House GOP Statement on New State Revenue Expectations

DENVER—Today, the Colorado Legislative Council and Office of State Planning and Budgeting released their September revenue forecasts to the Joint Budget Committee, showing a slight decrease in state revenue expectations due to less sales and use tax revenue. 

State Rep. Cheri Gerou, R-Evergreen, vice chair of the Joint Budget Committee, released the following statement about the forecasts:

“Today’s revenue forecasts, coupled with last August’s employment numbers show that we still face challenging economic times. 

“Given the decreases in sales and use tax revenue, the last thing Colorado’s families and job creators need is another burdensome tax increase.  Instead, we need policies that will help get our economy back on track and keep government spending in check.  House Republicans are committed to doing just that.” 

###

House Republicans Mark Constitution Day

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—September 17^th marks Constitution Day, the day commemorating the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution. 

House Majority Leader Amy Stephens released the following statement marking the significance of this day: 

“Today, we celebrate and reflect on the signing of the Constitution of the United States—a document like no other in the history of the world, one that enshrines the rights and liberties of all Americans and is a source of inspiration for freedom seekers throughout world. 

“We also remember the millions of servicemen and women who have defended the Constitution, including those bravely serving our nation today. 

“I encourage families and individuals to set aside a moment of time to read the Constitution, and to consider the impact these powerful words have had on generations of Americans and people around the world.”  

###

House Republicans Recognize Hispanic Heritage Month

DENVER—In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation into law designating Sept. 15-Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Majority House Caucus Chair, State Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock, released the following statement in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month—

 “Since Pres. Reagan established Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988, we have celebrated the diverse and numerous contributions the Hispanic community has given our state and our nation. 

“Colorado is stronger today because of the Hispanic community, including its thousands of small business owners, religious leaders, educators, and political leaders like State Reps. Robert Ramirez (R-Wheat Ridge) and Libby Szabo (R-Arvada).”

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, added—

“While we celebrate our diversity this month, we especially recognize our values of faith, family and love of country and freedom that unite us as Americans.  We especially thank the millions of Hispanics who have served proudly in the United States Armed Forces throughout our country’s history.”

“On behalf the House Republicans, I thank the Hispanic community for enriching our state and our nation.”  

###

McNulty’s Statement on Anniversary of 9/11

DENVER— Today, Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement concerning the 10 year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks: 

“This weekend, we remember those we lost ten years ago on Sept. 11 and those we lost serving in the defense of our nation since that horrific day.  We also take time to thank and honor the new generation of heroes who rose immediately after the attacks on that day and serve our country today.   

“On Sept. 11 we saw first responders and civilians rush to the World Trade Center and Pentagon to help those in need.  We saw the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 sacrifice their own lives to protect the lives of their fellow Americans.  And we have since seen scores of young people sign-up to serve in the armed forces.  These men and women have fought valiantly in the War on Terror and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.     

“We will never forget that horrific day, and we can never forget those who are fighting to keep our country safe from future attacks.”     

Photo courtesy of www.ColoradoSenateNews.com.  

###

Speaker McNulty’s Statement on Proposition 103

DENVER— Today, the Secretary of State’s Office announced that Proposition 103, a Democrat led tax hike initiative, has enough signatures to appear on the ballot. 

Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, released the following statement regarding the Democrat proposed tax hike:

“Democrats don’t get it.  Colorado’s hardworking families and job creators are struggling to survive in this recession.  The last thing they need right now is Democrats pushing another state tax increase. 

“This year, House Republicans successfully repealed several Democrat sponsored tax increases, so we could help families and small businesses during these challenging economic times.  In fact, Republicans were able to eliminate these burdensome taxes while reducing proposed cuts to K-12 education. 

“Republicans believe the best way to fund K-12 education is by creating jobs right here in Colorado, helping to put Colorado families back to work.”

###

House GOP Encouraged by Administration’s Defense of Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights

DENVER—Only weeks after House and Senate Democrat leadership voted against supporting the right of Coloradans to approve or reject all tax increases as set forth in the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, the Hickenlooper Administration released legal briefs detailing its defense of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. 

“I’m encouraged that this administration is defending the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and the rights of Coloradans threatened by this egregious lawsuit,” said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch.  “Coloradans voted for the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights to keep their government in check; it’s important that elected officials understand that.”

According to The Denver Post the brief states:  

“From the very first paragraph of their complaint, plaintiffs make clear that this case is an effort to have the courts remove what they see as an obstacle to their policy agenda: direct citizen participation in lawmaking."

In July, the Executive Committee of Legislative Council held a vote to support Coloradans' right to approve or reject tax increases.  The measure died on a 3-3 vote, with Republicans voting in favor and  Democrat Senate President Brandon Shaffer of Longmont, Senate Majority Leader John Morse, D-Fountain, and House Minority Leader Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, voting against the right of Colorado voters to approve tax increases.  Morse is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the state, claiming that the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights is unconstitutional because it requires a vote of the people on all tax increases.   

“Protecting the rights of Coloradans should not be a partisan issue,” said House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Monument.  “It is the responsibility of our government to defend our working families and to protect the right of Colorado voters to vote on tax increases.”    

###

Stephens’s Statement on 11th Circuit’s Ruling on Obamacare

DENVER—Today, the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Obamacare’s requirement that Americans be forced to buy insurance is unconstitutional. 

Colorado House Majority Leader Amy Stephens, R-Colorado Springs, released the following statement about the court’s decision:

“Republicans have been arguing that Obamacare is unconstitutional for close to two years.  Now, another federal court has ruled that President Obama and the federal government cannot dictate that American citizens buy health insurance. 

“I applaud the court for their decision and continue to support Attorney General John Suthers as he fights to overturn Obamacare.” 

###