Seed Newsvine
Republicans at the capitol are circulating a petition asking Gov. Bill Ritter not to volunteer Colorado's Supermax prison as a site for the relocation of detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The request, which was drafted by Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, and Sen. Ken Kester, R-Las Animas, implores Ritter to oppose any effort by President Barack Obama to relocate individuals captured in the War on Terror to the state.
"I don't really think it would be appropriate to mix these terrorists with the current prison population. They're going to be in our prisons recruiting inmates to kill American servicemen and civilians," Kester said. "Besides, there simply isn't enough room. We don't have the beds or staffing to accommodate that many new prisoners."
Evan Dreyer, the chief press spokesperson for Ritter, said the GOP is simply looking to score political points.
"I don't think the Republicans in the Colorado statehouse are acting any different than the Republicans in Washington," Dreyer said. "There was a similar type of knee-jerk reaction from Republicans in Washington as we saw today from Republicans in the statehouse."
U.S. Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio and the House minority leader, issued a statement Thursday criticizing Obama's decision.
Boehner, expressing fears that federal judges would order detainees held in a prison in the continental U.S. released, said Obama's plan to close the Cuba prison has not been well thought out.
Dreyer explained that Ritter supports Obama's decision to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and that the ultimate decision about who can be placed at Supermax is not in the governor's hands.
He also emphasized that Ritter believes that any detainee who is classified as a combatant under relevant international law should not be housed at the high-security prison complex near Florence.
"If they're military detainees, then Supermax is not the appropriate facility for them to be detained in," Dreyer said.
The military detention complex at Guantanamo Bay holds about 250 prisoners that could be classified as enemy combatants.
Obama issued Thursday an executive order that requires the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility used by the U.S. armed forces to hold foreign citizens suspected of involvement in the nation's war against al Qaeda and allied terrorist organizations.
As of Friday afternoon the petition included the signatures of three statehouse Democrats: Sen. Abel Tapia, D-Pueblo, Sen. Paula Sandoval, D-Denver, and Sen. Jim Isgar, D-Hesperus.
Republican signers of the petition include Senate minority leader Josh Penry of Fruita, Kester, and 12 other GOP senators. House Republican leadership team members Mike May of Parker, David Balmer of Centennial, Cory Gardner of Yuma and Amy Stephens of Monument, as well as 18 other GOP representatives, also signed the document as of Friday afternoon.
Showing posts with label Cory Gardner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cory Gardner. Show all posts
Friday, January 23, 2009
Merrifield's Bill Discouraging Slow Mountain Drivers Moves On
The House gave preliminary approval today to a bill that would punish drivers on narrow mountain roads who hold up lines of traffic by driving too slowly.
HB 1042 cleared the chamber after rural legislators led by Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, led an unsuccessful effort to secure an exemption for farm vehicles and Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, failed to win a provision excusing trucks carrying hazardous waste from the proposed law.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Mike Merrifield, D-Colorado Springs, has argued that slow-moving vehicles are dangerous because they provoke drivers of vehicles behind them to attempt to pass when not advisable.
Merrifield has said that the bill would not require slower drivers to pull off the road if there is no safe place to do so.
The bill, if enacted into law, would allow law enforcement officers to cite a driver's operation of his or her motor vehicle at slow velocity is impeding the forward progress of five or more other motor vehicles
The bill must pass a third reading in the House before moving on to the Senate.
HB 1042 cleared the chamber after rural legislators led by Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, led an unsuccessful effort to secure an exemption for farm vehicles and Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, failed to win a provision excusing trucks carrying hazardous waste from the proposed law.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Mike Merrifield, D-Colorado Springs, has argued that slow-moving vehicles are dangerous because they provoke drivers of vehicles behind them to attempt to pass when not advisable.
Merrifield has said that the bill would not require slower drivers to pull off the road if there is no safe place to do so.
The bill, if enacted into law, would allow law enforcement officers to cite a driver's operation of his or her motor vehicle at slow velocity is impeding the forward progress of five or more other motor vehicles
The bill must pass a third reading in the House before moving on to the Senate.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Chief Justice Makes Modest Requests During Biannual Address to Assembly
Colorado Supreme Court chief justice Mary Mullarkey came to the House chamber on Friday for her biannual "State of the Judiciary" address and she did not ask for much.
The veteran jurist, who has been on the court for more than 21 years, urged the General Assembly only to provide some additional probation officers, facilitate improved service at courhouses and provide a few million dollars for furnishings in the new courthouses and courthouse additions.
In 2007 and 2005 Mullarkey sought quite a bit more for the judicial branch, asking the last time she spoke for 63 new judges and enhanced security for courthouses and four years ago for 12 new judges and 104 other new judicial branch employees.
There was a minor controversy surrounding the chief justice's biannual address because some GOP legislators, including Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, have accused the state's highest court of having a bias in favor of the Democratic party. Gardner and several other Republican lawmakers asked Mullarkey to address those allegations in a letter sent to the veteran judge earlier in the week, but Mullarkey did not do so during her speech.
The veteran jurist, who has been on the court for more than 21 years, urged the General Assembly only to provide some additional probation officers, facilitate improved service at courhouses and provide a few million dollars for furnishings in the new courthouses and courthouse additions.
In 2007 and 2005 Mullarkey sought quite a bit more for the judicial branch, asking the last time she spoke for 63 new judges and enhanced security for courthouses and four years ago for 12 new judges and 104 other new judicial branch employees.
There was a minor controversy surrounding the chief justice's biannual address because some GOP legislators, including Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, have accused the state's highest court of having a bias in favor of the Democratic party. Gardner and several other Republican lawmakers asked Mullarkey to address those allegations in a letter sent to the veteran judge earlier in the week, but Mullarkey did not do so during her speech.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
GOP Announces Budget Task Force
Citing an impending budget crisis, the legislature's minority Republicans announced today that they would create a "task force" to examine priorities and potential solutions to the state's anticipated budget shortfall.
According to recent estimates Colorado could face a $600 million difference between revenues and budgeted expenditures this fiscal year.
“The state budget and the economy will be the number one issues we face this year in the Legislature,” House minority leader Mike May of Parker said. “That is why we are putting together a task force to examine the issues and come up with workable solutions.”
Joining May on the task force will be GOP Reps. Don Marostica of Loveland, Kent Lambert of Colorado Springs, Cory Gardner of Yuma and Ellen Roberts of Durango.
Republican lawmakers plan to use the recommendations developed by the GOP panel mambers to argue for passage of a "responsible budget that reflects the values of Colorado families," according to a press release issued by the House GOP communications office.
The party's statehouse press office declined to say whether the GOP expects majority Democrats to give serious consideration to Republican budget proposals.
The state's budget is written by the bipartisan Joint Budget Committee of the General Assembly.
According to recent estimates Colorado could face a $600 million difference between revenues and budgeted expenditures this fiscal year.
“The state budget and the economy will be the number one issues we face this year in the Legislature,” House minority leader Mike May of Parker said. “That is why we are putting together a task force to examine the issues and come up with workable solutions.”
Joining May on the task force will be GOP Reps. Don Marostica of Loveland, Kent Lambert of Colorado Springs, Cory Gardner of Yuma and Ellen Roberts of Durango.
Republican lawmakers plan to use the recommendations developed by the GOP panel mambers to argue for passage of a "responsible budget that reflects the values of Colorado families," according to a press release issued by the House GOP communications office.
The party's statehouse press office declined to say whether the GOP expects majority Democrats to give serious consideration to Republican budget proposals.
The state's budget is written by the bipartisan Joint Budget Committee of the General Assembly.
Friday, December 12, 2008
House Minority Leader May Says He'll Retire
Rep. Mike May, R-Parker, said today he will retire from the legislature to focus on his hotel business.
May, the minority leader, was reelected by a wide margin in November.
“It has truly been an honor serving in the legislature, and serving as the Republican Leader these last few years,” May said. “However, as the owner of a company, I have an obligation to the families that work for me. It has become increasingly difficult to balance my duties at the statehouse with those of keeping my business running in these difficult economic times. This decision was one of the hardest I have ever had to make, but I wouldn’t have made it if I didn’t think it was the right decision.”
The House Republican caucus will elect a new leader before the legislative session begins Jan. 7.
Contenders for the minority leader post are expected to include assistant minority leader David Balmer of Centennial, caucus chair Amy Stephens of Monument and minority whip Cory Gardner of Yuma.
Gov. Bill Ritter congratulated May on his service.
“I greatly appreciate Mike May’s service to the legislature and to the people of Colorado," Ritter said in a written statement. "We didn’t always agree on the issues, but I respect him and wish him and his business nothing but success in the future.”
May, the minority leader, was reelected by a wide margin in November.
“It has truly been an honor serving in the legislature, and serving as the Republican Leader these last few years,” May said. “However, as the owner of a company, I have an obligation to the families that work for me. It has become increasingly difficult to balance my duties at the statehouse with those of keeping my business running in these difficult economic times. This decision was one of the hardest I have ever had to make, but I wouldn’t have made it if I didn’t think it was the right decision.”
The House Republican caucus will elect a new leader before the legislative session begins Jan. 7.
Contenders for the minority leader post are expected to include assistant minority leader David Balmer of Centennial, caucus chair Amy Stephens of Monument and minority whip Cory Gardner of Yuma.
Gov. Bill Ritter congratulated May on his service.
“I greatly appreciate Mike May’s service to the legislature and to the people of Colorado," Ritter said in a written statement. "We didn’t always agree on the issues, but I respect him and wish him and his business nothing but success in the future.”
Thursday, April 17, 2008
"Colorado College Legacy Fund" Proposal Introduced
Two Republicans introduced Thursday a proposed constitutional amendment requiring that the state's share of mineral lease revenues derived from federal lands be used to create and maintain a reserve fund for higher education.
SCR 007, which aims to create the "Colorado College Legacy Fund," is the vehicle by which a bipartisan group of legislators aims to turn an idea put forth by University of Colorado president Bruce Benson in March into law.
Originally, the measure's sponsors planned to freeze the state's share of federal mineral leasing revenues directed to K-12 education while increasing the share received by higher education and dedicating a portion to local governments to offset expenses relating to energy extraction activities.
However, House speaker Andrew Romanoff, with support from Gov. Bill Ritter, plans to introduce another means by which K-12 education can be stabilized. Romanoff's "SAFE" proposal would eliminate the Taxpayers Bill of Rights requirement that all tax revenues in excess of the TABOR cap be returned to taxpayers, instead directing any surplus into a K-12 "rainy-day" fund.
Meanwhile, Ritter and a host of private sector groups are discussing a number of initiatives aimed at raising extraction taxes on oil and gas developers and directing those taxes to environmental, municipal and other purposes.
SCR 007 is sponsored by Sen. Josh Penry, R-Fruita, and Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma. It was Penry who encouraged Benson to sell the idea of dedicating the state's share of federal mineral leasing fees to higher education.
SCR 007, which aims to create the "Colorado College Legacy Fund," is the vehicle by which a bipartisan group of legislators aims to turn an idea put forth by University of Colorado president Bruce Benson in March into law.
Originally, the measure's sponsors planned to freeze the state's share of federal mineral leasing revenues directed to K-12 education while increasing the share received by higher education and dedicating a portion to local governments to offset expenses relating to energy extraction activities.
However, House speaker Andrew Romanoff, with support from Gov. Bill Ritter, plans to introduce another means by which K-12 education can be stabilized. Romanoff's "SAFE" proposal would eliminate the Taxpayers Bill of Rights requirement that all tax revenues in excess of the TABOR cap be returned to taxpayers, instead directing any surplus into a K-12 "rainy-day" fund.
Meanwhile, Ritter and a host of private sector groups are discussing a number of initiatives aimed at raising extraction taxes on oil and gas developers and directing those taxes to environmental, municipal and other purposes.
SCR 007 is sponsored by Sen. Josh Penry, R-Fruita, and Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma. It was Penry who encouraged Benson to sell the idea of dedicating the state's share of federal mineral leasing fees to higher education.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Breastfeeding Rights Bill On Way to Senate
The House gave final approval Wednesday to a bill that would require employers to set aside time and space for their employees who are mothers of infants to breastfeed.
The bill would also require employers to accommodate an employees' desire to pump breastmilk.
HB 1276 passed on a 59-6 vote. Those voting "no" included Reps. Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs, Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, and Glenn Vaad, R-Mead.
The sponsor of the bill is Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood.
The bill would also require employers to accommodate an employees' desire to pump breastmilk.
HB 1276 passed on a 59-6 vote. Those voting "no" included Reps. Douglas Bruce, R-Colorado Springs, Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, and Glenn Vaad, R-Mead.
The sponsor of the bill is Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
House Committee Kills "Make My Day Better" Bill
The House Judiciary Committee has killed a Republican bill aimed at expanding the state's "Make My Day" law allowing homeowners to use deadly force to deter unlawful entry.
HB 1066, sponsored by Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, would have allowed business owners to shoot to kill any person who they believe has committed a crime or is in the process of committing a crime against person or property.
The bill, which was also introduced in the 2007 session, was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch.
The vote to kill HB 1066 was close due to the absence of Reps. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and Debbie Stafford, D-Aurora, from the hearing. All five Democrats present at the hearing voted to postpone the bill indefinitely, while all of the GOP members of the committee voted to send it to the House floor.
Despite the unanimous Democratic opposition to the bill in committee, the measure did have a Democratic co-sponsor - Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West.
HB 1066, sponsored by Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, would have allowed business owners to shoot to kill any person who they believe has committed a crime or is in the process of committing a crime against person or property.
The bill, which was also introduced in the 2007 session, was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch.
The vote to kill HB 1066 was close due to the absence of Reps. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, and Debbie Stafford, D-Aurora, from the hearing. All five Democrats present at the hearing voted to postpone the bill indefinitely, while all of the GOP members of the committee voted to send it to the House floor.
Despite the unanimous Democratic opposition to the bill in committee, the measure did have a Democratic co-sponsor - Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West.
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