House Speaker Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, today praised retiring Colorado State Auditor Sally Symanski for her service and dedication to Colorado. McNulty spoke highly of Symanski’s dedication to performing fair and detailed audits and wished her well in her future endeavors.
“A key role of the State Auditor is to work closely with the Legislative Audit Committee, which serves as the taxpayer’s watchdog to find waste and abuse and keep state government running efficiently,” McNulty said. “One only has to take a quick look at her work as Auditor to know that she worked exceptionally well with the committee members in performing these duties.”
McNulty pointed to several recent audits that resulted in a savings of taxpayer dollars including a June of 2010 audit that uncovered a state subsidized home phone program that was being abused by nearly 10,000 people who were not qualified to participate in the program.
“The work of Ms. Symanski and her staff has saved Colorado taxpayers money and in turn helped to ease the budget shortfall we are currently facing,” said Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Littleton. “As the longest serving member of the Legislative Audit Committee, I can speak with some authority when I say that Ms. Symanski will be missed.”
Kerr pointed out that the Legislative Audit Committee works closely with the State Auditor’s Office as the only true oversight committee over all of Colorado state government. “Our job is to work with the Auditor’s Office to find waste, fraud, and abuse in state government and make sure that appropriate action is taken to correct these problems.”
Another March 2010 audit of RTD uncovered an excessive salary paid to the RTD General Manager including a $1.3 million one-time payout.
“Sally Symanski is a consummate professional whose tenure as State Auditor resulted in substantial savings of taxpayer dollars,” McNulty said. “Her attention to detail and professionalism resulted in audits that have been fair and concise. She will be missed and I thank her for her service to the state of Colorado.”
Symanski announced her retirement yesterday.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
House Speaker Frank McNulty Opening Day Remarks
Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, today delivered the following remarks to the members of the Colorado State House of Representatives at the opening of the First Session of the 68th General Assembly:
Good Morning. Thank you all for joining us today as we begin the First Session of the 68th General Assembly. I’d like to take a moment to recognize our new members, Representatives Mark Barker, Jon Becker, Don Beezley, J. Paul Brown, Kathleen Conti, Don Coram, Crisanta Duran, Rhonda Fields, Deb Gardner, Millie Hamner, Chris Holbert, Matt Jones, Janak Joshi, Pete Lee, Dan Pabon, Robert Ramirez, Ray Scott, Keith Swerdfeger, Libby Szabo, Angela Williams, and alphabetically last, but not least, Roger Wilson.
It is also appropriate to recognize those who, due to term-limits, will be serving in this Chamber for their last General Assembly.
Please help me congratulate and thank Representatives Balmer, Kerr, Liston, Massey, McKinley, Riesberg, Solano, Soper and Todd. Thank you for your service to the people of Colorado.
To all Members, congratulations on serving in the 68th General Assembly and a special thank you to your family and friends whose sacrifices far too often go unrecognized.
Congratulations to our new Governor, John Hickenlooper and new Lieutenant Governor, Joe Garcia.
I am blessed to come from a big family and they are here today. My Mom Denise, my Dad Frank, my brothers and sisters and their families; Troy and Dani – Greg, Loralei & Cole; Kourtney and Lloyd - Shaylynne, Shane and Nicole – Rylie & Brianna, Chadd and Kimi; and Lyndsay and Nick - Cameron. Thank you for all of your support and for making time to join us today.
Finally, I would like to recognize a man who is intimately familiar with the Chamber, and a man for whom I have the most sincere and utmost respect, former Speaker of the House Russell George.
Madame Majority Leader, Mr. Minority Leader, Colleagues; Coloradans are struggling. Over the past few years, all of us have tightened our belts and done more with less. Our State’s unemployment rate is the highest it’s been in decades. Colorado’s small businesses continue to fight for survival, and many working families are struggling to put food on the table and to pay their bills. And, while there is no exact formula for what is needed to create an environment that fosters job creation and economic recovery, there are a few simple truths that voters have asked us to reestablish. An education program that is funded, flexible and accountable; a transportation system that moves people, goods, and services, safely and efficiently throughout Colorado; tax rates that are low and fair; and a regulatory system that is stable and sensible with an eye toward compliance and consumer protection, not punishment. For us all, job creation and economic recovery must be our focus with all proposed legislation.
Undoubtedly, we will have our differences from time to time. We are elected leaders after all. But these philosophical disagreements should not distract us from the important challenges at hand. There is far too much at stake. Now is the time for new solutions to combat our economic recession. This body needs innovative ideas to help Coloradans get back to work.
The good news is, the Centennial State has confronted many challenges in its 135 year history. We have overcome them all. From the 19th century settlers and frontiersmen who endured harsh winters and difficult terrain to head west in search of a better life for themselves, to the countless servicemen and women who served, and continue to serve, in the defense of freedom. For those in the Chamber and the gallery who have served, or who are serving, in our nation’s armed forces, please stand and allow us to thank you for your service.
Colorado was founded with the pioneer spirit that drives everyone who calls our state home. And as the Dust Bowl ravaged the Eastern Plains of Colorado, our Governor at the time, Edwin “Big Ed” Johnson, a Democrat, struggled with the challenges we face today. He seized the opportunity to lead. Big Ed was critical of Washington, D.C.’s New Deal plan, which he saw as a one-size fits all approach. Rather than keep this one-sized approach, he focused on working with the federal government and state leaders to create Colorado’s own reorganization and reform program. Governor Johnson pushed for a balanced state budget, instituted tax reforms, and even managed to draft a robust highway construction program. All during the depths of the Great Depression.
With this same spirit of commitment and optimism, we will prevail over the difficult economic challenges of today. Perseverance pays off and I’m confident this House will pass the common- sense legislation our state desperately needs to put Coloradans back to work. Our collaborative efforts must recognize the distinct, but important differences in background, philosophy and outlook of Colorado’s diverse communities from rural to urban to suburban.
Last November, Coloradans sent us a message; they want us to work together earnestly to find solutions to our economic ills and to set this state on the right track again. Coloradans want a state government that knows its role – a government that lives within its means and facilitates economic growth.
We are listening to the voters. They want us to provide for services they care about - that guarantee Colorado will go smartly into the future. Today I am pledging to work with the new administration to begin a serious conversation about reinventing government, reforming procurement, and utilizing technology to effectively and efficiently deliver serves wherever possible. There is no better time - no greater need, for us to come together than right now.
Our state faces an historic budget gap of more than $1 billion. On this, let me be clear. The days of balancing the state budget on the backs of working families and small businesses are over. We cannot treat the state budget differently than families across Colorado treat their own budgets. We have the next 120 days to learn how to do it.
The bill for kicking the can down the road has come due. We will not spend what we don't have, and yes, I recognize that this will require the State of Colorado to further tighten its belt. But that same belt tightening has gone on throughout Colorado by working families and small businesses for the past four years. If we refuse to make the tough choices now, these same choices will become more difficult for Colorado to bear down the road. These tough choices will require working in good faith.
Governor Hickenlooper; and my friends in the Senate: We stand ready to work with you and make the tough choices. But we must—and we will—adhere to our core principles and to the will of the people of Colorado.
Along with tax relief and regulation reform, we are committed to reinstituting a spending limit to protect future generations from government spending excesses. If we have learned anything from the past few years, it’s that excessive government spending prolongs economic recessions. It does not shorten them. Changing the culture of spending will not be an easy task. But it is imperative to the long-term fiscal stability and solvency of our state. Our spending limitation must be accompanied by a long-term commitment to fiscal responsibility. The time has come for us to do our part now to avoid in the future the kind of catastrophic budget cliff that Colorado faces today. We must pass a substantive state savings account, protected by the requirement of a super majority vote.
On your desk is a copy of our state and nation’s Constitutions, along with your oath of office. This is not a simple symbolic action. Rather, I ask each of you to consider all three documents as you take to your work here. With a challenging session ahead of us, recognizing and respecting our founding documents will be key foundations for our decision making. It is the Declaration of Independence that serves as the soul of our Constitution and our nation in the recognition that, “Governments are instituted among Men-deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”
With that admonition in mind, House leadership is also committed to open and transparent government. Coloradans deserve a Legislature that is honest and forthright. Seeing as everyone in this chamber is tasked with spending taxpayer dollars appropriately, we owe it to our constituents to keep them informed of how their money is being spent. We look forward to working with the Senate, the Governor, and our state agencies across our system of government.
We are committed to quality and efficiency in the delivery of health care by utilizing free markets that allow Coloradans to make their own healthcare decisions.
We are committed to our colleges and universities that will prepare graduates to compete in a 21st century economy.
We are committed to working with our colleagues across the aisle to better serve the entire state of Colorado. Bipartisanship gets lots of talk time, but is always more difficult in practice. I’m reminded of the humor by P. J. O’Rourke in his comments that, “The Democrats are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crabgrass on your lawn. The Republicans are the party that says government doesn’t work and then they get elected and prove it.” Our work together will be difficult, but it can be done with good humor, and it must be done with good faith.
Colleagues, we must challenge ourselves to do what we can to spur innovation and entrepreneurship in our state. We must recognize that Colorado’s private sector can, and should, play a remarkable role during the next decade in aerospace, technology, tourism, agriculture, natural resources and perhaps most exciting, bioscience, which is one of the fastest growing industries in Colorado, growing at a rate faster than the national average. Let’s recognize that economic development is as important in Craig or Lamar as it is in Denver or Grand Junction.
There is no question that Colorado is a great place to live. The beautiful scenery from all four corners of our state is second to none. Colorado’s economy can thrive off of tourism. The more skiers, hikers, rafters, bikers, and sightseers we can attract to Colorado, the better our economy will perform.
We must enter into this session knowing that we can truly and sincerely legislate with not just an eye toward the next election, but with a real vision for the future. We have an opportunity to do things differently; understanding that sacrifice now will lead to a better future for generations of Coloradans.
There are no easy answers, the tough decisions remain, but together, we will meet these challenges head-on. Let’s embrace our role, limit what we do, and send a message to the citizens and businesses of this state that we are ready to make the same tough choices as they are being forced to make.
As the 68th General Assembly begins, each of us shares in the responsibility to govern wisely. We have been called by our friends and neighbors to serve them during these challenging and remarkable times. We are blessed that they have trusted us to guide our great State through these raging waters. Colleagues, we are up to the task. We will govern with consistency and compassion. And when we look back on this General Assembly, an assembly of citizen legislators, we will be proud of what we have accomplished together.
Thank you all for your willingness to serve these four corners we call home. The real work starts now. May God bless you, may He bless our great state of Colorado, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.
Good Morning. Thank you all for joining us today as we begin the First Session of the 68th General Assembly. I’d like to take a moment to recognize our new members, Representatives Mark Barker, Jon Becker, Don Beezley, J. Paul Brown, Kathleen Conti, Don Coram, Crisanta Duran, Rhonda Fields, Deb Gardner, Millie Hamner, Chris Holbert, Matt Jones, Janak Joshi, Pete Lee, Dan Pabon, Robert Ramirez, Ray Scott, Keith Swerdfeger, Libby Szabo, Angela Williams, and alphabetically last, but not least, Roger Wilson.
It is also appropriate to recognize those who, due to term-limits, will be serving in this Chamber for their last General Assembly.
Please help me congratulate and thank Representatives Balmer, Kerr, Liston, Massey, McKinley, Riesberg, Solano, Soper and Todd. Thank you for your service to the people of Colorado.
To all Members, congratulations on serving in the 68th General Assembly and a special thank you to your family and friends whose sacrifices far too often go unrecognized.
Congratulations to our new Governor, John Hickenlooper and new Lieutenant Governor, Joe Garcia.
I am blessed to come from a big family and they are here today. My Mom Denise, my Dad Frank, my brothers and sisters and their families; Troy and Dani – Greg, Loralei & Cole; Kourtney and Lloyd - Shaylynne, Shane and Nicole – Rylie & Brianna, Chadd and Kimi; and Lyndsay and Nick - Cameron. Thank you for all of your support and for making time to join us today.
Finally, I would like to recognize a man who is intimately familiar with the Chamber, and a man for whom I have the most sincere and utmost respect, former Speaker of the House Russell George.
Madame Majority Leader, Mr. Minority Leader, Colleagues; Coloradans are struggling. Over the past few years, all of us have tightened our belts and done more with less. Our State’s unemployment rate is the highest it’s been in decades. Colorado’s small businesses continue to fight for survival, and many working families are struggling to put food on the table and to pay their bills. And, while there is no exact formula for what is needed to create an environment that fosters job creation and economic recovery, there are a few simple truths that voters have asked us to reestablish. An education program that is funded, flexible and accountable; a transportation system that moves people, goods, and services, safely and efficiently throughout Colorado; tax rates that are low and fair; and a regulatory system that is stable and sensible with an eye toward compliance and consumer protection, not punishment. For us all, job creation and economic recovery must be our focus with all proposed legislation.
Undoubtedly, we will have our differences from time to time. We are elected leaders after all. But these philosophical disagreements should not distract us from the important challenges at hand. There is far too much at stake. Now is the time for new solutions to combat our economic recession. This body needs innovative ideas to help Coloradans get back to work.
The good news is, the Centennial State has confronted many challenges in its 135 year history. We have overcome them all. From the 19th century settlers and frontiersmen who endured harsh winters and difficult terrain to head west in search of a better life for themselves, to the countless servicemen and women who served, and continue to serve, in the defense of freedom. For those in the Chamber and the gallery who have served, or who are serving, in our nation’s armed forces, please stand and allow us to thank you for your service.
Colorado was founded with the pioneer spirit that drives everyone who calls our state home. And as the Dust Bowl ravaged the Eastern Plains of Colorado, our Governor at the time, Edwin “Big Ed” Johnson, a Democrat, struggled with the challenges we face today. He seized the opportunity to lead. Big Ed was critical of Washington, D.C.’s New Deal plan, which he saw as a one-size fits all approach. Rather than keep this one-sized approach, he focused on working with the federal government and state leaders to create Colorado’s own reorganization and reform program. Governor Johnson pushed for a balanced state budget, instituted tax reforms, and even managed to draft a robust highway construction program. All during the depths of the Great Depression.
With this same spirit of commitment and optimism, we will prevail over the difficult economic challenges of today. Perseverance pays off and I’m confident this House will pass the common- sense legislation our state desperately needs to put Coloradans back to work. Our collaborative efforts must recognize the distinct, but important differences in background, philosophy and outlook of Colorado’s diverse communities from rural to urban to suburban.
Last November, Coloradans sent us a message; they want us to work together earnestly to find solutions to our economic ills and to set this state on the right track again. Coloradans want a state government that knows its role – a government that lives within its means and facilitates economic growth.
We are listening to the voters. They want us to provide for services they care about - that guarantee Colorado will go smartly into the future. Today I am pledging to work with the new administration to begin a serious conversation about reinventing government, reforming procurement, and utilizing technology to effectively and efficiently deliver serves wherever possible. There is no better time - no greater need, for us to come together than right now.
Our state faces an historic budget gap of more than $1 billion. On this, let me be clear. The days of balancing the state budget on the backs of working families and small businesses are over. We cannot treat the state budget differently than families across Colorado treat their own budgets. We have the next 120 days to learn how to do it.
The bill for kicking the can down the road has come due. We will not spend what we don't have, and yes, I recognize that this will require the State of Colorado to further tighten its belt. But that same belt tightening has gone on throughout Colorado by working families and small businesses for the past four years. If we refuse to make the tough choices now, these same choices will become more difficult for Colorado to bear down the road. These tough choices will require working in good faith.
Governor Hickenlooper; and my friends in the Senate: We stand ready to work with you and make the tough choices. But we must—and we will—adhere to our core principles and to the will of the people of Colorado.
Along with tax relief and regulation reform, we are committed to reinstituting a spending limit to protect future generations from government spending excesses. If we have learned anything from the past few years, it’s that excessive government spending prolongs economic recessions. It does not shorten them. Changing the culture of spending will not be an easy task. But it is imperative to the long-term fiscal stability and solvency of our state. Our spending limitation must be accompanied by a long-term commitment to fiscal responsibility. The time has come for us to do our part now to avoid in the future the kind of catastrophic budget cliff that Colorado faces today. We must pass a substantive state savings account, protected by the requirement of a super majority vote.
On your desk is a copy of our state and nation’s Constitutions, along with your oath of office. This is not a simple symbolic action. Rather, I ask each of you to consider all three documents as you take to your work here. With a challenging session ahead of us, recognizing and respecting our founding documents will be key foundations for our decision making. It is the Declaration of Independence that serves as the soul of our Constitution and our nation in the recognition that, “Governments are instituted among Men-deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”
With that admonition in mind, House leadership is also committed to open and transparent government. Coloradans deserve a Legislature that is honest and forthright. Seeing as everyone in this chamber is tasked with spending taxpayer dollars appropriately, we owe it to our constituents to keep them informed of how their money is being spent. We look forward to working with the Senate, the Governor, and our state agencies across our system of government.
We are committed to quality and efficiency in the delivery of health care by utilizing free markets that allow Coloradans to make their own healthcare decisions.
We are committed to our colleges and universities that will prepare graduates to compete in a 21st century economy.
We are committed to working with our colleagues across the aisle to better serve the entire state of Colorado. Bipartisanship gets lots of talk time, but is always more difficult in practice. I’m reminded of the humor by P. J. O’Rourke in his comments that, “The Democrats are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crabgrass on your lawn. The Republicans are the party that says government doesn’t work and then they get elected and prove it.” Our work together will be difficult, but it can be done with good humor, and it must be done with good faith.
Colleagues, we must challenge ourselves to do what we can to spur innovation and entrepreneurship in our state. We must recognize that Colorado’s private sector can, and should, play a remarkable role during the next decade in aerospace, technology, tourism, agriculture, natural resources and perhaps most exciting, bioscience, which is one of the fastest growing industries in Colorado, growing at a rate faster than the national average. Let’s recognize that economic development is as important in Craig or Lamar as it is in Denver or Grand Junction.
There is no question that Colorado is a great place to live. The beautiful scenery from all four corners of our state is second to none. Colorado’s economy can thrive off of tourism. The more skiers, hikers, rafters, bikers, and sightseers we can attract to Colorado, the better our economy will perform.
We must enter into this session knowing that we can truly and sincerely legislate with not just an eye toward the next election, but with a real vision for the future. We have an opportunity to do things differently; understanding that sacrifice now will lead to a better future for generations of Coloradans.
There are no easy answers, the tough decisions remain, but together, we will meet these challenges head-on. Let’s embrace our role, limit what we do, and send a message to the citizens and businesses of this state that we are ready to make the same tough choices as they are being forced to make.
As the 68th General Assembly begins, each of us shares in the responsibility to govern wisely. We have been called by our friends and neighbors to serve them during these challenging and remarkable times. We are blessed that they have trusted us to guide our great State through these raging waters. Colleagues, we are up to the task. We will govern with consistency and compassion. And when we look back on this General Assembly, an assembly of citizen legislators, we will be proud of what we have accomplished together.
Thank you all for your willingness to serve these four corners we call home. The real work starts now. May God bless you, may He bless our great state of Colorado, and may He continue to bless the United States of America.
###
Monday, November 22, 2010
Speaker Designee McNulty Names GOP Committee Chairs
Speaker Designee Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, today named his picks to head the committees of reference for the Colorado State House of Representatives.
“In these appointments, you will see a wide range of experience and leadership skills and a recognition of Colorado’s geographic diversity,” McNulty said. “These appointments send a strong message that the House Republican Caucus is committed to strengthening Colorado’s economy, reinventing government, and putting Coloradans back to work.”
“The House Majority leadership team and committee chairs represent all regions of Colorado and more than half of Colorado’s counties,” McNulty added. “As we take the reins of the House, Coloradans will notice that this is not time for business as usual at the Capitol and that will be reflected in our decisions on the important issues facing our state.”
The following is a list of State House of Representatives committees of reference with the newly appointed Chair:
House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee
State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling
Vice Chair, State Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs
“Yes, I did appoint a real farmer as chairman of the Ag committee, there is no one better suited to head it up,” McNulty said. “As Ag Committee chairman, Jerry will be a tireless advocate for Colorado’s agricultural community and will capably navigate the complex natural resource issues Colorado faces.”
House Appropriations Committee
State Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen
“Cheri will bring respect and concern for taxpayer dollars to her role as chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee,” McNulty said. “She will be a leader on the Joint Budget Committee and in the Appropriations hearings.”
House Economic and Business Development Committee
State Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs
Vice Chair, State Rep. Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial
“As a successful businessman and one of the more experienced legislators in the House of Representatives, Larry brings extensive experience and knowledge to the table,” McNulty said. “Colorado’s current economic climate has made the House Economic and Business Development Committee an important piece of our economic recovery. I am certain that Larry will bring the same skills and leadership that served him well as a businessman to the decisions that will ultimately be of great importance to our economic recovery.”
House Education Committee
State Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs
“Tom has earned a reputation at the capitol for being a strong advocate for education and also as someone who has a proven ability to bring together diverse groups in order to make great policy,” McNulty said. “Tom will be a strong advocate for Colorado’s education system as Chairman of the House Education Committee.”
House Finance Committee
State Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland
“As a small businessman and entrepreneur, Brian has the experience and knowledge to evaluate complex financial issues and promote sound fiscal policy on behalf of Colorado families,” McNulty said. “Brian has proven himself to be a thoughtful and effective legislator who has always been concerned about the importance of the people’s role in our legislative process. He will bring that same passion to his work as chairman.”
House Health and Environment Committee
State Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood
“With his experience as a leader in the non-profit community, Ken will be a strong voice as we find solutions to Colorado’s health care challenges,” McNulty said. “Ken’s experience will be a great help in shepherding Colorado through what will be some of the most complex health care issues of our time.”
House Judiciary Committee
State Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs
“Bob is a successful attorney and is known for his understanding of the law and his deep compassion for our fellow Coloradans,” McNulty said. “His background and experience will make him a remarkable leader of the House Judiciary Committee.”
House Local Government Committee
State Rep. Laura Bradford, R-Collbran
“Hailing from Western Colorado, Laura understands the importance of local issues and the consequences state level decisions have on local economies,” McNulty said. “Armed with that knowledge, Laura will serve as a strong voice for Colorado communities that make up the backbone of our state.”
House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee
State Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Littleton
“Jim has spent his time in the legislature cleaning up government, reducing waste, and promoting efficiency,” McNulty said. “This focus is exactly why I have appointed him to head up the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. He’ll bring that same focus and tenacity to his new post.”
House Transportation Committee
State Rep. Glenn Vaad, R-Mead
Vice Chair, State Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan
“With more than 30 years working on transportation issues on behalf of Coloradans, Glenn is eminently qualified to head up our Transportation Committee,” McNulty said. “Glenn has always been willing to propose creative solutions to transportation issues and I am certain that he will bring that same creativity to his work as chairman.”
“In these appointments, you will see a wide range of experience and leadership skills and a recognition of Colorado’s geographic diversity,” McNulty said. “These appointments send a strong message that the House Republican Caucus is committed to strengthening Colorado’s economy, reinventing government, and putting Coloradans back to work.”
“The House Majority leadership team and committee chairs represent all regions of Colorado and more than half of Colorado’s counties,” McNulty added. “As we take the reins of the House, Coloradans will notice that this is not time for business as usual at the Capitol and that will be reflected in our decisions on the important issues facing our state.”
The following is a list of State House of Representatives committees of reference with the newly appointed Chair:
House Agriculture, Livestock, and Natural Resources Committee
State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling
Vice Chair, State Rep. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs
“Yes, I did appoint a real farmer as chairman of the Ag committee, there is no one better suited to head it up,” McNulty said. “As Ag Committee chairman, Jerry will be a tireless advocate for Colorado’s agricultural community and will capably navigate the complex natural resource issues Colorado faces.”
House Appropriations Committee
State Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen
“Cheri will bring respect and concern for taxpayer dollars to her role as chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee,” McNulty said. “She will be a leader on the Joint Budget Committee and in the Appropriations hearings.”
House Economic and Business Development Committee
State Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs
Vice Chair, State Rep. Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial
“As a successful businessman and one of the more experienced legislators in the House of Representatives, Larry brings extensive experience and knowledge to the table,” McNulty said. “Colorado’s current economic climate has made the House Economic and Business Development Committee an important piece of our economic recovery. I am certain that Larry will bring the same skills and leadership that served him well as a businessman to the decisions that will ultimately be of great importance to our economic recovery.”
House Education Committee
State Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs
“Tom has earned a reputation at the capitol for being a strong advocate for education and also as someone who has a proven ability to bring together diverse groups in order to make great policy,” McNulty said. “Tom will be a strong advocate for Colorado’s education system as Chairman of the House Education Committee.”
House Finance Committee
State Rep. Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland
“As a small businessman and entrepreneur, Brian has the experience and knowledge to evaluate complex financial issues and promote sound fiscal policy on behalf of Colorado families,” McNulty said. “Brian has proven himself to be a thoughtful and effective legislator who has always been concerned about the importance of the people’s role in our legislative process. He will bring that same passion to his work as chairman.”
House Health and Environment Committee
State Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood
“With his experience as a leader in the non-profit community, Ken will be a strong voice as we find solutions to Colorado’s health care challenges,” McNulty said. “Ken’s experience will be a great help in shepherding Colorado through what will be some of the most complex health care issues of our time.”
House Judiciary Committee
State Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs
“Bob is a successful attorney and is known for his understanding of the law and his deep compassion for our fellow Coloradans,” McNulty said. “His background and experience will make him a remarkable leader of the House Judiciary Committee.”
House Local Government Committee
State Rep. Laura Bradford, R-Collbran
“Hailing from Western Colorado, Laura understands the importance of local issues and the consequences state level decisions have on local economies,” McNulty said. “Armed with that knowledge, Laura will serve as a strong voice for Colorado communities that make up the backbone of our state.”
House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee
State Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Littleton
“Jim has spent his time in the legislature cleaning up government, reducing waste, and promoting efficiency,” McNulty said. “This focus is exactly why I have appointed him to head up the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. He’ll bring that same focus and tenacity to his new post.”
House Transportation Committee
State Rep. Glenn Vaad, R-Mead
Vice Chair, State Rep. Marsha Looper, R-Calhan
“With more than 30 years working on transportation issues on behalf of Coloradans, Glenn is eminently qualified to head up our Transportation Committee,” McNulty said. “Glenn has always been willing to propose creative solutions to transportation issues and I am certain that he will bring that same creativity to his work as chairman.”
Thursday, November 4, 2010
House Republican Majority Elects New Leadership
The House Republican Majority today elected a new leadership team for the State House of Representatives. Heading up the new House Majority will be Speaker-Designee Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.
“I want to thank my colleagues for putting their trust in me to serve as Speaker of the House,” McNulty said. “The House Republican Majority is ready to take the reins and do our part to get Colorado’s economy moving again.”
Serving as Majority Leader will be state Rep. Amy Stephens, R-Monument. Stephens says that jobs and the economy will be the number one priority for the House Republican Majority when the session kicks off this January.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us and some tough decisions to make, but I am confident that the House Republicans are ready to meet these challenges head-on,” Stephens said. “The House Majority is made up of Coloradans from across the state who each bring a diverse set of backgrounds and skill sets. We have farmers, ranchers, small business owners who all share the same goal of kick-starting Colorado’s economy.”
Also selected for leadership positions in the new House Majority are House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Mark Waller, R-Colorado Springs, House Majority Whip, Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, and House Majority Caucus Chair, Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock.
“This leadership team is ready to get to work on behalf of the people of Colorado,” added McNulty. “With jobs and the economy as our top priorities, Colorado families can expect a House Majority that is ready to listen to Colorado’s working families and small businesses, reinvent state government, and protect services people care about.”
“I want to thank my colleagues for putting their trust in me to serve as Speaker of the House,” McNulty said. “The House Republican Majority is ready to take the reins and do our part to get Colorado’s economy moving again.”
Serving as Majority Leader will be state Rep. Amy Stephens, R-Monument. Stephens says that jobs and the economy will be the number one priority for the House Republican Majority when the session kicks off this January.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us and some tough decisions to make, but I am confident that the House Republicans are ready to meet these challenges head-on,” Stephens said. “The House Majority is made up of Coloradans from across the state who each bring a diverse set of backgrounds and skill sets. We have farmers, ranchers, small business owners who all share the same goal of kick-starting Colorado’s economy.”
Also selected for leadership positions in the new House Majority are House Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Mark Waller, R-Colorado Springs, House Majority Whip, Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, and House Majority Caucus Chair, Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock.
“This leadership team is ready to get to work on behalf of the people of Colorado,” added McNulty. “With jobs and the economy as our top priorities, Colorado families can expect a House Majority that is ready to listen to Colorado’s working families and small businesses, reinvent state government, and protect services people care about.”
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Stephens Praises Decision by Federal Judge for Siding with Privacy in Amazon.com Lawsuit
State Rep. Amy Stephens, R-Monument, today praised the decision by U.S. District Judge Marsha J. Pechman, of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, for her ruling against the North Carolina Department of Revenue in their demand for private information detailing customer purchases from Amazon.com for the purposes of internet sales tax collection.
“Judge Pechman today ruled in favor of Amazon.com and their right to protect the privacy and purchase information of their customers,” Stephens said. “I will continue to fight to protect Colorado consumers from the same invasion of purchase and privacy information we face as a result of the internet sales tax law (aka Amazon.com) being implemented here at home. It is my hope that the Colorado law, House Bill 1193, will be overturned by the courts as well.”
Similar to a recent law adopted in Colorado, the North Carolina Department of Revenue demanded detailed information from Amazon.com on the purchases made by North Carolina residents. Amazon.com’s lawyers argued that the request threatened the constitutional free speech and privacy rights of consumers by asking for names and detailed purchase information of online shoppers.
“I feel very strongly that the level of detail being requested by our own Colorado Department of Revenue violates privacy and goes far beyond the comfort level of many Coloradans,” Stephens said. “Coloradans should be free to make online purchases without government looking over their shoulder. I am pleased that Amazon.com has stood up for the protection of consumer privacy in North Carolina and am hopeful that Colorado tax collectors will take notice of this case as well.”
The Colorado law, arising out of House Bill 10-1193, requires Amazon.com and other internet retailers to notify consumers of the sales and use taxes accrued from their annual online purchases. Internet retailers are then asked to provide a detailed list of consumers’ names and purchases to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Similar to the North Carolina case, Amazon.com and Stephens have argued that requiring a retailer to provide detailed information related to customer transactions violates their purchase and privacy rights.
The Colorado law is currently being challenged by the Direct Marketers Association of which Amazon.com is a member. Stephens says this latest court ruling should serve as a reminder to policymakers that you cannot sacrifice the freedoms of citizens to balance the state budget.
The ruling can be viewed online here.
“Judge Pechman today ruled in favor of Amazon.com and their right to protect the privacy and purchase information of their customers,” Stephens said. “I will continue to fight to protect Colorado consumers from the same invasion of purchase and privacy information we face as a result of the internet sales tax law (aka Amazon.com) being implemented here at home. It is my hope that the Colorado law, House Bill 1193, will be overturned by the courts as well.”
Similar to a recent law adopted in Colorado, the North Carolina Department of Revenue demanded detailed information from Amazon.com on the purchases made by North Carolina residents. Amazon.com’s lawyers argued that the request threatened the constitutional free speech and privacy rights of consumers by asking for names and detailed purchase information of online shoppers.
“I feel very strongly that the level of detail being requested by our own Colorado Department of Revenue violates privacy and goes far beyond the comfort level of many Coloradans,” Stephens said. “Coloradans should be free to make online purchases without government looking over their shoulder. I am pleased that Amazon.com has stood up for the protection of consumer privacy in North Carolina and am hopeful that Colorado tax collectors will take notice of this case as well.”
The Colorado law, arising out of House Bill 10-1193, requires Amazon.com and other internet retailers to notify consumers of the sales and use taxes accrued from their annual online purchases. Internet retailers are then asked to provide a detailed list of consumers’ names and purchases to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Similar to the North Carolina case, Amazon.com and Stephens have argued that requiring a retailer to provide detailed information related to customer transactions violates their purchase and privacy rights.
The Colorado law is currently being challenged by the Direct Marketers Association of which Amazon.com is a member. Stephens says this latest court ruling should serve as a reminder to policymakers that you cannot sacrifice the freedoms of citizens to balance the state budget.
The ruling can be viewed online here.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Rep. Nikkel Statement on Loveland Wildfire
State Rep. B.J. Nikkel, R-Loveland, today released the following statement in reaction to the fire burning west of Loveland that has now burned over 640 acres:
“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to all who are affected by the fire burning west of Loveland. With my own home in the fire’s path, I know how our community is feeling.
“The important thing for us to do now is to heed the warnings of the authorities and let them do their work. I am confident that with the cooperation of residents, we will have this fire extinguished as fast as possible and our community can begin the process of rebuilding.”
“The important thing for us to do now is to heed the warnings of the authorities and let them do their work. I am confident that with the cooperation of residents, we will have this fire extinguished as fast as possible and our community can begin the process of rebuilding.”
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Republicans Call for Transparency on Teacher Effectiveness
State House Republicans today blasted the House Democrat Leadership for blocking efforts to make the Governor's Council for Educator Effectiveness more transparent and open to the public.
“These are important meetings for the future of education in Colorado and it's incredible to me that anyone would want to keep these meetings from being as transparent as possible,” said House Republican Caucus Chair Amy Stephens. “These meetings should be broadcast far and wide so that all stakeholders, parents, teachers and community members can follow these critical conversations.”
Three of the four members of the House Services Committee agreed to allow meetings of the Council to be held at the capitol and broadcast online. However, Rep. Tom Massey, was informed that Democrat leadership in the House intervened to prevent the Council from being granted that ability.
The Council's initial meetings have been held at the offices of the Colorado Education Association in Denver and have not been broadcast. The CEA vocally opposed the bipartisan teacher and principal effectiveness bill that created the Council in state statute, Senate Bill 191, sponsored by Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock.
“Why would these meetings be held at the offices of a special interest organization that has been openly hostile toward increasing accountability in our schools?" asked Murray. “These meetings shouldn't just be open to people who live in Denver. Our teachers across the state should be able to attend and share their feelings honestly without fear of being intimidated by union bosses.”
House Education Committee Ranking Republican Tom Massey, also a member of the House Services Committee, said he was surprised that leadership intervened in the decision.
"This is a decision that the House Services Committee had purview over and a majority of the members of the Committee saw no problem with allowing these meetings to be broadcast from the capitol,” said Massey. “It will be very disappointing if politics ends up trumping transparency, especially on an issue as important as the education of our children.”
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 20.
“These are important meetings for the future of education in Colorado and it's incredible to me that anyone would want to keep these meetings from being as transparent as possible,” said House Republican Caucus Chair Amy Stephens. “These meetings should be broadcast far and wide so that all stakeholders, parents, teachers and community members can follow these critical conversations.”
Three of the four members of the House Services Committee agreed to allow meetings of the Council to be held at the capitol and broadcast online. However, Rep. Tom Massey, was informed that Democrat leadership in the House intervened to prevent the Council from being granted that ability.
The Council's initial meetings have been held at the offices of the Colorado Education Association in Denver and have not been broadcast. The CEA vocally opposed the bipartisan teacher and principal effectiveness bill that created the Council in state statute, Senate Bill 191, sponsored by Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock.
“Why would these meetings be held at the offices of a special interest organization that has been openly hostile toward increasing accountability in our schools?" asked Murray. “These meetings shouldn't just be open to people who live in Denver. Our teachers across the state should be able to attend and share their feelings honestly without fear of being intimidated by union bosses.”
House Education Committee Ranking Republican Tom Massey, also a member of the House Services Committee, said he was surprised that leadership intervened in the decision.
"This is a decision that the House Services Committee had purview over and a majority of the members of the Committee saw no problem with allowing these meetings to be broadcast from the capitol,” said Massey. “It will be very disappointing if politics ends up trumping transparency, especially on an issue as important as the education of our children.”
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 20.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)