Colorado House Democrats

Kafka Would Be Proud!

Bill taking on bark beetle’s metamorphosis of Colorado forests passes House

DENVER – On Monday, the House sent a bill to the Governor’s desk – with a sweeping vote of 64 to 1 – to extend the successful Colorado Forest Restoration Pilot Program.   

“We cannot stop the bark beetle epidemic.  But we can and must take steps to address the resulting devastation,” said the bill sponsor in the House, State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Silverthorne).

Senate Bill 71, which was also sponsored by State Senator Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne), awaits will provide $1 million annually through 2012 to help communities implement forest treatment projects to reduce the wildfire fuels and protect Colorado’s vulnerable watersheds.

The bill is part of broad efforts by Western Slope and high country lawmakers to stem the bark beetle scourge. One recent study estimated that every lodgepole pine forest from Pueblo to Wyoming will be decimated within five years.   

Dead trees and abundant vegetation, spurred by the beetle infestation, serve as particularly potent fuel sources for wildfires that can devastate Colorado.  Many Colorado communities, as well as the state’s various drinking water sources – including Denver’s – are threatened by wildfires.      

“Look, the state is already coping with wildfires, and it’s not even May yet.  It could be another hot, dry summer.  If we’re going to outlast another difficult summer, we’re going to need to provide our wildland fire fighters with every tool in the toolbox.”

The bill now awaits final action from the governor.

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Scanlan Leads Charge to Abate Leadville Mine Disaster

DENVER – “We took a big step toward identifying a lasting solution to the issues created by the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel mine pool back-up,” said State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Silverthorne).  Those remarks came after House Bill 1396, calling for a conclusive investigation of whether the Canterbury tunnel is contributing to an increase in the toxic buildup of the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel (LMDT), passed the House 64 to 1.   

The bill was introduced over concern that the danger posed by a potential blowout of the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel (LMDT) may be compounded by water buildup in adjoining mine tunnels.  Drainage from one tunnel into the other could also endanger the Arkansas River’s aquatic ecosystems in the event of a blowout.  Recognizing that stark reality, a bill sponsored by a bi-partisan group of lawmakers that addresses the problem passed the House Health & Human Services Committee unanimously.

“We need to deal proactively with this issue, because the water buildup presents us with a multi-faceted problem,” said Rep. Scanlan.  “If we don’t figure out what’s contributing to the problem, we can’t determine what lasting fix is needed, and it only complicates the problem.”

The proposed legislation would use money from the Hazardous Substance Response Fund to determine whether there is a significant hydrological connection between the LMDT and the Canterbury tunnels.  The analysis would also establish whether drilling or reopening the Canterbury Tunnel would relieve pressure in the LMDT, if the current pumping operation being carried out by the EPA proves unsuccessful.

-- Posted by staff

Lawmakers Team Up to Take on Looming Leadville Mine Disaster

DENVER – The danger posed by a potential blowout of the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel (LMDT) may be compounded by water buildup in adjoining mine tunnels.  Drainage from one tunnel into the other could also endanger the Arkansas River’s aquatic ecosystems in the event of a blowout.  Recognizing that stark reality, a bill sponsored by a bi-partisan group of lawmakers that addresses the problem passed the House Health & Human Services Committee unanimously.

House Bill 1396, sponsored by State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) and State Senators Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) and Tom Wiens (R-Castle Rock) calls for a complete and exhaustive investigation determining whether the Canterbury tunnel in Leadville is contributing to an increase in the toxic buildup of the LMDT. 

“We know there’s a problem; there’s no need to argue about that anymore,” said Rep. Scanlan.  “Now it’s up to us to figure out what’s contributing to the problem, and to solve it.  If we fail to think outside the box about this complex issue, we do so at our own peril.”

The proposed legislation would use money from the Hazardous Substance Response Fund to verify whether there is a significant hydrological connection between the LMDT and the Canterbury tunnels.  The analysis would also establish whether drilling or reopening the Canterbury Tunnel would relieve pressure in the LMDT, if the current pumping operation being carried out by the EPA proves unsuccessful.

“I'm proud to be a part of this bi-partisan legislation," said Gibbs. "This problem needs a quick solution so that we can put it behind us and move forward both for the people of Leadville and Colorado."

-- Posted by staff

Boozing and Boating Bad Combo

B.U.I. Bill Aligns with D.U.I. Laws, Heads to Governor

DENVER –Today the House passed Senate Bill 159, which would improve public safety on Colorado's lakes and rivers by cracking down on boating under the influence. The bill is sponsored by Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Dillon).

"Boozing and boating is a bad combo," Scanlan said. "Colorado has always had tough laws on drinking and driving; why would the laws be any different for boozing and boating?"

Specifically, the bill stipulates that boaters with a .08 blood alcohol or over would be charged with boating under the influence, or B.U.I.  Current law has the threshold at 0.10.

The new law would align the B.U.I. levels with current laws for driving under the influence, or D.U.I.  The bill also expands boating under the influence to include all vessels, not just motorboats or sailboats.

The penalty for operating a motorboat or sailboat under the influence could include a maximum of five days in jail and up to one year in county jail. Additionally, lawbreakers could face fines between $200 to $1,000 as well as community service.

“Coloradans should be able to enjoy a weekend boating without having to worry about their family’s safety,” Rep. Scanlan stated. Thirty percent of all boating-related fatalities are alcohol-related.

In 2007, there were 27 reported cases of boating under the influence. Currently, 36 other states have similar regulations for boating.

The bill passed on third reading today with a vote of 62 to 2.  The bill is sponsored by Senators Dan Gibbs (D-Silverthorne) and Ron Tupa (D-Boulder) in the Senate.

-- Posted by staff

Speaker Romanoff to Visit Mountain Communities

Representative Christine Scanlan will Host 2 Town Hall Meetings Saturday

WHO:  Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff   
           Recently appointed State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Dillon)
                
WHAT: Two Town Hall Meetings with Rep. Scanlan
Rep. Christine Scanlan is hosting 2 town hall meetings as the recently-
appointed Representative for the mountain communities (she replaced Dan
Gibbs when he was appointed to a Senate seat).

She will be joined by special guest Speaker Andrew Romanoff. All are invited to join them for conversation about the current legislative session.  Community members are encouraged to bring their comments, concerns, and questions, or just come and listen.

WHEN/WHERE: 
                  2 Opportunities to Meet the Speaker and the Representative April 5th
      
       1) Edwards
       Saturday, April 5^th, 12:00 noon -1:15 PM
       French Press is 34295 Highway 6 #C-1-B, Edwards, 81632
 
       2) Dillon
       Saturday, April 5^th 2:30-3:30
       Pug Ryans, 104 Village Place, Dillon, 80435

-- Posted by staff

Upcoming Town Hall Events

Saturday, March 22-Rep. John Kefalas, Rep. Randy Fischer, Senator Bob Bacon will host a town hall meeting on the topic of higher education from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Harmony Library Community Room, 4616 S. Shields, Fort Collins (Southeast corner of Harmony and Shields).

Saturday, March 22-Rep. Andy Kerr and Senator Betty Boyd will host a town hall meeting on aging baby boomers and long-term health care options from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Lakewood United Church of Christ, 100 Carr St., Lakewood.

Saturday, March 22-Rep. Cheri Jahn and Senator Moe Keller will host a town hall meeting from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wheat Ridge Senior Center at 6363 W. 35th Ave., Wheat Ridge.

Saturday, March 22-Rep. John Soper will host a mid session progress report from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Holiday Hills Clubhouse, 2001 W. 92nd Ave., Federal Heights.

Monday, March 24-Rep. Sara Gagliardi will host her monthly coffee on the fourth Monday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Billy D's Coffee, 14705 West 64th Ave (at Indiana), Arvada.

Saturday, March 29-Rep. Jim Riesberg will host a town hall meeting on Creative Support for People with Developmental Disabilities from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Envision, 1050 37th St., Evans.

Saturday, March 29-Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Rep. Judy Solano will host a town hall meeting on the topic of health care from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Adams 12 Five-Star School Administration Building, 1500 E. 128th Ave., Thornton.

Saturday, March 29-Rep. Christine Scanlan will host a town hall meeting on aging baby boomers and long-term health care options from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Vail Town Hall, 75 South Frontage Road, Vail.

Friday, April 4-Rep. Mary Hodge and Senator Takis will host a town hall meeting from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the Firestation #2, 3100 Peoria St., Aurora.

Friday, April 4-Rep. Nancy Todd will host a coffee from 7 to 8 a.m. at Panera, 12293 East Iliff Avenue, Aurora.

Saturday, April 5-Rep. Gwyn Green, Rep. Andy Kerr, Rep. Ken Summers and Senator Betty Boyd will host their monthly Lakewood town hall meeting, at the Belmar Public Library, 255 Allison Parkway, Lakewood, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 5-Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Rep. Christine Scanlan will host two town hall meetings: from 12 to 1:15 p.m. at French Press is 34295 Highway 6 #C-1-B, Edwards, and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Pug Ryans, 104 Village Place, Dillon.

Monday, April 7-Rep. Morgan Carroll will host Coffee with Carroll from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at East Steamers Coffee House, 360 S. Chambers Rd, Aurora.

Monday, March 7-Rep. Joe Rice will host his monthly coffee from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the South Metro Camber of Commerce, 6840 S. University Blvd., Centennial.

Statement From Rep. Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) Supporting HB 1269

House Bill 1269 establishes incentives for businesses that salvage and make products from lodgepole pines killed by the mountain pine beetle.  The bill passed the House on an initial voice vote today.  Rep. Christine Scanlan is co-sponsoring HB 1269.

“It takes really creative thinking to reduce the bark beetle’s bite.  It’s about doing whatever we can to stop the scourge and House Bill 1269 marks another critical step toward preventing what could become one of the worst disasters this state has ever faced.    

Hopefully, these incentives will help drive a sustainable industry and speed the removal of some of the dead trees that might otherwise fuel a devastating fire.   But more – a lot more – must be done.   

If Colorado’s communities, governments and industries partner to create innovative solutions, we can prevent Colorado’s next Hayman fire.  But we have to be aggressive.  And we have to act now.”

-- Posted by staff

Christine Scanlan Selected to Tout Tourism for Colorado

DENVER – Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff appointed State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) to replace former Representative Dan Gibbs (D-Summit County) on the Tourism Office Board of Directors.

“I’m thrilled to be able to help grow this industry which is so critical to the state,” said Rep. Scanlan. “We have some of the very best skiing and snowboarding in the world, wonderful cities, and countless outdoor activities.  I’m excited to get the message out; whether it’s hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking or snow shoeing, Colorado is the place to go.”

Rep. Scanlan joins a board that oversees an increasingly important industry.  Colorado tourism grew by four percent in 2006 (the most recent year for which statistics are available).  The state drew 26.9 million overnight visitors in 2006 and contributed $8.9 billion to the Colorado economy, making it one of the largest sectors in Colorado.  Additionally, the industry consistently ranks second or third in total number of employees. 

-- Posted by staff

Rep. Scanlan Advances Two Passenger Safety Bills

Bills help wheels on bus, gears on ski lift go round and round

DENVER—On Thursday, two bills – both sponsored by State Representative Christine Scanlan (D-Summit County) – that protect passenger safety passed the House on an initial voice vote.

The first, House Bill 1244, continues the passenger safety tramway board for the next twelve years.  That board provides oversight for Colorado’s 374 tramways, most of which are ski lifts.

“This board is essential to maintaining passenger safety on all our trams and ski lifts; keeping it going for the next twelve years is the responsible thing,” said Rep. Scanlan.  “Colorado residents and their out-of-town guests deserve the safest ski lifts in the world, and this board helps our resorts achieve that goal.”

In just the last two years, there have been more than 25 million ski visits to Colorado resorts, which have accounted for more than 250 million ski-lift rides with no major incidents.  Skiing is a $2.5 billion industry in the state.

The House also voted on Rep. Scanlan’s House Bill 1339, which creates new safety standards for Colorado’s school busses. 

“This is a small bill, but it keeps the wheels on the bus going round and keeps our kids safe,” Rep. Scanlan continued.

The bill aligns Colorado’s school bus safety standards with federal requirements, which will enhance school bus visibility requirements and school bus pedestrian safety devices.

-- Posted by staff

"Now Kids, Play Safe"

Rep. Scanlan passes two bills to keep Coloradans safe at school and during high-country recess

DENVER—On Tuesday, State Representative Christine Scanlan passed two bills out of the House Transportation & Energy Committee protecting passenger safety in two very different venues: on ski lifts and school buses. 

The first, House Bill 1244, continues the passenger safety tramway board for the next twelve years.  That board provides oversight for Colorado’s 374 tramways, most of which are ski lifts.

“In just the last two years, there have been more than 25 million ski visits to our resorts, which have accounted for more than 250 million rides on our lifts,” Rep. Scanlan said.  “Not once has there been a major lift failure or accident during that time.  Obviously, we’re doing something right.  Keeping this board going for the next twelve years ensures we keep doing it right.”