Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Speaker McNulty’s Statement on Proposition 103


DENVER— Today, the Secretary of State’s Office announced that Proposition 103, a Democrat led tax hike initiative, has enough signatures to appear on the ballot. 

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement regarding the Democrat proposed tax hike:

“Democrats don’t get it.  Colorado’s hardworking families and job creators are struggling to survive in this recession.  The last thing they need right now is Democrats pushing another state tax increase. 

“This year, House Republicans successfully repealed several Democrat sponsored tax increases, so we could help families and small businesses during these challenging economic times.  In fact, Republicans were able to eliminate these burdensome taxes while reducing proposed cuts to K-12 education. 

“Republicans believe the best way to fund K-12 education is by creating jobs right here in Colorado, helping to put Colorado families back to work.”

###

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

House GOP Encouraged by Administration’s Defense of Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights


DENVER—Only weeks after House and Senate Democrat leadership voted against supporting the right of Coloradans to approve or reject all tax increases as set forth in the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, the Hickenlooper Administration released legal briefs detailing its defense of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. 

“I’m encouraged that this administration is defending the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and the rights of Coloradans threatened by this egregious lawsuit,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “Coloradans voted for the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights to keep their government in check; it’s important that elected officials understand that.”

According to The Denver Post the brief states:  

“From the very first paragraph of their complaint, plaintiffs make clear that this case is an effort to have the courts remove what they see as an obstacle to their policy agenda: direct citizen participation in lawmaking."

In July, the Executive Committee of Legislative Council held a vote to support Coloradans' right to approve or reject tax increases.  The measure died on a 3-3 vote, with Republicans voting in favor and  Democrat Senate President Brandon Shaffer of Longmont, Senate Majority Leader John Morse, D-Fountain, and House Minority Leader Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, voting against the right of Colorado voters to approve tax increases.  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.   

“Protecting the rights of Coloradans should not be a partisan issue,” said House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Monument.  “It is the responsibility of our government to defend our working families and to protect the right of Colorado voters to vote on tax increases.”    

###


Friday, August 12, 2011

Stephens’s Statement on 11th Circuit’s Ruling on Obamacare


DENVER—Today, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Obamacare’s requirement that Americans be forced to buy insurance is unconstitutional. 

Colorado House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Colorado Springs, released the following statement about the court’s decision:

“Republicans have been arguing that Obamacare is unconstitutional for close to two years.  Now, another federal court has ruled that President Obama and the federal government cannot dictate that American citizens buy health insurance. 
“I applaud the court for their decision and continue to support Attorney General John Suthers as he fights to overturn Obamacare.” 
###

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

New Laws Helping the Economy, Local Communities, Children Go into Effect Today

DENVER— Several new bills went into effect today, highlighting the House Republican’s dedication to getting Colorado’s economy back on track, helping local communities and protecting children.

“The House of Representatives had a very productive session,” said House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Monument.  “As seen with the laws that go into effect today, House Republicans are committed to getting our economy back on track, helping local communities and protecting our children.”   

The 2011 session featured laws that repeal the Democrats’ tax increases on farmers and ranchers, and small businesses who use software.  Today, additional laws will go into effect that will further help Colorado’s economy improve.

House Bill 1083, sponsored by State Rep. Keith Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo West, allows the Public Utilities 
Commission to consider using hydroelectricity and pumped-hydroelectricity operations.

“This law uses clean and renewable energy to create jobs and will help lower the prices of electricity for Coloradans,” said Swerdfeger. 

House Republicans also led the way on several pieces of legislation that will help Colorado’s local communities, especially those in need. 

Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland, sponsored House Bill 1014, which extends the income tax credit for contributions to child care centers, including afterschool programs and shelters for homeless youth.  DelGrosso also sponsored HB 1241 that eliminates the red tape for nonprofit housing developers like Habitat for Humanity.

“Republicans in the House of Representatives are committed to helping those in need,” said DelGrosso.  “In addition to helping with child and youth care, and for organizations that help working families with housing, Republicans in the House championed legislation that will help organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Goodwill, the Girl Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity and others to continue their work on behalf of the 
people of Colorado.”

The House GOP also successfully passed legislation to protect children by barring felons convicted of dangerous crimes from teaching in schools. 

“There is nothing more important to me than fighting for the protection of children,” said the law’s sponsors, Rep. Robert Ramirez, R-Westminster. “Prohibiting felons convicted of dangerous crimes was an obvious step and necessary for us to ensure that our schools are a safe place for the children entrusted to our care.” 

“Time and again, the House Republicans have taken a stand for improving our economy, helping our communities and protecting our children,” added Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “The laws that go into effect today are a testament to our dedication to making Colorado a state that we can all be proud of.”          

Below is the complete list of laws that will go into effect today, Wed., Aug. 10, 2011. 

1002
Nikkel, Kopp
CDOT On-line Financial Database
Approved 6/2/2011
1004
Baumgardner, Harvey
Farm Truck Registration
Approved 5/4/2011
1010
Acree, Brophy
Incidental Use Of Tax-exempt Property
Approved 6/2/2011
1011
Peniston, Giron
Board Of Assessment Appeals Hearings
Approved 3/11/2011
1013
Schafer S., Bacon
Exempt Active Military Prof Regulation
Approved 4/13/2011
1014
DelGrosso, Roberts
Child Care Contrib Income Tax Credit
Approved 6/2/2011
1026
Gerou, Jahn
Storm Water Management Sys Admr
Approved 5/9/2011
1028
Liston, Johnston
Alzheimer's Assn Tax Checkoff
Approved 3/11/2011
1030
Gardner B., Boyd
Procurement Set Aside Program
Approved 3/21/2011
1031
Miklosi, Foster
Creative Districts
Approved 3/22/2011
1032
Lee, Newell
Restorative Justice
Approved 6/7/2011
1037
Ryden, Carroll
Military Family Checkoff Extension
Approved 3/1/2011
1040
Brown, Tochtrop
Extend State Conservation Bd Term Length
Approved 3/22/2011
1041
Riesberg, Harvey
Update Colo Ins Guaranty Assn Statute
Approved 3/11/2011
1050
Soper, Tochtrop
Boiler Inspection Regulation
Approved 3/9/2011
1060
Todd, Renfroe
Governor Appointment Terms To UNC Board
Approved 3/18/2011
1071
Hamner, Bacon
Roundup River Ranch Tax Checkoff
Approved 6/6/2011
1072
McNulty, Morse
Designated Rep Of Initiative Proponents
Approved 6/2/2011
1073
Barker, Morse
Peace Officer Status US Marshals
Approved 3/18/2011
1074
Gerou, Jahn
School Of Mines Funding Of Financial Aid
Approved 3/25/2011
1077
Peniston, Spence
Education Of Gifted Children
Approved 3/18/2011
1079
Casso, Jahn
Reduce Youth Homelessness
Approved 3/31/2011
1083
Swerdfeger, Giron
Hydroelectricity & Pumped Hydro
Approved 3/29/2011
1085
Schafer S., Jahn
Community Corrections Referral By DOC
Approved 3/22/2011
1087
Vigil, Giron
Pest Control Reimbursement
Approved 3/11/2011
1091
Liston, Morse
Sales Tax Exemption For Med Equipment
Approved 5/27/2011
1097
Barker, Guzman
Goodwill Industries Tax Checkoff
Approved 5/4/2011
1105
Acree, White
Hospital Worker Assault Protection
Approved 6/2/2011
1109
Liston, Giron
Telecom Equip Local Sales Tax Exemption
Approved 5/27/2011
1111
Sonnenberg, Jahn
Dept Of Ag Livestock Confidential Data
Approved 4/6/2011
1115
Priola, Tochtrop
Public Entity Construction Retainage
Approved 5/26/2011
1121
Ramirez, King K.
Bar Felons From School Employment
Approved 5/27/2011
1126
Duran, Hudak
Improving Parent Involvement In Schools
Approved 4/20/2011
1144
Solano, Tochtrop
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Approved 3/25/2011
1145
McCann, Tochtrop
Availability Background Check Child Care
Approved 5/9/2011
1151
Hamner, Nicholson
Cruelty To Service Animals
Approved 3/30/2011
1153
Hullinghorst, Newell
Juror Service Courts
Approved 3/29/2011
1157
Casso, White
Diesel Inspection Program Exemption
Approved 6/2/2011
1159
Coram, Schwartz
License Grain Protein Analyzers
Approved 4/8/2011
1160
Gerou, Jahn
Gov Energy Ofc Green Bldg Incent Prog
Approved 5/4/2011
1163
Vaad, Tochtrop
CDOT Super-load Highway Permits
Approved 5/27/2011
1166
Murray, Aguilar
Type 1 Diabetes Special License Plate
Approved 6/2/2011
1174
Vaad, Renfroe
Manufactured Home Cert Of Destruction
Approved 4/6/2011
1176
Ramirez, Renfroe
Crude Oil Hazardous Substance Transport
Approved 3/25/2011
1177
Sonnenberg, Schwartz
Healthy Rivers Fund Tax Donation
Approved 3/22/2011
1178
Looper, Williams S.
Mortuary Science Regulation
Approved 4/6/2011
1180
Levy, Guzman
Criminal Sentencing To Reduce Recidivism
Approved 4/8/2011
1183
Bradford, Spence
Death Certificate Indicate If Pregnant
Approved 3/31/2011
1192
Coram, Brophy
Longer Vehicle Combinations Highways
Approved 4/13/2011
1195
Gardner B., Newell
Private Investigators Voluntary License
Approved 6/10/2011
1196
Summers, Foster
Flexibility In Funding Family Services
Approved 5/9/2011
1198
Kerr J., Schwartz
PUC Recodify Motor Carrier Statutes
Approved 4/22/2011
1200
Barker, Roberts
Substance Abuse Assessment At Intake
Approved 5/5/2011
1202
Labuda, Tochtrop
Approp For Change Order Prior To Work
Approved 3/21/2011
1203
Lee, Nicholson
Private Custodian Seal Criminal Records
Approved 3/29/2011
1210
Hamner, Nicholson
Require CDOT I-70 Mtn Corridor Recomms
Approved 3/30/2011
1237
Swerdfeger, Bacon
National Guard Quarters & Billeting Fund
Approved 5/27/2011
1239
Nikkel, Roberts
New Crime Fiscal Note Analysis
Approved 3/29/2011
1241
DelGrosso, Lundberg
Charitable Use Property Tax Exemption
Approved 6/2/2011
1277
Massey, Bacon
Statutory Changes To K-12 Education
Approved 6/9/2011
1279
Sonnenberg, Hodge
Overweight Vehicle Permits
Approved 5/19/2011
1283
Gerou, Steadman
Extend Bioscience Grant Program
Approved 5/9/2011
1289
Sonnenberg, Hodge
Water Supply Structure Historic Register
Approved 5/9/2011
1298
Tyler, Spence
Craig Hospital Special License Plate
Approved 6/2/2011
1301
Waller, Schwartz
Higher Ed Inst Efficiency
Approved 6/7/2011
1310
Sonnenberg, Bacon
Funding For Capitol Dome Restoration
Approved 5/27/2011
1313
Massey, Jahn
Extend Clerk And Recorder Surcharge
Approved 5/27/2011
1316
Priola, Johnston
Special License Plates Avalanche Nuggets
Approved 5/19/2011
2
Carroll, Kerr J.
Low-income Telephone Assistance Prog
Approved 3/21/2011
7
Grantham, Becker
Place Of Trial Failure To Register
Approved 4/13/2011
16
Grantham, Barker
Probate Exempt Prop & Family Allowance
Approved 3/29/2011
29
Hudak, Summers
State Land Board Annual Reports
Approved 3/22/2011
31
Cadman, Looper
Collector's Motor Vehicles
Approved 3/31/2011
37
Heath, Kerr J.
World War II Special License Plate
Approved 4/22/2011
39
Tochtrop, Massey
Self-storage Prop Lien Sale By Owner
Approved 4/6/2011
51
Giron, Swerdfeger
Gaming & Lottery Intercepts State Debt
Approved 6/2/2011
66
Jahn, Gardner B.
Special Event Permit Alcohol Beverage
Approved 5/23/2011
81
White, McCann
9Health Fair Tax Checkoff Extension
Approved 4/13/2011
82
King S., Acree
OSA Security Audits IT Systems
Approved 4/13/2011
83
Roberts, Barker
Probate Code Omnibus
Approved 4/8/2011
84
Boyd, Summers
Employment At Long-term Care Facilities
Approved 4/13/2011
85
Shaffer B., McCann
Prostitution Offender Program Courts
Approved 6/2/2011
102
Williams S., Todd
Mental Health Tax Checkoff
Approved 5/27/2011
104
Roberts, Holbert
Sunset Community Acct'lity Prog Adv Bd
Approved 3/21/2011
119
Guzman, Pabon
Appeal Valuation Commercial Real Prop
Approved 4/26/2011
120
Newell, Kefalas
Protections For Youth In Foster Care
Approved 4/8/2011
123
Foster, Summers
Technical Changes Child Support Process
Approved 3/21/2011
125
White, Sonnenberg
Nursing Home Fees & Order Of Payments
Approved 5/23/2011
165
Guzman, Kerr A.
CO Uniform Estate Tax Apportionment Act
Approved 5/19/2011
166
Johnston, Wilson
Uniform Disclaimer Property Interest Act
Approved 5/23/2011
178
Newell, Sonnenberg
Manner Of Local Sales Tax Exemption
Approved 5/27/2011
183
Aguilar, Gardner B.
State Boards & Persons With Disabilities
Approved 4/26/2011
197
Boyd, Acree
Girl Scouts Centennial License Plate
Approved 6/3/2011
204
Giron, Swerdfeger
University Role And Mission
Approved 6/10/2011
239
Newell, Swerdfeger
Repeal Report Reqmnt Re Municipal Info
Approved 5/27/2011
240
Hudak, Murray
Sunset Review Private Occupational Sch
Approved 6/2/2011
245
Bacon, Murray
Higher Ed Educator Preparation Programs
Approved 5/23/2011
256
Guzman, Ferrandino
Penalties For Graffiti
Approved 6/2/2011
265
Johnston, Scott
Name Change Mesa State College
Approved 6/6/2011
272
Hodge, Summers
Adult Stem Cells Cure Fund Tax Checkoff
Approved 6/2/2011
273
Steadman, Massey
Alcohol Beverage Festival Area
Approved 5/27/2011

###