Senate Democrats Support Taxing Seniors Millions, Despite Voter Approved Amendment

McNulty Calls on Senate Democrats to Stand-up for Senior Citizens

DENVER—In a release issued by Senate President Brandon Shaffer’s, D-Longmont, office, Democrats in the Colorado State Senate took aim at Speaker of the House Frank McNulty today, for standing up for senior citizens during this economic recession. 

Last week, McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, announced that House Republicans would not suspend the voter approved Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption to balance the budget in 2012, resulting in $100 million in tax relief for many Colorado seniors.  Later in the week, a House Democrat leader told the Pueblo Chieftain that he aligned with McNulty’s position, and did not favor suspending the homestead exemption. 

“Colorado’s senior citizens, especially those living on fixed incomes, have been hit hard during this economic recession,” said McNulty.  “If Senate Democrats want to balance the state budget on the backs of Colorado’s seniors, that’s their business.  For our part, House Republicans will stand with Colorado’s senior citizens and say ‘no’ to more taxes on Coloradans affected so much by this recession.” 

In 2000, Colorado voters added the senior homestead tax exemption to the state constitution.  The amendment allows homeowners 65 and over who live in the same primary residence for 10 years to exempt 50 percent of a home’s market value of up to $200,000 when calculating their property tax.

Colorado Commission on the Aging member State Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs, added:

"I am sorry that the political rhetoric with regard to the Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption has become such an issue. I thought it was appropriate for the Speaker to address the Colorado Commission on Aging concerning the discussion as it is of interest to seniors.

“I do not recall the Speaker ever asking the Commission for an endorsement. My observation was that it was only informational. Further, none of us in the Legislature speak for the Commission. However, personally I feel that our senior population, particularly those living on a fixed income would benefit from a reinstatement of the exemption. Therefore, I hope serious consideration is given when we enter into our budget balancing negotiations." 

Since 2000, the General Assembly has suspended the homestead exemption six times.  That doesn’t sit well with seniors citizens like, James Hague of El Paso County. 

“Being a senior citizen is not easy in times like these; tax relief for us that didn’t exist before will certainly be helpful to me,” said Hague, a retired Chief Warrant Officer Four in the Army, who served in Vietnam.  

Republican members of the House feel strongly about helping Colorado’s senior citizens, added Rep. Robert Ramirez, R-Westminster.    

“Coloradans passed the property tax exemption to help seniors and heroes like Chief Warrant Officer Four Hague,” said Ramirez.  “I’m proud to stand with House leadership, as we work to fulfill our constitutional obligation to senior citizens.” 

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Shaffer, Pace, Morse Vote Against Supporting Coloradans' Right to Vote on Tax Increases

DENVER—Democrat leadership voted to stand against Colorado’s voters today, by failing to support the right of Coloradans to approve or reject all tax increases, as set forth in the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.

“I’m disappointed that Democrats in the General Assembly would not support Coloradans' right to vote on all tax increases,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights passed because Coloradans wanted to keep their government in check.”

The vote to support Coloradans' right to approve or reject tax increases died on a 3-3 vote, with Republicans voting in favor of the measure.  Democrat Senate President Brandon Shaffer of Longmont, Senate Majority Leader John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, and House Minority Leader Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, voted against supporting the right of Colorado voters.  Morse is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the state, claiming that the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights is unconstitutional, because it requires a vote of the people on all tax increases.   

“For years, Democrats in the General Assembly worked to push through tax increase after tax increase, to pay for their big government agenda.  That time has come to an end thanks to House Republicans,” said House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Monument.  “For the first time in years, the General Assembly passed a budget that reined in the government’s out of control spending.”

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“The Days of Balancing Colorado’s Budget on the Backs of Seniors Are Over”

McNulty Announces House Will Not Suspend Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption

DENVER—Recognizing that the state’s budget picture is slowly improving, Speaker of the House Frank McNulty announced to the Colorado Commission on Aging that House Republicans will not support a suspension of the Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption to balance the budget in 2012. 

“The days of balancing Colorado’s budget on the backs of seniors are over,” said McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “Tough budget times led to the suspension of the senior homestead exemption.  That meant less money for seniors to spend on medicine and food during this economic crisis.  This is money we can now get back to them.” 

In 2000, Colorado voters added the senior homestead tax exemption to the state constitution.  The amendment allows homeowners 65 and over who live in the same primary residence for 10 years to exempt 50 percent of a home’s market value of up to $200,000 from the property tax.

“House Republicans believe that the Greatest Generation has paid their due.  It is time for us to respect our seniors and the will of Colorado voters as our state budget situation slowly improves,” said State Rep. Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan, who is also a member of the Joint Budget committee. “By not suspending the homestead exemption, seniors who depend on a fixed income will have a little more money in their pockets.   That means a lot during this recession.”  

Today’s announcement comes only a day after McNulty spoke with the American Cancer Society that House Republicans will not vote to divert Amendment 35 dollars from cancer testing and research. 

“In 2012, we will have a responsible budget that reflects the will of the people.  By not diverting cancer screening and research, more children will have health care, and more Coloradans will have access to affordable life saving cancer tests and treatments that they so badly need,” said Rep. Cindy Acree, R-Aurora.

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Scott Named Friend of the Colorado Consumer

Colorado Consumer Coalition Recognizes Scott for Efforts to Relieve Soaring Power Bills

DENVER—The Colorado Consumer Coalition named Rep. Ray Scott, R-Grand Junction, as a Friend of the Colorado Consumer for 2011. Scott’s award comes on the heels House Bill 1271, which challenged a controversial summertime tiered power rate introduced last summer.

House Bill 1271 would have required utility companies charging residential tiered rates to file a report with the Public Utilities Commission to evaluate the estimated impact on the average ratepayer’s power use.

Scott’s bill passed the House, but was killed in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee.

“I’m honored to receive recognition from the Colorado Consumer Coalition,” said Scott, after hearing of his award. “It’s an outstanding organization and I’m proud to be associated with the efforts they make on behalf of Coloradan families.”

“With lawmakers like Ray Scott in their corner, Colorado’s consumers know they will be heard at the State Capitol,” said Colorado Consumer Coalition Director Bill Ray in a press release. “And we’re confident they’ll ultimately prevail.”

For more information about the Colorado Consumer Coalition, please visit www.coconsumers.org.

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GOP lawmakers issue letter to Colorado Department of Education

Express concerns over political flier included in back-to-school packet

Today, two veteran voices in education at the state capitol sent a letter to Robert Hammond, Colorado’s Commissioner of Education, expressing concerns over a political flier included in Prairie View High School’s back-to-school packets. The letter asks the commissioner to remind all school district administrators of the existing policies prohibiting such practices.

“School districts don't intend to violate the law, but they are not always informed about what type of political information they can pass on to their parent communities,” said Senator Nancy Spence, R-Centennial. “I believe it is critical that each district fully understand the policies prohibiting such activities.”

Chairman of the House Education Committee Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs, said “"In these days of limited resources, we would hope that schools would direct those resources to the classroom, not focus on the promotion of politics."

The full text of the letter is below:



July 20, 2011

Mr. Robert Hammond
Commissioner of Education
Colorado Department of Education
201 East Colfax, Room 500
Denver, CO 80203

Dear Commissioner Hammond:

Last week the principal at Prairie View High School in Brighton’s district 27J sent out two political flyers as part of a back-to-school information packet for parents. One of the flyers was a promotion for Sen. Rollie Heath’s proposed ballot measure to raise state taxes. This has been confirmed by the district superintendent, Rod Blunck.

The flyer was brought to the public’s attention by a parent who received it. We have no way to know if similar political flyers have been included in packets sent to parents by other schools in Colorado.

We suggest that each summer, as back-to-school packets are prepared and back-to-school events planned, CDE remind all school district administrators of the existing policies prohibiting such practices. Moreover, should Sen. Heath’s proposal qualify for the November ballot, administrators may benefit from a reminder of state policies affecting political activity on school property.

Please let us know what actions you plan to take to discourage improper political activities by school administrators and school employees.

Sincerely,

Sen. Nancy Spence
Senate Education Committee

Rep. Tom Massey
Chairman, House Education Committee

Bi-partisan task force to evaluate school discipline practices finalized

Legislators announce citizen membership on committee

DENVER— Today, legislators announced the citizen membership on the Legislative Task Force to Study School Discipline, created this past session by Senate Bill 133. Senators Linda Newell (D-Littleton) and Evie Hudak (D-Westminster) and Representative B.J. Nikkel (R-Loveland) sponsored Senate Bill 133.

Senator Newell, chair of the task force, offered the following comment on the selection of citizen members:

“I am pleased to announce the full membership on this important group. We have seen an enormous outpouring of interest and support from the public. I look forward to working with the diverse, bipartisan group of individuals and organizations seeking to address the problems that exist in school discipline policies and to support safe and effective classrooms for Colorado kids.”

Over the last ten years, nearly 100,000 students across the state have been referred to law enforcement by their schools. The majority of these referrals have been for minor offenses that reflect normal adolescent behavior and do not threaten school safety. Behavior that once would have resulted in a trip to the principal’s office or a call home now results in an arrest or a trip to juvenile court. The school discipline crisis in Colorado prevents thousands of students from getting the quality education they deserve, and often undermines school safety.

Senator Hudak offered the following comment on the announcement of the task force’s full membership:

“This is an issue of great importance, and I am pleased to see the task force come together. The diverse perspectives and wealth of expertise on the task force will enable us to identify ways to restore balance and fairness to school discipline policies and ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue their education in safe and supportive schools.”

The task force will study the issue of fair discipline in schools and solicit input from schools and administrators, students, parents, and the community. The task force will gather data on disciplinary strategies and the use of criminal justice sanctions in public schools across Colorado, including the overuse of suspensions, expulsions, school-based arrests and tickets, using this research to recommend alternative policies and offer solutions for the consideration of legislative action in the 2012 session.

Representative Nikkel offered the following comment on the announcement of committee appointments:

“I'm very excited to begin working together with a broad coalition of
talented people on the Task Force who will help us analyze and restore
balanced policies in our state, and fair disciplinary practices within our
schools, so that teachers can effectively do their jobs and kids can learn
in a safe environment.”

The criteria used to consider applicants to serve on the task force were:
● Statutory criteria listed in the bill
● Geography in the State – rural, urban and suburban perspectives
● Experience with school discipline policies
● Expertise of restorative justice practices or juvenile justice programs
● Ability to be a voice for a variety of student ethnicities, at-risk children and students of all abilities

● The applicant’s potential contributions to discussions about solutions, not just the problem

Below is a list of the full membership of the Legislative Task Force to Study School Discipline:

Citizen Members:

Stephanie Garcia (School District Representative)
Lorrie Smith (Teachers and School Administrators Representative)
Yevette Plummer (Parent)
Doug Ross (Law Enforcement, Sergeant)
John Jackson (Law Enforcement, Police Chief)
Stan Garnett (District Attorney)
Kim Dvorchak (Defense Attorney)
Ben Cairns (Restorative justice Practitioner)
Marco Nunez (Community Organization Representative)
Marjorie “Peg” Rudden (Child Advocacy Organization Representative)

Legislative Members:

Senator Linda Newell (Chair)
Representative B.J. Nikkel (Vice Chair)
Senator Evie Hudak
Senator Keith King
Representative Claire Levy
Representative Libby Szabo

The first meeting of the task force will be Wednesday, July 27th at 1:00 pm. For more information and to follow the work of the task force, visit the task force website: Legislative Task Force to Study School Discipline

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McNulty to American Cancer Society: House Republicans Will Help You Protect Cancer Research Dollars

DENVER—At a breakfast sponsored by the American Cancer Society today, Speaker of the House Frank McNulty announced that allocating cancer research funding or “Amendment 35 dollars” to other purposes not designated for their use by our state constitution is off the table when it comes to budget negotiations next year. 

“We all recognize that the state has struggled over the past few years,” said McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “But the programs that receive Amendment 35 funding have paid more than their fair share to balance the budget.  It is time these funds go where our state constitution directs them to go—to advance the health and well-being of Coloradans.”  

Amendment 35 was approved overwhelming by the voters in 2004, with tax funds from tobacco products going to the early detection and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, as well comprehensive primary care, children’s health care and prevention and cessation programs.  

Chair of the House Health and Environment Committee, State Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood, hailed the news:

“I am proud that the Speaker and House Republicans have made the decision to follow the will of the people and allocate Amendment 35 funds to medical care for children and providing affordable mammograms and other life saving tests and treatments to those in need. 


“Cancer is something that has touched everyone.  I’ve personally lost several family members and even recently a friend to cancer. Working together, we can beat this disease,” Summers, a cancer survivor, added.
  
The announcement comes on the heels of the June revenue forecasts, which showed a slight increase in state revenue expectations.  

“The forecasts certainly gave us cause for optimism,” said Joint Budget Committee chairman Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen.  “But they don’t mean we can continue the reckless spending of years past.  As we did last year, House Republicans are ready to make the tough choices necessary for us to have a responsible budget.  This year, we will do so by ensuring the Amendment 35 dollars go to preventing and treating life threatening diseases.”

For more information on Amendment 35, click here: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ps/Amendment35report.pdf.

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House GOP to Hickenlooper: Reckless Child Care Center Rules will Hurt Working Families

DENVER—House Republicans are pushing back against proposed rules by the Department of Human Services that would dramatically increase regulations on child care centers.  

The proposed regulations would stipulate everything from how many paint brushes a center must have, to the amount of time children play in sand or water, to the types of pictures to hang on a wall and the race of dolls.
State Rep Mark Waller called on Gov. Hickenlooper and his administration to remove the egregious rules.  

“Fewer daycare centers mean fewer options, and fewer options mean more stress for working families of Colorado.  Specifying the number of pictures on the wall is unnecessary red tape proposed by the Executive Branch that will drive small businesses out of business,” said Waller, R-Colorado Springs.  “As a parent in a two income family, I know there are few things more stressful in life than finding quality daycare for our children.”

The regulations are being developed on account of Senate Bill 89-205, which calls for a comprehensive review of licensing rules for child care centers every three year.  The bill’s author, former Congressman Bob Schaffer, R-Ft. Collins, said the bill goes beyond anything the legislature ever intended:

“The law was created to protect the health and safety of children—not to specify the color of toys, how many blocks a center has, or whether enough costumes are provided for toddlers.  If anything, the three-year review process was intended as an opportunity to discard obsolete, superfluous regulations, not add them."

Some of the child centers are specifically worried about the impact the proposed rules will have on their businesses and the children they care for:

“The state is trying to push a one size fits all approach on child care centers.  What they don’t understand is when we have great competitiveness and innovative thinking, that’s when we get better child care centers,” said Sandy Bright, who owns and operates three child care centers and 10 school age centers in Weld County and served as the former president of the Colorado Child Care Association. "Many child care centers, who serve a lot of low income families, do not have any money in their budgets to make these changes."   

Bright pointed out that over the last three years there used to be approximately 24 child care centers in Weld County, but there are only around 10 today.

"If more child care centers close, that means fewer safe and affordable options for parents."


“It’s time for Gov. Hickenlooper to step up and recognize that these job destroying rules will hurt working families and children the most,” Waller added.

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McNulty Statement on Chaput’s Appointment to Oversee Archdiocese of Philadelphia

DENVER—Speaker of the House Frank McNulty congratulated Archbishop Charles Chaput on his appointment to oversee the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  

McNulty, the highest elected Roman Catholic in state government, released the following statement:

“I offer my congratulations to Archbishop Chaput on his appointment to oversee the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is gaining one of the brightest, most decent leaders in the Catholic Church.

“As a Catholic who was raised in the Archdiocese of Denver, I have great respect for the Archbishop as a theologian, teacher, advocate and leader.  

“Archbishop Chaput’s strong leadership and passion for serving will be greatly missed.”  

 

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Murray Celebrates Mandela International Day with South African Officials

Murray Meets with Parliamentary Delegation to Promote Government Accessibility

DENVER—State Rep. Carole Murray met with a visiting delegation of both elected and non-elected officials from South Africa’s parliament on Monday, Nelson Mandela’s 93^rd birthday and the third annual Mandela International Day.

The group of officials met with Murray, R-Castle Rock, to discuss the differences between South Africa’s young democracy and Colorado’s own democratic system. The conversation focused largely on increasing transparency and participation in government, particularly for women.

“I hold nothing but respect for the obstacles the nation of South Africa overcame in their path towards establishing a true democracy,” said Murray. “And a strong education is a principal ingredient for increasing government participation and accessibility, especially for women.”

Murray holds office alongside 40 other women in Colorado’s General Assembly, which has one of the highest percentages of women serving in a state legislature in the United States. 

Members of South Africa’s parliamentary delegation welcomed Murray’s words and expressed hopes that South Africa too could achieve similar results.

South Africa did not become a true democracy until 1994, when Nelson Mandela was elected president in a fully representative democratic election. In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 18^th to be Mandela International day, to help bring people together, fight poverty, and promote peace and reconciliation around the world. 

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GOP House Members Named CSIA’s Advocates of the Year

McNulty, Stephens, Murray Hailed for Law Repealing Democrat’s Software Tax

DENVER—The CSIA, Colorado’s Technology Association, gave House Speaker Frank McNulty, House Majority Leader Amy Stephens and Majority Caucus Chair Carole Murray their Advocates of the Year Award.  The award was given to the Republican legislators because of their work to repeal the Software tax. 

In a release, CSIA stated: 

“The successful passage of HB1293 to rescind 2010’s HB1192 (additional taxes on software), not only has paved the way for tech companies across the state, but also technology users across every industry.”  

House Bill 1291, which was sponsored by Stephens, R-Monument, and Murray, R-Castle Rock, repealed one of the Dirty Dozen tax increases that Democrats pushed through the legislature in 2010.

“Republicans did in one year, what Democrat’s couldn’t do in the last four—balanced the budget without raising taxes,” said McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “In fact, Republicans not only balanced the budget without raising taxes, we actually repealed several of the unconstitutional Democrat taxes, like the software tax.”  

After receiving the award, Stephens said, “Voters trusted Republicans with control of the House of Representatives, because they wanted real solutions to get our economy back on track.  Repealing the software tax will save every business in Colorado money.”  

Murray added: 

“By repealing this onerous tax, we are correcting a bad policy that specifically targeted job creators.  By lifting this burden, small businesses will have an easier time growing and creating jobs.”

The law went into effect on July 1, 2011.

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Joshi Statement on Mumbai Bombings

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Earlier today, the business district in India’s Mumbai was attacked with three separate bombs, leaving at least 21 people dead and many more injured. 

Colorado’s only member of the General Assembly born in India, State Rep. Janak Joshi, was raised in Gujarat, a neighboring state to Mumbai.  Joshi’s wife, Anjana, was raised in Mumbai, and the two still have family in the region. 

Joshi, R-Colorado Springs, released the following statement regarding today’s attacks:

“These attacks against the people of Mumbai and India are deplorable and cowardly. Indians and people 

throughout the world deserve to live in freedom and without fear.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the people of India today.  Our hearts and prayers go to the victims and their families.”        

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Rep. Mark Barker Appointed to Fallen Heroes Memorial Commission

DENVER—Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, named State Rep. Mark Barker to the Fallen Heroes Memorial Commission. 

The commission, which was created through legislation passed in 2007, is charged with overseeing the creation and funding of a memorial for servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty in the War on Terrorism, the Persian Gulf War, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, World War I and World War II. 

“I am honored to be selected to serve on the Fallen Heroes Memorial Commission,” said Barker, R-Colorado Springs. “Honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice is one of the most important things we can do as a nation and as a state.”

The memorial will be made of Colorado rose granite and have an eternal flame to honor the fallen.  It will be located in Lincoln Park by the Colorado Veterans Memorial, directly across from the state capitol. 

“This memorial will serve as an important focal point in the Civic Center, and a place for Coloradans to remember those who gave everything for our freedom,” Barker added. 

For more information on Fallen Heroes Memorial, including how to donate, visit http://www.coloradofallenheroesmemorial.org.      

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McNulty Fourth of July Statement

DENVER—Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement regarding the Fourth of July:

“As our country celebrates its 235th anniversary, Coloradans are reminded of the liberties and freedoms that bless our country today. These precious rights were a result of the sacrifices made by our Founding Fathers and are kept alive by brave men and women who fight to keep our nation safe. On this Independence Day, please remember to thank our military members for their service and sacrifice. I wish every Coloradan a wonderful and safe Fourth of July.”

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Stephens Recognizes Broadmoor, PGA as Women’s Open Tees Off

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –House Majority Leader Amy Stephens recognized The Brodmoor Hotel and Colorado Springs business and community leaders for bringing the Women’s Open to Colorado.

“This event is going to bring people throughout the country and world to Colorado, boosting our state’s economy,” said Stephens, R-Monument.  “The Women’s Open is especially meaningful to girls and young women, who will have the opportunity to see some of the greatest athletes in the world compete here in Colorado.” 

Children and teachers are especially welcome to attend the Women’s Open.  Children will receive free admittance to the Women’s Open all week, while teachers will receive free admittance on Thursday, July 7. 

“The PGA has great respect for education,” Stephens added. “Not only are they inviting teachers and students to watch world class golfers and enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty, but they are working on a daily 

basis to teach school kids about the sport.”

The Colorado PGA Golf in Schools Program is part of the Open Golf Foundation, a collaborative effort sponsored by the Colorado PGA, the Colorado Golf Association, Colorado Women’s Golf Association and the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents’ Association.  The program’s goal is to “introduce school age children across the state to the game of golf and the valuable life skills it teaches.” 

In 2011, the program will be found in schools across the state, with the goal of reaching 3,000 children.

“We are fortunate as a state to have so many organizations like the Open Golf Foundation that strive to enrich the lives of our children,” Stephens added. 

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