Seed Newsvine
A state deputy attorney general will become the next state supreme court justice.
Monica Marquez, 41, has been chosen by Gov. Bill Ritter to replace retiring chief justice Mary Mullarkey.
“Monica is an analytical and independent thinker," Ritter said. "She has a wealth of personal and professional experiences, and a deep reverence for the role our legal system plays in the everyday lives of Coloradans, and in the inter-relationship between our courts and public policy. She respects the rule of law, is conscientious and will bring an unbiased and just perspective to the court and all the cases that it hears."
The appointment also drew praise from Republican attorney general John Suthers, Marquez' boss.
"In selecting Deputy Attorney General Marquez, the governor has made an excellent appointment to the Colorado Supreme Court,” Suthers said. “Monica is one of the brightest attorneys I have worked with in my long career in public service. Her clear, concise writing and sharp legal mind will make her an outstanding addition to the Colorado Supreme Court.”
Suthers also wrote a letter of recommendation supporting Marquez' candidacy for the high court.
Marquez is the chief of the state services section in the attorney general's office. She oversees the team of lawyers who represent nine executive branch agencies, including the governor's office.
Marquez has worked for the Department of Law since 2002. Before entering public service she was an associate at the law firm Holme, Roberts, and Owen and a law clerk for two federal judges.
She earned her law degree at Yale Law School and her undergraduate degree at Stanford University. Marquez is a graduate of Grand Junction High School.
Marquez will have to seek retention after a two-year provisional term. Her name will appear on the 2012 ballot.
“Naming a new Supreme Court justice is a tremendous responsibility and privilege,” the Governor said. “I had three exemplary choices and a difficult decision to make. While Chief Justice Mullarkey leaves behind an irreplaceable legacy, I am confident Monica Marquez will serve the people of Colorado with distinction, honor and integrity.”
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
This blog is suspended
After two years of coverage of the Colorado General Assembly, I have decided to suspend this blog.
My work as a journalist has shifted away from political coverage.
I have found that my interests have moved in the direction of writing about science and the environment.
You can follow some of my science writing here.
I maintain another blog dedicated to environmental law and policy here.
I have appreciated your willingness to read this blog. I hope you will continue to read my work and I encourage you to follow me on Twitter.
This blog is suspended, not terminated, and that's for a reason. If there is a good journalist out there who is interested in helping me to manage it, and who is excited about the prospect of providing consistent and quality writing about the work of Colorado's government, I hope you will contact me.
My work as a journalist has shifted away from political coverage.
I have found that my interests have moved in the direction of writing about science and the environment.
You can follow some of my science writing here.
I maintain another blog dedicated to environmental law and policy here.
I have appreciated your willingness to read this blog. I hope you will continue to read my work and I encourage you to follow me on Twitter.
This blog is suspended, not terminated, and that's for a reason. If there is a good journalist out there who is interested in helping me to manage it, and who is excited about the prospect of providing consistent and quality writing about the work of Colorado's government, I hope you will contact me.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Deputy Attorney General Wins Prestigious Recognition
A state deputy attorney general has received an award for her contributions to the community.
Colorado attorney general John Suthers congratulated Monica Marquez for receiving the 2009 Richard Marden Davis Award, a prestigious distinction given to an attorney under the age of 40 who has excelled in the legal profession as achieved civic, cultural, educational and charitable distinction.
“Monica is one of the brightest and most civically engaged attorneys working in state government today,” Suthers said. “This award highlights what Monica’s clients and colleagues have known for some time — that she is one of Colorado’s finest public servants.”
Marquez oversees the Department of Law’s State Services Section, which represents the governor’s office, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and the state's colleges and universities in addition to other agencies.
She has served a member of the Judicial Nominating Commission for Colorado’s Second Judicial District, as president of the Colorado Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Bar Association, as chairwoman of the Denver Mayor’s GLBT Commission, as a board member of the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and as a board member of the Latina Initiative. Marquez received the Colorado GLBT Bar Association’s 2009 Outstanding Attorney Award.
Colorado attorney general John Suthers congratulated Monica Marquez for receiving the 2009 Richard Marden Davis Award, a prestigious distinction given to an attorney under the age of 40 who has excelled in the legal profession as achieved civic, cultural, educational and charitable distinction.
“Monica is one of the brightest and most civically engaged attorneys working in state government today,” Suthers said. “This award highlights what Monica’s clients and colleagues have known for some time — that she is one of Colorado’s finest public servants.”
Marquez oversees the Department of Law’s State Services Section, which represents the governor’s office, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and the state's colleges and universities in addition to other agencies.
She has served a member of the Judicial Nominating Commission for Colorado’s Second Judicial District, as president of the Colorado Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Bar Association, as chairwoman of the Denver Mayor’s GLBT Commission, as a board member of the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and as a board member of the Latina Initiative. Marquez received the Colorado GLBT Bar Association’s 2009 Outstanding Attorney Award.
Ritter Praises "Green" Stimulus Infusion
Gov. Bill Ritter today announced that $3.6 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be used to help train disadvantaged Denver residents to enter the green building industry.
The federal money will allow Mi Casa Resource Center for Women Inc. will partner with other organizations to serve 500 people, targeting the unemployed, minorities and women.
“The Recovery Act is helping to prepare our workforce for the jobs of the future, including green jobs that will be in demand in the New Energy Economy,” Gov. Ritter said. “Training programs like the one funded today will help some of our neediest citizens access stable career opportunities.”
The grant was awarded through a competitive process by the U.S. Department of Labor through a program called Pathways Out of Poverty. The Mi Casa grant was among 38 announced today for a total of $150 million.
Projects will be implemented at the community level with a focus on helping people living below the poverty line. The programs are designed to help people gain the skills necessary to find work in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Mi Casa Resource Center will partner with Charity House, iCAST, Denver Institute of Urban Studies, American Pathways University and the Denver Office of Economic Development.
The participants will receive support and referral services and education and training in energy efficient building construction and retrofits, renewable electrical power, deconstruction and materials use, and energy efficiency assessment.
At least $5.7 billion in Recovery Act funds are expected to come to Colorado over the next two years.
The federal money will allow Mi Casa Resource Center for Women Inc. will partner with other organizations to serve 500 people, targeting the unemployed, minorities and women.
“The Recovery Act is helping to prepare our workforce for the jobs of the future, including green jobs that will be in demand in the New Energy Economy,” Gov. Ritter said. “Training programs like the one funded today will help some of our neediest citizens access stable career opportunities.”
The grant was awarded through a competitive process by the U.S. Department of Labor through a program called Pathways Out of Poverty. The Mi Casa grant was among 38 announced today for a total of $150 million.
Projects will be implemented at the community level with a focus on helping people living below the poverty line. The programs are designed to help people gain the skills necessary to find work in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Mi Casa Resource Center will partner with Charity House, iCAST, Denver Institute of Urban Studies, American Pathways University and the Denver Office of Economic Development.
The participants will receive support and referral services and education and training in energy efficient building construction and retrofits, renewable electrical power, deconstruction and materials use, and energy efficiency assessment.
At least $5.7 billion in Recovery Act funds are expected to come to Colorado over the next two years.
AG Suthers, Secretary of State Buescher Warn of Haiti Donation Scams
Colorado Attorney General John Suthers and Colorado Secretary of State Bernie Buescher are warning Coloradans to watch out for unregistered charities or other entities attempting to use the devastating earthquake in Haiti to cheat consumers.
“Coloradans have demonstrated a tremendous capacity for generosity during past disasters, but even the best intentioned donors should take precautions to ensure they are not victims of fraud,” Suthers said. “Scam artists often use disasters to take advantage of the generosity of those who simply want to help.”
“Undoubtedly, our hearts go out to the victims of this disaster,” Buescher said. “Coloradans can maximize their contributions and aid to this tragedy by only giving to established, legitimate charities or by checking the charity first on our Web site.”
Suthers and Buescher said Coloradans can take several simple steps to make sure that their charitable contributions are helping disaster victims and not lining the pockets of scam artists:
* Visit www.checkthecharity.com or the Colorado Secretary of State’s website to make sure a charity soliciting contributions is registered with the state.
* Seniors can contact AARP ElderWatch via the Colorado Consumer Line, 1-800-222-4444, for more information on charity fraud.
* Ask for the solicitor’s registration number and the registration number of the charity he or she is representing.
* If the charity is required to file the federal form 990 or 990-EZ with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, ask to see it.
* Ask your tax advisor or the IRS if your donation will be tax deductible. The fact that a charity has a tax identification number does not necessarily mean your contribution is tax-deductible.
* Ask the solicitor how much or what percentage of the donation will go to the charity.
* Be wary if the charity does not want to provide information about its programs and finances. Reputable charities will gladly provide the information requested.
* Watch out for charities with names that sound similar to well-known organizations. Sometimes these sound-alike names are simply intended to confuse donors.
* Do not pay in cash. Donate with a check made payable to the charity.
* If solicited in person, ask to see identification for both the solicitor and the charity.
* Certain well-known charities such as the Red Cross will never solicit donations over the phone.
* Beware of unsolicited e-mail. There have already been reports of e-mail that purport to be solicitations from the Red Cross. The e-mails have links embedded in them that will take you to a fake Red Cross Web site. Further, such unsolicited e-mail may spread computer viruses. Do not respond to any e-mail soliciting donations from any organization. Instead, go directly to the organization’s Web site or call to make donations.
* If you believe you have been solicited by a fraudulent charity, please file a complaint with the Secretary of State or the Attorney General via www.checkthecharity.com.
* If you feel uncomfortable simply, say no.
“Coloradans have demonstrated a tremendous capacity for generosity during past disasters, but even the best intentioned donors should take precautions to ensure they are not victims of fraud,” Suthers said. “Scam artists often use disasters to take advantage of the generosity of those who simply want to help.”
“Undoubtedly, our hearts go out to the victims of this disaster,” Buescher said. “Coloradans can maximize their contributions and aid to this tragedy by only giving to established, legitimate charities or by checking the charity first on our Web site.”
Suthers and Buescher said Coloradans can take several simple steps to make sure that their charitable contributions are helping disaster victims and not lining the pockets of scam artists:
* Visit www.checkthecharity.com or the Colorado Secretary of State’s website to make sure a charity soliciting contributions is registered with the state.
* Seniors can contact AARP ElderWatch via the Colorado Consumer Line, 1-800-222-4444, for more information on charity fraud.
* Ask for the solicitor’s registration number and the registration number of the charity he or she is representing.
* If the charity is required to file the federal form 990 or 990-EZ with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, ask to see it.
* Ask your tax advisor or the IRS if your donation will be tax deductible. The fact that a charity has a tax identification number does not necessarily mean your contribution is tax-deductible.
* Ask the solicitor how much or what percentage of the donation will go to the charity.
* Be wary if the charity does not want to provide information about its programs and finances. Reputable charities will gladly provide the information requested.
* Watch out for charities with names that sound similar to well-known organizations. Sometimes these sound-alike names are simply intended to confuse donors.
* Do not pay in cash. Donate with a check made payable to the charity.
* If solicited in person, ask to see identification for both the solicitor and the charity.
* Certain well-known charities such as the Red Cross will never solicit donations over the phone.
* Beware of unsolicited e-mail. There have already been reports of e-mail that purport to be solicitations from the Red Cross. The e-mails have links embedded in them that will take you to a fake Red Cross Web site. Further, such unsolicited e-mail may spread computer viruses. Do not respond to any e-mail soliciting donations from any organization. Instead, go directly to the organization’s Web site or call to make donations.
* If you believe you have been solicited by a fraudulent charity, please file a complaint with the Secretary of State or the Attorney General via www.checkthecharity.com.
* If you feel uncomfortable simply, say no.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Ritter Lauds Recovery Act Grants to Rural Businesses
Gov. Bill Ritter applauded today an Obama administration announcement today that $1.4 million in funds from the federal economic stimulus program will be used to build a new grocery store and business complex in Crestone, Saguache County, and keep a 21-year-old dance studio open in Durango.
The funds are part of a loan guarantee program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“The Recovery Act is helping banks lend to rural businesses at a time when they need it the most,” said. “Our community banks are helping rural communities complete important projects like the new stores in Crestone that will create new jobs.”
Ritter was referring to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the formal name of the law enacted last March.
The two loans are among 130 announced by the USDA using $452 million in Recovery Act funds. They are part of the USDA Rural Development's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. By guaranteeing up to 80 percent of loans less than $5 million, the USDA helps banks agree to provide capital to rural businesses at a time when loans are extremely difficult to obtain.
At least $5.7 billion in Recovery Act funds are expected to come to Colorado over the next two years.
The funds are part of a loan guarantee program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“The Recovery Act is helping banks lend to rural businesses at a time when they need it the most,” said. “Our community banks are helping rural communities complete important projects like the new stores in Crestone that will create new jobs.”
Ritter was referring to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the formal name of the law enacted last March.
The two loans are among 130 announced by the USDA using $452 million in Recovery Act funds. They are part of the USDA Rural Development's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. By guaranteeing up to 80 percent of loans less than $5 million, the USDA helps banks agree to provide capital to rural businesses at a time when loans are extremely difficult to obtain.
At least $5.7 billion in Recovery Act funds are expected to come to Colorado over the next two years.
CDE Says State's Dropout Rate Falling
The state Department of Education says the percentage of Colorado high school students who drop out is falling.
The agency announced that nearly one percent more of the state's teenagers graduated high school in 2009 than did so in 2008.
“It is heartening to know schools in Colorado produced over a thousand more graduates last year than the year before. That is a reflection of the hard work by students, teachers and administrators and it is commendable,” education commissioner Dwight D. Jones said in a press release. “But we know we must redouble our efforts to ensure more students are graduating with a high school diploma that is their ticket to success in the workforce or in college.”
The state's high school graduation rate was 73.9 percent in 2008, 75 percent in 2007 and at 74.1 percent in 2006. It went up to 74.6 percent in 2009.
The agency announced that nearly one percent more of the state's teenagers graduated high school in 2009 than did so in 2008.
“It is heartening to know schools in Colorado produced over a thousand more graduates last year than the year before. That is a reflection of the hard work by students, teachers and administrators and it is commendable,” education commissioner Dwight D. Jones said in a press release. “But we know we must redouble our efforts to ensure more students are graduating with a high school diploma that is their ticket to success in the workforce or in college.”
The state's high school graduation rate was 73.9 percent in 2008, 75 percent in 2007 and at 74.1 percent in 2006. It went up to 74.6 percent in 2009.
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