Senate secretary Goldman out, report says

The long-time secretary of the state Senate has left her job.

That's according to a report in today's State Bill News, which quotes Senate president Brandon Shaffer's chief of staff as saying Karen Goldman was fired.

An appointment as Senate secretary is bipartisan. It is one of six non-partisan staff appointments in the chamber.

Goldman served two years in the job between 2001-2003 and then held it again from 2005 until her tenure ended as a result of the decision to dismiss her.

Rep. Scanlan to join Hickenlooper's staff

Rep. Christine A. Scanlan, D-Summit County, is leaving the legislature to join Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper's administration.

Scanlan, who was re-elected Nov. 2, will serve as Hickenlooper's chief legislative strategist.

"It is extremely difficult leaving a job I love representing people who I deeply respect," Scanlan said. "But I plan to continue serving the hardworking people of my district while working for a Governor dedicated to turning Colorado around and positioning the state for great things in the future."

Appointed to the House in Jan. 2008, Scanlan served as majority whip in the 67th General Assembly. She was the principal House sponsor of a major educational reform bill signed into law and was an advocate for the teacher-tenure reform law enacted earlier this year.

Scanlan also led efforts to address forest health issues caused by an infestation of bark beetles.

She is a former president of the Summit County board of education.

A district 56 vacancy committee will choose Scanlan's replacement after her resignation becomes effective.

Senate Republican leader announces committee assignments

The Republican party did not win a majority in the state Senate in this month's election, but the addition of several new GOP members to the General Assembly's upper chamber will cause some changes in the body's committee assignments.

Minority leader Mike Kopp, R-Littleton, announced those changes today. Here, listed by committee, are the Republican members for the 68th General Assembly:

Business Affairs, Labor & Technology

Sen. Al White, R-Hayden - Ranking Member
Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch
Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray - Ranking Member
Harvey
White

Finance

Sen. Keith King, R-Colorado Springs - Ranking Member
Brophy
Sen. Mark Scheffel, R-Parker

Judiciary

Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud - Ranking Member
K. King
Scheffel

Education

Sen. Nancy Spence, R-Centennial - Ranking Member
K. King
Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley

Local Government & Energy

Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango - Ranking Member
Sen. Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs
Sen. Kevin Grantham, R-Canon City

State, Veterans & Military Affairs

Cadman - Ranking Member
Grantham

Health & Human Services

Mitchell - Ranking Member
Lundberg
Roberts

Transportation

Renfroe - Ranking Member
King
Spence

Appropriations

Harvey - Ranking Member
Grantham
Sen. Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs
White

Audit

K. King
Sen. Steve King, R-Grand Junction

Legislative Council

Kopp
Cadman
Renfroe
Scheffel

Legal Services

Brophy
Roberts

Capital Development

Renfroe

Joint Budget Committee

Lambert

Cadman will serve as assistant minority leader, while Scheffel will be the GOP caucus chair. Renfroe will be the minority whip.