Friday, April 29, 2011

Gerou’s Bill Helps Disabled Communities Receive Funding Through New Customized License Plates


DENVER – State Rep. Cheri Gerou’s bill to help those in Colorado with disabilities was signed into law by the governor this week.

House Bill 1216 creates the “Laura Hershey Disability-Benefit Support Act,” which uses the profits from the sales of uniquely valuable license plate numbers in the state of Colorado to benefit The Laura Hershey Memorial Disability Benefits Support Program.  This program provides education, direct assistance and advocacy to those who are eligible for federal and state programs related to disabilities.

“It was an honor for me to sponsor this bill and work with such passionate and dedicated individuals,” said Gerou, R-Evergreen.  “Not only does the bill fund the disability benefit support program but it does it without costing the taxpayers anything.”

Until now, the sale of uniquely valuable license plate numbers was only available in Delaware, Massachusetts, and Texas. Recent sales of license plate numbers have typically included low-digit or personalized license plate combinations.  Previously, Colorado allowed personalized license plates in combinations of two to seven letters and numbers.  

“The broad coalition of organizations and people involved made it clear that this was something that needed to be done,” said Gerou.

House Bill 1216’s co-sponsor is Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley, and Sen. Irene Aguilar, D-Denver.  The bill passed unanimously in the House and with wide bipartisan support in the Senate.  This bill went into effect on April 26, 2011.

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Szabo Proposal Moves to the Floor

Bill Would Eliminate the Need for a Law Degree to Understand State Ballot Measures

DENVER—The House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee gave bipartisan support to make Colorado’s ballot measures easier to understand.

House Bill 1304 will require statewide initiated and referred measures to avoid technical jargon, and use accurate, clear and coherent language that most voters can understand. 

You shouldn’t need a law degree to understand the ballot measures your voting on,” said bill sponsor, State Rep. Libby Szabo, R-Arvada.  “House Bill 1304 simply requires that all statewide ballot measures be written in plain language so everyone can understand what they are voting for or against.”

The measure is so popular that many Democrats have signed on as co-sponsors of the bill, including: State Reps. Lois Court of Denver; Ed Casso of Commerce City; Rhonda Fields of Aurora; Deb Gardner of Boulder; Millie Hamner of Frisco; Andy Kerr of Lakewood; Pete Lee of Colorado Springs; Cherylin Peniston of Westminster; Su Ryden of Aurora; Su Schafer of Wheat Ridge; Angela Williams of Denver and Roger Wilson of Glenwood Springs.   

Democrat Michael Johnston of Denver joins Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs, and Kevin Grantham, R-Canon City, as a co-sponsor in the State Senate.    

 “It is our hope that with ballot measures that are accurate and easier to understand, more people will be encouraged to vote,” added Szabo.     

House Bill 1304 now moves to the House for further discussion.

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Bradford Efforts Benefit Mesa County Community Health Care Clinics

Bradford’s work in budget negotiations helped preserve funding for Community Hospital, Marillac Clinic and St. Mary’s Clinic and Medical Center


DENVER—State Rep. Laura Bradford wanted a conservative state budget in these difficult times while preserving essential services in her district for those most in need.

Budget negotiations between legislative leaders delivered the conservative budget and her work with Joint Budget Committee members helped to protect health care programs for Mesa County.

“I saw a real opportunity to roll up my sleeves and get involved in the budget process for something I knew would be beneficial and meaningful for our community,” said Bradford, R-Collbran.

Bradford worked to help identify available funding for the Colorado Indigent Care Program.  90 percent of those served by community health centers in Colorado, which are heavily supported by the program, have family incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, according to Colorado’s Community Health Network.  In Mesa County, the Program is important to Community Hospital, the Marillac Clinic, St. Mary’s Family Medicine Clinic and St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center, Inc.

“Laura deserves credit for how hard she fought for the people in her district,” said Joint Budget Committee member Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen. “If it weren’t for her, funding for the Indigent Care Program would not have materialized this year.”

Bradford voted against Senate Bill 219 because it failed to fund the Program. However, when a $4 million accounting error in Medicaid Provider Fee revenue was discovered by the Joint Budget Committee staff, Bradford worked with Gerou to secure $1 million of that funding for CICP providers. That $1 million in turn draws down an additional $1 million in federal funding.

“The funding of this program is an investment,” said Bradford.  “With the continuation of these programs, Colorado’s most vulnerable families can get preventative care they need before requiring more serious procedures that could cost taxpayers significantly more money.”

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Town of Estes Park Formally Opposes Dem Redistricting Map


DENVER—The City of Estes Park passed a resolution earlier this week, formally opposing any redistricting map that splits Larimer County.

The resolution was adopted as Democrats quit the bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Redistricting and introduced their own redistricting map that splits several communities, including Larimer County.

“It is vital that we keep Larimer County whole,” said State Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, who represents Estes Park.  “By splitting Larimer County, and other communities, Senate Democrats are ignoring state law and the will of the people.” 

The resolution, which was adopted by the Board of Trustees of Estes Park on Monday, April 26, says in part:

“Congressional redistricting that splits Larimer County in half and removes the Town of Estes Park from the rest of Larimer County would impact contiguity of efforts, delivery of services, and historical community interests currently shared and enjoyed by the towns and cities within Larimer County.”

While the proposed Democrat map splits Larimer County, the Western Slope and Eastern Plains, El Paso County, Douglas County and several other communities, the Republican maps strive to keep Colorado’s communities of interest together. 

“Colorado’s communities deserve to have a voice in Washington,” added Nikkel.  “Republicans will fight to ensure Colorado has fair maps that respect each of Colorado’s important communities.”   

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General Assembly Recognizes “Holocaust Awareness Week”

DENVER— This morning, the Colorado General Assembly declared May 1 through May 7, 2011 as “Holocaust Awareness Week” in Colorado.

Senate Joint Resolution 023, sponsored by State Reps. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock, and Claire Levy, D-Boulder, recognizes the horrifying atrocities of the Holocaust, and encourages the people of Colorado to “use these days to teach and remember the great injustices and genocides in the past, and to commit to preventing such tragedies in the future.”

“We can never forget what happened less than a century ago,” said Murray.  “I hope everyone will take time this week to remember those who were lost during the Holocaust, and also to remember that evil still exists in the world.” 

Levy added, “Holocaust Awareness Week is a time to remember the moral courage of those who helped Jews survive and escape, and to think about the need to exercise moral courage throughout our lives.” 

The resolution also acknowledges the promotion of human rights of people everywhere. 

“We cannot forget our veterans who served during World War II, and liberated Europe and the world from Adolf Hitler,” said Murray.  “Likewise, we must remember and thank our American serviceman and women who are serving overseas today, fighting for the rights and liberties of others.”   

The resolution received unanimous support in both the House and the Senate.  Senate sponsors include Senate President Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, and Sen. Bob Bacon, D-Fort Collins. 


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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Republican Statement on Democrats’ Introduction of Partisan Maps

DENVER—Senate Democrats introduced a partisan redistricting map, one that papers across the state have called everything from “wrong,” “radical,” and “not good to Colorado” to “a cynical ploy.” 

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, said:

 “It’s disappointing that the Senate Democrats decided to forgo the bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Redistricting, only to introduce their own partisan map. 

“The Democrat maps are not only an insult to the law, but also to the thousands of Coloradans who have testified, sent emails and made phone calls asking for a map that is fair and protects Colorado communities.” 

Co-chair of the Joint Select Committee on Redistricting, State Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, said:

“We are constitutionally obligated to draw a map.  I am disappointed that Senate Democrats decided to go it alone.  I had hoped that we would be introducing a bipartisan plan.”  
  
Committee member, Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, said:

“It’s astounding that while Colorado’s newspapers, business communities and citizens agree with the Republican maps, Democrats in the statehouse insist on drawing maps that will radically change district boundaries and hamper the voice of our military, energy, rural and agricultural communities, for partisan gain.”

Rep. Don Coram, R-Montrose, also a committee member, said:

“I’m disappointed that Democrats insist carving up the Western Slope and Eastern Plains, but I am proud that Republicans will stand-up and fight for rural Colorado.  I have an ‘R’ behind my name, but that stands more for ‘rural’ than ‘Republican.’”
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Beezley, DelGrosso Bill to Reinstate State Spending Limit Passes Committee

DENVER – State Reps. Don Beezley, R- Broomfield, and Brian DelGrosso’s, R-Loveland, bill to reinstate the state spending limit passed the House Finance Committee today.

House Bill 1280 would reinstate the state spending limit that was repealed by Democrats without voter approval in 2009.  It will reinstate the government spending limit that prevented the state's operating budget from growing more than six percent each year.

“Reinstating the state spending limit is a practical way to ensure the state’s spending stays under control,” said Beezley.  “Coloradans want and deserve fiscal responsibility here at the Capitol, and this bill will help make sure we truly stay within our means, in both economically tight times and good times.”

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.

“We can’t afford to waste taxpayers’ money like Washington, D.C.,” said DelGrosso, who chairs the House Finance Committee.  “While the nation continues to pull itself through this tough economy, this bill would put our state back on track to a stronger financial future.”

This economically-responsible bill was passed by Republicans on a party line vote.  The bill will now move to the full House for consideration.

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Monday, April 25, 2011

GOP Disappointed Democrats Give-up on Bipartisan Committee

Balmer: Democrats decided not to work together, and instead are taking their maps and running home.  

DENVER—House Republicans expressed disappointment today after Democrats gave up on the Joint Select Committee on Redistricting, forfeiting the committee’s goal of presenting a bipartisan redistricting map.  Instead, Democrats announced they will introduce their own partisan maps that several papers across the state have called “wrong,” “not good for Colorado,” and “a cynical ploy.”  
By contrast, Republican maps have been hailed for keeping the integrity of current district boundaries, respecting communities of interest, and ensuring rural Colorado retains its voice in Washington.  

Committee co-chair, State Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, released the following statement regarding the Democrats’ decision:  

“I’m really disappointed.  Republicans on the committee asked Democrats time and time again to sit with us and draw a map in public that is fair for Coloradans.  

“After hours and hours of testimony, and thousands of calls and emails, Democrats decided that they didn’t want to work with us.  Instead, they are taking their maps and running home.”

“Republicans will continue our efforts to draw a map for Colorado that is fair, with district lines adjusted to account for population shifts.  Hopefully the House Democrat caucus will be more open to working with us to draw a fair map.” 
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El Paso County House Members Oppose Democrat Redistricting Plans

DENVER— Republican Statehouse members from El Paso County unanimously oppose Democrat redistricting plans, and echoed the call of their constituents to keep El Paso whole. 

Under the Democrats’ current proposals, El Paso County would nearly be cut in half.  Military bases like Peterson Air Force Base, the Air Force Academy, and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station would stay in the Fifth Congressional District while Fort Carson and Schriever Air Force Base would be moved to the Third Congressional District.

“The maps that split El Paso County will hurt Colorado’s military members,” said Rep. Mark Barker, R-Colorado Springs.  “The thousands of service members, their families and civilians who work on these military bases would have their voices muted if one of these plans were adopted.”

The new plans also could jeopardize ongoing and future water projects that affect El Paso County.

“If redistricting goes exactly as the Democrats would like, water issues become far more complicated,” added Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan.  “Critical water projects like the Southern Delivery System may now be at risk of being run less efficiently due to this gerrymandering.”

Barker and Looper join Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Monument, Assistant Majority Leader Mark Waller, and Reps. Larry Liston, Bob Gardner, Mark Barker, Janak Joshi, all Colorado Springs Republicans. 

“It’s appalling, despite the public outcry, that Democrats continue to stick to their plan to divide El Paso County,” concluded Waller.  “These maps mean one thing for Coloradans who live around El Paso County – fractured and inefficient representation.”

The bipartisan committee was created at the beginning of the legislative session to propose maps that would help the Legislature fulfill its constitutional duty to redraw Colorado’s congressional lines following the 2010 Census.

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Baumgardner Calls on Democrats to Ensure Rural Colorado Has a Voice in Washington

DENVER— State Rep. Randy Baumgardner called on Democrats to support redistricting maps that will ensure rural Colorado will have a voice in Washington, D.C.

Each of the six maps proposed by Democrats would split the current Third Congressional District, which covers the Western Slope, in a West to East line between Mesa County and Montrose County. The maps would also split Northern Colorado between two congressional districts, literally drawing a line through the center of Larimer County. The maps in some cases would go as far as to include the suburban Arapahoe County in the Fourth Congressional District.

Baumgardner, R-Rifle, released the following statement regarding the Democrat’s proposed redistricting maps:

“I am very disappointed that the Democrats are insisting to carve up rural Colorado for their own political gain.  I am proud to stand with Republicans as we fight to ensure rural Colorado will retain its voice in our nation’s capital.” 

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Rep. Szabo Recognizes Corporal Gabriel Martinez

DENVER—State Rep. Libby Szabo introduced a measure today recognizing U.S. Marine Corporal Gabriel Martinez of Westminster today. 

Martinez served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.  On his second tour, Martinez suffered life threatening injuries while disarming an improvised explosive device.  For his service and bravery, Martinez was awarded the Purple Heart. 

“Corporal Martinez is an inspiration to me and the people of Colorado,” said Szabo, R-Arvada.  “I am proud that the House took the time to honor a true hero.”    

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Szabo Bill Protecting Consumers from Fraud Goes to Governor

DENVER—A measure sponsored by State Rep. Libby Szabo will help ensure Coloradans are protected from fraud, by keeping the Identity Theft and Financial Fraud Board in operation.

Senate Bill 108 extends the repeal date of the Identity Theft and Financial Fraud Deterrence Act from July of 2011 to Sept. 1, 2016. 
           
“Coloradans are fortunate to have the Theft and Financial Fraud Board on our side,” said Szabo, R-Arvada. 

According to the Legislative Council, the unit has “provided 115 training sessions to the public, financial institutions, and law enforcement. The unit has also 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 to protect our families, seniors, small businesses, and everyone else in the state from fraud.” 

The bill, sponsored in the Senate by Cheri Jahn, D-Wheat Ridge, must be signed by the governor before becoming law.

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

ICYMI: Colorado Newspapers Agree: Dems’ Redistricting Maps Out-of-Touch

Pueblo Chieftain Editorial Board says…

·         “We can’t see any practical, rational value in throwing all congressional districts into a gerrymandered map that would give the Denver metro area an undue influence on all of Colorado’s congressional districts. Sen. Heath’s maps constitute a politically cynical ploy that’s beneath any serious statesman,” (“Cynical ploy,” Pueblo Chieftain, 4/19/11, link).

·         “Sen. Heath could not describe the connection between Ignacio, San Luis, Springfield and the Denver suburb of Parker in Douglas County… Ignacio and Parker? That can’t survive the laugh test, and Sen. Heath should be ashamed for making such a bald-faced assertion” (“Cynical ploy,” Pueblo Chieftain, 4/19/11, link).

·         “What’s apparent is that Sen. Heath, as the top Democrat on the Joint Select Committee on Redistricting, is trying to further the political fortunes of two fellow partisans' evincing interest in congressional runs, Brandon Shaffer of Longmont and Morgan Carroll of Aurora,” (“Cynical ploy,” Pueblo Chieftain, 4/19/11, link).

Durango Herald Editorial Board says…

·         “These maps are only the first round of a lengthy process, but lawmakers must consider the best interests of rural counties, even though they do not hold enough voters to matter in the political scheme of things. Although redistricting is all about politics, it must not be blatantly, and abusively, partisan,” (“Border war; Redistricting plans ignore rural interests,” Durango Herald, 4/18/11, link).

·         “The issue is not as clear cut as the GOP wants to make it seem, but the Dems have it wrong,” (“Border war; Redistricting plans ignore rural interests,” Durango Herald, 4/18/11, link).

Grand Junction Daily Sentinel’s columnist Jim Spehar says…

·         “This thing is far from over... But even a committed Democrat has to be concerned when his party’s plans make hamburger out of the Western Slope and leave the steaks to be parceled out elsewhere,” (“Maps, congressional redistricting and other legislative ‘tomfoolery,’” Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, 4/18/11, link).


·         “Some of [the Democrats’] maps lump Pueblo and El Paso counties into the same district. That creative packaging of blue-collar Democrats and far-right Republicans would be the equivalent of a forced marriage between the Hatfields and McCoys, even if you ignore their battles over water and other matters,”  (“Maps, congressional redistricting and other legislative ‘tomfoolery,’” Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, 4/18/11, link).

Fort Collins Coloradoan Editorial Board says…

·         “And there's a lot to be concerned about…The committee conducted hearings throughout the state, including one in Loveland, and in none of the hearings did anyone suggest, ‘Hey, splitting Larimer County would be a great idea.’ But there it is in five of the six maps presented by Democrats,” (“Redistricting again descends into partisanship; Governor might need to step in to prevent issue from going to court,” Ft. Collins Coloradoan, 4/19/11, link).

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GOP Fights to Improve Student Success, Despite Opposition from Dem Leadership

DENVER—Legislative Council successfully moved a measure to find ways to improve Colorado’s educational system this morning, despite vehement opposition from Democrat leadership. 

Senate Bill 111, sponsored by State Sen. Keith King, R-Colorado Springs, and Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs, creates the Educational Success Task Force in the Department of Education.

The task force will review ways to help students succeed, including: where intervention education services are needed, and what practices and strategies for providing intervention services are best.  Task force members will also be charged with recommending ways to ensure the student’s who graduate are workforce ready and prepared for college. 

“We could do better by our students,” said Massey, chair of the House Education Committee.  “Too many students are dropping out of school, or graduating without the skills necessary to enter the workforce or college.  This task force will find better ways to help those students who are falling behind.” 
                                                                                                                                   
Democrat leaders, including Senate President Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, and House Minority Leader Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, voted against the task force to help students succeed.

“We must ensure that Colorado’s students possess the skills and education necessary to succeed, especially considering the state of our economy,” said Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock.  “I am disappointed that Democrat leadership sided with partisanship instead of this common sense measure that will benefit Colorado’s children.”  
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Monday, April 18, 2011

House Gives Final Approval to Business, Job Creation Bill

DENVER—The House of Representatives gave final approval to a measure sponsored by State Rep. Chris Holbert that helps Colorado job creators by improving the state’s tax climate.   

“Colorado’s business community must be allowed to grow and succeed,” said Holbert, R-Parker.  “By making it less onerous for businesses to operate here, we are showing the state that we are serious about getting our economy back on track.” 

House Bill 1141 exempts purchases made anytime between Jan. 1, 2012 and Dec. 31, 2013 from business personal property taxes. 

The measure passed, despite House Democrats vehemently opposing the job creating measure, which would also help provide additional funds to school districts. 

“This measure allows small businesses to start, relocate, grow or retrofit by reinvesting their own money so they can grow and create jobs, increasing our tax base and helping schools,” added Holbert.

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Resolution to Balance Federal Budget Passes House

DENVER – State Rep. Spencer Swalm’s joint resolution to encourage the federal government to balance its budget and reduce its spending was passed in the House today.


“With today being Tax Day, it’s appropriate that Washington, D.C. should be reminded that if Coloradans can have a responsible budget that makes difficult decisions and sacrifices, so can they,” said Swalm, R-Centennial.

House Joint Resolution 1017 calls on Congress to consider an amendment to the Constitution that would require a balanced federal budget and restrain spending.

“In the past five years, federal spending has increased by $1 trillion and our national debt has ballooned to $14 trillion,” said Swalm.  “If the federal government had a responsibility to balance its budget like we do in Colorado, it wouldn’t spend more money than it has and that would be good for taxpayers, as well as for the national economy.”

HJR 1017 was co-sponsored by Rep. Edward Casso, D-Commerce City.  The resolution passed the House on a voice vote.

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Friday, April 15, 2011

McNulty Statement on Redistricting Maps

DENVER—Today, the Joint Select Committee on Redistricting unveiled redistricting maps drawn by the House and Senate. 

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement regarding the unveiling of redistricting maps:

“Republicans have been clear about our plans for redistricting all along—Coloradans deserve a map that is fair, with district lines adjusted to account for population growth and shifts.

“By contrast, Senate Democrats in the Senate drew maps that do not meet any fairness test or even the minimum standards outlined by law.  The Democrat maps are partisan, overreaching and split counties, municipalities and communities of interest more than ever necessary.

“It’s clear that each of these Democrat maps were drawn with Senate President Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, and Sen. Morgan Carroll’s, D-Aurora, political ambitions in mind; not the people of Colorado.   The Democrat maps split Douglas County and El Paso County.  These maps combine Boulder with Grand Junction, Montezuma with Fountain, and are clearly drawn for the personal politics of a select few.

“While I am extremely disappointed with Pres. Shaffer’s maps and his apparent use of the public redistricting process as a smokescreen to advance his own ambitions, I recognize that this is just the first step in the process.  We look forward to working with our Democrat colleagues to ensure we draw districts that are worthy of the people of Colorado, not the political ambition of individual legislators.”  
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Joint Select Committe on Redistricting Maps Unveiled

Today, the Joint Select Committee on Redistricting unveiled their maps.

Here is one of the Republican maps:
“Republicans have been clear about our plans for redistricting all along—Coloradans deserve a map that is fair, with district lines adjusted to account for population growth and shifts."
    --Speaker Frank McNulty

Here is one of the Democrat maps:

“It’s clear that each of these Democrat maps were drawn with Senate President Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, and Sen. Morgan Carroll’s, D-Aurora, political ambitions in mind; not the people of Colorado.   The Democrat maps split Douglas County and El Paso County.  These maps combine Boulder with Grand Junction, Montezuma with Fountain, and are clearly drawn for the personal politics of a select few." --Speaker Frank McNulty

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Onerous Software Tax One Step Closer to Being Repealed

DENVER— Today, Colorado’s onerous software tax took its first step to being repealed. 

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. 

“Some Democrats say that this tax only helps special interests, but nothing could be further from the truth,” said Murray, R-Castle Rock.  “Every company in Colorado whose employees use software are required to pay this tax.  That means less money for these companies to invest in creating new jobs.”   

House Bill 10-1192 has added administrative costs and nightmares for all employers across the state, resulting in taxes of more than eight percent, and ultimately has assessed extra costs to companies who employ people in Colorado. 

“Colorado is one of only a handful of states in the country who have a burdensome software tax,” added Stephens, R-Monument.  “Since the passage of House Bill 10-1192, many in the tech industry do not look at Colorado as a business friendly state.  By repealing this tax, we are showing that Colorado is open for business and welcomes software industries to come to our state.”     

The measure passed nine to four with support from both Republicans and Democrats. The measure will be heard next in House Appropriations. 

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House Leadership Asks Federal Government for Relief from Medicaid Mandates

DENVER—As the Colorado House of Representatives is about to take up next year’s state budget, House Republican leadership called on Colorado’s congressional delegation to give the states the freedom they need to end the crushing budget effects created by federal Medicaid mandates. 

In a letter sent to all members of Colorado’s congressional delegation, House Speaker Frank McNulty and House Majority Leader Amy Stephens said:  

“The expansion of Medicaid has put Colorado in a difficult fiscal situation.  Federal government mandates and inducements have encouraged growth and spending that is simply unsustainable and inconsistent with the principles of responsible budgeting.” 

In the last ten years, Colorado’s Medicaid enrollment rate has jumped from 275,299 in fiscal year 2000 to 2001 to 553,407 in fiscal year 2010 to 2011—a 101 percent increase. 

Currently, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing receives $5.1 billion in funding, that’s $477 million more than is spent by the state’s departments of Transportation, Corrections and Higher Education combined. 

“We must have a safety net to protect those Coloradans most in need, while avoiding the heavy handedness that is constraining our state budget,” added McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch. “Without providing program flexibility, federal Medicaid mandates will continue to force more money into the program at the expense of K-12 education and higher education.”   

The letter sent to the delegation states in part:  

“The mandates that come with accepting federal matching dollars have essentially created a situation that requires Colorado to cut two dollars from a Medicaid program in order to achieve one dollar of savings for our state’s taxpayers.  This system is not sustainable.”

Stephens, R-Monument, added, “We’re not calling for more money from the federal government.  We’re calling on our congressional delegation to end federal mandates and to work with us to find a solution that better fits Colorado’s needs.” 

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McNulty Appoints Rob Witwer to Reapportionment Commission

DENVER—Today, Speaker of the House Frank McNulty announced the appointment of former Republican State Rep. Rob Witwer of Genesee to the Colorado Reapportionment Commission. 

“Rob is a dedicated state servant who will do what’s best for the people of Colorado,” said McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “He’s well known as a statesman who has a knack for putting partisan politics aside to find common ground.”

Witwer was appointed to represent House District 25 in 2005.  He was elected to serve a full term in 2006, winning over 56 percent of the vote.  During his time in the House, Witwer built a reputation of working with Democrats and Republicans. 

“People are tired of partisanship, especially in the redistricting and reapportionment process,”
Witwer added.  “Hopefully this commission can work together to find an outcome that is fair and equitable for all Coloradans, whether Democrat, Republican or independent.”

The Reapportionment Commission is made up of eleven members, and is charged with redrawing legislative district boundaries.  The Speaker of the House and House Minority Leader each appoint one member as do the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders.  The governor appoints three members of the commission, and the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court appoints the final four members.  

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Bill to Help Rural Colorado Passes House

Repeal of ‘ag tax’ receives overwhelming bipartisan support and moves to Senate

DENVER – State Reps. Jerry Sonnenberg and Jon Becker’s bill that helps Colorado farmers and ranchers passed the House today with support from both Republicans and Democrats and will now go to the Senate for consideration. 

Sonnenberg and Becker’s House Bill 11-1005 repeals HB 10-1195, which suspended a tax exemption on the purchase of essential products that many farmers and ranchers rely on.  HB 10-1195 was one of the “Dirty Dozen” tax increases passed by the Democrats last year.  HB 11-1005 was included as part of the recently passed negotiation deal.

“With the economic hardships that many rural Coloradans face, the repeal of the ‘ag tax’ will give ranchers and farmers the opportunity to grow their agribusinesses without burdening them with tax increases,” said Sonnenberg, R-Sterling.

This bill reinstates the exemption from sales and use taxes for the sale or storage, use, or consumption of material used in caring and breeding for livestock, as well as pesticides for use in the production of agricultural and livestock products.

“The repeal of the ‘ag tax’ is an economic win for rural Colorado,” said Becker, R-Fort Morgan.  “All the money that would have been used to pay for the tax increase will now stay with Coloradans to help their businesses grow and make more jobs.”

HB 11-1005 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House.

HB 10-1195 suspended the tax exemption through June 30, 2013. HB 11-1005 reinstates the tax exemption two years early. 

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Nikkel Awarded Veterans’ Affairs Award

DENVER – State Rep. B.J. Nikkel was honored last weekend by the United Veterans Committee of Colorado (UVCC) for her commitment to veterans’ affairs and our Colorado men and women in uniform.

“I’m honored to be the recipient of the ‘Distinguished Legislator Award’ by this outstanding organization that helps so many veterans across the state,” said Nikkel, R-Loveland.

UVC is a non-profit organization of 45 chartered and federally recognized veterans’ service organizations and affiliates established that works closely with leaders, state and federal governmental officials to help advance veterans’ issues.

In 2009, Nikkel wrote House Bill 09-1291 which created the Veterans Resource Information Clearinghouse to address issues that veterans may face when they return from their tours and service.

Last year, Nikkel’s HB 10-1140 created Readiness Centers for the Colorado National Guard in Windsor, Grand Junction and Alamosa. As a result, several hundred jobs were estimated to be created from the projects in these cities.

“Helping veterans and the welfare of their families are a top priority for me,” Nikkel said.  “I’m proud to have been able to help those who served in our military receive more opportunities in our district.”

UVCC President George Thomas and Gov. John Hickenlooper presented the award to Nikkel in Aurora.

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Swerdfeger Elected Chairman of CCI Advisory Board

DENVER – State Rep. Keith Swerdfeger was elected chairman to the Colorado Division of Correctional Industries advisory board this week.

The organization works to reduce inmate idleness by allowing those who are eligible to work in self-supporting and productive industries. 

“I’m proud to be named to CCI’s board and to serve as its chairman,” said Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo West.  “CCI is a self-sustaining business-like organization that reduces recidivism by training inmates in a variety of fields allowing them to obtain jobs after they are released.” 

Some of CCI’s operations include the manufacturing of furniture, garments and license plates; services such as dog adoption and training, wild land firefighting; and agri-business, working with everything from bees and flowers to fishing and wild horses. 

“People throughout the state have benefited from this valuable program.  I hope to see the board continue this trend during my tenure,” added Swerdfeger.  

For more information on CCI, you can visit their website:  http://www.coloradoci.com. 

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

House, Senate Agree on Budget: House GOP Highlights Victories

DENVER—After months of work, the House and Senate came together on a bicameral and bipartisan budget agreement today.

The agreement that balances the state’s budget includes an emergency cash reserve of four percent of General Fund appropriations as requested by Gov. John Hickenlooper and Republicans. 

“House Republicans fought hard for a budget that is honest and responsible, and I am proud to say that our efforts paid off,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “We look forward to working with the Senate, the governor and our House Democrat colleagues to implement the many pieces of a budget that recognizes the fact that government must make the same tough choices that families and small businesses are making across the state.”

The agreement includes a reduction in cuts to K-12 education funding from the governor’s proposed $332 million to $250 million.

“It was important that we reduce cuts to K-12 education,” said State Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen, vice-chair of the Joint Budget Committee.  “The agreement also includes Republican measures to help small businesses by restoring part of the suspended reimbursement for vendors who collect sales tax and repealing last year’s software tax.”  

Rural Colorado also will benefit from the agreement, as Joint Budget Committee member State Rep. Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan, highlighted.  He said, “Republicans fought hard to eliminate last year’s agriculture tax and to protect millions of dollars in funding for water projects across the state.” 

The measure is expected to be introduced in the Senate later this afternoon.

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