Democrats Celebrate Successful Session that "Invests in Kids"

Session ends 1 day early, saving taxpayers $15,400

(Denver) House Democrats gathered on the west steps of the Capitol today to celebrate a successful 2008 legislative session.  Over the past 119 days, Democrats have invested in Colorado’s kids -- their health, their green future, their education – so they can get a good job in a thriving economy.

Outgoing Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff opened the rally with these comments, “As the dust settles on this year’s legislative session, one conclusion is clear: children came out on top.”

The Second Regular Session of the 66^th General Assembly marked the fourth year that House Democrats served in the majority, as well as the last session for both Speaker Romanoff and Majority Leader Alice Madden.  Of each legislator’s tenure in the General Assembly, both were clear that this was the single best session for kids.

Outgoing Majority Leader Alice Madden echoed Romanoff’s enthusiasm about the productive steps the legislature took to improve the lives of Coloradans.

“After you give birth to two kids and then chase them around for 17 years, there is nothing you take more seriously than their well-being.  Our legacy will be the type of world we leave them. As a parent and a lawmaker, that’s what has directed me.  So I’m proud we did exactly what we promised to do on opening day: we invested in kids.” 

She pointed to 2008 legislature’s achievements, including ongoing efforts to make grow Colorado’s economy and provide jobs in one of the strongest new energy economies in the world.

“In 2008, we turbocharged our efforts to open the new energy economy to all Coloradans,” Rep. Madden said. “These efforts to improve the clean energy economy have brought high paying, ‘green collar’ jobs to our state.”

“This was a great year to be a kid in Colorado,” continued Speaker Romanoff.   “We did more good for more children in more need than at any other point in modern memory.”

The legislature came to a close today at 9:30 PM, a day early, saving Colorado taxpayers $15,400.

-- Posted by staff