Corporate Information More Secure Under New Law

DENVER—Rep. B.J. Nikkel’s bill to increase security for online business filings through the Secretary of State’s office was signed into law on Friday.

House Bill 1095 requires the Department of State to implement a password-protected system for online business filings and take appropriate action to address fraudulent activities involving business filings and records.

“This is a common-sense bill that keeps sensitive business information from getting into the wrong hands,” said Nikkel, R-Loveland.  “By taking these extra precautions, we continue to build an environment that fosters economic growth here in Colorado.”

House Bill 1095 passed both the House and Senate unanimously.  The measure went into effect immediately with the governor’s signature.

###

McNulty, Becker Statement Regarding Veto of Senate Bill 213

DENVER – The following members of the House of Representatives released a statement regarding the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 213:

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

“I am extremely disappointed that Governor Hickenlooper broke from the budget framework that we agreed to by vetoing Senate Bill 213. Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate took an important step on welfare reform and the governor took a step back. That said, welfare reform is now in his court. We must ease the burden on working families and small businesses who are paying for these government programs.”

Joint Budget Committee member state Rep. Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan:

“This bill was a fair way to ensure that we continue to offer these programs while asking that those who participate do so in a responsible way and make a modest contribution to the system. I look forward to working with the governor to look for opportunities to make government programs more accountable and to continue to introduce more personal responsibility into our critical safety net programs.”

　

###

Speaker McNulty’s Memorial Day Statement

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

“We are eternally grateful to the countless men and women who have sacrificed everything in defense of our nation and the freedom we enjoy.

“We also remember in our thoughts and prayers family members who have lost someone in the defense of our great nation and those who are valiantly fighting for our country overseas today and their loved ones here at home.

“Their struggle is not in vain, and will never be forgotten.”

###

Vaad’s Super-Load Permit Bill Signed into Law

DENVER— Growing Colorado’s economy is about to get a little easier thanks to a measure that was signed into law today. 

House Bill 1163, sponsored by State Rep. Glenn Vaad, R-Mead, will allow the Colorado Department of Transportation the discretion to issue super-load permits for vehicles, or vehicles with trailers, weighing up to a million pounds and occupying two lanes.

“With a growing and evolving economy like Colorado’s we need to think about transportation in a new way,” said Vaad.  “Allowing super-load permits will keep the state’s economy moving forward, while protecting our investments in transportation.”

The super-load permits will cost $400.  The permit restricts super-loads from driving more than 25 mph on highways and 10 mph on structures such as bridges.  CDOT may modify speed limits specified in the permits as necessary. 

Super-loads will also be required to undergo inspections to ensure they are safe for the roads. 

“Safety is our number one concern here,” Vaad added.  “This bill ensures the public’s safety while supporting our economy.” 

House Bill 1163 goes into effect on Aug. 10.             

###

Ramirez Bills Protecting Colorado Students Signed into Law

DENVER—Two measures sponsored by State Rep. Robert Ramirez were signed into law today to protect Colorado’s children.

“There is nothing more important to me than fighting for the safety of the children entrusted in our care,” said Ramirez, R-Westminster.  “The measures that were signed into law today ensure that dangerous convicted felons do not have access to our students.”

House Bill 1121 disqualifies persons convicted of certain felonies, such as child abuse and unlawful sexual behavior, from being employed in Colorado’s public schools. 

Senate Bill 266 requires all school contractors to submit to a criminal background check, and the information must be submitted to the school district when the contract is submitted. 

“The vast majority of those working and applying to work in our schools are good people who want to help make our state a better place,” Ramirez added. 

Both measures passed the General Assembly with wide bipartisan support.  HB 1121 is scheduled to go into effect on Aug. 10, 2011, while SB 266 went into effect immediately. 

###

House Republican Women Denounce DNC Chair’s Remarks against GOP

DENVER—Republican women in the Colorado House of Representatives denounced comments by Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Shultz, who said the Republican Party is “anti-woman” and is waging “a war on women.” 

“Congresswoman Shultz’s comments are completely offensive.  As a Republican woman in the Colorado House of Representatives, I find this accusation extremely insulting and completely unreasonable” said Marsha Looper of Calhan.  “The Congresswoman owes the millions of Republican women in the nation an apology for her unfair and narrow-minded insults.”   

House Republican Caucus Chair Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock, added that Republican women in Colorado have a strong history of leading the state:   

“The first women members of the General Assembly were Republicans, and the first woman Speaker of the House was a Republican.  Republicans are carrying on that strong tradition of leadership to this day by electing Republican women into leadership roles, including Majority Leader, Majority Whip and various chairmanships. 

“Republicans have passed significant legislation that is important to women, including measures that boost education, make schools safer, create jobs and better our state’s health care system.”

Vice Chair of the Joint Budget Committee Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen, added that Republican women are leading the way when it comes to creating jobs:

“While the Congresswoman was busy rubberstamping Obamacare and the trillions of dollars of debt that have cost thousands of Coloradans their jobs, Republican women have been at the forefront of passing a balanced budget and legislation to get our economy back on track.”  

Image from http://www.GOP.org

###

McNulty Announces Appointments to Economic Development Commission

DENVER— Speaker of the House Frank McNulty announced his appointment of Darius Allen and J.J. Ament to the state’s Economic Development Commission today.   

“I’m proud to appoint Darius and J.J. to the Economic Development Commission,” said McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “Both Darius and J.J. are leaders in their communities and have strong records of creating jobs here in Colorado.  I know they will serve the people of Colorado well.” 

Allen, the first person from the San Luis Valley to serve on the board in recent memory, is a small business owner and farm-rancher in Alamosa, and has served as an Alamosa County Commissioner for several years.  Allen was named Commissioner of the Year by Colorado Counties Inc. for his tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Alamosa County.  Allen is known for working with community leaders to bring the county’s many solar farms, bringing jobs and revenue to Alamosa County.

“I’m extremely honored that the Speaker appointed me to this commission,” said Allen.  “This is even more exciting for me, being that I will represent Southern Colorado and the San Luis Valley in this role.  I look forward to doing what I can to help create jobs and spur the economy.” 

Ament is an investment banker from Littleton, where he structures and executes financial transactions for governmental, quasi-governmental and private sector entities.  Ament also has worked with several business organizations throughout the state, including the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m delighted to serve as part of this important team to continue to bring jobs and economic opportunity to Colorado—both in urban and rural parts of our state,” said Ament. 

Both Allen and Ament’s terms began on May 16.    

The Economic Development Commission is made up of nine members, with five appointed by the Governor, two appointed by the President of the Senate, and two more appointed by the Speaker of the House. 

The commission is part of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and is charged with helping the state’s economy by encouraging current businesses to grow and recruiting new companies to the state. 

NOTE: For more information on the Economic Development Commission, please click here.

###

House GOP Stands United with Colorado Citizens, Supports Taxpayers Bill of Rights

DENVER—The Denver Post reported today that a group including current and former lawmakers is filing a lawsuit against the state, alleging that the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights is unconstitutional. 

The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights is a voter-approved measure that constitutionally requires all tax increases to be approved by the voters. 

“The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights has played a pivotal role in keeping government spending habits in check, and has prevented Colorado from having the budget problems that other states like California and New Jersey have faced,” said House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Monument.  “House Republicans will do everything possible to ensure that the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights is protected.” 

“While I respect Sen. Norma Anderson very much, I do not agree with her, or the other lawsuit proponents, that the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights has a constitutional flaw because it requires voter approval of tax increases,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “In fact, I view the requirement that voters approve tax increases as the most critical component of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.”

The lawsuit comes after Democrats realized that their days of unrestrained spending and questionable tax increases have come to end, thanks to the Republican Majority in the House of Representatives. 

“For the first time in years, Democrats realize that Republicans won’t let them continue their big-spending agenda in the statehouse, so they’re taking it to the courthouse,” said House Finance Chair State Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland.  “Coloradans don’t want their government to have a blank check; they want a government that is accountable to them.” 

House Judiciary Chair Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, added that if this measure is successful, it will have dire consequences on the state’s initiative process:

“Since 1912, Coloradans have had the right to change state statute and the constitution via the initiative process.  If the federal courts decide that the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights is unconstitutional because it passed by a vote of the people instead of the General Assembly, then everything from the repeal of prohibition to civil rights amendments will be called into question.”  

###

Sonnenberg, Becker Bill to Repeal “Ag Tax” Signed Into Law

STERLING, Colo. – State Reps. Jerry Sonnenberg and Jon Becker joined Gov. John Hickenlooper as he signed the repeal of the “ag tax” into law today.  

House Bill 11-1005 repeals HB 10-1195, which suspended a tax exemption on the purchase of essential products that farmers and ranchers use.  HB 10-1195 was one of the “Dirty Dozen” tax increases passed by the Democrats last year.  

“The repeal of the ag tax is a win for rural Colorado,” said Sonnenberg, R-Sterling.  “This bill not only helps farmers and ranchers, but it also allows for Colorado’s agribusinesses to be at a level playing field with other states that don’t have this onerous tax.”
 
The bill was signed at Aero Applicators, a local agribusiness in Sterling.  Local farmers and citizens turned out in support of the bill.

“The ag tax was burdensome on our farmers and ranchers, especially in this tough economy,” said Becker, R-Fort Morgan.  “The repeal of the tax better positions the agriculture industry to help continue to grow Colorado’s economy.”

HB 11-1005 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House.  This bill went into effect immediately with the governor’s signature.

###

Republican Leaders Issue Letter To President Obama

Today Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, and Senate Minority Leader Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, issued the following letter to President Barack Obama in reaction to his latest comments that Israel should return to its pre-1967 borders.
The full text of the letter is available below:

May 20, 2011

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20015

Mr. President:

We write to express our dismay and strong disapproval of your radical change in policy toward the nation of Israel as expressed in your speech of May 19.

The elected Senators and Representatives of General Assembly of the State of Colorado recently spoke in one voice in passing the enclosed Senate Joint Resolution 11-027, which expresses the strong support for the state of Israel by citizens of all faiths and political parties in Colorado. This Resolution was cosponsored by Democrat and Republican leaders in both chambers of the legislature and adopted by unanimous vote on March 18.

This Resolution concludes with the statement, we “Recognize that Israel has an undeniable right to defend itself against any threat to its security, as does every nation.” Your assertion that Israel should return to its pre-1967 borders as part of a peace treaty with the PLA and neighboring Arab states is a repudiation of this undeniable principle of self-defense because, in the opinion of all independent observers, it would leave Israel with indefensible borders.

Mr. President, we urge you to reconsider your extremely unwise and unprecedented intervention against the vital security interests of our friend and ally.

Sincerely,

Frank McNulty
Speaker of the House

Mike Kopp
Senate Minority Leader

Colorado House Republicans Denounce Attempts to Raise Gas Prices

DENVER—This week, as Coloradans saw their gas prices jump to $3.77 per gallon, Democrats in the United States Senate attempted to push through legislation to raise taxes on American energy producers and killed a measure to expand domestic energy production. 

The Democrat-sponsored tax hike would have meant higher gas prices for families and small businesses during these challenging economic times.   

“It’s as though Democrats don’t realize that times are tough,” said State Rep. Libby Szabo, R-Arvada.  “With high unemployment and gas prices going through the roof, families need their elected officials to fight lower energy prices, not higher bills.” 

This legislative session Republicans worked to help Colorado’s small businesses grow and create jobs.  Many of the measures focused on the state’s energy industry, which pumps millions of dollars into the state’s economy and employs thousands of Coloradans.  Unfortunately, Democrats in the Colorado House and Senate opposed these measures.    

Republicans said actions taken against the American energy industry this week at the federal level, and opposition by Democrats in the statehouse to measures to lower energy prices, highlight the fact that Democrats don’t understand the needs of Main Street Colorado: 

“We worked tirelessly this session on an agenda to get Colorado’s economy back on track.  These punitive policies against energy producers would have meant small businesses choosing between filling their gas tanks or reinvesting in their businesses and creating jobs,” said Keith Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo West.       

###

Speaker McNulty Highlights House Accomplishments at End of Session

DENVER—Speaker of the House Frank McNulty gave an end of session wrap-up today, highlighting the House’s many accomplishments.   

“Republicans came into the majority with one mission in mind—to get our economy back on track,” said McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “I’m proud to say today, that we took significant steps toward accomplishing this goal.” 

The Speaker highlighted Republican legislation to make Colorado a more business-friendly state, including measures to repeal several of the “Dirty Dozen” tax increases, including taxes on agricultural production, the software tax and reinstating the vendor reimbursement for Colorado businesses that collect sales tax for the state.     

Each of these measures were part of a budget agreement.     

“This session marked the first time in years that Republicans had a seat at the table,” McNulty said.  “When it came to the budget, Republicans offered a voice of reason.  Our goal was clear—to end the reliance on budget gimmicks, reduce the governor’s proposed cuts to education and responsibly decrease the size and scope of the state government.”   

While Republicans were fighting for jobs, Senate Democrats let several measures that would have helped Colorado’s economy die on the calendar, including the repeal of the Amazon Tax.   

McNulty stated that the biggest disappointment was Senate Pres. Brandon Shaffer’s, D-Longmont, unwillingness to draw a redistricting map that was fair for Colorado. 

“Republicans on the Joint Committee on Redistricting repeatedly called on Democrats to work with us and draw a map in public,” said McNulty.   “Despite our best efforts to draw a map that is fair for Colorado, it is now clear that Democrats never wanted to work with us, but were preparing for a court battle that will cost millions of dollars. 

“Despite this, it is my hope that when we convene in 2012, Senate Democrats will drop their political posturing, so we can continue to get Colorado back to work.”   

###

Scott’s Oil and Gas Commission Bill Moves Forward

DENVER—A measure that can help create jobs in Colorado’s energy economy received final approval in the House of Representatives this week, despite objections from Democrats and fringe environmental groups. 

“Colorado’s economy can use a boost right now,” said bill sponsor Rep. Ray Scott, R-Grand Junction.   “Times are especially tough on the Western Slope, largely because of government imposed regulations on the oil and gas industry.” 

With House Bill 1223, the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission would include eleven members who are appointed by the governor, including two non-voting members: the executive directors of the department of natural resources and the executive director of the department of public health and environment.  The measure provides geographic diversity and specifies that at least five members have experience in oil and gas. 

The bill also ensures that there will be one member who has experience in environmental or wildlife protection, one who has experience in soil conservation or reclamation, one local government official, and one person in agriculture who is also a royalty member. 

HB 1223 prohibits that any more than five members be from the same party. 

“This is an important measure that can help get our economy back on track,” added Scott.  

The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration. 

###

Committee on Redistricting Sends Map to the Full House

DENVER—The House Committee on Redistricting voted in favor of the “Colorado Communities Map” this evening.  The vote came after hours of testimony with the vast majority of witnesses speaking in favor of the Republican sponsored map. 

The “Colorado Communities Map” is a fair redistricting map that respects Colorado’s diverse geographic and cultural differences, is in line with state law, reflects the will of the vast majority of Coloradans, and includes Democrat recommendations.

“Today we’ve seen a broad coalition of independents, Democrats and Republicans, business and civic leaders, citizens and editorial boards come out in favor of the ‘Colorado Communities Map,’” said Balmer.  “The reason so many people and organizations are supporting our map is because we listened and taken account what they wanted in a redistricting map and kept communities whole.” 

Two of Colorado’s largest newspapers came out in support of the GOP sponsored map today.  The Pueblo Chieftain stated it’s “the best redistricting map yet to surface this year.”  And the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel said the Democrat’s “amounts to a raised middle finger” aimed at rural Colorado. 

“Our hope is that Democrats in the House and Senate will join the growing list of citizens and organizations who support the ‘Colorado Communities Map,’” added Balmer.  “This map ensures Colorado’s communities, including rural Colorado, has a voice in Washington, D.C.”  

The “Colorado Communities Map,” House Bill 1319, now moves to the House of Representatives for further discussion. 

###

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Action 22 Opposes Democrat Redistricting Maps

Dem Maps “An Attack on Rural Colorado”

Action 22 sent the following memo to members of the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, and the members of the House Committee on Redistricting:

TO:          MEMBERS OF THE SENATE STATE, VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE             

                MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON REDISTRICTING

                

Action 22 has reviewed the maps presented for Redistricting of Congressional Districts from SB 268 AND HB 1319 legislation. 

Looking closely at the newly revised map of SB 268, it appears the majority of Congressional Delegation can be voted in from the Denver Metropolitan Area.  It would be very difficult to have anyone from rural Colorado win a Congressional seat.    We take this as an attack on rural Colorado which has a right to representation.  It also  places El Paso County with the Eastern Plains which extremely mixes communities of interest. 

HB 1319 respects the majority of existing boundaries of Colorado's seven congressional districts.    It meets with Action 22's request maintaining the integrity of the current congressional districts involving the Action 22 territory -- Congressional Districts 3, 4, and 5.   In addition, the map places  Chaffee and Lake Counties in Congressional District 3 which those respective counties desire.   Otero County becomes whole in District 4 which is what that county wanted.

As our elected Legislative Representatives, you have the duty to set up the congressional districts.  We would hate to see it go into court as it did 10 years ago. 

We urge you to select the map proposed in HB 1319 and discard the map in SB 268.

About Action 22:

Action 22 is the only regional advocacy organization in southern Colorado.  It is a volunteer-driven membership organization of individuals, cities, communities, counties, associations, businesses and organizations in a 22 county region, banding together to give voice to southern Colorado and in shaping the policies for southern Colorado.   Action 22 represents a 36,530 sq. mile area (35% of the state) consisting of 850,000 citizens, 19.5% of the state’s population.

Action 22 is a unique organization.  Action 22 pulls in individuals, cities, counties, businesses, organizations, corporations and non-profits from all walks of life to the debate and discussion table.  All perspectives are needed to make well-rounded, well-informed decisions and give voice to southern Colorado.   For more information, visit www.action22.org    

###

House Supports Repeal of Amazon Tax

Bipartisan Measure Creates Jobs by Repealing Egregious Tax

DENVER—The House of Representatives gave approval to a bipartisan measure to repeal Colorado’s egregious “Amazon Tax.”

House Bill 11-1318, co-sponsored by House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Monument, and Rep. Sue Schafer, D-Wheat Ridge, repeals the provisions of House Bill 10-1193 that allowed the state to collect taxes on sales made by out-of-state retailers. 

“Republicans are dedicated to creating jobs today,” said Stephens.  “I’m proud of Rep. Schafer, business groups and the bipartisan coalition she brought together in order to support this measure.”

Back in 2010, after the Amazon Tax was signed into law, thousands of Coloradans lost their jobs.

“Amazon pulled thousands of jobs out of Colorado when House Bill 10-1193 was signed into law,” said Stephens.  “Repealing that law is one of the easiest and fastest ways we can bring jobs back to Colorado.” 

The measure passed the House on a vote of 58-6.  The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

###

Governor Signs Bill to Assist Homeowner who Purchase Energy Efficient Homes

Gerou: Measure will help Colorado’s Housing Market, Create Jobs 

DENVER—Today, Governor John Hickenlooper signed into law a measure creating the Green Building Incentive Pilot Program using federal funds dedicated specifically for energy efficiency programs. 

House Bill 1160, sponsored by State Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen, allows the Governor’s Energy Office to award grants to people who are preparing to sell their current homes with energy efficiency ratings below minimum standards. The grants will be used to retrofit those homes to make them more energy efficient. 

“This will help get our economy back on track,” said Gerou.  “By granting funds to sellers to make their homes energy efficient and to purchase energy-efficient homes, we will help create jobs in the housing industry and assist homebuyers.”     

The awarded grants will range anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 for eligible homeowners.

House Bill 1160 is scheduled to go into effect on August 10, 2011.  

###

Measure to Lower Taxes on Job Creators Receives Approval from House

Bill Would Help Small Businesses and Encourage Employment in the State


DENVER—This morning the Colorado House of Representatives leant its support to a measure that will help Colorado’s job creators.

House Bill 1263, sponsored by State Rep. Kevin Priola, doubles the small business personal property tax exemption currently allowed from $7,000 to $14,000.  HB 1263 also exempts a portion of the property of a state-assessed public utility from the tax through the creation of a valuation cap.

“Colorado’s small businesses are key to getting our economy back on track,” said Priola, R-Henderson. “By providing relief from the business personal property tax, small businesses and primary employers will have more money to buy additional equipment or even hire additional workers.”

House Bill 1263 passed with bipartisan support today.   The measure now moves to the Senate where it is sponsored by State Sen. Mark Scheffel, R-Parker.    

###

DelGrosso’s Child Care Tax Credit Bill Moves to Senate

DENVER—State Rep. Brian DelGrosso’s bill to ensure the availability of the Child Care Contribution Income Tax Credit through the year 2020 passed on a recorded vote in the House today.  


The Child Care Contribution Income Tax Credit first went into effect in 1999, but will not be available in 2011.  House Bill 1014 would ensure the tax credit will be available for years 2014 through 2019.

“More than 9,200 organizations have been able to help millions of kids because of this tax credit,” said DelGrosso, R-Loveland.  “By encouraging businesses and individuals to donate to child care programs, we are ensuring that Colorado’s children and youth will always have a safe place to go.”

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Colorado recently gave DelGrosso the “Champion of Children Award” for his work on the bill. 
House Bill 1014 passed on a vote of 61-4.   The measure now moves to the State Senate where it will be sponsored by Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango.

###

Nikkel’s Bill Increases Transparency in State Spending

DENVER – State Rep. B.J. Nikkel’s bill to require more transparency regarding state expenditures and transactions at the Colorado Department of Transportation received approval in the state Legislature yesterday.


House Bill 1002 requires the Colorado Department of Transportation, CDOT, to develop and maintain a publicly accessible, searchable, online database of its revenue and expenditure data prior to July 1, 2012.
The new database is required to link to the state's existing Transparency Online Project, TOP, website.

“This bill is about ensuring that all of Colorado’s departments and divisions have full transparency when it comes to how they spend Colorado taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars,” said Nikkel, R-Loveland.

Currently, the Department of Personnel and Administration, DPA, administers the TOP website, which makes available information on state expenditures contained in the Colorado Financial Reporting System, COFRS.  When specific expenditure data are excluded, the TOP website must explain the exclusion and provide aggregated expenditure data.  The CDOT records its financial data in a separate financial reporting system.  TOP currently only contains aggregate data for the CDOT.

“While many of Colorado’s divisions and departments are required to be full of transparency with their expenditures, CDOT has not had to disclose the details related to theirs,” said Nikkel.  “Coloradans should know if the all departments are using taxpayer funds wisely.”

The online database would require details such as the date and reason for monetary transactions related to the CDOT, as well as information regarding payments to employees.  The date is required to be updated every five business days and beginning on July 1, 2013, archived revenue and expenditure data are included for the prior fiscal year.

This bill is co-sponsored by State Sen. Mike Kopp, R-Littleton.  HB 1002 passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and now awaits to be signed by the governor and enacted into law.
###

Barker’s Goodwill Tax Checkoff Bill Signed into Law

Measure creates new income tax checkoff to facilitate donations to Goodwill Industries


DENVER—Colorado taxpayers will soon have an easy option to donate to Goodwill Industries, thanks to legislation signed into law today.

House Bill 1097, sponsored by State Rep. Mark Barker, creates a new income tax checkoff allowing Colorado taxpayers to make a donation to Goodwill when they file their taxes.

“Goodwill has done a great deal to help the people of Colorado,” said Barker, R-Colorado Springs.  “By providing this voluntary tax checkoff, Coloradans will have a convenient option to help their communities.”

Current law only allows for 15 lines on the Colorado individual income tax form for voluntary contributions.  The Goodwill checkoff will be added to the individual income tax form after the executive director of the Department of Revenue determines that there is a line available.

House Bill 1097 was sponsored in the State Senate by State Sen. Lucia Guzman, D-Denver. 

###

House Republicans Introduce “Colorado Communities” Redistricting Map

Measure Touted as Last Best Hope for Bipartisan Compromise

DENVER—House Republicans introduced a fair redistricting map this afternoon that respects Colorado’s diverse geographic and cultural differences, is in line with state law, reflects the will of the vast majority of Coloradans, and includes Democrat recommendations. 

“This isn’t a Republican map, it’s a map for every Coloradan,” said State Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, who chairs the House Congressional Redistricting Committee.   “We continue to act in good faith with this map, taking into account organic testimony as well as Democrat and Republican ideas.   With only a few days left in the session, this is our last opportunity to adopt a truly bipartisan map.”

The “Colorado Communities Map” includes several Democrat requests, including putting most of Aurora in the Sixth Congressional District, keeping Denver whole and keeping Longmont in the Fourth Congressional District.

“We have done everything we can to ensure this map responsibly incorporates ideas from both Democrats and Republicans,” said Redistricting Committee member Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland.  “It is our hope that Democrats will work across the aisle and join us to pass a map this session.  Colorado cannot afford to spend $200,000 on a special session, or millions of dollars on court battles.”       

Most importantly, the Republicans said the map would protect Colorado’s diverse geographic and cultural communities.

“The people of Colorado want a map that ensures they have a voice in Washington, D.C.” said Redistricting Committee member Rep. Don Coram, R-Montrose.  “The Colorado Communities Map does this by keeping the Western Slope whole and respecting the Eastern Plains.  This map also keeps El Paso County whole in order to protect the voice of our military members and their families."

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, added, “This map is fair by any definition.  It is my hope that our friends on the other side of the aisle will join us in supporting this map because it is good for all Coloradans.”    

###

Colorado Primary Date Moves to June, Murray’s Bill Ensures Overseas Military Voters Have Voice in Election Process

DENVER—State Rep. Carole Murray’s bill to allow more time for overseas military ballots to be sent by moving the primary date up passed the House today.


Senate Bill 189 adjusts certain election-related dates in order to comply with the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act.  This bill ensures that overseas military voters have a genuine opportunity to participate in the voting process.  With the passage of SB 189, the deadline for mail ballots to be delivered or mailed to military and overseas voters will move from 30 days to 45 days before an election.
“We all have an obligation to do what’s right for those serving overseas,” said Murray, R-Castle Rock.  “By ensuring our servicemen and women abroad receive their ballots earlier in the election cycle, we're showing them that we will do whatever it takes to ensure that their voice is heard.”

With the passage of SB189, several changes will be made to the election calendar including the following:  The date of the primary election will move from the second Tuesday in August to the last Tuesday in June; and the date of the precinct caucuses will move from the third Tuesday in March to the first Tuesday in March.

The bill is sponsored by State Sen. Rollie Heath, D-Boulder.  SB 189 passed the House with wide bipartisan support.  The bill will go to the governor’s office to be signed into law.

###

Joshi’s Bill Increases Efficiency in Education Loan Program for Health Care Professionals

Measure would save nearly $470,000

DENVER – State Rep. Janak Joshi’s bill to streamline the loan forgiveness process for health care professionals passed the Legislature today and will be sent to the governor’s office to be signed into law.

House Bill 1281 combines loan forgiveness programs for health care professionals in the Primary Care Office in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.  In addition to increasing efficiency, HB 1281 would free up $470,592 from the Nursing Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Fund that will now be available to cover other state costs.

“The system we have in place is inefficient.  It’s duplicative and splits the resources of the education loan forgiveness process for our doctors and nurses,” said Joshi, R-Colorado Springs.  

Currently, the CDPHE administers a health professional loan repayment program known as the Colorado Health Service Corps. This bill combines the nursing teacher loan repayment program with the Health Service Corps, and authorizes the program to repay loans for other health care professional faculty who teach in institutions of higher education.

“As a physician by trade, I understand how burdensome and confusing medical education loans can be on doctors and nurses,” said Joshi.  “This bill will ease that process by streamlining the loan forgiveness system and making it more efficient and effective.”

HB 1281 passed in both the House and Senate unanimously.  The bill will go into effect immediately upon the signature of the governor.

House Honors Military Families and Veterans

DENVER – The House of Representatives passed two resolutions to honor military veterans and their families today.

House Joint Resolution 1021 recognizes and remembers Colorado’s military veterans who served in the Vietnam War and HJR1022 designates the month of November as “Military Family Month.”

“These resolutions acknowledge the difficult sacrifices and bravery of our outstanding service members and their families,” said Rep. Janak Joshi, R-Colorado Springs.  “We thank our veterans for their service and our military families for the tremendous contributions they make in support of our nation's service members.”

“Military families face unique challenges, especially when their loved ones in uniform are deployed, and they meet those challenges with courage, strength, and selflessness,” said Rep. Mark Barker, R-Colorado Springs. “While words are not enough to express our gratitude to members of our military, we honor them this day and every day they selflessly serve to keep this nation both free and safe.”

Both HJR 1021 and 1022 passed unanimously on a voice vote.

###

House Transportation Cheers on Nuggets, Avalanche License Plates

Measure Creating Specialty Plates Passes with Unanimous Support

DENVER—Colorado sports fans will soon have the option of showing their team spirit with Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets specialty license plates. 

House Bill 1316, sponsored by State Rep. Kevin Priola, creates both the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets license plates.  If the bill is adopted, Coloradans could purchase the specialty plates by paying the normal motor vehicle fees, a one-time fee of $25 and a donation of $45 to Kroenke Sports Charities, the official charity of the Nuggets and Avalanche. 

“With this measure, Colorado sports fans can show their pride for two of their favorite teams, and make a difference by donating to an organization that does a great deal for the community,” said Priola, R-Henderson. 

Kroenke Sports Charities and the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche Community Funds have donated more than $15.5 million in contributions to Colorado charities throughout Colorado, including youth sports, health and recreation initiatives. 

“I’m pretty sure the only people who are opposed to this bill are Red Wings fans,” Priola joked. 

House Bill 1316 will be heard next in House Appropriations Committee. 

###