House GOP Wishes Coloradans a Merry Christmas

DENVER—Today, Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement, wishing Coloradans a merry Christmas:

“Every year, Christmas reminds us to follow the teachings of Christ through acts of love and selflessness unto others. It's a time for charity and gratitude for the blessings we're given each day.

“This weekend, as Christians across the world gather to celebrate the anniversary of Christ’s birth, let us take time to remember those servicemen and women who are overseas, as well as those families who have lost loved ones while defending our country.

“The House Republican caucus and I wish everyone a very merry and blessed Christmas.”

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Speaker McNulty Wishes Coloradans a Happy Hanukkah

Photo courtesy of www.bestourism.com

DENVER—Today, Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement in honor of the beginning of Hanukkah:

“Tonight, our Jewish friends and neighbors across the state will gather to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.  During these eight-days, we remember the great miracle that happened long ago when the Maccabees rose against their oppressors and rededicated the Temple. 

“The miracle of Hanukkah, and the candles that light it, remind us of the light that faith has in our lives, even during the darkest of times.      

“This Hanukkah, may we all give thanks for the blessings in our lives, and work together to create a brighter, more prosperous Colorado.

“On behalf of the House Republican caucus, I wish you a happy and blessed Hanukkah.”

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House GOP Statement on December’s State Revenue Expectations

DENVER—Today, the Colorado Legislative Council and Office of State Planning and Budgeting released their December revenue forecasts to the Joint Budget Committee.  December’s forecasts show an increase in state revenue expectations.

House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Colorado Springs, released the following statement regarding the numbers:

“While I am disappointed that Gov. Hickenlooper continues to propose a property tax increase on Colorado’s seniors most in need, Colorado’s slow economic recovery gives us reason for optimism.”

State Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs, chair of the House Economic and Business Development Committee, cautioned:

“We are by no means out of the woods.  Unemployment is still far too high, and unnecessary regulatory burdens are too heavy for small businesses.  We need to continue to show spending restraint and prioritize education funding.”

State Rep. Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan, a member of the Join Budget Committee, added:

“Today’s forecasts show that entitlement spending continues to threaten education funding in Colorado.  House Republicans are prepared to lead the state in developing a Colorado-specific safety net to help those citizens most in need.  We hope that Gov. Hickenlooper and our friends across the aisle will provide the necessary bipartisan leadership to find a program that best fits the needs of our state’s most vulnerable citizens.” 

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House GOP Honors the Greatest Generation on the 70th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor

DENVER—Today, House Majority Caucus Chair, State Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock, released the following statement in honor of the 70^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

“Seventy years ago today, our country and the world were forever changed by the surprise attacks on Pearl Harbor.  These attacks awakened the sleeping giant, as America’s Greatest Generation rose against the Axis powers of World War II, liberating millions of people and creating a safer, freer world.      

“Today, we remember and honor the Greatest Generation for answering the call of our nation in its time of need.  We also pause to remember and thank those who are currently serving, including those who are serving overseas, as our nation continues to work for a safer and more peaceful world.”   

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Rep. Summers Announces Colorado Gives Day

DENVER—Today, State Rep. Ken Summers joined Community First Foundation to announce Colorado Gives Day.  Colorado Gives Day will start at midnight on Tuesday, December 6^th. During this 24-hour period, Coloradans are encouraged to donate to their local charities. 

“Even during tough economic times, Coloradans have always found a way to open their hearts and help those in need.  That’s no different this year,” said Summers, R-Lakewood. 

People can donate to Colorado Gives Day by visiting http://www.givingfirst.org.  Republicans in the House of Representatives have been asking people to visit the website to contribute to their local food banks, but people can donate to a wide variety of charities, including schools, faith-based organizations, cultural centers and more.  

“I encourage everyone to visit givingfirst.org to make a donation to their favorite charity.” Added Summers, who is CEO of Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains, a faith-based recovery program. “In 2010, Colorado Gives Day raised $8.7 million.  We hope we can beat that number this year.” 

  

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Letter from Speaker McNulty to Reapportionment Chairman Carrera

December 1, 2011

Chairman Carrera,

I have stayed largely quiet during the course of the reapportionment commission proceedings, publicly expressing my hopes for a fair process.  While I am completely shocked at the way in which you conducted yourself during the final meetings of the commission, I am appalled after reading the Denver Post article this morning in which responsibility for the commission’s unfair process was laid at the feet of non-partisan legislative staff.

As Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives, and a member who, along with Senate President Brandon Shaffer, is responsible for the operation of the Legislature and the oversight of our non-partisan staff, I refuse to allow you to hide your failures as chairman behind our legislative staff.  Regardless of whether you had separate deadlines for Democratic and Republican plans, you had the opportunity to correct that at the commission meeting on Monday morning.  Not only did you make the conscious decision not to correct the unequal process where you created two separate deadlines, you and the Democratic commissioners slammed the door on allowing Republican commissioners the opportunity to present alternatives to the Democratic plan that was submitted late Sunday night on a holiday weekend well past the deadline you set earlier.

Instead of recognizing the unfairness of the situation that had been created, you chose to go back on your earlier direction of November 15th that amendments would be considered at Monday’s meeting.  On Monday, as the full view of this duplicitous process was coming to light, you sided with the Democrats to railroad this process and end public discussion and input.

This is not a question of partisan politics or poor staff work, this is a statement on your failure as chairman to conduct fair hearings and to allow all members of your commission to be heard and their amendments offered.

As chairman of the commission, you have the obligation to take responsibility for the inequity and unfairness of the process you controlled.  You could have delayed the final vote on any proposed maps for a day or two while still meeting the Supreme Court deadline, or at a minimum voted to let the minority express their proposal through a report from the commission.  I will not allow non-partisan legislative staff to take the fall for your failure.  Take responsibility for your decision not to correct the unfairness you created in the final days of this process.

You failed in your most important task: To oversee and chair a fair and open process.  Ultimately, it is not the commission staff or even the Republican members who are harmed by your actions; it is the people of Colorado.

Sincerely,

Frank McNulty

Speaker of the House