Seed Newsvine
The Colorado Senate showed no doubts about Gov. Bill Ritter's choice of former Rep. Bernie Buescher as secretary of state this morning.
The vote to confirm the Grand Junction Democrat was unanimous, with praise coming from both sides of the aisle.
"He is the right choice, and a smart choice on the part of Gov. Ritter," Senate minority leader Josh Penry, R-Fruita, said.
Buescher lost his bid to be re-elected to the House of Representatives in November. He had been expected to succeed former Rep. Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, as speaker.
He will be sworn in at 3 pm today.
Showing posts with label Andrew Romanoff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andrew Romanoff. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Colorado Takes Historic Step as Carroll Assumes Speakership
The Centennial State took a pioneering step this morning as the General Assembly opened with African-American men at the helm of the Senate and House.
Rep. Terrance David Carroll, D-Denver, a former police officer, minister and lawyer, was formally installed as speaker of the House before a packed gallery and to the enthusiastic applause of members from both parties.
Over in the Senate chamber his counterpart, Sen. Peter Groff, a lawyer and educator, was again chosen by his colleagues to be president of the Senate.
The pomp in the House began with stirring and emotional renditions of the National Anthem and "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by Mary Louise Lee and the presentation of the colors by two members of the Colorado Army National Guard.
Outgoing speaker Andrew Romanoff launched the 2009 session of the legislature, as has been his custom, by injecting some humor into the proceedings.
“Pursuant to the Constitution, and the power now waning in me, I do hereby now call the House of Representatives to order for the 67th General Assembly of the state of Colorado,” outgoing speaker Andrew Romanoff said. Romanoff then joked that House Chief Clerk Marilyn Eddins would be “appointed for life.”
The House erupted into a standing ovation when new majority leader Paul Weissman, before moving for election of a new speaker, congratulated Romanoff on his service.
So did the Republican leader. “A special thank you for how you conducted the business of the house these past four years, Rep. Mike May of Parker said. “Thank you for your friendship.”
May seconded the nomination of Carroll as speaker. No one opposed Carroll.
Upon taking the podium Carroll congratulated Romanoff for his service and presented him with the gavel and “Bruce base” used during his tenure at the podium.
“Members, thank you for your vote of confidence,” Carroll said in his first comments to the House. “II look forward to living up to the confidence you have placed in me by electing me as speaker of this body.”
“I am honored and humbled to lead this chamber as its 34th speaker,” Speaker Carroll said in his opening address. “The people of Colorado have granted all of us a unique opportunity at this critical time in history.”
Carroll’s historic day was observed by a panoply of former African-American legislators, including ex-Sen. Penfield Tate, Denver clerk and recorder Stephanie O’Malley, ex-Sen. Regis Groff, former Rep. Rosemary Marshall, former Rep. Wilma Webb and former Denver mayor Wellington Webb.
Carroll paid homage to Romanoff and former majority leader Alice Madden for “working endlessly to move this state forward.”
“Both parties, and indeed the entire state, benefited from Andrew Romanoff’s and Alice Madden’s capacity to consider various, and at time competing, viewpoints,” he said. “Their thoughtful management of this chamber translated into transformative policies that have benefited all of Colorado.”
Republicans joined twice in a standing ovation for Romanoff and Madden.
Carroll, who is in his final term as a state representative, succeeds term-limited Andrew Romanoff in the speaker’s chair. Romanoff, who played a key role in helping Democrats win the majority in both houses of the General Assembly in 2004, was term-limited. He had recently been considered a contender for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Democrat Ken Salazar.
Groff commences his second session as Senate president. During his opening address to the Senate Groff said his status as the chamber's president, and Carroll's as House speaker, are not so much a reflection on them as on the state and those elected to the General Assembly.
"It is yet another stitch in the great fabric that is the history of this remarkable state," Groff said. "The historic uniqueness of what is happening in the Senate and House today is not a testament to Speaker Carroll or me, but a testimonial to Colorado and her people and members of this General Assembly."
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Soper, Court Vow to Push Mandatory CO Monitor Legislation
Two Democratic members of the House are promising to introduce a bill requiring all new homes and existing homes put up for sale have carbon monoxide monitors installed.
Rep. John Soper, D-Thornton, and Rep.-elect Lois Court, D-Denver, said at a news conference today that the recent deaths of Parker and Caroline Lofgren and their children Owen and Sophie due to carbon monoxide poisoning at a west slope cabin motivated their efforts.
“So many Coloradans knew and loved the Lofgrens and are so devastated by their deaths,” Court said. “I think the Lofgrens would be happy to see their community mobilized to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.”
The proposed legislation, which would be similar to one considered by the General Assembly in the 2008 session, would be called the "Lofgren Family Home Safety Act."
The Lofgren family lived in the district of outgoing House speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver. Court was elected to replace the term-limited Romanoff in November.
Rep. John Soper, D-Thornton, and Rep.-elect Lois Court, D-Denver, said at a news conference today that the recent deaths of Parker and Caroline Lofgren and their children Owen and Sophie due to carbon monoxide poisoning at a west slope cabin motivated their efforts.
“So many Coloradans knew and loved the Lofgrens and are so devastated by their deaths,” Court said. “I think the Lofgrens would be happy to see their community mobilized to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.”
The proposed legislation, which would be similar to one considered by the General Assembly in the 2008 session, would be called the "Lofgren Family Home Safety Act."
The Lofgren family lived in the district of outgoing House speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver. Court was elected to replace the term-limited Romanoff in November.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Romanoff Wins Prestigious Award for Public Service
Colorado's House speaker, Denver Democrat Andrew Romanoff, is one of the government leaders around the nation that have been named among the winners of Governing magazine's Public Official of the Year awards for 2008.
The award is given in recognition of "outstanding achievement in state and local government," according to a press release.
“These public officials each asked tough questions, and when they had their answers, they weren’t afraid to act," Alan Ehrenhalt, the magazine's executive editor, said. "Their leadership has led to unexpected progress—from reduced blight on foreclosed properties to the exoneration of inmates who were wrongly convicted to the removal of unsafe cold medicines from the shelves. These officials prove that by asking sometimes painful questions, smart, dedicated people can change government for the better.”
According to a press release issued by the magazine, Romanoff is being recognized because he "built a bipartisan coalition to take on the politically risky task of overhauling a constitutional provision that was crippling the state budget."
He is joined in receiving the award by St. Petersburg, FL Mayor Rick Baker, who spearheaded a building boom in his city’s downtown while improving schools, parks and public facilities in neighborhoods throughout St. Petersburg; Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who championed landmark infrastructure and health care legislation, while improving the management of state government and putting his state on a sound fiscal footing; Dallas County, TX district attorney Craig Watkins, whose push for DNA testing identified and freed 19 inmates who had been wrongly convicted, many of whom had been behind bars for years; Baltimore, MD, health director Joshua Sharfstein, who led a national campaign that called into question the safety and effectiveness of children’s cold medicines, prompting drug companies to pull the medications and resulting in new Food and Drug Administration rules; Hawaii's director of human services Lillian Koller, who overhauled her state’s system of dealing with at-risk children, cutting child abuse and reducing the number of children in foster care; Dayton, OH housing inspector John Carter, who untangled the webs of the mortgage services industry to determine which lending companies had the title to vacant properties, then worked with these companies to fix and maintain the abandoned homes; and Michigan chief information security officer Dan Lohrmann, whose pioneering efforts to keep state computers and networks secure are viewed as a model by technology officials around the country.
The award winners are profiled in the November issue of Governing and will be honored at a dinner November 12 in Washington, D.C.
This year’s group of recipients is the fifteenth to be honored by the magazine. Governing is an independent national magazine devoted to coverage of state and local government. It has a circulation of 85,000 state and local officials.
The award is given in recognition of "outstanding achievement in state and local government," according to a press release.
“These public officials each asked tough questions, and when they had their answers, they weren’t afraid to act," Alan Ehrenhalt, the magazine's executive editor, said. "Their leadership has led to unexpected progress—from reduced blight on foreclosed properties to the exoneration of inmates who were wrongly convicted to the removal of unsafe cold medicines from the shelves. These officials prove that by asking sometimes painful questions, smart, dedicated people can change government for the better.”
According to a press release issued by the magazine, Romanoff is being recognized because he "built a bipartisan coalition to take on the politically risky task of overhauling a constitutional provision that was crippling the state budget."
He is joined in receiving the award by St. Petersburg, FL Mayor Rick Baker, who spearheaded a building boom in his city’s downtown while improving schools, parks and public facilities in neighborhoods throughout St. Petersburg; Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who championed landmark infrastructure and health care legislation, while improving the management of state government and putting his state on a sound fiscal footing; Dallas County, TX district attorney Craig Watkins, whose push for DNA testing identified and freed 19 inmates who had been wrongly convicted, many of whom had been behind bars for years; Baltimore, MD, health director Joshua Sharfstein, who led a national campaign that called into question the safety and effectiveness of children’s cold medicines, prompting drug companies to pull the medications and resulting in new Food and Drug Administration rules; Hawaii's director of human services Lillian Koller, who overhauled her state’s system of dealing with at-risk children, cutting child abuse and reducing the number of children in foster care; Dayton, OH housing inspector John Carter, who untangled the webs of the mortgage services industry to determine which lending companies had the title to vacant properties, then worked with these companies to fix and maintain the abandoned homes; and Michigan chief information security officer Dan Lohrmann, whose pioneering efforts to keep state computers and networks secure are viewed as a model by technology officials around the country.
The award winners are profiled in the November issue of Governing and will be honored at a dinner November 12 in Washington, D.C.
This year’s group of recipients is the fifteenth to be honored by the magazine. Governing is an independent national magazine devoted to coverage of state and local government. It has a circulation of 85,000 state and local officials.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Denver Election Chief O'Malley Appointed to Reform Panel
Senate president Peter Groff of Denver appointed the Mile High City's chief election official, Stephanie O'Malley, to a panel set up to examine Colorado's voting systems.
The Colorado Election Reform Commission, which was created by legislation approved last spring, will study the question whether electronic voting equipment is reliable and accurate. The commission will make recommendations to the state legislature by March 2009.
Two other county clerks, Scott Doyle of Larimer County and Patty Nickell of Bent County, were previously named to the commission by House speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver.
The Colorado Election Reform Commission, which was created by legislation approved last spring, will study the question whether electronic voting equipment is reliable and accurate. The commission will make recommendations to the state legislature by March 2009.
Two other county clerks, Scott Doyle of Larimer County and Patty Nickell of Bent County, were previously named to the commission by House speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Colorado First State to Honor Widows and Widowers of Veterans
Gov. Bill Ritter, House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, and Rep. Nancy Todd, D-Aurora, announced this week that Coloradans who are the surviving spouses of deceased veterans will be honored by a Widows and Widowers Appreciation Day on Saturday, June 28.
“For more than two centuries, American military personnel have fought and bled to defend the United States both at home and abroad,” Romanoff said. “I’m proud to recognize and support the widows and widowers of veterans for the grief they must bear and the sacrifices they have made for Colorado and the nation.”
The event will be the culmination of six years of work by the Veterans’ Widows(ers) International Network (VWIN).
Colorado becomes the first state to honor the widows and widowers of veterans with a day of commemoration.
“For more than two centuries, American military personnel have fought and bled to defend the United States both at home and abroad,” Romanoff said. “I’m proud to recognize and support the widows and widowers of veterans for the grief they must bear and the sacrifices they have made for Colorado and the nation.”
The event will be the culmination of six years of work by the Veterans’ Widows(ers) International Network (VWIN).
Colorado becomes the first state to honor the widows and widowers of veterans with a day of commemoration.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ritter Unsure About Romanoff's TABOR Strategy
The Denver Post is reporting today that Gov. Bill Ritter has declined to endorse House speaker Andrew Romanoff's initiative aimed at freeing the state from the revenue limits imposed by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
Romanoff, who unsuccessfully attempted to convince the General Assembly to put an initiative that would repeal Amendment 27 while guaranteeing public schools a predictable funding source on the ballot, is now trying to get the proposal on the ballot by going directly to the public.
"Since that has taken a different track now, it would appear I would have to go back and have a conversation with (Romanoff) and really ask the question, 'What is its winnability, who is the coalition, how do you fund the campaign, who are the opponents and how does it fit with other things on the ballot?' And that's a real big problem for all of us," the Post reported Ritter as saying.
Romanoff, who unsuccessfully attempted to convince the General Assembly to put an initiative that would repeal Amendment 27 while guaranteeing public schools a predictable funding source on the ballot, is now trying to get the proposal on the ballot by going directly to the public.
"Since that has taken a different track now, it would appear I would have to go back and have a conversation with (Romanoff) and really ask the question, 'What is its winnability, who is the coalition, how do you fund the campaign, who are the opponents and how does it fit with other things on the ballot?' And that's a real big problem for all of us," the Post reported Ritter as saying.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Highlights from Tuesday at the General Assembly
Your reporter was taking a much-needed break during the middle part of this week and so there were no updates for happenings at the Capitol between Tuesday and Thursday. Here are some of the highlights from Tuesday, April 22.
The House gave final passage to a measure aimed at helping legal immigrants obtain necessary clearance to be able to work on the state's farms. A large bipartisan majority endorsed HB 1325 one day after a Colorado Springs Republican representative set off a kirfuffle after announcing during floor debate that he believed the bill would invite thousands of "illiterate peasants" to Colorado.
The bill, which is being carried by Calhan Republican Marsha Looper and Montrose Republican Ray Rose, allows Colorado to speed up the process of issuing H-2A visas. Currently, application processing by the relevant federal authorities is so backlogged that it is taking, in some cases, about five months to issue the visas to qualified legal immigrants. HB 1325 will allow the state to assist the federal government with the process, accelerating visa application processing by up to three months. The measure also allows Colorado to undertake criminal background checks and health screenings of legal temporary workers.
The aim of the bill is to increase the number of qualified, lawful immigrant workers to assist with Colorado harvests. It includes incentives intended to help assure that the temporary, visa-receiving workers return to their home countries after the growing season.
The House vote on third reading was 46-18, with the "no" votes coming from members of both parties. Aside from Rep. Douglas Bruce, who made known his opposition by means of his controversial statement on Monday, opponents included Reps. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, Jim Kerr, R-Lakewood, Steve King, R-Grand Junction, Rosemary Marshall, D-Denver, Mike May, R-Parker, Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, Victor Mitchell, R-Castle Pines Village, Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, Amy Stephens, R-Monument, Ken Summers, R-Lakewood, Paul Weissman, D-Louisville, and Rob Witwer, R-Genesee, as well as speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver.
Under an H-2A visa foreign temporary agriculture workers can work in the U.S. for up to one year, with a maximum of three years possible under a single visa.
The House also gave final clearance to a measure allowing some persons convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes, which are generally minor in nature, to ask a court to order the conviction records sealed ten years after completing his or her sentence. The bill does not apply to any sex crime and does not preclude access to the records by government agencies engaged in necessary criminal background checks of an individual.
HB 1082 passed, 36-28, with Democrats Bernie Buescher of Grand Junction, Sara Gagliardi of Arvada, Dianne Primavera of Broomfield, Jim Riesberg of Fort Collins, John Soper of Thornton and speaker Andrew Romanoff of Denver joining all but two Republicans in opposition. Reps. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, and Al White, R-Hayden, were the only two GOP members to support the bill.
Freshman Rep. Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, is the prime sponsor of HB 1082.
The House also gave preliminary approval to a comprehensive residential landlord-tenant bill. HB 1356, if enacted, would represent the culmination of more than twenty efforts over forty years to have Colorado join almost every other state in having a residential landlord-tenant code in the state law books. Rep. Mike Merrifield, D-Colorado Springs, is the lead sponsor of the bill.
Over in the Senate a Republican measure aimed at instituting incentive pay for teachers gained final approval. SB 65, sponsored by assistant minority leader Nancy Spence of Centennial, passed on a unanimous vote.
The measure creates a grant program available for school districts to use for teacher incentive pay.
SB 170, cleared on a 26-8 vote, expands from 30 to potentially 50 years the amount of time a municipality's downtown development area can take advantage of tax-increment financing. All the "no" votes came from Republicans, including Tom Wiens of Castle Rock. That town has recently commenced a process aimed at creating a downtown development authority and securing authorization for tax-increment financing to pay for a re-developed downtown.
The Senate also gave final approval to HB 1175, which authorizes a Fourth Infantry Division commemorative license plate. The vote was unanimous.
SB 217, which creates the "Centennial Care Choices" program aimed at expanding private health insurance coverage in the state, also passed on third reading in the Senate.
The bill, which is aimed at Coloradans too wealthy for Medicaid but who don't have enough income to buy private health insurance, relies on public-private partnerships to expand coverage. The proposal includes: (1) a request for health insurers to create a menu of “Value Benefit Plans” (VBPs) that would be evaluated and endorsed by the state and would be made available to all Coloradans; (2) assistance to low income individuals and employees of businesses through a state subsidy of a portion of the VBP premium for those who do not qualify for government programs and cannot afford health insurance; and (3) assurance that this program builds upon the existing employer-based health insurance system, does not encourage businesses currently offering coverage to discontinue it, and promotes administrative efficiencies.
The House and Senate approved a conference committee report on HB 1001, which would make grant funds available to biotechnology entrepreneurs. That meant the measure was on its way to Gov. Bill Ritter.
Speaker Andrew Romanoff introduced a bill that would penalize insurers for wrongfully denying or delaying claims. HB 1407 is part of a package of healthcare reform measures announced in March.
The House gave final passage to a measure aimed at helping legal immigrants obtain necessary clearance to be able to work on the state's farms. A large bipartisan majority endorsed HB 1325 one day after a Colorado Springs Republican representative set off a kirfuffle after announcing during floor debate that he believed the bill would invite thousands of "illiterate peasants" to Colorado.
The bill, which is being carried by Calhan Republican Marsha Looper and Montrose Republican Ray Rose, allows Colorado to speed up the process of issuing H-2A visas. Currently, application processing by the relevant federal authorities is so backlogged that it is taking, in some cases, about five months to issue the visas to qualified legal immigrants. HB 1325 will allow the state to assist the federal government with the process, accelerating visa application processing by up to three months. The measure also allows Colorado to undertake criminal background checks and health screenings of legal temporary workers.
The aim of the bill is to increase the number of qualified, lawful immigrant workers to assist with Colorado harvests. It includes incentives intended to help assure that the temporary, visa-receiving workers return to their home countries after the growing season.
The House vote on third reading was 46-18, with the "no" votes coming from members of both parties. Aside from Rep. Douglas Bruce, who made known his opposition by means of his controversial statement on Monday, opponents included Reps. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, Sara Gagliardi, D-Arvada, Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, Jim Kerr, R-Lakewood, Steve King, R-Grand Junction, Rosemary Marshall, D-Denver, Mike May, R-Parker, Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, Victor Mitchell, R-Castle Pines Village, Jack Pommer, D-Boulder, Dianne Primavera, D-Broomfield, Amy Stephens, R-Monument, Ken Summers, R-Lakewood, Paul Weissman, D-Louisville, and Rob Witwer, R-Genesee, as well as speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver.
Under an H-2A visa foreign temporary agriculture workers can work in the U.S. for up to one year, with a maximum of three years possible under a single visa.
The House also gave final clearance to a measure allowing some persons convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes, which are generally minor in nature, to ask a court to order the conviction records sealed ten years after completing his or her sentence. The bill does not apply to any sex crime and does not preclude access to the records by government agencies engaged in necessary criminal background checks of an individual.
HB 1082 passed, 36-28, with Democrats Bernie Buescher of Grand Junction, Sara Gagliardi of Arvada, Dianne Primavera of Broomfield, Jim Riesberg of Fort Collins, John Soper of Thornton and speaker Andrew Romanoff of Denver joining all but two Republicans in opposition. Reps. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, and Al White, R-Hayden, were the only two GOP members to support the bill.
Freshman Rep. Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, is the prime sponsor of HB 1082.
The House also gave preliminary approval to a comprehensive residential landlord-tenant bill. HB 1356, if enacted, would represent the culmination of more than twenty efforts over forty years to have Colorado join almost every other state in having a residential landlord-tenant code in the state law books. Rep. Mike Merrifield, D-Colorado Springs, is the lead sponsor of the bill.
Over in the Senate a Republican measure aimed at instituting incentive pay for teachers gained final approval. SB 65, sponsored by assistant minority leader Nancy Spence of Centennial, passed on a unanimous vote.
The measure creates a grant program available for school districts to use for teacher incentive pay.
SB 170, cleared on a 26-8 vote, expands from 30 to potentially 50 years the amount of time a municipality's downtown development area can take advantage of tax-increment financing. All the "no" votes came from Republicans, including Tom Wiens of Castle Rock. That town has recently commenced a process aimed at creating a downtown development authority and securing authorization for tax-increment financing to pay for a re-developed downtown.
The Senate also gave final approval to HB 1175, which authorizes a Fourth Infantry Division commemorative license plate. The vote was unanimous.
SB 217, which creates the "Centennial Care Choices" program aimed at expanding private health insurance coverage in the state, also passed on third reading in the Senate.
The bill, which is aimed at Coloradans too wealthy for Medicaid but who don't have enough income to buy private health insurance, relies on public-private partnerships to expand coverage. The proposal includes: (1) a request for health insurers to create a menu of “Value Benefit Plans” (VBPs) that would be evaluated and endorsed by the state and would be made available to all Coloradans; (2) assistance to low income individuals and employees of businesses through a state subsidy of a portion of the VBP premium for those who do not qualify for government programs and cannot afford health insurance; and (3) assurance that this program builds upon the existing employer-based health insurance system, does not encourage businesses currently offering coverage to discontinue it, and promotes administrative efficiencies.
The House and Senate approved a conference committee report on HB 1001, which would make grant funds available to biotechnology entrepreneurs. That meant the measure was on its way to Gov. Bill Ritter.
Speaker Andrew Romanoff introduced a bill that would penalize insurers for wrongfully denying or delaying claims. HB 1407 is part of a package of healthcare reform measures announced in March.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Senate Clears Romanoff's B.E.S.T. Bill
A bill that would allocate nearly $1 billion toward the repair of decaying and dangerous public school facilities around the state got the final approval of the Senate Thursday.
HB 1335 would tap the state's school trust lands to raise about $500 million. Romanoff proposes that about $30-$40 million of revenues from natural resource exploitation conducted on those lands be used to make payments on necessary capital obtained via debt instruments.
The other portion of the total amount to be dedicated to school renovation and repairs would come from local contributions.
Colorado's school trust lands were granted to the state upon admission to the union and on condition that they be used to benefit school children. However, the state has never before had a structured mechanism for tapping into revenues generated on those lands for the benefit of public schools.
Public school buildings across the state are aging. According to a news release issued by the House majority communications office, hazards include failing roofs, structural problems, inadequate fire safety, faulty and dangerous boilers, absestos and carbon monoxide contamination.
The bill must return to the House for consideration of Senate amendments before heading to Gov. Bill Ritter's desk.
Democrats Peter Groff of Denver and Gail Schwartz of Snowmass Village sponsored HB 1335 in the Senate.
Five Republicans opposed the measure in today's vote, including Sens. Bill Cadman and Dave Schultheis of Colorado Springs, Ted Harvey of Highlands Ranch, Steve Johnson of Fort Collins, and Tom Wiens of Castle Rock.
HB 1335 would tap the state's school trust lands to raise about $500 million. Romanoff proposes that about $30-$40 million of revenues from natural resource exploitation conducted on those lands be used to make payments on necessary capital obtained via debt instruments.
The other portion of the total amount to be dedicated to school renovation and repairs would come from local contributions.
Colorado's school trust lands were granted to the state upon admission to the union and on condition that they be used to benefit school children. However, the state has never before had a structured mechanism for tapping into revenues generated on those lands for the benefit of public schools.
Public school buildings across the state are aging. According to a news release issued by the House majority communications office, hazards include failing roofs, structural problems, inadequate fire safety, faulty and dangerous boilers, absestos and carbon monoxide contamination.
The bill must return to the House for consideration of Senate amendments before heading to Gov. Bill Ritter's desk.
Democrats Peter Groff of Denver and Gail Schwartz of Snowmass Village sponsored HB 1335 in the Senate.
Five Republicans opposed the measure in today's vote, including Sens. Bill Cadman and Dave Schultheis of Colorado Springs, Ted Harvey of Highlands Ranch, Steve Johnson of Fort Collins, and Tom Wiens of Castle Rock.
Ritter, Suthers Endorse Romanoff's SAFE Proposal
Speaker Andrew Romanoff's proposal to untangle the state constitution's fiscal knot received the endorsement of the two most powerful members of the executive branch Thursday.
Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter and Republican attorney general John Suthers attended a news conference for supporters of Romanoff's idea at the Capitol.
Ritter called the so-called "SAFE" proposal, which would permanently "de-Bruce" the state budget by allowing the General Assembly to appropriate funds that exceed the TABOR cap and eliminate the Amendment 23 education funding mandate, "bold and elegant."
However, the governor also made clear the criteria that must be met for him to support whatever resolution asking the voters for a constitutional amendment emerges from the legislature.
“I have insisted that this proposal protects Senate Bill 1 transportation dollars, similar to how it is protected in current law," Ritter said. "Transportation funding is a top priority and we must ensure that Senate Bill 1 is funded whenever possible."
Romanoff's proposal would require that all revenues generated by existing taxes in excess of six percent growth over the prior year's budget be routed into transportation funding.
Ritter also emphasized that any constitutional fix must assure the permanent solvency of any rainy-day fund set up to replace the Amendment 23 mandate.
“I will also insist that this proposal ensures our rainy day fund for K-12 remains solvent," Ritter said. "We have taken steps to restore this fund’s solvency and I am committed to ensuring it remains solvent. Flexibility cannot come on the backs of our children.”
According to a news release issued by the House majority communications office, other supporters of the SAFE proposal include Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins, Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, state treasurer Cary Kennedy, and numerous education and business leaders.
Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter and Republican attorney general John Suthers attended a news conference for supporters of Romanoff's idea at the Capitol.
Ritter called the so-called "SAFE" proposal, which would permanently "de-Bruce" the state budget by allowing the General Assembly to appropriate funds that exceed the TABOR cap and eliminate the Amendment 23 education funding mandate, "bold and elegant."
However, the governor also made clear the criteria that must be met for him to support whatever resolution asking the voters for a constitutional amendment emerges from the legislature.
“I have insisted that this proposal protects Senate Bill 1 transportation dollars, similar to how it is protected in current law," Ritter said. "Transportation funding is a top priority and we must ensure that Senate Bill 1 is funded whenever possible."
Romanoff's proposal would require that all revenues generated by existing taxes in excess of six percent growth over the prior year's budget be routed into transportation funding.
Ritter also emphasized that any constitutional fix must assure the permanent solvency of any rainy-day fund set up to replace the Amendment 23 mandate.
“I will also insist that this proposal ensures our rainy day fund for K-12 remains solvent," Ritter said. "We have taken steps to restore this fund’s solvency and I am committed to ensuring it remains solvent. Flexibility cannot come on the backs of our children.”
According to a news release issued by the House majority communications office, other supporters of the SAFE proposal include Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins, Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, state treasurer Cary Kennedy, and numerous education and business leaders.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Romanoff Floats Fix of Conflicting Fiscal Mandates in Constitution
Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, thinks the General Assembly should ask the voters to reconcile the conflicting demands of the Taxpayers Bill of Rights and Amendment 23.
Romanoff says he will introduce a resolution asking the voters to approve a constitutional amendment that eliminates the mandatory tax refund aspects of TABOR while also eliminating the requirement that public school funding grow by the rate of inflation plus one percent through 2011.
According to a report in the Durango Herald, Romanoff plans to propose that the funds not returned to the taxpayers in years when the state gains revenue in excess of the TABOR base instead be placed in a "rainy day" account dedicated to K-12 education.
The proposal thus would preserve the TABOR requirement that Coloradans be given a chance to vote on tax increases while replacing the Amendment 23 funding mandate with a reserve dedicated to public education.
A resolution proposing a constitutional amendment would have to receive supporting votes from two-thirds of the members in each chamber in order to be placed on this autumn's ballot.
Because the Democrats hold only 40 seats in the House, they would need the votes of four Republicans to achieve that threshold. The Herald report says that Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, is considering whether to support it. Romanoff would likely also turn to Joint Budget Committee member Al White, R-Hayden, Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs, Rep. Rob Witwer, R-Genesee, Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Lakewood, and Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood, for support.
Minority Leader Mike May of Parker was quoted in the Herald report as saying the GOP caucus was not inclined to support Romanoff's initiative.
Over in the Senate, the Democratic majority would need four GOP senators to approve the resolution. Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins, has signaled support for the idea. Other possible Republican supporters could include Sen. Nancy Spence of Centennial, Joshua Penry of Fruita, Steve Ward of Littleton, Ken Kester of Las Animas, and Jack Taylor of Steamboat Springs.
A resolution incorporating Romanoff's proposal has not yet been introduced.
Romanoff says he will introduce a resolution asking the voters to approve a constitutional amendment that eliminates the mandatory tax refund aspects of TABOR while also eliminating the requirement that public school funding grow by the rate of inflation plus one percent through 2011.
According to a report in the Durango Herald, Romanoff plans to propose that the funds not returned to the taxpayers in years when the state gains revenue in excess of the TABOR base instead be placed in a "rainy day" account dedicated to K-12 education.
The proposal thus would preserve the TABOR requirement that Coloradans be given a chance to vote on tax increases while replacing the Amendment 23 funding mandate with a reserve dedicated to public education.
A resolution proposing a constitutional amendment would have to receive supporting votes from two-thirds of the members in each chamber in order to be placed on this autumn's ballot.
Because the Democrats hold only 40 seats in the House, they would need the votes of four Republicans to achieve that threshold. The Herald report says that Rep. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, is considering whether to support it. Romanoff would likely also turn to Joint Budget Committee member Al White, R-Hayden, Rep. Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs, Rep. Rob Witwer, R-Genesee, Rep. Jim Kerr, R-Lakewood, and Rep. Ken Summers, R-Lakewood, for support.
Minority Leader Mike May of Parker was quoted in the Herald report as saying the GOP caucus was not inclined to support Romanoff's initiative.
Over in the Senate, the Democratic majority would need four GOP senators to approve the resolution. Sen. Steve Johnson, R-Fort Collins, has signaled support for the idea. Other possible Republican supporters could include Sen. Nancy Spence of Centennial, Joshua Penry of Fruita, Steve Ward of Littleton, Ken Kester of Las Animas, and Jack Taylor of Steamboat Springs.
A resolution incorporating Romanoff's proposal has not yet been introduced.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Budget Headed for Introduction in the House Next Week
Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, said Monday that the FY 2009 budget would be introduced in the House next Monday, March 24.
Romanoff made the announcement during his regular weekly press conference.
Romanoff made the announcement during his regular weekly press conference.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Romanoff's "B.E.S.T." Bill Clears House
The House gave final approval Friday to a bill that would dedicate about $1 billion derived from state school trust lands toward school facilities construction and renovation.
HB 1335, the "Building Excellent Schools Today (B.E.S.T.)" bill sponsored by speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, was approved 63-1. Rep. Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs, was the only "no" vote.
Fifty-three members of the House, including representatives from both parties, signed on as co-sponsors.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
HB 1335, the "Building Excellent Schools Today (B.E.S.T.)" bill sponsored by speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, was approved 63-1. Rep. Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs, was the only "no" vote.
Fifty-three members of the House, including representatives from both parties, signed on as co-sponsors.
The bill now heads to the Senate.
B.E.S.T. Bill Gets Preliminary OK in House
A much-anticipated bill that would dedicate a portion of the revenues generated by the state's school trust lands to pay for new and renovated public school facilities gained preliminary approval in the House Thursday.
The proposed "Building Excellent Schools Today Act," or "B.E.S.T." bill, was approved by voice vote after a parade of legislators from both parties praised it as a necessary, innovative, and financially wise way of helping impoverished school districts build and maintain needed facilities.
Only one representative, Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs, spoke against the measure. He said it would reward school districts that failed to plan for the future because they preferred to spend money granting over-generous pensions to employees. Bruce also sought to amend the bill to remove its "emergency" clause, which would allow it to go into effect immediately upon receiving the governor's signature, but his motion gained no traction.
The measure would allow the state to borrow money pursuant to "certificates of public participation" and then repay the debt by means of the school trust land revenues. It would dedicate about $1 billion to school districts around the state and set up an evaluation process by which to prioritize needs.
School districts would be expected to contribute about $400 million, according to sponsor Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver.
A 2003 report by the state auditor said that Colorado had about $4.7 billion worth of backlogged public school facility upgrade and maintenance needs.
HB 1335 is sponsored by Speaker Romanoff along with Senate president Peter Groff, D-Denver, and Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village. It arose out of a tour of the state's rural schools by Romanoff and others last year and was boosted by a proposal by state treasurer Cary Kennedy to devote trust land revenues to the state's school capital needs.
The proposed "Building Excellent Schools Today Act," or "B.E.S.T." bill, was approved by voice vote after a parade of legislators from both parties praised it as a necessary, innovative, and financially wise way of helping impoverished school districts build and maintain needed facilities.
Only one representative, Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs, spoke against the measure. He said it would reward school districts that failed to plan for the future because they preferred to spend money granting over-generous pensions to employees. Bruce also sought to amend the bill to remove its "emergency" clause, which would allow it to go into effect immediately upon receiving the governor's signature, but his motion gained no traction.
The measure would allow the state to borrow money pursuant to "certificates of public participation" and then repay the debt by means of the school trust land revenues. It would dedicate about $1 billion to school districts around the state and set up an evaluation process by which to prioritize needs.
School districts would be expected to contribute about $400 million, according to sponsor Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver.
A 2003 report by the state auditor said that Colorado had about $4.7 billion worth of backlogged public school facility upgrade and maintenance needs.
HB 1335 is sponsored by Speaker Romanoff along with Senate president Peter Groff, D-Denver, and Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village. It arose out of a tour of the state's rural schools by Romanoff and others last year and was boosted by a proposal by state treasurer Cary Kennedy to devote trust land revenues to the state's school capital needs.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Link to Recent Radio Profile of Speaker Romanoff
We forgot to post a link to the Feb. 13 radio-broadcast profile of House speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver. The profile, prepared by Bente Birkeland, shows a bit of the fourth-term representative's personal life and includes some discussion of his future plans.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
School Construction Bill on Fast Track; Will Get Valentine's Day Hearing
Proposed legislation aimed at easing the financial burdens of constructing new school facilities in the state, introduced this week by the House speaker and Senate president, is headed for a hearing before a Senate committee tomorrow.
HB 1335, labeled the "Building Excellent Schools Today" Act by its sponsors, calls for a statewide needs assessment, process for the selection of schools to receive construction funding, and the expenditure of up to $1 billion in funds to build new facilities.
The sponsors say that the bill does not contemplate any new taxes or fees to pay for its objectives.
The hearing before the Senate Education Committee will take place Thursday, Feb. 14 at 1 pm in the West Foyer of the Capitol. Among the witnesses expected to testify in support of the bill are Treasurer Cary Kennedy, an eastern Colorado school superintendent, a member of the state Board of Education, and business leaders and parents.
HB 1335, labeled the "Building Excellent Schools Today" Act by its sponsors, calls for a statewide needs assessment, process for the selection of schools to receive construction funding, and the expenditure of up to $1 billion in funds to build new facilities.
The sponsors say that the bill does not contemplate any new taxes or fees to pay for its objectives.
The hearing before the Senate Education Committee will take place Thursday, Feb. 14 at 1 pm in the West Foyer of the Capitol. Among the witnesses expected to testify in support of the bill are Treasurer Cary Kennedy, an eastern Colorado school superintendent, a member of the state Board of Education, and business leaders and parents.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
"Building Excellent Schools Today" Act Introduced
House speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, along with Senate president Peter Groff, D-Denver, and Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, introduced Tuesday a bill that would create a new statewide program to assist school districts and the charter school institute in building new facilities.
HB 1335 would divert lottery proceeds, as well as public school lands (state lands) income and mineral royalties, to the new fund.
The bill requires some of the money to be set aside as a reserve. It also creates a new agency within the state Department of Education that would advise the department on new construction priorities and establish criteria for funding. The department would establish funding priorities each year.
All money in the state's existing funds for school capital construction would be transferred to the new fund effective July 1, 2008 if the bill becomes law.
HB 1335 would divert lottery proceeds, as well as public school lands (state lands) income and mineral royalties, to the new fund.
The bill requires some of the money to be set aside as a reserve. It also creates a new agency within the state Department of Education that would advise the department on new construction priorities and establish criteria for funding. The department would establish funding priorities each year.
All money in the state's existing funds for school capital construction would be transferred to the new fund effective July 1, 2008 if the bill becomes law.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Romanoff Announces New Committee Assignments
House Speaker Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver) announced new assignments to committees Sunday, including giving a convert from the GOP an important vice-chair slot.
Rep. Debbie Stafford (D-Aurora), who switched parties after last year's session, will be the new vice-chair of the Judiciary committee. She replaces Rep. Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora), who is replacing former Rep. Mike Cerbo as chair of the House majority caucus.
Rep. Stafford will also continue to sit on the Health and Human Services committee.
Romanoff also gave committee assignments to the chamber's two Democratic newcomers, Christine Scanlan and Mark Ferrandino.
Ferrandino, who replaced Cerbo, will sit on the Business Affairs and Labor committee and the State, Veterans and Military Affairs committee.
Scanlan, who replaced Sen. Dan Gibbs when he took the seat formerly occupied by Joan Fitz-Gerald, will sit on Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources committee and the Transportation and Energy committee.
Romanoff also announced that Rep. Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge) will replace Cerbo on the Judiciary committee and that Rep. Gwyn Green (D-Golden) will replace Gibbs as vice-chair of the Transportation and Energy committee.
Rep. Debbie Stafford (D-Aurora), who switched parties after last year's session, will be the new vice-chair of the Judiciary committee. She replaces Rep. Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora), who is replacing former Rep. Mike Cerbo as chair of the House majority caucus.
Rep. Stafford will also continue to sit on the Health and Human Services committee.
Romanoff also gave committee assignments to the chamber's two Democratic newcomers, Christine Scanlan and Mark Ferrandino.
Ferrandino, who replaced Cerbo, will sit on the Business Affairs and Labor committee and the State, Veterans and Military Affairs committee.
Scanlan, who replaced Sen. Dan Gibbs when he took the seat formerly occupied by Joan Fitz-Gerald, will sit on Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources committee and the Transportation and Energy committee.
Romanoff also announced that Rep. Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge) will replace Cerbo on the Judiciary committee and that Rep. Gwyn Green (D-Golden) will replace Gibbs as vice-chair of the Transportation and Energy committee.
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