Colorado House Democrats

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

Madden Works to Ensure that Petitioners Present Measures Honestly and Accurately

Ballot Integrity Protection Act Passes First Committee

DENVER— "When citizens are handing over their addresses and signatures to complete strangers, they deserve some basic protections," said House Majority Leader Alice Madden after her House Bill 1406 passed the State Affairs Committee on a vote of 9-2 today.

Madden hopes to bring greater accountability to the ballot initiative process in Colorado by making the funding of petition drives more transparent and by helping to expose any dirty tricks used by the for-profit petition firms and circulators that they hire.

"We recently learned that three registered sex offenders were collecting signatures.  So why not make it clear that these for-profit signature gathering companies cannot hire felons convicted of identity theft or sexual assault?" asked Madden.

The measure also requires circulators gathering signatures be given an accurate description of the initiative by their employer and be instructed that they cannot give out false information to get a signature.

"We have all heard stories about voters who thought they were signing a petition in support of one thing, only to find out later they were bamboozled into signing a petition that does the opposite.  We must keep paid circulators true to their words," said Madden.

"One of our goals is to help ensure the integrity of the ballot initiative process, said Kristina Wilfore, Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center in a statement.  "Recent evidence proves that Colorado is not immune to a problem that we have been found across the country in recent years -- a dramatic increase in the use of signature fraud to qualify ballot initiatives."

The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.  It is sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Ken Gordon (D-Denver).

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Madden Safeguards Conservation Easements from Fraud and Abuse

DENVER — House Majority Leader Alice Madden’s House Bill 1353 – which would add an extra layer of accountability for state conservation easement tax credit program – passed the House today with a broad, bi-partisan vote of 58 to 5.  The bill was drafted in response to complaints about a handful of people who defrauded taxpayers through inflated appraisals and by chopping land into multiple parcels.

The bill creates an oversight commission and certification process to ensure the legitimacy of conservation easements.  The bill also gives the Department of Revenue the authority to review tax credits being audited by the IRS, providing the state with a tool to recover credits wrongfully obtained through inflated appraisals.  To date, the program has helped Coloradans conserve1.5 million acres in open space and historic farms and ranches. Additionally, it helps free those who obtained tax credit legitimately who have been caught up in the IRS’s overly broad net.

“This bill creates the right tools to eliminate abuse and fraud,” said Rep. Madden.  “With these added protections, more Coloradans will have the opportunity to enjoy protected landscapes across the state for generations to come.”

The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is being carried by State Senator Jim Isgar (D-Hesperus).

--Posted by staff

House Cuts Scofflaws Out of Successful Conservation Easement Tax Credit Program

DENVER — Vowing to “make a great program better,” House Majority Leader Alice Madden ushered a bill through the House on an initial voice vote today that would add an extra layer of accountability for state conservation easement tax credits. 

The measure, House Bill 1353, builds upon changes enacted last year which increased the standards, transparency and accountability for the tax credits.  The bill also gives the Department of Revenue the authority to review tax credits being audited by the IRS, providing the state with a tool to recover monies obtained through inflated appraisals.  It will also help free those seeking the tax credit legitimately who have been caught up in the IRS’s overly broad net.

Conservation easements apply to parcels of property sold or donated by private landowners to nonprofits or government agencies. To qualify, the landowners must guarantee that the parcel will not be developed further than it already has been.  Property owners may continue using their land as it has been used.

“Unfortunately, a few bad apples have abused this program,” Rep. Madden said.  “It’s a shame, because the program has helped us protect places across the state that might otherwise be lost forever to development.”

Rep. Madden was referring to a handful of landowners who defrauded taxpayers through inflated appraisals and chopping up parcels.  HB 1353 would create robust mechanisms to eliminate abuse of the program, including an oversight commission and certification process to ensure the legitimacy of conservation easements.  To date, the program has already led to the conservation of 1.5 million acres.

“This program is successful because it allows Coloradans keep farms and ranches which in many cases have been in their families for generations. It also saves our open spaces so our kids and grandkids can enjoy Colorado’s farms, ranchland, wildlife habitat, and extraordinary landscapes as much as we do today.”

The bill awaits final approval by the House before going to the Senate.

-- Posted by staff

Measure to Provide Low-Interest Loans for Wind Turbines & Solar Panels at Home and Work Passes House

DENVER – The Clean Energy Home Financing Act, which is being sponsored by Majority Leader Alice Madden and State Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver), passed the House today on a broad, bi-partisan vote of 63 to 1.

“We are one step closer to giving every Coloradan a chance to have a new energy future,” said Rep. Madden.  “While empowering our local communities to give home and business owners a chance to lower their utility costs, we are creating new, ‘green collar’ jobs.”   

House Bill 1350 allows cities and counties to provide low- and no-interest loans for the upfront costs of solar panels and wind turbines.  The bill would permit efficiency improvements to be financed by the Colorado Clean Energy Development Authority or a process known as assessments.

If the measure passes, communities could finance loans using existing bond potential, or by creating special energy improvement districts. Home and business owners will then have the option of paying back the loans over time through a property lien. 

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

-- Posted by staff

Go Get Yourself Some "Cheap Sunglasses"

Program providing low- and no-interest loans for solar panels at homes and businesses passes second hurdle in House

DENVER – A major bill making renewable energy systems – including small scale wind and solar – affordable for all Colorado home and business owners, passed the House on an initial voice vote today.   House Bill 1350, which is being sponsored by Majority Leader Alice Madden, allows cities and counties to provide low- and no-interest loans for the upfront costs of panels and turbines.   

“This bill sets the groundwork for every Colorado home, farm, ranch, and business to invest in a new energy future,” said Rep. Madden.  “This legislation gives our communities the tools for investment that will help homeowners and businesses build the new energy economy.”   

The Clean Energy Home Financing Act increases the types of projects that may be financed by the Colorado Clean Energy Development Authority to include energy efficiency retrofits.  It also expands the types of projects that may be paid for through a process known as assessments to include energy efficiency improvements. Current law allows assessments to be used to finance roads and sidewalks, as well as large capital construction on fixtures like water and sewage pipelines.

If the state provides those tools, it would allow communities to finance loans using existing bond potential, or by creating special energy improvement districts. Home and business owners will then have the option of paying back the loans over time through a property lien. 

“With 300 days of sunshine, we have the nation’s fifth best solar potential – and anyone who has felt a frigid winter gust on a chairlift won’t be surprised to learn we have the eleventh best wind potential too,” Madden continued.  “This bill helps all Coloradans capture their clean energy potential.” 

The bill awaits final approval by the House before it moves to the Senate, where it is being carried by State Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver).

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Todd Honors Hank Brown

House of Reps. celebrates former Senator and CU President’s years of leadership

DENVER – On Wednesday, State Representative Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) honored former Senator and recently-retired University of Colorado President Hank Brown at the capitol.

“His experience and innate charisma and leadership helped him guide the University of Colorado through a very turbulent time.  I’m not sure anyone could have done it with a steadier hand than Hank,” Todd continued.   

After three years serving as CU’s interim President, Brown stepped down in March of this year.  This ended another chapter in a storied career that has included decorated military service, as well as stints in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.  Brown’s leadership at Colorado’s flagship university is widely credited with restoring the school’s reputation as a world-renowned research university after a series of unfortunate events had tarnished it.

“It’s difficult to know whether it’s most appropriate to honor Hank Brown the man, Hank Brown the Senator, Hank Brown the U.S. Representative, or Hank Brown the university president.  He filled all those positions so well.  I do feel confidant honoring the quality of person that he is and the integrity with which unselfishly has served the state of Colorado,” said. Rep. Todd.  “This isn’t about being a Democrat or a Republican.  This is about being a good citizen for the people of Colorado.” 

After a brief ceremony in the Old Supreme Court Chambers this morning, members of the House from both parties – including the Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff and both Majority Leader Alice Madden and Minority Leader Mike May – honored Brown on the floor with a proclamation and speeches thanking him for his years of service.   Representatives recognized his remarkable skill as a leader, and his ability to transcend partisan boundaries to achieve the greater good.

-- Posted by staff

Clean Energy for All Coloradans!

Program provides low- and no- interest loans for solar panels at home or business

From left in pic: Majority Leader Alice Madden, State Representative Dianne Primavera and Pam Kiely of Environment Colorado

(DENVER) – Tuesday at noon, House Majority Leader Alice Madden, championed the ‘Clean Energy Home Financing Act,’ making renewable energy systems – including small scale wind and solar – affordable for all Colorado homeowners and small businesses.  Rep. Madden was joined by state legislators, local elected officials and clean energy leaders as employees from Namaste Solar Electric held an array of solar panels.

Two hours later, House Bill 1350 passed out of the House Transportation & Energy Committee unanimously.

“Despite the availability of rebates, many Coloradans cannot afford the upfront costs of efficiency investments right now, even though it saves time and money in the long run,” said Rep. Madden.  “But this legislation gives our communities the tools for investment that will help homeowners and businesses build the new energy economy.”   

 

HB 1350 helps Coloradans of all income levels participate in the energy economy by providing low- and no- interest loans for energy savings devices like wind turbines and solar panels.

Cities and counties will be able to provide low- and no- interest loans for the upfront costs of panels and turbines.  Home and business owners will then have the option of paying back the loans over time through a property lien.  Communities can finance loans using existing bond potential, or by creating special energy improvement districts.      

“This is a remarkable program and the first of its kind in the country,” Rep. Madden noted.  “Just think about affect it could have: this sets the groundwork so every Colorado home, farm, ranch, and business can invest in a new energy future.”

The bill now moves to the House floor for further debate.  It is being co-sponsored in the by State Senator Chris Romer (D-Denver).

-- Posted by staff

Democratic Budget Passes House

Winners: Kids, People with Disabilities, College Students
Losers: Perps, Polluters, Partisans

DENVER – Today, following the House of Representative’s passage of the 2008-2009 budget on a party-line vote, House Democrats held an energetic – and at times emotional – press conference to announce the many winners in this year’s budget.   

“This week, we made significant investments for in children,” said Speaker Andrew Romanoff to a packed capitol atrium.  “We invested in our children’s health care, getting 50,000 more kids the coverage they need.  We invested in our children’s safety, keeping hardened criminals behind bars.  We invested in our children’s education so they can compete in the 21^st century economy from the time they enter preschool until they graduate college.  And we’ve invested in our kids by making sure they can get good, high-paying jobs in the new economy.”   

The Speaker was flanked by State Rep. Bernie Buescher, Chair of the Joint Budget Committee, Majority Leader Alice Madden, State Representative Jack Pommer (D-Boulder), vice-chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and a host of happy House Democrats. 

Lawmakers were also joined by this year’s biggest winners: over a dozen kids with developmental disabilities and their family members who will get long-awaited services, kids who will get the health coverage they need, and college students who will benefit from the financial aid in the state budget.

Committee Supports Accountability in Colorado’s Conservation Easement Tax Credit

Vow to “make a successful program stronger”

DENVER— Vowing to “make a successful program stronger,” House Majority Leader Alice Madden ushered her bill through the House Finance Committee today.  The proposal will add an extra layer of accountability for state conservation easement tax credits.

The measure, House Bill 1353, builds upon changes enacted last year which increased the standards, transparency and accountability for the tax credits.  An important amendment, unanimously adopted, gives the Department of Revenue the authority to review tax credits being audited by the IRS.  This will allow the state to recover monies obtained through inflated appraisals and to help legitimate donors who have been caught up in the IRS’s overly broad net.

Conservation easements are sold or donated by private landowners to nonprofits or government agencies to guarantee that a parcel of land will never be developed.  Property owners may continue using their land as it has been used but give up the rights to sell the land to developers in the future or to develop it themselves.

“Colorado has benefited from conservation easements in every corner of the state that protect farms, ranchland, wildlife habitat, scenic and historic landscapes and other unique natural lands.  These are places that could have been lost forever to development without the state tax credits,” said Rep. Madden.  “Our goal is to make a successful program stronger.”

“Unfortunately, a few bad actors have misused this program, Rep. Madden added.  “This will be the last nail in the coffin of those who would defraud taxpayers through inflated appraisals and slight of hand, chopping up lands in a way that would impress a chef at Benihana.”

-- Posted by staff