurance program and helping farmers create jobs by eliminating the agriculture tax.

House Bill 11-1288, sponsored by State Rep. Larry Liston, was introduced shortly after the state had to borrow more than $531 million from the federal government to maintain a positive Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund balance, as required by federal law.  HB 11-1288 reforms the way that businesses pay into the fund and requires the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to provide annual reports to the General Assembly on the status of the UI Trust.

“This is one of the most important laws for businesses this year, especially small businesses” said Liston, R-Colorado Springs.  “This law will help the state maintain a responsible fund so that businesses can avoid seeing large spikes in their unemployment insurance costs.”

Several Colorado job creators are excited about the new law.

Peggy Falcon, office manager of Falcon Industries in La Junta, Colo. said:

“We were small to begin with but now we’re even smaller.  In April 2009, we laid off six people.  As a result of this, they drew unemployment.  My unemployment rating went through the roof. I knew about the fees but in December, when you get the notification for the next year’s rates, I expected something, but I didn’t expect it quite that large.  Our bottom line was affected.  I’m hoping that we can get to a place where our rating is no longer at a negative and that our rates will adjust.”

Janet Berg, CEO and owner of DeBourgh Manufacturing also in La Junta, added:

“I’m really glad to see that they’re keeping the same rate for the next couple of years and capping the surcharge because that can be really devastating.  They can gradually raise the rate and work within our means more gradually.”

House Bill 11-1005, sponsored by State Reps. Jerry Sonnenberg and Jon Becker also goes into effect on Friday.  The law repeals HB 10-1195, which suspended a tax exemption on the purchase of essential products that farmers and ranchers use in porduction.  HB 10-1195 was one of the “Dirty Dozen” tax increases passed by the Democrats last year.

“This law will help rural Colorado create jobs,” said Sonnenberg, R-Sterling.  “I’m happy we were able to give a hand up to this important industry.”

Becker, R-Fort Morgan, added, “The ag tax put an undue burden on our farmers and ranchers during this economic recession.  The repeal of the tax will help our state’s economy grow.”

Farmers and ranchers across Colorado hailed the new law.

Prospect Valley farmer Marc Arnush of Marc Arnush Farms, LLC. said:

“Whatever we can do to take the handcuffs off of productivity helps us to create more jobs and opportunities.  Simply put, when these taxes came in, we had to tighten our belts.  But the only thing that we could cut was payroll—we couldn’t cut the seed or chemicals. The repeal is a big step in the right direction.”

“I’m very proud of the work House Republicans did last session to help get our economy back on track,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.

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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

House, Senate and Governor's Report Cards Released

The Colorado General Assembly is out for the summer and report cards just arrived for the State Senate, State House and Gov. Hickenlooper.    

Click on the images below to see who made the grade: 






Monday, June 27, 2011

Leaders in the Agricultural Industry Honor Sonnenberg


Colorado Livestock Association Names Sonnenberg Legislator of the Year

DENVER—The Colorado Livestock Association named Republican State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg as their “Legislator of the Year” this week for his work and commitment to Colorado’s agriculture and livestock industry.

Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, earned much attention this past legislative session for his work in overturning House Bill 10-1195, part of the so-called “dirty dozen” tax package of 2010. HB10-1195, or the “ag tax” as it is more commonly known, eliminated a tax exemption on the sale of pesticides and agricultural production compounds.

“Since last year, agriculture has had to pay taxes on items that make up their final products," explained Sonnenberg. "No other industry in the state has to pay a tax on inputs.”

Sonnenberg successfully passed House Bill 11-1005 this year to repeal the “ag tax.” Rep. Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan, and Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, co-sponsored the proposal.

Sonnenberg also demonstrated his dedication to the agricultural community through his role as Chair of the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee.

“I am both gratified and humbled to be the Colorado Livestock Association’s Legislator of the Year,” said Sonnenberg. “I cannot think of a more principled and forthcoming organization with which I’d like to associate myself. The CLA fought hard to promote and protect one of Colorado’s largest industries and I look forward to working with them on their efforts in the years to come.”

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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Nikkel, Szabo Named to Task Force to Study School Discipline

DENVER – Speaker of the House Frank McNulty named state Reps. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, and Libby Szabo, R-Arvada, to the Legislative Task Force to Study School Discipline.


Senate Bill 133 created the Legislative Task Force to Study School Discipline, which is responsible for reviewing issues related to juvenile justice and school discipline in the pursuit of ensuring a safe environment in Colorado schools. McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, appointed House Majority Whip Nikkel as the vice chair of the task force and Szabo as one of the task force members.

“This legislative task force takes on the multifaceted challenge of finding appropriate and meaningful discipline in our schools,” said Nikkel. “Colorado’s zero-tolerance policies have led to over 10,000 referrals from schools to law enforcement last year alone and research has shown that taking students out of the classroom can lead to low graduation rates and achievement gaps.”

Colorado received national attention for cases of school and law enforcement discipline measures that many deemed as overly aggressive. Earlier this year, a 10-year-old who found a broken toy gun and brought it to school was arrested and detained for several days.

“Every situation involving the safety of our schools is different and enforcing a universal discipline policy may not always yield the best results,” said Szabo. “This task force is designed to find the balance between fair but effective policies so that schools can be a safe place for our children while ensuring those who require more disciplinary action are treated fairly.”


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Monday, June 20, 2011

Speaker McNulty Statement on New State Revenue Expectations

DENVER—Today, the Colorado Legislative Council and Office of State Planning and Budgeting released their June revenue forecasts to the Joint Budget Committee, showing a slight increase in state revenue expectations.  Legislation sponsored by Republican State Rep. Tom Massey of Poncha Springs moves all extra funds to K-12 education. 

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

 “While today’s numbers give us reason for optimism, they are not an excuse for continuing the reckless spending of the past. 

“House Republicans are committed to working for responsible policies that will help Colorado’s families, small businesses and schools.” 

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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Nikkel Encourages Young Women to Enter Essay Contest

Competition Fosters Understanding of Bill of Rights

DENVER—State Rep. B.J. Nikkel hopes to see more young women show off their constitutional prowess by taking advantage of the National Foundation for Women Legislators and the National Rifle Association’s 14th annual Bill of Rights Essay Contest.

The contest is open to all college-bound female high school juniors and seniors, and this year focuses on the First Amendment’s impact on women leaders and social media.

“I believe this year’s topic really allows for some original and honest insight from young women on the interaction between our first amendment rights and how we represent ourselves on sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter,” said. Nikkel R-Loveland, an NRA and NFWL member. “This opportunity not only offers young women the chance to explore their roles in a new and evolving social dynamic, but will also provide winners with college tuition assistance and a first-hand perspective of the leading roles women play in state legislatures around the nation.”

The contest’s seven winners will each receive a $3,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to the NFWL’s Annual Conference and 73rd Anniversary celebration in Des Moines, Iowa, where they will interact with, and learn from, hundreds of women lawmakers from across the country.

Contest participants must postmark their entries no later than June 24, 2011, after which an NFWL selection committee will judge each essay and select the winners. Judges will consider writers’ storytelling ability, understanding of the Bill of Rights, and original insight.

More information about the contest can be found on the NFWL’s website: www.womenlegislators.org; or by emailing events@womenlegislators.org. Questions may be directed to State Rep. B.J. Nikkel at 303-866-2907 or to the NFWL office at 202-293-3040.

The National Foundation for Women Legislators provides women members of Congress, state legislators, county commissioners, and city council members with strategic resources, including debates and briefings on issues, leadership skill development, and networking opportunities.

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Friday, June 10, 2011

Gardner School Emergency Response Bill Signed into Law

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. – State Rep. Bob Gardner’s bill to ensure schools have an effective emergency response system was signed into law at Douglas County School District’s Rock Canyon High School today.

Senate Bill 173 clarifies the existing framework for school emergency incident preparedness and response, including communications between schools and state and local emergency personnel.

“The safety of our students, teachers and administrators is paramount, and this bill takes the extra precautions necessary to ensure that emergency responses are coordinated and effective in our schools,” said Gardner, R-Colorado Springs.

The bill specifies the role of the Department of Public Safety’s Fire Safety Division in assessing a school's emergency response framework. SB 173 also encourages collaboration from the School Safety Resource Center within the Department of Public Safety and the Office of Information Technology.

“The bottom line is that schools should be a safe environment for our children,” said Gardner. “With this new law, schools are better prepared and equipped to respond to any emergencies that would compromise a safe learning environment.”

Senate Bill 173 passed with unanimous support in both chambers of the Legislature. The bill went into effect upon receiving the governor’s signature.

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Swerdfeger’s Bills Signed into Law

PUEBLO, Colo. – State Rep. Keith Swerdfeger’s bills to offer Coloradans more opportunities for economic growth and education were signed into law today.

House Bill 1311 allows the state’s Economic Development Commission to approve more applications from local governments for large-scale tourism related projects. Under current law, the EDC may approve up to two regional tourism projects per calendar year.

“State tourism is not only a great way to infuse Colorado’s economy with more revenue, but it also creates more jobs,” said Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo West. “By allowing more regional tourism project applications to be approved, our state creates more ways to bring tourists to Colorado.”

Senate Bill 204, co-sponsored with House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Monument, changes the role and mission of the Pueblo campus of the Colorado State University to allow the school to offer a limited number of graduate programs, including doctoral programs. Current law allows the campus to offer only baccalaureate and master's-level programs.

“CSU Pueblo is one of the fastest growing campuses in the state and allowing more programs will help the university to attract more students,” said Swerdfeger.

Both bills were signed at Colorado State University-Pueblo this morning.

House Bill 1311 passed with bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and went into effect with the governor’s signature. Senate Bill 204 passed with unanimous support and goes into effect on August 10, 2011.


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Thursday, June 9, 2011

Swerdfeger Bill that Cuts Red Tape on Job Creators Signed into Law

PUEBLO, Colo.— Pueblo’s business and community leaders will join State Rep. Keith Swerdfeger as his bill to cut the red tape on Colorado’s job creators is signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper. 

Senate Bill 235 streamlines air-quality permit applications by allowing the Air Pollution Control Division of the Department of Public Health and Environment to prequalify private sector modeling contractors.  Colorado businesses will then have the option of hiring these modeling contractors to expedite the permit review process. 

“One of the easiest and most effective ways to create jobs in Colorado is to cut the red tape,” said Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo West.  “By giving businesses the option of hiring private modeling contractors, Colorado’s job creators can stay open for business, instead of closing their doors while they wait for the permit process to complete.”    

The bill, which passed both chambers with unanimous support, was cosponsored in the House by Minority Leader Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, and carried in the Senate by Sen. Angela Giron, D-Pueblo. 

“This bill shows that when Republicans and Democrats work together, we can achieve great things for the people of Colorado,” Swerdfeger added. 

The measure will go into effect with the governor’s signature.  

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Massey’s Two Education Bills Signed into Law

SALIDA, Colo. – State Rep. Tom Massey, chair of the House Education Committee, had two bills that eased the financial pressure on Colorado’s schools signed into law today.

“While Colorado has hit some tough economic times, the Legislature did all that it could to soften the budget and operational hits to K-12 education,” said Massey, R-Poncha Springs.

Senate Bill 230, the School Finance Act, funds K-12 education in the state. The bill further reduces cuts called for by Gov. Hickenlooper to K-12 education by approximately $22.5 million. The bill also stipulates that up to $67.5 million in additional revenue may be directed to Colorado’s Public School Fund to address funding needs later next year, if the revenue becomes available.

House Bill 1277 addresses several areas of statute governing K-12 education. The measure streamlines approval and operation policies including to allow school districts with fewer than a thousand students to submit a single performance plan, instead of separate plans for each school and for the district. The state will also now quantify costs to local districts on proposed legislation measures.

Both SB 230 and HB 1277 were signed into law at the Salida Middle School in Salida, Colo.

“This reduction in budget cuts and increase in efficiency for our school districts reflects the Legislature’s continued dedication to K-12 administrators, teachers and, most importantly, our students,” said Massey.

Each of these bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. SB 230 went into effect upon receiving the governor’s signature and HB 1277 goes into effect on August 10, 2011.




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Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Photo of the Day: Repeal of the Software Tax

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Monument, joins Governor John Hickenlooper as he signs House Bill 1293, "Repeal of the Software Tax," into law at Entegris Inc. (Photo credit: CSIA, The Colorado Technology Assocation).


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Three Bills by Coram Signed into Law

MONTROSE, Colo. – Three of Rep. Don Coram’s bills were signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper today, including measures to prevent teen pregnancy, to protect the state from wildfires and to improve forest management.

“I was elected to get things done and I’m proud that all three of these bills positively affect our community and the state,” said Coram, R-Montrose.

Senate Bill 177 extends the repeal date of the Teen Pregnancy and Dropout Prevention Program in the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing from July 1, 2011 to September 1, 2016. Assuming local funds are available, the program will now be available to new providers.

“Montrose County is one of two counties in the entire state that has these programs available,” said Coram. “By allowing more providers to participate, young mothers will have a greater opportunity to stay in school.”

A second bill, SB 238 extends the annual $3.25 million transfer to the Wildfire Preparedness Fund for two years beginning on July 1, 2012. The funding is used by the Colorado State Forest Service for wildfire preparedness activities including funding for firefighting resources, agreements, and plans.

Finally, SB 267 details a number of initiatives for the use and management of biomass derived from Colorado’s forests. The bill creates a 14 member work group to identify market-based models for forest management.

“These two bills tackle serious issues facing Colorado’s forests and wildlands by providing additional resources and management tools,” said Coram. “By ensuring that our state takes the necessary precautions to fight wildfires and care for our forests, Coloradans and the state’s natural resources are kept safe.”

Senate Bill 238 was signed in Gunnison at the Gunnison Fire Station. Both SB 177 and 267 were signed at the Delta Montrose Electric Association Headquarters in Montrose.

Each of these bills passed with bipartisan support and went into effect upon receiving the governor’s signature.




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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

GOP Bill Repealing Onerous Software Tax Signed into Law

Colorado is Upgrading to a More Friendly Business Environment

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Colorado’s small businesses and job creators got a boost today as a bill repealing the state’s onerous software sales tax was signed into law.

House Bill 1293, sponsored by House Majority Leader Amy Stephens and State Rep. Carole Murray, repeals taxes on software use in Colorado for all Colorado businesses. 

“This is an area where Republicans are leading, because we know it will create jobs and help get our economy back on track, as well as improve our business image in the software industry nationwide,” added Murray, R-Castle Rock.  “By repealing the software tax, we're showing the IT industry that Colorado is open for their businesses. This is a growth industry that we want to encourage, not discourage through industry-targeted taxes.” 

House Bill 10-1192 has added administrative costs to employers across the state, resulting in tax increases of more than eight percent.  It added extra costs to companies who employ people in Colorado.

“In 2010, Democrats in the General Assembly and Gov. Bill Ritter pushed through a series of tax increases that have stifled job growth in our state,” said Stephens, R-Monument.  “With the new governor’s signature, we have successfully removed one of the most onerous taxes targeted at Colorado’s small businesses.”

The law goes into effect on July 1, 2012. 

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Waller’s Higher Ed Efficiency Bill Signed into Law

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Rep. Mark Waller’s bill to make policies at higher education institutions more efficient was signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs today.

House Bill 1301 makes several changes to laws related to the state’s higher education system such as allowing campuses to gain approval for the creation of a non-profit through the Colorado Commission on Higher Education instead of the General Assembly.

“By ensuring that our state colleges and universities have efficient operational policies, we create an environment where campuses can focus more on education than wading through state bureaucracy,” said Waller, R-Colorado Springs.

The measure passed in the House with overwhelming bipartisan support and received unanimous support in the Senate. The Senate sponsor is Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village.

The law will go into effect on August 10, 2011.







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Mesa State College is Now Colorado Mesa University

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—Mesa State College is about to enter a new chapter in its rich 86-year history.  This week, Senate Bill 265, sponsored by State Rep. Ray Scott, was signed into law, which changes the college’s name to Colorado Mesa University.

“Mesa State has seen tremendous growth over the last few years,” said Scott, R-Grand Junction.  “With the new buildings, degree programs and influx of students, Colorado Mesa University will better fit the institution’s growing scope and mission.” 

The name change comes at the request of the college community, which not only wants university status to match its growing academic program, but also wants to escape confusion caused by the former name.  Many outside of Colorado took the name to mean the school was located in Arizona, California or another Southwestern state.  

“Colorado is proud to be home of the Mavericks,” Scott added.  “Unlike Mesa State College, Colorado Mesa University removes confusion about where the institution is located.” 

The name change goes into effect on Aug. 10, 2011.

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Monday, June 6, 2011

Measure to Merge Divisions of Wildlife and Parks Signed into Law

It Seems Only Natural that the State’s Wildlife and Parks Would Come Together under the Office

DENVER—A measure that will create a new Division of Parks and Wildlife was signed into law today. 
Senate Bill 208, sponsored by State Reps. Jerry Sonnenberg and Cheri Gerou will merge the Division of Wildlife with the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. 

 “By merging the Division of Wildlife with the Division of Parks and Recreation, we will not only save money, but we will ensure the state does a better job of protecting our lands, habitats, water and hunting and fishing,” said Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, who serves as the chair of the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee.    

The measure charges the new 16 member Parks and Wildlife Board with establishing and implementing a plan to combine the divisions.  The merger will reduce costs by consolidating staff time and resources. 

“This bill is about good government,” said Gerou, R-Evergreen, vice chair of the Joint Budget Committee.  “By streamlining the roles of the Division of Parks with the Division of Wildlife, we will cut costs to taxpayers and introduce efficiencies that benefit everyone in the state.”

The law will go into effect on July 1, 2011. 
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Murray Bill Protecting Children from Dangerous Synthetic Drugs Signed into Law

DENVER—A measure sponsored by State Rep. Carole Murray was signed into law last week.  This measure will help prohibit the unlawful use and possession of synthetic cannabinoids and salvia.

“Previously, these dangerous synthetic drugs were not illegal, so kids easily had access to them,” said Murray, R-Castle Rock.  “This measure is about protecting the young people of our state from using these dangerous drugs.”  

Senate Bill 134 was carried in the State Senate by Minority Leader Mike Kopp, R-Littleton.  It is scheduled to go into effect on July 1.  

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Representative Looper’s Measure Increasing Fire Safety Signed into Law

DENVER – A measure sponsored by State Rep. Marsha Looper to increase fire safety in the state was recently signed into law.

“With summer months just beginning, the state has already faced several wildfires,” said Looper, R-Calhan.  “The state will be more prepared to prevent and fight fires because of this bill.”

Senate Bill 251 makes several changes to the authority of the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Public Safety.  The measure requires that fireworks be stored properly; consolidates the certification programs for firefighters, first responders and haz-mat responders; allows the Division and educational institutions the discretion to use third-party inspectors; and provides a mechanism for communities to work with the Division on expenses incurred for support. 

“This law ensures that everyone who puts their lives on the line to keep our communities safe from fire-related dangers have the resources they need,” said Looper.  “With Colorado’s fire risks, protecting our firefighters and other public safety officers is paramount.”

Sen. Jeanne Nicholson, D-Black Hawk, was the Senate sponsor for SB 251, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. 

SB 251 is scheduled to go into effect on June 30, 2011.

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Friday, June 3, 2011

Six Acree Bills Signed into Law in a Single Week

DENVER—State Rep. Cindy Acree had six of her bills signed into law this week, including a measure to create a Girl Scouts Centennial special license plate, and another to protect hospital workers from assault. 

Senate Bill 197 celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America by creating the Girl Scouts Centennial special license plate.

“The Girl Scouts of America have had a huge impact not only on members, but for our nation as well,” said Acree, R-Aurora.  “This commemorative plate gives Coloradans the chance to show their support for the organization.” 

House Bill 1105 also was signed into law to increase the penalty on third degree assault on emergency medical care providers.  The courts currently impose a jail term that exceeds, but no more than doubles, the maximum term of imprisonment for a class 1 misdemeanor on a person convicted of third degree assault on a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical technician.

“Our emergency medical care providers put themselves at risk every day in order to save lives,” Acree said.  “By increasing the penalty for assaulting medical care providers, we will hopefully prevent senseless attacks on these workers.” 

Both measures will go into effect on August 10, 2011.

“I was elected to help make Colorado a better state,” said Acree.  “I believe strongly that each measure that passed will help achieve this goal.” 

Acree’s other bills signed into law this week are:

-HB 1010—Incidental Use of Tax Exempt Property
-HB 1250—Concerning Ingestible Marijuana Products
-HB 1324—Residential Nonprofit Refund Prospective
-SB 88—Sunset Review Direct-Entry Midwives.

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Nikkel’s Transparency in State Spending Bill Signed into Law

DENVER – State Rep. B.J. Nikkel’s bill to require more transparency regarding state expenditures and transactions at the Colorado Department of Transportation was signed into law yesterday.

House Bill 1002 requires the Colorado Department of Transportation, CDOT, to develop and maintain an online database of its revenue and expenditure data by July 1, 2012. The new database must link to the state's existing Transparency Online Project, TOP, website, which was created by Nikkel’s HB 1288 in 2009.

“Coloradans deserve to know how every dollar they pay in taxes is spent by the state,” said Nikkel, R-Loveland. “With this bill being signed into law, the Colorado Department of Transportation joins the many other departments and divisions that are transparent about their spending.”

Currently, the Department of Personnel and Administration administers the TOP website.  While most departments and divisions are required to explain details of any questionable expenditure, CDOT records its financial data in a separate financial reporting system, thereby giving TOP only aggregate data for the department. 

House Bill 1002 was sponsored by State Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton.  HB 1002 passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.  The law goes into effect on August 10, 2011.

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Bill to Help Small Businesses with Tax Issues Signed into Law

Beezley Measure Continues Program to Provide Written Responses to Taxpayers’ Questions

DENVER—Small businesses will continue to receive help with their tax questions, thanks to a bill that was signed into law this week.

Senate Bill 89, sponsored by State Rep. Don Beezley, will continue the authority of the executive director of the Department of Revenue to provide clarity in tax policies by issuing written responses to taxpayers’ 
questions.

"I believe one of our most sacred obligations is to make sure that when the state deals with taxpayers—the folks who pay the bills—it is clear, consistent and fair in its dealings," said Beezley, R-Broomfield.  “Because of this program, Colorado’s job creators have access to the information needed to make sound tax decisions.”
  
The program provides two types of written responses to inquiries.  The first is a private letter ruling.  PLRs give a specific determination of consequences to a proposed transaction.  The second is a general information letter that answers questions about tax issues that are not specifically found in other department publications. 
The program was set to end on July 1, 2011, but SB 89 moves the repeal date to Sept. 1, 2016. 

Beezley led a broad coalition forward in order to pass this bill, earning overwhelming support from Republicans and Democrats in both the House and the Senate.
 
“The signing of this bill is a testament to what we in the General Assembly can achieve when we put our differences aside and focus on what’s best for the people of Colorado,” Beezley added.
    
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Szabo Measure to Help Deter Identity Theft, Fraud Signed into Law

DENVER—Colorado consumers will continue to be protected from fraud, thanks to a measure that was signed into law today that will keep the Identity Theft and Financial Fraud Board operating.

Senate Bill 108, sponsored by State Rep. Libby Szabo, extends the repeal date of the Identity Theft and Financial Fraud Deterrence Act from July of 2011 to Sept. 1, 2016. 
           
“Identity theft and fraud can ruin a person’s life.  That’s why this identity theft and fraud board is so important,” said Szabo, R-Arvada.  “I’m proud that the board will continue its work on behalf of all Coloradans, including seniors, families, small businesses.”

According to the Legislative Council, the unit has “provided 115 training sessions to the public, financial institutions, and law enforcement. The unit also has been directly involved in cases resulting in the arrest of 70 thieves who stole more than $30.6 million from 463 victims.”

“The board has done a tremendous job of protecting Coloradans,” Szabo added.  “This bill ensures that the board will continue its work against these expensive and harmful crimes.” 

The bill’s Senate sponsor was Cheri Jahn, a Democrat from Wheat Ridge. 

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Brown’s Bill to Modernize the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit Signed into Law

Measure Allows Vehicles that Run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas to Qualify for Alternative Fuel Tax Credit
DENVER—A measure that will help rural communities and the environment was signed into law on Thursday evening.
 
House Bill 1081, sponsored by State Rep. J. Paul Brown, brings the state’s alternative fuel tax credit in line with the federal definition of alternative fuels by including in the credit vehicles converted to run on a propane and butane mixture known as liquefied petroleum gas.
  
Vehicles that currently qualify for the alternative fuel tax credit are hybrid gas and electric vehicles, as well as vehicles that run on compressed natural gas, propane, ethanol or electricity.
 
“The measure is important to the state, especially rural parts like Southwestern Colorado.  Families and small businesses need all the help they can get with gas prices on the rise,” said Brown, R-Ignacio.  “By extending the alternative fuel tax credit to vehicles that use liquefied petroleum gas, more families and small businesses can use energy efficient vehicles that are more affordable.”
 
The tax credit is only available in the year the vehicle was bought or converted. 

The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2014.                  

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Thursday, June 2, 2011

House Republicans Hail Salazar’s ‘Wild Lands’ Reversal

DENVER— This week, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar reversed his decision to allow the Bureau of Land Management to set aside federal acres as “wild lands.”  Instead, Salazar announced that he will work with Congress to protect the nation’s public lands as The Wilderness Act of 1964 specifically grants Congress the sole authority to designate land with wilderness characteristics as wilderness.     

The decision was hailed by Republican members of the Colorado House of Representatives, who sent a letter to Salazar in March explaining the dire impact the order would have had on Colorado’s economy if the measure moved forward.   

“If this order went into effect, it would have cost our state jobs and meant Colorado’s local governments and school districts would have to suffer further cuts during this recession,” said State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, who chairs the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. 

While Republicans were standing up for Colorado-based jobs, Democrat leaders in the General Assembly, including Senate Pres. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, and House Minority Leader Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, signed a letter in support of Salazar’s order.  

“As a Coloradan, I am dedicated to protecting our beautiful state.  We can do this while responsibly harnessing our state’s natural resources,” said State Rep. Laura Bradford, R-Collbran.  “This announcement means Colorado still has a say in how we care for our environment while we create jobs and build our economy.” 

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Wednesday, June 1, 2011

House and Senate Republicans Call on Shaffer to Convene the Executive Committee to Defend Taxpayers

DENVER—House and Senate Republican leadership called on Senate President Brandon Shaffer to convene a meeting of the Executive Committee of Legislative Council to decide whether the General Assembly should protect taxpayers.

In May, a group of current and former lawmakers filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. 

The letter that Shaffer, who chairs the Executive Committee of Legislative Council, received from Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, House Majority Leader Amy Stephens and Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp, states:

“The proponents of the lawsuit claim that requiring prior voter approval of any tax increase violates the core principles of representative government and is therefore unconstitutional under the U.S. Constitution.  We believe that the right of Colorado voters to approve or reject any tax increase is clearly appropriate.” 

McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, said, “Legislative leaders need an open discussion to decide whether we are going to defend the will of Colorado’s voters, or take away the important taxpayer protections in our state Constitution.”   

“Elected officials should be fighting for working families and small businesses, not looking for new ways to raid their pocket books,” said Stephens of Monument.  “Even with the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights on the books, Democrats found ways to tax Colorado’s working families and job creators.  The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights has protected Coloradans from further tax hikes during this economic recession and has kept the state’s spending in check.” 

“The question before us is simple, do we defend the will of Colorado citizens or does the General Assembly stand silently on the sidelines?” said Senator Kopp, R-Littleton.   “We should stand firm in defense of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and the right of Colorado voters to amend the state constitution by initiative.  We ask President Shaffer to help facilitate this conversation by granting a meeting of the executive committee.”

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