Colorado house GOP News

Republicans Call for Transparency on Teacher Effectiveness

2010-08-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Gardner Calls on Colorado Congressional Delegation to Reject Collective Bargaining Amendment

2010-07-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

State Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, today is calling on Colorado’s congressional delegation to reject a dangerous amendment to a bill working its way through Congress that would force state and local governments to participate in collective bargaining with labor unions.

“Particularly with all of the uncertainty currently surrounding the economy, now is not the time to be making radical changes to the balance between labor unions and local governments,” Gardner said. “The amendment that has been attached to this bill will cause further harm to our economy and hinder our economic recovery.”

The amendment added to H.R. 4899 by Rep. David Obey, D-Wisconsin, would force state and local governments into collective bargaining agreements with labor associations representing police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders, among others.

Joining Gardner in signing the letter are 38 Representatives and Senators from across Colorado. Gardner says the strong showing of support for his letter by his colleagues illustrates the growing concern there is for this issue.

“Legislators from across the state signed this letter because they are just as concerned as I am that this overreaching mandate could be on its way from Washington to Colorado,” Gardner said. “I hope our congressional delegation agrees and joins with us in opposition to this amendment.”

Rep. Stephens Applauds Challenge to Internet Tax

2010-07-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Complaint Based on Consumer Privacy Concerns, Loss of Colorado Jobs

State Rep. Amy Stephens, R-Monument, today applauded the legal challenge filed against Colorado’s new Internet sales tax policy, recently authorized by House Bill 1193.

“We have said from the beginning that this proposal jeopardizes consumer privacy and gives the government a frightening amount of access to information about personal purchases and services,” said Stephens. “The bottom line is, it’s none of the government’s business what someone wants to buy online.”

Stephens helped lead the fight against HB 1193, a Democrat-sponsored budget balancing proposal that mandates sales tax collection for online purchases.

It was announced yesterday that the Direct Marketing Association filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Colorado challenging the new law as unconstitutional. The DMA cited privacy violations because the new law requires companies to turn over confidential purchasing history information to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The DMA also claims the law unfairly discriminates against interstate commerce.

“I wholeheartedly agree with the concerns raised by the legal challenge,” Stephens said. “These are problems even the sponsors of the bill recognized. Unfortunately, the tax proposal was still rushed through the legislature, causing concern for consumers and leading to the immediate loss of Colorado jobs.”

Immediately following passage of the bill, it was announced that Amazon would no longer be working with its 4,200 affiliates in Colorado.

Prior to filing the lawsuit, the DMA, along with several other entities, registered their concerns about HB1193 with the legislature, with the governor, and with the Department of Revenue during its rulemaking process.

Report Card on Ritter’s Economy

2010-06-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Colorado’s latest economic forecast predicts some tough times ahead, and it's not hard to see why.

Democrats in charge of Colorado are failing the public with their harmful economic policies, including tax increases on businesses and consumers and onerous restrictions that discourage economic activity.

Quotes from the forecast on predictions for Colorado’s job market, economic performance, and energy sector make it easy to see that Democrats are falling short of the mark.

“The Democrats' management of the economy is making a bad situation that much worse,” said House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker. “Higher taxes, increased regulation, and a hostile attitude toward business have hampered Colorado’s recovery. Colorado Democrats are just not making the grade when it comes to managing the economy.”

2010-06-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

State Rep. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, today released the following statement in reaction to the governor’s veto of his House Bill 1287 that would have restricted state employees from using state-owned vehicles for commuting purposes:

“The intent of HB-1287 was to control the waste and abuse of government vehicles being used for commuting by state employees. That waste has been demonstrated by at least three state audits, and one of the governor’s own studies. Governor Ritter has had years to fix these problems, but has shown no leadership to do so. Nothing in the bill would have prohibited authorized emergency workers from commuting using state vehicles, but would have charged most employees the fair cost to the state for their non-official travel to and from work. Marked State Patrol vehicles were specifically exempted from reimbursement.”

“This bill was just a common sense way to save $3 million per year, and became enormously popular. The Joint Budget Committee, with four Democrats and two Republicans, unanimously sponsored the bill due to the clear waste and lack of oversight in the current system. The bill passed the House 59-2, and the Senate 35-0. Similar bills have been passed in nine other states in the past 18 months.

“It is disappointing that the governor chose to side against both the legislature and the taxpayers by vetoing House Bill 1287. Taxpayer-owned vehicles should be used only in the essential performance of state business, not for a free ride to work. As more Colorado workers lose their jobs, and taxpayers and businesses have to pay higher taxes during a continuing economic crisis with record unemployment, and Colorado families are paying higher vehicle registration fees, it is blatantly unfair for state workers to get a free ride to and from their offices. Unfortunately, this veto is part of a pattern with this governor of protecting wasteful special perks for the government while overcharging already desperate taxpayers. Whatever happened to ‘shared sacrifice’?”

Balmer Resolution Supporting Health Care Challenge Rejected

2010-05-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

Assistant House Republican Leader David Balmer, R-Centennial, today made the case for the General Assembly to support Attorney General John Suthers in his constitutional challenge of the federal health care legislation.

Majority Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee defeated the resolution on a party-line vote citing their support for the Obama-backed government run health care plan.

“There are real constitutional problems with the recently adopted government health care takeover,” Balmer said. “I think Attorney General Suthers deserves the support of the General Assembly in protecting Colorado from an extremely questionable law. Unfortunately, Democrats are unwilling to ask these important constitutional questions.”

Balmer says that House Joint Resolution 1008 raises important constitutional questions about the health care act. Balmer pointed out that the 2010 federal health care law unconstitutionally requires individuals to contract with private corporations.

“As legislators, we took an oath to uphold the federal and state constitutions,” Balmer said. “This new federal law clearly violates the U.S. Constitution, so we have a duty to challenge this unconstitutional law.”

Attorney Generals from across the United States have signed onto the lawsuit challenging the federal health care act. The lawsuit charges that the individual mandate implemented by the act exceeds Congress’ legislative authority and violates the constitutional rights of Americans.

“I think the Democrats who are willing to follow the will of Congress without question are going to find themselves on the wrong side of history,” Balmer said. “Even though my resolution failed, I personally support the AG in this lawsuit and I know many of my colleagues and constituents do as well.”

HJR 1008 was defeated on a 6-4 party-line vote.

Rep. Kerr Marks 11th Anniversary Of the Columbine Tragedy

2010-04-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

State Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Littleton, today took time out of a busy legislative schedule to ask the General Assembly to join him in a moment of silence to honor the 11th anniversary of the Columbine High School tragedy.

“Today marks the 11th Anniversary of the Columbine High School shootings,” Kerr said. “It is a day to acknowledge the many innocent victims who died that day. We want to let the families know that they are not alone and that our thoughts and prayers go out to them.”

Kerr remarked that Colorado should never forget the tragedy at Columbine High School in Littleton Colorado, which left 12 students and one teacher dead and 23 other people wounded.

“We will always remember the Columbine victims and their families,” Kerr said. “This tragedy has changed the way we address school safety and other emergency responses so that similar events can be prevented. In fact, the lessons we learned from Columbine prepared the teachers and students of Deer Creek Middle School to recently avert a greater tragedy.”

Rep. Kerr represents Colorado State House District 28, home to Columbine High School.

House GOP Education Committee Rejects End-Run on TABOR

2010-04-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Republicans on the House Education Committee today are gearing up for what is expected to by yet another showdown over the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights.

At issue is House Concurrent Resolution 1002 by Rep. Debbie Benefield, D-Arvada, that would ask voters to allow the legislature the ability to impose tax increases for any education-related purpose without voter approval.

Rep. Tom Massey, Ranking Republican on the House Education Committee, says that the proposal violates the spirit of TABOR by allowing the legislature to impose tax increases without a vote of the people.

“Colorado voters approved TABOR in 1992 and now during a recession is not the time to push for a tax increase,” said Massey, R-Poncha Springs. “Their latest proposal would cripple TABOR and allow for massive tax increases merely to avoid cuts to education in lean economic times. Especially when every other state department is facing the same cuts as education is. That is just not good economic policy.”

Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, is concerned that is adopted, HCR 1002 would allow for unchecked government growth.

“Raising taxes and increasing government spending is not going to help put Colorado families back to work,” McNulty said. “Colorado families and businesses are looking for new solutions that respect their tax dollars and get our economy moving again. This proposal is just more of the same from the party in power.”

The House Education Committee will take up HCR 1002 today, April 19, at 1:30 pm in the Old Supreme Court Chamber. Members of the media and public can listen in to the proceedings live by clicking here and selecting the audio link for the Old Supreme Court Chambers.

During Budget Republicans Lead Bipartisan Reform of Broken System

2010-03-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

May: State Ship Must be Righted

As the state House of Representatives readies to take up the state budget, House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, today says that leading on government reform will be the House GOP’s top priority this year.

“House Republicans are interested in tackling some of the big picture problems in state government,” May said. “With the recession comes the opportunity to rethink, reshape, and retool areas of government that are simply not working and improve on aspects that are. House Republicans are ready to step up and provide the leadership necessary.”

May says that Republicans are working with Democrats to push for reforming the way that state government funds Colorado’s system of higher education, the state transportation system, and correctional facilities.

“Year after year we continue to see the same problems in the same areas yet we have not taken the opportunity to address these issues,” May said. “We can’t continue to push these problems off to be dealt with by future lawmakers. We can’t continue to govern by crisis.”

Specifically, May says that Republicans will push for an evaluation of the Department of Corrections to determine how Colorado can better utilize assets and increase efficiency. Another effort will focus on reforming Colorado’s higher education system to eliminate duplication between schools and increase efficiency. May says Republicans are also working on a proposal to re-evaluate our transportation system so that the state can fulfill obligations and eliminate roadblocks that prevent local communities from investing in their own roads.

The House is set to take up House Bill 1376, the state budget bill, later this week. May says that Republicans will offer constructive amendments to the state budget but most of the proposals he is backing will be introduced as separate bills in the coming days.

May: House Defeats Rep. Rice’s Risky Investment Scheme

2010-02-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

House GOP and Dems Team Up to Stop Investment Gamble on Retirement Accounts

The state House of Representatives today stopped a Senate Joint Resolution that House Republicans said encouraged risky investments for Coloradans’ individual retirement accounts.

At issue was Senate Joint Resolution 15, by Rep. Joe Rice, D-Littleton, which would have granted the state House of Representatives’ encouragement and stamp of approval for Colorado businesses to add a renewable energy fund to every 401(k) and other defined contribution plans in the state. The resolution was defeated when Representatives on both sides of the aisle saw how risky this investment strategy is.

“The House is not going to encourage people to gamble with their retirement funds,” said House Republican Leader Mike May. “I don’t believe that the state House should set the precedent of trying to pick winners and losers in the stock market. Especially not for Rice’s special interest cronies.”

As an example, May, R-Parker, pointed to a much-hyped foreign corporation that could be included in such an investment that has seen their stock drop nearly 70 percent in the last 20 months.

“We all support and encourage renewable energy,” May said. “But that doesn’t mean that Coloradans should be led to believe that the state House says they are a sound investment for your retirement.”

After a spirited debate, the House defeated the SJR 15 on a vote of 42-21.

Bulk of “Dirty Dozen” Package of Tax Increases Sent to Senate

2010-02-01T14:15:00.000-08:00

Bulk of “Dirty Dozen” Package of Tax Increases Sent to Senate

Democrats Rush Forward with “Tax Increases in Effort to Play “Economic Chicken”

Despite continued opposition from citizens, businesses, and consumers, majority Democrats today granted final approval in the House for a package of tax increases that make up the bulk of the ‘dirty dozen.’

“The Democrats’ rush to tax the citizens and businesses who make up the backbone of Colorado’s economy, came full-circle this morning,” May said. “After hours of testimony from business owners and citizens who oppose these tax increases, Democrats still chose to ignore that message and take them one step closer to reality.”

The package of 8 proposals, granted final approval by the House today, would remove tax exemptions that small businesses rely on. Democrats are fast-tracking the package of legislation in order to pay for their over-spending in the previous year.

“Now is not the time to be passing along the cost of government bureaucracy onto citizens and businesses,” May said. “There is no question that a good many Coloradans are going to lose their jobs if this legislation is not stopped.”

May says that the overwhelming display of opposition by concerned citizens and business owners should be enough of an argument to stop these bills. Last week, the House Finance Committee debated the proposals, with one hearing lasting until 2:45 a.m. The committee room was overflowing with Coloradans from across the state who came to testify against the package of tax increases.

“One Democrat went so far as to argue that we should “call businesses bluff” when it comes to the amount of jobs that will be lost as a result of these tax increases,” May said. “When these businesses come to the capitol and tell us that they will have to cut jobs, they mean it. Calling their bluff is simply not good public policy and playing economic chicken with business owners will cost Colorado jobs.”

Among the tax exemptions being proposed for removal are candy, soda, online sales, and energy use.

The proposals, House Bill 1189, House Bill 1191, House Bill 1192, House Bill 1193, House Bill 1194, House Bill 1195, House Bill 1196, and House Bill 1199 were passed by the House on final approval with bipartisan opposition and will now move to the state Senate for further debate.

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Republican State of the State

2010-01-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

House Assistant Republican Leader David Balmer joins with Senate Assistant Republican Leader Greg Brophy to deliver the Republican State of the State.

Gardner Slams Dems for Rosy Unemployment Figures

2010-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

State Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, today reacted swiftly to a news report showing two Colorado towns in energy producing regions as having the highest percentages of job losses in the country for the 3rd quarter of 2009.

The report, on MSN.com, states that Greeley, Colorado has the 9th highest job-loss rate and Grand Junction the highest rate out of the largest 281 metro cities across America. Greeley had a 2.4 % drop and Grand Junction had a 5.2 % drop in the employment rate over the third quarter of 2009.

“Governor Ritter and Majority Democrats continue to paint a rosy picture of Colorado’s unemployment rate,” Gardner said. “However, Grand Junction and Greeley have experienced some of the worst job-loss rates in the nation.”

Gardner pointed to the governor’s often-criticized oil and gas rules as being a contributor to the rise in the unemployment rate. Citing the new rules, Gardner says that many companies are choosing not to expand operations or to do business in certain areas of Colorado.

“The truth is that many companies are holding back on hiring and expansion and looking instead at more predictable and friendly regulatory environments,” Gardner said. “Democrats who deny that these rules are having an effect just need to look at the numbers in these counties.” Gardner noted that the indirect jobs associated with energy development have suffered as well.

Gardner and other Republicans warned Democrat leaders about the consequences of the rules during lengthy debate in the state House of Representatives. At the time, Gardner and industry leaders warned that overly restrictive environmental regulations and a lengthy and unpredictable permitting process would stifle industry growth. Despite those warnings, the governor moved forward and approved the rules.

“While many cities and towns across America struggle to lessen the effects of the recession, some on Colorado’s Eastern Plains and Western Slope have not been so lucky,” Gardner said. “It is shameful that these rules stay in place as Coloradans continue to lose good jobs.”

May: New Appointment Will Hurt Agriculture and Jobs

2010-01-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, today reacted sharply to the news that House Speaker Terrance Carroll, D-Denver, appointed Rep. Randy Fischer, D-Fort Collins, to serve as the chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

“Rep. Fischer’s record of hostility toward agriculture and the energy industry does not bode well for Colorado’s economy and job market this year,” May said. “Important policy decisions that will impact farmers, ranchers, miners, and oil and gas workers are now in the hands of a legislator who has actively opposed each of these industries.”

Fischer’s House Bill 1230, from 2008, would have required strict emissions requirements to be placed on all diesel powered equipment. Dubbed the “Tractor Tax,” it would have required farmers to retrofit equipment with costly upgrades.

“Fischer’s tractor tax enraged the agriculture community and even threatened to put some farmers out of business,” May said. “Fortunately, this hostile proposal was defeated, but with Fischer being elevated to this new position, these types of proposals may be back.”

May also points to public statements Fischer made opposing future water storage projects in Colorado. Quoted in a December 2009 Greeley Tribune article, Fischer said that “Colorado does not need any additional water storage.”

“Without adequate water to irrigate, many of Colorado’s farms would simply dry up,” May said. “These are only a few examples demonstrating that Fischer clearly does not understand the issues important to agriculture.”

Fischer also played an important role in the approval of new oil and gas rules that have been criticized as “job-costers,” and has run legislation in the past to curb mining operations in his region.

Rep. McNulty: Union Comes to Collect

2009-12-21T10:50:00.000-08:00

New Propaganda Puts Spotlight on Union Demands for Higher Pay and Benefits

State Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, today issued a sharp rebuke to a new missive issued by Colorado WINS, the union that bargains for Colorado state employees.

“We are in the midst of a recession and facing a massive state budget shortfall and the union is blind to it as they continue to push their Chicago-style politics,” McNulty said. “As a former civil servant myself, I know that our state employees take pride in what they do for our state, and while union bosses are busy whining and issuing politicized reports, Colorado’s state employees are going above and beyond to serve their fellow Coloradans, and I thank them for that. The real issue here is that Gov. Ritter set the stage for increased labor tensions when he granted union bosses access to state government.”

McNulty is referring to an executive order signed by Gov. Bill Ritter that granted unions access to state government employees. Touted by Ritter as an efficiency measure, Republicans at the time warned that the move would eventually result in increased costs to Colorado taxpayers.

“Colorado taxpayers are already paying the bill for increased bureaucracy in the form of higher fees and taxes and car registration fees,” McNulty said. “Now we can thank our governor for an impending union-taxpayer showdown that threatens to hurt state employees and put state services at risk.”

According to a report in the Denver Business Journal, last June, Colorado state employee union officials went before the Joint Budget Committee asking the committee members to boost wages and benefits for state employees by eliminating important economic development measures the state offers.

“It has been my experience that Colorado state employees will do whatever it takes to get the job done,” McNulty said. “Unfortunately, union bosses have placed them in a bad situation.”

Rep. May Statement on Ritter Announcement

2009-12-10T14:43:00.000-08:00

House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, today issued the following statement in response to Governor Bill Ritter’s announcement of his “jobs plan”:

“As we continue to grapple with the continued effects of a struggling economy, a focus on jobs is absolutely essential.

“I would suggest that if Gov. Ritter wants to get Coloradans back to work, he repeal his onerous tax and fee increases, scale back his damaging oil and gas rules, and rethink the way government does business.

“Unfortunately, the governor seems to be more focused on job training programs than proposals to get Coloradans back to work.

“It is time to take a new approach to solve our long-term problems.”

Charter School Victory Lauded

2009-12-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

State Rep. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, today praised a bipartisan vote to prevent an audit singling out Colorado’s charter schools. The Legislative Audit Committee voted yesterday against the proposed audit, which Republican lawmakers called a punitive overreaction to the failings of one charter school. The measure failed on a five to two vote.

“Colorado’s charter schools continue to provide an excellent educational opportunity for our children,” Rep. Lambert said. “I applaud the Audit Committee’s decision to reject Rep. Merrifield’s (D-Colorado Springs) proposal in his continued attempts to discredit these particular institutions.”

State Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, who is serving as a temporary member on the Legislative Audit Committee this week, echoed Lambert’s statement.

“This request was way over the top,” he said. “It was a misguided attempt to unfairly target and discredit Colorado's charter schools and deprive parents of their right to public school choice.”

Both legislators say Colorado charter schools have been successful in educating Colorado students and providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children.

May Statement on Latest Round of Budget Cuts

2009-10-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, today issued the following statement in response to Governor Bill Ritter’s latest budget balancing plan:

“As we continue to grapple with measures to balance the budget, I believe that we should use this situation as an opportunity to examine meaningful government reform as opposed to using one time gimmicks and budget balancing tricks.

“I was disappointed to see that many of the governor’s proposals merely delay the inevitable.

“It is time to take a new approach to solving our long term problems.

“We invite the governor to work with us in a true bipartisan fashion to reform government.”

Lambert Questions New Government Hiring on Eve of Furlough Day

2009-10-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

State Rep. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, today decried the Governor’s Energy Office for advertising three new job postings on their Web site while state employees face another unpaid day off.
“I find it difficult to understand why the governor would be advertising for new government jobs while state government is facing across the board budget cuts,” Lambert said. “Now is not the time to be expanding government.”

The job advertisements in question are for positions within the Governor’s Energy office. After reviewing the job postings, Lambert questioned why state government would be furloughing existing employees and hiring new state employees simultaneously.

“I have to question the logic behind adding five more highly paid government bureaucrats with lavish benefit packages while we are furloughing state employees,” Lambert said. “It seems that the so-called hiring freeze is now officially dead.”

Lambert also points to other recent media reports citing wasteful spending at the Department of Education and a scathing audit of the CollegeInvest program as evidence that state government needs to rein in spending and control costs.

“It is shameful that the governor is still expanding pet government projects while he unilaterally cuts several days of pay from existing state employees, proposes more cuts to the homestead property tax exemption for senior citizens, and cuts fire and police protection in casino communities,” Lambert said. “It is time we reexamine government priorities and set things straight.”

The job announcements can be found online at Colorado Governor's Energy Office Web site.

Rep. Murray Appointed to SIPA Board of Directors

2009-10-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

State Rep. Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock, today announced that she has been appointed to serve on the Colorado Statewide Internet Portal Authority (SIPA) Board of Directors.

Murray will serve as the member of the Colorado House of Representatives on the SIPA Board of Directors. As a member of the board, Murray will work with other board members to oversee the maintenance and development of the Colorado.gov Web site.

“Every day, more and more Coloradans are interacting with their state government through the Web,” Murray said. “That is why it is important to deliver state government information and services as efficiently and user friendly as possible.”

The 13-member SIPA Board of Directors is consists of representatives from both the private and public sector. Created by the state Legislature in 2004, the SIPA Board of Directors is tasked with using the latest in technological and business solutions to deliver the best possible state government experience for Web users.

“Colorado citizens expect their government to deliver as many services as possible via the internet and I hope to be able to facilitate movement in that direction, not only for state government, but for local jurisdictions as well,” Murray said. “For example, the Douglas County School District uses SIPA as their fee payment engine, used by Douglas County parents every day. Any local jurisdiction may use SIPA to handle their local contact with citizens.”

When Murray was Douglas County Clerk and Recorder, she was instrumental in crafting a bill enabling electronic real estate recordings, which now makes Colorado one of the leading states to allow e-recordings.

Murray, who was recommended to serve on the board by House Republican Leader Mike may, R-Parker, was appointed by House Speaker Terrance Carroll, D-Denver. She will begin serving as a member of the SIPA Board of Directors immediately.

Tipton and King say New DNA Collection Law will Save Lives

2009-09-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Colorado today joins a growing list of states across the country that has implemented Katie’s Law.

Taking effect today in Colorado, Katie’s Law will institute the collection of certain DNA information from people who are arrested on felony charges.

Bill sponsors, Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, and Rep. Steve King, R-Grand Junction, says that this new law will protect the public by clearing more open and cold cases than any other single piece of legislation in Colorado history. “DNA collection provides law enforcement with a powerful tool that they can use to positively identify suspects,” Tipton said. "DNA is the best evidence and I am excited that this law is going to save lives.”

Katie’s Law is named for murder victim Katie Sepich. New Mexico State University graduate student Katie Sepich was 22 when she was raped and murdered in 2003. Since then, Katie’s mother, Jayann Sepich, has advocated for stronger DNA collection across the U.S.
DNA evidence from the case was recovered from under her fingernails. Her killer was later arrested for burglary in another case. Only after his conviction was his DNA collected and a match made in the Sepich murder.

“Collection of DNA evidence is a scientific tool for justice,” King said. “This is an important step toward not only convicting those who are guilty, but freeing the innocents who have been wrongly accused.” The new law also contains provisions for the expunging of DNA records and destruction of the DNA evidence if a defendant is not convicted of a felony.

Rep. McNulty Earns Spirit of Independence Award

2009-09-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

The Independent Bankers of Colorado Presents Representative Frank McNulty
With the Spirit of Independence Award

Vail, CO- The Independent Bankers of Colorado (IBC) awarded Representative Frank McNulty with its 2009 Spirit of Independence Award in Vail Colorado, during the annual membership convention.

The IBC’s Spirit of Independence Award acknowledges lawmakers who stand firm in support of what they believe, often in the face of intense pressure from opposing interest groups and partisan politics. Recipients of this award have a pulse on what is important to their constituents when negotiating key pieces of legislation and work to protect Coloradans.

Representative Frank McNulty serves House District 43, consisting primarily of the Highlands Ranch community. Representative McNulty works for a balanced, secure and responsible energy future that includes traditional, alternative, and renewable sources of energy.

He champions limited government, responsible water policies, and a budget that reflects Colorado’s diverse resources and economic sectors. “Representative McNulty has been a friend to independent community banks since joining the House of Representative in 2006,” said Barbara Walker, Executive Director of the Independent Bankers of Colorado. “He has been a dedicated supporter of the communities we serve, especially small businesses.”

This year, Representative McNulty sponsored key legislation supported by the IBC that establishes the Colorado Division of Housing as the official state foreclosure reporting entity. He led the opposition to the expansion of the Governor’s Energy Office ability to make direct consumer, small business and agricultural loans that undermine the ability of independent community banks and other private lenders to engage in traditional public private partnerships to multiply government funds and projects that support effective and sustainable local economic development.

The Independent Bankers of Colorado represent over 110 community banks doing business in over 500 locations throughout Colorado. The IBC believes in the enhancement and promotion of strong community banks and Main Street prosperity. It is the IBC mission to serve and promote local communities, small businesses, and family farm and ranches throughout Colorado.

House Gop Leader Mike May Monthly Newsletter

2009-07-03T12:41:00.001-07:00

Interested Coloradans:

Even though the legislature has been out of session since May, there has been no lack of activity at the capitol.

This summer there are numerous committees meeting to study issues such as school finance, health care and long term fiscal stability for the state. There are also many discussions on the state’s current budget situation because of a recent economic forecast that shows the state has spent more money than it will collect.

Budget Blues
You may be surprised to hear the state is facing financial struggles, especially in light of recent news.

The governor last month created a new $150,000 position within his office; the Democrat Senate President handed out $40,000 worth of bonuses to his staff; and the state employees’ union asked for benefit and pay increases. The state also added 1400 employees to the state bureaucracy this year and is still advertising job positions for custodial services, landscaping and dining services.

However, the latest economic forecast predicts that at the rate the state is collecting and spending money, by this time next year it will have committed to spend $870 million more than it will collect.

Fortunately, here in Colorado we are constitutionally required to balance the state’s budget each year. We also have the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights, which has kept spending relatively low in Colorado compared to other states like California. TABOR also prevents the legislature from raising taxes to fill the budget hole, unless the voters give their permission first.

Unfortunately, there are a number of accounting gimmicks and fee-raising options that the legislature has at its disposal. When the governor acknowledges the state’s financial struggles, this is his preferred method of addressing them. At first, he claimed Colorado would be largely immune from the recession. Then, when reality set in, he approved more than $1 billion worth of fee increases to cover the state’s budget gap, costing the average Colorado family more than an additional $800 after just one legislative session.

Last week, however, the governor announced that he was going to work with his departments to cut up to 10 percent of their budgets. That’s good news because the sooner we stop spending money we don’t have, the quicker we will recover from this downturn.

If the governor follows through with his commitment, it is unlikely the legislature will need to return for a special session over the summer.

FASTER Fury
Many Coloradans have understandably been unhappy to find out that the cost to register their vehicles could be four times higher this year than it was last year.

Gov. Ritter this session passed a bill he dubbed FASTER to raise the fines and fees associated with vehicle registration in order to fund transportation priorities. However, the governor also passed a bill later in the year that siphons money away from transportation. He did both despite opposition from Republicans and the motoring public. Now, Coloradans will be paying more and getting far less than they should for it.

The late fines went into effect in March and the fees just went into effect yesterday.

The pressure from the public has been so intense that Gov. Ritter has indicated he may take a look at changing portions of the bill next year. Please help us get these excessive fines and fees repealed by calling the governor at 303-866-2471 or e-mailing him here. You can also e-mail me your stories if you would like them to be shared on our web siteand with my legislative colleagues during the debate next year.

New Laws From A-Z
In addition to the FASTER fees, numerous other laws also went into effect yesterday. There’s everything from allowing insurance discounts for wellness, which I supported, to zapping a long-standing state spending limit, which I opposed.

Some of the new laws I supported:
HB 1012 – Allows insurance companies to provide incentives for participation in wellness and prevention programs.
HB 1081 – Increases the statute of limitations to allow for more time to investigate vehicular homicides.
HB 1109 – Extends foreclosure protection to more struggling homeowners.
HB 1132 – Updates state law protecting children from Internet luring, indecent material, and sexual exploitation to include the use of text messaging and instant messaging.
HB 1163 – Increases penalties for possessing child pornography, requires registration for convicted predators who move to Colorado from another state, and clarifies child abuse law by allowing out-of-state offenses to count as aggravating offenses in Colorado.
SB 80 – Creates a pilot program to allow for the limited collection of rainwater from qualified rooftops.
SB 241 – Based on Katie's Law, moves Colorado toward the increased use of DNA to prevent already-identified suspects from slipping unnoticed through the system if they are arrested on charges for another crime.
HB 1326 – Reforms the initiative petition process.

Some of the laws I opposed:
SB 228 – Repeals a long-standing state spending limit and the long-term transportation and capital construction funding tied to that limit.
HB 1260 – Authorizes two adults who are not married to enter into a designated beneficiary agreement and be the beneficiary of one another.
HB 1293 – Implements a new fee on hospitals.
SB 68 – Imposes a new $20 fee on marriage licenses and $10 fee on divorce proceeding papers.

Other Announcements
Yesterday, the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument was dedicated in Civic Green Park, near the entrance to the Highlands Ranch Library. The memorial will help us honor and remember the sacrifices of friends and family members in our community and the service they have given our country in the pursuit of freedom.

We should also celebrate freedom this weekend on Independence Day. In downtown Parker, the “Let Freedom Sing” event will feature the Red White and Brew MusicFest on Saturday, July 4, from 2 to 10 p.m. The fireworks display will begin at dusk. Click here for more information.

There are plenty of other local events as well for the 4^th of July. Lone Tree’s celebration will include the annual Firecracker 5K Run, the community parade and plenty of other entertainment before the fireworks display begins. For more information on that celebration, click here.

Lone Tree will be hosting a summer concert series with more family fun on July 25, in Sweetwater Park. Details are here.

The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo will begin on August 1 at the Douglas County Fair Grounds. Details will begin appearing here as we get closer to August.

Mike May
mike.may.house@state.co.us
303-866-5523

Session Marked by Partisanship and Race to Expand Government

2009-05-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, today summed up the 2009 legislative session by saying that the Legislature and the Ritter Administration have failed to meet their responsibilities to manage the government.

“It is astonishing that Democrats have found ways to expand government bureaucracy even in the midst of a recession,” May said. “The mismanagement of Colorado’s state government that we have seen from this governor has reached new heights.”

Republican lawmakers have been critical of the many Democrat backed proposals to raise fees, expand government bureaucracy, and push through their social agenda. May says these Democrat initiatives are going to hit Coloradans hard.

“The real story about this session is that Colorado families are going to see a major increase in their cost of living in the form of increased fees and taxes,” May said. “Pair that with the Democrats race to shut down the energy industry and embolden labor unions and we have a recipe for continued job losses.”

May is referring to Governor Ritter’s push to approve new rules on Colorado’s oil and gas industry, rules that many industry leaders say will lead to a drop in energy industry activity in the state.

“Where has the governor been on leading this state out of the recession?” May said. “The lack of leadership from the first floor of the capitol has set the second floor adrift. If we are going to get Colorado back on track, we are going to have to do a lot better.”

Many Republicans could not remember a session as marked by partisanship. As examples, they cited partisan gridlock on transportation, the removal of a key government spending cap and a Democrat push to expand their social agenda.

“Republicans went into this session hoping to work on getting Colorado out of this recession, what we got was exactly the opposite,” May said. “It was discouraging to see the Democrats raise taxes and fees this year by close to $1 billion dollars, even as families struggle to make ends meet in a shrinking job market.”

Republican Leader Chides Raid on Transportation Funding

2009-05-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker, today had sharp words to say regarding a Democrat proposal to remove a key state spending restraint.

Passed by the House today on Second Reading, Senate Bill 228 would repeal the Arveschoug-Bird provision, which limits growth in the state's general fund to 6 percent a year. Billed by the governor and Democrats as a transportation funding bill, House Republicans proved that the bill would do nothing to fund transportation by passing an amendment to shift the included transportation dollars to education.

“It is extremely disingenuous for the Democrats to remove this spending cap under the guise of creating transportation funding,” May said. “We proved today just how easy it is to siphon those so-called transportation dollars right out of the bill and put them wherever you want.”

Republicans argued against removing the spending cap saying it places an important check on the growth of state government and preserves a guaranteed revenue stream for transportation funding. Currently, all revenue collected above the limit is dedicated to transportation. Republicans have called the bill a raid on transportation dollars because it would effectively remove dedicated funding to roads and bridges.

“This unique spending cap has served Colorado well for many years,” May said. “The important limit it places on the growth of government bureaucracy has left us in much better shape than some of our neighbors to the east and west that are being ravaged by the recession.”

May argued that there is no guarantee of transportation funding within the complicated spending formula being backed by the governor. He also noted that the complicated formulas within the bill are nothing more than a series of earmarks.

“I made the point during the debate on this bill that it is chock full of special interest earmarks,” May said. “This so-called compromise being backed by the governor is full of problems for Colorado.”

Republicans counter that this change needs to be sent to a vote of the people and granted constitutional protection from legislative raids on the transportation funding and cash reserves.

“We worry that future legislatures are going to treat this money like a piggy bank they can use for their pet projects,” May said. “This proposal is the classic bait and switch. I am only hopeful that we can get some kind of guarantee that this money will not be spent foolishly.”