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

House GOP Encourages Coloradans to Take Part in Small Business Saturday

DENVER—Now that the Thanksgiving dinner is finished and the dishes are cleaned, people across the country are gearing-up for Christmas.

House Republicans encourage Coloradans to take part in Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Nov. 26th.  

“Small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy,” said State Rep. Libby Szabo, R-Arvada.  “This Saturday, I hope our fellow Coloradans will join the House Republicans and visit our state’s wonderful small businesses to kick-off the shopping season.”  

Coloradans are also encouraged to stop by local coffee shops, ice cream parlors and restaurants when they need a break from their shopping excursions.

“Colorado has some of the best restaurants in the country,” said Rep. Keith Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo West.  “The best way we can give our local economies a boost is to support our small businesses.”

For more information on Small Business Saturday, visit http://www.smallbusinesssaturday.com.  

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House Republicans Wish Everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

Norman Rockwell's "Saying Grace," courtesy of Best Norman Rockwell Art.  

DENVER—Today, Speaker of the House Frank McNulty released the following statement, wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving, and encouraging Coloradans to help those who are less fortunate:

“Thanksgiving is one of our nation’s most enduring traditions, one that has been celebrated during times of peace and times of war, in times of prosperity and times of economic uncertainty. This year, we continue this strong tradition of giving thanks for the blessings in our lives.

“Thanksgiving also serves as a reminder for us to share with those who are in need.  There are many ways you can do this.  The House Republican Caucus is encouraging Coloradans to donate food and money to their local food bank.  Donating food is one of the easiest and most affordable ways we can help those in need.  Please visit Giving First, http://www.givingfirst.org, to help put food on the tables of families across Colorado. 

“By donating food, time, money and energy, we can give families across the state more reasons to be grateful this Thanksgiving.

“I and my Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives wish everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.”

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Speaker McNulty Congratulates New House Minority Leader

DENVER—Today, House Democrats selected State Rep. Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, as their new leader. 

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement congratulating Ferrandino on his election:


“Congratulations to Rep. Ferrandino on his election as House Minority Leader. He is a good friend, and I look forward to working with him. As the House Democrat member of the Joint Budget Committee, Mark showed an interest in spending restraint. It is my hope that he will continue his partnership with us to continue to put the brakes on out-of-control government spending and will join House Republicans in our effort to help create jobs and build economic security for all Coloradans.”

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Beezley Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

DENVER—Today, State Rep. Don Beezley, R-Broomfield, announced that he will not seek reelection in 2012.   

In a letter written to his constituents, Beezley cited family and business reasons for his decision.

“Any effort we undertake in life requires tradeoffs.  For me, the impact [serving in the House] had on my family and my business was well worth the tradeoffs to help stop Colorado’s slide.  Now that I have played that role, I will not be pursuing a second term.  My wife and my two young boys, along with necessary business considerations, must come back front and center—for now.”

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, congratulated Beezley on his work in the House, and added that he looked forward to continue working with him in the coming session and in the future.

“Don has accomplished so much in his first  year in the Colorado House.  I understand and respect his decision.  As one of six incoming Republicans who picked up a seat held previously by a Democrat, his sacrifice helped build our new Republican majority.  More than a number though, Don shared his views in ways that helped move Colorado forward and proved himself a true legislative leader and public servant.  His tireless advocacy for spending restraint and education reform will be missed. I wish the Beezley family all of the best and look forward to working with Don next session and in the years to come as he departs public service--for now.”

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Speaker of the House Salutes Veterans

DENVER—Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day—

“Today, our nation comes together to honor those brave men and women, past and present, who have served our country.  For their valiant and selfless sacrifice in defense of our freedom and safety, we say ‘thank you.’”

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Acree Renews Call for Audit of Governor’s Energy Office

GEO Submits Own Request for Audit

DENVER—State Rep. Cindy Acree renewed her call for an audit of the Governor’s Energy Office at a media availability held today in the State Auditor’s Office. 

Acree, R-Aurora, has spent the last two years looking into the Governor’s Energy Office’s records from the years 2008-2010, and found that more than $9 million was unaccounted for, and that there were excessive expenditures.  Some of the expenditures include $52,000 on cell phones, over $400,000 on travel and charges for Democrat caucus lunches at the State Capitol. 

“It is our obligation and duty as elected officials to ensure government agencies and programs are responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Acree, who issued a formal request for an audit on Nov. 3^rd.  “During the previous administration, it doesn’t appear the Governor’s Energy Office was responsible, and we need to get to the bottom of that.” 

The need for an audit request was echoed by Gov. John Hickenlooper, when the Governor’s Energy Office’s new director, TJ Deora, issued his own request for an audit of GEO on Monday. 

“This is an important bipartisan issue,” Acree added.  “It is my hope that the entire General Assembly will join Gov. Hickenlooper and me in supporting an audit of the Governor’s Energy Office.”  

 

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Legislative Council Votes to Introduce School Discipline Bill Next Year

DENVER—Legislative Council voted on Tuesday to introduce legislation that would allow educators more discretion over expulsions and police referrals.

The Fair School Discipline Task Force was commissioned to study school discipline practices in Colorado in the hopes of ending a trend experts call the “school-to-prison pipeline.” In the past ten years, schools in Colorado have referred nearly 100,000 students to law enforcement officials. In one instance, a 10-year-old boy who stole a piece of gum from his teacher was cited with misdemeanor theft.

“The object of discipline is correction, not criminalization,” said State Rep. B.J. Nikkel, a member of legislative council, who sponsored the legislation that commissioned the task force’s study.

The proposed legislation would eliminate zero-tolerance policies, which many experts blame for needless expulsions and police referrals, and also afford parents more transparency in the disciplinary process.

Lawmakers caution that the bill will likely see changes before its introduction, likely to accommodate and facilitate changes schools will have to make in training and disciplinary codes.

“The bill my colleagues and I have put together still needs work,” said Nikkel, R-Loveland. “However, I remain confident the bill we introduce next year will be balanced and fair to both students and their educators.”

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House and Senate Democrats: ‘Tax-No-Treat’

DENVER—The scariest thing facing Colorado’s working families and small businesses this Halloween doesn’t go bump in the night, or fly around on a broom.

The spookiest thing in Colorado is the Democrats’ “Tax-No-Treat” agenda.

“Despite Democrat scare-tactics, the Republican majority in the House showed that we could have a responsible budget that respects working families and job creators without raising taxes” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.

When Democrats controlled the House and Senate they passed the “Dirty Dozen” tax increases, targeting businesses and families, including a tax increase on Halloween candy.

“Times are tough as it is.  But this Democrat tax increase means neighbors are still paying more to give the little goblins, pirates and princesses candy this Halloween,” McNulty added.  

Several Democrats, including Senate Pres. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, are now supporting Proposition 103, which will further increase taxes on all Coloradans.  According to the Associated Press, Colorado is the only state in the nation to have a tax increase on its ballot this year.  

“Democrats’ ‘Tax-no-Treat’ agenda would continue to hamstring our economy,” said McNulty. “The Democrat tax and spend agenda kills jobs and creates economic insecurity for families and small businesses. Their agenda defies common sense.”

McNulty added that House Republicans will continue to fight on the behalf of Colorado’s job creators and families, promising to reign in government spending without raising taxes on the backs of struggling Coloradans.

Last year, House Republicans successfully removed several of the Democrats’ onerous tax increases and blocked several mandates and regulations that would have made it more difficult for Colorado to emerge from this recession.

· Killing Small Businesses—Would have mandated specific wage and benefit requirements for certain businesses.  HB 11-1238

· Filling the Big Labor Treat Bag—Would have required certain state public works contractors to provide prevailing wages and fringe benefits to their workers. HB 11-1070

· Attacking Colorado Consumers—Would have forced manufacturers to pay a fee and implement recycling programs for certain electronic devices. HB 11-1052.

· Beverage Trick—Would have required consumers and beverage distributors to pay deposits on beverage containers and would have required distributors to fulfill certain registration and reporting requirements. HB 11-1247.

· Harassing School Districts—Would have required schools to satisfy expensive-energy efficient design conditions for new or redesigned buildings. HB 11-1204.

· Spending Limit—House Republicans passed a bill to create a Rainy Day Fund and reinstate the state spending limit that Democrats repealed in 2009. HB 1280.

· HOPE Act—House Republicans passed a bill to opt Colorado out of federal health care measures. HB 1273.

· Federal Balanced Budget Requirement—House Republicans passed a resolution calling on Congress to adopt a constitutional balanced budget requirement. HJR 1017.

· Regulation Limitations—House Republicans passed a bill to limit new regulations that increase the cost of conducting business in Colorado. HB 1044.

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Looper Applauds Success of Veterans Court

DENVER—State Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan, praised the first graduates of El Paso County’s Veterans Treatment Court following a ceremony that took place Thursday afternoon.

Looper sponsored House Bill 1104 in 2010, which allowed the expansion of veterans courts across Colorado. The special court system sends veterans convicted with misdemeanors and certain felonies to treatment centers for drug and mental health problems instead of serving jail time.

“Post-traumatic stress disorder and drug abuse are often the result of a soldier’s sacrifice while fighting abroad. It is more important and beneficial that we help our servicemen and women, rather than sending them to jail,” said Looper. “I couldn’t be more proud of these graduates.”

Colorado Springs, home to Fort Carson, has seen a rise in veteran-related crimes since the Iraq War began in 2003. The U.S. Army deploys approximately 10,000 soldiers from Fort Carson overseas at any given time.

Six servicemen graduated from the treatment program, with another sixty veterans currently receiving treatment from the El Paso County Treatment Court in attendance.

“This celebration shows that Coloradans haven’t forgotten the sacrifice each soldier makes when they’re called to duty,” added Looper. “In just a year, this program has already proven its worth.”

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House GOP Statement on Appointment of Boatright to the Supreme Court

DENVER—Gov. John Hickenlooper announced his appointed of First Judicial Court Judge Brian Boatright to the Colorado Supreme Court. 

House Judiciary chairman, Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, issued the following statement regarding Boatright’s appointment:

“Judge Boatright’s commitment to applying the law as intended by the legislature and his experience as a trial court judge are welcome attributes to the Court.  I congratulate Judge Boatright on his appointment to the Supreme Court, and wish him the best of luck in his service on the bench for the State of Colorado.”   

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House GOP Concludes State Tour with Job Creators

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—House Republicans finished their Building a Better Colorado Tour today at a roundtable discussion on the economy and job creation with local small business owners. The Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted the event.

 “We’ve met with job creators from across the state and have taken up their priorities as our own,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch. “House Republicans understand that the road to economic prosperity for Coloradans begins by removing barriers to business and empowering job creators.”

The statewide listening tour began this past Wednesday with a visit to farmers and ranchers in Greeley and has since travelled across the Continental Divide and back again, visiting with leaders in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and members of the small business community.

“From day one, this tour was about jobs,” remarked State Rep. B.J. Nikkel. “We wanted to establish a clear and focused dialogue with Coloradans from every part of the state so we can work together and begin to build a better Colorado.”

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House Republicans Visit Goodrich Brake Facility in Pueblo, Colo.

PUEBLO, Colo.—Earlier today, House Republicans took a tour of Goodrich’s Carbon Operations in Pueblo as one of the final stops on their statewide “Building a Better Colorado Tour.”

Goodrich manufactures braking systems using steel and carbon friction material for use on commercial, business and military aircraft. Their facility in Pueblo is one of their three carbon production facilities in the nation and one of two manufacturing sites in the state which supports hundreds of local jobs.

 “Colorado’s manufacturers represent a multibillion dollar industry that employs thousands in the state,” said state Rep. Keith Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo.

“House Republicans will continue to work on behalf of businesses like Goodrich, whose employees help make our nation’s air transit system safer and more efficient every day.”

Manufacturers in Colorado generate approximately $18 billion annually in output and employ over 125,000 Coloradans across the state.

“In this economy, we look to our government leaders to support business growth. We’re thankful for leaders like Speaker McNulty and Keith Swerdfeger who understand this,” said Mike Grondalski, Vice President of Operations for Goodrich. 

After finishing their tour of the Goodrich facility, House Republicans took to the road again to meet with leaders in both business and education CSU-Pueblo.

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House Republicans Meet with La Junta Residents

LA JUNTA, Colo.—House Republicans began the final day of their Building a Better Colorado Tour this morning with a town hall hosted at Otero Junior College. Area residents gathered to meet with Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, and House Majority Whip B.J. Nikkel on Colorado’s jobs and economy and to submit their own questions to the Republican leadership team.

“Colorado’s rural communities represent an integral part of our state’s economy,” said Nikkel, R-Loveland. “We recognize these communities are in no way immune to our state’s economic woes and will continue the fight together.”

In the past legislative session, rural constituencies heavily applauded a Republican measure to repeal the ‘Ag-Tax,’ one of the ‘dirty dozen’ tax increases Democrats passed when they controlled the state legislature. House Republicans have vowed to continue their work to lift burdensome regulations on Colorado’s job creators.

From La Junta, House Republicans will travel to Pueblo for a tour of Goodrich Aerospace’s manufacturing facility and a meeting with leaders in education and the business community at CSU-Pueblo.

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House GOP Concludes Second Day of Building a Better Colorado Tour in Durango

DURANGO, Colo.—House GOP Leadership ended its second day of their Building a Better Colorado tour with a town hall at Christina’s Restaurant in Durango. 

At the town hall, citizens and community leaders expressed concerns about the flailing economy, and engaged in a discussion of how to best create jobs. 

“We have heard the same thing everywhere we go—government needs to get out of the way,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “In order to create jobs, we need to get rid of the burdensome regulations that are stifling growth for many of the state’s most important industries, like energy, tourism and agriculture.”

State Rep. J. Paul Brown, R-Ignacio, added:

“Times are tough for Coloradans, and fighting for jobs is my top priority as a state legislator.  I’m proud that the House leadership made it down to southwest Colorado.  It just shows the importance that the Republican leadership believes this community is to the rest of the state.”    

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