Ramirez’s First Bill Signed into Law

Law Provides Another Tool for Counties to Promote Development

DENVER—Governor John Hickenlooper signed State Rep. Robert Ramirez’s first bill into law on Friday, March 25.

House Bill 1176 streamlines the process for crude oil transporters to obtain approval to use certain routes to transport crude oil. Currently, the Colorado State Patrol has route designation authority for gasoline, diesel fuel and liquefied petroleum gas.

“This law helps clear away unnecessary red tape so that this important fuel can be safely transported to where its needed,” said Ramirez, R-Westminster. “When we keep commerce moving, we help consumers, businesses and our economy.”

Without the bill, transporters had to obtain multiple waivers from a variety of jurisdictions in the state, in addition to the Colorado State Patrol.

The bill specifies that certain safety conditions must be met before the State Patrol authorities transport of crude oil on the designated routes.

HB 1176 is expected to go into effect on Aug. 10.

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Acree Honored with Excelsior’s Triumphant Women Award

DENVER—State Rep. Cindy Acree was recognized as one of Excelsior Youth Center’s Triumphant Women for 2011 for her many successes and for overcoming difficult obstacles.

Excelsior is a residential treatment program that services girls ages 11-18 with emotional and behavior difficulties. The Center is committed to ensuring 180 girls who participate in the program receive the treatment and education necessary to successfully reintegrate into their families and communities.

Acree was one of three women recognized by Excelsior at a gala on Saturday, March 19.

“Excelsior does a wonderful job helping young women in the Denver Metro Area overcome tremendous adversity in their lives and helps them achieve success,” said Acree, R-Aurora. “I’m honored to be recognized by such an important organization.”

The other women recognized include Excelsior alumna Rebecca Bell and philanthropist and community volunteer Ryta Sondergard.

For more information about Excelsior and these women they have recognized, visit http://www.excelsioryc.org.

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The Heat is Still On

Law Continues the Interagency Task Force on Drunk Driving

DENVER—The heat is still on thanks to legislation signed into law by the Governor this afternoon.

Senate Bill 93, sponsored by State. Rep. Glenn Vaad and Sen. Steve King keeps the state’s Interagency Task Force on Drunk Driving operating.

“The Task Force has done a great deal to keep Colorado’s streets safe,” said Vaad, R-Mead. “By keeping the task force in operation, we’re helping ensure drivers get the message that Colorado doesn’t tolerate drunk driving.”

The ITFDD is credited with creating programs to train officers to spot drunk driving, to perform sobriety tests, and to provide funding for local entities to set-up checkpoints during high-visibility enforcement periods.

The task force is probably most recognized for its “Heat Is On!” program, which resulted in as many as 531 statewide arrests during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday alone.

“Senate Bill 93 is critical in that it continues the work of the DUI Task Force,” said Senator Steve King, R-Grand Junction. “This allows continued collaboration and consensus building among agencies and law enforcement in their efforts to reduce drunk driving and the loss of life and injury that result from this criminal behavior.”

The law, which received unanimous support in both the House and Senate, went into effect immediately.

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Colorado Legislative Leadership Honors Israel

Today Colorado legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle came together to honor the nation of Israel with Senate Joint Resolution 11-027 that proclaims “continued support by the Colorado General Assembly for a strong relationship between the United States and Israel.”

Senate President Brandon Shaffer said, "It was an honor to have Ambassador Oren at the Capitol today. We share with Israel not only a mutual friendship, but mutual economic and trade interests. Today, Colorado boasts more than $36 million in annual exports to Israel. Tomorrow, and in the years ahead we hope to grow this trade relationship many times over. It was wonderful to hear Democrats and Republicans share their fond stories and feelings about Israel, and we look forward to growing our friendship."

Senate Republican Leader Mike Kopp said, “It’s very appropriate that the Colorado General Assembly honor Israel with this resolution. Citizens of our state and those across the nation share a bond with the Israeli people through shared values of promoting democracy, offering educational opportunities and advocating for free-market principles.”

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty said, “Since 1948, the United States and Israel have developed a close and committed friendship that has lasted through times of war and times of peace, times of economic vitality and times of recession. Through it all, we have worked together and learned from each other. It’s an honor to recognize Israel’s steadfastness and commitment to furthering democracy and freedom, as well as the deep friendship and respect between the people of Colorado and Israel.”

House Democratic Leader Sal Pace said, "I'm proud to join the rest of the leadership in the Colorado General Assembly to cosponsor this resolution. Israel is an important partner and a good friend, and I'm glad to have the privilege of honoring them today."

This resolution was introduced shortly after Colorado lawmakers held a breakfast in the honor of Israeli Ambassador Dr. Michael Oren. For more information about Dr. Oren please visit http://www.israelemb.org/index.php/en/the-embassy/ambassador.

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Looper Scores a Victory for Military Families

Measure Providing Affordable and Quality Childcare Signed into Law

DENVER—State Rep. Marsha Looper scored a big victory for military families yesterday when Gov. John Hickenlooper signed House Bill 1027 into law.

HB 1027 allows the Department of Human Services to establish a pilot program for licensing childcare facilities utilizing Department of Defense quality standards.

Looper, who has spent the past four years working with the Department of Defense and military families to craft this legislation, said,

“Military families living in Colorado give so much to this country. The last thing they should worry about is finding access to quality and affordable childcare.”

Under HB 1027, facilities will apply to participate in the pilot program, and sites will be selected by DHS with input from local county public health agencies, local county resources and early childhood councils located in participating counties.

Funding for the program will come from gifts, grants and the federal government, including money from the Department of Defense that will follow the children to the authorized pilot.

HB 1027 goes into effect immediately, and requires DHS to report the results of the pilot programs in 2015.

“One of the best ways we can thank our military members is by helping their families,” added Looper. “This law does just that.”

The law was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton.

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Speaker McNulty's Statement on New State Revenue Expectations

DENVER—Today, the Colorado Legislative Council and Office of State Planning and Budgeting released their March Revenue Forecasts to the Joint Budget Committee, showing a slight increase in state revenue expectations.

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement about the forecasts:

“Even though today’s forecasts show next year’s budget shortfall has decreased, there still remain difficult decisions to ensure the state lives within it means.

“House Republicans remain committed to working with Gov. Hickenlooper and our House and Senate colleagues to craft a responsible budget that helps create an environment that encourages economic recovery.”

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House Republican Bill Would Reinstate State Spending Limit And Create A Rainy Day Fund

DENVER--Republicans in the statehouse yesterday introduced a proposal to reinstate the state spending limit that was repealed without voter approval in 2009.

House Bill 1280 is being sponsored by Reps. Don Beezley, R-Broomfield, and Brian DelGrosso, R-Loveland.

“Coloradans were upset when Democrats in the legislature repealed the long-standing spending limit,” said Beezley. "This proposal reinstates that limit and ensures that Colorado has a prudent spending limit in place."

HB 1280 will reinstate the government spending limit that prevented the state's operating budget from growing more than six percent each year. Democrats repealed that limit despite Republican opposition by Senate Bill 09-228. The proposal also creates a rainy day fund for the state equal to eight percent of the state's operating budget, or General Fund. The fund would be built over time with the revenues above the reinstated spending limit.

"This bill would set a more responsible course for the future and would better serve the needs of our state, particularly during difficult economic times in the future,” said DelGrosso, who chairs the House Finance Committee.

Joint Budget Committee member Jon Becker, R-Fort Morgan, supports the measure.

Becker said. “The budget process this year has been painful, for legislators having to make these difficult decisions and more importantly for citizens who are impacted when our budget has to be reduced so drastically and so suddenly."

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